Yet again I was on the quest for Emu-wrens at the same site as last time. Again no result. However I was very pleased to discover my first Spotted Pardalote burrow! In an old eroded drainage channel my brother heard persistent twittering. We investigated and found ourselves cornered by a pair of Pardalote's! At first they were very wary but I managed to gain their trust a little bit. They were coming back and forth between the burrow usually individually. Many times I was less a metre from them. I was worried about disturbing the burrow but I think they were more worried about feeding their young with insects! I'd estimate 3 chicks from their constant calling. I can tell that is the closest I've ever been to a Pardalote and the best view of one I've ever had. Amazing experience! I sure know what they look like now!
I guess that's what a 5:30AM start can achieve! Many birds around again. This time a Satin Flycatcher (rather than Leaden last time) turned up, a shy Superb Fairy-wren and in a different area a pair of Yellow-tailed Blackies. I'm not sure if they were nesting or just sussing out the hollow but it looks like she might have been digging it out a bit.
TIP: You may want to turn up the brightness of your computer for better viewing. I used a setting not as suitable for the conditions.
Oh forgot the other photo's.
Wow scary moment! Glad you lived to tell the tale
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Thats a wonderful experience and great photos there Owl - such beautiful little birds. Thats a classic one of the two parents together on the branch. I also had a close encounter with spotted pardalottes when they were preparing a burrow, I agree with your impression that they are not too disturbed by our presence and just carry one with their business. They are quite imperturable and hard working little birds.
NIce one of the black cockatoos - i have not seen one yet
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Thanks WD, it was terrifying haha! I'm glad I survived too!
And agreed they are very hard working. Back and forth back and forth.
I see the Blackies all the time up here
Another great collection of photos.
The spotted Pardalote's nest would be a great opportunity to set up a camera and a remote trigger.
Samford Valley Qld.
Thanks Reflex and you're absoutely right - a remote trigger would be fantastic. I plan to go back tomorrow in the hope of some more shots.
Hi mate
in my experience 4-5 meters is as close as I would get. 1 is really pushing it. Just watch their behaviour for clues of stress. Hopefully you can figure out what is too close. Lucky that generally Spotted Pardalotes are quite confiding.
btw I still haven't had a chance to seek out the owls at Minehaha falls or get I to the valley to the spot we were talking about in earlier emails.
Ahh ok well the owl at Minni Ha Ha Falls has not been back for a while now - wasn't there 2 months ago when I last checked.. Moved to a different gully I suppose. I'm sure you're probably quite busy doing other things anyway.
As for the Pardalote's I was very worried that I would interfer with them. But as I say it wasn't my intention to disturb them - we got near the burrow when the parents weren't around, before discovering the nest. When the parents arrived at the nest we were as surprised as they were. Their reaction was flying to different branches and looking at us, quite wary. But they got used to our presence (we were very still) and continued on with their business of feeding the hungry chicks. I basically took as many shots as I needed to get a few good one's and this did not take too long. I wanted to keep stress to a minimum. When both of them left together to get breakfast we left before they came back. Next time I will certainly try to be more careful anyhow.
And I do agree it is important to watch their movements and behaviour closely and act appropriately. In future I will try not to stumble across Pardalote burrows
It's all good mate. I know you're careful. :)