Sunday, September 13, 2009

Adelaide Hills

On Saturday I took Peter and Margaret up into the Adelaide Hills. It was still very windy, but we found a few sheltered spots and saw a few birds. On the way we stopped at a small reserve and amongst other things we found this Noisy Miner nest with three young. We planned to have lunch at Cleland Wildlife Park as they were keen to the Rainbow Lorikeets gathering for their daily feed. They were not disappointed. Cleland is a great place to have a close encounter with lots of native wildlife. We wandered through the various enclosures and aviaries and got close looks at some birds we had seen and others that we didn't have time to look for like Bush Stone-curlew and Yellow-billed Spoonbill. There are also lots of wild birds around the park, and we saw Laughing Kookaburra (surely the iconic bird of Australia) and lots more Superb Fairywrens, this time snapping the male. As we walked around the lake we found a Pacific Black Duck with ducklings and also a confiding Great Egret. From Cleland we made our way the short distance to Belair National Park which is a local hotspot for Koalas. We found the Koala after a short search, and on the way out we also saw our first wild Kangaroos of the weekend before saying our goodbyes as they continue their holiday in Australia.

7 comments:

  1. Great Laughing Kookaburra shot. Australia has so many wonderful birds. Actually all of these shots are great. Thanks for showing.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thanks for being a regular visitor steve - It is really appreciated

    ReplyDelete
  3. I love that Bush Stone Curlew shot Tony. Are they quite confiding? One day, I will hope to come over to see you and Maryanne and you can show me some of your best birding areas.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hi Jenny, No normally very timid, but there are a pair in one of the walk through aviaries at Cleland. You know you'd be very welcome any time!!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Another great series Tony showing us the native wildlife and that male Superb Fairywren is definitely a stunner. FAB

    ReplyDelete
  6. Thanks Frank, Superb Fairywren is just about every visiting birder's favuorite bird!!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Fantastic selection of wonderful Birds.
    Great images,well done Tony.
    John.

    ReplyDelete