Aidan’s Birding Blog

Hi,

Sorry for not writing on this earlier, as it actually occured about two months ago so my memory isn’t as good as it was back then about this walk. Well, it was a lovely morning walk through a rehabilitated area of former farmland along the South Pine River with Birds Queensland, and although it was VERY cold, a fair 45 species were seen. It started with a large flock of Little Correllas along Samford Road near the village, and some Lapwings (plovers) were seen on the Sports Grounds oval next to the bushland. Also, some Willie Wagtails were sighted in a drain.

First up were two White-Eared Monarchs in a tall tree, followed by some more bush birds such as Eastern Yellow Robins, followed by two Rose Robins – the stars of this walk. After that were a few more run-of-the-mill bush birds that I cannot recall, until some Double-Barred and Red Browed Finches were spotted in tall grass, as well as a Scarlet Homeyeater (Myzomela) male in an adjourning tree and some more robins in lantana thickets nearby.

Down by the river, not much except some pacific black ducks swimming. Back up the hill though, there was a Pipit in the grass next to the bikeway and continuing along the bikeway, some Black-Faced Cuckoo-Shrikes were seen. At a nearby pasture, a colony of amazing Fairy Martin gourds were seen on a farmhouse ledge, along with one or two odd birds because it wasn’t breeding season. There were some various Ibises along with a White-Faced Heron and some Willie Wagtails on the fences.

Back along the bikeway though, there was a Figbird in a native fruiting tree and a family of 5 Chestnut-Breasted Mannakins (one male and 4 juveniles) that were ‘following’ us, along with a mistletoe bird heard and some Double-Barred Finches in a tree. A Pardalote was also seen in its nesting hole in a pile of sand by the side of the bikeway. Lastly, some Peaceful Doves and a Little Lorikeet flying overhead to end a wonderful morning out birding.

Sorry to keep you guys waiting, I promise one (if not two) new blogs will come out soon-ish. While you wait, why not check out my other website outlining my second hobby, bidkeeping: Bardon Finch Aviaries

This is my third outing since the blog started, and although not racking in as much Birds as the other walk, it brought in a fair 22 species, although it would’ve been nicer with more species. The walk started on the Chelsea Road side of the wetands and ended halfway in between the wetlands.

A good selection of Bush birds were seen on the first stretch of shared pedestrian path including Welcome Swallows, Eastern Yellow Robins, Pale Headed Rosellas, a Sacred Kingfisher and some Striated Pardalotes and White-Throated Honeyeaters in the Eucalyptus trees above the path. After an off-path diversion, some Red-Browed Finches were seen in a small Casuarina tree near a slightly more statgment and dry version of Lota Creek. Along the creek was the occasional Moorhen or Pacific Black Duck, and the Star was definitely the Spotless Crake, seen darting in and out of bushes.

A Darter was also seen in a high trees, as well as a pair of Dollarbirds in a dead tree. The next stretch of creek was what one would call desolate, as no birds were seen for quite some time until the group stumbled upon some Red-Browed and Varigated Fairy-Wrens in a long vine. Next was off to some grassy fields, where Chestnut Breasted Mannakins were seen, as well as a juvenile Figbird. Unfortunately, I had to leave early because of an upcoming event, which ended a pleasant day in an excellent wetlands.

Another glorious, sunny day led to perfect conditions for a morning birdwalk, organised by Birds Queensland. The group converged by the carpark At 6.30am exactly and we were quick to get going.

Our first destination was the main dam, with very few waterbirds. Some of these included Pacific Black Ducks, a Hardhead and a Dusky Moorhen on its nest. Some little Lorikeets were seen flying overhead. Lewin’s Honeyeaters were seen frequently in trees, along with some Noisy Miners. On the far side of the dam, a Cattle Egret was seen flying overhead. An abundance of Willie Wagtails led us to a nest with three babies, some dusky Moorhen juveniles in the water. A magpie lark was seen in a drain pipe and some Red-Backed Fairy-Wrens were seen darting in and out of the bushes.

As we went down to the river, not much was seen except for a Cicadabird, some Cattle Egret, a Pale Yellow Robin and a flock of King Parrots. A few minutes later, we were suprised by the appearance of an Owlet-Nightjar in a tree hollow. As we went down to the river, a White-Faced heron darted past and a male Cicadabird was seen in a Casuarina Tree. There were also Moorhens and various ducks on the river, followed by a Little Pied Cormorant. A Grey-Shrike Thrush and a Sacred Kingfisher were also seen in a tree. Next was a Rose-Crowned Fruit-Dove which was hard to see for some of us. Variegated Fairy-Wrens and Red-Backed Fairy-Wrens were seen in undergrowth and a Chestnut-Breasted Mannakin was seen in a Tobacco Bush. Last but not least were various Finches including Red-Browed and Double-Barred before I had to go.

And so ends a wonderful birdwalk in a wonderful location, located 35 minutes from Brisbane. I would highly recommend this location to any birdwatchers, beginner or professional.

Hi all,

This morning I went on a fabulous bird watching outing with members from Birds Queensland at the locally famous birding location Eagleby Wetlands, on the Albert River bordering the Waste Treatment Plant and Oliver Sports Complex, with a total of about 70 birds, 59 of which I have put on ebird.

Upon Entering, there were some Common Starlings and Little Corellas in surrounding fields in the sports complex. Both Scaly-Breasted and Rainbow Lorikeets greeted our birding group, before we split off into smaller groups. Also flying overhead were some waterbirds, Cattle Egrets and White Ibises. First sights were some Sacred Kingfishers along with a Red-Browed Finch on the boardwalk, as we walked through swampy wetlands before coming to a large lake, fed by the excess from the treatment plant. In the lake were Grebes, Dusky Moorhens, Pacific-Black Ducks, an Ibis and Hardheads, swimming solitary and in pairs.

Some Red-Backed Fairy-Wrens were also spotted in neighboring reeds, along with some Golden-Headed Cisticolas. After a lot of confusion identifying the call, a Brush Cuckoo was heard calling loudly from the forest and some more Sacred Kingfishers flew past quickly. We approached a second lake, with more mudflats. Swimming in it were a group of Coots, Pacific-Black Ducks, Hardheads and Dusky Moorhen, along with a solitary Wandering-Whistling Duck. Back into the forest, some Varigated and Red-Backed Fairy-Wrens (mostly females) were seen on (and under) the boardwalk, also flying into trees. Some Chestnut-Breasted Mannikins were also ducking in and out of bushes.

Eastern Whipbirds were heard calling to each other while many small birds were seen (and heard) in the forest, including an Eastern Yellow Robin, Grey Fantail, Rufous Whistler, Bar-Shouldered Dove, Varied Triller, some Brown Honeyeaters, some Scarlet Myzomelas (Scarlet Honeyeaters) and some White-Throated Needletails. Also flying over was a Royal Spoonbill and a Great Cormorant. By the River, no birds were sighted for quite a long time until some Lewin’s Honeyeaters were seen in thick foliage and Cattle Egrets in the farmland (the farmland had cattle) behind the river. Some female Superb Fairy-Wrens were also seen along with Brown Honeyeaters eating Bottlebrush flowers.

A quick misunderstanding with directions landed us beside the Treatment Plant, were Pelicans were seen flying and two Bush-Stone Curlews were seen stretching their necks at us. A Spotted Turtle-Dove was on top of a large dead tree. After finding the right way to go, we went to the opposite side of the lake and saw a White-Bellied Sea-Eagle and some Black Kites. On the lake were some Grebes and Hardheads, with some Grey Teals and a Chestnut Teal. In the reeds Tawny Grassbirds playfully flew around, along with some Golden-Headed Citstcolas and Peaceful Doves in a dead tree. On the distant side of the lake we could see a Great Egret with its neck stretched. Some Masked Lapwings were calling loudly from the other side of the wetlands.

The last two birds sighted were Galahs and a Brown Goshawk, along with some Sulphur-Crested Cockatoos, before we had the bird count and packed up to drive home.

Hi,

Today I will introduce you to Aidan’s Bird Blog, my new website! In upcoming posts, I will take you on a Birdwatching adventure around Brisbane, covering the best spots and a large variety of birds! I am on eBird too, with an impressive 226 species sighted within the course of around 2 years. I hope you enjoy my future blogs!

Aidan