Sunshine Coast Birds

Birding and other wildlife experiences from the Sunshine Coast and elsewhere in Australia - and from overseas - with scribblings about travel, environmental issues, kayaking, hiking and camping.

Tuesday 24 December 2013

Critter Christmas Tit-Bits

Azure Kingfisher
Nice birds around the Sunshine Coast in recent days include Eastern Grass Owl, Marbled Frogmouth, King Quail, Pale-vented Bush-hen, Spotted Harrier, Black-breasted Buttonquail, Black-necked Stork, Noisy Pitta, Barred Cuckoo-shrike and Baillon's Crake.

Azure Kingfishers were unusually common during three hours of kayaking on the Upper Maroochy River; I saw 12. A male Eastern Koel showed itself, as did a white phase Grey Goshawk. In south-east Queensland, white phase Grey Goshawks are scarce.

Azure Kingfisher

Eastern Koel

Grey Goshawk white phase
Golden Whistler
An early morning visit to Charlie Moreland Park on Little Yabba Creek was productive, as usual. Rose-crowned Fruit-Doves were calling commonly. A couple of Barred Cuckoo-shrikes showed briefly. The three monarchs - White-eared, Spectacled and Black-faced - were present. Later we moved on to Moy Pocket where a pair of Pale-vented Bush-hens showed after a little coaxing at a site where they turn up from time to time. Then on to Imbil, where a male Black-breasted Buttonquail was seen soon after arriving. It was another hour or so before fine views of a female were obtained. I've not had the birds at this spot during recent visits. A Noisy Pitta was unusually co-operative here.

Marbled Frogmouth male
An evening excursion began at Pacific Paradise where several King Quail were vocalising along with a larger number of Brown Quail in tall grassland. Then, just after sunset. an Eastern Grass Owl was seen quartering over the grassland. We moved on to Mapleton National Park in the Blackall Range where we enjoyed a prolonged, close encounter with Marbled Frogmouths. A male and female were seen well and three pairs all up were heard.

Marbled Frogmouth female
Bandy Bandy

A nice surprise was a Bandy Bandy on the road. As we tried to move it off the road, it contorted itself into its signature but weird defensive posture.

Osprey
Close views of Baillon's Crake were enjoyed during two visits to Parklakes Wetlands. A female Black-norked Stork was seen at Lake Macdonald along with Yellow-billed Spoonbill, Glossy Ibis and 5 Latham's Snipe. This fine Osprey was seen eating a fish at Alexandra Headland. A Spotted Harrier was seen at North Arm. At Cooroy, the fledgling Grey Goshawk reported earlier (see here) is now a fine-looking juvenile out of the nest.

Rufous Fantail
A Rufous Fantail was sitting on a nest at the same spot the birds nested last year at the Maroochy Wetlands Reserve, Bli Bli. Other birds here included Mangrove Gerygone, Shining Bronze Cuckoo and White-throated Treecreeper.

Shining Bronze-Cuckoo

White-throated Treecreeper
Brisbane River Turtle Emydura signata 
I called in to the Noosa Botanic Gardens at Cooroy. The Freckled Ducks that have been there for months are gone, so a nice turtle had to do.  

9 comments:

  1. Hi Greg; getting out in the kayak would've been great, especially if you've a cooler day like here on east coast, NSW at the moment. The Azure's a delight, but to see the white-phase almost greater. I've only ever seen one, but it was a free-flight raptor, at Lamington N.P. Oh and then a good shot of the Golden Whistler, I never seem to get a clear line to get the whole picture like you did; another of my favourites. You sure got a great variety of snaps; thanks for sharing.

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  2. Thanks a million for your postings. While they tend to make me feel very inadequate as we never see anything like the numbers of interesting dbirds you see it is still great to know that the birds are there. We will try a little harder next year.
    Thanks also for organising the Mooloolaba pelagic boat trips. Much appreciated
    Merry Christmas and a happy New Year to you.
    Duncan

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    1. Seasons greetings to you also Duncan, and thanks.

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  3. You've showcased the Sunshine Coast as a brilliant birding destination through your blog Greg. It's making me homesick! Cheers & best wishes for Christmas and 2014.

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    1. Thanks John. I kind of think it's not too bad as a birding destination:) Seasons greetings to you also

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  4. I have enjoyed all your blogs for 2013. The Lady Elliott adventure must have been one of the top places for the year. Can't wait to see what your report for 2014. Merry Xmas. Jude

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    1. Thanks Jude. Merry Xmas to you also. Off to Indonesia, then four months travelling around Australia in 2014

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  5. Such a wealth of tropical birds in your post with the bonus of the Bandi Bandi with it's remarkable markings.
    Wishing you a very Happy New Year with many, many more sightings.

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