Ozzie memories 2 - May 24th, 2008 - Epic!

Black-shouldered Kite Elanus axillarus

Eastern Yellow Robin Eopsaltria australis

Galah Eolophus roseicapilla

Grey Fantail Rhipidura albiscapa

Laughing Kookaburra Dacelo novaeguineae

Little Corella Cacatua sanguinea

Purple Swamphen Porphyrio Porphyrio

Rockwarbler (Origma) Origma solitaria

female Superb Fairy-wren Malurus cyaneus

White-eared Honeyeater Lichenostomus leucotis

White-throated Treecreeper Cormobates leucophaea

  Of course summer is winter in Australia, just to keep visitors on their toes. Here are some pics from what was probably my most epic day of birding to date. On a sunny Friday in May I met up with an amazing birder, Keith Brandwood. Originally from England, Keith has been living in the Hawkesbury District northwest of Sydney for the better part of four decades, and he took a whole day to show me every nook and cranny of his patch, which he knows well.
  We ended up seeing 99 bird species that day, 2/3 of which were lifers for me. Whoa. Apparently we were pretty lucky to have spotted the Rockwarbler, which is high on the wishlist of even local birders. When I saw and heard my first Kookaburra, everything seemed right with the world.
  It was epic. EPIC! Thanks again, Keith.