This Black-faced Woodswallow (Artamus cinereus) was sitting in the top of a small tree. This was a new bird for me although we see both White-breasted and Dusky Woodswallows down here on the coast.
This Diamond Dove (Geopelia cuneata) was also a new bird for me. We see plenty of Peaceful Doves here on the coast which are a similar size to the Diamond Dove.
I did not have much luck with the ducks I tried to photograph. Either they were too far away for good photos or else they took off very fast when we got close.These Pink-eared Ducks (Malacorhynchus membranaceus) flew off from behind some bushes but the in-flight photo is enough to show the zebra flanks, black patch around the eye, and the leathery flap at the end of the bill.
These Plumed Whistling-Ducks (Dendrocygna eytoni) were on Cardenyabba Swamp in the late afternoon when the light had almost gone.
Finally a nest of the Wedge-tailed Eagle (Aquila audax) which Toni Sherwin showed me on Kilcowera station. The eagle flew off as we approached and stayed away! We also saw a number of these eagles on the side of the road but they all flew off as we approached.
So much to see Mick, no wonder you wish to return. I just love Pink-eared Ducks, well done getting that in-flight shot as you can certainly see their stand-out features. We've see them at Hasties Swamp on the tablelands sometimes but we haven't seen them here. If we do you'll all hear about it!!
ReplyDeleteHi Barbara, I just wish I had seen that pink color on the ear but I was too far away for that. I think you'd have to take your time and move a lot more slowly if you were going to get close to any of the ducks out there.
ReplyDeleteHi Mick well done on the photos love that Diamond Dove.
ReplyDeleteGreat photos Mick. Sounds like you had a wonderful trip. I was on a trip to Alice at the same time - Isn't the country in great shape at the moment!! cheers Tony
ReplyDeleteThanks Tony, it all looked great to me! I loved the wide open spaces!
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