Another World

Australian Bustard

Nifold Plain, Lakefield National Park, Cape York, Queensland, Australia

October 12, 2012

Click on the pictures for a closer view.

Redbacks

Red-backed Fairy-Wren

male

Abberton, Helidon, Queensland, Australia

March 25, 2013

(Click on the pictures for a closer view)

When I was little I was told not to play under the house because of "red-backs". Of course, the only red-backs I knew of then were the dangerous little spiders. These days, I'm more familiar with these beautiful little fairy-wrens.

These pictures were taken back on March 25, when Kay and Kevin too me to visit Bill and Eileen. 

It was a fortunate time for the wildlife. Everything was recovering from rain and grasses and trees were thick and rich.

Thank you to all for letting me visit. I enjoyed walking around looking for birds while everyone else was hard working. Oh, well. Somebody has to be lookout.

I have some more pictures that I'll post later.

I recommend having a look at the Abberton website.

Bill explained how the males find a small clearing down low
so they can spread their wings and flutter about
and the girls can see their pretty red-parts.

Trying to get closer to a girl.

female

At first this was ID'd as a "Salmon-striped Frog" however, it has now been confirmed as a "Cane Toad"

Eastern Water Dragon

also known as Australian Water Dragon (Wikipedia)

Golden Week 2013 post 3

Narcissus Flycatcher

Junsai-ike, Niigata, Japan

May 4, 2013

 This is the final installment for Golden Week 2013. It is raining now and I have to iron my socks for tomorrow. 

Actually we had nice weather the last few days and I saw some nice birds, animals and places. Also ate and drank heaps. There are quite a few flycatchers about at the moment, though shy for the camera most of the time. Saw quite a few Blue-and-Whites but they stayed higher up in the canopy than Narcissus. Both species seen at Junsai-ike and Toyanogata for the record.

Great Spotted Woodpecker

Junsai-ike

May 5, 2013

Eastern Crowned Leaf-Warbler

Junsai-ike

May 4

Blue-and-White Flycatcher

Junsai-ike

May 4

Red-eared Sliders

Junsai-ike

May 4 and 5

Asian Brown Flycatcher

Toyanogata, Niigata, Japan

May 6

Children's Day Celebrations

Kamo, Niigata

May 4

Siberian Chipmunk
Actually, this was at Lisu-Koen which is a fenced enclosure with lots and lots of Lisu running about the place.

"Lisu" = Squirrel, but I think they are chipmunks.

(Should have claimed it was wild)

Kamo-yama Park

May 4

Kamo-yama Koen (Park)
and below..

May 4

Golden Week 2013 post 2

Nagaoka Castle

Nagaoka, Niigata, Japan

Pentax K200D with Pentax 17-70mm - a nice kit for scenery, I think.

April 28, 2013

Part two of my Golden Week 2013 and we start off with views of Nagaoka Castle last Sunday afternoon. Don't be fooled. There were many, many humans about the place.

The bird photos were all at Junsai-ike, Niigata City on Monday morning. There was a nice variety of species to seek but bundles of tripods and agile walkers made for speedy record shots only.

Blue-and-white Flycatcher
Junsai-ike, Niigata City, Japan

April 29, 2013

All winter I schemed getting stunning shots of one of these in the sakura with Mt Fuji in the background.

After the rain and blossoms have gone I have had to settle for this record shot. Seconds after I found it a nice old man came over to me and stirred up a conversation and the bird departed up into the canopy. It's not that I'm a grumpy old birder, nor am I making excuses, it's just that...

This Great Spotted Woodpecker was wary and flew away as passers-by passed by.
He returned often but was unapproachable.
I guess everyone deserves a holiday. 

Had to shoot it as soon as I saw it as someone was stomping up behind me.
I think it is a Grey Bunting.

Again, I let all good birders down identifying these guys. I believe it is some kind of leaf warbler....
Please help Stuart and Ayuwat!!!??

Oriental Greenfinch

Actually I had a nice three day holiday!!!