tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85582679986201162502024-03-15T19:33:47.100+11:00Stuart RaeStuart Raehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11384020095447521038noreply@blogger.comBlogger469125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8558267998620116250.post-3447272887070536502024-02-04T15:58:00.003+11:002024-02-04T16:02:59.389+11:00<p> <span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Wet wallabies</b></span></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9eZxtO1mBmrK-DdWKUgFedfKoC9Q15GW0wPfMSDK6JlD1CV6v2NBy6Bqq4vW_mfhYOQM8qtv8yHSoc26zMgf8NNO2nsMe6OMPIJFqtl_hyphenhyphenFtGA6k985jf5HPPV2VLWzcTGKbhDOT9h06w5rkTFmrDghkITp1oo6ayjdKNPKpw6J9_pKRdavPFSLCXQuDo/s2000/RN%20Wallaby%20a-5769.jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="2000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9eZxtO1mBmrK-DdWKUgFedfKoC9Q15GW0wPfMSDK6JlD1CV6v2NBy6Bqq4vW_mfhYOQM8qtv8yHSoc26zMgf8NNO2nsMe6OMPIJFqtl_hyphenhyphenFtGA6k985jf5HPPV2VLWzcTGKbhDOT9h06w5rkTFmrDghkITp1oo6ayjdKNPKpw6J9_pKRdavPFSLCXQuDo/w640-h426/RN%20Wallaby%20a-5769.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p>On a recent visit to Namadgi National Park in the ACT, I had to wait a bit until the rain stopped before I went for a walk in the forest. As I waited, I noticed something twitching in the grass, and there were several humps of wet grey fur in the grass.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBrjwmxqNKTlLfUTW8R4rmiE5QkSLPxomWKgsMLxdGp51YRFMPmOv7xNCbmSeU9wpeb6LfXIo2ZtPP9K45lQcn-hCy3U1rx9v3tNLlcfVhQKikJ1FYGVfXngHreTlOxgBSDscrOkZf0eqJCiXDS7oppgi2fh08MdCztmYcHt3wFISkWWblKqJn6Hbl0TF5/s2000/RN%20Wallaby%20b-5818.jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="2000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBrjwmxqNKTlLfUTW8R4rmiE5QkSLPxomWKgsMLxdGp51YRFMPmOv7xNCbmSeU9wpeb6LfXIo2ZtPP9K45lQcn-hCy3U1rx9v3tNLlcfVhQKikJ1FYGVfXngHreTlOxgBSDscrOkZf0eqJCiXDS7oppgi2fh08MdCztmYcHt3wFISkWWblKqJn6Hbl0TF5/w640-h426/RN%20Wallaby%20b-5818.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p>The humps moved a little and a pair of ears flicked at a fly, then another pair of ears rose up out of the grass.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPcqeKa1LGp70D43vNqZE90CtKY3SiZo8GaGX_D8NnSxVD0b5Ax5TX1OqGS4QH8YWOa9OysDWjTkLwWY8R3sfhhm22StvJLeuJBhyphenhyphenNvgBpzufTGYQHkH23dtia8WOIXgCFbFbl3cmTBMSBIWnzD8OiYaqJ-IfgCiLt7fvS4CV0oET8-061HCGMVDZMngUe/s2000/RN%20Wallaby%20c-5822.jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="2000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPcqeKa1LGp70D43vNqZE90CtKY3SiZo8GaGX_D8NnSxVD0b5Ax5TX1OqGS4QH8YWOa9OysDWjTkLwWY8R3sfhhm22StvJLeuJBhyphenhyphenNvgBpzufTGYQHkH23dtia8WOIXgCFbFbl3cmTBMSBIWnzD8OiYaqJ-IfgCiLt7fvS4CV0oET8-061HCGMVDZMngUe/w640-h426/RN%20Wallaby%20c-5822.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p>Eventually a head rose up below the ears and the eyes of a Red-Necked Wallaby fixed onto me - very casually. Clearly the wallaby wasn't perturbed and it seemed to not want to move. It had seen lots of humans in the carpark before, setting off on walks along the forest paths. There were several of wallabies, and they were all quite relaxed, sitting up to their ears in food. </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_DkjXZqeHu0tonMitFBEqAViYn1_zv2qsqTNhUeEjvxHsaqJowEh_StWGMhfBI18iaK-eiEmb4rp59U7c3ly3F579_oKvoaivl9Zw8IuPo-pvn_RAo_B0ZZNjZg2dZmARZbuGsFFSIzkcUiNt_Ii1UsnfI6TwziEbl9aY5Hf1NfpY5XMJLpbIgdoop2wK/s1999/RN%20Wallaby%20d-5775.jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="1999" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_DkjXZqeHu0tonMitFBEqAViYn1_zv2qsqTNhUeEjvxHsaqJowEh_StWGMhfBI18iaK-eiEmb4rp59U7c3ly3F579_oKvoaivl9Zw8IuPo-pvn_RAo_B0ZZNjZg2dZmARZbuGsFFSIzkcUiNt_Ii1UsnfI6TwziEbl9aY5Hf1NfpY5XMJLpbIgdoop2wK/w640-h426/RN%20Wallaby%20d-5775.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p>The rain didn't appear to bother them. It wasn't penetrating their thick woolly fur and the odd dribble down their nose was easily shaken off with a jerk of the head. Wet weather is good for colour satuation in photographs, so as soon as the rain stopped, or nearly stopped, I grabbed some shots to capture the richness of colour in their fur, and white-stripe along their cheeks that was emphasised by the light. </p><p>It's good to stop and take alternative looks at wildlife, to see the detail and watch animals at peace. And while I was there I then noticed the colour of the bark on some nearby Snow Gums. The rain had soaked the bark, some dribbles were running down over the flakes of bark, and every tree trunk was individually colourful. A few hours later when I returned, the rain had long-stopped, the sun was out, the colours were flat on the wallabies' dry fur and the bark was a soft dull grey.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW9JXWKSyto-72vd8juC_gsCKUeq0WIM8_qAQbTrcGWTaUGiGXY0KY4fv6nVorUuLjEO80CdFxOYAw5GOk3j1PTyfMoixBN3lpwxGwQXD3EV8KhvDF0tLNP65H5k3Vp6aDgE-1fhK4wyF5s99XkoS01QxQBxTNEUI8H_WuMJHUUemNC-bqMsqvnkkYYgws/s2000/Tree%20bark%20in%20rain%20b-5796.jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="2000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW9JXWKSyto-72vd8juC_gsCKUeq0WIM8_qAQbTrcGWTaUGiGXY0KY4fv6nVorUuLjEO80CdFxOYAw5GOk3j1PTyfMoixBN3lpwxGwQXD3EV8KhvDF0tLNP65H5k3Vp6aDgE-1fhK4wyF5s99XkoS01QxQBxTNEUI8H_WuMJHUUemNC-bqMsqvnkkYYgws/w640-h426/Tree%20bark%20in%20rain%20b-5796.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-0KAiA4v6IP69UirnLTSMtp6j409IJhtBxrg9qL34FhV4R9AMat1CprdrBVrE03r-dOzZNupMUVv9r-glcNt4l42LPVde09ukQoYizctCH1VnZXwysEMeNZ7-UbB-ZrjKGmH__NJsw5PB7ZZgULuGjyHXQNgEJJUBBqiwLJN3VY_oYB8pejXgGl5pfqh2/s2000/Tree%20bark%20in%20rain%20c-5788.jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="2000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-0KAiA4v6IP69UirnLTSMtp6j409IJhtBxrg9qL34FhV4R9AMat1CprdrBVrE03r-dOzZNupMUVv9r-glcNt4l42LPVde09ukQoYizctCH1VnZXwysEMeNZ7-UbB-ZrjKGmH__NJsw5PB7ZZgULuGjyHXQNgEJJUBBqiwLJN3VY_oYB8pejXgGl5pfqh2/w640-h426/Tree%20bark%20in%20rain%20c-5788.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv4RxMZan_vN89dqF1yFcTEwv2Y-XuLJO19gZUJg3_eaPCcxtEJBCN-zcoBFirt5n-ORh-op9Ml0pw70agizQtkdIWWaCIUn9ZG8OYHB6iqjfcz-AJaXwVoXhkId860si86lSPqlpqlt38SgVsGCbaaw9A2jJFeelo2YA8Fl3VvfWbhAvqtjAeBeAmx_pa/s2000/Tree%20bark%20in%20rain%20a-5784.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="2000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv4RxMZan_vN89dqF1yFcTEwv2Y-XuLJO19gZUJg3_eaPCcxtEJBCN-zcoBFirt5n-ORh-op9Ml0pw70agizQtkdIWWaCIUn9ZG8OYHB6iqjfcz-AJaXwVoXhkId860si86lSPqlpqlt38SgVsGCbaaw9A2jJFeelo2YA8Fl3VvfWbhAvqtjAeBeAmx_pa/w640-h426/Tree%20bark%20in%20rain%20a-5784.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p>Stuart Raehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11384020095447521038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8558267998620116250.post-47395433287466787742023-12-31T19:59:00.003+11:002023-12-31T21:18:53.875+11:00<p><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Pick of the Year 2023 - part three</span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Otters </span></b></p><p>In this last post of 2023, I would like to share some of the most amazing moments I had all year, close up views of wild otters. I had several super encounters with these amazing animals in the west Highlands and Islands of Scotland. I watched them fishing for butterfish, crabs and plaice. What a menu. I watched them from clifftops, following their sleek twists and turns underwater. I watched them exploring rivers, popping in and out of their holts, families rolling about together and those shown here, a teenage cub that had only recently left its family. She was fishing, and I reckon it was a female by the small size. Then she pulled out to sleep on the seaweed. The second sequence is of a courting pair whom I watched cruising along the coast. I crept onto a tideline rock and watched them swim past a few metres away then pull out to groom on a rock twenty metres away. </p><p>The cub was in as deep a sleep as ottters ever seem to go, they fidget a lot. It stretched and yawned, and after about half an hour it was awakened by a few herring Gulls that swooped low to check if it had left any food scraps about. It lifted its sleepy head then dawdled down to the water, scambled over the rocks towards me and slipped in right next to me.</p><p>The pair swam right next to one another, twisting and swapping places. Then when they pulled out of the water they shook themselves like dogs, from nose to tail, scattering water droplets in a great wide spray. They seemed to know where they were going and quickly curled up, groomed, fidgeted a bit, groomed and curled up again for brief sleep. They too left after about twenty minutes. And to top it all, there was a porpoise cruising past as they swam away. </p><p>A very special experience.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgejtjEZXFncWrvGRVre7gKxAWxSo4d-7-AGnsR7SXuhj_1xLSOBqBjRgKN5dX2cmzpMeOmVzxlj69SM5QLmXRspsugofK5Tb8OfycDlj6IOxw6SHHcx-RTXw_joYkoi_oMZxR-hwATq3fKCmHO99Wau6nF09LyT8r6feYH3_kjP9VIZ7QYqh87eR5ITbV4/s1999/Otter%20cub%201-7222.jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="1999" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgejtjEZXFncWrvGRVre7gKxAWxSo4d-7-AGnsR7SXuhj_1xLSOBqBjRgKN5dX2cmzpMeOmVzxlj69SM5QLmXRspsugofK5Tb8OfycDlj6IOxw6SHHcx-RTXw_joYkoi_oMZxR-hwATq3fKCmHO99Wau6nF09LyT8r6feYH3_kjP9VIZ7QYqh87eR5ITbV4/w640-h426/Otter%20cub%201-7222.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0zst1Sz5DNzIGXrcsGm0igCR_B8gceAhVepgVvsMY4ne3zNEywgN2I-DJi192DpZ8oUwF5gUZbpTgaXQsY8mB3CDyebcDJn2FiJmxjbWdz8mqBYBItB6dpG7us6VZu5lo5-14r_FgscCAQTwU8I_cxp92ireI-0KFBqbxWFzaJOUU1AXOXSZ8PxgbK6XZ/s2000/Otter%20cub%202-.jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="2000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0zst1Sz5DNzIGXrcsGm0igCR_B8gceAhVepgVvsMY4ne3zNEywgN2I-DJi192DpZ8oUwF5gUZbpTgaXQsY8mB3CDyebcDJn2FiJmxjbWdz8mqBYBItB6dpG7us6VZu5lo5-14r_FgscCAQTwU8I_cxp92ireI-0KFBqbxWFzaJOUU1AXOXSZ8PxgbK6XZ/w640-h426/Otter%20cub%202-.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtCS5wVAWmwCwgYLygoOhnrucP0-GuZHWh0w3Llx4nw0IG-F0mteurBICnKu8YYBJJrZymbBEmbR7vt7FpPg0w9WLD8B1XvPMCTXKEMPRucuxsnudHq87KfTKZDkvcJ2TuxW5UooINEFqgMoRloFMJtXeA5TSEeFuwPeOPeIa-zQ79DhUbr3ZePh8dB6mi/s2000/Otter%20cub%203-.jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1334" data-original-width="2000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtCS5wVAWmwCwgYLygoOhnrucP0-GuZHWh0w3Llx4nw0IG-F0mteurBICnKu8YYBJJrZymbBEmbR7vt7FpPg0w9WLD8B1XvPMCTXKEMPRucuxsnudHq87KfTKZDkvcJ2TuxW5UooINEFqgMoRloFMJtXeA5TSEeFuwPeOPeIa-zQ79DhUbr3ZePh8dB6mi/w640-h426/Otter%20cub%203-.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzve8LOck_-tjmkOiXastDjaG2v7nPa6Jrz-7UkpHRs_FlrkdhzBOkZpDnfMmRvIitZWcwHDRNecTZJUvSKBuuly4WNDM1ajoxDmKY_TCmZ3Sik0mPxi1NZPtmZJATd3dB-6edZ_37huVDpwHF97N_L6XXOno8Nd_TOtAbUqv9rkSGK2f8hL_ZPeNohfWF/s1999/Otter%20cub%204-7303-.jpg" style="clear: left; 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display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="1999" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6HqaJEoHtWdz2_t1f1UYS9yr4FmAy7N1WiJ7VwSJQVw26DChLnr3NWuXe9vyM-0hZ-sYsZ_znNeoV6QjdW8f0nqo_UJUDm6SGmBRkSu_NNx4_ndcKo3YK20vp9YfGc4PmIkBRj-ITjZqVQ4EPs9bgwUr1OkyrHL_mgPzqWbHGkDI5uKdpczc_0QMpRX5N/w640-h426/Otter%20pair%20d-9701-4.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikpU1_s5GEWu5j6_mfOvHDTCsaQNNOviq9W-XRyfJcUReZW0o3LM9yQ-siNd9CR2lYJpe3yYrMrcrlPV2NLG-IkFXUk5gM0guTQSSsWCsoqdN7CRza1RfwUqVNZrSe1YUC-Wka1Y2drVJXO77Ofzv8KblzN_F0lpBU9N3nRtFCvA-AZ0zWp-SSGD4sXYsO/s1999/Otter%20pair%20e-98305.jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="1999" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikpU1_s5GEWu5j6_mfOvHDTCsaQNNOviq9W-XRyfJcUReZW0o3LM9yQ-siNd9CR2lYJpe3yYrMrcrlPV2NLG-IkFXUk5gM0guTQSSsWCsoqdN7CRza1RfwUqVNZrSe1YUC-Wka1Y2drVJXO77Ofzv8KblzN_F0lpBU9N3nRtFCvA-AZ0zWp-SSGD4sXYsO/w640-h426/Otter%20pair%20e-98305.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP-ZCr_IhbLKYLFaNJh7C3osTINVCmEpEh0t0K5cmsBYEADYCexRJVp_2CqTLyrnn634q0Pnw5_NaT7PBO49HJy1TrAj62IyvFQkZdeaLRNmKtZl9P23Yfq5KzCcZIv1kFW9r9BQU8uu8AbewWhQ2n0GumTkkyjAsDVBlSYSAnFnWTf0oSDsdfUBndTl1E/s2000/Otter%20pair%20f-9863-6.jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="2000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP-ZCr_IhbLKYLFaNJh7C3osTINVCmEpEh0t0K5cmsBYEADYCexRJVp_2CqTLyrnn634q0Pnw5_NaT7PBO49HJy1TrAj62IyvFQkZdeaLRNmKtZl9P23Yfq5KzCcZIv1kFW9r9BQU8uu8AbewWhQ2n0GumTkkyjAsDVBlSYSAnFnWTf0oSDsdfUBndTl1E/w640-h426/Otter%20pair%20f-9863-6.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p><br /></p>Stuart Raehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11384020095447521038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8558267998620116250.post-39801697510367040222023-12-31T18:49:00.009+11:002023-12-31T21:07:15.265+11:00<p><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Pick of the year 2023 - part two </span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">The Western Isles</span></b></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFCDvGUrstYrcnf6xpz6P6jFYz1xY0275vxAzLypXEreCoVNe0cEpjXF-b10ZM0_cBwsKAPyEJX2LWQj8kkdRtp1xobskqrqKTuOu8jFV5hMWMIQGPh32Sfo_TeTQCJBL7c_6s2Wlp7vDoWA5uZCmMQLY6GGKVYGHZHevI_RlwIWO21E84Z4yuMtQDvA3R/s2000/Heb%20Pods%20a-9370.jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="2000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFCDvGUrstYrcnf6xpz6P6jFYz1xY0275vxAzLypXEreCoVNe0cEpjXF-b10ZM0_cBwsKAPyEJX2LWQj8kkdRtp1xobskqrqKTuOu8jFV5hMWMIQGPh32Sfo_TeTQCJBL7c_6s2Wlp7vDoWA5uZCmMQLY6GGKVYGHZHevI_RlwIWO21E84Z4yuMtQDvA3R/w640-h426/Heb%20Pods%20a-9370.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p>This the second of three summary posts of my trip to Scotland in 2023. As I mentioned in the previous post and repeat here, I had to do so much in the field that I seldom had time to upload posts to the Blog. So, now that it is the year's end, I have managed to organise and edit all the photographs I took during the year. This post, and the other two, illustrate some of the wildplaces I visited and wildlife I saw in Scotland in May and June. It was a wonderful trip and I covered so much ground, I can't cover everything here. </p><p>Please browse through the pics below and join in my explorations. I haven't given away most of the locations, although I will share the one above which is of Heb Pods where I stayed for part of the trip, overlooking the Uig Sands on the Isle of Lewis. Lovely accomodation in a wonderful setting. </p><p>Click on any of the photos to open them larger and follow the other photos as they link up.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSg4IO1VGXg-C_Sj6ODbpoZDXopo3uRlf5-LhXfP6HdLWXZaX7ZxeenTDH3n4twZSlFJGAxMon9reO_iDaq1cv0OPWC7akfBSKPP4uP4G_SLaUItorQ18a6B-MbgnTJJU55pYMJ2BJHFsuVHe0BraB_06NYfVOuHFjnLN-NddTK4_toyDh5E3_OYc4K8iD/s1999/Mangersta%20stacks%20a-0098.jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="1999" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSg4IO1VGXg-C_Sj6ODbpoZDXopo3uRlf5-LhXfP6HdLWXZaX7ZxeenTDH3n4twZSlFJGAxMon9reO_iDaq1cv0OPWC7akfBSKPP4uP4G_SLaUItorQ18a6B-MbgnTJJU55pYMJ2BJHFsuVHe0BraB_06NYfVOuHFjnLN-NddTK4_toyDh5E3_OYc4K8iD/w640-h426/Mangersta%20stacks%20a-0098.jpg" width="640" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwcypQUBbrDQKojqCR36QQrLAGoV4Nyiv4CTiIe0fa8PZLZAjOPXXuLTyq5hs62wdpCt3eW3guQ4tDfTF12jZGbBPsZlakdoq-Om36ASxYM_b8hUjnYdx4dm9_hRdZKE49bWyG02SisI4scKfMY5Y4Uwb5M88D6YtooDNzQdxVIs79jv6NjbnDNQjTLhxh/s2000/Ruin%20a-8072.jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="2000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwcypQUBbrDQKojqCR36QQrLAGoV4Nyiv4CTiIe0fa8PZLZAjOPXXuLTyq5hs62wdpCt3eW3guQ4tDfTF12jZGbBPsZlakdoq-Om36ASxYM_b8hUjnYdx4dm9_hRdZKE49bWyG02SisI4scKfMY5Y4Uwb5M88D6YtooDNzQdxVIs79jv6NjbnDNQjTLhxh/w640-h426/Ruin%20a-8072.jpg" width="640" /></a> </p><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg276Ivq3YxwdgniyZZs6NKCmiMXtmMJ9TNAC3b8SCl4laT3BVAzPnUQvgMhn9-zBI8xOSCt2GOLMkY4L971XIowIID8FiX_EJvDQnQfocPgZ6qm9mXQnfCvVAbrugRwPVl_73Gn21SiuK7a-eItCh17orzN4FXgYi6T7VdbIyvO5ofpI5S_-oKkmFCplo8/s2000/Cottages%20a-8326.jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="2000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg276Ivq3YxwdgniyZZs6NKCmiMXtmMJ9TNAC3b8SCl4laT3BVAzPnUQvgMhn9-zBI8xOSCt2GOLMkY4L971XIowIID8FiX_EJvDQnQfocPgZ6qm9mXQnfCvVAbrugRwPVl_73Gn21SiuK7a-eItCh17orzN4FXgYi6T7VdbIyvO5ofpI5S_-oKkmFCplo8/w640-h426/Cottages%20a-8326.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="2000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-XrtBvlrbyMqf7Q7fx8aRyFhA2VYLS2DNuPprDk2lObQHGAeqjLF9KP5xVB8xDxo5t_vVC8eIJD2CNh1QS6dVGSxz9S58tGZIpz1OT_mUG2Bv1uHRoOQiUC_GddFXkdPyYZGAkM_AtlaMn4Hreny-sTYbIQXHdOTrLCMKFzVCQ9QFjtpdWfIuRECRxRPJ/w640-h426/Sunset%20on%20loch%20a-7170.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLWzj6dBQhqOWHbqsqt4KP73Dwy0t2d8RV9pYK7P02HQcRpHczmar9ZWOYTmdyfZWqYJ_irEACIbETyvBofcdnv-5ZbgZL6yfbsxqnV9BUNKSCDohfto2BD66uTAK7dlEQZWnS0i7fGCb5p65ru-S-5VCwQGHUdCC68hAkB9Qsph7oU8pozkZ0n4I9IOUq/s2000/Sunset%20a-7157.jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="2000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLWzj6dBQhqOWHbqsqt4KP73Dwy0t2d8RV9pYK7P02HQcRpHczmar9ZWOYTmdyfZWqYJ_irEACIbETyvBofcdnv-5ZbgZL6yfbsxqnV9BUNKSCDohfto2BD66uTAK7dlEQZWnS0i7fGCb5p65ru-S-5VCwQGHUdCC68hAkB9Qsph7oU8pozkZ0n4I9IOUq/w640-h426/Sunset%20a-7157.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div>Stuart Raehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11384020095447521038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8558267998620116250.post-27343179123762630652023-12-31T18:03:00.009+11:002024-01-01T09:37:49.629+11:00<p><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Pick of the year 2023 - part one</span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">The Scottish Highlands</span></b></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnq6hb2sC4JKoUQbfMGQiZ2fc7-wQQN83SsHkm10bJBpvIUy8_l_tdJhpex81mbkcw8lUj5C926v71vjIN29j5UaxWYuBGOSxyDcHs0LCmi7sd0vUHXngTfW4Q8chylDFRshl6s1ajSfDJxWjZKmtQVB375zwSR7e2XLzvlUMUEIFxaCuD3tXA2tTFyu8h/s2000/Beinn%20Eighe%20a-6338.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="2000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnq6hb2sC4JKoUQbfMGQiZ2fc7-wQQN83SsHkm10bJBpvIUy8_l_tdJhpex81mbkcw8lUj5C926v71vjIN29j5UaxWYuBGOSxyDcHs0LCmi7sd0vUHXngTfW4Q8chylDFRshl6s1ajSfDJxWjZKmtQVB375zwSR7e2XLzvlUMUEIFxaCuD3tXA2tTFyu8h/w640-h426/Beinn%20Eighe%20a-6338.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p>2023 was a busy busy year. I had to do so much in the field that I seldom had time to upload posts to the Blog. So, now that it the year's end, I have managed to organise and edit all the photographs I took during the year. This post, and the next two, are all on wildlife and wildplaces I visited in Scotland in May and June. It was a wonderful trip and I covered so much ground, I can't cover everything here. So please browse through the pics below and join in my explorations. I haven't given most of the locations, I'd rather people discovered their own little spots and appreciate the wildness.</p><p>Click on any of the photos to open them larger and follow the other photos as they link up.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6h0TUEhtI-NcmBxUb_6J622-aGC-N-xGg_LD9DUdeDBH71ssy93vY-X6eb7hEr2BANXNhlJRrje2Xtjdr-ELGhysSHCRi8cdr9-bWYVvM8oRnbmM5g5c6WzejSNOTMqnP0Yz7bhTgMJKqx5TcjowcmzX7RHWd4KWFPTxttk_dOWMSnXNR4muxgkpZ4M52/s2000/Loch%20Maree%20a-6351.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="2000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6h0TUEhtI-NcmBxUb_6J622-aGC-N-xGg_LD9DUdeDBH71ssy93vY-X6eb7hEr2BANXNhlJRrje2Xtjdr-ELGhysSHCRi8cdr9-bWYVvM8oRnbmM5g5c6WzejSNOTMqnP0Yz7bhTgMJKqx5TcjowcmzX7RHWd4KWFPTxttk_dOWMSnXNR4muxgkpZ4M52/w640-h426/Loch%20Maree%20a-6351.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZQojmw1DKBbplTqyfSQorIKAsm-Hg8Zix_wh1kCz-t0oB4qgRxHjbQ9fDlj-CLYWM91Ro0xjMxPjUQ0cbaZP4Wz8UwEpy3QE1uYQlvRyvH2GOsxQAfGMgiriL6xs41CVbTbYyGZ0yJgfpDqHrDSKMB0-Q5DaS_BMLg0nc6u7eoBAbrxaa6Zt1f1Dd1lxk/s2000/Mountain%20Pass%20a-6456.jpg" style="clear: left; 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float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="2000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-j1N0iHtbsL0ux7eBQWiCy50UQSSr2k95uALLWQMBxEKu6oN0zrvVSgcZ1tgkqx8NpGJoCAhfZGs2xu8Ah2wUYhIJv9r_UTxKvffTcJ3e1KBmufGTYJjz7tf1Kr84k3aVsCjmWvfGRfVROq3LILgEfjGkfYXR7_EgXojhYk3bbkkvw3pEvDpYBKXRBr5E/w640-h426/Blue%20Mountains%20a-6484.jpg" width="640" /></a> </p>Stuart Raehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11384020095447521038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8558267998620116250.post-76141887214451831582023-08-24T19:05:00.001+10:002023-08-24T19:10:16.206+10:00<p> <b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Lyrebird nest - raided</span></b></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihtUhrDkbXj5wfXSEKWHOZFKVxkvimo625OBZvlaa5QcDyITA_NLCElSasxrY4YTKyJbQB-VHEXbEOPrkHixkEV4HUOoahHkUcF5aJooiRcOUNsv1HvxFAqrZ6xuv6XMaTUfj5d1dmtOqRTyoesyvEQJbeXjOnxvYo1SBxb9QC_7tv4tx6XgXkJfzV2Nmv/s3903/Lyrebird%20nest%20on%20cliff-105955.jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1952" data-original-width="3903" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihtUhrDkbXj5wfXSEKWHOZFKVxkvimo625OBZvlaa5QcDyITA_NLCElSasxrY4YTKyJbQB-VHEXbEOPrkHixkEV4HUOoahHkUcF5aJooiRcOUNsv1HvxFAqrZ6xuv6XMaTUfj5d1dmtOqRTyoesyvEQJbeXjOnxvYo1SBxb9QC_7tv4tx6XgXkJfzV2Nmv/w640-h320/Lyrebird%20nest%20on%20cliff-105955.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p>While surveying singing lyrebirds in the forest on the Brindabella Range near Canberra, which included recording the displaying male described in the previous post, I also checked the progress of the lyrebird nest shown above. The nest was set on a small ledge about three metres up a small crag, which is about five metres high. The rock wall is not easy to climb up as it is slightly overhanging below the nest. As soon as I saw the nest I knew something was wrong. The top of the domed nest had been ripped off and lyrebird feathers, which the female uses to line the nest to keep the single egg warm, had been scattered across the ledge and below the crag. </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI3QfC0MoNjWrHdnU79nWspLOXNGoSqF-iszcE3JKJ6yAHGP-RxEZ80ae8420Bc1B1Z5wDCqNePpLv1gH0qNGZshY-6pR221ljPYry4O6uMJIdSXS_dwuulO2PLVPqT-4SBHTGP7QKV4C2QTmgUtwKFERanJRu7xFOWh5VNd219BsEA3IAs0YyNMxCzded/s2612/Lyrebird%20nest%20top%20off-110004.jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1741" data-original-width="2612" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI3QfC0MoNjWrHdnU79nWspLOXNGoSqF-iszcE3JKJ6yAHGP-RxEZ80ae8420Bc1B1Z5wDCqNePpLv1gH0qNGZshY-6pR221ljPYry4O6uMJIdSXS_dwuulO2PLVPqT-4SBHTGP7QKV4C2QTmgUtwKFERanJRu7xFOWh5VNd219BsEA3IAs0YyNMxCzded/w640-h426/Lyrebird%20nest%20top%20off-110004.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p>The damage can be clearly seen in this second photograph. The nest is typical, formed of a large ball of sticks, larger than a basketball. This is lined with moss and then feathers, the smoky grey body feathers, which the female plucks from her belly. All three components can be seen to have been ripped open and in the third photograph, below, the single egg can be seen lying in the depths of the nest cup which once had a warm sheltered dome over it. Lyrebirds typically lay only one egg, incubation takes seven weeks, and the chick remains in the nest for a further six weeks. </p><p>This was clearly the work of a predator that had probably managed to climb or jump down from the top of the crag onto the top of the nest. The potential predators of lyrebird nests in the area include fox, wild dog or feral pig when a nest is on the ground, and suger glider, greater glider, possum or feral cat if the nest is off the ground. A fox could climb to some nests, but I don't think they could reach this one. Footage from a trail camera set at a lyrebird nest by Matthew Higgins has revealed that a sugar glider can take an egg from a lyrebird nest, so a greater glider or possum could likely take one too. This suggests that a native climbing predator would have taken the egg if it had opened this nest. But it would have taken considerable strength to rip the nest open and the egg was left behind. There was a tiny needle point hole in the egg, possibly made by a claw. A fox would have taken the egg. So, that leaves the likely suspect to be a feral cat, as a cat would be more likely to have been after a young or adult bird on the nest. As obligate carnivores, they prefer to eat meat. Fortunately, there was no evidence of the adult lyrebird having been killed, but this breeding attempt had failed. </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtk3lx6tsHsJ12RmSlb9gRM0BPxkB605qDcYyjnay5Nf3oJZ4ITZdMzN319sS8bUEWQ9cjqigd88F56yKu6ZhwzAWRJ2yazkF9tVVlwVqri0pqa2sAfn8iJGfg5X-GgoC69nFst2QT52f0nBPermMStNXDsfNsUhCWy2hcGDeMdUlM0cBx-W4cRrM5Kk2T/s2701/Lyrebird%20nest%20and%20egg-110911.jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1801" data-original-width="2701" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtk3lx6tsHsJ12RmSlb9gRM0BPxkB605qDcYyjnay5Nf3oJZ4ITZdMzN319sS8bUEWQ9cjqigd88F56yKu6ZhwzAWRJ2yazkF9tVVlwVqri0pqa2sAfn8iJGfg5X-GgoC69nFst2QT52f0nBPermMStNXDsfNsUhCWy2hcGDeMdUlM0cBx-W4cRrM5Kk2T/w640-h426/Lyrebird%20nest%20and%20egg-110911.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p>Feral cats have done so much damage to Australian wildlife. </p>Stuart Raehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11384020095447521038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8558267998620116250.post-90029432882369148332023-08-10T19:03:00.002+10:002023-08-10T19:05:35.929+10:00<p><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"> Song and Dance</span></b></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0J2m6IRM6o1yhqPouX8HPw2_DqOnQ_Xqvv-zza1Oh8oOLDfMwHUg885Kf221pA3ZtldSYJE5dj4CeF_AY3x0dXbwYpx5bdlUOBGtGJVsNdwHrBML324P_Z4FMYUblSxg9Ohabhsf_1swnJbjtJDQX792G1k0nbjSh1LNR6P5XBOcmI6Z02bRvj7myNvCn/s1849/Lyrebird%20display%202023.png" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1108" data-original-width="1849" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0J2m6IRM6o1yhqPouX8HPw2_DqOnQ_Xqvv-zza1Oh8oOLDfMwHUg885Kf221pA3ZtldSYJE5dj4CeF_AY3x0dXbwYpx5bdlUOBGtGJVsNdwHrBML324P_Z4FMYUblSxg9Ohabhsf_1swnJbjtJDQX792G1k0nbjSh1LNR6P5XBOcmI6Z02bRvj7myNvCn/w640-h384/Lyrebird%20display%202023.png" width="640" /></a></p><p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I set a camera trap at a Superb Lyrebird display mound
over two weeks in July (13-31<sup>st</sup>) and was successful in recording
some wonderful song and dancing displays. Male lyrebirds display from a number
of display mounds within their territory and females are attracted to them by
the song first and then song and dance once they are visible as females
approach through the thick undergrowth. The repertoire of the bird’s mimicry of
other birds’ calls is, as its name suggests, superb, and enthralling. And how
he holds and spreads his elaborate tail feathers is just as mesmerising. Follow
this </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://youtu.be/G0PDl8wJ3UE" target="_blank">Video link</a><o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16px;">to see a compilation of some of the sequences.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The females lay their eggs in winter, so these
displays are performed during the cold months and I have watched them display
in the snow. The males play no part in the nest building, incubation or tending
of the young. The sexes only meet up for the purpose of mating. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Superb Lyrebirds are famous for their mimicry and
although there are well-known film clips of birds imitating cameras and
chainsaws, most of the sounds that wild lyrebirds copy are of other local birds
that live in the same tall forests. I have only heard one bird imitate a
knocking sound that resembled someone hammering on wood, which the bird could
easily have heard in the forest. That bird was in the forest of the Brindabella
Range near Canberra, the same area where this footage was recorded. It is always
a pleasant walk along the tracks in the forest, where the lyrebirds can be
frequently heard, but seldom seen as they place their display mounds in dense
overgrowth. Hence the reason I deployed the camera, to see what was going on in
there…<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Male superb lyrebirds sing four different song types with
unique associated sets of dance moves, but the individual birds vary their
songs and steps and they don’t always dance when they sing (Dalziell <i>et al</i>.
2013, below). As can be seen in this video, they also sing without even raising
their tail. The whole sequence of the different songs and dances is very
elaborate, but purposeful. As these displays form part of the sexual behaviour,
there is probably a strong impulse for the males to sing and dance their best
to attract a female. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Lyrebirds can sing with mimicry away from the mound,
such as up on tree branches or logs, but they don’t give mimicry segments of
their song while dancing. When singing his full repertoire of mimicry the male
in the video stood quite still, and it was once he pulled his tail right over
his back and head that he began to dance. This was induced by the presence of a
female off camera, and he held that pose and dance sequence all the while a
female was with him on or near the mound. In one sequence, he backs off the
mound, followed by a female, perhaps, the birds copulated on another mound not far from the one
where the camera was set. Each male hase several mounds where they display.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I have not yet worked out the complete list of the
bird calls that the lyrebird mimicked, but the main song, mixed with the
lyrebird’s own specific song, includes: Yellow-tailed Cockatoo, Laughing
Kookaburra, Pied Currawong, Crimson Rosella, Red Wattlebird, Satin Bowerbird
and Grey Shrike-thrush. During the intense dances when his tail is fully pulled
over, the bird does not mimic these calls, but gives a frantic array of buzzing
alarm calls, mimics of the alarm calls of the smaller ground dwelling birds
such as White-browed Scrubwren, Brown Thornbill and Eastern Yellow Robin. He
even mimics the burring of bird wings, such as when birds mob a predator.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGb3lZIXifUvlXcxzdMxWkQnybWUQpTZVhzgzYGDxpLC2AM-Ac1BIJmKQQyOvurnoghCfkFmsqF3S4NoKUeaiJWabhoNhr2ekDgirsz9TiXsDOYy6JwlPn1Z48c9D7mzn7kSiFwbSfKVPouIDHx0HvWu_T6q-uiTyv8ECdYIm4yVH90yJUUN6QIZFZO5-j/s2329/Lyrebird%20profile%20display%202023%20SR.png" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1154" data-original-width="2329" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGb3lZIXifUvlXcxzdMxWkQnybWUQpTZVhzgzYGDxpLC2AM-Ac1BIJmKQQyOvurnoghCfkFmsqF3S4NoKUeaiJWabhoNhr2ekDgirsz9TiXsDOYy6JwlPn1Z48c9D7mzn7kSiFwbSfKVPouIDHx0HvWu_T6q-uiTyv8ECdYIm4yVH90yJUUN6QIZFZO5-j/w640-h318/Lyrebird%20profile%20display%202023%20SR.png" width="640" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">For a more full explanation of Superb Lyrebird
display see these papers by Anastasia Dalziell </span><i style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">et al</i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">. upon which I have relied
heavily in describing the details of the bird’s behaviour in this video. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Dalziell, A.H., Ppeters, R.A., Cockburn,A. Dorland, A.D., Maisey, A.C., & Magrath, R.D. (2013). Dance choreography is coordinated with song repertoire in a complex avian display. <i>Current Biology</i> 23: 1132-1135. </span><a href="https://www.cell.com/current-biology/pdf/S0960-9822(13)00581-2.pdf"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">https://www.cell.com/current-biology/pdf/S0960-9822(13)00581-2.pdf</span></a> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16px;">Dalziell, A.H., Maisey, A.C., Magrath, R.D., & Welbergen, J.A. (2021). Male lyrebirds create a complex acoustic illusion of a mobbing flock during courtship and copulation. </span><i style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16px;">Current Biology </i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16px;">31:</span><i style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16px;"> </i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16px;">1970-1976. </span><a href="https://www.cell.com/current-biology/pdf/S0960-9822(21)00210-4.pdf"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">https://www.cell.com/current-biology/pdf/S0960-9822(21)00210-4.pdf</span></a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16px;">Dalziell, A.H., </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16px;">Welbergen, J.A., &</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16px;"> Magrath, R.D. (2022). Male superb lyrebirds mimic functionally distinct heterospecific vocalisations during different modes of sexual display. <i>Animal Behaviour </i>188: 181-196. </span><a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/am/pii/S000334722200094X"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/am/pii/S000334722200094X</span></a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p></p>Stuart Raehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11384020095447521038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8558267998620116250.post-53147527831568566472023-04-24T22:32:00.000+10:002023-04-24T22:32:51.171+10:00<p> <b><span style="font-size: x-large;">The Three Capes</span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"> Tasmania</span></b></p><p>A four day, three night trip around the Three Capes Walk on the Tasman Peninsular. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwTh84k2NSHZjcWPahZ5wOHOPyVOEIEEhURN7os2uMntx8_Tl6q0lYgsZAbpUSbDwqL_3cEQIiVfifzyHYmI9YTzXM2AAHL9B6O0ZiKlzMQ3XulOuuRsg8PkcgICH_iLCx1sUe0DcREjIM4_O2R9YPtfWMucJA1FTWDULSvbww3zN9q90LbvH1gqwYqg/s1500/TCW%20a-.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwTh84k2NSHZjcWPahZ5wOHOPyVOEIEEhURN7os2uMntx8_Tl6q0lYgsZAbpUSbDwqL_3cEQIiVfifzyHYmI9YTzXM2AAHL9B6O0ZiKlzMQ3XulOuuRsg8PkcgICH_iLCx1sUe0DcREjIM4_O2R9YPtfWMucJA1FTWDULSvbww3zN9q90LbvH1gqwYqg/w640-h426/TCW%20a-.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Cape Raoul lies behind Mount Brown at sunset on the first night.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxVF1I9ApqSLVw87Cm36KC8224xpkF8uHZX5aLMAjrvEbV5kB1-EC4pdkFUkNJiTyYZObNLgjt2I5t3Q9kizinxELEKl0uxZp-oWxkC9uKXG-eRZCHS-CVF4NOTGnTLj7kvmvcdBGDpbH14H5MzStFpQQ92RL0HyHqHTXtRrqzJYDyLsPpHnko_wjrKg/s1500/TCW%20b-.jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxVF1I9ApqSLVw87Cm36KC8224xpkF8uHZX5aLMAjrvEbV5kB1-EC4pdkFUkNJiTyYZObNLgjt2I5t3Q9kizinxELEKl0uxZp-oWxkC9uKXG-eRZCHS-CVF4NOTGnTLj7kvmvcdBGDpbH14H5MzStFpQQ92RL0HyHqHTXtRrqzJYDyLsPpHnko_wjrKg/w640-h426/TCW%20b-.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p>The sand dunes of Crescent Bay by Mount Brown seen from Arthur's Peak on the morning of day two.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGeRKVhcSsm7rAFdKCUif1s91DheQ35kmGnHi3QS0gnzYZemD-mYIh2zShlmnAallRW5KG6MQ6pO9ZEQ9iz0BwKS6F99eeTMKD8v_tnigFPhFU56RcAjR8l3xIqzAqfNU63B2ud0j7QvtxI5Ycq7dbB4hJF8Hm_62jD0MdOjCRCAOn1BvwifQxiScN5w/s1500/TCW%20c-.jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGeRKVhcSsm7rAFdKCUif1s91DheQ35kmGnHi3QS0gnzYZemD-mYIh2zShlmnAallRW5KG6MQ6pO9ZEQ9iz0BwKS6F99eeTMKD8v_tnigFPhFU56RcAjR8l3xIqzAqfNU63B2ud0j7QvtxI5Ycq7dbB4hJF8Hm_62jD0MdOjCRCAOn1BvwifQxiScN5w/w640-h426/TCW%20c-.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p>Tasman Island off the tip of Cape Pillar, with the jagged rib of the Blade rising towards the island.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgce6aWHGCnNmoVF1laBV4vwD-ML5ce47PM7rpM7KjZtaThcceToMEbreEzSCqRCDJvYoWm2NwVSxLg-57khKs_yPdPVFhrnBm7s-BvbE2zE_P_aiWDHuPJqnTLy_26AfPB4aAqELrY_ma-Zh_SNTfKhfxnyBHUxgyV6kehIqj_ceje6TC5mf_iBUf8Vw/s1500/TCW%20d-.jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgce6aWHGCnNmoVF1laBV4vwD-ML5ce47PM7rpM7KjZtaThcceToMEbreEzSCqRCDJvYoWm2NwVSxLg-57khKs_yPdPVFhrnBm7s-BvbE2zE_P_aiWDHuPJqnTLy_26AfPB4aAqELrY_ma-Zh_SNTfKhfxnyBHUxgyV6kehIqj_ceje6TC5mf_iBUf8Vw/w640-h426/TCW%20d-.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p>The lighthouse on Tasman Island is picked out by sunshine. The rocky pillars on the right form the Blade, a spectacular highpoint above the sound. The island is mostly bare of tall vegetation since its forest was cleared for firewood by the lighthouse keepers and eaten by their stocks of sheep, goats, cattle and pigs. The light was first lit in 1906 and automated in 1977. Shrubs and small trees are slowly reclaiming the land, and the island's breeding populations of Short-tailed Shearwaters and Fairy Prions are recovering after near eradication by feral cats, which were descendants of the lighthouse keepers pets.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZYGYi0y3QxlVDiQY4mVYkM5NBszXBnnFSVy_lGqY2cimZWImBFfcTCQWeQKwQJ0piT7jCPcLzGDl7I5JO2lnndYQJkF3JOlXvvZ02e1whks2lKsKrnbBOwMjc3zTCfiweLV3dPwQKMSbf7xYI6GQMigXjdnj6FI3g5ZSvIrhaeZy1uX2t5nSHFMaK0Q/s1500/TCW%20e-05732.jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZYGYi0y3QxlVDiQY4mVYkM5NBszXBnnFSVy_lGqY2cimZWImBFfcTCQWeQKwQJ0piT7jCPcLzGDl7I5JO2lnndYQJkF3JOlXvvZ02e1whks2lKsKrnbBOwMjc3zTCfiweLV3dPwQKMSbf7xYI6GQMigXjdnj6FI3g5ZSvIrhaeZy1uX2t5nSHFMaK0Q/w640-h426/TCW%20e-05732.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p>A single block of rock lies on the tip of the Blade, with wrap-around views of the peninsular and the ocean beyond. The main rock in much of the Tasman Peninsular is dolerite, which fractures along straight vertical lines to form crude hexagonal pillars. Hence the name Cape Pillar, although all three capes have these rock formsations.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFNur3DjQufaBQl2UJRj6h5JPf8wxCcIsSTGtPB-ds9ktPxe1ZVNZgyFx3-KUVIw2CASb8TloEU0cOo0d1nTxcm31uHyCYiI12iU6xDY6OvL6ax5Wpi-iJgO41ESBjOfJe-3j7sphvIDibiG484reZk57zRrkEEKeYDYPQsWjPv78cPl2qclVpfBY50Q/s1500/TCW%20f-.jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFNur3DjQufaBQl2UJRj6h5JPf8wxCcIsSTGtPB-ds9ktPxe1ZVNZgyFx3-KUVIw2CASb8TloEU0cOo0d1nTxcm31uHyCYiI12iU6xDY6OvL6ax5Wpi-iJgO41ESBjOfJe-3j7sphvIDibiG484reZk57zRrkEEKeYDYPQsWjPv78cPl2qclVpfBY50Q/w640-h426/TCW%20f-.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p>Day four began with a view of Cape Hauy from the Cape Pillar. The trees are much taller on this eatsern, leeward side of the peninsular.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ZLE3F0QqS3t2qp4p-G59NkNA1aZ3t9l_dfo2ONiL4FTFhOK1aYEp4qCh2xP5M7NgcpyZXcLJiNuP07slciB7hGNn7cI1M7yfMU_WghAkRCm9ZI6po0FuZ7rfvWoro9Y7q1e5hpMXKZ2E3z-4gREk3XHChVrXKAphySC92YX38GHW6T06dDmZ_MTYGQ/s1500/TCW%20g-.jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ZLE3F0QqS3t2qp4p-G59NkNA1aZ3t9l_dfo2ONiL4FTFhOK1aYEp4qCh2xP5M7NgcpyZXcLJiNuP07slciB7hGNn7cI1M7yfMU_WghAkRCm9ZI6po0FuZ7rfvWoro9Y7q1e5hpMXKZ2E3z-4gREk3XHChVrXKAphySC92YX38GHW6T06dDmZ_MTYGQ/w640-h426/TCW%20g-.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p>The view back south to Cape Pillar from Cape Hauy, with Tamsan Island peeping over the ridge. The rock stack is Cathedral Rock.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdKTvtJUdKbhP3F0eC3uKqpznYLsRFeSNjWOwDzYIdM3Y-XQLzxh3w4fqI_c184Of9qOekzNPz-JSqZLrVZYUPaiowEVADN7KIcWArfzljEN_LOXUqVqQvJ7OEnvtHclCTizar3Bf3FwO0NCoorhgNEGhAzf_yg9JfQzMlHUiJOHHm0qpSunl6vOzcnA/s2250/TCW%20h-.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2250" data-original-width="1500" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdKTvtJUdKbhP3F0eC3uKqpznYLsRFeSNjWOwDzYIdM3Y-XQLzxh3w4fqI_c184Of9qOekzNPz-JSqZLrVZYUPaiowEVADN7KIcWArfzljEN_LOXUqVqQvJ7OEnvtHclCTizar3Bf3FwO0NCoorhgNEGhAzf_yg9JfQzMlHUiJOHHm0qpSunl6vOzcnA/w426-h640/TCW%20h-.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br /><p>The view from the end of the third Cape, Cape Hauy with the pencil thin stack of the Totem Pole, the thicker and taller Candlestick, and the Lanterns. The lanterns are two tall rocky islands off the tip of the cape, one is behind the other.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRdHeDSygUNMVS7jiVKYqVcbNaoPe-YPgOpnz-NEzNvnNY3cJSI9-WwNrnlKci5YojE0wqjjI5YZrZXx6jwYetNmTh1f47k2Q5XSLpL9JfUu-K8fyWfnF0W8egbavb0oQeR0RbEwN0_Cd5ojEH4wi66IYA3KaAbgPZeq4S9BZvKp2bD9g9wcUGic_yZQ/s1500/TCW%20i-.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRdHeDSygUNMVS7jiVKYqVcbNaoPe-YPgOpnz-NEzNvnNY3cJSI9-WwNrnlKci5YojE0wqjjI5YZrZXx6jwYetNmTh1f47k2Q5XSLpL9JfUu-K8fyWfnF0W8egbavb0oQeR0RbEwN0_Cd5ojEH4wi66IYA3KaAbgPZeq4S9BZvKp2bD9g9wcUGic_yZQ/w426-h640/TCW%20i-.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br /><p>The Totem Pole is a remarkable 65m tall rock stack. It can be climbed at trad grade 24, although timing access is critical as can be seen by the tide swirling around its base. </p><p>Most people simply enjoy the view. A magnificent view of a wonderful wild place. </p><p><br /></p>Stuart Raehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11384020095447521038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8558267998620116250.post-74984919164508225802023-04-20T18:11:00.000+10:002023-04-20T18:11:17.846+10:00<p> <b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Black Mountain Peregrines</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx5nBXco2hPrrjKV82tdaSyfKOZkiiwgrxz9PTPxXnihit7OzDbvyASp_PXLT7z3dnSgQ_SS-mUlGxHITrYpj7cPF7FrSvnCYGVLy3ARAP0uliQMs3hE3P9QcZPwXbknrNHXQ-lqYrZfYvUULYwSrVCbeHB67pFEQH0N5WKZJ8N_rM9QIyEY0lbu5vXQ/s2855/Blk%20Mtn%20tower%20above%20woodland-103803.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2855" data-original-width="2039" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx5nBXco2hPrrjKV82tdaSyfKOZkiiwgrxz9PTPxXnihit7OzDbvyASp_PXLT7z3dnSgQ_SS-mUlGxHITrYpj7cPF7FrSvnCYGVLy3ARAP0uliQMs3hE3P9QcZPwXbknrNHXQ-lqYrZfYvUULYwSrVCbeHB67pFEQH0N5WKZJ8N_rM9QIyEY0lbu5vXQ/w458-h640/Blk%20Mtn%20tower%20above%20woodland-103803.jpg" width="458" /></a></div><p>This is the Telstra Tower which stands on top of Black Mountain, a hill, about 1km from the city centre of Canberra. It is surrounded by Red Stringybark/Scribbly Gum forest which holds lots of nest holes for various animals including Galahs, Crimson and Eastern Roselas.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1tANdy0dTiDy3hpaIEoSF4dThyPgu_mh_NlKpgS22-Cj2nSsEIDAAVAFKu9FXmFoRkKXTW1VrT9NrhDwmzF_ltKRgO0fcEx8TARRqd8PuH0NN3r-qWN-tEHCirKONDYL55RnrVlydscwAdqXdSrpoDAe5-Z1zNyZ2jlkSHBkS8-ezO-gz0GYrGFKLnA/s3764/Blk%20Mtn%20canopy-102244.jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1882" data-original-width="3764" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1tANdy0dTiDy3hpaIEoSF4dThyPgu_mh_NlKpgS22-Cj2nSsEIDAAVAFKu9FXmFoRkKXTW1VrT9NrhDwmzF_ltKRgO0fcEx8TARRqd8PuH0NN3r-qWN-tEHCirKONDYL55RnrVlydscwAdqXdSrpoDAe5-Z1zNyZ2jlkSHBkS8-ezO-gz0GYrGFKLnA/w640-h320/Blk%20Mtn%20canopy-102244.jpg" width="640" /></a></p>Two days ago, I was walking through the woodland at the base of the mountain, when I saw an adult female preregrine soaring low over the canopy, obviously hunting. It is usually Brown Goshawks that I see hunting there, so I was a bit surprised.<div><div><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1R1v3JAvD6ZOR6sQUst_i6or8b0vHuU2m75oIMxi4hAwYEIzm29Kzw0vCxcvrMq4CB0DRRyE97k1c1HZ8iyPX6UsTjaJXjwBWtp0ztHvpKEirc1cdCDxwmMIYJ7iz2hSc_WAl0KSFIYyHr0u2-o8jhcp1hcpyrjK7eQ2kY7Q3Xz4-zjq7qBjbD4VzHA/s4160/Blk%20Mtn%20habitat-103934.jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2080" data-original-width="4160" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1R1v3JAvD6ZOR6sQUst_i6or8b0vHuU2m75oIMxi4hAwYEIzm29Kzw0vCxcvrMq4CB0DRRyE97k1c1HZ8iyPX6UsTjaJXjwBWtp0ztHvpKEirc1cdCDxwmMIYJ7iz2hSc_WAl0KSFIYyHr0u2-o8jhcp1hcpyrjK7eQ2kY7Q3Xz4-zjq7qBjbD4VzHA/w640-h320/Blk%20Mtn%20habitat-103934.jpg" width="640" /></a></p>The woodland canopy was busy with migrating Silvereyes and Yellow-faced Honeyeaters on migration down from the higher Brindabella Mountains several kilometres away. And there were numerous rosellas sitting outside their nest holes, staking claim prior to the next breeding season. So there was abundant food for the peregrine.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga8RYsWoT6krdfL9QeCdEN1gPVtSubzT49YqZ4SB67s4s1dM7tim48ECLYLjVt011yBcZ_URAmMzuFdFRIVMSsrJcBBupH7xZJOFc4xXA30W6S-cB2GztwBmfD6PhtF9msNFeEadpQzGJ2BmscI3uYO5JqCkLUN5epghCEzjBwDCI0iJ3nbZs76dcXOQ/s2912/Blk%20Mtn%20PE-100813.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="2080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga8RYsWoT6krdfL9QeCdEN1gPVtSubzT49YqZ4SB67s4s1dM7tim48ECLYLjVt011yBcZ_URAmMzuFdFRIVMSsrJcBBupH7xZJOFc4xXA30W6S-cB2GztwBmfD6PhtF9msNFeEadpQzGJ2BmscI3uYO5JqCkLUN5epghCEzjBwDCI0iJ3nbZs76dcXOQ/w458-h640/Blk%20Mtn%20PE-100813.jpg" width="458" /></a></div><p>Then, the next day, I was walking around the summit of Black Mountain when I heard the distinctive harsh calls of a peregrine coming from the tower. Sure enough, there were two adult birds perched on the second top section, on the supporting struts for telecoms antenae. Yes they are in the picture above, but it is not the best of shots, taken with a phone.</p><p>The tower is 195 m tall (640 ft) and an obvious man-made feature to attract peregrines. Yet, this is the first time I have seen them there, or heard any. The tower has been closed to the public for a few years, so perhaps the quietness has helped to attract the peregrines. Although the visitor pviewing platform is a long way below where the birds were.</p><p>Now, the question is, will the peregrines stay to breed on the tower next breeding season?</p><p><br /></p></div></div>Stuart Raehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11384020095447521038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8558267998620116250.post-23227335136797545132022-11-27T15:46:00.003+11:002022-11-27T16:00:37.080+11:00<p><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Frogmouth chick rescue </span></b></p><p>Following on from the last post on how frogmouth fledglings are vulnerable to becoming grounded and dying in tall grass, I found such a bird yesterday. I was monitoring the progress of some of my study birds and was expecting them to have fledged the night before. When I went to the nest site, I saw that they had indeed fledged. The nest was empty and the parents were perched on a branch in a neighbouring tree with one chick beside them. That raised alarm in me as I knew there had been two chicks ready to fledge only a few days prior. Usually, when there are two fledglings and they have split up, mum will sit beside one chick and dad with the other. But, there were both parents with only one chick. Where was the other. Unlike in the previous post, when one chick had probably grounded in wet tall grass and succumbed to hypothermia, in this case the grass was tall, but dry, so I reckoned that if a chick had grounded in the tall grass in the previous night, it could still be alive. So I searched for it, very, very slowly, and careful to look down into the grass before I moved my feet. I didn't want to step on it.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikgYQvOH78f1L1OqdlPzEQa_e082nP9s8_qaUCUpuBqUceTNFx5t-U2olDYy0qOWH4n1obhbfN06Kxmu_55SgeD4ZIURT3EGvN-Q8kRJfysPYwdx9FvhabPHWg0kvfKWq2LDKw2zoRi9HqOmcwRH1essL6W7amxbHdxHLPumXLRFHDQGnvmTf0cVCgIQ/s1500/TF%20in%20grass%20a-125510.jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1037" data-original-width="1500" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikgYQvOH78f1L1OqdlPzEQa_e082nP9s8_qaUCUpuBqUceTNFx5t-U2olDYy0qOWH4n1obhbfN06Kxmu_55SgeD4ZIURT3EGvN-Q8kRJfysPYwdx9FvhabPHWg0kvfKWq2LDKw2zoRi9HqOmcwRH1essL6W7amxbHdxHLPumXLRFHDQGnvmTf0cVCgIQ/w640-h442/TF%20in%20grass%20a-125510.jpg" width="640" /></a></p>As the adults tend to sit with a chick each if they are separated, I thought the missing chick might be directly below where the rest of the family were perched. And yes, it was, and it was alive.<br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmHI-KqVBT9jRvg_f915_o_iFu0ZTgwxkN22c3SWIuw9bWUgyQ7f4xOFfpN7zfV70Dn7ShXGD4Royd3uC4B8942ISYxKoIkImhrzCNgkDMZ5nVcQ_Ud-I3I122nMnoCd9b9egQO7NPcn94hVEDxbKCjkg8Aes7e_6JpNFPHJlo0yjMAkTQKwOp6vGQ_A/s1499/TF%20in%20grass%20b-125628.jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1071" data-original-width="1499" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmHI-KqVBT9jRvg_f915_o_iFu0ZTgwxkN22c3SWIuw9bWUgyQ7f4xOFfpN7zfV70Dn7ShXGD4Royd3uC4B8942ISYxKoIkImhrzCNgkDMZ5nVcQ_Ud-I3I122nMnoCd9b9egQO7NPcn94hVEDxbKCjkg8Aes7e_6JpNFPHJlo0yjMAkTQKwOp6vGQ_A/w640-h458/TF%20in%20grass%20b-125628.jpg" width="640" /></a></p>The grass was more than knee deep and thick, so the bird could not climb up, fly up on its weak wings, or even struggle through the dense growth. It would have died if I had not found it.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpU5bieYYKey0FYKGILUGO4JZPZ1OcBUOlTem572pSNBW-rym4eUmeSlJWreU3pUhisvTSLhM90m58Th5DjmKHm2DiTB64b5FfrsU8ofHUjmooVLBMUqL-uOsaVZrNUpy1XWkWdOBhU5dFJNVO7eMBwe196M7QseMjJ5yZqD3TpETS68AYrdV2rebz1w/s2266/TF%20in%20grass%20c-125634.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><img border="0" data-original-height="2266" data-original-width="1500" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpU5bieYYKey0FYKGILUGO4JZPZ1OcBUOlTem572pSNBW-rym4eUmeSlJWreU3pUhisvTSLhM90m58Th5DjmKHm2DiTB64b5FfrsU8ofHUjmooVLBMUqL-uOsaVZrNUpy1XWkWdOBhU5dFJNVO7eMBwe196M7QseMjJ5yZqD3TpETS68AYrdV2rebz1w/w424-h640/TF%20in%20grass%20c-125634.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><p>The fledgling had fluttered about twenty metres before grounding, not far from the nest branch which can be seen in the background.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhptTqjy4Ug8AYy9nxT35N-Z66cgmikS6LylD47MN1jSddEUx5Ty8Wm27YpOr8GDQG0o8ImI2u9esNGWwp8tLemIXKpoNtjdA0Ovae4W4UK9BSQGMbD2W02TawIOy36JaZ6cXof5zGmYHbix9gcW6viNEOFans3itC222T2vZOUDMiLmnuo4st1CBVNZA/s2100/TF%20in%20grass%20d-125725.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2100" data-original-width="1500" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhptTqjy4Ug8AYy9nxT35N-Z66cgmikS6LylD47MN1jSddEUx5Ty8Wm27YpOr8GDQG0o8ImI2u9esNGWwp8tLemIXKpoNtjdA0Ovae4W4UK9BSQGMbD2W02TawIOy36JaZ6cXof5zGmYHbix9gcW6viNEOFans3itC222T2vZOUDMiLmnuo4st1CBVNZA/w458-h640/TF%20in%20grass%20d-125725.jpg" width="458" /></a></div><p>And yes the chick was not only alive but perky, giving a ferocious sounding growl as I bent down to pick it up. It opened its big mouth wide and flashed its wings to appear powerful and more fearsome than it really was. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB0KmdrUrtOR8qDcpqhq2P8m6rL-GglsIpD_NdBy4VVJ7v2AJ12paljY5QMKKspIspv1nrj3QGe5To7_s2tIN8zTEeZ4CKwsvuvBtBfvzTxfnYFQuWhn6RCutgJGIyYABdw2QhByO3F2WAMawkuMyiQ-DkzSE9vZnDMHiVllv15VrUUUn6yv-WsRZEGg/s2100/TF%20in%20grass%20e-.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2100" data-original-width="1500" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB0KmdrUrtOR8qDcpqhq2P8m6rL-GglsIpD_NdBy4VVJ7v2AJ12paljY5QMKKspIspv1nrj3QGe5To7_s2tIN8zTEeZ4CKwsvuvBtBfvzTxfnYFQuWhn6RCutgJGIyYABdw2QhByO3F2WAMawkuMyiQ-DkzSE9vZnDMHiVllv15VrUUUn6yv-WsRZEGg/w458-h640/TF%20in%20grass%20e-.jpg" width="458" /></a></div><p>Of course, once the fledgling began to react, its parenst both reacted to my interference. They both hooted aggressively and swooped over me. That is a big commitment for frogmouths as they only fly in daylight under extreme circumstances of danger. Here dad sits above me, watching my every move as I carefully picked up his still-dependent offspring.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkSHxSV5b-NRZDk-IQvtO1L0rW5vDX1cb2JKHLgVHtPmV1nh0Snt_FU2PMfcytuMOzttKfvY10nyiS72jL-ph44pNLGaXX8Sba24SsnwH_t5Bm0I5wsQu_G0XRB6iyoQI_XHwPyk_wyY6LQqpcSXf8Kxi1Tu7DQ7QLSMFtLK9SyBQAM-e31ecGfm4iiQ/s2100/TF%20in%20grass%20f-125926.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2100" data-original-width="1500" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkSHxSV5b-NRZDk-IQvtO1L0rW5vDX1cb2JKHLgVHtPmV1nh0Snt_FU2PMfcytuMOzttKfvY10nyiS72jL-ph44pNLGaXX8Sba24SsnwH_t5Bm0I5wsQu_G0XRB6iyoQI_XHwPyk_wyY6LQqpcSXf8Kxi1Tu7DQ7QLSMFtLK9SyBQAM-e31ecGfm4iiQ/w458-h640/TF%20in%20grass%20f-125926.jpg" width="458" /></a></div><p>The fledgling looked bigger than it actually was. Most of its growth so far had been in bone and feather development. There were only weak muscles beneath all that fluff.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw8oOOWMTI1jCZtKf5VvjbXk3tySFasHhmdBRl1jo8pfpEY5qQoEFjtISJYnJNNX0LqCqdf_02JlxgUEboxwdeOUS1ns4oiQUWGcM2iOVUoHs28GgcxPIBRmSPSjiuiCwRmwdICUvG0tgKIA3d_Zt6aAKu3EaWjQ2Do8koDZbEjTBNmnsW-iFBJ7KvVg/s2100/TF%20in%20grass%20g-130058.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2100" data-original-width="1500" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw8oOOWMTI1jCZtKf5VvjbXk3tySFasHhmdBRl1jo8pfpEY5qQoEFjtISJYnJNNX0LqCqdf_02JlxgUEboxwdeOUS1ns4oiQUWGcM2iOVUoHs28GgcxPIBRmSPSjiuiCwRmwdICUvG0tgKIA3d_Zt6aAKu3EaWjQ2Do8koDZbEjTBNmnsW-iFBJ7KvVg/w458-h640/TF%20in%20grass%20g-130058.jpg" width="458" /></a></div><p>I popped the bird onto a dead branch in the shade below where the family were perched. This is the best thing to do if anyone finds a frogmouth chick on the ground. The adults will be close by watching. Just because we might not see any adults, that does not mean there are none there. These are frogmouths, masters of disguise and they can be very difficult to see when perched motionless in a tree, which is what they do most the day.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCbwSXGfozDFJexb_90mLik889bMzdjeLNOqMbxpzOsWFqr-HZXMEcJR-YJ0QumzauT27ZipdmoxZN8V6ao9ihJB9QYwZEcbKBDT80Wm3tg9crZaRII5UGTpeybHyznmTVzzrzAyzWJrhTqLa66TLZxW8G7k2S5-Jr1g9M8-ZWXY3hXYF0KeQS8dCv3A/s1499/TF%20in%20grass%20h-130152.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1071" data-original-width="1499" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCbwSXGfozDFJexb_90mLik889bMzdjeLNOqMbxpzOsWFqr-HZXMEcJR-YJ0QumzauT27ZipdmoxZN8V6ao9ihJB9QYwZEcbKBDT80Wm3tg9crZaRII5UGTpeybHyznmTVzzrzAyzWJrhTqLa66TLZxW8G7k2S5-Jr1g9M8-ZWXY3hXYF0KeQS8dCv3A/w640-h458/TF%20in%20grass%20h-130152.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>The fledgling soon settled on its new perch and as I walked away it faded deeper and deeper into the mix of branches. I reckon it would have been safe and a parent would soon fly down to perch next to it for the rest of the day to defend it.</p><p>But how many other fledglings have died this year in the wet and windy we have had.</p><p><br /></p>Stuart Raehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11384020095447521038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8558267998620116250.post-37968647741335851532022-11-22T16:02:00.020+11:002022-11-29T15:31:15.452+11:00<p><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Three Capes Track - Tasmania</span></b></p><p>A slideshow of photographs from a recent trip.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw3XIYVvCcBZmmWF0DBb9Js4ElTqJldAwbXQxpJJA7bngK7kDB0RrGuvNfnQCUOHqEu4JQwYe1C6qhZXYcQZpYBZEdeoCIeP7FUkvfh-ClolAayUSrOx9oodWL_vRFhjHM2xuIqDQWrNMxjIGp2vsiTJRlYCvbLPSHPTqhSHQ2l6s2e5Oz8lj9WPqOSw/s1500/TCW%20d-.jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw3XIYVvCcBZmmWF0DBb9Js4ElTqJldAwbXQxpJJA7bngK7kDB0RrGuvNfnQCUOHqEu4JQwYe1C6qhZXYcQZpYBZEdeoCIeP7FUkvfh-ClolAayUSrOx9oodWL_vRFhjHM2xuIqDQWrNMxjIGp2vsiTJRlYCvbLPSHPTqhSHQ2l6s2e5Oz8lj9WPqOSw/w640-h426/TCW%20d-.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p><i>The lighthouse on Tasman Island is picked out by sunshine. The rocky pillars on the right form the Blade, a spectacular highpoint above the sound. The island is mostly bare of tall vegetation since its forest was cleared for firewood by the lighthouse keepers and eaten by their stocks of sheep, goats, cattle and pigs. The light was first lit in 1906 and automated in 1977. Shrubs and small trees are slowly reclaiming the land, and the island's breeding populations of Short-tailed Shearwaters and Fairy Prions are recovering after near eradication by feral cats, which were descendants of the lighthouse keepers pets.</i></p><p>This walk was over four days and is on well-laid paths all the way. Day one was short, beginning in dry woodland on the west coast of the peninsula and ending with a view over to Cape Raoul. On day two the path followed the clifftops and then cut inland through heaths full of wild flowers. Day three was spent walking out to Cape Pillar and back to the lodge, taking in the views across the Tasman Passge to Tasman Island. The fourth day was a long one out to Fortesque Bay, through the wetter east coast forest with lush ferns and mosses. Before heading down to Fortesque Bay, a detour leads out to Cape Hauy. That path ends abruptly right above the gap seperating the Candlestick from the mainland. The Candlestick is a very dramatic pillar and would be stunning enough if alone. However, its glory is stolen by the much smaller, singular dolerite pillar of the Totem Pole standing right in the narrowest section of the gap. This pillar is a popular rock climb (65m) although as can be seen, access to its base and return from the summit are difficult and weather must rebuff many long-awaited attempts.</p><p>The whole walk is so photogenic that I took too many shots to show here. So, I have collated some of these to give a sense of the walk's atmosphere as it meanders around the peninsula. Every turn in the path revealed another view, flower, tree or cliff. The whole mix was refreshing and I don't have any favourites. Others who have been there too, or plan to go will have their own favourite experiences. </p><p>This slideshow follows the route as described and is merely an illustaration of what to expect. For details of the walk check the Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service website: https://www.threecapestrack.com.au/ </p><p>Watch out for the Tiger Snake, it's a black variety sunbathing in the grass.</p><p>Follow this link to follow my experience: </p><p><a href="https://youtu.be/Z6fLIdm9A68" target="_blank">Link to the slideshow</a><br /></p><p><br /></p>Stuart Raehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11384020095447521038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8558267998620116250.post-82129265339549833522022-11-03T16:33:00.004+11:002022-11-03T16:37:32.676+11:00<p><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Tawny Frogmouth chicks:</span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">vulnerable when fledging</span></b></p><p><b><span><br /></span></b></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhHQQG3iCu2gjQ-U8qtIUcwK_MxTcKZcWKeWJSdDCqzzqCvOnmyi4wIxrKmetcKfoR2zmdl_nVIhTC1VvwA80Q9US9eTnqGJqKQ6ht-1Pz0DWlqvWLnabdLhDHc6f7BwuEbsuF690Cibjays0boNoVPpD-akZSZDjHQvEpkDsgUoL8KGaAk6lmRdS_QEQ" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="855" data-original-width="1197" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhHQQG3iCu2gjQ-U8qtIUcwK_MxTcKZcWKeWJSdDCqzzqCvOnmyi4wIxrKmetcKfoR2zmdl_nVIhTC1VvwA80Q9US9eTnqGJqKQ6ht-1Pz0DWlqvWLnabdLhDHc6f7BwuEbsuF690Cibjays0boNoVPpD-akZSZDjHQvEpkDsgUoL8KGaAk6lmRdS_QEQ=w640-h458" width="640" /></a></p><p><br /></p><p>Tawny Frogmouth chicks are now fledging in Canberra, and unfortunately there have been some heavy and prolonged rainstorms at the same time. This has caused some chicks to be grounded when they fly between trees and if they stay there, they can be vulnerable to predators such as cats and foxes - both introduced pest species. Every year, people find such grounded fledgling frogmouths and are tempted to take them home to save them. After all, they are the most Instagrammable bird in the world, with their fluffiness, big forward facing eyes and apparent sad mouth-line. See the scientific paper below that describes the relevant study:</p><p>Thommes, K. & Havn-Leichsenring, G. (2021). What Instagram can teach us about bird photography and color preferences. <i>i-Perception</i>, 12: 20416695211003585.<br /></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgXrsofv-DCltN2PaE2-iAGb5uQjB6TvsSe3sQuVN3j6JuwjErkIe6cUc9FhPF4ScyCbS4juEv3aSqLx6VEORejGi7c11dNFeEP_oqEBiS1JgkBvfrBwqkWe2eA4O4zAIfnfIEYXVN_Yd7deKiGZZ1PoOD_Xf1LJu1O8D3WZFKOTOXhuSFrajKvgEzkyA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1499" data-original-width="1071" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgXrsofv-DCltN2PaE2-iAGb5uQjB6TvsSe3sQuVN3j6JuwjErkIe6cUc9FhPF4ScyCbS4juEv3aSqLx6VEORejGi7c11dNFeEP_oqEBiS1JgkBvfrBwqkWe2eA4O4zAIfnfIEYXVN_Yd7deKiGZZ1PoOD_Xf1LJu1O8D3WZFKOTOXhuSFrajKvgEzkyA=w457-h640" width="457" /></a></div><br />This chick was low to the ground, on a fallen branch, but its sibling had disappeared. It probably died during the heavy rain in the previous night after grounding in the tall grass and weeds that are growing all through the woods this year due to the rain. The birds cannot climb up out of tall wet grass and can quickly succumb to exposure. <div><br /><p></p><div><div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhwFf5ANlW9nLseq8UcbdUoUg0mNgwWjTxYtKmg8-HEBv5TUx13K7EFiagkZDq5RMq3QvhNOlNnusuFNGjeKGsX4JQwaxPptQw6jnJ1vFcTjZxbmMsGFLDV8CgplJDNFeVkZou80N7nBElQ2FaH5-wYRLgaV2yFO-izhSsProo17bft4ztLUqi1TJqcIw" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1032" data-original-width="1500" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhwFf5ANlW9nLseq8UcbdUoUg0mNgwWjTxYtKmg8-HEBv5TUx13K7EFiagkZDq5RMq3QvhNOlNnusuFNGjeKGsX4JQwaxPptQw6jnJ1vFcTjZxbmMsGFLDV8CgplJDNFeVkZou80N7nBElQ2FaH5-wYRLgaV2yFO-izhSsProo17bft4ztLUqi1TJqcIw=w640-h440" width="640" /></a></div><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><p>It is difficult for me to walk through the tall grass and weeds. It must be deadly for frogmouth fledglings. And I have seen this happen before.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjRsqHvVnv7fWhv8fUWPbbbyrfxW1SrrDpVrhjGzJkCF0G1GkShP3f5ZnmQnNBNt7SzgI_xGdlPEYCb0Td_BV_wH9NOltPrIWRNzHUXvRdUgqaFPh45fJLZCTBdZRegX3u03WHlLAhcVfsJPAQ-GIKsHyPbX4NDMJMph0dGfIhIZTbQHYnAGHNmkQ-VQQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1499" data-original-width="1071" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjRsqHvVnv7fWhv8fUWPbbbyrfxW1SrrDpVrhjGzJkCF0G1GkShP3f5ZnmQnNBNt7SzgI_xGdlPEYCb0Td_BV_wH9NOltPrIWRNzHUXvRdUgqaFPh45fJLZCTBdZRegX3u03WHlLAhcVfsJPAQ-GIKsHyPbX4NDMJMph0dGfIhIZTbQHYnAGHNmkQ-VQQ=w456-h640" width="456" /></a></div><br />Nevertheless, please do not pick these birds up and take them home. They are not pets. The best thing to do is place them on a nearby branch, up off the ground, as high as possible and walk away quietly, without drawing attention of any predatory birds that might be watching, such as ravens or currawongs. The chick's parents will be watching them, like the adult pair in the background of this picture.</div><div><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgLx0OEuSLYBN_cEp-AAFpqd6VdykrIR22wvoYn-EnnaYlZldZ2Hrk4KSp6fzBWf4vRVmObNgOrSwcp19nksaBgX4-gxeDo9Ya0zaQFODmLLwfYz_u0ZQTxNwBGmkidMR9zE85NqConTmNAvu4sfpKngx_-mW5xNBeQukkssYLMWER7DU-4wWVTOCBFpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1499" data-original-width="1071" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgLx0OEuSLYBN_cEp-AAFpqd6VdykrIR22wvoYn-EnnaYlZldZ2Hrk4KSp6fzBWf4vRVmObNgOrSwcp19nksaBgX4-gxeDo9Ya0zaQFODmLLwfYz_u0ZQTxNwBGmkidMR9zE85NqConTmNAvu4sfpKngx_-mW5xNBeQukkssYLMWER7DU-4wWVTOCBFpg=w457-h640" width="457" /></a></div><br />And the chicks have a very good threat display, if they are attacked. Although even that pose makes them very Instagrammable. <div><br /></div></div></div>Stuart Raehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11384020095447521038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8558267998620116250.post-77018724587345084412022-08-29T14:14:00.001+10:002022-08-29T19:00:36.074+10:00<p> <b><span style="font-size: x-large;">A New Spring</span></b></p><p>By our calendar it is still winter in Canberra, but the wildlife have considered it spring for a couple of weeks now and they are showing the signs.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo1SfS7TjTEj8a-stoEGmhiv-3Bevupg9rUk2WYp_Fn9MzKxPq5X7TeODsy0gbKXhwUkKJC_32jPhN4I-7mKpenh8LJt7TmTCZccMTpL6QAjIPvhLpcV4Q0DZgCcB1EChTiUdxk4q-Q6FxTlVk9-6Ywfe1eS8FLjuyOGLwRKQf7zBaQ7AC_XRYNpcSrA/s1500/Shingleback%20aug%202022-093622.jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="938" data-original-width="1500" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo1SfS7TjTEj8a-stoEGmhiv-3Bevupg9rUk2WYp_Fn9MzKxPq5X7TeODsy0gbKXhwUkKJC_32jPhN4I-7mKpenh8LJt7TmTCZccMTpL6QAjIPvhLpcV4Q0DZgCcB1EChTiUdxk4q-Q6FxTlVk9-6Ywfe1eS8FLjuyOGLwRKQf7zBaQ7AC_XRYNpcSrA/w640-h400/Shingleback%20aug%202022-093622.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p>This Shingleback was sunning itself in a wood the other day, the first of two I saw that day and the fourth so far this Spring. They all lay perfectly motionless with their bodies spread wide to absorb the sun's heat.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3KkqiRzhaHmoGXUlZI-YZgNrDIPv5yFi7KaHgWkfCX5zqGrQqAk-HS-JgrjpFHbMSW7O_pAvEDU026OJ5xYP0AqdNbNY1dTWVfwkdBAOdJ0XWWOWo7arlZtwJrLYCaz-RqPTyVDnsnctpzp9MYHRAfqD5Yoav5SFpAtUn8Pu2lEiOIGTc5-5w4ocD3g/s1500/Golden-headed%20Cisticola%20aug%202022-3441.jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3KkqiRzhaHmoGXUlZI-YZgNrDIPv5yFi7KaHgWkfCX5zqGrQqAk-HS-JgrjpFHbMSW7O_pAvEDU026OJ5xYP0AqdNbNY1dTWVfwkdBAOdJ0XWWOWo7arlZtwJrLYCaz-RqPTyVDnsnctpzp9MYHRAfqD5Yoav5SFpAtUn8Pu2lEiOIGTc5-5w4ocD3g/w640-h426/Golden-headed%20Cisticola%20aug%202022-3441.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p>This Golden-headed Cisticola popped up out of the grass as I passed through an ungrazed paddock overgrown with weeds. He gave a few alarm calls at my presence then dropped back down and disappeared into the grsss.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsBC2vPfvfAj5VOCoRno7-ScGgE0006Tq-OoE--xCXIHa6LlT4f59mZIDi995_nI7lzSjBOBFo-G4hF2fW85Xsmzi6ilIj3PI6Ic_tocJQ6PFYnR92qHi5bcHZZrEUTQBNf0X-J1XBrQOzR4BozpVYHiSlTZH8otQy2rPGuYwpVg1ov8FvZj0-O_ffjQ/s1500/TF%20on%20nest%20aug%202022-3399.jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsBC2vPfvfAj5VOCoRno7-ScGgE0006Tq-OoE--xCXIHa6LlT4f59mZIDi995_nI7lzSjBOBFo-G4hF2fW85Xsmzi6ilIj3PI6Ic_tocJQ6PFYnR92qHi5bcHZZrEUTQBNf0X-J1XBrQOzR4BozpVYHiSlTZH8otQy2rPGuYwpVg1ov8FvZj0-O_ffjQ/w640-h426/TF%20on%20nest%20aug%202022-3399.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p>And the first Tawny Frogmouths have laid their eggs. The males are now incubating all day, for the next four weeks, remaining still to avoid detection by predators, such as Brown Goshawks, a pair of which were displaying over this birds nest wood. </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIku34wx6zFBJasFg6BbtaAfNCjVcrdDTKYh2MPkvJu6_PEUdkYVU8OaiP8mqgv6PVOEeiS4gd7SYn9R5KvChNUuofovn332DUQIlRxjFKD_k-JApQI3IMKO7xE_KWvXPFaK914u1XJ0m0fzGFISkL6AxYaEBaa4N552zBNTgItlLmnZLMQcxP3xmj8A/s1500/TF%20f%20in%20roost%20aug%202022-3426.jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIku34wx6zFBJasFg6BbtaAfNCjVcrdDTKYh2MPkvJu6_PEUdkYVU8OaiP8mqgv6PVOEeiS4gd7SYn9R5KvChNUuofovn332DUQIlRxjFKD_k-JApQI3IMKO7xE_KWvXPFaK914u1XJ0m0fzGFISkL6AxYaEBaa4N552zBNTgItlLmnZLMQcxP3xmj8A/w640-h426/TF%20f%20in%20roost%20aug%202022-3426.jpg" width="640" /></a></p>The frogmouths share incubation during the night, but during the day, this bird's partner will remain similarly still in her nearby roost all day, watching for predators - and watching me as I pass by.<br /><p><br /></p>Stuart Raehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11384020095447521038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8558267998620116250.post-8931494258091056602022-03-16T18:07:00.005+11:002022-03-16T20:04:56.396+11:00<p><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"> Snake skin </span></b></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj6ZFZim71Ex-V44MPsTUVpNH2Xc5sbB9k9F0VvrsBGS8I1R_2ttk5Xzam_rkro_K5_rZs1wgdiG_wgTp0YQkTbIKardsSKtCCNh_e12ACHu5EuyovFP5RvyeE5cRxax7G8-XnL0X5HNtGfh-MsWXHCGlzuuvIFMCQvgOXXAQS2E36UY3u6rj0UnRs2AQ=s2000" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1250" data-original-width="2000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj6ZFZim71Ex-V44MPsTUVpNH2Xc5sbB9k9F0VvrsBGS8I1R_2ttk5Xzam_rkro_K5_rZs1wgdiG_wgTp0YQkTbIKardsSKtCCNh_e12ACHu5EuyovFP5RvyeE5cRxax7G8-XnL0X5HNtGfh-MsWXHCGlzuuvIFMCQvgOXXAQS2E36UY3u6rj0UnRs2AQ=w640-h400" width="640" /></a></p><p>I found this cast skin from an Eastern Brown Snake last week. It was lying in the grass in the old riverside graveyard in Queanbeyan. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjyd0yWCxmw06yiNHXmp3t8xu5ZuPB0hxOglz9SaS3V2NapmE43M6HeWIiwnfgfMCtWOS3zU1Ea7vV1_CWIwKYR_m0o6giZeJGqIw87BUQP-oNlLGtmk32IThhTDXbmd8vMErg25qxNISx2u6NJEUP17VxF6uJpn9FZb1qf-eslNtfybpo9y2zczvOC_Q=s1999" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1999" data-original-width="1333" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjyd0yWCxmw06yiNHXmp3t8xu5ZuPB0hxOglz9SaS3V2NapmE43M6HeWIiwnfgfMCtWOS3zU1Ea7vV1_CWIwKYR_m0o6giZeJGqIw87BUQP-oNlLGtmk32IThhTDXbmd8vMErg25qxNISx2u6NJEUP17VxF6uJpn9FZb1qf-eslNtfybpo9y2zczvOC_Q=w426-h640" width="426" /></a></div><p>I have never found a complete skin before and it was quite long with a sizeable girth. Snakes need to cast their skin to grow.</p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi7WM-lgJ1n47JFC5M_Z5H2B24wo0adBolIN5W8FHz_NyAlsXM_1WNboJG7FLl49X6T3jk6ePP9xnxfjGY86QEGlNoiMHRa4u48luXAjYotGojzNZTkjAB7a7Z-3TcveTtx2pbvEU_4bjNU9ycgUW2-JviB7OJoX9jGo5mHWS5bzYmjT0B_5rVDrzN5gg=s2000" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="2000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi7WM-lgJ1n47JFC5M_Z5H2B24wo0adBolIN5W8FHz_NyAlsXM_1WNboJG7FLl49X6T3jk6ePP9xnxfjGY86QEGlNoiMHRa4u48luXAjYotGojzNZTkjAB7a7Z-3TcveTtx2pbvEU_4bjNU9ycgUW2-JviB7OJoX9jGo5mHWS5bzYmjT0B_5rVDrzN5gg=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></p><p>Laid out, it measured 135 cm tip to tail.</p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiI_DG9pfDzAHVQ-tUb3-XPecLRo6jAkJN27UIOu2oBmjGBhpHQkycZJVpLhGSigliKS1mlG7hU8Ma77k1YgxycArdExumxwVP9FI9uWEtViA4GN_XbeW81YE-bayr66NsFHykxJYokrh4rl4KxPwg6Oz3bEj11QeiRj5w2dozGbrzGyYAZkOGcCi4vzw=s2000" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="2000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiI_DG9pfDzAHVQ-tUb3-XPecLRo6jAkJN27UIOu2oBmjGBhpHQkycZJVpLhGSigliKS1mlG7hU8Ma77k1YgxycArdExumxwVP9FI9uWEtViA4GN_XbeW81YE-bayr66NsFHykxJYokrh4rl4KxPwg6Oz3bEj11QeiRj5w2dozGbrzGyYAZkOGcCi4vzw=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></p><p>Although, the neck was concertinaed, so the actual length was probably more like 140 cm. </p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjUpJIE_yOOI4s_rN2RypbbHnsEor7y-O8vy2j4GTFuZEXeVjBQphhJaSWTweSKnmfSBad4ynGWR3GSwib2ApegC6DogKHPNS7EzPQViVyEc2AXUnMfUBKyXAa1MfRg4RJ0E_2DbUSIfyWkpRqp_7u_bzOZfEUswuJT7cUM8ZSbk003yNvwOHmvBmtTJw=s2000" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="2000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjUpJIE_yOOI4s_rN2RypbbHnsEor7y-O8vy2j4GTFuZEXeVjBQphhJaSWTweSKnmfSBad4ynGWR3GSwib2ApegC6DogKHPNS7EzPQViVyEc2AXUnMfUBKyXAa1MfRg4RJ0E_2DbUSIfyWkpRqp_7u_bzOZfEUswuJT7cUM8ZSbk003yNvwOHmvBmtTJw=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></p><p>The best feature of the skin was the preserved detail. The scale pattern on the back, belly, head and lips were complete. The pattern of the scales is unique to each species and the pattern on the head and lips can help identify them if ever in doubt of whether they are venomous or not. Handy when in close, very close, proximity. Best of all were the spectacles, the scales or brilles, that cover the eyes were still in situ, if a little popped open. Two transparent semi-spheres turned inside out.</p><p>I wonder how long that snake is now.</p>Stuart Raehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11384020095447521038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8558267998620116250.post-40895721442808548642022-03-16T18:06:00.001+11:002022-03-16T19:59:48.754+11:00<p><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"> Poor snake</span></b></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhPCmORrsjGAH-KeTgKGP5Ikuefunl-hB7eHHwIY7TjhbVaQdIwjIBzqWo2M-aU9xrDItIqzIIpmUXqlt-2ZWUObNw5e4V9VyR9kYK2RakFXVxmBdHY2yjanpu_ilMzanLMumqJ38xv8f6BdVv323o1ikw3d_pnljY_Ms_lzqSuoXkcL0FkERhD2rfliA=s2726" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1704" data-original-width="2726" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhPCmORrsjGAH-KeTgKGP5Ikuefunl-hB7eHHwIY7TjhbVaQdIwjIBzqWo2M-aU9xrDItIqzIIpmUXqlt-2ZWUObNw5e4V9VyR9kYK2RakFXVxmBdHY2yjanpu_ilMzanLMumqJ38xv8f6BdVv323o1ikw3d_pnljY_Ms_lzqSuoXkcL0FkERhD2rfliA=w640-h400" width="640" /></a></p>This Eastern Brown Snake had been run over by a car and its body was lying in an agonised twist. <div><div><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh7SYJNgC3kDWuRoPIiNYxt6KWIgItQmnpta6Appey9TlfhMERl3TygEHLNxELrJjeSCKxwSSBYEm7C_i3Fk4usqimc25jqzi1QvNIulFIcN7dv1weGHeDJkqkB5fOz0xpwrtmaK7LAqCwNIkHMQNWNNIC9gKb7YxHzgEEZbPqpjFdif7F7EtR6MMDNlw=s3077" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1923" data-original-width="3077" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh7SYJNgC3kDWuRoPIiNYxt6KWIgItQmnpta6Appey9TlfhMERl3TygEHLNxELrJjeSCKxwSSBYEm7C_i3Fk4usqimc25jqzi1QvNIulFIcN7dv1weGHeDJkqkB5fOz0xpwrtmaK7LAqCwNIkHMQNWNNIC9gKb7YxHzgEEZbPqpjFdif7F7EtR6MMDNlw=w640-h400" width="640" /></a></p><p>The snake had been killed a day or before and ants had began eating it.</p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiH4v138_Ezt6rWEp84lZ0Tzi8tqEiUPMad6sJmyZe4hlzRDxVHtrm8F77JWO7Cp43U0gjb0Zo2hA9sTBP5Xbm6RxCXRJb1YjvBIp-wZi85nPNc9japSgQpwRPFUtwM58ErFZVcOOc6RfFQRV7m_As2y3vp9QIWdzYSTdw5R0yOeXLhQVUcrn1nh9Tbdw=s2694" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1684" data-original-width="2694" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiH4v138_Ezt6rWEp84lZ0Tzi8tqEiUPMad6sJmyZe4hlzRDxVHtrm8F77JWO7Cp43U0gjb0Zo2hA9sTBP5Xbm6RxCXRJb1YjvBIp-wZi85nPNc9japSgQpwRPFUtwM58ErFZVcOOc6RfFQRV7m_As2y3vp9QIWdzYSTdw5R0yOeXLhQVUcrn1nh9Tbdw=w640-h400" width="640" /></a></p><p>The ants had exposed the bone structure of the snake's body. They were nibbling away at the skin and flesh from the belly round to the back and the long looping ribs were being stripped clean. </p><p>It was a good opportunity to see an example of the specialised skeletal structure that has evolved over millennia. However, one I would have preferred not to have seen. Please take care not to run over animals on the road, even snakes, they are fascinating animals.</p><p><br /></p></div></div>Stuart Raehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11384020095447521038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8558267998620116250.post-30567918830101720152021-12-24T17:42:00.003+11:002021-12-24T17:44:00.407+11:00<p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Last frogmouth chicks of the year </b></span></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhY1M5qkAPThDKrVEZMBz6xLp_SnEY75iZhLxanTBx7U8lhE_KDqLali3jQOz70W82nzCTG_CJce0rW5HTkHMzOO7N9ySyQDifRI4hJcx_fXupOQ3-LHlHlWoGyAQlPzxiGIoyl07ihkolifoseyj2tliVELJexDTJSjcWZj4i9kBn3kRrLHFZKUhCYkA=s2248" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2248" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhY1M5qkAPThDKrVEZMBz6xLp_SnEY75iZhLxanTBx7U8lhE_KDqLali3jQOz70W82nzCTG_CJce0rW5HTkHMzOO7N9ySyQDifRI4hJcx_fXupOQ3-LHlHlWoGyAQlPzxiGIoyl07ihkolifoseyj2tliVELJexDTJSjcWZj4i9kBn3kRrLHFZKUhCYkA=w640-h428" width="640" /></a></p><p>A very large Tawny Frogmouth chick lies in its nest next to its father. The nest was set on the end of a broken branch. The chick is almost fully feathered, enough to fly, and it left the nest that evening. This was the second last chick to fledge in the Canberra study area this year, that I know of. It is the adult male who guards the chicks during the day.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh3VUIQQg1PjaYYhN_weZCB9LlXq72RoKeiS9kxZy_c_T6rbv-LgPQDpY4KZaJrAYFg45QKkQPSgrqLTF67cqrE8iQSBm8oAgeg7JRb1T3Te7EU01uoSY3lNyBrjRjkBWL5YSwxqOc29BS1m9BxVHEM_DMA9dSUMuLpU91IdFUFsTxfoOvji5S1mIvRWQ=s1500" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1001" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh3VUIQQg1PjaYYhN_weZCB9LlXq72RoKeiS9kxZy_c_T6rbv-LgPQDpY4KZaJrAYFg45QKkQPSgrqLTF67cqrE8iQSBm8oAgeg7JRb1T3Te7EU01uoSY3lNyBrjRjkBWL5YSwxqOc29BS1m9BxVHEM_DMA9dSUMuLpU91IdFUFsTxfoOvji5S1mIvRWQ=w428-h640" width="428" /></a></div><p>The nest was set right above a popular walking and vehicle track on the edge of suburban Canberra.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj9Le0-aq0SoPKV7MAVOLt-CfFeyzJbqJGYKKWbxcALt3xAPe4J5ngPAfFEzv3tDIS6gT--03z9v3M6iOEC5xlvI4vjUqCR9JEJMm0oxcNGMWtHwMzaabV6-6daYya2C9po6QCep1HtCxe75HO7b1u4ASRQBBxLsAy6t4A5C6r7QIdsQOuMa2atDGOI4g=s1500" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1001" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj9Le0-aq0SoPKV7MAVOLt-CfFeyzJbqJGYKKWbxcALt3xAPe4J5ngPAfFEzv3tDIS6gT--03z9v3M6iOEC5xlvI4vjUqCR9JEJMm0oxcNGMWtHwMzaabV6-6daYya2C9po6QCep1HtCxe75HO7b1u4ASRQBBxLsAy6t4A5C6r7QIdsQOuMa2atDGOI4g=w428-h640" width="428" /></a></div><p>This was the last chick I know of to fledge in the area this year, last week, mid-December. This family also nested on the edge of suburbia, and frogmouths are not the only woodland wildlife to be found close to houses. This Bearded Dragon was basking on the trunk of a small tree, trying to warm up on a cloudy morning. The frogmouths are on a branch in the top left.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgnY6inQqtf8_0aGuHTKSVojgEHZhTPraOWwDb2EXmAznEJqLXgmPZ8V411R_xjGMomRCcoVnzW-hB3LatsSd0UQo6ROJIud-NjjC14XWp--xxtXEh4_Sh6hIotKzsccJRtKCfRFxJvSBPV1zrk66MatPqYeCh6S_ntidiAssG_LARdn1K3cI_BcoP2nw=s1500" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1001" data-original-width="1500" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgnY6inQqtf8_0aGuHTKSVojgEHZhTPraOWwDb2EXmAznEJqLXgmPZ8V411R_xjGMomRCcoVnzW-hB3LatsSd0UQo6ROJIud-NjjC14XWp--xxtXEh4_Sh6hIotKzsccJRtKCfRFxJvSBPV1zrk66MatPqYeCh6S_ntidiAssG_LARdn1K3cI_BcoP2nw=w640-h428" width="640" /></a></p><p>Their grey plumage is in the same soft tone as the grey dead branch they are perched on. Tricky to see in grey light.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhaF4MM-ICC6YEviNtz2UbxfKMoTEoLIzvze3YhKtTqv1mOz6sQWuU1N0LqzKLSzWLtTpK7878uGFa6J1He3fgeOFlvAdQ1rJaz0t1ONfBExbI4HCflFkf2yZT6M4YHw7vp3U6Zo2qeCB2_Nz9o-uea6yvKdoEc2qUkXE5ETQkJZGr_ia2KCzSWxxzMIA=s1500" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1001" data-original-width="1500" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhaF4MM-ICC6YEviNtz2UbxfKMoTEoLIzvze3YhKtTqv1mOz6sQWuU1N0LqzKLSzWLtTpK7878uGFa6J1He3fgeOFlvAdQ1rJaz0t1ONfBExbI4HCflFkf2yZT6M4YHw7vp3U6Zo2qeCB2_Nz9o-uea6yvKdoEc2qUkXE5ETQkJZGr_ia2KCzSWxxzMIA=w640-h428" width="640" /></a></p><p>One final shot of a frogmouth chick in 2021. Once they fledge they are still dependent on their parents for food as they are still only half-grown. The family will disperse through the woodland and the fledglings will leave their parents territory by the end of summer. </p><p><br /></p>Stuart Raehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11384020095447521038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8558267998620116250.post-3967196542241005962021-12-03T20:57:00.001+11:002021-12-03T21:53:30.880+11:00<p><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Snowy Mountains - details</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjjdOSForc9wdHq2DLbxFUN7pV0Bko8ftBW8AMHek-u2NzX9sfzvDj5xRLvXjCk-eh-P1BEatTk0yKIBBX01jPW5rJW5Z05rrOYTKRdbE5DeyAN20vDtmr1Rw0Brl8Ggiq_hTMcsGQBHdQgmeHTHgjtefH9n1zsq9CKZomSAaMeBFfashTHBs15BPx0dw=s1600" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjjdOSForc9wdHq2DLbxFUN7pV0Bko8ftBW8AMHek-u2NzX9sfzvDj5xRLvXjCk-eh-P1BEatTk0yKIBBX01jPW5rJW5Z05rrOYTKRdbE5DeyAN20vDtmr1Rw0Brl8Ggiq_hTMcsGQBHdQgmeHTHgjtefH9n1zsq9CKZomSAaMeBFfashTHBs15BPx0dw=w640-h428" width="640" /></a></div><p>Lichen and bark.</p><p>Lichens growing in the socket left where a limb once grew on a Snow Gum <i>Eucalyptus niphophila.</i></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhX6nEhuHn3A1qtaawhdaqNDC2MulnqNwgWM287Qb8bSRyVrUfjBikeitVQfXwXZGuAMugEq-2xxd3vYv5ueTErLLS-qxe5wCCvjBi8AX-hE8842ArT8EvfVv9xlDvosyG8OoxzKQH3R-E5uoPBIUZQUsE2rpunimriQ0dBsz6LGAb5s6LbwNCX58v48g=s1600" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhX6nEhuHn3A1qtaawhdaqNDC2MulnqNwgWM287Qb8bSRyVrUfjBikeitVQfXwXZGuAMugEq-2xxd3vYv5ueTErLLS-qxe5wCCvjBi8AX-hE8842ArT8EvfVv9xlDvosyG8OoxzKQH3R-E5uoPBIUZQUsE2rpunimriQ0dBsz6LGAb5s6LbwNCX58v48g=w640-h428" width="640" /></a></p><p>Longhorn tracks.</p><p>These branches of a snow Gum have been killed by borers, the larvae of a longicorn beetle <i>Phoracantha sp</i>. They burrow beneath the bark of the living stems, the tree dies, the bark peels away and the finger wide furrows of the larvae burrows are exposed. Meanwhile the larvae have emerged and flown off to infect another tree.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEir-GEpPQWi5VjZVC0IDje5oejBV25KF1_MCiNxKjNRRL4ddnroMBJsnV_6Gz824H3rLN69-v1PS_cHV_K5DBcXD5TQY5PsbCEWcGw3bRoNdp-Y9Ac_cPO8oF58zQuULSnVEYYEhT9KLhOQTU-twkz8b4ib5yw8Leb7dItsvHC4yeKrCnq8D4RX2p8C4g=s1600" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEir-GEpPQWi5VjZVC0IDje5oejBV25KF1_MCiNxKjNRRL4ddnroMBJsnV_6Gz824H3rLN69-v1PS_cHV_K5DBcXD5TQY5PsbCEWcGw3bRoNdp-Y9Ac_cPO8oF58zQuULSnVEYYEhT9KLhOQTU-twkz8b4ib5yw8Leb7dItsvHC4yeKrCnq8D4RX2p8C4g=w640-h428" width="640" /></a></p><p>A tangle of branches.</p><p>Lichens growing on the dead branches of Snow Gums killed by the big fire of 2003.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh7bXYcE4D10LcJZNKMP5lxSM97x69pJajb9BVdp8jL6PfkEn1pGYqncoCr8mixWm-vTAqfbv_rKPbLPCMOE-T466lPomCghdkXfHlVXdtGy_lDdx9lnrVX9YtIxUilL2jVDPZackIWpCsQcXWdWPh8Z6vR6yLC9KFc_hTUb3fA_BSBJy_RriPsO2Fuvw=s1600" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh7bXYcE4D10LcJZNKMP5lxSM97x69pJajb9BVdp8jL6PfkEn1pGYqncoCr8mixWm-vTAqfbv_rKPbLPCMOE-T466lPomCghdkXfHlVXdtGy_lDdx9lnrVX9YtIxUilL2jVDPZackIWpCsQcXWdWPh8Z6vR6yLC9KFc_hTUb3fA_BSBJy_RriPsO2Fuvw=w640-h428" width="640" /></a></p><p>A tangle of leaves. </p><p>High on an alpine slope, looking through a low mat of Herbfield Celmisia <i>Celmisia costiniana</i>. The shine is created by the multitude of tiny hairs on the leaves, which help protect the plants from frost. </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgFYu-7QT9iYpN4Ld2R2xKzJTH7Zc-B56XJbQUZd5J7SHKoszOertLRIPEVhryQZtx12aZiz5Rwfrlve9cvsFZoGctjo7NG3S1gKX3wXNa3eKSkuWAcH_x2lfZPmWD7ByzJdVzld5Ro3npS6b1GmFdS0JkEKz7Fy-9SfwCYgmyDRzOtvcXgnGYjWMXOeQ=s1600" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgFYu-7QT9iYpN4Ld2R2xKzJTH7Zc-B56XJbQUZd5J7SHKoszOertLRIPEVhryQZtx12aZiz5Rwfrlve9cvsFZoGctjo7NG3S1gKX3wXNa3eKSkuWAcH_x2lfZPmWD7ByzJdVzld5Ro3npS6b1GmFdS0JkEKz7Fy-9SfwCYgmyDRzOtvcXgnGYjWMXOeQ=w640-h428" width="640" /></a></p><p>Stars in an alpine stream. </p><p>Alpine Marsh Marigold <i>Caltha introloba </i>grows in wet flushes below snow patches. It likes to have its feet wet and doesn't have much of a hold in the gravel beds.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjoEBakNt_E0DZUPhFigQMCrXK_3EXC35QCYOYuZJXPv80NqjlPkQAQa7MUMi8Xk3YK1gNyfK5FTlT--M8ZNbQdZ9lB4zLzvpsigOURDupJ7Y7NYgT33gutb90LuGaMzqMJ_2fPFquqKuhg9f40CZF0Q2Q2Wn36uV5D1jxzuMPlUugC8pQjdkJ7iiZiNQ=s1600" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjoEBakNt_E0DZUPhFigQMCrXK_3EXC35QCYOYuZJXPv80NqjlPkQAQa7MUMi8Xk3YK1gNyfK5FTlT--M8ZNbQdZ9lB4zLzvpsigOURDupJ7Y7NYgT33gutb90LuGaMzqMJ_2fPFquqKuhg9f40CZF0Q2Q2Wn36uV5D1jxzuMPlUugC8pQjdkJ7iiZiNQ=w640-h428" width="640" /></a></p><p>Everlasting awakening.</p><p>A cushion of an alpine everlasting, Alpine Sunray <i>Leucochrysum albicans</i>. In a few weeks there will be tall stems with daisy-like heads sprouting from this tight mass of silvery woolly leaves. This is the form that the plant adopted to survive under the winter snows.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEitgbSYsv94dZRH_vsIAKA3gPJ1ns9hHcGg3xdl5UhFP8CNUldHJiwdr9dMvl8UAuyPJ3-LAhOyymI7HByL1KVhpJ9mS4zmU1tsg6GRy3Bs2eAB0Nq_1mOuqV19z8LdEgDMZX2Kj3ANpG8RFjAMa5k6xJ1Yyeq7JrOJFDRmVSnnD3L25z-x1c6WOC2_oA=s1600" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEitgbSYsv94dZRH_vsIAKA3gPJ1ns9hHcGg3xdl5UhFP8CNUldHJiwdr9dMvl8UAuyPJ3-LAhOyymI7HByL1KVhpJ9mS4zmU1tsg6GRy3Bs2eAB0Nq_1mOuqV19z8LdEgDMZX2Kj3ANpG8RFjAMa5k6xJ1Yyeq7JrOJFDRmVSnnD3L25z-x1c6WOC2_oA=w640-h428" width="640" /></a></p><p>Xanthoria orange.</p><p>A tell-tale streak of <i>Xanthoria sp</i>. lichen growing on granite tor high on the summit ridge of the mountains. These lichens only grow where there is localised nitrogen enrichment. In this instance, there was a streak of it below a slanting crack in the rock, only a flat hand wide. The presence of the lichen hints that nitrogen was dropping out of the crack - probably very small amounts over many many years. That could have been from moth droppings, from aestivating Bogong moths <i>Agrostis infusa</i>.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjX0-AWJxGsMuDUJvunr6Zgf6fQNIPLypmNsFMj_Xds8ZwtoleaX1mq7zHFV1uTUJek9AcQ6T1LO6J-Vp9agTlaWY6GWtgBwwKzY_m55uThUiRTU5J3ueBF_HhFrPOE-8_vXiJvvmzzdmfdiz5-ljk0jbvMqLekgb_S3mweKLU-0EoF2IZzzl7_0yItbA=s1600" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjX0-AWJxGsMuDUJvunr6Zgf6fQNIPLypmNsFMj_Xds8ZwtoleaX1mq7zHFV1uTUJek9AcQ6T1LO6J-Vp9agTlaWY6GWtgBwwKzY_m55uThUiRTU5J3ueBF_HhFrPOE-8_vXiJvvmzzdmfdiz5-ljk0jbvMqLekgb_S3mweKLU-0EoF2IZzzl7_0yItbA=w640-h428" width="640" /></a></p><p>Water lines.</p><p>Meltwater forms runnels on the surface of the old snow patches, then drips from the lip and into a stream below.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi7QaaV7plaWVR9aEseq78QTmdGZKAP2JToB4Efw4l0wOYk65GeNXyGizsm2RHYDwCUFIA7bPfmL1aXfVvXvgz6FTvWAfakNkFsQOFiabCViTb0SEY-ZQ6MxNwrYgnzNTIRDi9_84fXN24lJDHZD1pHYMJtah5tk9qHr17CphPKK6_6iKGbv1MbMmxdJg=s1600" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi7QaaV7plaWVR9aEseq78QTmdGZKAP2JToB4Efw4l0wOYk65GeNXyGizsm2RHYDwCUFIA7bPfmL1aXfVvXvgz6FTvWAfakNkFsQOFiabCViTb0SEY-ZQ6MxNwrYgnzNTIRDi9_84fXN24lJDHZD1pHYMJtah5tk9qHr17CphPKK6_6iKGbv1MbMmxdJg=w640-h428" width="640" /></a></p><p>Old snow. </p><p>Cracks opening up on a long-lying snow bed.</p>Stuart Raehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11384020095447521038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8558267998620116250.post-16210388699756309882021-12-02T21:15:00.000+11:002021-12-02T21:15:16.534+11:00<p> <b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Snowy Mountains - day three </span></b></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEigRVBa4737g0fOY_KsnTcAr3NrG-BcO58R3oQg0p4WjgQbA0KvQdliKEX1agmEpx9RpsZjrWXpCRAgBEXAHHj1QFRc-Ma0yQfU0ruSi_tR5GJ_0NTFw62UbdF8kbfizTKinYxt-AkV6EjXmVEee8mU3MDDoup_JevHAMVAEWqSwwZBAfEIKlNeHvj8Nw=s1600" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEigRVBa4737g0fOY_KsnTcAr3NrG-BcO58R3oQg0p4WjgQbA0KvQdliKEX1agmEpx9RpsZjrWXpCRAgBEXAHHj1QFRc-Ma0yQfU0ruSi_tR5GJ_0NTFw62UbdF8kbfizTKinYxt-AkV6EjXmVEee8mU3MDDoup_JevHAMVAEWqSwwZBAfEIKlNeHvj8Nw=w640-h428" width="640" /></a></p><div>Mt Kosciuszko looks best when the spring snowlie emphasises its form with big deep cornices.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEije1cIGpjou1hqHg-OdaT9vSYQlEzxKWrcHiTSJ7fP3eWNQqyIfzcp9RAYQGb4CnAPZVsWgbysUrf_M9pym3Kck8-vqWAzhgMyLEUt50m5vqf7HPm3cXOCzzb1N3xli_tX6jeUVCothwrInO6Xzh9soiYeyaIzhWmAwbGAwKTzJHiJqFuvK3da2G9wyQ=s1600" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEije1cIGpjou1hqHg-OdaT9vSYQlEzxKWrcHiTSJ7fP3eWNQqyIfzcp9RAYQGb4CnAPZVsWgbysUrf_M9pym3Kck8-vqWAzhgMyLEUt50m5vqf7HPm3cXOCzzb1N3xli_tX6jeUVCothwrInO6Xzh9soiYeyaIzhWmAwbGAwKTzJHiJqFuvK3da2G9wyQ=w640-h428" width="640" /></a></div><p>Or when seen from the distance of a neighbouring hill. This is such a good time to see the hills with the spring flower growth emerging as the snow shinks away.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjbycxO0v-Zc0IZ01BY3EMf-EGlynJ-wJoYbMNf6bRUg1XxbJ-zzwf-YsyfjzhH1DC6_g9oQ5fYwJogSYUmMwDTk14ML6PeE4V5Kmx61T2KckAle1R3r4pqPwPOBFQkpN0GjocKxAlfxVFK_8XqGTKxJGeBtAyyuHmHVorqRPjeHxWZZYkXB2kpOUTdEA=s1600" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjbycxO0v-Zc0IZ01BY3EMf-EGlynJ-wJoYbMNf6bRUg1XxbJ-zzwf-YsyfjzhH1DC6_g9oQ5fYwJogSYUmMwDTk14ML6PeE4V5Kmx61T2KckAle1R3r4pqPwPOBFQkpN0GjocKxAlfxVFK_8XqGTKxJGeBtAyyuHmHVorqRPjeHxWZZYkXB2kpOUTdEA=w640-h428" width="640" /></a></p><p>It was good to walk freely over the mounatins, treading delicately across the gravel in a mountain stream. Aware not to even leave footprints. And pick up other peoples' litter.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhr9wFfcC2Gw6L9vM-IVwjmDhc3ZROr67IHKPqqNdCd0A39QywuulB75__LuPSR5hJlOFhdfPlvffByR9e7-4L2j3NuLX7oohwkLJ1YKD2868rWvrTaQs6sVLt22onsYwQFhJNytq4jcNmLQPWuOMcEgUKqctRSltYCqoTvh4M0lxODow7P3HcHEWG5Zg=s1600" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhr9wFfcC2Gw6L9vM-IVwjmDhc3ZROr67IHKPqqNdCd0A39QywuulB75__LuPSR5hJlOFhdfPlvffByR9e7-4L2j3NuLX7oohwkLJ1YKD2868rWvrTaQs6sVLt22onsYwQFhJNytq4jcNmLQPWuOMcEgUKqctRSltYCqoTvh4M0lxODow7P3HcHEWG5Zg=w640-h428" width="640" /></a></p><p>Alpine flora are delicate and need our protetction. The first flowers were coming out, not long after the snow had melted. It is such a short growing season up there.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhOzh82WsEXQZYG_XmJViFJlJhzThdgjfB4qLGDEzGfRoezEhfRbipLogZgGLu6x-mbu1lcnHVgYEArIdTKORIF1ZQ0rM0_ZXf7tIF9WUWT2xLY2lTRi0inRWcr0iX_K2O5Zgwfp5jho8TnvOmM_hGkIaw-PiJJUBhnLXm5caIN_ur6nbRKiTJ3lX8LjQ=s1600" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhOzh82WsEXQZYG_XmJViFJlJhzThdgjfB4qLGDEzGfRoezEhfRbipLogZgGLu6x-mbu1lcnHVgYEArIdTKORIF1ZQ0rM0_ZXf7tIF9WUWT2xLY2lTRi0inRWcr0iX_K2O5Zgwfp5jho8TnvOmM_hGkIaw-PiJJUBhnLXm5caIN_ur6nbRKiTJ3lX8LjQ=w640-h428" width="640" /></a></p><p>Buds were swelling on the heaths, like this plant spreading over a boulder to hug the sun's warmth trapped by the rock.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhk1IqfQiOe0TXasQOVjQTZW_oIFXZbOw7USWnfq6H7Vp4rGu6V434Hvqm6-FBJzmMgh5zxl6kpJnhuI1hHr-afjte2jQMEGjBGGnobz7Xqb7uqfATzOp6KSnzOpjS0XLGQL7p9-7d6VGRoJO_Yw5pYQnX6Bnc0MfEczHCVjoRHz2B3_u7ewC-dfp_eTQ=s1600" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhk1IqfQiOe0TXasQOVjQTZW_oIFXZbOw7USWnfq6H7Vp4rGu6V434Hvqm6-FBJzmMgh5zxl6kpJnhuI1hHr-afjte2jQMEGjBGGnobz7Xqb7uqfATzOp6KSnzOpjS0XLGQL7p9-7d6VGRoJO_Yw5pYQnX6Bnc0MfEczHCVjoRHz2B3_u7ewC-dfp_eTQ=w640-h428" width="640" /></a></p><p>Lots of snow-melt had formed a moat around this castellated tor.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg1e9QBaeKScEDoeGrdUzDZH9MGVGlZMwolaSTyDXR_u3eBIBDGlHQlVmZKwdA8sgk3QmqPAT12NWwZoxWtPduVTvAHKaJvOWHbKJ3RpBALoYTp5lI8ejeyRywlRbV149jpRgmMzvJAsRjFVTaEygeVCnvl5NESte7J2KX-hZG7nps-_QeAypIy6Zzw6A=s1600" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg1e9QBaeKScEDoeGrdUzDZH9MGVGlZMwolaSTyDXR_u3eBIBDGlHQlVmZKwdA8sgk3QmqPAT12NWwZoxWtPduVTvAHKaJvOWHbKJ3RpBALoYTp5lI8ejeyRywlRbV149jpRgmMzvJAsRjFVTaEygeVCnvl5NESte7J2KX-hZG7nps-_QeAypIy6Zzw6A=w640-h428" width="640" /></a></p><p>A fallen spire, split by its own force. But when did it fall? Probably in the last ice-age when these tors were formed. 10-12,000 years ago. </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg6b0XvEjBxP7-P2xPPY3oeTVCrNy1kOYUzDVhyoFqWu9Ohcpt5aQsgomsxnSmiNSbK3-9xluT2ev8EhAejFTv7gfsYToVyjR6zUcipjIVLTZUfi09gFYukgmX92Z8b0Y0Ftqx_lk_pF4uJENsYS_mZRmXWsiuJ_iyUudvpAP0dLmY0c1rAjw8OzxDXpQ=s1600" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg6b0XvEjBxP7-P2xPPY3oeTVCrNy1kOYUzDVhyoFqWu9Ohcpt5aQsgomsxnSmiNSbK3-9xluT2ev8EhAejFTv7gfsYToVyjR6zUcipjIVLTZUfi09gFYukgmX92Z8b0Y0Ftqx_lk_pF4uJENsYS_mZRmXWsiuJ_iyUudvpAP0dLmY0c1rAjw8OzxDXpQ=w640-h428" width="640" /></a></p><p>A more recent annual fall of snow was now rapidly melting. </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjj1xHq472KKDm0hIeZk5gz7MWqwCyb5x5C6KQJGDuh-7uiuX1-piVNA4TD613XpSbYN3bZ07OEFCSB2Ih_ptn5l3lRBVVdg1bz7_oyzD976WcuQ-nmvRKVt094c6mTJIr86AHtuW6jgMXHYSoje4xLhaWlyQ6-NGgQgeYxCjsC5ALwCCQGp5uiwCu5Kw=s1600" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjj1xHq472KKDm0hIeZk5gz7MWqwCyb5x5C6KQJGDuh-7uiuX1-piVNA4TD613XpSbYN3bZ07OEFCSB2Ih_ptn5l3lRBVVdg1bz7_oyzD976WcuQ-nmvRKVt094c6mTJIr86AHtuW6jgMXHYSoje4xLhaWlyQ6-NGgQgeYxCjsC5ALwCCQGp5uiwCu5Kw=w640-h428" width="640" /></a></p><p>The melt-water running down under the snow-patches and out of tunnels at their lower edge.</p><p>Water released by those snows with give so much life all the way down the Snowy River and beyond.</p><p>The snows are a precious resource.</p>Stuart Raehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11384020095447521038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8558267998620116250.post-32093388325369124082021-12-01T21:27:00.000+11:002021-12-01T21:27:07.295+11:00<p> <b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Snowy Mountains - Blue Lake walk</span></b></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhmdk8FFydGN9oRVdpxGtUQwKnOVWGFuY_cyPvGR72iKxi5kSX0eDeAPYXy7qLiOaDGHFM9A703HhgtyemH_uPf-CplrG0qYMAjO9jXJ_5rMx1tSgVQNbuR87U6cOD3nEmlRGQ_gaVhqs6Fn1w-s0b-TZT4WAfeRysayNGSx8WgADCfzQWfBfxgJuqtVg=s1600" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhmdk8FFydGN9oRVdpxGtUQwKnOVWGFuY_cyPvGR72iKxi5kSX0eDeAPYXy7qLiOaDGHFM9A703HhgtyemH_uPf-CplrG0qYMAjO9jXJ_5rMx1tSgVQNbuR87U6cOD3nEmlRGQ_gaVhqs6Fn1w-s0b-TZT4WAfeRysayNGSx8WgADCfzQWfBfxgJuqtVg=w640-h428" width="640" /></a></p><p>Day two in the Snowy Mountains. A walk to Blue Lake, high up on the main ridge.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiKEyjp4SB59zOek7eGxP6SJuD5Rvm2dOESUGswHnJVtnSx4WFku6cIXd6alZw4JNeqXck5aRHakUffHXgrIkmYvgg1ksajcsMSVYqPUkquRrS0DrNCf5xQIewVX-PV7UD_banjeTK0uNa1AJ7Qf6AvRitK1FNrnJAmS1BPRWiItMDJa8gAUoyGmEgD0g=s1600" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiKEyjp4SB59zOek7eGxP6SJuD5Rvm2dOESUGswHnJVtnSx4WFku6cIXd6alZw4JNeqXck5aRHakUffHXgrIkmYvgg1ksajcsMSVYqPUkquRrS0DrNCf5xQIewVX-PV7UD_banjeTK0uNa1AJ7Qf6AvRitK1FNrnJAmS1BPRWiItMDJa8gAUoyGmEgD0g=w640-h428" width="640" /></a></p><p>There is a double river crossing at the beginning of the walk. OK when the water was low in the morning. A matter of balancing on wet stepping stones. At this time of year, when the snow is still melting, the water is always a bit high. By afternoons, as more snow melts during the day, the water rises.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhQY1FvYgd_Fb6z2SvoqPsVX6vlppQJ97mD9KoEJnt-4ArATQPIDRcv5I0GCMW54Otm-_D439dtdVM6-HaUqE6D87DFNNXa-ZOSAiAULAMAqZytIjfWLA4OHV6Gr1a9IPRIq1t-wDHDvBBqdryaxlKZHm34i25jaVL8dkS39zdZznPKWNwaQ4bGvQOJEA=s1600" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhQY1FvYgd_Fb6z2SvoqPsVX6vlppQJ97mD9KoEJnt-4ArATQPIDRcv5I0GCMW54Otm-_D439dtdVM6-HaUqE6D87DFNNXa-ZOSAiAULAMAqZytIjfWLA4OHV6Gr1a9IPRIq1t-wDHDvBBqdryaxlKZHm34i25jaVL8dkS39zdZznPKWNwaQ4bGvQOJEA=w640-h428" width="640" /></a></p><p>The earliest alpine flowers were beginning to open, adding tiny flecks of colour to the winter-browned vegetation recently exposed by the melting snow.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiB1x1LWRw8sz2G4FXyuyQEmsk2dj1myKLfMBRQYqwq074Y7RZP1vqD9NDctmZ4HDuTqXN9qxor-10GhbI9bR3ADagA5fvc0mJWY_qEvnxLqDiIgQt7p1q5v842VSCnos82J_LoRzwlQEk5s8UnHRQwG8ekYb412Sgw3i7GQb-5XdPu2wW59dRvTCxoaQ=s1600" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiB1x1LWRw8sz2G4FXyuyQEmsk2dj1myKLfMBRQYqwq074Y7RZP1vqD9NDctmZ4HDuTqXN9qxor-10GhbI9bR3ADagA5fvc0mJWY_qEvnxLqDiIgQt7p1q5v842VSCnos82J_LoRzwlQEk5s8UnHRQwG8ekYb412Sgw3i7GQb-5XdPu2wW59dRvTCxoaQ=w640-h428" width="640" /></a></p><p>Blue Lake never disappoints. It lies in a deep glacial hollow below the summit ridge and the snow lies late on the crags. The morning sky was still mostly blue and the water reflected it clearly.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhKb_OiMPCLCNmiKWpnrKyhQCyGgkFbhSpmzi_fnVF-WR4XF23Qrtoy7I3pwZm5rBBcnDWNAqbd0AAYttfLA-3GlMSn66zY0-a0tJYuf4fW72IAQtby5GLsUxHhOf2kCeNMUHleUCoAHTTSGqdN8z6TAgJl2eJgUIYLJINNyu0QnBB2lJEagEmEFhwxmw=s1600" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhKb_OiMPCLCNmiKWpnrKyhQCyGgkFbhSpmzi_fnVF-WR4XF23Qrtoy7I3pwZm5rBBcnDWNAqbd0AAYttfLA-3GlMSn66zY0-a0tJYuf4fW72IAQtby5GLsUxHhOf2kCeNMUHleUCoAHTTSGqdN8z6TAgJl2eJgUIYLJINNyu0QnBB2lJEagEmEFhwxmw=w640-h428" width="640" /></a></p><p>Although soon, the clouds built up, a warning of changing conditions.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjJ-5uPPm1b69dq27kTSVXmMAOJDtu7jfYEUM5c8ymxYbytTMZ58XFAPhOqw3CKNXv6-N8bjDIjSDomqSMmASP1WoxA9wHSKtIj2SdmIxZimLy5sjUZ2VHhsZqBKgjoZNjKDscCzzDDdQRcVAqYEXUKYRoiV5WpQirCdhEN9OOqSTTnRIe_Qz3WQU0TWg=s1600" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjJ-5uPPm1b69dq27kTSVXmMAOJDtu7jfYEUM5c8ymxYbytTMZ58XFAPhOqw3CKNXv6-N8bjDIjSDomqSMmASP1WoxA9wHSKtIj2SdmIxZimLy5sjUZ2VHhsZqBKgjoZNjKDscCzzDDdQRcVAqYEXUKYRoiV5WpQirCdhEN9OOqSTTnRIe_Qz3WQU0TWg=w640-h428" width="640" /></a></p><p>And over behind the rdige, more clouds were forming, big heavy dark ones.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiFIGWurGagpHPJKCHHsR4xjqJsp5IbeWRJO90UdXgm0DPWc8VKma0LbKM2J5F14AZ__4ChsqAEoIfb1dI5nRSXm_RPTYDE385vww3TowNnGKAV6VpSycY5Fmz3KW1SLiQ_BLiA0rvJuULldg0-BuL8UTvQNkNXMQiqthCjkm0t91jue98qu7TPPOviHQ=s1600" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiFIGWurGagpHPJKCHHsR4xjqJsp5IbeWRJO90UdXgm0DPWc8VKma0LbKM2J5F14AZ__4ChsqAEoIfb1dI5nRSXm_RPTYDE385vww3TowNnGKAV6VpSycY5Fmz3KW1SLiQ_BLiA0rvJuULldg0-BuL8UTvQNkNXMQiqthCjkm0t91jue98qu7TPPOviHQ=w640-h428" width="640" /></a></p><p>Within minutes, Mt Kosciuszko, the highest peak in Australia, was being drenched by a thunderstorm. So a quick dash back along the track to the rivers before the rainwater added depth to the crossing. </p><p>A well timed trip. </p>Stuart Raehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11384020095447521038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8558267998620116250.post-67932637459918533642021-11-30T21:48:00.004+11:002021-12-03T07:04:32.412+11:00<p> <b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Mountain Heaths </span></b></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBZ9YZaHlZ4k4oV2OGsTouG-j0hkMhIOw7bUW9QdMIntPCC5Y7tlmZw57yzwTW_djdk94FF_y82a4Sh6XEfTASKdadgzfmuKJQ9JwfaZtqh3pRHXxtT-bvVNvqk3H5ekqZ9wmGnV-y5S_I/s1600/DSC_5679+a.JPG" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBZ9YZaHlZ4k4oV2OGsTouG-j0hkMhIOw7bUW9QdMIntPCC5Y7tlmZw57yzwTW_djdk94FF_y82a4Sh6XEfTASKdadgzfmuKJQ9JwfaZtqh3pRHXxtT-bvVNvqk3H5ekqZ9wmGnV-y5S_I/w640-h428/DSC_5679+a.JPG" width="640" /></a></p><div>Here are a selection of shots from a walk in the Snowy Mountains. These were taken on a walk along the Rainbow Lake path and I have not identified the heath species . I have simply tried to capture the tapestry effect of their flower heads. The heaths are now luxurient in their long regeneration after the 2003 fire that burnt through the area. Although some of the Snow Gum trees were killed, many have sprung new growth, mixing green leaves through the white bones of the burnt stems.</div><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ9u1nu-V_NvJ_aRXTY0ESAzd5HM_x0PPFykRSDzEjE5DbpvGJKB83ehs5HHrEE2uUQxpXl5M-ABPT8bvBcaedXfbESXbZIgk5J-xIlsme8LPsircJeEeLgiUJlmWIhrRP0abPtG8rIDPU/s1600/DSC_5722+a.JPG" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ9u1nu-V_NvJ_aRXTY0ESAzd5HM_x0PPFykRSDzEjE5DbpvGJKB83ehs5HHrEE2uUQxpXl5M-ABPT8bvBcaedXfbESXbZIgk5J-xIlsme8LPsircJeEeLgiUJlmWIhrRP0abPtG8rIDPU/w640-h428/DSC_5722+a.JPG" width="640" /></a></p><p>Waist high heaths flank the path.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFsRbDWrE1iPPBVEzbH4WEROsoO_wmThxrgs5L4tyfek78cIIKwaCOFl3YEPbBDqRsaIAgHyI_IKE3XhkvSCfRYlo6Zz_fJy7PDo9ayvJBEQgJZszqI-UalUlWMyQm__hV4S3uqQR31wXP/s1600/DSC_5669+a.JPG" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFsRbDWrE1iPPBVEzbH4WEROsoO_wmThxrgs5L4tyfek78cIIKwaCOFl3YEPbBDqRsaIAgHyI_IKE3XhkvSCfRYlo6Zz_fJy7PDo9ayvJBEQgJZszqI-UalUlWMyQm__hV4S3uqQR31wXP/w640-h428/DSC_5669+a.JPG" width="640" /></a></p><div>The heaths dominate the clearings in the woodland.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlyPXjWzNozpwnAWfEWSl9-my8cH3ELXphnDgMugFTUNDiMaUl_TMPm0HxxyYTObTnwa8Y_k2sCRVpcJIcRjW0_hFrxL287Rx1HZytw6RXY5ai3SwO0W8K2_7OMyr6Le37aOGR7WKkiSJr/s1600/DSC_5734+a.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlyPXjWzNozpwnAWfEWSl9-my8cH3ELXphnDgMugFTUNDiMaUl_TMPm0HxxyYTObTnwa8Y_k2sCRVpcJIcRjW0_hFrxL287Rx1HZytw6RXY5ai3SwO0W8K2_7OMyr6Le37aOGR7WKkiSJr/w640-h428/DSC_5734+a.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Tapestry.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIyh4YPm8wEPHA5F3iTn1vyPFTQqmTIVDFs_Sc79Pl75SWRjROhUFmQEWdpMa8keSP3VK1vaYWzoEo28JiUaGCBPbRxZtycATArNVnagqlKmiHwEVsk6NNoEXFo1cLBLLX3ikbcekb-Vi5/s1600/DSC_5746+a.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIyh4YPm8wEPHA5F3iTn1vyPFTQqmTIVDFs_Sc79Pl75SWRjROhUFmQEWdpMa8keSP3VK1vaYWzoEo28JiUaGCBPbRxZtycATArNVnagqlKmiHwEVsk6NNoEXFo1cLBLLX3ikbcekb-Vi5/w640-h428/DSC_5746+a.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A mix of tree and heath. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2h08WZyXAsRnNH7JemyTbaMIdf3EOA0PBoBJSJDEdPAvZ6P9HitVI_jeMj9fcskBUWOge_djDIE3D0UNJeFhQE9EU-F1Z4gMa9c4aKheKx1T6cgVbJ6xdGvUyVJcQiz7GMxeC9XHSBeao/s1600/DSC_5752+a.JPG" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2h08WZyXAsRnNH7JemyTbaMIdf3EOA0PBoBJSJDEdPAvZ6P9HitVI_jeMj9fcskBUWOge_djDIE3D0UNJeFhQE9EU-F1Z4gMa9c4aKheKx1T6cgVbJ6xdGvUyVJcQiz7GMxeC9XHSBeao/w640-h428/DSC_5752+a.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The scent from the flowers was powerful in the warm humid air. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh3BwRom3UNH6UBTmIojnmOno7-NYG3WQ42u4eLzvbG_KCKYkh7DbL39H50tZwozLw3eE6KwujsaRuwLErbMP2aUONuOYp4uRWM35dQafnTU2nnwP9PFvrWVW9UvKtw-zCiru01g-UOo1H/s1600/DSC_5788+a.JPG" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh3BwRom3UNH6UBTmIojnmOno7-NYG3WQ42u4eLzvbG_KCKYkh7DbL39H50tZwozLw3eE6KwujsaRuwLErbMP2aUONuOYp4uRWM35dQafnTU2nnwP9PFvrWVW9UvKtw-zCiru01g-UOo1H/w640-h428/DSC_5788+a.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Charming to look over, challenging to walk through. </div><div><br /></div><div>Keep to the path.<br /><div><br /><div><br /></div></div></div>Stuart Raehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11384020095447521038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8558267998620116250.post-43286987440448432322021-11-15T18:21:00.003+11:002021-11-15T20:43:55.679+11:00<p> <b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Wet and windy weather</span></b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLtsSkPaPgLN6k602MxNqMGgQ_CFXub9hE7e7w0DAt1BGBLF1GUnmd_LMLYmcMuFheptvSah1rqXcR3mSG2LSsB6Lp45fMRrEH3jD6eEvVoNwBALnzBZPcN_oKrReh_bYXyNJZHraoUL5f//" style="clear: left; display: inline; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1001" data-original-width="1500" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLtsSkPaPgLN6k602MxNqMGgQ_CFXub9hE7e7w0DAt1BGBLF1GUnmd_LMLYmcMuFheptvSah1rqXcR3mSG2LSsB6Lp45fMRrEH3jD6eEvVoNwBALnzBZPcN_oKrReh_bYXyNJZHraoUL5f/w640-h428/TF+and+chick+in+rain+a-5384.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p></p><p>As of today, 15th, there has been 104 mm of rain in the Canberra area in November. 48 mm fell in the previous four days with 30 mm on the wettest day, the 11th. And it has been very windy, with gusts of over 40 km/h each day, peaking at 65 km/h on the 14th. So these have been testing times for birds with chicks, like this Tawny Frogmouth who was covering two chicks during the rain. </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaJlUUOLoIUDzwH502qovmSndzygati0ZFzUYxAUZ64m_jNRupu0fSPuCmJQSBNxrPs5rebrGSMepx0-qsAdaRXyJv8p_EiibErEyBt8P0wgMHJc8jtdlnl1PQwhO5duxZv4bDqR-B_dNy//" style="clear: left; display: inline; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1001" data-original-width="1500" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaJlUUOLoIUDzwH502qovmSndzygati0ZFzUYxAUZ64m_jNRupu0fSPuCmJQSBNxrPs5rebrGSMepx0-qsAdaRXyJv8p_EiibErEyBt8P0wgMHJc8jtdlnl1PQwhO5duxZv4bDqR-B_dNy/w640-h428/TF+and+chick+in+rain+b-5533.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p>This other frogmouth had his chicks tight beneath him. One is right beneath his belly, its tail and wing tips are protruding towards the camera, and its sibling is tucked under his breast feathers, face to the camera. The chicks are at a difficult age to protect from the rain. Their flight feathers are well formed, but their bodies are still mostly downy. If the down becomes wet they can become chilled and die.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0pDRN28C3N8Ipe3TNBmox1An3Us783xNmG-ygg-P2LFjNgWI6PIkC8nB_WT931Pbe-qS9SwLwR-4yNjBX2gI1pXn0Zf2QId6T95hIXce1D-0m5rIfScB4n1_qrY8uwVNm0pIw8_VlxXJq//" style="clear: left; display: inline; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="937" data-original-width="1499" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0pDRN28C3N8Ipe3TNBmox1An3Us783xNmG-ygg-P2LFjNgWI6PIkC8nB_WT931Pbe-qS9SwLwR-4yNjBX2gI1pXn0Zf2QId6T95hIXce1D-0m5rIfScB4n1_qrY8uwVNm0pIw8_VlxXJq/w640-h400/TF+dead+chick+in+rain+-.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p>This chick's body was lying below another nest, where the adult was still brooding two chicks. It must have been too difficult to cover three large chicks adequately. This chick died when about 18 days old. They fledge at about 28 days.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6bEXNHf-fLfv8DcMsW64xprTnxm2FoVvhk8l3eWYf370ZBV8WnHMrnyVnLJlhnXvoXH62V4K35VAr3QSC_vwDV7esoZJzLJowlyIW58LcLEhcQjnNLOSRBb3y-KO8aS-c_8MkiGUjTnDn//" style="clear: left; display: inline; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="950" data-original-width="1499" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6bEXNHf-fLfv8DcMsW64xprTnxm2FoVvhk8l3eWYf370ZBV8WnHMrnyVnLJlhnXvoXH62V4K35VAr3QSC_vwDV7esoZJzLJowlyIW58LcLEhcQjnNLOSRBb3y-KO8aS-c_8MkiGUjTnDn/w640-h406/TF+dead+chick+in+egg+-.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p>And at another nest, this chick died while trying to hatch. Perhaps the adults were intent on covering its siblings and so sat tight through the rain and wind, possibly too tight, and the chick could not push the shell open. It had opened the shell, as can be seen by the crack line around the top, but never left the egg. So close. The chicks bill can be seen above the slug - whose presence is an indicator of how wet the weather was.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidSF3Rx5V_Xowo8juybLWZFeqyyHlFHDvKlxijIl01sQcv1ixToxskckEQ-y1FFsFY0L-rR7Cv0_htsGeilHWhrx07ORGOv5wK9rLWD-UJpJqU4-0P_wfUwtAe0Lup2YEh6AKBRoK1amvh//" style="clear: left; display: inline; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="937" data-original-width="1499" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidSF3Rx5V_Xowo8juybLWZFeqyyHlFHDvKlxijIl01sQcv1ixToxskckEQ-y1FFsFY0L-rR7Cv0_htsGeilHWhrx07ORGOv5wK9rLWD-UJpJqU4-0P_wfUwtAe0Lup2YEh6AKBRoK1amvh/w640-h400/BG+dead+chick++-.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p>I found this Brown Goshawk chick lying freshly dead below a nest in the same wood as the last frogmouth nest. It was not yet stiff with rigor mortis, nor found by ants, and it had been very windy earlier in the morning. The chick had a partially filled crop, as can be seen by the bulge in its throat, so the adults had been providing enough food. Wind blow was the most likely cause of death. There was still at least one other chick in the nest and the adult female was in attendance, looking after it.</p><p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIgfjLQtuIOThY7ENRx0_HQdgHRhSoz2CcfsxkRxTjjp0v6-xg86Jdwp96iwU1u-pt5UMPBRsX0hwWMRizDBOCnVQz4UIokhZ1lLceTWtW9lCPdITbHwvZEWYptMIIjrpSU3RcVTHA5I-0//" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2508" data-original-width="1254" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIgfjLQtuIOThY7ENRx0_HQdgHRhSoz2CcfsxkRxTjjp0v6-xg86Jdwp96iwU1u-pt5UMPBRsX0hwWMRizDBOCnVQz4UIokhZ1lLceTWtW9lCPdITbHwvZEWYptMIIjrpSU3RcVTHA5I-0/w320-h640/BG+nest++-.jpg" width="320" /></a></b></div><b><br /></b>The goshawk nest was set at the end of a slim high branch and it was bouncing about in the still brisk wind. The female was quick to return and protect any chicks in the nest as soon as I left the area.<div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwdmbVcr0W2Wa7WB34H7Ix2dh_UuWH1D7JR99gfVNHMdFGWcMGvzWuRmGeITP8TlbuX82yodCdM1lrl4iVOtrBUMAmQF3NUHXoK1_PHyQ4xoiEsnwazhBZHLV9uIW0T0twT5mrEobbikZs//" style="clear: left; display: inline; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="938" data-original-width="1500" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwdmbVcr0W2Wa7WB34H7Ix2dh_UuWH1D7JR99gfVNHMdFGWcMGvzWuRmGeITP8TlbuX82yodCdM1lrl4iVOtrBUMAmQF3NUHXoK1_PHyQ4xoiEsnwazhBZHLV9uIW0T0twT5mrEobbikZs/w640-h400/BG+egg+bottom++-.jpg" width="640" /></a><p>I found two hatched goshawk eggshells below a tree where the adults frequently perch. There were lots of droppings below, that indicated this. And the adult female would have taken the eggshells from the nest and dropped them there. In the above shot, the cup-shaped membrane of the bottom half of a shell indicates where the chick had cut its way around the egg, then lifted the lid and popped out.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyu3zJSBBkSgD5dx7KG_aXe-gTyb8B24Hmudhc9MMsfKiJtOxIv-WZp2eDXyrtuDFatdHGNVIbpuS7UqAjU3vUckXmxWXRpg6ir1XOBc2he9jFkjYV5QoHHGKYfGaYTgVedY0GtzC2fheY//" style="clear: left; display: inline; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="937" data-original-width="1499" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyu3zJSBBkSgD5dx7KG_aXe-gTyb8B24Hmudhc9MMsfKiJtOxIv-WZp2eDXyrtuDFatdHGNVIbpuS7UqAjU3vUckXmxWXRpg6ir1XOBc2he9jFkjYV5QoHHGKYfGaYTgVedY0GtzC2fheY/w640-h400/BG+egg+top++-.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p>This lid of a goshawk eggshell shows the chip marks where the chick had pecked with its egg-tooth to prise open the shell. The pattern is similar to that around the frogmouth eggshell.</p><p>Young birds are so vulnerable to the weather.</p><p><br /></p></div>Stuart Raehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11384020095447521038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8558267998620116250.post-30538384147275409402021-05-06T18:25:00.003+10:002021-05-06T19:30:06.999+10:00<p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Frogmouth - The most Instagrammable bird </b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqiCUIlD0Bth3m2ph0JXaUIPjyYoBiZBWvuTg0aMuT5Gkn7Zt7wQrX7AYoxd7ES9FNbkjrca2lDHevHgz0w8zT6I1g3RfYAbLWCxecaOxqoDZBZEdDAoNSoNMI75qeqoBwm3XftPf0iVSI/s1500/TF+f+face+a-9103.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1321" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqiCUIlD0Bth3m2ph0JXaUIPjyYoBiZBWvuTg0aMuT5Gkn7Zt7wQrX7AYoxd7ES9FNbkjrca2lDHevHgz0w8zT6I1g3RfYAbLWCxecaOxqoDZBZEdDAoNSoNMI75qeqoBwm3XftPf0iVSI/w564-h640/TF+f+face+a-9103.jpg" width="564" /></a></div><p>Here they are, images of what has recently been recognised as the most Instagrammable bird - the Frogmouths. I have been studying them, especially these Tawny Frogmouths, for over fifteen years, I have never used Instagram, but I agree that they have a special aesthetic appeal.</p><p>I first saw the news of their status on the BBC News at: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-56946165" target="_blank">https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-56946165</a> This was an article on a study by K. Thommes and G. Hayn-Leichsenring in the journal i-Perception. They assessed the most Likable bird images using the number of Likes each type of bird scored on Instagram and ranked them by Image Aesthetic Appeal. See the full articles by clicking the clinks. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1177%2F20416695211003585" target="_blank">https://doi.org/10.1177%2F20416695211003585</a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCNtz7CV3Mi_8zAAnXV6Lu7UJjMqiGlzJIanwRM_QUFqklagPdSpFHt_iUqZdHE6X6ZcHJjf9UuAPMjlW6oIHIJhHoW0P2sU4MwA9FM4_2vxNxJyajo7fF9BntGIyXCL0IutPDFX_4PHBF/s1500/TF+f+full+front+-9103.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="998" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCNtz7CV3Mi_8zAAnXV6Lu7UJjMqiGlzJIanwRM_QUFqklagPdSpFHt_iUqZdHE6X6ZcHJjf9UuAPMjlW6oIHIJhHoW0P2sU4MwA9FM4_2vxNxJyajo7fF9BntGIyXCL0IutPDFX_4PHBF/w426-h640/TF+f+full+front+-9103.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><p>This is an adult female who although wild, would sit on her perch quite happily as I walked about within a few metres of her. They are nocturnal birds, so they rest during the day, sitting quietly on the same perch all day. Not all birds sit so calmly and allow easy photography, but this certainly helps their appeal.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVI_uptHIOe7i75IWEVEaq5aoSEUjVcyS84Vt9J0VmAAnfLRBI1zbk1jajkkM-OQ_pRbkGvoTkS2hZ07ByY6LzQJ4_4OgB4lJctRH1pFYq7lSqE09rlL_tg0RRE92-PXgzIiuimKPG8X9Y/s1500/TF+chick+downy+a-3994.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1001" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVI_uptHIOe7i75IWEVEaq5aoSEUjVcyS84Vt9J0VmAAnfLRBI1zbk1jajkkM-OQ_pRbkGvoTkS2hZ07ByY6LzQJ4_4OgB4lJctRH1pFYq7lSqE09rlL_tg0RRE92-PXgzIiuimKPG8X9Y/w428-h640/TF+chick+downy+a-3994.jpg" width="428" /></a></div><p>Then of course, there are the super cute fluffy youngsters. They always watch with big wide eyes, front-facing, which is rare in birds and adds an anthropocentric touch. And they have that seemingly down-turned mouth. People will press like to such an image.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSWOP7LjyerPZ7f2ky4PUfIMoLpNr9Qh7JYJw7e4ZkDHEqEBSudcPjcwhSl04CAFBDx1TRDtDNjPkdtp5XMZzW3WWbdAYVLaeJePUPgFcPKMrsE4hajZZe8uVlJ5w03fQIM-a1vA_jAWUr/s1500/TF+pr+roost+bb-.jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="962" data-original-width="1500" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSWOP7LjyerPZ7f2ky4PUfIMoLpNr9Qh7JYJw7e4ZkDHEqEBSudcPjcwhSl04CAFBDx1TRDtDNjPkdtp5XMZzW3WWbdAYVLaeJePUPgFcPKMrsE4hajZZe8uVlJ5w03fQIM-a1vA_jAWUr/w640-h410/TF+pr+roost+bb-.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p>Once established as a pair, the adults will often sit on a perch snuggled up close side by side. They fluff up their feathers to keep warm and bask in the sunshine. More anthropocentric association. Of course people press Like to such shots.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijeCioR629fBPtTvOBAjcJUzzkvrXkh2GdFMhoGTIYCz-NjjpetrMUTgLDkD0XynzhHKfk968mf3Ag5urKcB-Uj7PxnIrlIcEEtqZ4zNnM-nJFM-uzVO5XTPOP8B4XORbpTAjg6vdYLLQ4/s2048/TF+female+roost+BM+crop_6273.tif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1210" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijeCioR629fBPtTvOBAjcJUzzkvrXkh2GdFMhoGTIYCz-NjjpetrMUTgLDkD0XynzhHKfk968mf3Ag5urKcB-Uj7PxnIrlIcEEtqZ4zNnM-nJFM-uzVO5XTPOP8B4XORbpTAjg6vdYLLQ4/w378-h640/TF+female+roost+BM+crop_6273.tif" width="378" /></a></div><p>There is a catch of course. Most frogmouths do not sit openly posed for photographers, and most photographers are unlikely to see one. For most frogmouths adopt a branch-like pose when they see people approach. They stretch their necks up, draw their feathers in, and stay motionless with eyes closed. Well, they peep through their eyelids, to watch for danger. And isn't their camouflage wonderfully adapted for concealment. How many Likes would this image achieve?</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRIfgJfyf3UYsTkBQYiCkoSWjsvaPG_p-ZHw7YqdmmGWAfkSAGCyQ8kvzpXXS8ZmL1xADrrR6tiyBmiz41FIrWw-BEpUaiY-tAndDJVthBGHqClbmJb2BWmH2_d6s-POwBsfaftolEEiR5/s1500/TF+pr+roost+aa+-5538.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1001" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRIfgJfyf3UYsTkBQYiCkoSWjsvaPG_p-ZHw7YqdmmGWAfkSAGCyQ8kvzpXXS8ZmL1xADrrR6tiyBmiz41FIrWw-BEpUaiY-tAndDJVthBGHqClbmJb2BWmH2_d6s-POwBsfaftolEEiR5/w428-h640/TF+pr+roost+aa+-5538.jpg" width="428" /></a></div><p>Or who could not admire how such a pair of beautiful birds can bask in the sun in full view of people walking below, yet never be noticed. That is what I appreciate most about them.</p><p>For more information on these wonderful birds browse through the other pages that describe their behaviour here on this blog. See the links on the right.</p><p>With special thanks to Thommes and Hayn-Leichsenring for bringing one of my favourite birds into the limelight.</p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Thömmes, K., & Hayn-Leichsenring, G. (2021). What Instagram Can Teach Us About Bird Photography: The Most Photogenic Bird and Color Preferences. </span><i style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">i-Perception</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">, </span><i style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">12</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">(2), 20416695211003585.</span></span></p>Stuart Raehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11384020095447521038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8558267998620116250.post-39040073515369475722021-03-23T16:25:00.001+11:002021-03-23T16:26:14.969+11:00<p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Southern Highland Wildlife</b></span></p><p>A week of rain has sent the rivers flowing high in south-east Australia, but the wildlife persists.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-B1h64P5w3a3OPy7IZaFl6jE2OtNxWrWBXKqADU20l7CtY-VcAIBm7aFgORX9UEzotakxh2kgywTwHYXPRSajacNhFk2Mr_zaW4RMUxWKlIiIlVWOQtWpeHbkJ1YVXvbJ7-yCV8KmvRqq/s2048/DSC_3379-DeNoiseAI-denoise.jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1367" data-original-width="2048" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-B1h64P5w3a3OPy7IZaFl6jE2OtNxWrWBXKqADU20l7CtY-VcAIBm7aFgORX9UEzotakxh2kgywTwHYXPRSajacNhFk2Mr_zaW4RMUxWKlIiIlVWOQtWpeHbkJ1YVXvbJ7-yCV8KmvRqq/w640-h428/DSC_3379-DeNoiseAI-denoise.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p>Raindrops hang from the lace-work leaves of Narrow-leafed Conesticks <i>Isopogon anethifolius</i> a common shrub on the sandstone cliff edges.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ9UWzFLOCpSjMCrOwNYT6ndJpNKkVzO7MYepucvMZvCqP19cRBCKfX2Kpth_U1-yHOsa7OFCBN8QNukuBzu58FOOYTJxqa3a0wlSroZHnBk_7eymSR6GkUMGy0lgcd_47tla4uC1xrmUe/s1500/Banksia+a-.jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1001" data-original-width="1500" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ9UWzFLOCpSjMCrOwNYT6ndJpNKkVzO7MYepucvMZvCqP19cRBCKfX2Kpth_U1-yHOsa7OFCBN8QNukuBzu58FOOYTJxqa3a0wlSroZHnBk_7eymSR6GkUMGy0lgcd_47tla4uC1xrmUe/w640-h428/Banksia+a-.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p>The tight flower heads of the Hairpin Banksia <i>Banksia spinulosa</i> glisten with water.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpWfsm48jJ6v50Rrr_B7VlISBCFZFLhY5Vz_lx2OdJjefh5PYZlhuOxl9MhupxOCj-ZrbG36G8KeoXlow8R-Op_Mi0LuQTDtbrXavTUpVRElqVqe6OiRo31isGMWrHuRkbZSaKoGNp5mKM/s1500/Mtn+Devil+a-3257.jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1001" data-original-width="1500" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpWfsm48jJ6v50Rrr_B7VlISBCFZFLhY5Vz_lx2OdJjefh5PYZlhuOxl9MhupxOCj-ZrbG36G8KeoXlow8R-Op_Mi0LuQTDtbrXavTUpVRElqVqe6OiRo31isGMWrHuRkbZSaKoGNp5mKM/w640-h428/Mtn+Devil+a-3257.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p>The unique form of the Mountain Devil <i>Lambertia formosa</i> flowers hold up nectar for the insects and birds.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrVFGXGIPDx-Y7uWbxOKJz9t1pzsZ6UGAydfWeruGz2ixFsuNBuo5OLPTmSwZUVjVDiTKVH28z6bQopDX9wqriolbXqykFAtLWu402mp4aW2ruxokfHz8eVsQNrHOXJxSSY5XrmB2FrDUF/s1500/Moss+aa-3177.jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1001" data-original-width="1500" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrVFGXGIPDx-Y7uWbxOKJz9t1pzsZ6UGAydfWeruGz2ixFsuNBuo5OLPTmSwZUVjVDiTKVH28z6bQopDX9wqriolbXqykFAtLWu402mp4aW2ruxokfHz8eVsQNrHOXJxSSY5XrmB2FrDUF/w640-h428/Moss+aa-3177.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p>Mosses, ferns and lichens rich in saturated colours.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM6Ph_lRxOrRfJYFx9k7Z3E_Ui6YUHiz2FCVoxKLtuebublDScEf8XddJ2JTx3JTwCHum1BJBEJ0tT2KGaZOIGARpM3XhKLiwkrnhNIf_gP_DB1hB_4NfXm_S14FKUGbz51z5R4x-yxhH7/s1500/Caterpillar+aa-.jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1001" data-original-width="1500" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM6Ph_lRxOrRfJYFx9k7Z3E_Ui6YUHiz2FCVoxKLtuebublDScEf8XddJ2JTx3JTwCHum1BJBEJ0tT2KGaZOIGARpM3XhKLiwkrnhNIf_gP_DB1hB_4NfXm_S14FKUGbz51z5R4x-yxhH7/w640-h428/Caterpillar+aa-.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p>A caterpillar of a Common Gum Snout Moth <i>Entometa fervens c</i>reeps along a twig, unnoticed by birds. Its feet and the sides of its belly are covered with `hairs' to help conceal the movement. <i>Thanks to Suzi Bond for the ID</i>.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh9oz4sqF66fcG1LKOywMLaTumjdb7baqycScV0Yr24oU8L0-MnKQwNAvK57Y0368iQVWJIA7vs68H_85hAq_WPCRJ_By1FMrgK6nI9dNvbUPOXVMKhcT6TG0PFLOg_l1lvnAzmhULQ7TS/s1500/Caterpillar+cc-.jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1001" data-original-width="1500" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh9oz4sqF66fcG1LKOywMLaTumjdb7baqycScV0Yr24oU8L0-MnKQwNAvK57Y0368iQVWJIA7vs68H_85hAq_WPCRJ_By1FMrgK6nI9dNvbUPOXVMKhcT6TG0PFLOg_l1lvnAzmhULQ7TS/w640-h428/Caterpillar+cc-.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p>When it realised it had been spotted, it reared up into a threat display, showing its horns, two bright blue bands and upturned tail.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrawA0memvY48d2-pkcAKoDBv3yj1R-tA4AW7ZD6MCV_csgf6tSRBKYIWkdphldt3bbq3ZXllcVxjoHmt1CrfSw_CU-mEoUMrLhtzBmkfzu7k6M8uj4_PbxTioWk0phe4Xn-1ubYaWjuRa/s1500/Caterpillar+dd-.jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1001" data-original-width="1500" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrawA0memvY48d2-pkcAKoDBv3yj1R-tA4AW7ZD6MCV_csgf6tSRBKYIWkdphldt3bbq3ZXllcVxjoHmt1CrfSw_CU-mEoUMrLhtzBmkfzu7k6M8uj4_PbxTioWk0phe4Xn-1ubYaWjuRa/w640-h428/Caterpillar+dd-.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p>A face on view, but I still cannot make out what or if it is mimicking anything that might frighten away any potential predator.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbSzlsepuKL_WPmOL1i0IPCOzxT_04ZbuE26funDwYbvoXyhZ9Eyr1FHPievS1eMLoXapGFfH0ijOZKyctTi2n-brLdJByNhX2JTNRzwAi6Kp6yhruaSOOdm0jkzaYGlKsHqTl3IGoBreb/s1500/Lyrebird+aa-.jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1001" data-original-width="1500" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbSzlsepuKL_WPmOL1i0IPCOzxT_04ZbuE26funDwYbvoXyhZ9Eyr1FHPievS1eMLoXapGFfH0ijOZKyctTi2n-brLdJByNhX2JTNRzwAi6Kp6yhruaSOOdm0jkzaYGlKsHqTl3IGoBreb/w640-h428/Lyrebird+aa-.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p>Down in the gullies, the Superb Lyrebirds were singing. I saw two calling from branches rather than their display platforms on the ground. Neither gave full displays, they seemed to be just marking their territories by their songs.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_EEumpvQI0fwRJ7b2fM_ibHqvu0prRogoOVOadG3tdkdQ5HHDXrK1uO3GPAF-PZlR8FYhSUYpme-gdyh6MeVK2WaQs5a2WNeYcei_2BgovhZ92xOF52myR4dEkFuBJXlv6vxEfbCaeVN0/s1500/Lyrebird+bb-.jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1001" data-original-width="1500" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_EEumpvQI0fwRJ7b2fM_ibHqvu0prRogoOVOadG3tdkdQ5HHDXrK1uO3GPAF-PZlR8FYhSUYpme-gdyh6MeVK2WaQs5a2WNeYcei_2BgovhZ92xOF52myR4dEkFuBJXlv6vxEfbCaeVN0/w640-h428/Lyrebird+bb-.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p>This bird was quite confiding, as I watched him from a nearby path. He seemed to be quite content to go about his business, stretching out his tail and preening between bursts of song.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4bBCvFbLSUxFZJiUtENgGTF0QvjZANNOj_ITHhohzqtIbt31BKrk5vzYgnNyBHDtSIKdENfB4CFHEZNwQdH7lGN4auVKNZCEUNNjptil_2ydsTO6aK1d_qrEePC3RuEt4aneHKA5tfuon/s1500/Lyrebird+dd-.jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1001" data-original-width="1500" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4bBCvFbLSUxFZJiUtENgGTF0QvjZANNOj_ITHhohzqtIbt31BKrk5vzYgnNyBHDtSIKdENfB4CFHEZNwQdH7lGN4auVKNZCEUNNjptil_2ydsTO6aK1d_qrEePC3RuEt4aneHKA5tfuon/w640-h428/Lyrebird+dd-.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p>They are such magnificent birds, with such magnificent feet.</p><p><br /></p>Stuart Raehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11384020095447521038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8558267998620116250.post-76617368209059304162021-03-20T17:37:00.006+11:002021-03-20T17:45:16.993+11:00<p><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Waterfalls in the rain</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ6EQIVRtOmWY1WYH8CSv_-yLepHpYjctfsemH4B37fWIqn2ZVJc0-jLcLhtLDzqAzmyUJiQV66HtUtBUz-n_DBYbBXnSH4R8ryROSweR8aGZgvbQu2oDBKZVL6xhsCt_JBpB1cNKFCdZI/s1500/Escarpment+wet-3164.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1001" data-original-width="1500" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ6EQIVRtOmWY1WYH8CSv_-yLepHpYjctfsemH4B37fWIqn2ZVJc0-jLcLhtLDzqAzmyUJiQV66HtUtBUz-n_DBYbBXnSH4R8ryROSweR8aGZgvbQu2oDBKZVL6xhsCt_JBpB1cNKFCdZI/w640-h428/Escarpment+wet-3164.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There has been heavy rain in eastern New South Wales in the past week, the Illawarra Escarpment is wet, the air is misty and the colours are rich.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIxFoMjRScd5gFoyLPvPAcOMawnJwGvpvagNV-O3-BYe027NVRdN7sI61399PxO-nPdh-kTVwQhyRPAd1zcL7XfbQpWkIc3yMhq4FPoG-4XmtgwKiqLKJBcS4drmmL8M2rC5MfbV3oKyC0/s1500/Belmore+Falls+d-.jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1001" data-original-width="1500" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIxFoMjRScd5gFoyLPvPAcOMawnJwGvpvagNV-O3-BYe027NVRdN7sI61399PxO-nPdh-kTVwQhyRPAd1zcL7XfbQpWkIc3yMhq4FPoG-4XmtgwKiqLKJBcS4drmmL8M2rC5MfbV3oKyC0/w640-h428/Belmore+Falls+d-.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>The higher of the double drop Belmore Falls is about 100m. These are in the Morton National Park. </p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8W1sIsgypqWjaW7YjIvrGmfOeP0opx6O7jBeUafX2c1-FkA5vN7ZgtnuZ-fQGa-cKv4-0KbkCD63WIKCxf8-QO0bBaLiOGpRfM5-bWa9tvz76YuUutToA66PXyOColDNBCtjq8NwvS7pt/s7360/DSC_3231.JPG" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4912" data-original-width="7360" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8W1sIsgypqWjaW7YjIvrGmfOeP0opx6O7jBeUafX2c1-FkA5vN7ZgtnuZ-fQGa-cKv4-0KbkCD63WIKCxf8-QO0bBaLiOGpRfM5-bWa9tvz76YuUutToA66PXyOColDNBCtjq8NwvS7pt/w640-h428/DSC_3231.JPG" width="640" /></a></p><p>The mist is good for the plants, from mosses to trees, that cling to the cliffs.</p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIdjDB6yGlJr4-Ub3L8diDemVsf2nWEwFHep2-BORA987xTxVjK7InYX4oEIf7sxUSkmEzMYul8g5Z7roq4PQeqkJsHw76hGRTQUXgAIJEfToawY9oRLI7vAGjr6ORsXTdwxXkg9yPa7Yg/s1500/Belmore+Falls+b-3238.jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1001" data-original-width="1500" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIdjDB6yGlJr4-Ub3L8diDemVsf2nWEwFHep2-BORA987xTxVjK7InYX4oEIf7sxUSkmEzMYul8g5Z7roq4PQeqkJsHw76hGRTQUXgAIJEfToawY9oRLI7vAGjr6ORsXTdwxXkg9yPa7Yg/w640-h428/Belmore+Falls+b-3238.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p>Glimpses are good.</p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2B4IP2zm1CyScxbNBRnH1iHzUtEIHLtcJhepEfJiZTjGyBm-MCmuoXYZCVgBMz1Tipne44jkb0xgTLPnEwwKXP36C3v1OftDgCyhdH1DJbgUdopZTulsAm0Iym6uDctc8RJ_NcT1DYzrv/s1500/Carrington+Falls+a-3318.jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1001" data-original-width="1500" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2B4IP2zm1CyScxbNBRnH1iHzUtEIHLtcJhepEfJiZTjGyBm-MCmuoXYZCVgBMz1Tipne44jkb0xgTLPnEwwKXP36C3v1OftDgCyhdH1DJbgUdopZTulsAm0Iym6uDctc8RJ_NcT1DYzrv/w640-h428/Carrington+Falls+a-3318.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p>Full views are good too, as here at the Carrington Falls in the Budderoo National Park.</p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinG9YHAyZDwReBNcnxeAF1M3bsr_ZxoyELyrPZ6BqT4YoU94UDxztQPTtCVS-OaIBib08c05L8TYkFeTc9bDdMYRPRGvhYRA18U_S2HVudPTlo07JOUR2hMzaNBxXYfWJ1l01Zp7WavVvS/s1500/Carrington+Falls+gorge-3353.jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1001" data-original-width="1500" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinG9YHAyZDwReBNcnxeAF1M3bsr_ZxoyELyrPZ6BqT4YoU94UDxztQPTtCVS-OaIBib08c05L8TYkFeTc9bDdMYRPRGvhYRA18U_S2HVudPTlo07JOUR2hMzaNBxXYfWJ1l01Zp7WavVvS/w640-h428/Carrington+Falls+gorge-3353.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p>The Carrington Falls continue in cataracts down the tree-lined gorge.</p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimQih5tE9X8wp17TwOpuoZeiSrGz-WazFYkzndyjYIGqBQHOwMSgsIxInTe7GQiZx2x0DLx9DyWMQrzUCETTm6n7E0uNGEvgJhxpOTAc8zjcJuayV8rji8A2gVdflbu_lvWUCnqSeTA3Ex/s1500/Carrington+Falls+b-3365.jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1001" data-original-width="1500" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimQih5tE9X8wp17TwOpuoZeiSrGz-WazFYkzndyjYIGqBQHOwMSgsIxInTe7GQiZx2x0DLx9DyWMQrzUCETTm6n7E0uNGEvgJhxpOTAc8zjcJuayV8rji8A2gVdflbu_lvWUCnqSeTA3Ex/w640-h428/Carrington+Falls+b-3365.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p>The ground was vibrating with the force of the water.</p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO54qOjSo4K225-oOWmjG3uZSolMPEXmfgO81c_Vr-TnkrbuJv-YZDPL96JSa5kWLAvdPQH0qSzjmL2TXVxEItsFjUBO5bOqQl3aSAZSNUIUb0IzUpGoZP7aWWULe2DhMj8KHyE9rqrzGB/s1500/Carrington+Falls+d-3377.jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1001" data-original-width="1500" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO54qOjSo4K225-oOWmjG3uZSolMPEXmfgO81c_Vr-TnkrbuJv-YZDPL96JSa5kWLAvdPQH0qSzjmL2TXVxEItsFjUBO5bOqQl3aSAZSNUIUb0IzUpGoZP7aWWULe2DhMj8KHyE9rqrzGB/w640-h428/Carrington+Falls+d-3377.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p>Mosses and ferns cling to the walls between the main steams.</p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYk_Gu95Nn6t1Q4YALxRHi5864qjj32t6BULa_0JBUuWicZs1psjRkRrKsglMgOflLUox31AOVPvYnXvz2UUmfkkQe9idkbHNqwXLJ4-8WbQ6V2Xv0DsLjhMQhvJc9A7WHvQzYbc3WHjHZ/s1500/Carrington+Falls+c-3370.jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1001" data-original-width="1500" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYk_Gu95Nn6t1Q4YALxRHi5864qjj32t6BULa_0JBUuWicZs1psjRkRrKsglMgOflLUox31AOVPvYnXvz2UUmfkkQe9idkbHNqwXLJ4-8WbQ6V2Xv0DsLjhMQhvJc9A7WHvQzYbc3WHjHZ/w640-h428/Carrington+Falls+c-3370.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p>And there are trees growing on the wall of the falls.</p><p><br /></p>Stuart Raehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11384020095447521038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8558267998620116250.post-8421904795342907942021-01-27T15:07:00.002+11:002021-02-06T18:43:19.047+11:00<p><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Papuan Frogmouths</span></b></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNcSeXqusO3gL4QneA7uACWVUBQjY2TAECsmPYnc2mb7d62hiQgNhQNdswJeWE_W2rrk-3X-cjNptpND7lMrsjWqsGJp7-HqicllA9yAi4Wp9DSxn8uIlX0RpT1DB05v68xnvtno-RH5qL/s1500/01+PF+f+in+tree+aa-0590.jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1001" data-original-width="1500" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNcSeXqusO3gL4QneA7uACWVUBQjY2TAECsmPYnc2mb7d62hiQgNhQNdswJeWE_W2rrk-3X-cjNptpND7lMrsjWqsGJp7-HqicllA9yAi4Wp9DSxn8uIlX0RpT1DB05v68xnvtno-RH5qL/w640-h428/01+PF+f+in+tree+aa-0590.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p>A female Papuan Frogmouth <i>Podargus papuensis</i> sits in her daytime roost, watching out, as she was when I first detected her.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuNGxwU8AmM-7egtdVDql9DX6IvJ4_KN1D85JJfHM8MW-NqZmVimFUrHJJTM_n9NGsDtRv-45QPBH2TPd5b7nUon0NxxFx0nlxoiwp9o5B2Mb__AUEWx6LtYrA1HCVwwCB4pO5I_t8oUkd/s1500/02+PF+f+in+tree+pose+aa-0608.jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1001" data-original-width="1500" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuNGxwU8AmM-7egtdVDql9DX6IvJ4_KN1D85JJfHM8MW-NqZmVimFUrHJJTM_n9NGsDtRv-45QPBH2TPd5b7nUon0NxxFx0nlxoiwp9o5B2Mb__AUEWx6LtYrA1HCVwwCB4pO5I_t8oUkd/w640-h428/02+PF+f+in+tree+pose+aa-0608.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p>Then she smoothly adopted her concealment pose as I approached. By stretching out her neck and flattening against the branch, she looks just like another piece of branch.</p><p>In the two previous posts I described some of the birds that we caught when on a mist-netting bird survey in the Kutini-Payamu National Park in Cape York, northern Queensland, Australia. As I study Tawny Frogmouths in the Canberra area, I was always on the look out for frogmouths while on the trip. These are some photographs of the birds that I did see, there were probably many more that I missed, as they are rather tricky to spot.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJUB7VFzq9t2jZu-1j4NKlcjVZORVJZu6urvlIkh8SrYt7T2Ap8RC_YLf3zxgo6OLQqZkGENMj5rYHFG4bNLKQlO886iNCMU847bJ5zR711soEChG_Pzv4qh9raREbleT3GQomOkiU6FLr/s1500/03+PF+m+on+nest+peeking+aa-0705.jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1001" data-original-width="1500" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJUB7VFzq9t2jZu-1j4NKlcjVZORVJZu6urvlIkh8SrYt7T2Ap8RC_YLf3zxgo6OLQqZkGENMj5rYHFG4bNLKQlO886iNCMU847bJ5zR711soEChG_Pzv4qh9raREbleT3GQomOkiU6FLr/w640-h428/03+PF+m+on+nest+peeking+aa-0705.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p>A male Papuan Frogmouth peeks around a branch where he is sitting on his nest. The male frogmouths attend the nest during the day. The females, like the one above, spend the day roosting nearby, usually in a different tree.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio_4emszqAd9kIDUPt6KZVVYn1HjFwe_347bak4fWqSNE0FDvF_9A8K6SlUXmA251gvHnUHf_7_5RZAPeZ81lzZyrIjJN_RDh_BojTlWoXNC6tute3nvGeZv96ysfIbfPmrtEJs3l6xM67/s1500/04+PF+m+on+nest+bb-0686.jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1001" data-original-width="1500" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio_4emszqAd9kIDUPt6KZVVYn1HjFwe_347bak4fWqSNE0FDvF_9A8K6SlUXmA251gvHnUHf_7_5RZAPeZ81lzZyrIjJN_RDh_BojTlWoXNC6tute3nvGeZv96ysfIbfPmrtEJs3l6xM67/w640-h428/04+PF+m+on+nest+bb-0686.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p>The same male from a different angle, against a clear sky, which makes him a little more easy to spot. He was high in the rainforest canopy, about 20 m up, and these photographs were taken with a long lens. There are a lot of trees and many many branches to scan when looking for these birds. He is also a little more obvious as he is standing over the nest rather than sitting low on it in a concealment pose. It looked like he had very small chicks beneath him.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ3fT-wi0IbiILi0_mtBCrJANPrMNK3lL0cGZl5Tui1-k11FO6QniU0tdoaEeZsKUfJ5Rj5uxgyh0wppqVIe-Z-wlSqS-6ZcqULymMdpexu1J6q2OalwXc1SUJqVxLKZh4D-wr9f4MYyim/s1500/05+PF+m+on+nest+JR+aa-1035.jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1001" data-original-width="1500" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ3fT-wi0IbiILi0_mtBCrJANPrMNK3lL0cGZl5Tui1-k11FO6QniU0tdoaEeZsKUfJ5Rj5uxgyh0wppqVIe-Z-wlSqS-6ZcqULymMdpexu1J6q2OalwXc1SUJqVxLKZh4D-wr9f4MYyim/w640-h428/05+PF+m+on+nest+JR+aa-1035.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p>This is another male on a nest, which John Rawsthorne found while watching a flock of honeyeaters feeding on nectar in the flowers next to the frogmouth.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUEu8tu9efcSm9i0Yis0d7SUk0GWVBqi-onMBZPqLsT1auN8MyEFP0SVoDUH6HAWcmHK_pSdtvPy1EYShox4dYxy2x1kgY33kfML-x5EcxxC5fKlWZREVbJIepwvFagfsdzDA6RwIJZxv0/s1500/06+PF+pr+side+branch+aa-0789.jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1001" data-original-width="1500" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUEu8tu9efcSm9i0Yis0d7SUk0GWVBqi-onMBZPqLsT1auN8MyEFP0SVoDUH6HAWcmHK_pSdtvPy1EYShox4dYxy2x1kgY33kfML-x5EcxxC5fKlWZREVbJIepwvFagfsdzDA6RwIJZxv0/w640-h428/06+PF+pr+side+branch+aa-0789.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p>A pair of Papuan Frogmouths sitting through the day on a shady branch of a paperbark tree.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhosWSmHus5GvVw2T7DCE_cWv8Aa3Wq9ol9Fe-k0x0KsHeucrpFhTDb0wgsOwzM4hwBl6cDNrrHCjgEU02-RiqQT99JsmcwXebhII_ewIjQlaBlSsAHvKFGQ4aOuk5k0ed7X6TF2VVGLicz/s1500/07+PF+pr+aa-0821.jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1001" data-original-width="1500" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhosWSmHus5GvVw2T7DCE_cWv8Aa3Wq9ol9Fe-k0x0KsHeucrpFhTDb0wgsOwzM4hwBl6cDNrrHCjgEU02-RiqQT99JsmcwXebhII_ewIjQlaBlSsAHvKFGQ4aOuk5k0ed7X6TF2VVGLicz/w640-h428/07+PF+pr+aa-0821.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p>The same pair from a side-on view. They had chosen one of the lower more open branches in the canopy, but stayed in the shade. Their eyes were closed when I first found them as they were quite relaxed.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0oQnRxAHeNEsNrJuc_imLfgA5zssLoCn-TOCE1zKYot_RttUecfifZsimoUgfAJKSZKw5nptB3lbrzKLLDGKgUA-8MMjitaE9wtsLGDCPfCYCoujPzydGJWVxPxiIjbhzEgfDbsPHK0KB/s1500/08+PF+pr+alert+aa-0850.jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1001" data-original-width="1500" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0oQnRxAHeNEsNrJuc_imLfgA5zssLoCn-TOCE1zKYot_RttUecfifZsimoUgfAJKSZKw5nptB3lbrzKLLDGKgUA-8MMjitaE9wtsLGDCPfCYCoujPzydGJWVxPxiIjbhzEgfDbsPHK0KB/w640-h428/08+PF+pr+alert+aa-0850.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p>However, when I approached, they opened their eyes and seemed to scrutinise me. Was I a threat to them.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib4Ic90SjMtT1-JEbKfRZ2bet6mCUst-4F0GbsVMBufv0XgkXNly3Gt_9H34u_u12_SHPiSqfxvquv7hl7xiw8rMrclVo9U6BKI161Z-5k-_2J70OaiB_w2uKRoz0mcAe5K_vAMe9LTBja/s1500/9+PF+m+aa-0932.jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1001" data-original-width="1500" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib4Ic90SjMtT1-JEbKfRZ2bet6mCUst-4F0GbsVMBufv0XgkXNly3Gt_9H34u_u12_SHPiSqfxvquv7hl7xiw8rMrclVo9U6BKI161Z-5k-_2J70OaiB_w2uKRoz0mcAe5K_vAMe9LTBja/w640-h428/9+PF+m+aa-0932.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p>Neither bird adopted a concealment pose and they settled down, but the male still watched me through narrowed eyelids.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp9F0HOyrWOYdXpyuHffSKnLJxnvbF2SgQUv4o2v1lBpIcXPzb4tEDM3R6rBayyac3VctMuXJaDVmNHl3YMFcfr9sjwyV-VNLPyxSBOIkCO3IUxCIDsLDKdzmLlzRpvZOC46U-0YKPxDUk/s1500/10+PF+f+aa-0836.jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1001" data-original-width="1500" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp9F0HOyrWOYdXpyuHffSKnLJxnvbF2SgQUv4o2v1lBpIcXPzb4tEDM3R6rBayyac3VctMuXJaDVmNHl3YMFcfr9sjwyV-VNLPyxSBOIkCO3IUxCIDsLDKdzmLlzRpvZOC46U-0YKPxDUk/w640-h428/10+PF+f+aa-0836.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p>The female was a bit more cautious, and continued to watch me with wide eyes. Photographers might think that I was using flash to take these shots, because the birds are so well lit, for birds that live in shady trees. But no, I never use flash to photograph birds in daylight. I do not like the unnatural lighting effect. This bird is lit from underneath naturally. They were perched over water and the sunlight was reflected back up onto them.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYx0JVmVB8spnIW5Y-xkqg22fpo4HxtWQS4Q7SJzf_Acx6iKzZ-PVTZqZ1Boi4ogKlphWC4t06shni70ArfgyUnt7Z7y5BtUnjxjzAGEI3my4RAoQjZ26CjnnhToP3bRVqCZfOkiKvs08-/s1500/11+PF+f+eyes+aa-.jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1001" data-original-width="1500" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYx0JVmVB8spnIW5Y-xkqg22fpo4HxtWQS4Q7SJzf_Acx6iKzZ-PVTZqZ1Boi4ogKlphWC4t06shni70ArfgyUnt7Z7y5BtUnjxjzAGEI3my4RAoQjZ26CjnnhToP3bRVqCZfOkiKvs08-/w640-h428/11+PF+f+eyes+aa-.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p>It wasn't an aggressive stare, more watchful. Her face is not fully lit as it would be with flash. Rather, the reflected light has picked out details and the double highlight in her eye shows the sky and the reflected sun below centre. A very unusual effect, with delightful results.</p><p>Delightful birds.</p><p><br /></p>Stuart Raehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11384020095447521038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8558267998620116250.post-8584265178452558802021-01-26T15:49:00.005+11:002021-01-26T15:58:49.333+11:00<p><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Kutini-Payamu Kingfishers</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAMc-DFcbBNDjs4I5gStCLGensFwJEWX7LwZeEPvbu_bGHFL3272IqsyIYHYY5WPbdngJh1uqkTIyZYtLVWJVDAwaX9_WDN5SrNW8bkYRXaAYOtIU-WrL-mwu5xrAPv4S2wCC7T_Pp_pgU/s2048/BB+P+Kingfisher+aa-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1367" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAMc-DFcbBNDjs4I5gStCLGensFwJEWX7LwZeEPvbu_bGHFL3272IqsyIYHYY5WPbdngJh1uqkTIyZYtLVWJVDAwaX9_WDN5SrNW8bkYRXaAYOtIU-WrL-mwu5xrAPv4S2wCC7T_Pp_pgU/w428-h640/BB+P+Kingfisher+aa-1.jpg" width="428" /></a></div><p>Any readers of the previous post with a bit of knowledge of the birds of the Kutini-Payamu (Iron Range) National Park in Cape York, north Queensland will have wondered why there were no photographs of any of the kingfishers that occur there. Well, that is because they are such spectacular birds that I have placed them here in a separate post.</p><p>Perhaps the most spectacular kingfisher in the area is the seasonal migrant, the Buff-breasted Paradise-Kingfisher <i>Tanysiptera sylvia</i>. This bird migrates south from New Guinea when the wet season approaches in November and it breeds in the forests of north-eastern Queensland. Despite their long tail feathers, they specialise in nesting in holes they dig into ground termite nests. How do they look after such long tail streamers.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxdpXKxLKdZk_xg_vIyA-Xzdu26TpQ940wd8A1EaLsJtmxf8C8vvYQpfbiiXZgaQ4Koc35FupD0tSfHdHWJsGW-xqSgSTEdo4NL0oDXWEcqbJPcNEyjJII1aYm4NRSIxOeUUVpcfI_gWMc/s1500/BB+P+Kingfisher+cc-1.jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1001" data-original-width="1500" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxdpXKxLKdZk_xg_vIyA-Xzdu26TpQ940wd8A1EaLsJtmxf8C8vvYQpfbiiXZgaQ4Koc35FupD0tSfHdHWJsGW-xqSgSTEdo4NL0oDXWEcqbJPcNEyjJII1aYm4NRSIxOeUUVpcfI_gWMc/w640-h428/BB+P+Kingfisher+cc-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p>Buff-breasted Paradise-Kingfisher. A profile of a bird's head showing the detailed feathering of the crown, and the typically curve-edged shape of their bill. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCUDHwGcOMmqsuAWkf80v-MZL4DJNVbB8dQ8cqDU-LAaNzs1cyFlpOUNx7sgVgOq18iw_clc5C1zan0PNdd8BGmWhUNHyP4evE1dTDKwUW0ClXsFpecHLPbpCjEx8TZTb44nqCQt8WhmGU/s1500/BB+P+Kingfisher+bb-1.jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1001" data-original-width="1500" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCUDHwGcOMmqsuAWkf80v-MZL4DJNVbB8dQ8cqDU-LAaNzs1cyFlpOUNx7sgVgOq18iw_clc5C1zan0PNdd8BGmWhUNHyP4evE1dTDKwUW0ClXsFpecHLPbpCjEx8TZTb44nqCQt8WhmGU/w640-h428/BB+P+Kingfisher+bb-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Buff-breasted Paradise-Kingfisher. A pointed end view of the bill.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbGyLLLobAEgqt9of10D1OWuvKKEaOHQxBdxwjwZn8vUgFnXaT9F50vXvRtj7mALIFUOAP-6WZfD3VGK2AsySK53Go-zJSDIu8UbJlcFXa9VTgbYOxXba_RZK2wx6g5yhLA2E0Yjo9nCUw/s1500/Little+Kingfisher+aa-1.jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1001" data-original-width="1500" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbGyLLLobAEgqt9of10D1OWuvKKEaOHQxBdxwjwZn8vUgFnXaT9F50vXvRtj7mALIFUOAP-6WZfD3VGK2AsySK53Go-zJSDIu8UbJlcFXa9VTgbYOxXba_RZK2wx6g5yhLA2E0Yjo9nCUw/w640-h428/Little+Kingfisher+aa-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p>Little Kingfisher <i>Ceyx pusillus</i>. The flamboyant Buff-breasted Paradise-Kingfisher is probably the most readily seen kingfisher in the forest, and the Little Kingfisher is probably most difficult to see. They only weigh 10-16 grams and that bill which looks so large on the bird by proportion is only 30 mm long, about a quarter of the total body length. They also have very short tails, like most true fish-eating kingfishers, and not like that of the Buff-breasted Paradise-Kingfisher, which hunts terrestrial prey.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6JUCWUQY3d38nnFSWy0lLL-MaLZ5A0w5zTxYazE2Zyj1EURzyDx224gCED5_hYq6_zkXtBYD0X6qanQyQ1Gk3zhIZglAkEGBkacCXyANd1VN2n2jE4Sk2dWxcSH2LL915V50fvqtyxOAD/s1500/Little+Kingfisher+bb-1.jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1001" data-original-width="1500" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6JUCWUQY3d38nnFSWy0lLL-MaLZ5A0w5zTxYazE2Zyj1EURzyDx224gCED5_hYq6_zkXtBYD0X6qanQyQ1Gk3zhIZglAkEGBkacCXyANd1VN2n2jE4Sk2dWxcSH2LL915V50fvqtyxOAD/w640-h428/Little+Kingfisher+bb-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p>Little Kingfisher. And yes, they really are that blue. A blue which complements the pure white of the breast. Stunningly beautiful birds.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtXMizAcjxLVV_042Ov47LwOHIvO9RdYH4cbEVS6jIGTmuw86ZXyO0yrhnpFl9fq2LM4vEdEJJRtr5Ha7scLkNeE-qWNLAW0N8bGSRAb40FCqp93zOXzUAlFHQ8jywKl5clXq6H6uxVwOC/s1530/Little+Kingfisher+c-1.jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1021" data-original-width="1530" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtXMizAcjxLVV_042Ov47LwOHIvO9RdYH4cbEVS6jIGTmuw86ZXyO0yrhnpFl9fq2LM4vEdEJJRtr5Ha7scLkNeE-qWNLAW0N8bGSRAb40FCqp93zOXzUAlFHQ8jywKl5clXq6H6uxVwOC/w640-h428/Little+Kingfisher+c-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p>Little Kingfisher. Another pointed end view along a bill. I wonder why they have those two headlight white spots between their eyes and their bill. They must have a purpose.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmEmXHPRa9uUcVVRdFM3rxt5QB205dTaTedMp2_tx7ejutiQfmbyucpy5avg_LfrvR2OEsODqkO4p0QxgsmqdO5eN8iCVnlNC1Zmh7Bb_DRNDUJjmvJPH5-Icuihvb_aeJhHzzzBmLJ-t4/s1500/AZK+aa-9445.jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1001" data-original-width="1500" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmEmXHPRa9uUcVVRdFM3rxt5QB205dTaTedMp2_tx7ejutiQfmbyucpy5avg_LfrvR2OEsODqkO4p0QxgsmqdO5eN8iCVnlNC1Zmh7Bb_DRNDUJjmvJPH5-Icuihvb_aeJhHzzzBmLJ-t4/w640-h428/AZK+aa-9445.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p>Azure Kingfisher <i>Ceyx azureus</i>. The other true kingfisher that occurs in the study area. This is a more widespread species whose range extends down the east of Australia as far as Victoria.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzJssVP0Z9pLNvcKAuKwog5Fn5tN_pNJ5u4Xa3c9Ys-XP7VKU1QVhxhNIXFiZ1CKfHFdF13Rz1CIRWZjg-DH2Fgoh0iq9JFzG_0MwRUyeqUJQtmeTB4ebCRqUQwpWTl4264-9hwQXoqqcQ/s1500/AZK+bb-9444.jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1001" data-original-width="1500" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzJssVP0Z9pLNvcKAuKwog5Fn5tN_pNJ5u4Xa3c9Ys-XP7VKU1QVhxhNIXFiZ1CKfHFdF13Rz1CIRWZjg-DH2Fgoh0iq9JFzG_0MwRUyeqUJQtmeTB4ebCRqUQwpWTl4264-9hwQXoqqcQ/w640-h428/AZK+bb-9444.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p>Azure Kingfisher. This pointed end view shows two pale orange-buff spots between the eyes and bill. Again, what is their purpose. Everything in nature has evolved for an advantageous reason. </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdNVH0-PfDNbcrdWzjFII6mu3M5KGqvB0zTsufp9sqfyrJbOw1NiutYdhwAwR7MCrZLKAWHK2ue08hiFWHr9CvsJdIox72rRX369v_DzPzLo5xh4BR-kUwsVpqrCDJg3yJbbtTHImgP8O2/s1500/YH+Kingfisher+aa-1.jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1001" data-original-width="1500" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdNVH0-PfDNbcrdWzjFII6mu3M5KGqvB0zTsufp9sqfyrJbOw1NiutYdhwAwR7MCrZLKAWHK2ue08hiFWHr9CvsJdIox72rRX369v_DzPzLo5xh4BR-kUwsVpqrCDJg3yJbbtTHImgP8O2/w640-h428/YH+Kingfisher+aa-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p>Yellow-billed Kingfisher <i>Syma torotoro</i>. another trans Cape York - New Guinea species, which in Australia, only occurs in the Cape York peninsula. This is one of those kingfishers that seems to have a very large head compared with the whole body. These birds are another dry ground hunter, well not in the wet rainforest, and they dig nests in arboreal ant nests. </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizycR8QwaJ-kzUZe-x3tNixz3W4Lwr25ZCPgtJ-UqmtzzesS0zFyl2bJbcqSszZN8wAJv5IGmrKTasPErd541Rbh-Nesen1G_Yv-ZLxAGfF80jbXBcEskR8pMpzQ2xhnxzyDxHg7V-hkGT/s1500/YH+Kingfisher+bb-1.jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1001" data-original-width="1500" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizycR8QwaJ-kzUZe-x3tNixz3W4Lwr25ZCPgtJ-UqmtzzesS0zFyl2bJbcqSszZN8wAJv5IGmrKTasPErd541Rbh-Nesen1G_Yv-ZLxAGfF80jbXBcEskR8pMpzQ2xhnxzyDxHg7V-hkGT/w640-h428/YH+Kingfisher+bb-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p>Yellow-billed Kingfisher. That bill is about 40 mm long and although the crest appears to be big too, that is all feathers and less structural. </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpXWIQkdtpnoRfNaOD0v5RjuP95yi0WspkBROsp96MgL1eCQZ4E3D2HFX6-v58NPgXylygiTGTmPbhz8yJW_mi85wqBsq1i0jUkJ0PNUa5ZWZZd87d4GHo-XCK-Kk6I-ZnQ6Bn80STtc1w/s1500/YH+Kingfisher+cc-1.jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1001" data-original-width="1500" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpXWIQkdtpnoRfNaOD0v5RjuP95yi0WspkBROsp96MgL1eCQZ4E3D2HFX6-v58NPgXylygiTGTmPbhz8yJW_mi85wqBsq1i0jUkJ0PNUa5ZWZZd87d4GHo-XCK-Kk6I-ZnQ6Bn80STtc1w/w640-h428/YH+Kingfisher+cc-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p>Yellow-billed Kingfisher. The pointed-end view. The bird's crest is blowing off centre in the wind.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnNHCyTzSgV4xIaHU607vu_XaKXBYAUxWlronS4jWOhyphenhyphenZYGWhlxrc4B1uphFQKrr0Y_BqB65onglj3WMeIlLGh5ssACLdTX_kgcNxi4tO6C3tJc8G4TXL5v9UYJiHeh-y7Jlzo-JjEs46p/s1500/YH+Kingfisher+dd-1.jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1001" data-original-width="1500" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnNHCyTzSgV4xIaHU607vu_XaKXBYAUxWlronS4jWOhyphenhyphenZYGWhlxrc4B1uphFQKrr0Y_BqB65onglj3WMeIlLGh5ssACLdTX_kgcNxi4tO6C3tJc8G4TXL5v9UYJiHeh-y7Jlzo-JjEs46p/w640-h428/YH+Kingfisher+dd-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p>Yellow-billed Kingfisher. A rear head view. Compare this with the previous shot from the front. Those two dark spots on the back of the head look so like eyes. Are they a method of protection from potential predators. If a goshawk were to see that it might re-consider attacking a bird that seems to be looking straight at it.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwM2ad8uCekmSK5gLOhVaH9DLTsgvQINDVMGVvb3zGg_EcaL6zipiP_kmJn547O495JxLdCnNVtvEf58Zzy7g' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><p>To end this page here is a short video of the Buff-breasted Paradise-Kingfisher display. The male is calling, he has pure white tail streamers. The female flies in, she has pale blue edges to her tail streamers. Click to open the video in full screen. The call and the depth of the foliage in the film give a fine feeling for the ambiance of the rainforest.</p><p>I would like to again thank Jon Coleman for organising this trip as part of a long-term study, back in late November-early December 2020. </p><p><br /></p>Stuart Raehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11384020095447521038noreply@blogger.com0