A Masked Lapwing returns to Trin Warren Tam-boore

Posted on 11 November 2024 by E Y

It has been some weeks since we have had a Masked Lapwing at Trin Warren Tam-boore. On 24 October 2024, I observed a lone Masked Lapwing at the oval next to Trin.

As with other times a Masked Lapwing appears, its main pre-occupation was feeding. In the short very minutes, I saw it caught quite a few earthworms and efficiently devoured them.

This particular Lapwing seems to have a rather small circle of fear unlike other Masked Lapwing that I have encountered else where.

This particular Mask Lapwing are a sub-species that can be identified by it back shoulder. The other sub-species (Masked) are usually found in Northern Australia. I have only ever seen the black-shoulder sub-species. If I ever go north, I will be sure to look for the other sub-species.

First: Nikon Z 9, Nikkor Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S @ 1/500s f/6.3 ISO560

Second: Nikon Z 9, Nikkor Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S @ 1/500s f/6.3 ISO560

Third: First: Nikon Z 9, Nikkor Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S @ 1/500s f/6.3 ISO640

Second Tawny Frogmouth chick has hatched

Posted on 9 November 2024 by E Y

On 21 October 2024, a second Tawny Frogmouth chick was observed at Trin Warren Tam-boore.

On the morning this day, the chicks and a parent posed for the photograph. Rightly or wrongly, the adult seems to exhibit what we humans would consider pride. Looking forward to seeing these chick grow up in the next few weeks.

Nikon Z 9, Nikkor Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S @ 1/500s f/6.3 ISO800

Spotted Doves: A successful introduced species

Posted on 7 November 2024 by E Y

The Spotted Dove is an introduced species to Australia. Since their introduction, they have been successfully assimilated. They can be found in most places where humans are found. Most importantly, they are food for the native raptors.

This photograph of a Spotted Dove was taken in the morning of 21 October 2024 at Trin Warren Tam-boore.

Nikon Z 9, Nikkor Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S @ 1/500s f/6.3 ISO640

A Little Pied Cormorant in flight

Posted on 5 November 2024 by E Y

I have not seen any Cormorants at the Oak Street Wetland for some time. We normally have the Little Pied Cormorant, Little Black Cormorant and, on occasions, Great Cormorant at the wetland.

On 21 October 2024, this Little Pied Cormorant was spotted. It circled the wetland a couple of times which gave me an opportunity to capture it in flight. I like how it was back-lite by the sun which gave it highlights on the outline of its body and wings.

Nikon Z 9, Nikkor Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S @ 1/3200s f/6.3 ISO5600

Portrait of a Tawny Frogmouth chick

Posted on 3 November 2024 by E Y

This tiny Tawny Frogmouth chick was spotted at Royal Park Trin Warren Tam-boore on 21 October 2024. When I first walked past the nest, I though that the Tawny Frogmouth was still incubating the eggs. The second time I walked past the nest, I spotted a fluffy fur ball. Then this disheveled looking chick raised it head to have a look at me.

I have been told that the Tawny Frogmouth chick grows really quickly. I will have to make a point to visit Trin often to check its progress.

Nikon Z 9, Nikkor Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S @ 1/800s f/6.3 ISO160

The Buff-banded Rail appears again

Posted on 1 November 2024 by E Y

The Buff-banded Rail is not a bird I expected to see every time I visit Royal Park Trin Warren Tam-boore. The Rail usually forages near the car park early in the morning. As I arrive on 21 October 2024, I did not see the Rail and thought that I have already missed it.

As I returned to Trin after visiting the Oak Street Wetland, I found a single Rail foraging at the edge of the pond. Hiding behind an embankment, I managed to take this photograph that looks as if the Rail for posing for it. I like the Rembrandt lighting that is provided by the sun that puts half its head in the shadow and half in the light.

Nikon Z 9, Nikkor Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S @ 1/640s f/8 ISO1100

Beautiful morning light on the Eurasian Coot

Posted on 30 October 2024 by E Y

On the morning of October 2024, the light of the dawn was truly magnificent.

I was at Oak Street Wetland, just across the road from Trin Warren Tam-boore, when this Eurasian Coot glided across a break in the reeds.

I hand-held the camera and pointed the lens at the Coot near the water’s edge and took this photograph. I don’t know why I don’t have many photographs of the Eurasian Coot. Perhaps it is too common a bird. However, I would considered this photograph as one of my best. It leaves me wonder why I have not tried to take a photograph like this in the past. I will definitely look out for light such as this in the future.

Nikon Z 9, Nikkor Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S @ 1/500s f/6.3 ISO250

I never tire of photographing the Superb Fairywrens

Posted on 28 October 2024 by E Y

When I was contemplating buying the 800mm lens, I had the Superb Fairywrens in mind. I am glad that I have made this decision as this lens opened up so many opportunities to photograph small birds, especially, the Fairywrens.

These photographs of a male Superb Fairywren was taken on 12 October 2024 at Royal Park Trin Warren Tam-boore.

I am on a bit of a roll photographing singing birds lately. When this particular bird starting calling, I didn’t hesitant to take the photograph.

The feathers of the bird standing on its end gives the Fairywren a bit of the punk look. When the bird took off, I did capture the bird’s wing in an interesting position but the shutter was too slow to freeze the action. I should have anticipated the bird’s next move. Hopefully, next time, I will be more prepared.

Nikon Z 9, Nikkor Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S @ 1/800s f/6.3 ISO360

Spotted Dove – an introduced species

Posted on 26 October 2024 by E Y

Spotted Doves are an introduced species that is now well-established in Australia. They can be found in forested areas as well as where humans live.

While not a species I go out of my way to photograph, this Spotted Dove taken at Royal Park Trin Warren Tam-boore on 20 October 2024 was interesting to me because I like how the sun lighted its head while its body and tail transitions into the shadow. The hash shadow on its face gives it a cheeky expression. The background is forested and dark , and that adds a bit of drama to the image.

Nikon Z 9, Nikkor Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S @ 1/800s f/6.3 ISO360

Restarting my Macro journey

Posted on 24 October 2024 by E Y

It’s been a while since I have done any Macro Photography. I have not been able to go to the park to do wildlife photography because of weather and other commitments. With some time in the afternoon, I decided to assemble my macro photography gear and look for subjects in the garden.

It has been too long between macro shoots, I have not been quick enough to photograph the bees. So, instead, I looked for easier subject and that was the humble housefly.

The difference between this shoot and my previous shoot is the use of the AF Micro-Nikkor 200mm f/4D IF-ED adapted to the Nikon Z8 via a FTZ II. The light source was supplied by 3 SB-R200 as part of the Nikon R1C1 set and a Crafty Bell diffuser.

While I did end up with some reasonable photographs but I felt that I am out of practice with macro. I should try to get back into it and attempt to reestablish my skills.

I also found some Carpet Beetles in some Parsley Flowers. However, they are extremely small (1-3mm). This makes it impossible to photograph with a 1:1 macro lens. I tried to attach a 2X Kenko F-mount teleconverter to the lens but the Z8 is not able to control the aperture which makes the setup useless. I checked the lens and teleconverter with the D850 and that combination worked. I guessed I have just experienced a limitation of mirrorless adaptation.

Nikon Z8, AF Micro-Nikkor 200mm f/4D IF-ED, FTZ II, Nikon SU-800 + 3 x Nikon SB-R200 (R1C1), Wimberley F-2 Macro Bracket, Crafty Bells bonnet diffuser @ 1/200s f/22 ISO200

The Yeo Family

What are they up to?

Tag Archives: Nikon