Sunday, January 17, 2010

Tawny Frogmouth

A friend phoned me the other day to say that the Tawny Frogmouths (Podargus strigoides) had nested right outside her house again. The young ones fledged and then the parents took them out of the tree where they had nested and around the back of the house into more bushy grevillea trees. This lady has no pets and the birds obviously feel quite safe in her yard. When I went around to get some photos they were at about head height and were quite used to her going quietly to have a closer look at them. The young ones opened their eyes wide and looked at us but the parent looked out of half closed eyes and then closed them right up again and took no further notice of us. These birds are nocturnal so they are usually very hard to see.
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20 comments:

  1. AnonymousJanuary 17, 2010 at 9:08 AM

    Hi Mick, Great shots of the Frogmouths. The young have such a sweet look about them and that inquisitiveness to watch what your about. This year I have been lucky enough to watch 3 nests of Papuan Frogmouths all with one chick.
    Regards Allen

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  2. Denis WilsonJanuary 17, 2010 at 10:15 AM

    Great to get so close to the Frogmouths, Mick.
    My brother had a similar experience with them nesting in his neighbour's yard - near Narooma, far South Coast, NSW.
    Lovely birds, but they always look a bit bewildered, when you get them with the eyes open, like that.
    Cheers
    Denis

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  3. mickJanuary 17, 2010 at 11:05 AM

    Hi Allen. I've not see the Papuan Frogmouth. Someday - maybe!

    Hi Denis, Very interesting that they've been nesting in a similar yard down on the south coast. I wonder what else we could coax into our yards if we left more suitable habitat.

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  4. tilcheffJanuary 17, 2010 at 12:25 PM

    Wonderful images, Mick! Great to see the Tawnies at eye level.
    Best regards
    N

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  5. mickJanuary 17, 2010 at 2:26 PM

    Thanks Nickolay

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  6. LarryJanuary 17, 2010 at 4:14 PM

    Awesome shots of the Tawny Frogmouths Mick! That last photo of the chick is just priceless.

    The adult bird has that look saying "I see you there, don't think for a minute I'm not watching you, even if my eyes are closed."

    What a great find. Sometimes the best things are right in our own backyards!

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  7. mickJanuary 17, 2010 at 4:34 PM

    Hi Larry, I agree the look on the face is special. btw - I do wish it were "MY" backyard. Still it's nice for my friend and she was lucky to have established native vegetation in her yard.

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  8. Thomas VattakavenJanuary 17, 2010 at 6:38 PM

    Great shots. Such cute birds. Never seen one of these before.

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  9. UnknownJanuary 17, 2010 at 7:10 PM

    WOW, lucky you.
    Those are totally adorable.
    :)

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  10. mickJanuary 17, 2010 at 7:17 PM

    Thanks for your comments Tom and Nicole. I saw the same pair of birds when they nested a couple of years ago and was hoping they would come back so I could get more - and better - photos.

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  11. eileeninmdJanuary 17, 2010 at 8:31 PM

    They are awesome shots of the Tawny Frogsmouth. And the chick is so cute.

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  12. AnonymousJanuary 17, 2010 at 11:31 PM

    Oh, wow - what a great experience. I've seen them in zoos, but not in their native habitat. Your friend is very fortunate to have such a welcoming backyard (as are you, that she's willing to share). I love those big, golden eyes!

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  13. Johnny NutcaseJanuary 18, 2010 at 2:48 AM

    wow! excellent stuff, Mick! Never seen a frogmouth but reallllly want to! I love the picture and it's great you got such close looks and photos of them!

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  14. NatureFootstepJanuary 18, 2010 at 7:23 AM

    Obviously I don´t know them, but they look like some kind of owl.

    Must have been a great experience.

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  15. TonyCJanuary 18, 2010 at 7:30 AM

    Cool shots Mick. reminded me of a similar experience - maybe I'll borrow your idea and do a Tawny Frogmouth post too.

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  16. Bob KaufmanJanuary 18, 2010 at 10:40 AM

    You are really one lucky chap, Mick! Great opportunity to get really close to the frogmouths.

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  17. Midmarsh JohnJanuary 18, 2010 at 6:50 PM

    How great to be able to watch them at close quarters. Lovely close up photos.

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  18. FABJanuary 18, 2010 at 11:07 PM

    Another magical moment to be able to get up close to these youngsters. Super shots Mick.

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  19. Maria BergJanuary 19, 2010 at 5:48 PM

    Hi,

    I am so happy that you liked the post about the great Tits - here it is av very common bird.
    But down under I know you have a lot diffrent from us to.
    In two years time we are planning a trip to Australia a then I will see all the nice you show on your blog, MB Sweden

    Ps. I will not unfortunately have time to come back to this post.

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  20. AnonymousJanuary 20, 2010 at 7:47 AM

    Oh my goodness..they look like an owl with a frog mouth. I have never seen any bird like it.. Great photos Mick...Michelle

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