Grey Fantails from Tasmania

Posted on 18 April 2025 by E Y

The sub-species Albiscapa of the Grey Fantail arrived at Trin late March – early April. This particularly sub-species spend their summer in Tasmania and their winters in the mainland.

The way to identity the sub-species is to wait until it fans its tail. In this sub-species, there is very little white on the tips of the tail feathers.

Grey Fantails are not the easiest birds to photograph, as they are frequently on the move and never stay still for very long. On 10 April 2025, one particular bird was kind enough to pose for me. Furthermore, it was at a location on a dead tree with background that is sufficient far away. This created a photographic opportunity that allow me to isolate the subject.

Although there were two Grey Fantail at the same location, these photographs are of the same bird. The other Fantail was more reserved and did not pose for photographs.

While I wished that more birds would pose for me, I understand that finding birds out in the open without protection of trees and shrubs is not in the nature of these animals. So, to me, this is a very special occasion. The bird allowed me to approach within 6 to 8 metres of it. As such, the photographs contained very imitate details.

First: Nikon Z 9, Nikkor Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S @ 1/500s f/6.3 ISO1400

Second: Nikon Z 9, Nikkor Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S @ 1/500s f/6.3 ISO1600

Third: Nikon Z 9, Nikkor Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S @ 1/500s f/6.3 ISO2200

Fourth: Nikon Z 9, Nikkor Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S @ 1/500s f/6.3 ISO2000

Spoonbills visit Trin Warren Tam-boore

Posted on 16 April 2025 by E Y

On 8 April 2024, as I approach the bird hide from the Skink Habitat, I spotted a large white bird in the pond. I had originally thought that it might be a Great Egret. On reaching the bird hide, it was obviously a Yellow-billed Spoonbill. What a surprise! This is the first time I have observed a Yellow-billed Spoonbill at this location.

While at the bird hide, I managed to take a few photographs. It then flew into Trin. When I followed it, I was pleasantly surprised to see another Royal Spoonbill. Whilst I have previously seen a Royal Spoonbill at Trin, it is still very rare. To have two species of Spoonbills in Trin at the same time must be very special indeed.

First: Nikon Z 9, Nikkor Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S @ 1/800s f/6.3 ISO220

Second: Nikon Z 9, Nikkor Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S @ 1/800s f/6.3 ISO400

A Brown Thornbill pose for a photograph

Posted on 30 March 2025 by E Y

On 19 March 2025, I was observing 2 Grey Fantails and a Brown Thornbill doing their thing at the Western Remnant of Royal Park. The Thornbill grabbed hold of a thin branch of a shrub right in front of me. I managed to capture this rather pleasing portrait of the Brown Thornbill.

Brown Thornbills are one of the smallest birds in Australia. Like many small birds, they never stay still at one place for very long. As a result, they are very difficult to photograph. All things considered, I am rather happy that this particular Thornbill stayed in the pose long enough for me to take this image.

Nikon Z 9, Nikkor Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S @ 1/500s f/6.3 ISO500

Portrait of a Black-faced Cuckooshrike

Posted on 28 March 2025 by E Y

On 21 February 2025, I encountered 3 Black-faced Cuckooshrikes at the Western Remnant. I managed to take a photograph of what looked like a juvenile bird as it has downy looking feathers.

These birds usually perch in tall trees and are quite difficult to photograph at eye-level. As the path of the Western Remnant is elevated, I managed to photograph this particular bird at close to eye-level. The only issue is the featureless blue sky. I guess you can’t have everything.

Nikon Z 9, Nikkor Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S @ 1/800s f/6.3 ISO100

An unusual Galah

Posted on 26 March 2025 by E Y

On 9 January 2025, I encountered this white-winged Galah on the oval next to Trin Warren Tam-boore, Royal Park.

If the eyes were any guide, it was a female. It is amongst the flock of Galahs. I have not had the fortune of seeing it after that encounter. I do wonder if it is a genetic defect or a phase that this particular Galah is going through.

Nikon Z 9, Nikkor Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S @ 1/640s f/6.3 ISO280.

Scarlet Robin spotted at Skink Habitat

Posted on 24 March 2025 by E Y

On 14 March 2025, a female Scarlet Robin was spotted at the Skink Habitat at Trin Warren Tam-boore, Royal Park.

From the side of my eye, there was a splash of orange-red colour. I originally thought that it may be a Mistletoebird but on closer look, it appeared to be a Robin. The colouration of the breast suggested that it was a female Scarlet Robin. I tracked her around the Skink Habitat and she eventually settled down and allowed me to take this photograph.

I often find Scarlet Robins easier to photograph than Flame Robins. They have a curious nature and has a smaller circle of fear. This is also the first time that I have observed a Scarlet Robin so close to Trin.

I am hoping that the sighting of this bird marks the beginning of the winter migration of the Robins to Melbourne.

Nikon Z 9, Nikkor Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S @ 1/800s f/6.3 ISO1000

Courtship dance of the Crested Pigeon

Posted on 22 March 2025 by E Y

On 28 February 2025, a couple of Crested Pigeon was seen performance a courtship ritual at Trin Warren Tam-boore.

I was fortunate enough to have captured this action as a photograph.

Nikon Z 9, Nikkor Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S @ 1/800s f/6.3 ISO8000

More pictures of Galahs

Posted on 11 February 2025 by E Y

These photographs were taken at the oval next to Royal Park Trin Warren Tam-boore on 14 December 2024.

It was a reasonably cloudy morning but the harsh sun shone through the cloud, creating a less than soft light on the Galahs. Still diffused but slightly harsh.

I was lucky enough to be able to get a photograph of a Galah with its crest up. This does happen often.

First: Nikon Z 9, Nikkor Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S @ 1/800s f/6.3 ISO90

Second: Nikon Z 9, Nikkor Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S @ 1/800s f/6.3 ISO140

The Galahs are back

Posted on 9 February 2025 by E Y

After a few weeks of absence, it looked like the Galahs are back at Royal Park Trin Warren Tam-boore. These photographs were taken on 11 December 2024.

The first image was taken at the oval next to Trin while the second was taken at the Skink Habitat.

While a common bird, they are quite pretty and add colour to the city park on a dull summer day. Their calls are not as rough as the Sulfur-crested Cockatoo but I wouldn’t described them as particularly musical. The way to identify the sex of the Galah is the colour of their eyes. The males have dark brown eyes while the females have pink eyes.

First: Nikon Z 9, Nikkor Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S @ 1/800s f/6.3 ISO220

Second: Nikon Z 9, Nikkor Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S @ 1/640s f/6.3 ISO140

The Superb Fairywren caught its breakfast

Posted on 21 January 2025 by E Y

Superb Fairywren are all over the place these days. This one was found in Trin Warren Tam-boore on 10 December 2024. It looked like it is going to have its breakfast.

Nikon Z 9, Nikkor Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S @ 1/500s f/6.3 ISO2800

The Yeo Family

What are they up to?

Tag Archives: Royal Park