I have not been able to ID this guy with the hook at the end of its beak, seen yesterday in our Botanic Gardens.
All I can tell you is that it was shot at 1/800 @ f/8 @ iso400 @ *600mm equiv. Anyone?
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Hi tarkineus,
The UFO is a "Tasmanian Jackass" ;-)
also known as Grey Butcherbird.
Cheers,
al
Cheers,
al
Central Victoria
https://sites.google.com/site/blackhillreservekyneton/home
Thanks al, after you put a name to it I was able to find it in the good book, given as Butcherbird (grey), but no endemic Tasmanian species is listed. The grey, according to the distribution map, appears to be widespread in all States across Australia.
Regards, "Tark" - Olympus 4/3rds colour
great photo tark :)
Hi Tark
You are right about the distribution.
Al was using the informal name, as well as giving you the formal species name. He did set you on the right track, though.
To further confuse you, your bird is probably a female. Males are usually a bit whiter on the front, and darker on the head.
As with Magpies, these sex differences are only minor. Sometimes it is really obvious when you see a good shiny male.
Cheers
Denis
Denis Wilson
www.peonyden.blogspot.com
aa, Thanks there mate.
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Hi Denis, until yesterday I had only heard of butcherbirds although someone once pointed one out to me at a distance that left me none the wiser. I guess that hooked beak might have given a more astute thinker than me a clue as to its purpose. Now I can see how that beak would be such a useful tool in arresting the flight of its prey.
Regards, "Tark" - Olympus 4/3rds colour
Hi tarkineus,
what is the name of your "good book"?
My favourite book is Simpson & Day Field Guide to the bird of Australia.
The Grey Butcherbird has 3 subspecies.
The tasmanian bird is known as Cracticus torquatus cinereus
Cheers,
al
Cheers,
al
Central Victoria
https://sites.google.com/site/blackhillreservekyneton/home
Good sharp shot. THe butcherbirds have a lovely song.
HI Tark
Yes a Grey Butcherbird we have one that will pick up worms and grubs when gardening.
Good pic of the Butcher bird Tark,i liked the title you gave it.
Hi al, Thanks for the info. My 'good book' has the same title as yours except yours is probably a later edition - mine is a 1984 edition.
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Thanks birdgirl, and yes, I heard its call before I spotted it. Lovely indeed.
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Hi Smeeding, as said earlier, it's the first Butcher I've seen and I hope to sight more of them as time goes by.
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Thanks Raoul, I happen to be a sci fi fan from way back, mate!
Regards, "Tark" - Olympus 4/3rds colour
Nice shot of this Grey BB, Tark. I reckon the Pied Butcherbird has one of the most beautiful songs of any of our native birds. There's a photo on one of my last Noosa posts. Thanks for sharing.
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Cheers,
.
George
Cheers,
George
Melbourne, VIC
Thanks George, I checked out your pied butcherbird, quite amazing how various sub species evolved with such different colours and markings and I'm wondering as to the how and why of it. They are sort of like football Guernsey’s, aren't they.
Regards, "Tark" - Olympus 4/3rds colour