Crested Shrike tit, Spring Bluff |
I have been intrigued by birds all my life. I grew up on
a fruit orchard outside Stanthorpe and so birds were everywhere. My Dad would
always be able to tell me who made the various bird calls :).
Over the years, whenever we've been on holidays either in
Australia or overseas, I've always been drawn to birdlife and aviaries,
especially in foreign lands.
It has only been in the past 2 years that I have made a
concerted effort to go out looking for birdlife, photographing more birds and
trying to improve each time - sometimes it works and other times I fail
miserably....., I enjoy learning a birds behaviour and take great pleasure from
watching a birds activities.
It is a very relaxing past time.
My husband, children and now grand children don't really
share my joy but they do listen, at times, to my tales and humour me by coming
along on walks. :)
2019 has been great and disastrous at the same time.
Early in 2019 I went to Tasmania and managed a trip to Bruny Island, despite
the severe smoke haze. I managed to find 10 of the 12 endemic species of
Tasmania.
We then visited Norfolk Island where I managed 6 of the 7
endemic birds even though I did hear the Norfolk Island Boobook, a sighting
eluded me. :( I am sure everyone will agree that the drought, bushfires and
extreme heat has played havoc with all animal life. We enjoyed a walk in White
Rock Reserve, Redbank Plains, early this morning. While there were plenty of
bird noises high in the tree tops, and the ground is showing some greening
after the downpour on 24/12/19, the bird life was pretty scarce. I heard only
22 species that I could actually name. I am sure there was more that I didn't
recognise.
I look forward to the plans I have for 2020.
Louise I just loved Norfolk Island and your blog was a lovely reminder. Maggie
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