The following pics were taken in early July (at about 7.30 am)- toward the end of the mating season and at the height of the lyrebird's mimicry. I first heard the bird pre-dawn and went to investigate. I couldn't find it at first and was bamboozled to where it was. I eventually looked up and there it was 30 metres up a Mountain Ash roosting. It eventually flew down (awesome sight in itself) and gave me its array of mimicry (crimson rosellas, kookaburra, magpies, juv magpies, yellow tailed cockatoos, sulpher crested cockatoos, eastern whipbird...to name a few). Unbelievable display, nature at its best and if anyone gets the opportunity, seek these marvellous birds out- it's worth it!)
You are sooooooooo lucky to see them. Can't imagine what all the mimicry would sound like, but I will surely be seeking one out one day :)
Beautiful!
Sunshine Coast Queensland
At katoomba there is a track going from the 3 sisters to Leura(down in the valley) where you can hear lyrebirds. It is the lower of two parallel tracks going from the leura cascades to the giant staircase, I was there in april and they sound fantastic.
Yes I have heard them when I lived down south and you cant describe it, they are something you just have to experience.
Thanks for sharing these shots Bushy, you are very fortunate, I have never sseen them in the wild.
You are so lucky. I don't think I've ever seen or heard one in the wild. We sometimes go to Leura, so I'll be sure to look and listen next time
Great shots bush bird nerd. Looks like the time spent with Alan Lingus have paid off, I really enjoyed his Lyrebird walks when I was in your area but I am unsure if he is going to continue them.
Me and a friend of mine saw a great deal of Lyrebird mimicry but unfortunately it was a foggy morning and my camera lens refused to pic a focal point... so frustrating. It is also rumoured that a lot of smaller birds frequent areas in which the Lyrebird has been scratching... have you heard or seen any examples of this?
Keep up the good images and information bush bird nerd.
Yes Berldo, the time spent with cheeky Alan did pay off! I haven't seen him for awhile, but funnily enough I did see Anna Lingus (his cousin) the other day. She really is switched on when it comes to thornbills (remember my previous post). I do have a picture somewhere of what I think may be a pilotbird. I have heard that they will follow a lyrebird and pick up worms the lyrebird has missed as it scratches- hence the name pilotbird. When are you up in Olinda next? I'd love to do a lyrebird walk with you and exchange some bird ideas and maybe with Alan Lingus- If I can get hold of him.
Oxalis is not my friend
Hey bbnerd. Your timing is impecible!! I saw Alan Lingus on saturday morning... Unfortunately he is ill so not doing many Lyrebird walks. He did bend over backwards for me in an attempt to give me information on Lyrebird sightings in the area and with luck and good health he should be back hosting walks next season.
How was Anna Lingus... haven't been present for any of her talks but I hear she is quite sweet and a very good orator. A great family and you are so lucky to have such diverse bird life in your area and such great people to talk about them.
Pilotbirds sound very interesting and I would love to see the shots you have taken... and I agree the name is very appropriate. I Won't be in Olinda for another three or so but maybe we can exchange contact details some time before then??
Hi Berldo, sorry for the belated post. Guess what, I met and spoke to Anna's mother, Joy. She was a such a sweet and happy thing (very old),she had these piercing eyes like bright blue jewels, she also told me Anna was getting married in the spring (I think she said late October). Hope it goes well, she had three daughters, Hilda, Hattie and Holly from a previous marriage. Did Alan tell you about this when you saw him? Look forward to catching up when you're in the D'nongs soon. (The grey fantails are back and I can also hear cuckoos calling so things are hotting up !)
Oxalis is not my friend
BBN and Berldo, I've never seen a lyrebird, and would love too. Actually, it's possible that I saw Albert's Lyrebird in Binna Burra in Qld as a child, but I can't remember.
(On another note, remind Joy to keep certain things to the social forum or email.)
Do you see lyrebirds often? Do you ever find them on your own or do sightings require a guide who knows where to find them?
nice one I to have not seen one in the wild well taken
A Photo is only as good as the eyes that look at it.