Birding-Aus

Month: May 2023

  • Gilbert White anticipating a modern concept

    I was reading the Natural History of Selbourne recently (as you do) and came across this in a letter of 7 Aug 1778:

    A good ornithologist should be able to distinguish birds by their air as well as by their colours and shape, on the ground as well as on the wing, and in the bush as well as in the hand. For, though it must not be said that every species of birds has a manner peculiar to itself, yet there is somewhat in most genera at least, that at first sight discriminates them, and enables a judicious observer to pronounce upon them with some certainty. 

    Our concept of jizz perhaps.

    —

    John Leonard

  • White-backed Swallow

    I get to drive around the Flinders Ranges these days showing tourists through the gorges and these turned up after I’d dropped off some walkers and was on my way back to Rawnsley Park…

    https://www.ararelitus.com/blog/white-backed-swallow


    Chris Shaw
    seashore@internode.on.net
    +61 409 675912

    www.ararelitus.com

    After the game, the King and the Pawn go into the same box.  – Italian proverb 


  • Devon Park Boundary Rd, QLD?

    According to eBird, Devon Park Boundary Rd, Devon Park/Oakey QLD is a “hotspot”
    for White-winged Fairywrens.

    I’ve never been there before, and Google Maps/Street View doesn’t offer any clues
    as to where we should go looking; can anyone offer any advice?

    We’re staying at Bunya Mts. and were hoping to duck down to see the WWFWs
    instead of making a separate trip from Brisbane; any other recommendations
    in that area would be greatly appreciated.

    Cheers!
    Paul. 

    --     -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-     Paul Taylor                                  Veni, vidi, tici -     birder@ozemail.com.au                        I came, I saw, I ticked.