Sunday, August 14, 2011

Norman Point

I went around to Norman Point the other morning right on high tide to see what birds might be roosting at the end of the point. There were two Curlews but no other migratory waders. Of course there were the usual numbers of Silver Gulls and some Terns with them. One of the Gulls was a juvenile with brown edges to the back and wing feathers. The adults have bright red bills and legs - this one had a dark bill and the legs were also quite dark.
Pied Oystercatchers always look beautiful against the background of the blue water - and these ones walked out onto a sand spit which showed their reflections in the closer water.
The best bird of the morning was this Forest Kingfisher (Todiramphus macleayii) which was perched on an electricity wire beside the road. I stopped where I was on the other side of the road and wound the window down to take photos. I have frequently see these birds out in the bush but have never been able to get close enough for a good clear photo. This one didn't mind the car stopped on the other side of the road but as soon as someone came walking along the footpath the bird flew off.
For more bird photos visit the Bird Photography Weekly.

9 comments:

  1. loved the little marching oystercatchers, but that heron is beautiful! great catch!

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  2. Lovely shots, Mick! The Forest Kingfisher looks very similar to our Collared Kingfisher.

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  3. Oh wow! I love the Forest Kingfisher!

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  4. I love the Gull photo. The bill on the bird in the background appears to be quite large in comparison.

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  5. Thanks to all for commenting.
    Mark, I looked at other photos (not posted) and the bill size seems to be caused by the angle of the photo and the lighting.

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  6. That Forest Kingfisher is a stunner Mick. I think the Silver Gulls are the ones we see on the Aussie cricket grounds via Sky?

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  7. Hi Phil, Glad you liked the Kingfisher and yes the Silver Gulls are the ones seen on the cricket grounds. They are everywhere! and especially fond of food that people leave!!

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  8. I love that kingfisher. Beautiful where it sits.

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  9. Hi - I was on Magnetic Island a few weeks ago and was surprised at how few gulls and terns I saw. Down here you cannot stand by the sea and not see them.

    I cant have seen more than 20 in total in a week - and once I noticed I was not seeing them I looked even harder - and still they weren't there! Strange.

    SM

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