The area near Blazing Saddles was alive with birds and bird calls on this still, overcast autumn morning.
There was an abundance of various types of Honeyeaters, with the White-naped being probably the most numerous, but there were also a few of everyone’s favourite, the beautiful Eastern Spinebill.
White-eared Honeyeater
A number of Pacific Black Ducks seemed to enjoy the horses’ company and the river, and I have rarely seen so many (13) Grey-shrike Thrushes in one place.
Inquisitive young Grey Shrike-thrush
On the other side of the river near the end of the pony walk we were delighted to see the bright yellow of two Crested Shrike-tits and one Golden Whistler.
Golden Whistler
We noticed a number of kangaroos on both sides of the river sleepily eyeing us as we passed by. We were hopeful of seeing Flame Robins, which had been a highlight of earlier walks here, but only glimpsed a female or young one, not sporting the bright flame chest of the adult male.
Lots to see
We were also interested to see a White Goshawk nest and several Red-browed Finch nests, plus many finches.
We promised ourselves a visit there in the Spring when we hope they will be occupied. Morning tea at Distillery Creek was most pleasant, followed by the Nature walk for the few intrepid souls remaining.
We were rewarded by spying three new species, including a Mistletoe bird and Buff-rumped Thornbill. All in all, a most delightful day with 41 species identified.
Below are all the birds identified on this day:
1. Pacific Black Duck
2. Little Pied Cormorant
3. Eastern Great Egret
4. White-faced Heron
5. Purple Swamphen
6. Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoo
7. Galah
8. Sulphur-crested Cockatoo
9. Crimson Rosella
10. Laughing Kookaburra
11. White-throated Treecreeper
12. Superb Fairy-wren
13. White-browed Scrubwren
14. Yellow-rumped Thornbill
15. Buff-rumped Thornbill
16. Brown Thornbill
17. Spotted Pardalote
18. Eastern spinebill
19.Yellow-faced Honeyeater
20. White-eared Honeyeater
21. White-plumed Honeyeater
22. Red Wattlebird
23. New Holland Honeyeater
24. Brown-headed Honeyeater
25. White-naped Honeyeater
26. Crested Shrike-tit
27. Golden Whistler
28. Grey Shrike-thrush
29. Australasian Magpie
30. Pied Currawong
31. Grey Fantail
32 Willy Wagtail
33. Little Raven
34. Magpie Lark
35. Flame Robin
36. Easter Yellow Robin
37. Silvereye
38. Welcome Swallow
39. Common Starling
40. Mistletoebird
41. Red-browed Finch
Ellinor Campbell (bird photos by Margaret Lacey)