CRESTED CHARACTERS

The Pacific Baza pair are still active around our place and quite approachable. I featured them previously on a recent post and since then had a close encounter with another Baza when on a morning walk at Lake McDonald near Cooroy.

The two images below were from that outing and I was able to get a decent shot of the bird in profile showing it's funky little crest.

In complete contrast the Sulphur-crested Cockatoo sports one of the most flamboyant crests the bird world has to offer. 

   

At my sisters place the local cockies come in daily to snack on the seed in her feeders, with up to thirty at times winging in and disturbing the peace with their raucous calls. 

Certainly a crest to be proud of!

Cheers & Happy Birding

BAZAS & BACKYARD BIRDING

Our travelling has come to an end, at least for the short term, as we intend to settle down back on the Sunshine Coast if things go according to plan. Meanwhile, based in the hinterland at North Arm, we are enjoying our stay in the backyard of my sister and partners seventy acre bush property.   

View to Mount Ninderry

The bird list has grown rapidly to 78 species in the few weeks that we have been here, including some corkers such as Powerful Owl (heard), Peregrine Falcon, Spotted Harrier, Pacific Baza, Rose Robin, Crested Shrike-tit and Satin and Regent Bowerbirds.  

Our humble abode among the gum trees.

At least three of these Fan-tailed Cuckoos are making their presence known with their mournful calls. Others of the family here include the Brush and Shining-Bronze Cuckoos and Pheasant Coucal. 

Fan-tailed Cuckoo

Along with a couple of Laughing Kookaburras, a pair of Forest Kingfishers don't seem to mind sharing the same hunting grounds.   

Forest Kingfisher

Laughing Kookaburra

Half a dozen Brown Cuckoo-Doves are present most days. These large and conspicuous pigeons are attracted to the fruit of the wild tobacco plants that grow in the more open areas of the property. Big flocks of Topknot Pigeons have been observed flying low over the trees, accompanied by the susurration of their wings as they pass by. The monotonous call of the Wonga Pigeon has been heard on occasions, with Peaceful, Bar-shouldered and Emerald Doves also seen.

Brown Cuckoo-Dove

While walking the fence line I disturbed a roosting Tawny Frogmouth, that flew a short distance away. It had quite a rufous wash to the plumage, which one of my field guides suggests is sometimes characteristic of the female.

Tawny Frogmouth

A pair of Pacific Bazas have been active around the property since we arrived and I assume would be resident. These stunning raptors hunt together in close proximity, leap frogging through the foliage of the mid to upper canopy of the trees, pouncing on unsuspecting stick insects and frogs. Their flight is almost silent as they weave their way through the branches and leaves.   

Pacific Baza

The name baza apparently comes from the Indian word for goshawk. Originally known as the Crested Hawk, the moniker I prefer, it was officially changed in the late 1970's.

A misty morning at North Arm.

Cheers & Happy Birding