Bladensburg Birding Adventure 15 - 29 June 2021

A trip to Bladensburg National Park, near Winton, provided an opportunity to get out and photograph birds.  A Birds Queensland survey was part of this trip.  Here are some of the images captured during this expedition. 

Striated Grasswren (Rowleyi)

Rufous-Crowned Emu-Wren

Both of these special birds were found at Opalton, south of Bladensburg National Park.  This Striated Grasswren is one of three species and found in two isolated locations in western Queensland.  It is said to "hop and run", an ability it showed off to great advantage.

The Emu-wren was at the eastern limit of its distribution and only appeared momentarily- from its spinifex hiding-place or in rapid retreat through the sparse open space.

Spinifex Pigeon

This Spinifex Pigeon beat a hasty retreat- a quick run and then flight, with much whirring of wings - typical pigeon behaviour.

Varied Sittella (White-winged)

Varied Sittellas come in a species of five (or six) distinctive geographic races around mainland Australia.  Mostly seen in clans, the sittellas were constantly on the move, spiraling down the trunk in their search for food.  

Pink-eared Ducks

A visit to a waterhole near Winton, rewarded us with a sighting of 30+ Pink-eared Ducks, Hardheads, Grey Teal and the elusive Freckled Duck.

Hall's Babbler

A family group of Hall's Babblers, where one conveniently posed for a photo, allowed the wide white-brow and shorter, distinct bib to be seen.  Also constantly on the move, Babblers provide a challenge when trying to get that clear photograph.

Little Eagle (pale morph)

Described as uncommon, a sighting of a Little Eagle very was welcome.

Splendid Fairywren

Splendid Fairywren (Male Eclipse)

In breeding plumage, the male Splendid Fairywren provided a splash of colour in the landscape.  This fully coloured up male was found near Barcaldine whilst the eclipse males were in a busy family group at  Winton and had not yet coloured up.

Red-capped Robin (Female) 

A sighting of a female Red-capped Robin is so often overshadowed by the colourful male strutting his stuff.  This Robin was enjoying her moment in the spotlight.  The distinctive robin shape and behaviour, plus her rusty cap, made id easy.

Hooded Robin

The white wing bars, robin shape and black hood make the Hooded Robin a distinctive sight in the landscape.  A typical pose showed the Robin busily watching the ground for its prey.  A nearby female, less distinctively coloured, also searched for food in the late afternoon.

Hooded Robin (Female)

Spinifexbird

As it appeared from the Spinifex to spy out a human intruder, this Spinifexbird took on the pose of a trapeze artist.  Typical behaviour is to run for cover in nearby spiifex clumps.

Variegated (Purple-backed) Fairywren

Males of race assimilis, from Central and Western regions of Queensland, have a crown and back with a distinct purple tinge.  Some birders prefer the term "Purple-backed" for birds in this group.

Weebill

Holding the title of the smallest Australian bird, Weebill are often difficult to locate at their favourite location, near the top of trees.  Their distinctive call makes the task a little easier.  A very small bill completes their list of unique properties.

Zebra Finches

I believe not as wide-spread as they used to be, zebra finches appeared in good numbers.

Budgerigar and juvenile in nest

The Budgerigar, in the nest, displayed the barred forehead and more muted colouring of a juvenile.  Those on a quest for large flocks of Budgies were disappointed.

Red-backed Kingfisher

Sporting a grey-green streaked crown, a pale orange-tan lower back and a bandit's mask, the Red-backed Kingfisher's habit of perching on dead trees made it relatively easy to spot.  A distinctive call also aided in locating and identifying this species.

Red-browed Pardalote

A Red-browed Pardalote appeared at the camp site early morning and late evening each day, calling continuously and just too far away.  One appeared at another site and posed gracefully.

Diamond Doves

Not one of Cameron's images but it had to be included.  A particular favourite species for many: small, timid birds with a far- carrying voice.  With their distinctive red eye-ring and fine white spots on their grey-brown wings, Diamond Doves are found in the drier parts of all mainland states.  

Living dangerously

The Australian Ringneck moved close and closer to the Brown Falcon.  We were not able to stay around to see what eventuated.  Is it a bluff, very bad eyesight or has the Falcon already eaten.

Many more species have not been included- perhaps another time.

Images:  Cameron Whiley

                with a couple of ring-ins.