Thursday, May 9, 2013

CAPERTEE REDUX




The last time I published a post about the Capertee Valley, I concentrated on our sighting of the critically endangered Regent Honeyeater:  http://qldbirder.blogspot.com.au/2012/11/capertee-revisited.html
This time I've included a varied selection of other images from our visit.



The cliffs of Wollemi National Park



Being Spring there was a fair bit of activity around the place, which made for some nice birding and great photo opportunities. The Bellbirds were in full "tinking" mode, and though usually fairly high up in the gums this one came down for a better look at the intruder.


Bell Miner



This male fairy-wren was in fully breeding regalia, and although the photo doesn't do it justice, the bright blue head shone out like a flourescent beacon in the dull evening light.


Variegated Fairy-wren



Beside the Capertee River, in Wollemi National Park, from the concealment of my car I was able to film a Superb Lyrebird foraging along the bank, casual as you please. Later he took some time out to do a spot of bathing, and I felt privileged to get a glimpse into his daily routine. 



Superb Lyre-bird - male 








This raptor was eyeing off  potential prey from a convenient fence post beside the road.


Brown Falcon



A couple of masurpials were out and about too.


Swamp Wallaby or Stinker




Eastern Grey Kangaroo - male



And a monotreme that became camera shy. It's very difficult to sneak up on these unique little creatures. 


Echidna



While exploring the rocky escarpment behind the camping area at Glen Davis I was able to observe a pair of Rock Warblers going about their daily routine. 



Rock Warbler



The ubiquitous Eastern Yellow Robins were as usual photogenic. One of my favourite bush birds.


Eastern Yellow Robin






I couldn't quite capture the rufous coloured rump on the Songlark.


Rufous Songlark




The Babblers were active at their communal nest near our campsite, just on dusk. 


White-browed Babbler






Capertee River










Cheers & Happy Birding