Across the highway from our place, there is a gorgeous red-flowering gum tree. The other day, I was lucky enough to spot some Red Wattlebirds on our return from walking in the Heathcote-Graytown National Park.

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This is one of the larger wattlebirds, at 31-39 cms in length (roughly 12 – 15 1/2 inches).

wattlebird

In recent comments, M-R was quite positive bird bums are worth seeing, and I have to admit this is one of the best I’ve managed in all my bum shots. Such a beautiful yellow underneath. A tiny bit of curved honeyeater bill can be seen, too.

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I could’ve lurked for more photos, but Mr. R. looked impatient to get home. (Nikon D3000)

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Thanks for looking. Stay safe.

🙂

Birds

Red Wattlebird in red gum-blossom

This walk was done Sunday, 14th June, under a mixed blue and grey sky. We’d had the car out of the driveway for a firewood delivery so, since I had to get in the car anyhow, I suggested to Mr. R. that we pop up to the north side of town and walk a bit of the O’Keefe Rail Trail. As the trail leaves the back of town, it joins an unsealed road for shared use.

heathcote_north

We parked the car and set off, with me lugging the Nikon D3000. Here, on our right, we look past the vineyards to Mt. Ida. Our fire lookout tower is up there. Nearly went up there instead of going to see the Colbinabbin Silos that day.

mt_ida

Being Sunday, we encountered dog-walkers and cyclists, so we diverged on to a forest track, where I followed this little bird around in the forest litter. Continue reading →

Birds, Wednesday Walk