Splendid Fairywren of the Nowingi Track

Posted on 22 September 2024 by E Y

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

Hooded Robin of Nowingi and Konardin Tracks

Posted on 20 September 2024 by E Y

Nikon Z 9, Nikkor Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S @ 1/800s f/6.3 ISO1250 — Hooded Robin (Female)

Nikon Z 9, Nikkor Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S @ 1/800s f/6.3 ISO280 — Hooded Robin (Male)

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

Pink Cockatoos in Ouyen

Posted on 18 September 2024 by E Y

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

Apostlebird of Hattah-Kulkyne National Park

Posted on 16 September 2024 by E Y

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

Mulga Parrots located at the Konardin Track

Posted on 14 September 2024 by E Y

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

Jacky Winters are everywhere at the Hattah-Kulkyne National Park

Posted on 12 September 2024 by E Y

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

The secretive Malleefowl reveals itself

Posted on 10 September 2024 by E Y

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.

Red-backed Kingfisher discovered in Yarra Bend Park

Posted on 8 September 2024 by E Y

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

Noisy Miner: the gangster of the bird world

Posted on 6 September 2024 by E Y

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.

Laughing Kookaburra: regular visitor of Royal Park

Posted on 4 September 2024 by E Y

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.

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