http://www.dse.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/103396/Helmeted_honeyeater.pdf
Today I was most privileged to see some “Helmeted Honeyeaters”, this has been a dream of mine for a long time. I live very close to where they have been breeding the almost extinct birds in conjunction with Healesville Sanctuary.
The last Helmeted Honeyeaters I saw, were in my garden about 10 years ago, the only time and the last time. Since then , the” Friends of the Helmeted Honeyeater” have been working hard to help saving the species . Some have been released into the Bunyip State Park behind us. Sadly I haven’t spotted any at my place yet.
But today we went to Healesville Sanctuary, they have now an open area, (enclosed with mesh), where the birds can fly , instead of being in a caged area. The birds were very nervous , and flighty.
Never the less, I got some photos I want to share with everyone, as those birds are so rare , that not many of you will ever get a chance to see them.
I hope the breeding program will succeed in re-establishing a good number of Helmeted Honeyeaters in my area, so the species that once lived around here in abundance , will one day be back.
I hope you enjoy my photos, and I also hope the people who care so much about this almost extinct bird will succeed in their efforts to help with the comeback of the "Helmeted Honeyeater"
thanks Araminta
Peter
You should post your photos at https://www.facebook.com/AustralianNativePlantEnthusiasts M-L. They're planning to create a 2014 calendar with bird photos with native plants and they want to give a donation to an organisation supporting the Helmeted Honeyeater. They just posted today about it.
Kathiemt
Selby, Victoria
WoW , thank's for those photo's M-L .
Neil
Your photos are a wonderful reminder of what we stand to lose, Araminta. It's horrific that so much of the helmeted honeyeater's habitat has been hacked down by humans but let's hope the Victorian government abandons all plans to wreak further havoc on the homes of this beautiful bird & supports the hard work of those trying to save it from extinction. Too beautiful to lose? I would have thought so.
I didn't realise the helmeted h/e was a subspecies of the yellow tuft h/e until I saw your photos ,which are great by the way, I have been trying to get a decent photo of the latter for some time you have inspired me to try harder ,they are a stunning bird and losing them or any species for that matter would be a real tragedy
Lovely photos, and such beautiful birds.
It sickens me when I stop to think of all of the unique and marvelous animals humans decide that, through action or inaction, don't deserve to exist ever again. :\
Thanks for sharing.
Dear Araminta,
I work for the Department of Environment and Sustainability as the Senior Ornithologist for the Helmeted Honeyeater Recovery Program and am very interested in your post, particularly the mention of sightings of the Helmeted Honeyeater 10 years ago.
I was wondering whether it would be possible for us to collaborate together. I am keen to understand where the Helmeted Honeyeaters are sighted and was wondering if you were able to advise me where and when you have sighted them on your property. At this point, I am only aware of the Helmeted Honeyeater being sighted on 3 private properties abutting Bunyip State Park and I am interested in all additional areas they are visiting. This will assist us in understanding what habitat the birds prefer and the extent of the population.
Would you be able to contact me directly so that we can discuss your observations further? Any assistance would be appreciated. I can be contacted on bruce.quin@depi.vic.gov.au or 0412 576 646.
Thank you, Bruce Quin
Nice crisp shots of a beautiful bird. What gear are you using and settings if you don't mind me asking?
Thanks for the compliment.
I use a Sony SLT-A77V, and a Sony 70-400mm ,F4.0-5.6 G lens.
Here is what the camera
did: Photo No1
focal length was 315mm, shutter speed 1/80, ISO 1600, F 5.0
all on AF and Sports Mode, like almost all my bird photography, sometimes I only change the exposure compensation, depending on the weather.I don't use a tripod either all handheld (the photo is uncropped)
M-L