Rose Robin makes a rare visit

Rose Robin (Male)
Rose Robin (Male)

Royal Park Trin Warren Tam-boore from time to time will spring a surprise on me. On the morning of 29 August 2024, I spotted what I original thought was a Mistletoebird and later thought it might actually be a Flame Robin. However, on closer look, it was actually a male Rose Robin. I never would have thought to actually see a Rose Robin at this park.

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

Right: Nikon Z 9, Nikkor Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S @ 1/500s f/6.3 ISO3200.

Willie Wagtail stealing the limelight

Willie Wagtail
Willie Wagtail

This Willie Wagtail appears to be begging for its photograph taken. When I saw it, it was on the ground. It quickly flew onto this rock which provided me with an opportunity to capture it with an extremely clean background due to depth-of-field. I personally would have preferred some detail in the background but in this case, the background is not worth recording. This was taken on 23 August 2024 at Royal Park Trin Warren Tam-boore.

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

Crested Pigeon

Crested Pigeon

The Crested Pigeon is a native Australia species. It is a bird that is easily identified due to its unique “hair style”. This particular photograph was taken on 21 August 2024 in Royal Park Trin Warren Tam-boore.

Nikon Z 9, Nikkor Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S @ 1/800s f/6.3 ISO3200.

The Hardheads returned to Oak Street Wetland

Hardhead

From time to time, we can see Hardheads at Oak Street Wetland. This photograph of a male Hardhead was taken in the morning of 19 August 2024. There were 4 Hardheads that day but up to 8 had been reported.

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

Eastern Rosella of Royal Park

Eastern Rosella

The Eastern Rosella is a frequent visitor to Royal Park Trin Warren Tam-boore. These birds always adds to the colour of the park. It is always delightful to see one or two. This photograph was taken on 19 August 2024.

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

Willie Wagtail

Willie Wagtail

The Willie Wagtail is a common bird in Melbourne. This photograph was taken at Royal Park Trin Warren Tam-boore on 19 August 2024. It has a mate close by and was singing. As the name suggests, the bird wags its tail as it moves around. A very sweet bird that I am always happy to see.

Nikon Z 9, Nikkor Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S @ 1/500s f/6.3 ISO450.

The resident Black-shouldered Kite of Royal Park

Black-shouldered Kite

The photograph of the Black-shouldered Kite was taken on 15 August 2024 at the Skink Habitat of Royal Park. This bird can be seen frequently at this location and usually perched on the same dead tree.

Nikon Z 9, Nikkor Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S @ 1/500s f/6.3 ISO90.

A tree-hugging Galah

Galah (Male)

This Galah was photographed on 7 August 2024 at Royal Park Trin Warren Tam-boore. It was originally on the ground but flew up to a tree. It appears to proceed to give the tree a hug which I find quite amusing.

Nikon Z 9, Nikkor Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S @ 1/500s f/6.3 ISO220.

Grey Fantail

Grey Fantail

This photograph of a Grey Fantail was taken on 6 August 2024 at the Western Remnant of Royal Park. According to someone more knowledgeable than myself, this particular Fantail came all the way from Tasmania to make Victoria its winter home.

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

The winter home of Flame Robins

Flame Robin (Male)
Flame Robin (Male)

In Winter, some Robins will migrate to the open plains around Melbourne. Some Flame Robins are believed to also migrate from Tasmania. These pair of Flame Robins was photographed at Woodlands Historic Park on 4 August 2024. I have to employ the 1.4X TC as the Flame Robins are extremely skittish.

Left: Nikon Z 9, Nikkor Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S, Nikon Z TC-1.4X @ 1120mm 1/500s f/9 ISO1400.

Right: Nikon Z 9, Nikkor Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S, Nikon Z TC-1.4X @ 1120mm 1/500s f/9 ISO1100.