2011.12.28

Miscellanea Starbuck 1995–2011

Sixteen years, six cities, four states, two countries, two continents—one great dog. I miss you baby boy. Today Starbuck returned home to the woods on the Canal. In our final walk together he found me a new bird, the American Dipper. A bit ironic considering he hated water.

2011.10.23

Bird feed Snipe hunt with little (r)egret

I headed to Koona Bay to spot the recently sighted Latham’s and Painted Snipe, but I dipped. However, I did see a Little Egret and Marsh Sandpiper.

2011.10.17

Miscellanea Slug, bug double dare

It’s spring, the critters are getting adventurous, and I think there’s a bit of double dog daring going on in the insect and mollusc world with ladybugs on citronella candles and slugs on salt jars.

2011.10.13

Miscellanea A year and a half later—it’s finished

Fifty zip ties, 35 embroidery hoops, 30 birds, and 25 meters of fabric—all for a crazy art project. It’s finally complete and hanging on the wall.

2011.10.05

Bird feed Birding from a boat

Recently, I went on my first pelagic tour to the continental shelf off Wollongong, NSW. I quickly followed it up with a second tour. I’ve seen 16 new species and have held an Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross in my lap!

2011.09.27

Bird feed The desert for dessert

After completing my third ornithology subject, I packed my bags and headed to the far northwest corner of NSW for nearly 3 weeks with my fellow birding and ecology students. I saw 57 new birds, including the Grey Falcon, and 11 species of mistletoe.

2011.05.13

Bird feed Birding FNQ

Far North Queensland, one of the greatest birding locations in Australia, was our latest holiday destination. While we avoided the big deadlies (crocs and jellyfish), dealt with the merely annoyings (mossies and leaches), we failed to see the fabled Southern Cassowary (very wary indeed). However, I did see 53 new species and managed a handful of good photos.Forest Kingfisher Double-eyed Fig-parrot, male Double-eyed Fig-parrot, female Olive-backed Sunbird, male Olive-backed Sunbird

2011.04.18

Bird feed Res school redux

I spent the past four days in and around Albury for the residential school portion of my latest ornithology course. While class is 9 to 5, we always manage to squeeze in a bit of birding. I saw four new birds and the robins were really showing.Scarlet Robin

2011.03.25

Bird feed Falling for autumn

Blue skies and a hint of crispness to the air drew me out to Scheyville NP. I saw my first Speckled Warbler and took my first decent photos of a Double-barred Finch and Rufous Fantail. Above all, the birds were very active and highly entertaining.

2011.03.13

Bird feed Frogmouth fedora

I love the call of the Tawny Frogmouth, it’s low frequency and quiet, but I never fail to hear our local bird. Here’s a recording where I’ve managed to drop out the frogs and crickets—you’ll have to crank the speakers to hear it. (Did I mention that frogmouths make great hats?)