Friday, August 29, 2014

CITRINE WAGTAIL

I've just been in a forum chat with a woman who reckons she's unearthed a Citrine Wagtail at wetlands in Mudgee NSW. When she first put up photos of the bird, I was skeptical, believing the bird to be an Eastern Yellow Wagtail due to colour on the belly and flanks. Now, I'm doubting myself. Her photos and report are on eremaea, Australia's premier bird id database. It's generated a lot of discussion. Other birders are leaning towards Citrine. Experts - in due course - will decide whether the bird is definitely a Citrine. It'll be interesting to see what pans out. Citine Wagtails are incredibly rare vagrants to Australia. There have been only 3 authenticated records. I include a random Google image of a Citrine. LJ, August 29 2014.

Sunday, August 24, 2014

VOLUME

We've had a good 7 inches of rain in the last week. Happy with that! LJ, August 24 2014.

Monday, August 18, 2014

EE

I love this from American poet EE Cummings - 'may my heart always be open to little birds who are the secrets of living'. LJ 18 August 2014.

Friday, August 15, 2014

QUOTE

I came upon this quote from US psychologist Eric Berne the other day - 'The moment a little boy is concerned with which is a jay and which is a sparrow, he can no longer see the birds or hear them sing'. Interesting, but in my opinion, utter rubbish. The pursuit of identification does not extinguish noticing and celebrating the poetry within birds. LJ, 15 August 2014.

Sunday, August 10, 2014

WHEN SCARLET ROBINS SEE RED

This morning, near Morton, I watched a male Scarlet Robin fly into a paddock where there was another male Scarlet Robin. The second bird wasn't at all happy and chased the intruder out of his territory. The original bird darted back to the fence where he was perched initially and (seemingly indignant and embarrassed) turned his back to the agro defender. I had a chuckle. SR behaviour I've not seen before. LJ,10 August 2014.

Friday, August 1, 2014

EL NINO

An El Nino effect is predicted for upcoming months... we're in for another dry summer... fire fighters expecting bad conditions... fire season already started in some parts of NSW... LJ, August 1 2014