Something of a change from Snow Buntings, Crossbills and Pinkies, but Ben Whitmarsh, who is "up to his Wombats" in tourism in Oz has just sent me this gen, and video from the Northern Territories.
Looks considerably easier watching Cone Crested Jacanas than scoping geese on the marsh in a strong north westerly cobber, although I reckon Crocodile Dundee wouldn't last two minutes on Taggs Island....
Here's the video and here's the gen...thanks Ben.
Birding in the Northern Territories
Bird lovers should pack their binoculars and head to the Top End of Australia's Northern Territory.
While the sheer number and variety of birds that inhabit the Northern Territory make it a unique birdwatching destination, it is its rare species that make it truly special.
The NT currently boasts four endemic species of birds including the White-Lined Honeyeater, the White-throated Grass Wren, and the Chestnut-quilled Rock Pigeon
Comprising such diverse environments as woodlands, monsoon forests; sandstone country and floodplains, wetlands and billabongs, it's hardly surprising that the region is home to over four hundred bird species - many in plentiful numbers.
See herons, egrets, magpie and pigmy geese, jacana, jabiru, kingfishers, whistling ducks, plovers and spoonbills. The billabongs are home to kingfishers, rainbow bee eaters, night herons, cormorants and shell ducks, while the woodlands provide cover for friarbirds, red winged parrots, kookaburras, honeyeaters, tree creepers, cockatoos, and the glorious rainbow pitta - one of the most wanted species for birders visiting the NT's Northern Tropics - inhabits the monsoonal rainforests.
Whether you're a serious birder or simply have a love of nature, there is a variety of birdwatching options in the NT, including guided and self-driving tours. Dedicated birdwatching itineraries showcase the Top End's amazing diversity, putting this largely untouched frontier on the map as a leading nature destination, literally teeming with birdlife within a dramatic landscape. Along the way, bird enthusiasts can enjoy the vibrant city of Darwin, plus the region's unparalleled beauty, Aboriginal art and culture.
Top recommended locations include Kakadu's Mamukala Wetlands and Mardugal Billabong; the Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve - just an hours' drive from Darwin - and the tranquil Yellow Water Billabong. Or further south in Katherine, keep your eyes peeled for birds from the slow pace of a canoe as it quietly floats along the stunning Katherine waterways.
Visitors can choose from half-day to twenty-one day tours, or anything in between. One thing each tour has in common is the opportunity for visitors to experience the Top End's untouched beauty and make the most of its remarkable birdwatching opportunities.
For more information and itineraries head here
Hmm, a Jacana in yer Billabong? Why not.
Eyes to the skies everyone, eyes to the skies...
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Chiffchaff in Freshfield yesterday, and a Rook over Formby Station.
Hi John
Re Marshside On Form - surely Gromit is a Lancashire lad!
A drive through the Vale of Conwy today produced 10 Hawfinch at Llanbedr-y-cennin and a pair of Goshawks at Pentre-bont.
Best regards - Ralph
Gromit is most surely a Lancashire lad - I was trying to adopt the persona of Wallace to express wonder at the Yorky influx from across the border - but clearly not very well! JD
Nels hide at Marshside RSPB has been vandalised and will be closed until at least Wednesday 28th January and possibly beyond.
1st winter male Scaup on Junction pool again yesterday. 49 Bewick's at Hundred End.
27.1.09: Seawatch, Formby Point: 10.35-12.50:
Red Throated Diver 21
Slavonian Grebe 1
Great Crested Grebe 11
Long Tailed Duck 2
Common Scoter 85
Razorbill 2
Kittiwake 3 adults
Harbour Porpoise 1
plus group of 4 Stonechat in dunes.
Hi John
Please can you find out from Bazzo roughly what time he first saw the porpoise. There is a nice 'sightings curve' appearing from my data - perhaps ready for a full update in 12 months time. Shame about my "YLG" at Marshside the other day I was sure I was on a winner - I really ought to buy a 'scope!
Thanks
Dave
The Porpoise went past at 10.45am, pretty much exactly. Fish heading south.