Orioles back in Hochkins!

I remember first seeing an olive-backed oriole in Bundanoon NSW & had just imagined they were a North-of-the-Murray sort of bird until coming across one at Hockins Ridge Reserve in North Croydon last December. I remember suggesting to a fellow birder in January that we could pop in & see them again. Lucky we didn't because I have not seen them since. This prompted a dive into Pizzey to learn that they are of course, semi-migratory. We'll they're back! This view is of a bird at the top of the tree canopy - therefore is not a great image. They have a call which is actually sort of familiar & quite recognisable.

As a result of this momentous occasion, the Turnstones end of August tally has raced along to 172!

I reckon it's a suburban gem!

Common bronzewing and Grey butcherbird are resident locals

Spinebills on show

While the Turnstones are definitely not on show - stuck on 171 for what seems like months - the spinebills have been very showy of late.

The last few weeks have provided great views of Eastern Spinebill around the house at Cowes. In particular a certain bedroom window has become the cleanest window on the island since its usefulness as a bird hide became apparent:

I think the following shots show the magic of nature through pollination and adaptation. The curve of the bill seems adapted for the shape of the flower which in turn dongs the bird on the head with what could be called, i dunno, it's stamen maybe? Do you think I could get a gig writing for David Rabbitburrer?

The lovely adaptation story breaks down when we suspect that the plant in question is African Cornflag (Chasmanthe floribunda) which is from South Africa and considered a bushland noxious weed in these parts (but only if it manages to oust the "aggies").

The Winter Blues

It seems that winter will see the Ruddy Turnstones drop out of the Eremaea top 50! Short days that are dull, wet & windy are not proving inviting for pulling out the bins & the EOS! Early morning birding walks are met with poor light, fog and drizzle. Several return visits to the reported haunt of the Blackie Lake Powerful Owl have been miserable & unrewarded. In fact I think there is a permanent rain cloud over that site.

In what seems like countless weeks the only bird added to the 2011 list is the suitably miserable Bassian Thrush .... and here's a suitably miserable photo taken in the gloom of an Otways gully:

And now the Bombers have gone to pot....even Melbourne beat them.

Mid-year Tally: 171

P.S. Oh, & guess who keeps turning up .....