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.
Read MorePhotographing at Red Hill Nature Reserve on Saturday, 13 October 2018 - Six Gang-gangs and a baby magpie
The weather this Saturday was again not the best. There was a light, misty drizzle from the start, which did stop but the overcast conditions remained. The first location I went to had few birds and the cloud cover made it hard to take good photographs. I was thinking about returning home rather than keep walking but I persevered. I figured I would at least get to Red Hill Nature Reserve to see what I could find. The first photo below the map underneath this text gives an idea about the conditions on the day. I am glad I did keep going as I saw six Gang-gangs in one location, the most I have ever seen gathered together. Closer to Hughes I saw a magpie chick that was close to fledging. I hope you enjoy the pictures.
Read MorePhotographing at the National Arboretum on Friday, 12 October 2018 - Nankeen Kestrel and cormorants
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.
Read MoreA Red Wattlebird looking out from an Australian native plant
Walking around the Australian National Botanic Gardens on Thursday, 11 October 2018
We had a family day out at the Australian National Botanic Gardens, which sits at the bottom of Black Mountain in Canberra, just to the west of the Australian National University. The gardens have a good reputation for birdlife because of the concentration of flora, especially when it is flowering. The gardens did not disappoint. I was not able to photograph all the birds I saw as I was with my family and so I was supposed to keep up with them, not stay behind to photograph birds. Something about nobody understands me. I was really happy to see an Eastern Spinebill and a New Holland Honeyeater, I was just annoyed I could not get better photographs. We were all really excited when we saw the Echidna, who did not seem to care it was out in the middle of the day, mind you with that protection I guess it is very safe.
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Photographing at Callum Brae Nature Reserve on Thursday, 11 October 2018 - mating Gang-gangs and Ravens attacking a fox
Callum Brae Nature Reserve is part of the extensive nature reserve system around Canberra. It is southeast of where I live and is part of a bush corridor starting outside of Canberra leading to Red Hill Nature Reserve. From my place it was a quick, easy drive to an area I have travelled past but never stopped at before. I was not sure what I would see at Callum Brae but my expectations were well and truly met. From mating Gang-gangs, to my first good sighting of Rainbow Lorikeets in Canberra, as well as a chance to see the shimmering green wings of the Shining-bronze Cuckoo. Despite the relatively small area of the nature reserve it packed many interesting sights in to the morning for me. I was so thankful to live in a city that has these types of reserves so near in such easy access. Unfortunately, it was another overcast morning, which I am still learning how to cope with, so the photos do appear to be a bit subdued. With that said, it was a wonderful start to another day of holidays, I hope you enjoy the photographs.
Read MoreWalking around London Bridge, Googong Foreshore on Tuesday, 9 October 2018 - a sunning water dragon and Welcome Swallows
We had a family day out yesterday as we knew the weather was turning with rain forecast from Wednesday onwards. I had always wanted to visit London Bridge, at Googong Foreshore, I have already seen the other one, although technically the Googong one is the original based on geological age. We arrived near midday so apart from magpies most other birdlife was not readily apparent. This trip was not so much about the wildlife, it was more to see the rock formation but it was still a good opportunity to take some shots. That said, I was so intent on wandering around I forgot to take a scenery shot so I had to settle for a snap from an iPhone. It was a lovely place to visit and I am keen to return with an eye to doing more photographing.
Read MoreA 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
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.
Read MorePhotographing at Jerrabomberra Wetlands on Sunday, 7 October 2018 - finally a male Superb Fairy-wren
I always enjoy going to Jerrabomberra Wetlands, which are a placid, well maintained retreat just on the edge of Canberra’s most “industrialised” suburb of Fyshwick. There are walking tracks connecting a series of hides so it really is a bird photographer’s dream. This time I tried a different part of the wetlands by heading north towards where some training trenches had been during the First World War. I was the only person in this part of what can be a popular location as it is on the bike path around Lake Burley Griffin. I was so glad I went as very soon after starting my walk I saw a male Superb Fairy-wren in his blue breeding plumage. I then saw several more while I was walking. It was nice seeing a different part of the wetlands and I plan to return again to this spot to further explore this quiet location.
Read MorePhotographing at Red Hill on Saturday, 6 October 2018 - nesting Gang-gangs and Wood Ducks
I was not sure of the weather on Saturday morning but really wanted to photograph so I headed out under an overcast looking sky. The ambient light was initially not great but the sun broke through to create a wonderful sunny Canberra spring day. I was rewarded for my diligence as I believe I saw a tree hollow possibly being used by Gang-gang Cockatoos as well as a second tree hollow probably occupied by some nesting Australian Wood Ducks. The birdlife is becoming more abundant as the days warm up although I suspect it will still get better as there has not been an explosion of insect life yet, although the flowering plants will probably cause more invertebrates to emerge shortly.
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Walking around the base of Black Mountain on Monday, 1 October 2018 - a Noisy Friarbird was calling
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.
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This was actually my last shot of the day but I do like how I caught the bee in flight
Practicing macro photography on European Honey Bees at Hughes on Saturday, 30 September 2018
I wanted to expand my photography so, almost on a whim, I grabbed the camera and the tripod to wander around the garden in search of subjects for macro photography. My 40mm Canon lens has macro written on the side of it, although it is the standard lens that came with the camera about ten years ago when I bought my Canon EOS 100D. I started my attempts with some flowers, experimenting with shutter speeds and f-stops as well as an external flash. I was reasonable happy with the results, although I need to balance the flash and ambient light better. I thought it would be interesting trying some live subjects, the first of which I came across were some European Honey Bees who were visiting our front garden. Again, I did some experimentation but I was happy. with my initial foray into macro photography. I will need to keep practicing but I did enjoy looking at the smaller world around us.
The male Golden Whistler has a one of the archetypal bird calls of the Australian bush
Walking in Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve on Sunday, 29 September 2018 - hearing and seeing a Golden Whistler
I dragged my poor, suffering son out again to join me in a walk along two of the trails at the lovely Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, just south of Canberra. The two trails I chose were Cascades Trail and Lyrebird Trail, two connected trails in the west of the park, starting from Mountain Creek car park. Both trails meander through some very dense vegetation, and that Sunday’s nice weather had brought a few people out to the trails, so I was not able to photograph many birds. I was not too disappointed as I did get to photograph a Golden Whistler and just walking along the trails in the warm spring sunshine with my son really made my day.
Read MoreThe White-faced Heron primed to strike with a nice reflection in the water
Photographing at Casuarina Sands Reserve on Sunday, 23 September 2018 - awesome White-faced Heron
It had been a while since I had been to Casuarina Sands Reserve so this Sunday seemed like a good time for a return visit. I was hoping I would see some Superb Fairy-wrens as I wanted to take a picture of a male in his blue breeding plumage. This was half achieved, as I did see a male in his blue but I did not get a chance to take a good shot. I will have to keep trying. I was not too upset as I had already had an awesome experience photographing a White-faced Heron who had no concerns about my presence. I sat on a rock across the river from the bird just enjoying the beautiful, placid morning with an amazing creature in front of me, birds around me, and occasional groups of cyclists on the road whizzing past oblivious to my presence. I also saw a Grey Currawong as well as watching Welcome Swallows gather mud for their nests. It was also yet another chance to sit besides a slow moving river in some lovely sunshine listening to birds around me. I could not have asked for a more lovely start to a Sunday. I hope you enjoy these photographs.
Read MorePhotographing around Hughes on Saturday, 22 September 2018 - Gang-gangs and nesting Galahs
I was busy in the morning so I was unable to go out for my usual walk but I was able to head out after lunch for a quick photographic stroll. I decided to head to a small patch of trees and shrubs where I was told there were nesting Gang-gang Cockatoos. I did not see any nesting Gang-gangs but I did see three of them as well as some nesting Galahs, some mischievous ravens, grazing White-winged Choughs and a juvenile Superb Parrot high up in a tree. Considering I did not go far that afternoon I was really happy with what I saw. I hope you like the photographs.
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An orange-bellied parrot receives a health check ahead of its release for breeding season. (Source: Werribee Open Range Zoo via ABC)
ABC News: Threatened orange-bellied parrots to hitch ride on plane in effort to save species
One of Australia's most threatened bird species will be boarding a plane from Victoria to Tasmania's south-west wilderness next month in a desperate effort to save the animal from extinction. (Full story here)
Photographing where Yarralumla Creek meets Molonglo River on Sunday, 16 September 2018 - Ducks, Coot, Wattlebirds and a Fantail
I often pass by the area where the Yarralumla Creek (link 2) flows into the Molonglo River just downstream from the Scrivener Dam. I have always been intrigued by the massive amount of erosion on the banks of the Yarralumla Creek, which is more a water control canal then a true creek, although parts of it look more natural then the concrete-sided water course a lot of people will be familiar with. I am glad I went to have a closer look, while the creek is very dirty the erosion does provide a good view of the soil in the area. I was also able to see some interesting birdlife including Pacific Black Ducks, Coot, Red Wattlebirds and even a Grey Fantail. I even just enjoyed sitting on the bank at the conflux of the water systems surrounded by reeds as the sun warmed the area.
Read MoreOne of the pairs of Gang-gang Cockatoos I saw during my walk
A walk around Red Hill Nature Reserve on Saturday, 15 September 2018 - more Gang-gangs!
I decided to head back to the same part of Red Hill Nature Reserve I was at last weekend to see if I could find more Gang-gangs. It had been such a pleasant spot and the return walk home last time was very enjoyable. The weather was not bad but again the clouds kept blocking the sun at all the wrong times. Despite that challenge I did see more Gang-gangs, in fact I saw two pairs in the one location. I also saw a number of other birds including some Yellow-rumped Thornbills and a Red Wattlebird. I ended up just sitting and watching the Gang-gangs for about 30 minutes, they may now be the birds I have most photographs of. it was a really nice start to a Saturday.
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Three Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoos flying over my location at the lake
Photographing at Lake Burley Griffin on Sunday, 9 September 2018
I arrived at the edge of Lake Burley Griffin a little later than planned this morning. My intent was to try to photograph some cormorants and, perhaps, a darter I often see at the lake's shore on my bike rides to work. Unfortunately, they were not around this morning, maybe because there were already fisherman at the spot or maybe they were just not there this morning. I decided not to waste my time at that spot so I moved a bit further around the lake. I am glad I did shift along as I found far more birdlife. Unfortunately, it was a challenging morning for photographing as the sun was often blocked by clouds. That further reduced the light getting to the area I was at, which was already having trouble with the light because of the tress. Despite that, I enjoyed being at the lake's edge. There were rowing boats out on the lake and cyclists regularly passing on the bike paths. The birds were out and I only wished the sun had been out as well. I hope you like the photographs.
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A very cooperative pair of Gang-gang Cockatoos
A walk around Red Hill Nature Reserve on Sunday, 2 September 2018 with some Gang-gangs showing up
I visited a different part of Red Hill Nature Reserve than I usually visit on my morning walks. I am glad I did as there was a different variety of birds in this location. I had an extended view of a pair of Gang-gang Cockatoos as well as a fleeting look at a Fan-tailed Cuckoo. I spent a fair bit of time staying in a single spot photographing the birds around me, it was a lovely start to a Sunday.
Read MoreSome of the water birds inside the sanctuary at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve
A walk around Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve on Saturday, 1 September 2018
Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve is a large national park about 30 minutes drive south of where I live. It is situated in a valley with the Tidbinbilla River running through it. I convinced my son to come with me on Saturday to go for a walk around the fenced-in sanctuary that sits in the middle of the reserve. This is a predator proof area centred on a wetlands habitat giving wild native fauna communities a chance to live without the threat of feral animals. The native fauna have the run of the sanctuary while humans are confined to well maintained paths. We had an enjoyable morning seeing so many wild birds, platypus and even a turtle. My son is not really into wildlife but agreed he would like to go back again, which is good as I bought an annual pass :-)
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