Bird Week Day 2 - Phillip Island kestrels

I was able to appreciate just how very handsome is Australia's Nankeen kestrel recently.

Nankeen kestrel. One of a pair near The Nobbies, Phillip Island (September 2013)

The "insurance shot" shown above gives some idea of where this bird was perched - as do the pictures below.

The birds were perching on the dark, rocky prominence seen at the extreme left of this picture.

Near the same lookout a Southern Right Whale mother and calf were pointed to us by a passing enthusiast.

A Silver gull is included for size comparison :P

At Cape Woolamai this Nankeen kestrel left me in awe of its ability to remain motionless in extreme wind

It's BIRD WEEK 2013 so don't forget to vote at Australia's Favourite Bird!

Bird on!

Bird Week Day 1 - Young Cape Barren Geese families

It's Bird Week in Australia! This year Birdlife Australia is running with the theme "Meet Your Neighbours!" to encourage Australians to become more familiar with those feathered friends that are our constant companions. Further we are invited to vote for Australia's Favourite Bird. I am going in to bat for one of the candidates Thinornis rubricollis!

But onto today's theme! Suddenly nesting Cape Barren Geese are no longer noticeable at Phillip Island. On any given day however young families of varying ages can be spotted. While some striped goslings can still be seen enjoying one of their first baths ...

... others are taking on bigger challenges.

This young family has been easily followed since the nesting stage (old images - nest and chicks). When watched closely the birds were not really swimming but partly wading in the shallow waters of Fishers Wetland.

At The Nobbies some families already had a more teenage feel!

Come along! There's some good feed down here!

Territory was keenly contested possibly related to the growing size and number of mouths to feed.

"And stay out!"

Looks to be a successful season!

Bird on!

My Hoodie Hero

Hooded plover Thinornis rubricollis, Silverleaves, Phillip Island, 23 September 2013

I have been photographing this small Hooded plover at Phillip Island for some 4-5 years. An endangered bird in this neck of the woods the species is the subject of considerable efforts to enhance the success of its breeding season. Such attention results in considerable monitoring and we know that this particular bird ("My Hoodie!") has had several successful breeding seasons in recent years. This is considerably above the average.

I spent a wonderful few minutes with him in early morning sunshine on 23 September this year.

Lately he's been hanging around with this bird again - a presumed breeding partner (unbanded). There were no signs of nesting at this stage. Now I haven't really noticed before that they are prone to sit like this (perhaps all birds do for that matter!!?)!

The happy couple!

Let's run away where co-one can find us ...

Well, can you find us? High tide shot with the iphone one afternoon. I could not see them with the naked eye let alone on the iphone screen - but they are there!

The beach we visit is a bay-side beach just inside a nature sanctuary called the Phillip Island Nature Park (other sections include the famous Penguin Parade, The Nobbies and Swan Lake). The picture illustrates a perilous situation as Hoodies nest in the sand just above the high tide mark. This is very close to the natural route chosen by walkers at high tide. "My Hoodie" is lucky as no dogs are allowed in the area. Other hoodies try to breed on surf beaches where they have to take their chances.

The good news is that breeding success increases dramatically if the measures recommended to protect the species are able to be facilitated. Walkers, dogs and feral cats are the principal factors which have the potential to be controlled.

Click on this picture which has been uploaded in its original resolution (if u like!). The birds are circled.

Some dog-owners don't believe that these signs apply to them

Here's one four-legged mammal who appears to have noticed the signs (at rear) and decided it best to leave the Hoodies alone ("Hey Dude. Solidarity fellow egg-layer, yeaah!")! 

One of Australia's Monotremes, (egg-laying mammals) the Short-beaked echidna Tachyglossus aculeatus can occasionally be seen on the foreshore of Australina beaches.
(Tachyglossus - quick tongue, aculeatus - spiny).
As an eater of ants, not considered a Hoodie threat!

If you want to find out more about these amazing birds and how to help in their preservation (including how best to behave when near them) visit the brilliant MyHoodie website.

Sharing with Wild Bird Wednesday

Bird on!