Great Egret catching a pipefish among the oyster lines
(Canon EOS 6D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 125, 400mm, f/9.0 and 1/500 SEC])

Egrets and Sea-eagles, some constants of Spring - Narooma, NSW, Spring 2023

Jon Steinbeck November 15, 2023

A Great Egret walked through the water, paralleling a row of damp, black oyster bags that sat across the water’s surface. The bird was advancing slowly until it jabbed forward with its yellow beak and one of its wings half-opened to balance it. Withdrawing its head from the water a pipefish wiggled hard, trying to escape. The egret climbed onto the oyster bags and carefully readjusted the pipefish in its beak through a couple of rapid openings and closings, before swallowing the fish. Whereupon the egret returned to patrolling along the top of the bags. I was able to witness the whole encounter from just a few metres away where I was sitting in my kayak on a lovely Spring morning on Wagonga Inlet in Narooma. The inlet is coming alive with a lot of birds and other creatures. I spent a fair bit of time paddling around the inlet enjoying some beautiful mornings and wonderful encounters with birds. I hope that you enjoy the photographs below.

Pied Oystercatcher on a fence rail
(Canon EOS 6D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 320, 400mm, f/8.0 and 1/500 SEC])

Sea-eagles, herons and oystercatchers - Beautiful Narooma Part 2, Summer 2022/23

Jon Steinbeck March 6, 2023

One fine morning in Narooma I decided to head out to photograph. It was the first time in a while that I had been able to get out with a camera. I didn’t have much time so I was not planning to go far. I decided to head straight for the tiny Lewis Island that sat just west of the road bridge over Wagonga Inlet. In approaching the foot-bridge to Lewis Island I saw a lone Pied Oystercatcher standing on one leg atop the white, wooden rail along the footbridge. To me, not only did the rail provided a firm base to rest my camera it also created an obvious leading line guiding the eye to the oystercatcher. I advanced slowly across the bridge, periodically stopping to take some shots, knowing that at some stage the oystercatcher would flee from me. It did not take long for the bird to decide I was too close. First its folded leg came down, then it took a few steps along the railing before it flapped its wings to fly a few metres to the sand on the island. I felt bad for disturbing the bird but glad it had not flown too far.

White-faced Heron searching for food in exposed sea grass
(Canon EOS 6D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 250, 400mm, f/8.0 and 1/500 SEC])

Herons, egrets, sea-eagles and even insects along the mangroves - Tomaga River, NSW, March 2022

Jon Steinbeck March 28, 2022

The eyes of the White-faced Heron regarded me momentarily but I was at the edge of the exposed sea grass flat, too far to be a threat, especially when the heron was looking for food. The grey coloured bird went back to the vital search for food in the rich habitat where small marine creatures tried to hide under the limp sea grass strands. I could approach no closer n my kayak but it was securely resting where some water still lapped its side. This was my second trip to the Tomaga River which had some beautiful wildlife along it but the weather this time was so much nicer than the previous time. I was paddling up the river while the tide was ebbing but I did not mind, I was just enjoying the beauty of mangroves and a wonderful tidal river on the coast. I paddled as far up the river as I could, enjoying every moment and I hope that you enjoy the photographs below.

Little Black Cormorant swimming in the Shoalhaven River looking for food
(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 800, 400mm, f/8.0 and 1/400 SEC])

Beautiful coastal wildlife under overcast skies - NSW South Coast, December 2021

Jon Steinbeck December 18, 2021

Canberra is a lovely city but I also like the coast, especially the variety of wildlife there. So, with the easing of the COVID restrictions in New South Wales (NSW), like a lot of Canberrans, we wanted a break down the coast. The weather was not forecast to be the best, with the rain and clouds having blanketed the southeast corner of NSW for most of November, and no sign of beautiful weather on the horizon for early December. That meant we had to make do with the weather at hand. We had a very simple plan, to drive down for a lunch at Narooma. Then follow the Princes Highway north for dinner and accommodation at Mollymook before continuing the next day through to Jervis Bay and the Greenwell Point area. Even though this was more of a family getaway I still took my camera because I wanted the chance to photograph, even with a compalining family telling me to hurry up. I am glad that I did take my camera, even if I was only pairing it wth my trusty go to lens, the Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM. I also viewed only having one lens as a challenge to see what compositions I could achieve across the two days. Even with that self-imposed restriction I was thrilled to be able to capture some of the lovely wildlife that we saw, including a Little Black Cormorant on our second day that was looking for food in the Shoalhaven River. The two day trip was a great little rest and I hope that you enjoy the photographs below.

Australian Pelicans on rocks between the Moruya River and Racecourse Creek(Canon EOS 6D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 400, 400mm, f/11 and 1/500 SEC]) — Australian Pelicans on rocks between the Moruya River and Racecourse Creek
(Canon EOS 6D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 400, 400mm, f/11 and 1/500 SEC])

Beautiful birds, boulders in a creek and a sunken barge; all in one morning - Moruya River, July 2021

Jon Steinbeck July 20, 2021

There were groups of Australian Pelicans wherever I looked when I was paddling on the Moruya River, on the south coast of New South Wales (NSW) in July 2021. They were not the same birds moving around but distinct, small groups of these stunning birds, with their basic black and white plumage but colourful bill and yellow eye circle. They were big birds so they tended to dominate the space they occupied, making for wonderful photographic subjects. While they are very common, seeing those birds throughout my paddle really helped make a great day even more special. That was not how the day was looking initially because cold, windy, overcast conditions met me at the river and I was thinking about what my alternate plans were, either cancelling or shortening my paddle. I am glad that I persevered with close to my original plan because the weather improved during my paddle, making it a wonderful day. The perfect partner to my trip earlier in that week. I really hope that you like the photographs below.

White-bellied Sea-eagle that held my attention for so long(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 160, 349mm, f/8.0 and 1/400 SEC]) — White-bellied Sea-eagle that held my attention for so long
(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 160, 349mm, f/8.0 and 1/400 SEC])

Staring at a White-bellied Sea-eagle on Wandandian Creek - Paddling and photographing along Wandandian Creek, July 2021

Jon Steinbeck July 12, 2021

I did not see the White-bellied Sea-eagle until if flew from a branch that was low to the water on a sunken tree. It took off from the opposite side of the creek from where I was, gracefully curving across the water, around the sharp bend that was just in front of me. I tried to follow the eagle with my eyes but I lost it behind some trees on the inside of the bend that I was approaching. I already had my camera out because I had just been photographing a Willie Wagtail. Nervously resting the camera on the black spray skirt stretched across the kayak I carefully paddled on to where I estimated the eagle had flown, intently scanning the trees for the impressive bird. Coming around the bend I saw the tell tale shape of an upright eagle perched on a branch that was high in a tree but overhanging the water. With a sense of excitement I took some initial shots while I let the kayak drift onwards. Once I was past the bird I decided to beach the kayak so the I could exit to try to take more shots. I landed the kayak in a bad place to exit, the water was just a little deeper around the cockpit than I would have liked, so I stumbled and banged things getting out of the kayak, If birds could laugh this eagle probably would have fallen off its branch looking at my clumsiness. I was worried that all my activity had scared away the eagle but the raptor must have thought that no creature as noisy as me was trying to sneak up on it. Thus started one of the highlights of my paddle up Wandandian Creek, a small watercourse that flows into the north-west end of St George’s Basin. I had taken a week off work and this was the first of two kayak-photography trips that I had planned. I am so glad that I undertook this kayaking because I had a great time seeing one new species of bird to me as well as a number of other wonderful birds along a lovely creek. It was a wonderful break in these strange COVID times. I hope that you like the photographs below.

Juvenile Silver Gull trying out a poisonous toadfish…hopefully, both for creatures, it failed(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 500, 400mm, f/7.1 and 1/640 SEC]) — Juvenile Silver Gull trying out a poisonous toadfish…hopefully, both for creatures, it failed
(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 500, 400mm, f/7.1 and 1/640 SEC])

Silver Gull grabbing a toadfish on a rainy day with other waterbirds - Kayaking and photographing on the Tomaga River, June 2021

Jon Steinbeck June 25, 2021

A sub-adult Silver Gull was biting off more than it could chew, literally. From my kayak I could easily see the brown splotches on the bird’s plumage so I knew that it was not a full adult but I could not make out the white object that it was struggling with. Initially, I thought that it was a bit of tough fish meet that the bird was trying to tear apart. After zooming-in on a photo I realised that the bird was aggressively trying to break apart a toxic Common Toadfish. The poor fish was puffed-out to its maximum in a bid to scare the bird off, but so far that had not dissuaded this deluded bird to desist with its exertions, which would kill the fish and most likely the bird too after the gull consumed the fish’s flesh. This strange contest started within about five minutes of me pushing out into a rising tide on the Tomaga River under threatening, overcast skies with strong winds rippling the water. It was not the best day to be trying to photograph along the river because the ambient light was so bad and the strong winds meant neither I nor most bird subjects would be completely still. However, that day was the only day that I could make it to the river and the weather was not dangerous so I persisted. I was glad that I did because I really enjoyed my time and saw some fabulously animals. That common bird and common fish in the photograph above reminded me that photographs can come from anywhere but I have to be there to see it. Sorry, the photographs below are not great but I hope that you enjoy them.

Juvenile Azure Kingfisher that made the trip much more than worthwhile(Canon EOS 6D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 1250, 400mm, f/8.0 and 1/400 SEC]) — Juvenile Azure Kingfisher that made the trip much more than worthwhile
(Canon EOS 6D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 1250, 400mm, f/8.0 and 1/400 SEC])

Drifting past an Azure Kingfisher and other lovely birdlife - Kayaking and photographing on Durras Lake, May 2021

Jon Steinbeck June 5, 2021

A flash of stunning blue to my right caught my attention against the mottled green of some small Casuarinas. I was pretty sure of what I had seen but I now had to hope that my presence hadn’t scared this beautiful bird away. The small channel that I was in was not wide and it was very shallow so it was easy enough to smoothly reverse my kayak back past an overhanging Casuarina tree branch in the water to let the wind carry me back along the channel. My heart was beating when I saw the speck of blue perched so still on a branch. With a bit of manoeuvring, I had my blue, sea kayak pointed at the bird while the wind drifted me closer. I cursed the foliage that was blocking a clean shot but I was also excited beyond words to be finally getting some pictures of a gorgeous Azure Kingfisher. That experience took a fantastic day to an even higher level. I had already seen some lovely birds on Durras Lake while also taking in the natural beauty of the Murramarang National Park that rimmed the lake and now I was photographing an Azure Kingfisher. The two hour long early morning drive from Canberra to Durras Lake on the southern coast of New South Wales had been worth it. I hope that you enjoy the photographs below.

A pair of Rainbow Lorikeets are always a nice sight (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 pair of Rainbow Lorikeets are always a nice sight
(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])

Full dams bring beautiful animals to Callum Brae Nature Reserve - April 2021

Jon Steinbeck May 8, 2021

I was so used to seeing the small, ex-farm dams at Callum Brae Nature Reserve as half-filled or completely dried vestiges of a wetter time in Canberra that I was shocked when I finally saw them full. It was not only a very positive sight but I was seeing life back in them and around them. Back in February 2020 I phtoographed the dams when they were completely empty, with their cracked dirt floors exposed to the heat of the sun. A little bit of rain soon afterwards provided some liquid covering but I did not expect to ever see them actually full. When I did see them finally full on a recent trip I also saw some Eastern Snake-necked Turtles swimming in the brown water but I have no idea where they came from. Besides the filled ponds I was delighted to see a pair of Rainbow Lorikeets at a hollow. It is past the breeding season but I am always happy to see these truly gorgeously coloured birds that can never be quiet. I hope that you enjoy the photographs below.

White-bellied Sea Eagle when the heat was getting to its highest level(Canon EOS 6D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 100, 400mm, f/8.0 and 1/500 SEC]) — White-bellied Sea Eagle when the heat was getting to its highest level
(Canon EOS 6D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 100, 400mm, f/8.0 and 1/500 SEC])

Nature and natural beauty of Shoalhaven Gorge - January 2021

Jon Steinbeck January 31, 2021

Shoalhaven Gorge is a stunningly beautiful gorge just a few hours from both Sydney and Canberra. I had paddled up the Shoalhaven River in July 2020 but I had not gone as far into the gorge as I wanted. So, jumping ahead to January 2021 I was fast running out of time to paddle the gorge before I needed to return to work. My initial plan was to do a two day trip with an overnight stay in the gorge but for a number of reasons I could not make that a reality. In the end, I was left with the option of waking at 4AM to drive almost three hours in order to paddle 13km up the river and 13 km back down, to then drive another almost three hours to be back in Canberra that night with my family. It had to be done. And, I am glad that I did paddle in the gorge, the beauty of the location and animals that I saw made the trip more than worthwhile. I watched a White-bellied Sea Eagle fly along the river and I also had to chase away a Lace Monitor from my stationary kayak were just two of the encounters that will stay with me. I hope that you like 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 mating Nankeen Kestrel pair, I felt so fortunate to be in the right place at the right time(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 400, 400mm, f/8.0 and 1/1000 SEC]) — The mating Nankeen Kestrel pair, I felt so fortunate to be in the right place at the right time
(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 400, 400mm, f/8.0 and 1/1000 SEC])

Nankeen Kestrel's mating and an active group of Striated Pardalotes - Photographing around Callum Brae Nature Reserve on Sunday, 22 September 2019

Jon Steinbeck October 4, 2019

Callam Brae Nature Reserve really turned on a special morning this Sunday when I was walking around. I had not been in the reserve for long when I saw a Nankeen Kestrel. Just as I started to move away from that kestrel a second kestrel came along and the birds started mating. Further on I also enjoyed the challenge of trying to photograph a group of Striated Pardalotes. Beyond the birdlife the reserve was still experiencing challenging times with the two ponds I visited having very low water levels. In the first one, the pond looked like it had dried out at some stage but the recent rains had filled it up slightly. Strangely, the ground beneath the water must have been very dry preventing liquid absorption as the rain water resting on the top was almost clear. The water was not the usual colour of liquid content in these ponds. The weather was lovely on the day making it a glorious start to the day. I hope you enjoy the photographs below.

One of the Grey Fantails momentarily perched on a tree, before it started moving again(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]) — One of the Grey Fantails momentarily perched on a tree, before it started moving again
(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])

So many Grey Fantails, some other small birds and even a Nankeen Kestrel - Photographing at the Tharwa Sandwash on Sunday, 8 September 2019

Jon Steinbeck September 15, 2019

Australian Capital Territory. It was a quiet little spot at the end of an unsealed road but with a tranquil beauty despite the strong wind blowing that morning. I really did not care if I saw any birds or not, I was just happy to soak up the peaceful. quietness of this location. The car park was almost at the river bank, with large, shady gums providing a canopy over the short walk to the river edge. The Murrumbidgee River was slowly slipping past in an almost imperceptible way. Everything about this spot seemed to reinforce that it was a location to slow down in. I had originally had a plan to climb a nearby hill but, in the end, I barely covered much distance, I just stayed very close to the river. I really enjoyed my quiet Sunday morning there and I hope you enjoy the photographs below.

Diamond Firetail, a stunning bird(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 400, 400mm, f/6.3 and 1/2000 SEC]) — Diamond Firetail, a stunning bird
(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 400, 400mm, f/6.3 and 1/2000 SEC])

A soaring Wedge-tailed Eagle and an absolutely beautiful Diamond Firetail - Photographing at Namadgi National Park on Sunday, 21 April 2019

Jon Steinbeck April 25, 2019

It is hard to take a picture of a Wedge-tailed Eagle soaring high in the sky. Even with a 400mm telephoto this large, accomplished flyer is still small, no matter how much I crop in. However, to me, it does not matter. As much as I want to take good photographs, it is also just thrilling being able to see these birds in the wild. I had not gone to Namadgi National Park to see the birdlife, I had gone to help my son out with a project but I took my camera gear as I knew I would see something of interest. He was not feeling up to continuing the walk to Cypress Pine Lookout, which was our objective, but as we were so close, I wanted to see the actual location. I went on by myself while he walked slowly back along the trail. As I was standing at the lookout admiring the view I noticed a soaring eagle. I was the only person there, there was only the sound of nature and I could see this beautiful bird moving effortlessly through the sky. I loved the experience. It just reminded my how lucky I am to live in a place where I can get out to have these encounters. I hope you enjoy the photographs below.

A study of the head of an Australian Magpie feeding near the summit of Red Hill(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 500, 400mm, f/5.6 and 1/12500 SEC]) — A study of the head of an Australian Magpie feeding near the summit of Red Hill
(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 500, 400mm, f/5.6 and 1/12500 SEC])

A soaring Wedge-tailed Eagle and taking close-ups of an Australian Magpie - photographing around Red Hill Nature Reserve on Saturday, 16 March 2019

Jon Steinbeck March 18, 2019

This morning turned into one of those great photographic days. When I started out, I was really not confident about the day as it was overcast with birds being hard to find. As the sun burnt off the cloud, I brightened up as it was a beautiful day with some common birds, magpies and Fairy-wens, providing great photographic subjects. Towards the end of my walk I saw a dragonfly flying in one spot of an open area. With the sky now a lovely blue giving me a burst of energy I decided to challenge myself to shoot a photograph of this moving insect in flight. While persevering with that challenge I became aware of three specks much higher in the sky, When I zoomed in, I saw a Wedge-tailed Eagle with two Australian Ravens. Even though I was already late getting home I had to photograph those birds soaring high in the sky, as well as complete my challenge to myself with the dragonfly. The results are below. The birds were very high so my lens was struggling. While the dragonfly photo has some room for improvement, I was happy with the result I was able to achieve. The whole walk was just another wonderful morning on Red Hill Nature Reserve and I hope you enjoy the photographs below because I had a great time taking them.

A male Superb Parrot, a truly gorgeous looking bird

Photographing at Red Hill Nature Reserve on Saturday, 5 January 2019 - Superb Parrots are truly superb, always room for Choughs and some interesting insects

Jon Steinbeck January 8, 2019

It was a hot Saturday morning on the Red Hill Nature Reserve, with the temperature already reaching 32º Celsius at 9 AM. May be it was just me but I felt there were less birds around and many of those I did see were sitting quietly in trees, under the canopy where there was shade. Despite the heat it was great to be out. It looked like the Leaden Flycatcher nestlings have fledged as their nest was empty. I also saw an immature Brown Goshawk as well as the truly beautiful Superb Parrots, hence why one of them heads this post. I hope you enjoy the photos.

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

Jon Steinbeck 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 Callum Brae Nature Reserve on Sunday, 28 October 2018 - Gregarious woodswallows and a beautiful pardalote

Jon Steinbeck November 9, 2018

This is also a post I should have had up before now. On Sunday, 28 October I went for another visit to the wonderful Callum Brae Nature Reserve. Initially, I had the plan to walk some of the path I followed on my first visit. Happily, I was distracted by bird calls, which sent me off in a different direction meaning I was able to see the birds I have posted below. It was the first time for me to see woodswallows, especially two species that seemingly live very close by to each other. The weather was beautiful reminding me once again about how lucky I am to live in Canberra where we have a variety of nature reserves easily accessible from the city.