Hi all, just returned from a fantastic trip to the Ningaloo reef in W.A. ticking off a 'bucket list' item-swimming and snorkelling with whale sharks...one of the most amazing experiences of my life:)
Every day we went into the Cape Range NP to go snorkelling and wildlife watching. This is one of several nankeen Kestrels I saw, this particular day there was a very strong wind and he was holding on for dear life and getting buffeted around quite badly. I think me taking photos was the least of his worries:)
and on another day...had just come out of the water after snorkelling and being blown away by the beautiful coral and kaleidascope of fish and sea creatures when I looked up to find this Osprey hovering over me...maybe I looked like a huge fish in my wetsuit lol
Beautiful Hev and lovely to see your face here again :') I love the ruffling feathers on your Kestrel .Such a handsome bird !
Sunshine Coast Queensland
nankeen kestrel
osprey
Emu
Check out the size of this nest!
White Plumed Honeyeater
Use what talents you possess; the woods would be very silent if no birds sang there except those that sang best
Hev they are just lovely..... I love that nest..... tell us all which lens you use please? I think Tassie would be interested. I know I have seen it but I have a bad memory LOL
Sunshine Coast Queensland
thanks birdie:)
I have a sigma 150-500 (Nankeen pics) and a tamron 18-270 (all the other pics)
I only recently got the tamron, as I had an ermmm little accident with my tamron 18-250...had it on my tripod...was running with it and hadnt secured the 'tilt' adjuster.... it dropped down hitting the tripod with an almighty "BANG" and then sounded like it had a few ball bearing rattling around inside. Took it to camera hospital where it was diagnosed beyond repair.
Luckily I had it covered on my house insurance so I was able to get it replaced AND upgraded in the process, must say am very impressed with it, it has the extra focal length and I.S which is always a bonus for me and my shaky hands lol.
Sorry ...always gotta tell a story when asked a simple question!
Use what talents you possess; the woods would be very silent if no birds sang there except those that sang best
A beautiful series, Hev. Swimming with the WS is one of my life ambitions, too. Nice to see you posting again.
Cheers,
George
Melbourne, VIC
Hey I love your signature saying....it is wonderful :')
Sunshine Coast Queensland
thanks george, swimming with WS was so incredible, not ashamed to say I had a little emotional weep and a hug with the 'swim leader' when back on board and she said she feels like that every time she swims with them! what a great job that must be!
definately put to the top of your list:)
Use what talents you possess; the woods would be very silent if no birds sang there except those that sang best
Very nice Hev.....looks like you had a ball.
Outstanding shots heva. The kestrel shots are top stuff and a good range. Sounds great up there at nigaloo.
Cheers, Owen.
Superb shots, heva.
Especially love the brown falcon in photos 1, 2 & 4.
Kestrels have yellow legs and feet as you can see in photo 7.
Cheers,
al
Cheers,
al
Central Victoria
https://sites.google.com/site/blackhillreservekyneton/home
Hi Al, thanks so much for the ID correction, they look so similar (to me!) thanks for the leg colour tip-will help in the future:)
Use what talents you possess; the woods would be very silent if no birds sang there except those that sang best
Al sorry mate but I am sure that Hev was correct in her initial ID of Nankeen Kestrel.
Hey Al...I would never attempt to correct you in a BOP ID ..... but I thought she took the shots at the same time of the same bird ?
Sunshine Coast Queensland
hmmm now I'm not so sure again.....
birdie, the first two pics are of the same bird, the others a different day and bird. They all look a bit too 'buff' or orange to be brown falcons don't you think?
Use what talents you possess; the woods would be very silent if no birds sang there except those that sang best
rufous was the word I was looking for!Al, behaviour-wise,the two birds you think are Brown Falcons were seen hovering in one spot (despite very strng winds) and I believe Nankeen kestrels and Black-shouldered kites are the only two BOP to do have a 'straight-winged hover'
Isn't it too small for a Brown Falcon too?
Use what talents you possess; the woods would be very silent if no birds sang there except those that sang best
Wonderful photos Heva and what a wonderful experience to swim with the whale sharks. Is the emu red looking because of red dirt?
Look closely at the facial markings.
Both birds have the dark vertical stripe under the eye but only the brown falcon has the
large dark mark behind the eye.
Also look at the difference in the colour of the thigh feathers
and the large leg scales and stubby toes of the brown falcon.
Here is a link to a hovering brown falcon:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ozjulian/2603820686/
Cheers,
al
Central Victoria
https://sites.google.com/site/blackhillreservekyneton/home
That is true what you say about the facial markings al, I stand corrected.
I have never seen a emu red like that! All are Great photos but the emu is my favourite. I saw one yesterday in some farm reserve, but never in the wild.
Keep the photos coming!!!
Great shots Heva1, went there September last year, awesome place and great birding on top of the amazing snorkelling.
I've succumbed to the birding bug!
Alice Springs, NT
George - I have posted something in the Social thread that I wanted you to know. Didn't know if you read that thread .
Cheers
Adrienne
Sunshine Coast Queensland