Portrait of a Little Wattlebird

Little Wattlebird

This is my second portrait of possibly the same Little Wattlebird at Trin Warren Tam-boore. This time the bird was a bit lower to the ground but still high in the tree. The branches and leaves of the tree provided a partial frame for the bird.

This bird has been heard calling for some days. At some point in time, I observed 2 Little Wattlebirds. I am wondering if there is a nest nearby. This particular photograph was taken on 4 November 2024.

Nikon Z 9, Nikkor Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S @ 1/500s f/6.3 ISO200

New Holland Honeyeater calling its mates

New Holland Honeyeater

The New Holland Honeyeater is another common bird in Australia. At Trin Warren Tam-boore, the population seems to be on the lower side recently. I think its because there is little flowering at this time of the year. Being a nectar and insect feeder, there are still one or two around.

This photograph of the honeyeater was taken on 4 November 2024 as it was make a call. It’s interesting that this particular individual has been tagged. This is the first time I have seen this species being studied.

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

Australasian Swamphen

Australasian Swamphen

The Australasian Swamphen is a very common bird in Australia and New Zealand. In New Zealand it is also known as Pūkeko. This particular Swamphen was photographed at Trin Warren Tam-boore on 4 November 2024.

Nikon Z 9, Nikkor Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S @ 1/640s f/6.3 ISO2000

Silver Gull

Silver Gull

When ever you visit Trin Warren Tam-boore, you will also see a Silver Gull or two or more. They will forage on the oval next to Trin or soaring in the sky above the Park. It has never to clear to me why they are attracted to Trin.

This photograph of a Silver Gull was taken on 3 November2024 at the oval.

Nikon Z 9, Nikkor Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S @ 1/500s f/6.3 ISO1250

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