A most difficult subject: Little Wattlebird

Little Wattlebird

I often find the Little Wattlebird very difficult to photograph. It is always in dense bushes or trees that made it difficult to get a clean shot.

On 27 October 2024, this Little Wattlebird was spotted to top of a tree. While it was not a great photograph (it had the sky as the backdrop and I was shooting from lower ground), it was probably the best photograph of this species I have taken so far. Hopefully, better opportunities will arise in the future to allow me a better shot at this bird.

Nikon Z 9, Nikkor Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S @ 1/640s f/6.3 ISO360

Laughing Kookaburra appears again at Trin Warren Tam-boore

Laughing Kookaburra

Kookaburras, when they decided to appear, are usually seen at the White’s Skink habitat near the drain. This Kookaburra was observed at this location on 27 October 2024.

It was rather quite that morning but it sat on the branch without even trying to obscure itself. For some reason, it is always a delight to spot a Kookaburra at Trin.

This photograph does not have the best background but the light coloured Kookaburra and the darker background seems to make this photograph worked.

Nikon Z 9, Nikkor Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S @ 1/800s f/6.3 ISO1250

A Masked Lapwing returns to Trin Warren Tam-boore

Masked Lapwing
Masked Lapwing

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.

Masked Lapwing

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

Tawny Frogmouth

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

Spotted Dove

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

Portrait of a Tawny Frogmouth chick

Tawny Frogmouth (Juvenile)

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

Buff-banded Rail

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

I never tire of photographing the Superb Fairywrens

Superb Fairlywren (Male)

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.

Superb Fairlywren (Male)

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

Spotted Dove

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

Bell Miners: permanent residents of Trin Warren Tam-boore

Bell Miner

Whenever I am at Royal Park Trin Warren Tam-boore, I expect to see the Bell Miners. The day (2 October 2024) this photograph was taken was no exception.

Bells Miners may not win any contest for the best looking bird but it has the most beautiful call that goes “tink”! Hence, the name. They have also been known as Bell Birds. This particular one landed close to me and let off a few calls as I took this photograph. This is definitely the most interesting photograph of this species I have taken so far. I wished it had landed on a more interesting perch. However, it is always the bird that decides if it wanted its photo taken.

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