The captivating pair of Superb Fairy-wrens, female on the left and male on the right(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 400, 400mm, f/8.0 and 1/250 SEC] with Canon 430EX III-RT flash) — The captivating pair of Superb Fairy-wrens, female on the left and male on the right
(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 400, 400mm, f/8.0 and 1/250 SEC] with Canon 430EX III-RT flash)

A loving pair of Superb Fairy-wrens, wonderful waterbirds and a very relaxed Gippsland Water Dragon - Photographing at Yarralumla Creek on Sunday, 21 June 2020

BirdsinCanberra July 1, 2020

The weather was not promising on this Sunday, the morning was very overcast, with a light drizzle falling and the forecast saying the conditions would clear in the afternoon. Canberra had received more than 30mm of rain overnight so I expected things to be wet and not much light. I checked the Bureau of Meteorology’s rain radar and saw there was a gap coming so I figured I would see what the morning held. Rather than go too far in the rain and not find much to photograph I decided to go to Yarralumla Creek (flood information is here), which I cycle pass every day, although I normally see the storm canal part of the creek, not where it flows more like a creek. (In 1971 this creek was the scene of a tragic flash flood when an estimated 95mm rain fell over the general area in an hour.) My original intent was to hopefully catch gushing torrents of water flowing through the canal but when I arrived at dawn, I could see how hight the water had been overnight, but the level had dropped to normal once again. I was not too disappointed as I was also planning to explore the banks along the creek to see what birds and other animals I could find. Indeed, as soon as I arrived I saw a Gippsland Water Dragon on the rock wall. I was able to approach it very closely to get some photos. Walking along the west bank of the creek I came to a spot where the little birds were very plentiful. I also found some lovely subjects to photograph, especially the pair of Superb Fairy-wrens at the top of this post. My enjoyment of the area was spoilt by the amount of rubbish in the creek, I think it was mainly washed down from other parts of the urban area, rather than being thrown in there. Either way, the beauty of the creek was spoilt but I drew comfort from all the birdlife that existed around this little creek in a very modified habitat. I hope you like the photographs below.

Australasian Darter drying its wings beside Lake Burley Griffin on a June afternoon(Canon EOS 6D Mk II with a Canon EF70-200mm f/4L IS II USM [ISO 100, 200mm, f/8.0 and 1/125 SEC]) — Australasian Darter drying its wings beside Lake Burley Griffin on a June afternoon
(Canon EOS 6D Mk II with a Canon EF70-200mm f/4L IS II USM [ISO 100, 200mm, f/8.0 and 1/125 SEC])

Australasian Darter, cormorants and a Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo - Photographing around Canberra, 12-14 June 2020

BirdsinCanberra June 16, 2020

This is another combined post but of two very different experiences. On Friday, 12 June, I was fortunate in that I was able to leave work early, which I knew beforehand, so I had packed my camera. Rather than go straight home on my bike I decided to walk home, about 7.5 km, and take photographs along the way, especially around Lake Burley Griffin. The sky had a lot of clouds that were blocking out the sun but then letting the sun peak through periodically, so it was a fun challenge to keep adjusting my exposure. I really enjoyed the walk during which I was able to photograph some interesting things. It was also a relaxing start to the weekend because it was nice to slow down and observe a number of everyday things that I miss on my commutes. I was also able to photograph a number of water birds, especially a very cooperative Australasian Darter. Then, skipping forward to Sunday, a friend and I went to the beautiful Gibraltar Falls to photograph there. The sky was again having fun with us, sometimes overcast and sometimes sunny. There was a bit of water coming over the falls so we were lucky to see a decent waterfall, even if the light was not always great. I was also fortunate that on the way home there were three Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoos in a group of small trees right beside the road, so I pulled over and photographed them. A lovely weekend, bookended by two great photographic experiences. I hope you like the photographs below.

Crimson Rosella on a frost-covered fence wire eating a flower head(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 250, 400mm, f/8.0 and 1/400 SEC]) — Crimson Rosella on a frost-covered fence wire eating a flower head
(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 250, 400mm, f/8.0 and 1/400 SEC])

Crimson Rosella on a fence, Galahs and a Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo - Photographing around Canberra on a cold June long-weekend, 2020

BirdsinCanberra June 12, 2020

The June long-weekend for the Queens Birthday is at the start of Canberra’s winter so while the sun is out the mornings can be very cold. I was fortunate in that I went out on Sunday morning to photograph around Kambah Pool and then I went out again to photograph just over the border in NSW at Carwoola. Kambah Pool on the Murrumbidgee River was nice but the weather was overcast so the light was a bit poor. On the other hand, photographing at Carwoola was in the bright morning sun with a slight fog and a heavy frost coating things. I really enjoyed both days as they were nice places to explore. Because the weather is colder now it is harder to find birds and other wildlife so over those two days I only saw a few species of birds but I really enjoyed seeing them. I love Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoos so I was happy that was the only bird I was able to photograph at Kambah Pool. I also love Crimson Rosellas so I am not upset that was one of the few birds I saw at Carwoola. So, sorry, below you will find more landscape shots than bird photos but I hope you like what you see.

A group of White-winged Choughs preening in a tree(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 800, 400mm, f/6.3 and 1/400 SEC]) — A group of White-winged Choughs preening in a tree
(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 800, 400mm, f/6.3 and 1/400 SEC])

A group of White-winged Choughs, Crimson Rosellas and other wonderful wildlife - Photography around the Pinnacle Nature Reserve on 31 May 2020

BirdsinCanberra June 7, 2020

The Sunday I was photographing at The Pinnacle Nature Reserve was a really overcast day, which made for moody landscape shots but meant photographing birds was tricky. The overcast day cut down the available light and if the birds were in trees or otherwise shaded, the ambient light was further cut down. The photos below are not the best but hopefully they show some of the behaviour of the really gregarious White-winged Choughs that are common but character-filled birds. I also photographed a group of Crimson Rosellas and a number of other birds. At the end of this post there are also some nighttime macro shots I took at Callum Brae Nature Reserve. I have also included some other macro shots I took around my house of various subjects. In regards to my house, I bought a trail camera with the plan to take it camping where I will leave it near the camp overnight to see what animals come around. To test it, so as to learn how to use it, I installed it in my garden over a few nights. I was really happy with how it worked. While the shots will not win plaudits for their crisp detail, they do allow for identification of what triggered the camera. So this post has a mixture of content and I hope you like all of what you see below.

Little Pied Cormorant resting on a submerged tree branch in the Murrumbidgee River at Casuarina Sands(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 1000, 321mm, f/8.0 and 1/125 SEC]) — Little Pied Cormorant resting on a submerged tree branch in the Murrumbidgee River at Casuarina Sands
(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 1000, 321mm, f/8.0 and 1/125 SEC])

The Murrumbidgee River in May, with all the beautiful life - Photographing along the Murrumbidgee in May 2020

BirdsinCanberra June 1, 2020

We are lucky in the ACT to have the Murrumbidgee River, the second longest river in Australia, flowing through a corridor that is set aside as a reserve to keep the river free from too much development. We are also further fortunate in having such easy access to the river. On a whim, I decided that I would spend this month, May, photographing around the Murrumbidgee corridor in the ACT, conceiving #MurrumbidgeeMay, because I am sure the world needs more hashtags. I photographed at a number of locations including Cotter Bend (on the Cotter River but it flows into the Murrumbidgee), Casuarina Sands, Tharwa Sandwash and the confluence of the Molonglo and Murrumbidgee rivers, just near the ACT’s border with NSW, where the Murrumbidgee River leaves the ACT. I had a really enjoyable time and was joined by a good friend on a number of the trips. It was a good time to photograph because the river had a lot of water in it because of the recent rains. I also purchased a DJI Mavic Air 2 drone, which I started to use during May, allowing me to get some different angles on the subjects I was photographing. Unfortunately, we did not see as much wildlife as I would have liked, but it is now solidly autumn so there is less food sources readily apparent. I was still fortunate to see a Little Pied Cormorant, an Eastern Grey Kangaroo that had little concern about humans. a White-faced Heron, as well as a number of other wonderful animals. The lovely scenery was also a wonderful reward for getting around to these locations. I hope you like the photos below.

A pair of Australian Wood Ducks with 16 ducklings(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 250, 400mm, f/11 and 1/400 SEC]) — A pair of Australian Wood Ducks with 16 ducklings
(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 250, 400mm, f/11 and 1/400 SEC])

A large Australian Wood Duck family and macro shooting, including my first frogs - Photographing around Canberra in April 2020

BirdsinCanberra May 9, 2020

I am still trying to get back into a routine but life always seems to get in the way but at least I got out a number of times in April. I was happy to get out at night a couple of times to do some night-time macro shooting. My son even came out with one time to Aranda Bushland Nature Reserve and pointed out my first frog, which I had already walked straight past. As there were school holidays we went out for some afternoon walks around Red Hill Nature Reserve and he patiently waited for me to take some photographs. Even though Canberra was still in the middle of the COVID-19 restrictions it was an enjoyable April and I also made another video that you can watch in this post. I hope you enjoy the photographs below.

Pacific Black Ducks on one of the dams, that a month before was bone dry(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]) — Pacific Black Ducks on one of the dams, that a month before was bone dry
(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])

The difference rain makes to the birdlife - Photographing around Callum Brae Nature Reserve in February 2020

BirdsinCanberra April 27, 2020

I know this post does not describe anything like the coming of the water at Lake Eyre in South Australia but the difference a few decent showers of rain made to Callum Brae Nature Reserve was so obvious, and so needed. This post was originally going to be about the impact of the prolonged dry weather on Callum Brae, with the intent to visit it a few times to really collect some shots to show what was happening to the plants and animals in the reserve. In between visits, in early February and early March 2020, Canberra experienced some heavy rain which turned Callum Brae green again and filled up the dams. The rain also brought the animal life back. Most of the photographs of birds and animals below are from my second trip to Callum Brae, after the decent showers. I had to change my plans about this post but I am glad the rain came as it really brought Callum Brae to life.

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.

Two Purple Swamphen chicks about to enter Sullivans Creek(Canon EOS 6D Mk II with a Canon EF70-200mm f/4L IS II USM [ISO 1000, 200mm, f/10 and 1/640 SEC]) — Two Purple Swamphen chicks about to enter Sullivans Creek
(Canon EOS 6D Mk II with a Canon EF70-200mm f/4L IS II USM [ISO 1000, 200mm, f/10 and 1/640 SEC])

Purple Swamphen chicks, parrots and other great wildlife enjoying the green from the rain - photographing around Canberra in January to March 2020

BirdsinCanberra April 4, 2020

The start of the year felt very busy, I was out and around Canberra but I did not seem to have much time. I was out photographing but I could not find the time to process and organise the photographs I had taken so I ended up with a lot of photos and no blog posts. Although I do not like composing long posts that cover several photographic trips I thought that would be the best way to allow me to publish the photographs below. There are a mix of photographic styles and subjects from various parts of Canberra with a number of different subjects. Some of these were captured while I was out specifically looking for photographic subjects, others were shot while I was out doing other things but had taken my camera with me. There are a number of birds and other animals below. I really enjoyed photographing the Purple Swanphens, even if they are common birds. I was also happy to photograph the Australian King-parrots that visited my garden because they are truly beautiful birds.

A Rainbow Lorikeet looking out from a hollow(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 640, 400mm, f/6.3 and 1/250 SEC]) — A Rainbow Lorikeet looking out from a hollow
(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 640, 400mm, f/6.3 and 1/250 SEC])

A Rainbow Lorikeet in a hollow and a group of Gang-gang Cockatoos - Photographing around Red Hill Nature Reserve on Saturday, 21 March 2020

BirdsinCanberra March 28, 2020

I always love seeing Rainbow Lorikeets, their colour and something about their behaviour makes them a joy to watch; although they are competing with other native birds in Canberra. Still it was great to see them during my first visit back to Red Hill Nature Reserve in a very long time. Due to a number of reasons I had not been to Red Hill for a while so it was great to walk around it again. That said, unfortunately, Icon Water have repaired the leak from the water tank on the ridge meaning that there was no more stream running down the hill, and the area was now dry. Despite that unfortunate change, Red Hill was still mainly the same and I finished off my walk watching a group of six Gang-gang Cockatoos. I hope you like the photographs below.

A Pied Cormorant sitting on a wharf pylon(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 400, 400mm, f/10 and 1/500 SEC]) — A Pied Cormorant sitting on a wharf pylon
(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 400, 400mm, f/10 and 1/500 SEC])

Seabirds, New Holland Honeyeaters and wonderful shorelife - Photographing around Sydney in December 2019

BirdsinCanberra February 23, 2020

Being in Sydney over Christmas in 2019 was a chance to get away from the smoke in Canberra. It was also a great opportunity to photograph the shore life around the south-eastern side of Sydney Harbour, including the birdlife. Strangely, it was hard to find too much birdlife so I am not sure if the December weather patterns and bushfires had made it harder on Sydney birds than usual. However, I did enjoy photographing some Crested Terns and a Pied Cormorant, although they were at a distance from me so the shots are not the best. I also had the opportunity to do macro photography of some cool insects I found around the place. The weather was mostly pretty good with reasonable light, although there were some gusty winds at time. Still it was nice to enjoy the photographic opportunities I had. I hope you like the pictures below.

Australasian Darter on a partially-sunken log(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 2000, 263mm, f/8.0 and 1/1000 SEC]) — Australasian Darter on a partially-sunken log
(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 2000, 263mm, f/8.0 and 1/1000 SEC])

A White-faced Heron catching food and getting close to an Australasian Darter - Photographing around Jerrabomberra Wetlands on Sunday, 19 January 2020

BirdsinCanberra February 2, 2020

Jerrabomberra Wetlands is such a gem for bird lovers in Canberra because there are always interesting birds to see yet it is basically right in the heart of Canberra. I had not been to the wetlands for a while but this time I wanted to try to see birds from a different angle, by photographing them from the water. I am enjoying paddling my kayak so I thought I would try photographing purely from the kayak, not going ashore at all. I was worried the whole time I was on the water that I would turn over and wreck my photography equipment but I think the morning turned out much better than I had hoped. A lot of birds seemed less worried about me, possibly as I was less ‘human’ sitting down in the kayak, letting it slowly drift towards the birds rather than walking to them on land. I had a marvellous morning right from the start when a White-faced Heron grabbed a fish out of the shallow water I was preparing to launch my kayak from. I saw so many wonderful birds I was late getting back to my start point. I also tried more videography from the kayak, which was very hard keeping the camera still, but the video is embedded below. In summary, I had a really enjoyable morning with the amazing birds and I hope you enjoy the photos below. (Please note, I did not realise 2 February was World Wetlands Day but what a good coincidence to publish this post on that appropriate day. I hope we can protect this wetland along with the others, they are truly fantastic places that are of great importance to us all.)

Juvenile Galah in a backyard tree(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 400, 227mm, f/11 and 1/400 SEC]) — Juvenile Galah in a backyard tree
(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 400, 227mm, f/11 and 1/400 SEC])

Birds, mammals, lizards, spiders and insects - Photographing around Canberra in early December 2019

BirdsinCanberra January 29, 2020

Bird and wildlife photography in December 2019 was very challenging due to the smoke haze from the bush fires around Canberra. Please understand, I am not complaining as on the relative scale of things, a bit smoke haze was not bad when people were dying or losing their houses and some species of wildlife are facing extinction because of the extent of the fire. Really, I got off very lightly, as I was still able to photograph, even if it was a little difficult. This post is a grab bag of the various birds and other wildlife I saw over that period. I was moving around Canberra, particularly near the Australian National University (ANU) at Acton, doing a few things, generally with my camera close at hand so I could take photographs. I hope you like the photographs I was able to capture and sorry this is so late.

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.

A male Gang-gang cockatoo nestling peers from his hollow(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 800, 400mm, f/8.0 and 1/500 SEC]) — A male Gang-gang cockatoo nestling peers from his hollow
(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 800, 400mm, f/8.0 and 1/500 SEC])

A Gang-gang cockatoo nestling and Sulphur-Crested Cockatoos using a hollow - Photographing around Hughes-Garran on Saturday, 4 January 2020

BirdsinCanberra January 16, 2020

The birdlife around Hughes-Garran seemed to enjoy another respite from all the recent smoke because the Sulphur-crested Cockatoos were out in number and I was even lucky enough to see a Gang-gang Cockatoo nestling. The Gang-gang nestling was particularly interesting as there was a concern among those interested watchers that this season would be a bad nesting season for Gang-gangs because of the drought and fires. With all this activity primarily in one spot I spent most of my morning walk near a single tree. I was enjoying looking at the birds coming and going but by doing so I was able to catch some shots I really liked. I hope you enjoy the photographs below.

A Galah challenges a fire-affected Pied Currawong at my backyard birdbath(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 500, 271mm, f/8.0 and 1/250 SEC]) — A Galah challenges a fire-affected Pied Currawong at my backyard birdbath
(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 500, 271mm, f/8.0 and 1/250 SEC])

Gang-gang cockatoo, Galahs, magpies and currawongs at my birdbath - Photographing at home on Sunday, 29 December 2019

BirdsinCanberra January 3, 2020

Bird baths can be real saviours for birdlife in the current hot, dry and smokey conditions in Canberra. I have a bird bath in our back garden in Canberra which the local birdlife has been using regularly over the last few weeks. I took a camera out a few days ago to photograph the Galahs, Gang-gang Cockatoo, Australian Magpie and Pied Currawongs that visited it during the morning. The birds were able to have a drink while I was able to enjoy seeing these wonderful creatures in my garden. I hope you enjoy the photographs below.

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

Gang-gang Cockatoos and Superb Parrots in trees - Photographing around Hughes and Garran on Tuesday, 31 December 2019

BirdsinCanberra January 1, 2020

The birdlife around Hughes-Garran finally had some clear skies to enjoy on this Tuesday after all the bushfire smoke. I was out on a different day than normal not because of the blue skies but because I had been away over the Christmas period so had missed my usual walk. I did not go too far this morning as somebody was showing me some birds they had noticed so I could take photographs. I had an enjoyable morning, seeing a pair of Gang-gang Cockatoos and a group of Superb Parrots. I also saw Dillwyia, the kangaroo I photographed on 30 November. I hope you like the photographs below.

Video - An introduction to the natural history of Parsley Bay (the first video I have made)

BirdsinCanberra December 31, 2019

Parsley Bay is a wonderful little inlet that I loved visiting as a child. Over Christmas 2019 I was in Sydney so early on the morning of Boxing Day, 26 December, I went for a snorkel in the bay. On a whim, I took my GoPro5 with the idea that I may want to film while I was snorkelling so I could make a movie later on. This video was my first attempt at making a movie and I really enjoyed the experience. Somewhat ironically, given the focus of this website, the film was not about birds nor about Canberra. With any luck, the next video will be in line with the content of this site. I hope you like the video I have posted at YouTube. I have pasted the description below.

“Parsley Bay is a wonderful little inlet on the southern side of Sydney Harbour in Australia. It is a special place to visit if you are interested in marine life as it has a rich biodiversity in a shallow safe environment. This very amateur video shows some of the marine life to be found in Parsley Bay as well as a little bit about the natural environ. It is not professional but hopefully it will provide some entertainment and some information.

I made this video, my first ever, on a whim when I decided to go snorkelling in the bay on Boxing Day, 2019. The visit was only about 30 minutes and at about 6 o’clock in the morning, hence why the lighting is a bit dark. I filmed it on a GoPro 5 then edited the footage using iMovie but only had a cheap quality microphone so the voiceover may sound a bit poor. Please do not expect too much but hopefully you will enjoy it.”

This male Gang-gang cockatoo was having a bad morning this day(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 400, 400mm, f/8.0 and 1/640 SEC]) — This male Gang-gang cockatoo was having a bad morning this day
(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 400, 400mm, f/8.0 and 1/640 SEC])

A male Gang-gang Cockatoo having a bad morning and more trees - Photographing around Hughes and Garran on Sunday, 15 December 2019

BirdsinCanberra December 19, 2019

Trees were still the focus for this Sunday so I did not go too far but I did have a quick look through Hughes and Garran. As you can see from the photo at the head of this post I was able to photograph a male Gang-gang Cockatoo. He was not having a good morning, in that he had a fight with another male Gang-gang, in the most intense struggle I have witnessed between two Gang-gangs. I hope you enjoy the photographs below.

This. Australasian Grebe, in its breeding plumage, climbed onto what I thought was just a blockage of leaves and debris, only then did I realise it was a nest(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 400, 400mm, f/8.0 and… — This. Australasian Grebe, in its breeding plumage, climbed onto what I thought was just a blockage of leaves and debris, only then did I realise it was a nest
(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])

Australasian Grebe on a nest and Galahs at hollows - Photographing around Hughes and Garran on Sunday, 8 December 2019

BirdsinCanberra December 13, 2019

Trees were a bit of my focus this Sunday morning as I wondered around Hughes and Garran bu I also had plenty of opportunity to photograph some wonderful birds in the area. I saw Galahs at hollows and I was fortunate enough to see an Australasian Grebe climb on to what I assume was its nest. After the usual birds the bottom part of the post is insect heavy as Hughes is in the middle of cicada season with a large number of Red Eye Cicadas around, bringing a number of birds to our garden as they pluck cicadas from our trees. Continuing the insect theme, later on that Sunday I was around the Australian National University (ANU) for my son, but I had a camera with me just in case I came across anything interesting. In this case, a number of insects. I hope you enjoy the photographs below.