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
We saw a Mallefowl crossing the Konardin Track on 5 September 2024 but it was 140 metres away (according to the EXIF data from a photograph I took). The next day, on 6 September 2024, we came across this Mallefowl that was only 33 metres away.
When we first spotted it, it was about to cross the Nowingi Track. It looked at us and was about to turn back when we instinctively stopped and become motionless. It decided that we were not a threat and proceed to cross the track while keeping an eye on us. I proceeded to take a series of photographs as it stride across the track. We were very fortunate and privileged to have encountered a Mallefowl at such close proximity in the wild.
Left: Nikon Z 9, Nikkor Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S @ 1/800s f/6.3 ISO360.
Right: Nikon Z 9, Nikkor Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S @ 1/800s f/6.3 ISO400.
Over the weekend, there were reports of a Red-backed Kingfisher at Yarra Bend Park on the opposite bank of Dights Fall. I got the alert but did not read it carefully enough and so missed it on Sunday. On the morning of Monday. 2 September 2024, I decided to try my luck and sure enough it appear after about half an hour of waiting.
The Red-backed Kingfisher is an unusual species for Melbourne. It is usually found in arid regions of Australia. For some reason, this one came to Melbourne as a vagrant.
Top-left: Nikon Z 9, Nikkor Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S, Nikon Z TC-1.4X @ 1120mm 1/800s f/9 ISO1250
Top-middle: Nikon Z 9, Nikkor Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S, Nikon Z TC-1.4X @ 1120mm 1/800s f/9 ISO1250
Top-right: Nikon Z 9, Nikkor Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S, Nikon Z TC-1.4X @ 1120mm 1/800s f/9 ISO1000
Right: Nikon Z 9, Nikkor Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S, Nikon Z TC-1.4X @ 1120mm 1/800s f/9 ISO1600
The Noisy Miner is one of the most common and successful bird in urban Australia. It is a native honeyeater that is extremely territorial and aggressive towards other birds. I have witness a gang of Noisy Miners attacking birds that are larger than itself. This photograph was taken on 29 August 2024.
Nikon Z 9, Nikkor Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S @ 1/500s f/6.3 ISO720.
From time to time, a Laughing Kookaburra will come and visit Royal Park Trin Warren Tam-boore. Sometimes they will “laugh” but on this particular occasion, it will extremely quiet. These photographs were taken on 26 August 2024.
Nikon Z 9, Nikkor Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S @ 1/500s f/6.3 ISO900.
This pair of male and female Common Bronzewings appeared to have settled at the Skink Habitat of Royal Park. They were known to show up once in a while prior to a few weeks ago. The female was observed first and, last week, the male appeared. Hopefully, the pair will mate and produce chicks. Looking forward to see what happens in the next few weeks.
Top-left: Nikon Z 9, Nikkor Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S @ 1/500s f/6.3 ISO720.
Top-right: Nikon Z 9, Nikkor Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S @ 1/500s f/6.3 ISO560.
Mid-right: Nikon Z 9, Nikkor Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S @ 1/500s f/6.3 ISO1100
Bottom-right: Nikon Z 9, Nikkor Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S @ 1/500s f/6.3 ISO800
