This is somewhat ‘off topic’ but I hope the moderators are gentle with me. I would just like to extend my feelings of sorrow and my psychological support to our Kiwi friends following the devastating earthquake in the South Island last night. New Zealand is a most beautiful country and I have wonderful memories from … Read more

This afternoon I had nice views of a female Red-backed Button-Quail in tall grassland at Maroochy River on the Sunshine Coast. A second bird was heard calling nearby. It’s the first time I’ve had this species locally and follows my recent sighting of King Quail at a site not far from this one. Other birds … Read more

I received this message from one of my brothers. Can you help? I think I have only seen single species formation flights of such birds too. (I think smaller waders do fly in mixed groups) The locality would have been Princes Freeway, in the vicinity of Serendip, Hovells Creek and Western Treatment Plant (between Laverton … Read more

Hi All, there was a lovely item on today’s Science Show on ABC RN see http://www.abc.net.au/rn/scienceshow/stories/2010/3002117.htm Wendy Birds for peace in Israel listen now | download audio The Israeli Knesset is the only parliament in the world with a bird sanctuary. Birds migrating between Africa and Asia and Europe use the sanctuary to break their … Read more

For those who don’t know it, Darebin Park lies on the Darebin Creek, part in Ivanhoe, part in Alphington. Its deep valley has Silurian sedimentary rocks with tilted strata on the east side and basalt on the west. Larger birds, such as Magpies and Red Wattlebirds are easily found here. Smaller birds are not always … Read more