Double-barred Finch

This beautifully patterned little bird was hunting around in the grass beside the bay the other day. I had good clear views - but it certainly wouldn't let me get any closer. Double-barred Finches have a most distinctive call - they sound rather like a tiny mewing kitten.
I have also heard these birds around my house but I think they are using the more dense shrubs in the neighbour's yard.
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Esk Birding

I went to visit relatives in Esk the other day and spent quite a bit of time running out to the backyard as I heard different bird calls. It is a totally different environment from where I live and a chance to see some different birds. The garden was full of flowers and the air was heavily perfumed. Very beautiful!
The big silky oak tree next door was coming into flower – a very beautiful sight. Most of the flowers were still up high so it was hard to see any but the larger birds. I saw Rainbow Lorikeets, Noisy Friarbirds, and – very briefly – Brown Honeyeaters.
There was another tree next door which was still getting its leaves and it made it easy to see the small birds. The Striated Pardalotes were there again. (See my post of July 2) They are such inquisitive little birds.
The best sighting for the day was the Double-barred Finch. Previously I had only had brief views of this bird and no photos.