White-plumed Honeyeaters are very common in city parks. However, they are also one of the hardest birds to photograph.
This pair of White-plumed Honeyeaters was taken at the Red Cliffs Lookout on the evening of 7 September 2024 (the last day of our trip) as the sun sets. Hence, the warm tones.
Nikon Z 9, Nikkor Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S @ 1/800s f/6.3 ISO125.
Etiwanda Wetlands is a man-made wetlands that is used to treat stormwater at Mildura. Like many such wetlands, it is full of wildlife ranging to ducks to small birds (including the sort after Purple-backed Fairywren) and, of course, raptors. We visited this location twice and we have seen a Collared Sparrowhawk, a resident Whistling Kite and a Black Kite. This photograph of the Black Kite was taken on the morning of 7 September 2024.
Nikon Z 9, Nikkor Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S @ 1/3200s f/6.3 ISO900.
On 4 September 2024, the first full day at the national park, we encountered a Grey Butcherbird near the visitor centre. This is definitely not the first time we have seen a Grey Butcherbird but it is still good to see a familiar creature.
Nikon Z 9, Nikkor Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S @ 1/640s f/6.3 ISO720
Yellow-plumed Honeyeaters are almost everywhere at the Nowingi and Konardin Tracks in Hattah-Kulkyne National Park. This photograph of the ubiquitous honeyeater was taken on 5 September 2024 at the Konardin Track near the bee hives.
Left: Nikon Z 9, Nikkor Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S @ 1/800s f/6.3 ISO640
On the morning of 5 September 2024, a couple of fellow travelers told us that they have spotted Mallee Emu-wrens on the Nowingi Track north of the junction with the Konardin Track. We walked up the track to look for the Emu-wrens. However, we came upon the enclave of the Splendid Fairywren after hearing their calls. We saw a few females and eclipsed males. The closest to a male in breeding plumage was this molting male. We did not end up spotting any Emu-wrens.
Nikon Z 9, Nikkor Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S @ 1/800s f/6.3 ISO2200
The photograph of the female Hooded Robin (left) was taken at Konardin Track. There was another male with it. I did have the photograph of the male but the one taken at the Nowingi (right) was selected to be posted here. These photographs was taken in the morning of 5 September 2024. Like many bird during this trip, it was the first time we seen this birds.
Left: Nikon Z 9, Nikkor Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S @ 1/800s f/6.3 ISO1250
Right: Nikon Z 9, Nikkor Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S @ 1/800s f/6.3 ISO280
At around the evening of 4 September 2024 at Blackburn Park (an oval) in Ouyen, we spotted a Pink Cockatoo flying and calling loudly over the oval. We followed it in our car and saw it perched on a wire. At the time, we also heard another cockatoo in a tree. The other Cockatoo was discovered in a tree hollow. These photographs are of the second Cockatoo from the tree hollow. We were not fortunate enough to photograph the Cockatoo with its crest opened. Maybe next time.
Left: Nikon Z 9, Nikkor Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S @ 1/800s f/6.3 ISO1400
Right: Nikon Z 9, Nikkor Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S @ 1/800s f/6.3 ISO800
This photograph of an Apostlebird was taken near the visitor centre of the Hattah-Kulkyne National Park on 4 September 2024. It was the first time we have seen this bird. We knew before hand that these birds are no strangers to humans but did not expect them to be so audacious. They came some close to me that wished I had a 400mm lens instead.
Nikon Z 9, Nikkor Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S @ 1/640s f/6.3 ISO720
We walked the Nowingi and Konardin Tracks 3 days in a row. Everyday, we managed to spot a pair of Mulga Parrots. This photograph of the male was taken on 4 September 2024. It was the first time we have seen such a creature.
Nikon Z 9, Nikkor Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S @ 1/800s f/6.3 ISO450
On 4 September 2024, being our first day at Hattah-Kulkyne National Park walking the Nowingi and Konardin Tracks, we saw Jacky Winters everywhere we turn. This one at the Nowingi Track was inviting me to take its photograph.
Nikon Z 9, Nikkor Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S @ 1/800s f/6.3 ISO140