I'm just wondering if anyone would be interested in meeting up at the Birds Australia Discovery Centre when the Birds in Backyards Members Competition winners go on display?
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Perhaps meeting at the display to see that first, then a wander round the grounds afterwards looking at the local birds?
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For those who have visited Sydney Olympic Park, it's a fantastic place to see birds, especially waders.
I was there yesterday and managed to see, Channel-billed Cuckoo, Curlew Sandpipers (a first for me), Sharp-tailed Sandpipers, Red-necked Avocets, Brown Quails, Black-fronted Dotterell, Pacific Golden Plover, White faced Heron, Sacred Kingfisher, Red-browed Finchs, Royal Spoonies, Coots, poss a Bar-tailed Godwit but was too far for poss ID, as well as other more common birds.
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Regards,
Gelmir that is a wonderful idea! Did you head over to the Discovery Centre when you were visiting yesterday?
If you all come up with a date I will try my best to be there. I would be more than happy to show Birds in Backyards members around :)
Thanks Holly,
No, I've never actually been to the Discovery center. I was too busy trying to spot the Lewin's rail that was seen there recently.
I was there as well last Wednesday, to see if I could get a glimpse of it, or some of the other crakes that had been spotted at the Triangle ponds, but those noisy Black-winged Stilts alerted all the other birds I was around and I could only watch in horror as these small wader'ish birds flew off from amongst the reeds/scrubs!
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It might be best if you come up with a date if we are to coincide it with the display. I wouldn't want to set a date only to put pressure on you to finish at a certain time.
I am aware that I am replying to a post 2 months old but I think this is a very nice idea since I might be able to attend this meet up. When is the meet-up going to be held?
You are right about Sydney Olympic Park for being a hotspot for birdwatching. The last time I went to Bicentennial Park, I saw this rather interesting bird near the wetlands. It was mainly grey in colour, about 30cm+ in size, red eyes, black marking on it's wing and it was able to hover in the air. I'm guessing it is a letter-winged kite but I am really not sure. Sorry I have no pictures of it. Does anyone know what it is?
Taz
Hi Tanzandrus
I suspect the meeting might have passed you by. Not sure. Others will know for sure.
Your bird would almost certainly have been the Black-shouldered Kite. The distribution is not right for the Letter-winged Kite. Further north, further west, mostly.
You were close.
You obviously got a good look, if you noticed the red eyes. Stunning birds.
Cheers
Denis
Denis Wilson
www.peonyden.blogspot.com
The meet hasn't happened yet!
Due to a crazy couple of months at BIBY, the display is still being put together. I hope to have it ready by Easter.
Holly
Hi Denis!
Yes, Black-shouldered Kite was the bird I saw. Thank you for giving me the correct identification! They are very interesting birds. I just had to take a close look at it.
Hi Holly!
The Easter holidays sounds like a nice time for the meet, I think people will have more spare time then. Wish you luck in setting it up!
Taz