Tuesday, July 8, 2014

BAY OF FIRES (LARAPUNA), TASMANIA





In early December 2012 we spent some time in the beautiful Bay of Fires Conservation Area, camping at Cosy Corner and enjoying the start of the southern summer. 



Taylors Beach




The bay came by its name when an English ships' captain, Tobias Furneaux, saw the fires of the original indigenous inhabitants along the beaches when exploring the east coast in 1773. Larapuna is the alternative name for this area.







The oystercatchers weren't particularly shy and it was nice to see them regularly on many of the beaches  we visited around Tasmania.


Pied Oystercatcher




Sooty Oystercatcher



It was unusual to see these gulls clambering about on some shrubbery near the campground. It seemed they were picking tiny berries from among the foliage, a bit of a change from their usual fishy fare.  



Silver Gull








One of the more common Tassie endemics was present but by no means allowing close proximity, the image below taken from some distance off.



Yellow-throated Honeyeater


A small flock of Black-Cockatoos did a flyby then settled in some nearby gums where one sat out in the open for a half decent shot.



Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoo



I was pleased to spot a Frogmouth when walking one of the tracks a bit further inland one morning. Not a common occurrence because they are usually so cryptic when settled into their day time roost.



Tawny Frogmouth







Meanwhile back at our campsite a Shrike-thrush was being very conspicuous when pecking at it's reflection, even though the car mirror had been turned in earlier to prevent this from re-occurring. 



Grey Shrike-thrush




The granite boulders along the shoreline are splashed with orange lichen making for a colourful contrast against the blue summer sky. 
















Cheers & Happy Birding







Tuesday, July 1, 2014

CATARACT GORGE & ST.COLUMBA FALLS




The next stop on our circumnavigation of Tasmania was Launceston, where we paid a visit to Cataract Gorge along the South Esk River.



Cataract Gorge




Alexandra Suspension Bridge at First Basin



The chairlift that crosses the gorge has a single-span of 308 metres in its total 457 metre length. A world record apparently!








South Esk River



A couple of ducks were soaking up some late spring sunshine.


Pacific Black Duck/Mallard hybrid



King's Bridge, Launceston (built in 1864) 



A walk along a track through some beautiful cool temperate rainforest at St Columba Falls State Reserve in the Pyengana Valley, led us to the 90 metre high falls. 







St Columba Falls



I squeaked in an inquisitive scrub-wren, that duly scolded us for encroaching on its domain!


Tasmanian Scrub-wren







Some unidentified spring wildflowers we saw along the track close to the waterfall.











Cheers & Happy Birding