So, for day one I decided not to hire a car as I was not
planning on chasing any lifers today. Instead I thought I’d catch up with my
mate Mike who runs a birding tour called Experience the Wild. He had guests booked but there was still one seat available so I joined them
for the day. My aim was to improve a few photos, get my bearings around Darwin again and
generally try and relax so I can enjoy my birding time in the Top End. All of these aims were achieved, with a great time being had, friendly company and excellent birding locations. Thanks Mike!
One of the highlights of the day for me was a pair of Beach
Stone-curlews. I enjoyed photographing these with Bernie, a keen birder from
Melbourne who was fun to go birding with - thanks Bernie, I enjoyed your enthusiasm!
Rose-crowned Fruit- Dove
Beach Stone-curlew
Another photography target was the Lemon-bellied Flycatcher.
Yeah yeah ok, so they are very common but for some reason I did not have a decent
photo of one so while everyone else was looking for the elusive birds, there I
was running around looking for a common one!! Happily they are everywhere so I
did get a few snaps!
Lemon-bellied Flycatcher (Fly-Robin)
In the arvo we headed to Knuckey Lagoons which I love. A
great birding location very close to Darwin. I always check for King Quail here
but sadly no luck. But stunning with a great selection of water birds and a few
waders.
Rainbow Bee-eater
Then it was off to Fogg Dam. Another must do for any serious
birder. Pied Heron, Magpie Goose, Comb-crested Jacana, Green Pigmy-goose,
Glossy Ibis and Brolga were all observed along with bush birds including Grey
(Brown) Whistler, Mistletoebird, Broad-billed Flycatcher. Highlight for me here
were the Pratincoles.
Mistletoebird
Broad-billed Flycatcher
A young Australian Pratincole
