Hi everyone
I haven't done any bird photography for a while, but today I had a few hours to kill at Glendale
Bell miner - I have always heard but not seen these but today I saw lots. They are incredibly hard to photograph as they are alway on the move in and out of tall trees with lots of leaves and twigs, so the camera has trouble focussing on the right thing, even with spot focus
Sacred kingfisher (I think) with lizard
Red-browed finch
Red-browed finch
Unknown bird - there were 2 clucking in the top of a gum tree
Nice work. You're unknown could be a Dollarbird. The colour and shape of the beak makes me think it is. Also the tail shape and bluish colour on the underside.
Lovely photos birdgirl2009 :) I love the little finches. I agree to akasha on the Dollarbird too.
Great shots Birdgirl.... love the hapless lizard hanging in there!!!
Yes definitely a dollarbird, and great to see you have had time for your birding again.
Would love to get my nose out of my studies long enough to do some!!!
Sunshine Coast Queensland
awesome photos birdgirl, i like the kf shot :)
Nice photos Birdgirl. You are so right about the Bell miners they are very quick.
All nice, but I really like the Sacred Kingfisher with the skink. Probably off to feed young; in fact I have seen first hand instances of birds nesting more than once this spring/summer due to excellent conditions. The last image is a Dollarbird (adult). Young ones don't have a red bill and are duller all over.
If you want to photograph Bell Miners there is a spot near Nepean Weir, where they come right down to your level as they feed in the trees and lower shrubs. A little patience and luck may get them close and in the open.
Thanks everyone, especially for the ID. As soon as you mentioned it Akasha, I could see the darker head and bluish body.
I saw at least four termite nests in the trees, with holes in them. After the first one, I noticed the others were actually tied to the trees, so someone has obviously put them up as nesting sites. I read that the sacred kingfisher nests in arboreal termite nests, so my guess is that they are there for it. Very kind of someone!
Thanks for the tip Windhover, about the bell miners - I am a bit far away for a day trip, but I have family near the foot of the Blue Mountains, so I'll keep it in mind. I have also heard bell miners in my suburb at 2 different sites.
The outing reminded me of how frustrating (trying to focus on the bell miners) and rewarding (finding the kingfisher unexpectedly) bird photography can be