Monday, September 9, 2013

Birdsong from Doongalla in The Dandenongs

You sort-of "had to be there" but I felt immersed in bush and birdsong at the Doongalla section of the Dandenong Ranges earlier last week. The video doesn't really do it justice (you may turn your speakers up a little ....)

What can you hear?


I do remember the first time I heard a Crimson rosella making its "Honky tonk" call. "What was that?" This was the first time I had been able to watch a bird at close range make the call. I was intrigued that such little bill movement was required for such a resonant piping!

Crimson rosella
Laughing kookaburra perching and stretching a wing. Another flew to the ground having spotted something of interest. 

Australian King-parrot
Eastern yellow robin not far from its nest
Not a great shot of a Red-browed treecreeper but I see these infrequently so this was a good day!





You can read more about the history of the Doongalla homestead here (go to page 3 of this pdf file which is a chapter from a local history written by a Richard Coxhill). The house was destroyed by bushfire in 1932 and the property eventually bought by the State Government. I cannot believe that it once looked like this:

Doongalla Homestead c1910 from Richard Coxhill's "History of the Basin" (photo credited to a Fergus Chandler)
Bird on!

5 comments:

  1. A great set of photographs, Pete! I like the video too, it captured the experience nicely. I've never seen a Red-browed Treecreeper, even though they do live up here. They apparently stick to the tall wet forests, which The Dandenongs looks like it has plenty of!

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  2. Great video and beautiful photos again Pete. Red-browed treecreeper, been keeping this one to yourself? Great shot.

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  3. What a great selection, Pete! Your blog is always a treat to visit.

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  4. Beautiful image and i LOVE LOVE LOVE the video!!!

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  5. that should have read "Beautiful IMAGES"

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