On a 2 day visit down to the Kedumba Valley in mid December, I counted 53 species of bird. On another 2 day walk at the start of February, I added 6 species to the list: Rufous Fantail, White-eared Honeyeater, Common Bronzewing, White-headed Pigeon (very unexpected), White-bellied Sea Eagle (previously unconfirmed), and White-throated Nightjar. It's a very different place at this time of year, with only one cuckoo, no White-winged Choughs, few Grey Fantails/Rufous Whistlers but increased Rufous Fantails. The total was 59 species over the two trips. Hopefully I can come back in winter and find the Sooty/Powerful Owls I've heard previously. On a walk at night we discovered the WT Nightjar sitting on the side of the fire trail, which quickly flew off. On the way back it was in exactly the same spot, and unfortunately we could not get past it without scaring it again. After about half an hour we came back to the spot and there it was again. I grabbed a quick photo and left with minimal intereference. I have never seen it before on any previous trips.
Anyhow here are a few of the photo's.
Owl of Kedumba, I'm wondering if your White-throated Nightjar is an Australian Owlet-nightjar.
You have put doubts in my mind. Birds in Backyards says for Aus. Owlet-nightjars "Its large brown eyes are non-reflective when exposed to a torch or spotlight (other nocturnal birds give a red reflection)." It did have eyeshine, and it's eyes don't seem big enough for Owlet-nightjar? I know you can't really see a white throat but there does seem to be a bit of white under the chin if you zoom in - it might be hidden. What points you towards Owlet-nightjar?
Nice job.
That would be 4 new species for me, 5 if you include the wombat lol.
I do agree with you about the eyes not being big enough for an Owlet Nightjar, but I never seen one in real life only in the books.
Owl of Kedumba, I pretty sure I jumped to a conclusion based on my observation of an Australian Owlet-nightjar on the ground near my feet. But having gone back to my field guide I can see that your bird has a larger bill than that of the Australian Owlet-nightjar. It also has pale primary wing feathers which the Australian Owlet-nightjar doesn't have. And the tail shapes are quite different.
The darkness makes it difficult to make a comparison of the eyes although there's nothing startlingly large about the eyes of your bird whereas the eyes of the Australian Owlet-nightjar are significantly large.
Soooo, I'm happy stand corrected in a very erect position & go with your identification of a White-throated Nightjar.
Thanks Devster and Woko. I can see where you're coming from with the Owlet-nightjar, the darkness is misleading. We all make mistakes from time to time.
laughter is the best medicine, thank you
Peter
Great set of photos from your expedition... really like your azure kingfisher photo.
Great range of shots there Owl and a nice Wombat to finish. Love the Jacky.