We had the chance to revisit the Capertee Valley a couple of weeks ago due to the circumstances of our interrupted travels earlier in the year. It was a great opportunity to look for the Regent Honeyeater again after our previous caper back in late January as described in this post:
http://qldbirder.blogspot.com.au/2012/05/capertee-capers.html
Unbelievably we found some on our first afternoon, after setting up camp at Glen Davis and driving out to a location where we were told one had been seen that morning. I spotted a female first, getting pretty excited and also relieved knowing they were really there!
 |
| Regent Honeyeater - female |
After a while of watching this mega-rarity moving around in the treetops I mentioned to Clare "even if I don't see a male I am absolutely rapt", then she just happened to glimpse one and before long we had great bino views of the bird with its striking black and yellow plumage. Needless to say we were both impressed and sat quietly for over an hour watching them feeding on the mistletoe and insects in the casuarinas and chasing other honeyeater species.
 |
| Regent Honeyeater - male |
 |
| Male feeding in mistletoe |
To top it off, when I went back the next morning to have a better look at some of the other breeding birds present, I bumped into a couple of members of the Regent Honeyeater Recovery team who had been surveying the local population. They mentioned a pair were nesting nearby and after scanning the trees for a while I was able to locate the nest with two fledglings, being attended by the said pair. I watched, fascinated and privileged to be able to glimpse a view into the lives of these critically endangered birds, less than 1000 estimated to be left in the wild:
 |
| Male at nest |
Most of the images taken here were at the extent of my camera lens magnification and we were careful not to disturb the birds at any time.
All in all a memorable couple of days and up there with the best of my many birdwatching experiences!
 |
| Striped Honeyeater and nest |
 |
| Olive-backed Oriole with nesting material |
 |
| Restless Flycatcher at nest |
Congratulations! I've never come across one but am vaguely aware that there are recovery programs in Victoria as well? Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThanks. The recovery program is part of an on going project through Birdlife Australia that covers various States: http://www.birdlife.org.au/projects/woodland-birds-for-biodiversity
ReplyDeleteA real 'nest fest'! Well done!
ReplyDeletethese are beautiful images! how fortunate you were to see them.
ReplyDeleteThanks Chris and Judi. Spring had really sprung in the valley and we happened to be there at the right time.
ReplyDeleteWow John, moments to treasure, and wonderful to share. Congratulations. An hour to watch any bird is exciting, but a rare bird even more so and the musings convey exactly that. Cheers, Richard.
ReplyDelete