Some Sulphur-crested Cockatoos sitting on an overhead power cable in Hughes(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 400, 100mm, f/8.0 and 1/100 SEC]) — Some Sulphur-crested Cockatoos sitting on an overhead power cable in Hughes
(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 400, 100mm, f/8.0 and 1/100 SEC])

Confirming I had seen Coconut Ants - Photographing around Red Hill Nature Reserve on Saturday, 8 June 2019

Jon Steinbeck June 17, 2019

I was heading out later in the morning with my son to go to Namdagi National Park but I still wanted to have my usual walk on Red Hill Nature Reserve. I had to cut the walk short because we were going to leave early to go to Namadgi. A shorter walk on Red Hill was not really a problem as the weather was cloudy and slightly foggy so not the best for photographing birds. I did not see many birds that day, in fact my only really bird shot was at the top of this post and shows a number of Sulphur-crested Cockatoos waiting near a house for food. Beyond that bird photograph I was really just trying to get more photographs of the Coconut Ants from my previous walk to confirm what they were.

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 lone male Gang-gang Cockatoo chewing at a branch in Hughes(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 lone male Gang-gang Cockatoo chewing at a branch in Hughes
(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])

Gang-gang Cockatoos are still around and stalking a moth - Photographing at Red Hill Nature Reserve on Saturday, 1 June 2019

Jon Steinbeck June 11, 2019

This Saturday was the first official day of winter, with the weather making the point thanks to a sub-zero start. Despite the cold, frosty morning I was still keen to go our for my usual walk on Red Hill Nature Reserve. I went to the eastern part of the reserve as I had not been there for a while. During my walk I was easily distracted by some water droplets on spider webs as well as a dead tree with fantastic character. I took the usual photograph of the tree but also tried something different by photographing up the trunk to where the branches came out of the tree. I was reasonably pleased with the shot. I was also happy to be able to photograph some Gang-gang Cockatoos again, it has been a while. I hope you enjoy the photographs below.

Two rain-drenched Eastern Grey Kangaroos at Mount Taylor Nature Reserve on Sunday morning(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]) — Two rain-drenched Eastern Grey Kangaroos at Mount Taylor Nature Reserve on Sunday morning
(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])

Amazing spiders, interesting insects, drenched kangaroos and beautiful scenery - Photographing around Canberra on Friday to Sunday 24-26 May 2019

Jon Steinbeck June 4, 2019

This was not the weekend I had planned nor was I expecting. I started photographing on Friday afternoon when I again had to go to Westfield Woden Shopping Centre so I decided to walk back home while taking photographs. The weather on Saturday, while cold, was fine enough to photograph around Red Hill Nature Reserve. However, on Sunday morning there was rain and I was wondering if I would get out to Mount Taylor Nature Reserve. Happily I did. Monday, a public holiday in Canberra, no such luck, it was bleak; wet and cloudy for most of the day. I think the bad weather made it harder to see birds over the weekend as they had either gone or were trying to find ways to minimise energy loss in the face of the colder temperatures. The kangaroos I encountered on Mount Taylor on Sunday were drenched with rain but their fur coats appeared thick, probably providing needed insulation. Rain drenched birds would be cold but would also find it harder to fly. Sorry, there are no bird photos below but there are kangaroos, spiders, insects, landscape and one dinosaur skeleton (photographed in a museum). I hope you enjoy the photographs.

One of the female Superb Fairy-wrens out at Uriarra Crossing(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 400, 400mm, f/5.6 and 1/400 SEC]) — One of the female Superb Fairy-wrens out at Uriarra Crossing
(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 400, 400mm, f/5.6 and 1/400 SEC])

A female Grey Strike-thrush and Superb Fairy-wrens were out in the autumn morning sun - Photographing at Uriarra Crossing on Sunday, 19 May 2019

Jon Steinbeck May 28, 2019

Uriarra Crossing is set in a small valley where a road crosses the Murrumbidgee River. It is north-east of Canberra, where the Uriarra Road curves through undulating hills. I first found the location when I was participating in a charity bike ride and thought it was beautifully placid, deserving of a return visit. It may have taken me a while to come back with my camera but it was worth the return. I had not even reached the crossing before I pulled over to take my first photographs of the scenery. It was such a beautiful little place with some reasonable facilities for a picnic. The access to the river was an easy stroll. I probably visited at the wrong time of the year as Canberra comes to the end of Autumn with Winter fast approaching. The weather was not too cold but many animals would have been rising later in the day once the sun was higher in the sky casting a warming glow over the area. I was able to see a Grey Thrush-strike and you can always count on Superb Fairy-wrens to be about. I am looking forward to returning and may be wandering in a different direction along the river. It is just one of the lovely locations Canberra has. I really hope you enjoy the pictures below.

A juvenile Australian King-parrot enjoying some food(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 500, 400mm, f/5.6 and 1/60 SEC]) — A juvenile Australian King-parrot enjoying some food
(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 500, 400mm, f/5.6 and 1/60 SEC])

More beautiful Australian King-parrots and a Sulphur-crested Cockatoo - Photographing at Red Hill Nature Reserve on Saturday, 18 May 2019

Jon Steinbeck May 23, 2019

As autumn bites ahead of winter the birdlife on Red Hill Nature Reserve becomes harder to find, with many species departing for warmer parts. Some birds will stay through the winter, such as the Sulphur-crested Cockatoos and the Australian King-parrots, a species which will mostly disappear as it warms up. Even the insects become harder to find as the temperature drops. This Saturday morning I was lucky to spend time photographing a wonderful group of juvenile Australian King-parrots who were more focussed on food than me. I heard Yellow-tail Black Cockatoos in the distance but I could not see them. I thoroughly enjoy my Saturday walks on Red Hill, an area I have really gotten to know over the past 12 months. I still find new places, which leads me to new ideas for photographing. When the birds are hard to find I look for other shots and I have two shots, which I hope are interesting, for different reasons, below. I have also included some photographs from a walk I took back from Woden Shopping Centre.

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.

An Australian Raven flying over the Murrumbidgee River(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 400, 400mm, f/6.3 and 1/1000 SEC]) — An Australian Raven flying over the Murrumbidgee River
(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 400, 400mm, f/6.3 and 1/1000 SEC])

Australian Raven flying free - Photographing at Bullen Range Nature Reserve on Sunday, 5 May 2019

Jon Steinbeck May 14, 2019

The Bullen Range Nature Reserve was one of the places I cycled through on Good Friday, which I then wanted to return to with my camera gear. I was particularly interested in looking around Red Rock Gorge Lookout to see what shots there were there. I decided to approach the lookout from the Kambah Pool Reserve. I completely underestimated the walk, arriving at the lookout much later than I planned. I realised I did not have much time to photograph the scene but it also meant I did not have an opportunity to take a slow walk back along the river to see what life there was to photograph. I also really struggled to find a good composition for a photograph on the river below the lookout. I figured I had photographed form the actual lookout on my Good Friday ride so I was looking for a different perspective. If I had more time I think I would have found something better than the photograph below. Not a great morning photographing but I tried a number of times to get a decent photograph, each time gaining more experience. Still, it was a lovely morning just to be beside a river. I hope you enjoy the photographs below.

A Common Brown butterfly on the leaf litter(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 250, 400mm, f/9.0 and 1/800 SEC]) — A Common Brown butterfly on the leaf litter
(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 250, 400mm, f/9.0 and 1/800 SEC])

Some beautiful butterflies and some intriguing trees - Photographing at Cork Oaks on Saturday, 4 May 2019

Jon Steinbeck May 13, 2019

I regularly ride my mountain bike through the refrehsing trails at the National Arboretum then I continue on to Cork Oaks Plantation, which was a forestry venture in the original plan for Canberra. One morning, I had a good look at the trees, thinking there must be some photographic subjects among them. I decided to return on a weekend with my camera, which is how I came to be there on the Saturday of this blog post. I was not disappointed in my wandering around the plantation. I found some interesting trees, especially the trees that had fallen down but were still growing, as well as two species of butterflies to photograph. I never thought I would be into photographing trees but I really enjoyed it so I hope you enjoy looking at the photographs.

A year on, I am still photographing magpies, this time in the half-light of dawn(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 400, 312mm, f/5.6 and 1/80 SEC]) — A year on, I am still photographing magpies, this time in the half-light of dawn
(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 400, 312mm, f/5.6 and 1/80 SEC])

A magpie at dawn and colourful Australian King-Parrots - Photographing at Red Hill Nature Reserve on Saturday, 4 May 2019

Jon Steinbeck May 10, 2019

In looking back at my entries in Bird Journal I noticed it was roughly a year ago when I went for my first walk to Red Hill Nature Reserve with a camera in hand, intending to note and photograph birds. That morning I photographed Australian Magpies, Gang-gang Cockatoos, Australian King-Parrots and Eastern Rosellas. ON this day, I retraced my steps to see what birds I could find. I am glad the first bird I came across was an Australian Magpie. Yes, they are very common but they are intelligent birds and their morning call is something almost all Australians have grown up with. I followed my route from approximately 12 months before, with the walk not taking me far. I then went further up Red Hill but stayed on the Hughes side to see what photographs I could find. Those photographs are below and I hope you like them.

An immature White-bellied Sea Eagle flying along the Murrumbidgee River(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 400, 400mm, f/6.3 and 1/1250 SEC]) — An immature White-bellied Sea Eagle flying along the Murrumbidgee River
(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 400, 400mm, f/6.3 and 1/1250 SEC])

An immature White-bellied Sea Eagle flew by making my morning - Photographing at Point Hut Crossing on Sunday, 28 April 2019

Jon Steinbeck May 3, 2019

I had driven over Point Hut Crossing a number of times on my way to Tidbinbilla National Park. I always wanted to stop one day to have a look around. That was how I found myself, at this crossing, on an autumn Sunday morning. Initially, I thought I had made a bad choice, as there did not seem to be much around in the way of birds or other life. Walking around I found some things of interest but no birds that made for a dramatic photograph. Towards the end of my time there an immature White-bellied Sea Eagle came soaring along the course of the Murrumbidgee River at tree-top level. I was on a small rise so I was effectively at eye-level with this graceful raptor. It was a beautiful moment that really made the morning for me. I hope you enjoy the photographs below.

A female Golden Orb Weaver(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF-S 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 IS STM [ISO 400, 55mm, f/10 and 1/200 SEC] with Yongnuo YN14EX Macro Ring Lite) — A female Golden Orb Weaver
(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF-S 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 IS STM [ISO 400, 55mm, f/10 and 1/200 SEC] with Yongnuo YN14EX Macro Ring Lite)

A magnificent female Golden Orb Weaver at the centre of her web - Photographing at Namadgi National Park on Saturday, 27 April 2019

Jon Steinbeck May 2, 2019

I made a special car trip to hike two kilometres by myself, along a bush track, so I could stand on a rock ledge, in the middle of a cool night at Namadgi National Park, just to take a photograph of the night sky. I think my passion for my hobby is bordering on obsession but I am thoroughly enjoying it. Standing on that ledge, with a clear night sky revealing the millions of stars in a truly black night sky was jaw dropping in its vastness. My photographic ability could not do the scene justice but I enjoyed the opportunity. I also took my macro light with me to take pictures of any little creatures I saw. I enjoyed the dark, where the extent of what I could see was so constrained, making the world seem so small but then contrasting those limits with the boundless heavens above me. There was a tranquility to the night but also a new world where the sound of a kangaroo hopping over the the woodland floor carried much further. It was a really wonderful experience. I hope you enjoy the photographs below.

A Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo chewing on a tree(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 400, 400mm, f/6.3 and 1/640 SEC]) — A Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo chewing on a tree
(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 400, 400mm, f/6.3 and 1/640 SEC])

Watching six wonderful Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoos was a great experience - Photographing at Red Hill Nature Reserve on Saturday, 27 April 2019

Jon Steinbeck May 1, 2019

Some birds have characters that shine through. They do not just appear in the landscape, they liven it up. You cannot help but feel there are emotions and thoughts there deeper than normally ascribed to birds. To me, Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoos are just such a bird. I stopped to watch six of them go about their lives on Red Hill Nature Reserve. They each had their own lives, they were so absorbing to watch. I heard their cry from a distance, fortunately they were in an area near where my path was heading. It was just such a beautiful way to start a Saturday. I hope you enjoy the pictures below.

A Welcome Swallow perched above the rear door at the Namadgi Visitors Centre(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 400, 400mm, f/6.3 and 1/100 SEC]) — A Welcome Swallow perched above the rear door at the Namadgi Visitors Centre
(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 400, 400mm, f/6.3 and 1/100 SEC])

Welcome Swallows perching and Dusky Woodswallows enjoying the sun - Photographing at Namadgi National Park on Thursday, 25 April 2019

Jon Steinbeck April 30, 2019

The temptation to photograph once again at Namadgi National Park was too overwhelming and I once again found myself driving south to the national park in the early morning of 25 April 2019. The weather was gorgeous, great for beginner photographers. I also took the opportunity to shoot some landscapes while I was on some high ground. I followed the Cypress Pine Lookout trail again, although I did not see as many species of bird as last time, even when I was back near the visitors centre. The lack of birds did not worry me as it was such a beautiful morning to be out for a walk, so 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 close-up of a Tasmanicosa Wolf Spider just out of its hiding hole(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF-S 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 IS STM [ISO 250, 55mm, f/6.3 and 1/200 SEC] with Yongnuo YN14EX Macro Ring Lite) — A close-up of a Tasmanicosa Wolf Spider just out of its hiding hole
(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF-S 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 IS STM [ISO 250, 55mm, f/6.3 and 1/200 SEC] with Yongnuo YN14EX Macro Ring Lite)

Some eyes-glowing Wolf Spiders and a Marbled Gecko - Night-time photography at Red Hill Nature Reserve on Saturday, 20 April 2019

Jon Steinbeck April 24, 2019

Eight eyes reflected back at the camera, hairy chelicerae hiding fangs underneath, eight legs ready to move the creature at speed; I love photographing spiders. I recently bought a Yongnuo YN14EX Macro Ring Lite as I wanted a dedicated macro flash unit. The Canon equivalent is about three times the price of the Yongnuo so I went for the cheaper, budget friendly option. I was worried about the quality of the unit before I bought it but I am so impressed with the function. I am now more determined to buy a better macro lens to replace my kit lens Canon EF-S 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 IS STM so I can take my macrophotography to the next level. I took some test shots with the macro light at home to understand how it works. I mainly kept it on TTL (through the lens). I also loved the two small LED lights on the front of the ring to help focus at night. After those shots around the garden I was ready to head to Red Hill Nature Reserve for some more night-time shooting. I went to a slightly different location than last time to see what I could find. I again thoroughly enjoyed myself and I hope you enjoy the photographs below.

A female Australasian Darter drying herself at Lake Tuggeranong(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF-S 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 IS STM [ISO 400, 55mm, f/5.6 and 1/800 SEC]) — A female Australasian Darter drying herself at Lake Tuggeranong
(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF-S 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 IS STM [ISO 400, 55mm, f/5.6 and 1/800 SEC])

A female Australasian Darter drying herself and a intrepid juvenile Australian Magpie - Riding and photographing on the Canberra Centenary Trail, Friday, 19 April 2019

Jon Steinbeck April 20, 2019

One of my other favourite pastimes is cross-country mountain biking. Knowing Canberra would be very quiet on the morning of Good Friday, I decided that time was a great opportunity to do the southern loop of the Canberra Centenary Trail. I was planning a ride of 50 km, although it end up being over 60 km. I wanted to take my camera in case I saw some things to photograph but I was reluctant to take my Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM, since it would be in my back pack being carried over some bumpy trails. So, I settled on my Canon EF-S 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 IS STM, which is over 10 years old and was a kit lens I bought with my first Canon DSLR. I would have to accept a reduction in quality for not risking my good lens. It was a wonderful ride and I am glad I had a camera as there were things to photograph. The lens was not great but it did an OK job. I was probably more focussed on photographing landscapes but I was also looking out for birds and other wildlife. I hope you enjoy the photographs below.

A female Superb Lyrebird scratching in search of its food(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 800, 153mm, f/5.0 and 1/250 SEC] with Canon 430EX III-RT flash) — A female Superb Lyrebird scratching in search of its food
(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 800, 153mm, f/5.0 and 1/250 SEC] with Canon 430EX III-RT flash)

A female Superb Lyrebird in the wild and some placid ducks - Photographing at Jenolan Caves on Sunday, 14 April 2019

Jon Steinbeck April 19, 2019

I had not been to Jenolan Caves for about 20 years, so I was really looking forward to this visit after our time in Sydney. It is always risky to build up too much anticipation about an activity, in case there is no way reality can match those expectations. I did not have that deflated anticipation with Jenolan Caves, it more than exceeded what I was hoping it would be. This was just a trip for my son and I, with my wife deciding she would rest better at home. We stayed overnight at the caves itself, so I could photograph on Sunday morning. I had not really thought about where I would go for photographing but upon arrival, when I saw a river walk track I thought that sounded interesting. I was able to take some landscape shots but I was most excited about seeing a lyrebird in the wild. These are birds I have only seen in zoos yet are so significant in bird evolution as well as being a bird readily identifiable with Australia. It was just such a magical morning. I was on a high already even before joining the River Cave tour we were on; again, I was not disappointed. (Sorry, no photos from inside the cave as I felt my skills were not up to doing the caves justice.) I hope you enjoy the photographs below.

A curious Australian Pelican that swam past me, probably hoping for a feed(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 400, 400mm, f/7.1 and 1/400 SEC]) — A curious Australian Pelican that swam past me, probably hoping for a feed
(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 400, 400mm, f/7.1 and 1/400 SEC])

An inquisitive Pelican as well as a feeding White-faced Heron on an interesting rocky shore - Photography at Nielsen Park Reserve on Saturday, 13 April 2019

Jon Steinbeck April 18, 2019

The Australian Pelican is a beautiful bird, with one of the largest bills in the world. They are reasonably common in Sydney Harbour but I was not expecting one to swim past me while I was spending an early Saturday morning photographing at Nielsen Park. I had gone with the intent to photograph Bottle and Glass Rocks, with the subsequent plan to see what other subjects were on the rocks. I had just found my location for my composition of the rocks when a pelican landed on the water. It completed distracted me from my landscape shots but it was so worth it. Indeed, the whole morning was just one enjoyable opportunity after another. Whether I was photographing a bird or seeing a shot in a cluster of Little Blue Periwinkles it was just a beautiful way to welcome Saturday. I hope you like the shots below.

A male Scarlet Robin among a group of small birds looking for food(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 400, 400mm, f/7.1 and 1/500 SEC]) — A male Scarlet Robin among a group of small birds looking for food
(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 400, 400mm, f/7.1 and 1/500 SEC])

Bewitched by beautiful Scarlet Robins and watching a group of Red-browed Finches look for food - Photographing at the Pinnacle Nature Reserve on Sunday, 7 April 2019

Jon Steinbeck April 17, 2019

Seeing lovely, red breast plumage on a small bird always gets me excited as it will probably be a robin. That Sunday morning I went to the Pinnacle Nature Reserve because I had seen so many lovely photographs taken at this location uploaded to Canberra Nature Map, I just had to go to see for myself. Very soon after arriving I was again attracted by some Gray Fantails, which were a prelude to another group of small birds, including the Scarlet Robin at the top of the post. I then kept seeing these robins for the rest of the morning. Getting to the reserve had not been hard, just a 20 minute drive from my house and I was seeing some lovely birds in a lightly wooded setting. The area was better than I imagined and there was still so much more to see. I hope you enjoy the photographs below from another magical morning.