Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Noosa River Birds

 This post is for Wild Bird Wednesday.

I spent a delightful day yesterday taking a boat trip along the upper reaches of the Noosa River.  I have not yet had time to sort out all my photos so will leave the scenic ones until later and simply post an assortment of birds I saw along the river.  The skipper of the boat was very helpful  and moved the boat closer to any birds that he thought we would find interesting and also slowed right down.  However, I am used to taking photos by myself and taking all the time I need to get settings "just right"!  I need to get much faster at changing settings! 
We saw a number of birds using the roots and low branches along the river to roost and hide from passing river traffic.  This Australian Darter (Anhinga melanogaster) stayed still for long enough for photos.
 
We saw Ospreys, Brahminy Kites and this Whistling Kite (Milvus spenurus) at its nest.

We crossed Lake Cootharaba to get to the upper reaches of the river. There was a large group of Pelicans some distance away and an even large group of Black Swans which were just too far away for any photos.

At the far end of the lake there were huge areas of lilies growing in the shallow water. One of the other people on the boat spotted this Comb-crested Jacana (Jacana gallinacea).  Unfortunately that side of the boat was looking into the sun.  Jacanas have huge feet specially to walk around on top of vegetation floating on top of the water. 

On the way back down the river we saw this large eucalyptus tree with a most unusual assortment of birds perched in it.  I counted 8 Great Egrets, 4 White-faced Herons (the grey colored ones in the photo) and one Darter. 

The scenery along the river was magical!  The tourist promotions call this the Noosa Everglades.  More next time - as soon as I have time to sort my photos!




30 comments:

  1. the anhinga is such a neat bird. the kite is beautiful! the water-walker is funny!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Looks like a really fun day on the water. The birds are great and enjoyed the shots. You are so fortunate to live by such a beautiful waterway full of amazing birds. The pics make the weather look cooler....are the temps coming down a bit?

    ReplyDelete
  3. Wonderful series!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River.P.S. The Vermilon is always cold.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Great photos glad you got the Jacana.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Great post and what an awesome outing. I love the kite and the pretty Jacana. The tree full of birds is a cool sight. Wonderful photos, thanks for sharing your birds.

    ReplyDelete
  6. An interesting trip out on the water Mick.

    BTW I know how you felt when someone thinks all you have to do is point the camera and press for a perfect shot every time!!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Oh my gosh that's right:) Opposite ends of the world. Looks like a cool day out on the waters....which makes sense....I'm just glad it's going to get cooler here. It's been too hot here!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Gorgeous! I really like the kite and nest! Raptor nests look like mini forts. The scenery is beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  9. What a great trip Mick! That Darter is so cool! The Whistling Kite nest looks like it is re-used several years and refurbished every year? Love that Jacana and the heron tree. Do you think that is a rookery?

    ReplyDelete
  10. Wow that is such an interesting day. The river looks beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  11. A beautiful series of images
    Hanne Bente

    ReplyDelete
  12. Great serie of photos, - interesting to read!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Now that's what I call a boat trip with birding in the sunshine thrown in. Love that kite picture and what appears be an enormous nest for the bird. I guess that is because it's uded year on year? Enjoy your coming summer Mick.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Interesting to see what you saw on the other side of this planet (from my wiev) Liked the first bird and love the tree with all the birds in. Faschinating!
    Greetings Pia in Sweden

    ReplyDelete
  15. I would love to see one of those Jacanas here....but not yet, I will have to see online if they come our way or not.

    Those 'darters' we call Anhinga in USA

    Silent Silhouettes

    ReplyDelete
  16. Sounds like a wonderful boat trip. You got some great shots from the water.

    ReplyDelete
  17. A wonderful set of images, Mick!!

    ReplyDelete
  18. this is what I love to do. :) I did not know you had anhinga down there. I love them. They are soo cool. Sadly I never saw them fishing. Yours look great.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Fantastic scenery, and lovley birds too.

    ReplyDelete
  20. First one looks exactly like the anhingas we see in Florida. That water walkling galinule (spelling?) has amazing and wonderful feet..a great shot -- gives us the feeling of what they look like!!

    Wonderful birds all. Nice series.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Hi Mick
    That last shot of the tree is amazing with the number of birds.
    Probably lots I cannot see, as well.
    Denis

    ReplyDelete
  22. What a delightful tour!
    I'm sure you were grateful for having a guide that appreciated your interest and endeavors.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Great bird shots. I understand the need to fiddle with my camera until I get the shot I want. :)

    ReplyDelete
  24. Great set of pictures - looks like this is another trip to add to the "to do" list next time I'm in Brisbane.

    Really like the heron tree.

    Cheers - Stewart M - Melbourne

    ReplyDelete
  25. A wonderful tour, Mick, and fantastic captures for the day! You do indeed have a beautiful world! It's always great to have a helpful guide!!

    ReplyDelete
  26. Wonderful shots, indeed!

    Cheers ... visiting from Our World Tuesday

    Here’s mine:
    http://turningboholano.blogspot.com/2012/07/eradicating-poverty.html

    ReplyDelete