Cloud 9 and Surrounds

Hi all,

Sounds like it was a nice winter walk last week with some new species seen, of note, the Cattle egrets!

Next month for something different, we will meet at Trout Creek between 3.30-4pm for a short afternoon walk before a BBQ dinner. Then the spotlights will come into use as we search for nocturnal birds which could bring us sightings of Masked Owls.

So, for carpooling, meet at the Bayside carpark at 3pm on WEDNESDAY 1ST AUGUST. Bring along something for the BBQ, a torch, warm clothing and a sense of winter adventure.

See you then!

Best birding wishes,

Liz

Bird List from Des

CATTLE EGRET	Ardea ibis
GREEN ROSELLA	Platycercus caledonicus
LAUGHING KOOKABURRA	Dacelo novaeguineae
SUPERB FAIRY-WREN	Malurus cyaneus
TASMANIAN SCRUBWREN	Sericornis humilis
YELLOW-RUMPED THORNBILL	Acanthiza chrysorrhoa
BROWN THORNBILL	Acanthiza pusilla
EASTERN SPINEBILL	Acanthorhynchus tenuirostris
YELLOW-THROATED HONEYEATER	Lichenostomus flavicollis
LITTLE WATTLEBIRD	Anthochaera chrysoptera
YELLOW WATTLEBIRD	Anthochaera paradoxa
STRONG-BILLED HONEYEATER	Melithreptus validirostris
BLACK-HEADED HONEYEATER	Melithreptus affinis
GOLDEN WHISTLER	Pachycephala pectoralis
GREY-SHRIKE THRUSH	Colluricincla harmonica
GREY BUTCHERBIRD	Cracticus torquatus
GREY FANTAIL	Rhipidura albiscapa
FOREST RAVEN	Corvus tasmanicus
SCARLET ROBIN	Petroica boodang
FLAME ROBIN	Petroica phoenicea
SILVEREYE	Zosterops lateralis

After the Solstice on Cloud 9

With return of the warmer weather the last couple of days, the birds are all very busy and thankfully give me plenty of opportunity to get more photos. 
As you can see from the way he looks up the Grey Shrike Thrush was very intrigued when Nick started whistling to him, at one stage he can right up to the windowsill, but never answered back. 

 At least 3 Grey Fantails were extremely busy fluttering around catching insects. And the acrobats of today are the Green Rosellas - we never stop watching and enjoying their antics!

 The one with his/her back to the camera had been in an argument a couple of weeks ago and we noticed the tailfeathers are still out of plum.

Today lots of different birds making quick visits. Put some Mandarin segments on the lawn, only the Silvereyes and Grey Shrike Thrush were interested.

The Blue Wren that was changing into his blue mating suit has not appeared for the last 5 days. His mates were here, counted 11 this morning.
A Tasmanian Thornbill landed on the Weeping Cherry tree, quickly hopped on the gutter and flew away before I could take a photo. Haven't seen him come back yet but know he is around hiding somewhere.
No doubt Des will spot him on Wednesday!

The big Candle Cassia is still honey-sucking favorite for several birds. Lovely to see it!

Eastern Spinebill

Happy bird watching!

Annette and Nick.

Blue Wrens beginning to moult

We noticed one of the Superb Fairy Wrens is already moulting. We thought this was rather early in the season. Is this so? Annette

 Superb Fairy Wren from Annette

 Noticed the exact same thing out here on the 22 June, Don't know past history of moulting times for the East Coast but wikipedia and Disjunct Naturalists mention changes of colour during the first breeding season. John

Video from John

Heard a bird song before seven the last couple of mornings, I think it may be a Bassian Thrush, any suggestions?
Two confirmations, indeed a Bassian Thrush, male and only in winter, usually  during twilight john