Gang-gang cockatoo male eating some wattle blossoms(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 400, 400mm, f/8.0 and 1/250 SEC] with internal flash) — Gang-gang cockatoo male eating some wattle blossoms
(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 400, 400mm, f/8.0 and 1/250 SEC] with internal flash)

Gang-gang Cockatoos at hollows and a male Satin Bowerbird - Red Hill Nature Reserve, September 2021

Jon Steinbeck September 18, 2021

Canberra’s COVID-related lockdown continued but we were now allowed to exercise for two hours a day but just in the local area. Fortunately, I live a few minutes walk from the wonderful Red Hill Nature Reserve, a lovely escape among the suburban housing. Because of the lockdown the neighbouring Federal Golf Club was closed meaning its greens were empty of people and perfect for some photography. In fact, the whole of the reserve seemed to be free of people, making it a truly lovely experience. I figured that I would go for a walk that Sunday morning with my camera because I sensed that part of the reason for the exercise extension from only one hour a day to two hours was to help the mental health of Canberrans. So, I felt that walking with my camera would also help relieve the lockdown blues, which it certainly did that lovely morning with Gang-gang cockatoos, a male Satin Bowerbird and some lovely Laughing Kookaburras acting as photographic subjects. I hope that you enjoy the photographs below.

Silvereye on a blackberry bush in the morning sun(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 250, 400mm, f/8.0 and 1/320 SEC]) — Silvereye on a blackberry bush in the morning sun
(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 250, 400mm, f/8.0 and 1/320 SEC])

Big spiders and small birds made the Cotter Reserve interesting in February 2021

Jon Steinbeck February 27, 2021

The Australian Capital Territory’s (ACT) rather elongated shape is because when it was seperated from New South Wales (NSW) the new Federal Government decided that the soon to be created national capital, Canberra, needed to have its own guaranteed water supply. In this part of Australia the water generally flows from the Australian Alps, south of Canberra, so the ACT was given access to rivers that would supply it with fresh water. One of these rivers was the Cotter River, which was damned soon after the founding of Canberra to create the Cotter Dam. To help preserve the quality of water there is no urban development around lake, just the regenerated natural environment created by what is known unofficially as the Cotter Reserve.

Immature Gold Whistler with a caterpillar(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 400, 400mm, f/6.3 and 1/400 SEC]) — Immature Gold Whistler with a caterpillar
(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 400, 400mm, f/6.3 and 1/400 SEC])

Golden Whistlers, Weebills and a Galah at a hollow - Photographing around Red Hill Nature Reserve in July 2020

Jon Steinbeck July 30, 2020

For one reason and another it has been a while since I have been to Red Hill Nature Reserve, even though it is very near to my house. Recently, I just felt it was time to head back to this wonderful little reserve. That was especially the case when the sun was shining and I had a window of a couple of hours to get out to enjoy the weather. I just grabbed my go to Canon EOS 7D Mark II with the Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM telephoto lens plus the monopod and went up the hill. I am so glad I did. Both times it was mid-morning when the sun was up and the birds were still active but a little quieter than earlier in the morning when I usually go out photographing. Still the light was not too harsh and both times I made this dash I found some great subjects. You can see in the landscape shot below, looking across to the Brindabella Range that there was still a dusting of snow on the peaks around Canberra on the first Saturday. Despite that, the weather was not too cold and it was nice to be outside. I have also included some shots of flowers from our garden. Only the second one is an Australian native but I was enjoying the chance to practice some flower photography with natural light. It was good to be back on Red Hill, even if for a brief visit and I hope you enjoy the photographs below.

A male Gang-gang Cockatoo preening the head of a female(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 800, 400mm, f/10 and 1/500 SEC]) — A male Gang-gang Cockatoo preening the head of a female
(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 800, 400mm, f/10 and 1/500 SEC])

Gang-gang Cockatoo in a hollow, another Dollarbird and some interesting insects - Photographing around Red Hill Nature Reserve on Sunday, 24 November 2019

Jon Steinbeck November 30, 2019

The birds on Red Hill Nature Reserve were fantastic this Sunday morning despite the overcast and cloudy conditions. There were so many Gang-gang cockatoos around, including a quiet male being a sentinel at the entrance to a hollow. I saw another Dollarbird on a different part of the hill to the one last week, as well as my first ever Cicadabird. I was also glad I had my macro photography set-up with me as there were some interesting insects, including from the day before when I went walking around my yard with the macro camera. I hope you enjoy the photographs below.

This Brown Goshawk was not happy with me(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 400, 400mm, f/8.0 and 1/800 SEC]) — This Brown Goshawk was not happy with me
(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 400, 400mm, f/8.0 and 1/800 SEC])

Swooped by a Brown Goshawk and watching two Australian Ravens pick at a feather - Photographing around Red Hill Nature Reserve on Saturday, 9 November 2019

Jon Steinbeck November 19, 2019

Red Hill Nature Reserve always has something of interest, with this morning’s excitement caused by a Brown Goshawk swooping me. I thought I had missed the opportunity to see the goshawks as I had been through this area without any interaction with them but one of them let me know they were still definitely around. I also had an enjoyable time photographing some Gang-gang Cockatoos as well as the usual assortment of birdlife in the reserve. I hope you enjoy the photographs below.

The Gang-gang Cockatoo pair in a tree(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 800, 400mm, f/8.0 and 1/200 SEC]) — The Gang-gang Cockatoo pair in a tree
(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 800, 400mm, f/8.0 and 1/200 SEC])

A possible pair of breeding Gang-gang Cockatoos and Satin Bowerbirds practicing their mating dance - Photographing around Red Hill Nature Reserve on Saturday, 2 November 2019

Jon Steinbeck November 17, 2019

Red Hill Nature Reserve was its usual awesome destination. I started on the Garran side before crossing the Federal Golf Club to get to the reserve proper. It was a fantastic morning where I think I saw a breeding pair of Gang-gang Cockatoos. There were also some other birds showing interest in hollows, which is a good sign at this time of year. There was also a group of Laughing Kookaburras, and I always enjoy seeing them. I hope you like the photographs below.

Rainbow Lorikeet calling out from behind the foliage(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 400, 400mm, f/8.0 and 1/1250 SEC]) — Rainbow Lorikeet calling out from behind the foliage
(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 400, 400mm, f/8.0 and 1/1250 SEC])

Rainbow Lorikeets calling out and a battle-scarred male kangaroo - Photographing around Red Hill Nature Reserve on Saturday, 21 September 2019

Jon Steinbeck October 3, 2019

Red Hill Nature Reserve is such an enjoyable place in spring, with so many birds and other animals shaking off the Canberra winter chill. The weather has been very kind in recent weeks with mild, clear mornings, making photography such a pleasure. This morning’s walk was just wonderful, I saw some Rainbow Lorikeets, a bird species I adore. I also was up close with a Laughing Kookaburra, an experience that always thrills me. In addition, I saw a scarred, old, male kangaroo, who paid me no attention, he seemed to have no fear of me. It was so enjoyable photographing him as he barely even acknowledged my presence even though I was only a few metres away. I always enjoy my walks on Red Hill but this morning was extra special. I hope you enjoy the photographs below.

One of the Pacific Black Ducks that was comfortable near me(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 400, 400mm, f/8.0 and 1/200 SEC]) — One of the Pacific Black Ducks that was comfortable near me
(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 400, 400mm, f/8.0 and 1/200 SEC])

Photogenic Pacific Black Ducks and an Australian Raven flying with an egg in its beak - Photographing at Casuarina Sands Reserve on Sunday, 4 August 2019

Jon Steinbeck August 8, 2019

Casuarina Sands Reserve may technically be across the river from where I actually was on this Sunday but it is a good of enough landmark to show where my location. In previous times at Casuarina Sands I have looked across the Murrumbidgee River to wonder what the other bank had to offer. So on this very foggy Sunday I thought it would be worth having a look. Like Casuarina Sands Reserve it was very accessible. Unfortunately, the weather was not great but the potential was definitely there. I had another close encounter with a lyrebird but I could not get a photograph. This lyrebird was a magnificent vocalist. It was making some amazing sounds, including mimicking a number of other birds. I saw it a few times through some shrubs but I could never get close enough to take a photograph. Still it was nice to see the bird and to hear it. I was able to photograph some other birds but the fog made photography very challenging. I hope you enjoy the photographs below.

A Satin Bowerbird, who had appeared to be doing a mating dance with the crest feathers of a Sulphur-crested Cockatoo in its beak(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 1000, 400mm, f/8.0 and 1/160 SEC]) — A Satin Bowerbird, who had appeared to be doing a mating dance with the crest feathers of a Sulphur-crested Cockatoo in its beak
(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 1000, 400mm, f/8.0 and 1/160 SEC])

A Satin Bowerbird practicing its mating dance on a foggy morning - Photographing around Red Hill Nature Reserve on Saturday, 3 August 2019

Jon Steinbeck August 5, 2019

Red Hill Nature Reserve seemed like it was going to be a bad choice this morning as the fog thickened while I was on the hill. At one stage I thought I would head back early but I am glad I kept going as there were some wonderfull photographic subjects. Early on I found an old caterpillar track from some construction plant like a tractor or bulldozer, which I used to practice with my different lens as it made an interesting subject between the trees on a foggy morning. While, right at the end of my walk I was again captivated by some beautiful Satin Bowerbirds, including one that seemed to be practicing its mating dance. I hope you enjoy the photographs below.

A White-throated Treecreeper who may have found some food(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 400, 248mm, f/8.0 and 1/250 SEC]) — A White-throated Treecreeper who may have found some food
(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 400, 248mm, f/8.0 and 1/250 SEC])

A White-throated Treecreeper searching for food and the lovely blue of a male Superb Fairy-wren - Photographing at Red Hill Nature Reserve on Saturday, 27 July 2019

Jon Steinbeck August 4, 2019

Red Hill Nature Reserve is a lovely place to start a weekend. The weather was a little overcast so I figured I needed to be on the north facing aspect to take advantage of whatever sun there was. Unfortunately, while I was photographing the fog rolled in to block the sunlight on what had been developing into a lovely day weatherise. Despite the fickle weather I was able to find some interesting subjects, including a White-throated Treecreeper who was happy to be on a tree in close proximity to me. I also took some low-light shots of two juvenile male Eastern Grey Kangaroos fighting as well as a shy Red-necked Wallaby. I hope you enjoy the photographs below.

A very cooperative Spotted Pardalote(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 400, 400mm, f/6.3 and 1/250 SEC] with Canon 430EX III-RT flash) — A very cooperative Spotted Pardalote
(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 400, 400mm, f/6.3 and 1/250 SEC] with Canon 430EX III-RT flash)

Gorgeous Striated Pardalotes were camera friendly and watched a group of Satin Bowerbirds - Photographing at Red Hill Nature Reserve on Monday, 15 July 2019

Jon Steinbeck July 19, 2019

Red Hill Nature Reserve is a different place on a weekday. Because I had been in Sydney on Saturday morning I missed my regular walk and photographing on Red Hill that morning. I had taken Monday off work to catch up on things I should have done while I was in Sydney so I decided to go for a walk around Red Hill on Monday. I was amazed how quiet it was. I did not see any joggers or people walking their dogs, only a person who appeared to be walking to work through the reserve. The reserve seemed quieter, in the sense there was less human-made noise and more natural sounds. I was pleasantly surprised by the natural stillness. I had a wonderful time as the birds seemed to be easier to hear. They also seemed to be around more. I did not go far as I was late starting but I thoroughly enjoyed the areas I visited. I am really looking forward to my next day off work so I can see if this quietness is the normal situation on Red Hill. I hope you enjoy the photographs below.

A Little Pied Cormorant and a White-faced Heron share a resting spot at Uriarra Crossing(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 400, 400mm, f/8.0 and 1/320 SEC]) — A Little Pied Cormorant and a White-faced Heron share a resting spot at Uriarra Crossing
(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 400, 400mm, f/8.0 and 1/320 SEC])

Water birds in the fog and Brown Thornbill looking for food, plus some amazing looking insects - Photographing at Uriarra Crossing Reserve and home on Sunday, 2 June 2019

Jon Steinbeck June 15, 2019

I enjoy being beside a slow-moving river, there is something relaxing in the sound of the water leisurely flowing past. I enjoy it even more when there is birdlife going about its business while I watch the events unfold. That is probably why I again found myself sitting beside the Murrumbidgee River on a cold, foggy Sunday morning at Uriarra Crossing thoroughly engrossed in the moment without worrying about the frigid temperature. There were some lovely birds down near the river, including a Little Pied Cormorant and a White-faced Heron sharing the convenience of a toppled-over tree. This post also includes some photographs at the bottom that I took at home later that morning, when I was supposed to be cleaning up the backyard. In moving some wood I came across some fascinating creatures I just had to photograph, before I returned to cleaning up the garden.

A Grey Butcherbird with the lizard it caught(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 400, 400mm, f/6.3 and 1/800 SEC]) — A Grey Butcherbird with the lizard it caught
(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 400, 400mm, f/6.3 and 1/800 SEC])

A Grey Butcherbird with its prey, fog and a myriad of photographic subjects - A weekend photographing around Red Hill Nature Reserve, 11-12 May 2019

Jon Steinbeck May 16, 2019

This was not quite the weekend I had planned. I went out on Saturday morning for my usual walk, this time going to the Hughes-Garran area, particularly the woodland. There had been rain overnight so the ground was wet, the sky was still a bit overcast and temperature a little cool. I had then planned to go for a short hike later that day with my son in Tidbinbilla National Park but we were having car problems so we ended up having a very nice hike over Red Hill Nature Reserve. The next day, again, because of car issues, I returned to Red Hill, which was covered in fog, with a light frost as well, for a walk there. The fog stayed for my whole walk and for most of the day. In the end, I spent my whole weekend wandering over Red Hill Nature Reserve, which was not a bad way to spend a weekend. The conditions were not great for photography, especially of birds, so there are plenty of pictures below of subjects that are not birds. I hope you do not mind and enjoy the photographs.

A Sulphur-crested Cockatoo chewing at some wood, with particles falling from its mouth(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 200, 400mm, f/5.6 and 1/1250 SEC]) — A Sulphur-crested Cockatoo chewing at some wood, with particles falling from its mouth
(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 200, 400mm, f/5.6 and 1/1250 SEC])

Photographing around Red Hill Nature Reserve on Sunday, 17 February 2019 - Cockatoos and Galahs plus a well posed kangaroo

Jon Steinbeck February 27, 2019

I was out on Sunday morning for a walk around Red Hill Nature Reserve. There was some low cloud that eventually dissipated leaving a lovely blue sky. Unfortunately, I made a rookie mistake in that I did not adjust down my ISO after trying to take some photographs in low light meaning my later shots were looking over-exposed, loosing some detail. In addition, because It was a beautiful morning there were a lot of people out enjoying the sunshine making it harder to find a quiet place where the creatures had not been disturbed. Even with that complaint, I would not have missed being out and about, I always enjoy my time on Red Hill. I hope you enjoy the pictures below.

An adult Australasian Grebe feeding a chick(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 800, 371mm, f/5.6 and 1/640 SEC]) — An adult Australasian Grebe feeding a chick
(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 800, 371mm, f/5.6 and 1/640 SEC])

Photographing around Hughes and Garran, ACT on Saturday, 23 February 2019 - looking at waterbirds with chicks as well as gorgeous Superb Parrots

Jon Steinbeck February 27, 2019

Getting out for a walk around Hughes and Garran this Saturday was just one of those mornings that made you glad to be alive. I saw so many birds, beautiful Superb Parrots as well as so many water birds with their young. I also saw two young male kangaroos playing at fighting, allowing me to obtain that iconic kangaroo photo. It was just such a wonderful morning I did not want it to end. I enjoyed it so much, I went and did it all again on Sunday. I was going to do both days as one big blog post but I realised I had more than enough material for two blog posts. I hope you enjoy the photographs below.

A Yellow-rumped Thornbill looking for food

Photographing at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve on Tuesday, 18 December 2018 - Honeyeaters and a Rufous Whistler

Jon Steinbeck December 24, 2018

I am on a break at present, so I thought it would be nice during the school holidays to take my son for a walk in the ever lovely Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve. I wanted to visit again to photograph and I thought it would a lovely way to spend a morning. I was not wrong, as the weather was glorious and the wildlife was out and about. I did not plan to finish one of the walks, just follow the trail to a point where we felt we had gone far enough, then turnaround. It can be frustrating for a non-photographer to walk with somebody who always wants to stop to take photographs but my son was very patient. We saw so much birdlife, although it was not always easy to capture birds moving fast through shrubs and trees. I hope you enjoy the photos.

Photographing at the Australian National Botanic Gardens on Sunday, 16 December 2018 - A male Satin Bowerbird and bower

Jon Steinbeck December 23, 2018

I was really fortunate to meet a wonderful person on the ‘Understanding Birds’ course who also works as a volunteer guide at the Australian National Botanic Gardens (ANBG). She offered to take some of us to see a few of the special bird sites at the ANBG, in particular the bower of a Satin Bowerbird. I could not spend long with group but I really appreciated the opportunity to have a walk around the ANBG with someone who could point out where to go to look at birds. I hope you enjoy the photos below.

A White-winged Chough alert to danger from above

Photographing at Red Hill Nature Reserve on Monday, 17 December 2018 - Gang-gangs, Choughs, a Goshawk and some interesting insects

Jon Steinbeck December 20, 2018

As I had been away on Saturday I could not do my usual walk on Red Hill Nature Reserve. I was also busy on Sunday morning at ANBG with a group from the course I attended looking at some things there, I will post about that soon. I am writing this post out of order so I can get my photos up on Canberra Nature Map. This post is not just about my morning walk but, as I was walking to Deakin later in the day, I took my camera with me then as well. It was a very full day with a number of Gang-gangs, bowerbirds, the Brown Goshawk and photographing some insects. I really enjoyed myself and I hope you like the photographs.

The male Gang-gang Cockatoo emerging from the tree hollow

Photographing at Red Hill Nature Reserve on Sunday, 9 December 2018 - Gang-gangs in hollows and nesting Rainbow Lorikeets

Jon Steinbeck December 10, 2018

Usually I walk around Red Hill Nature Reserve early on a Saturday morning but as I was out on Saturday with an ANU Continuing Education course I was attending, I visited Red Hill on Sunday morning instead. (I will write more about the course very shortly, especially our field trip to Mulligans Flat.) I varied my route ever so slightly this morning, as I try to do regularly, which allowed me to see a few more birds than I would have seen on my usual path. Red Hill is such a treasure so close to where I live, it is always worth going for a walk. I hope you enjoy these photographs.

Photographing at the Australian National Botanic Gardens on Sunday, 14 October - Honeyeaters and cooperative kookaburras

Jon Steinbeck October 26, 2018

I really wanted to return to the Australian National Botanic Gardens (ANBG) because the birds are so plentiful there. I was hoping to get a good photograph of an Eastern Spinebill. The gardens open at 8:30 so I started outside in the vegetation between the gardens and the Australian National University (ANU). Because this small patch of vegetation backs on to the botanic gardens it appeared to have a number of bird visitors. The weather in Canberra has been overcast for a while so it was not easy getting good photographs under a thick canopy, especially when my flash ran out of batteries and I had foolishly not packed any spares. I have since corrected that mistake. Even though I did not get as many pictures as I would have liked I was happy just watching the incredible birdlife. I saw New Holland Honeyeaters fly through the tight trees. I was equally impressed by the Eastern Spinebills, which seemed to jet through, even whizzing past my head when I had been standing still for a while. Once I entered the ANBG proper I failed in my attempt at photographing the spinebills but I did have a great opportunity to photograph some kookaburras. I could not spend too long in the gardens, as I had to get back home, but I am already looking forward to going back.