Tuesday, September 1, 2015

Inskip Birds

Yesterday morning I went out early to Inskip Point. It is so beautiful out there and it has been a while since I have been there. When I first got out onto the Point quite a large flock of Terns was flying up. I thought they might settle down again once the barge stopped but instead they flew off out to sea. There were a few Silver Gulls around but the rest of the birds were out on the sand island in the middle of the Strait. The most easily seen out there was a large flock of Pelicans and a group of Pied Cormorants swimming in to join them.(All photos enlarge when clicked on and you can then see much more detail!)

Something disturbed them but instead of flying off they simply slipped into the water and soon there was a long line of them stretching across the bay.

A few of them came back onto the island along with quite a large number of Eastern Curlews. These are some of the earliest shorebirds to return from the northern hemisphere but I was not close enough to see the plumage and to see if these were some that had returned early. I have left this photo really large and if you enlarge it you can also see an Osprey resting on the sand a bit back from the Curlews.

Soon after this the boats that had been anchored on the other side of the island set off out to sea.

Meanwhile the barge was waiting for enough vehicles to load to make another trip over to Fraser Island.

This is one of the 4 wheel drive buses that take tourists around the island. It is far enough off the ground that it can go through a bit of water if necessary.

On the walk back to the car park the only birds I saw were hidden among the leaves at the tops of the trees - well out of reach of my camera lens. However, as I was driving off I saw a group of birds swooping around one of the trees right at the end of the parking lot. They kept settling down in the tree and I could see the beautiful red color on top of their heads. I quickly parked again and walked back. They were Rainbow Bee-eaters.

This Leaden Flycatcher (Myiagra rubecula) also came in for a quick look but I almost missed it as I was so focused on the Bee-eaters!

( I am still having injections in both eyes for Macular Degeneration and the specialist is very pleased that he has halted the progression and my eyes have not deteriorated any further - BUT - the eyes are still extremely sensitive to bright light. Yesterday I had on a hat with a brim, and my prescribed dark glasses - BUT - after an hour or so at Inskip I spent the rest of the day with a bad head-ache and tablets in a darkened room! Was it worth it? Yes! This time at least!)

For more scenery from around the world visit Our World Tuesday

and for more birds visit Wild Bird Wednesday

19 comments:

  1. Gorgeous birds with beautiful colors ~ wonderful spot and delightful photos of the wildlife!

    Happy Week to you,
    artmusedog and carol

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  2. Ah, such beautiful birds and colors indeed, Mick!! I've really enjoyed your post/photos for the day -- as always!! Do take care of yourself! I know it's hard and not much fun to take proper care of ourselves, but it's better than the alternative!! I'll be holding good thoughts!!

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  3. Be good to your eyes! My mom had MD and so at my age I worry and halfway expect it, sigh. Treatment had definitely improved as you show us however, so We can be glad of that. Those rainbow bee eaters are so wonderful, I am in awe and I hope just thinking of them made the headache more bearable.

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  4. beautiful birds and beautiful BLUE!

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  5. Wow - fabulous shots of the birds!

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  6. Those bee-eaters are dazzling in color and beauty!!!
    Loved the 'all terrain' bus too. We need some like that on OUR islands.

    Great post.

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  7. Gorgeous photos of those bee eaters!

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  8. Awesome post and photos. I love the beautiful bee-eater. I hope you take care of yourself, but I am glad your were able to share these lovely birds with us. Have a happy week ahead!

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  9. I am sorry to hear you had trouble. With your eyes when our birding but it is hood that the MD has halted. The Bee Eaters are so beautiful and great shots.

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  10. Lovely Rainbow Bee Eaters!
    Great photos!

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  11. The Rainbow Bee eaters are just fabulous Mick. What a great find. My wife has early MD but IG doesn't seem to trouble her, just something picked up on her regular eyesight test. Good idea to always wear when birding a hat and not just for the heat.

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  12. Rainbow Bee-eaters. Another new one for me. And beautiful too.

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  13. WOW the Rainbow Bee-eater is extraordinarily gorgeous, just stunning!

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  14. Such pretty birds, the Rainbow Bee-eaters! I hope your eyes do not get any worse!

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  15. stunning images of the Rainbow Bee-eaters. I would not mind having a few where I live :)

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  16. Great shots - the medical condition does not sound good - heres to a cloudy summer.

    Cheers - Stewart M - Melbourne

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  17. Greetings from Dubai! Loved those rainbow bee-eaters. Have a great sunday! Will be back soon...

    Shantana

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  18. The bee-eaters are gorgeous birds!

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  19. Awesome photos of the Bee-eaters and I love that Flycatcher......Leaden indeed! So sorry about your eyesight. Glad that they have stopped the Macular Degeneration from getting worse. One day at a time. I have a friend who has the same thing done every month. This has been going on for about 3 years but it's okay as long as he gets those injections. All my best.

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