Another windy day was forecast. I had originally intended to do some bird photography at either Emu Plains or the Central Coast Wetlands, but thought strong wind would be no good. I was keen to head out, so decided that the sheltered woodland of Wolli Creek may be better. I caught a bus to Bexley North and then walked down the Two Valleys Trail to the junction with the Cooks River and then followed it upstream along the river back to my home.
I was looking out for birds, but also, at this time of the year, a lot of the Grey-headed Flying Foxes at the Earlwood Camp have babies and I wanted some photos of them flying with babies clinging to them. But before then were some birds.
Silvereye
White-browed Scrubwren
Eastern Yellow Robin
Sulphur-crested Cockatoo
At the Grey-headed Flying Fox Camp, there were indeed a lot of babies clinging to their mothers.
I waited for any of them to fly. They are often restless and some do fly every few minutes to find a new perch. Then I took photos and later looked to see if they had a baby. Some did.
A short way further along, I had a nice encounter with an Eastern Spinebill –
And here is a Superb Fairy-wren at Turrella Reserve.
on a recent paddling trip along the Cooks River and Wolli Ck, I had spotted a large nest high in a pine tree at a bus depot on the far side of Wolli Ck at Tempe. This time I was keen for a better look at it. I spotted it from near Jackson Place.
Here is a closer view of the nest. I am not sure what birds made it and if it is being used.
I continued on my way. At Gough Whitlam Park, I had a look at the island in the Billabong and saw a large new nest. It was in the same general area as the old Striated Heron nest that had been unsuccessful ( I think it had blown down in a storm). Perhaps these birds are having another go?
And more good news. I had heard that the Tawny Frogmouth pair at Gough Whitlam Park had lost their chick. Both adult birds were seen perched together and no chick in sight. I had previously photographed the chick sitting next to a parent in the nest, and it had seemed to be doing well. I was looking in the trees for the adult Tawny Frogmouths when I spotted one on a nest. So it looks like the same pair are nesting again. This is great.
