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| Rufous Owl |
As we prepared to depart our Mataranka Cabins and Campingsite camping ground this morning after a three-night stay, we were again alerted very early in the morning to the calls of a Rufous Owl, which we had heard during our first two evenings - always an hour or two before sunset. Previous attempts to call in the owls when they were heard were unsuccessful but finally this morning, success.
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| Rufous Owl |
The birds were most co-operative, flying over from the northern bank of the Little Roper River to where I was waiting. Not the most magnificent shots, but the best I could manage; playback was kept to the initial blast. The birds hung around from about 5.30am until it was getting light, when they were bombarded by Blue-faced Honeyeaters and other birds. Both the male and female afforded excellent views.
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| Rufous Owl |
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| Little Roper River maleleuca woodland |
I had spent quite some time during the day surveying the maleleuca-pandanus woodland on the eastern banks of the Little Roper River where I was sure the birds were roosting, but no success there. The above area is where the birds appeared to be roosting.
It was such a buzz to reconnect with Rufous Owl; I have seen the species only twice previously, both in Queensland. I am very fond of owls.
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| Lemon-bellied Flycatcher |
Just as we were leaving Mataranka, it was nice to connect with Lemon-belled Flycatcher.
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