Australian Pelican flying over Sunset Beach at Sunset, one of my last shots of the trip and I love it:-)(Canon EOS 6D Mk II with a Canon EF70-200mm f/4L IS II USM [ISO 2000, 200mm, f/14 and 1/200 SEC]) — Australian Pelican flying over Sunset Beach at Sunset, one of my last shots of the trip and I love it:-)
(Canon EOS 6D Mk II with a Canon EF70-200mm f/4L IS II USM [ISO 2000, 200mm, f/14 and 1/200 SEC])

Australian Pelican, Blue-faced Honeyeater, Lace Monitor and other amazing wildlife - Photographing north of Newcastle, Australia in November 2019

BirdsinCanberra August 12, 2020

This blog post also starts with an apology as these photos are from November 2019 when I was doing some temporary work around Newcastle Airport. I have been busy with a number of other things since then so it took me a while to process all the photographs I had taken. In the past, while I was away for work, when I finished for the day I did not really do much but that November was the first time I was away for work since I took up photography, and I just wanted to go out to shoot photographs. I had taken my Canon EOS 6D Mark II, Canon EF70-200mm f/4L IS II USM and Canon EF100mm f2.8L Macro IS USM with me for this very purpose. From the first day I was determined to head out to photograph. I was very close to the Tilligerry State Conservation Area but there is no public access allowed so I had to contend with walking around the edge. I ended up finding this creek that ran along the western side and there were no signs saying I could not walk along this creek. That creek was fantastic because I could follow it beside the conservation area and move away from the roads. I also wandered off to other locations, trying different directions to see what I could find. I found a number of different areas like marshy ground or overgrown farm fields. I did not have a car with me so I was limited to moving on foot. Except on the last afternoon when I went with a friend down to Sunset Beach for dinner. I was so happy with all the wildlife I saw and I really missed not having my Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM to get better shots. That said, my lens combination really worked out well and that camera gear sat in a small back pack I could take as cabin luggage on the compact aircraft Fly Pelican used for the Canberra to Newcastle route. I had two weeks of solid photography, by myself, just walking around the area, it was a lot of fun. I enjoyed myself and I hope you enjoy the photographs below.

A Grey Fantail displaying in a shrub(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 640, 400mm, f/8.0 and 1/640 SEC]) — A Grey Fantail displaying in a shrub
(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 640, 400mm, f/8.0 and 1/640 SEC])

Spotted Pardalote, Grey Fantails and a White-throated Treecreeper made my morning - Photographing around Black Mountain on Sunday, 5 April 2020

BirdsinCanberra April 17, 2020

With the current COVID-19 pandemic we have to be responsible about going out as we do not want to inadvertently spread the disease. With that in mind it has been a challenge to find locations to photograph so to ensure that I avoid crowds but still get out to exercise while taking my camera with me so I can also photograph. This post is predominantly about a walk I did around the base of Black Mountain but I have also included some extra recent photographs from around Canberra. Unfortunately, the Sunday that I visited Black Mountain was very windy and cloudy, making the lighting unpredictable as the clouds moved across the sun. I was still happy to get out for a walk and because I was able to photograph some birds, particularly the Spotted Pardalotes. I hope you enjoy the photographs below.

A Whistling Kite in a tree surveying an island littered with dead Silver Gulls, was this the culprit?(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 4000, 400mm, f/5.6 and 1/320 SEC]) — A Whistling Kite in a tree surveying an island littered with dead Silver Gulls, was this the culprit?
(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 4000, 400mm, f/5.6 and 1/320 SEC])

A Whistling Kite that may have decimated some gulls and a group of Australian Reed Warblers - Photographing around Spinnaker Island on Sunday, 12 January 2020

BirdsinCanberra January 20, 2020

This Whistling Kite was the first one I had seen, and I almost missed it when I first arrived on Spinnaker Island, an island located in Canberra’s Lake Burley Griffin. The raptor was in a tree on the island when I arrived but flew away, not because of me, but I think it was looking for food. Beyond that fantastic bird I was pleasantly surprised how much birdlife there was on the island. Unfortunately, the lighting was not great because the morning was very overcast and there was still smoke from the bushfires. In addition, I thought it would be hard to find photographic subjects because the island was small with sparse vegetation but in the end I was late departing the island as I kept wanting to take more photographs. Being late meant I had to paddle a bit faster in my kayak to get back to shore so I was not too late home. I did not worry too much about my tardiness because I had had a truly interesting time on this small island, thoroughly enjoying my short visit; I hope you like the photos below, and the video I made of my visit (the video is also embedded below). Sorry about the quality of the photographs, the bad lighting meant I was shooting with a very high ISO so some crept into the pictures.

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

BirdsinCanberra 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.

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

BirdsinCanberra 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.

A Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike with a caterpillar for food(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 400, 400mm, f/8.0 and 1/400 SEC]) — A Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike with a caterpillar for food
(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 400, 400mm, f/8.0 and 1/400 SEC])

A Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike having a feed and my first Olive-backed Oriole of the season - Photographing around Red Hill Nature Reserve on Saturday, 14 September 2019

BirdsinCanberra September 27, 2019

Red Hill Nature Reserve was absolutely beautiful in the early Spring sunshine. The weather was some of the nicest Canberra has had for a long time. The birdlife was starting to come alive with some visitors coming back and birds turning their attention to breeding. I did not get far that morning as I was enjoying myself, yet again, among the trees on the slope that faces the southwest. I watched a Weebill hop around some branches. I also enjoyed more pardalotes and a female Golden Whistler. It was a lovely Spring morning photographing some beautiful birds. I hope you like the photographs below.

A male Gang-gang Cockatoo at Mount Mugga Mugga Nature Reserve(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 640, 400mm, f/5.6 and 1/500 SEC]) — A male Gang-gang Cockatoo at Mount Mugga Mugga Nature Reserve
(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 640, 400mm, f/5.6 and 1/500 SEC])

A beautiful pair of Gang-gang Cockatoos and a stunning Scarlet Robin made an appearance - Photographing at Mount Mugga Mugga Nature Reserve on Sunday, 17 March 2019

BirdsinCanberra March 20, 2019

I really wanted to return to Mount Mugga Mugga Nature Reserve as I felt I had not really seen the reserve. It is impossible to really understand what a location can offer as far as birdlife from a single visit. I had also had contact during the week with Mike who really knows the area and corrected me on some things. He also pointed out the disused quarry will be filled in over the next 20 to 30 years, which will be interesting to see how nature regenerates around the area. I am so glad I did go back Mount Mugga Mugga as I saw so many more birds this time. I had a wonderful time watching a group of small birds go about their life on the slopes. I was particularly happy to get some pictures of a beautiful Scarlet Robin. My already fantastic morning was made even better when I came across some Gang-gang Cockatoos in a tree that were in a great position for photographing. It was a great start to a Sunday and I wished I could have stayed longer. I hope you enjoy the photographs below.

The gorgeous Great Cormorants in the morning sun, juvenile above and adult below at Pine Island Reserve(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 400, 400mm, f/10 and 1/800 SEC]) — The gorgeous Great Cormorants in the morning sun, juvenile above and adult below at Pine Island Reserve
(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 400, 400mm, f/10 and 1/800 SEC])

Stately adult and juvenile Great Cormorant and a Dusky Woodswallow family in the same tree - Photographing at Pine Island Reserve on Sunday, 10 March 2019

BirdsinCanberra March 13, 2019

It is always hard visiting a location the first time, as I am not sure where the best spots will be for finding animals. That was how I felt at Pine Island Reserve until I saw the Great Cormorants pictured above. Once I saw the first bird I knew I was going to thoroughly enjoy the morning. I had been thinking of visiting this reserve for a while and Sunday presented a great opportunity. It was not far from the south of Canberra yet felt like a secluded place to enjoy the Murrumbidgee River. I lost track of time so I was late home, rushing past a great photograph opportunity of an orb weaver spider. I will definitely return to this location as it was such a lovely experience. I hope you enjoy the photos below as I really had a wonderful morning.

A Red-browed Finch emerging from the nest it was building

Photographing around Red Hill on Thursday afternoon, 27 December 2018 - Looking and finding some nesting birds

BirdsinCanberra January 1, 2019

The never-tiring JackyF emailed to ask if I wanted to go for a walk one afternoon to look at a number of nests she knew of around Red Hill Nature Reserve so I could help keep an eye on them and take some photos as well. I jumped at the chance to see this important part of bird behaviour so we agreed to meet on the afternoon of Thursday, 27 December 2018. JackyF really knows Red Hill well and, as always, had some great things to show me. The Leaden Flycatcher was a standout. We also discovered the nest of a wonderfully coloured Red-browed Finch, who was building it very near a path. I hope you enjoy the photographs.

Not sure what this Gang-gang was doing but the wing-spread looks great

Photographing at Red Hill Nature Reserve on Saturday, 17 November 2018 - Gang-gangs, Straw-necked Ibis and some interesting insects

BirdsinCanberra November 18, 2018

I decided to upgrade my camera so my walk around Red Hill Nature Reserve was extra special for me since I was using a new camera I had been wanting for a while. I have upgraded to a Canon EOS 7D Mark II. Combined with my 100-400mm telephoto lens, it is a heavy unit to carry but I am already enjoying the better sensor and faster auto-focus than my old Canon DSLR. The light improved this morning from a cloudy start so I really enjoyed shooting with a camera that is almost designed for bird photography. The birdlife was plentiful with the Gang-gangs always available for photographs. I loved seeing the Straw-necked Ibis on Red Hill. Not only were they great subjects in flight to practice with the camera but their shiny plumage came through beautifully in the images. I also added to my kangaroo photographs this morning with some great subjects, including my first photograph of a real subject with my new camera. I even used my telephoto for some “macro” shooting of insects, which worked better than I thought.

This Brown Goshawk made my day by letting move to a better angle to photograph it

Photographing at Red Hill Nature Reserve on Sunday, 11 November 2018 - a Brown Goshawk came by and a Gang-gang peered out of a hollow

BirdsinCanberra November 11, 2018

I usually go to Red Hill Nature Reserve on a Saturday morning, then go further afield on Sunday. As I felt I had not really been on Red Hill for a while I decided to photograph there this morning. I am so glad I did because it was a very rewarding morning, Not only did I find a eucalyptus tree that was supporting three species of birds with its trunk, I also saw my first goshawk, which was a very cooperative subject for photographing. The weather was also very helpful, being a lovely sunny day. Red Hill is such a wonderful location, with so much to offer. The birdlife was at its best this morning and I know I only saw a very small part of the reserve.

Photographing at Molonglo Gorge Nature Reserve on Sunday, 4 November 2018 - White-eared Honeyeater and a reed warbler

BirdsinCanberra November 10, 2018

I heard about the Molonglo Gorge Nature Reserve (near Kowen Forest) as a place to go to experience nature as well as to see some fabulous birdlife. The suggestion was absolutely correct. The reserve is not far from the city, with a convenient walking track running alongside the Molonglo River. The track was rocky in parts but well maintained. I did not go all the way to the end as I ran out of time taking photographs but I know I will head back at some stage. I also think there is another track higher up the gorge wall that may be of interest to follow. It was a refreshing location to visit with the Molonglo River a pleasant walking companion. The White-eared Honeyeater I photographed seemed used to humans nearby but enjoyed always being in shadows, hence I am really not happy with the shots I have of it. I want to spend more time here one day to obtain a better photograph of the honeyeater as well as to really see what birds I can photograph. I hope you enjoy the pictures.

Nankeen_Kestrel_fenale_National_Arboretum_6728_20181012.jpg

Photographing at the National Arboretum on Friday, 12 October 2018 - Nankeen Kestrel and cormorants

BirdsinCanberra October 14, 2018

After visiting the Australian National Botanic Gardens the previous day we had continued our floral tour by having lunch at the National Arboretum. Driving around the loop on the way out after our delicious lunch I was sure I had seen a raptor hovering on an air current over the southeastern slope of Dairy Farmers Hill. Since I had not photographed at the arboretum for a while I figured it was time to return to see what birdlife was there. I am glad I did as it was a wonderful morning. I saw the Nankeen Kestrel; despite the wind she was well accomplished at hanging in the air waiting to strike. There was so much other birdlife as well, I was especially pleased to see the two species of cormorants on the small dam at the base of the hill near the entrance. I hope you enjoy these photographs.

A Welcome Swallow casting a giant shadow on the bridge to Aspen Island

Photographing at Lake Burley Griffin on Tuesday, 9 October 2018 - baby ducks and mud eating Welcome Swallows

BirdsinCanberra October 10, 2018

The National Carillon sits on Aspen Island in Lake Burley Griffin. I had often thought about going there to photograph birds and since I am taking time off work at present this Tuesday seemed a good opportunity to see what it was like. Although it was a small island, I was happy with the number of birds I saw. The Welcome Swallow picture that heads this post was one of the first birds I saw on the day, presaging a great opportunity to look at how swallows gather mud for their nests. The cute metre was high with some ducklings wandering on the island. While I was at the lake, I went on a bit further to look at the birds around Commonwealth Park, including hearing then seeing an Australian Reed Warbler.

Walking around the base of Black Mountain on Monday, 1 October 2018 - a Noisy Friarbird was calling

BirdsinCanberra October 1, 2018

At the base of Black Mountain there is a part of the Australian National Botanic Gardens that extends outside of the fence, so is open earlier than the rest of the garden. It is is the Bushland Nature Walk. A 1.2 km walk that roughly follows the contour of Black Mountain taking you to a sturdy viewing platform with a panoramic view looking east over Lake Burley Griffin and Canberra. There are also a number of information boards along the way explaining about the vegetation you are seeing. I had wanted to do this walk for a while and the public holiday presented the perfect opportunity. From the moment I started the walk there was so much birdlife. I saw Fairywrens, a Red Wattlebird and a Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike. It was a good harbinger of what was a very enjoyable walk through some lovely bushland on the edge of Canberra with a spectacular view at the end of it. If that walk had not been enough I decided to drive home via the western end of Lake Burley Griffin to see what birdlife was around, I thought I would practice using my car as a mobile hide. I am so glad I did as I was rewarded with the opportunity to take some photos of a richly coloured Sacred Kingfisher, a type of bird I really love but have not had a chance to photograph yet. I hope you enjoy these pictures as I really enjoyed taking them.