The autumnal sun shone hard and bright when a flock of tiny silvereyes started out on its epic migratory journey. From my vantage point atop Rosny Hill on the Eastern Shore I watched about 20 birds, male and female with young in tow, fluttering north in undulating flight cross the wide expanse of the Derwent River below me. Soon they became mere dots and I was pleased the young peregrine falcon which had patrolled the airspace above the Tasman Bridge last autumn and winter … [Read more...] about A precious space under threat
Where are all the eagles?
In the great wide world of wildlife, nothing in Tasmania compares with the sight of wedge-tailed eagles riding the thermals. They are truly awe-inspiring, with majestic statistics to match. The “wedgie” is the fourth biggest eagle in the world and the distinctive Tasmanian sub-species is the biggest found on the Australian continent. But the statistics related to the size and power of the eagles are matched by those that refer to its dwindling status. Although the eagle … [Read more...] about Where are all the eagles?
Montgomery steals the show
The founder of the Raptor and Wildlife Refuge of Tasmania, Craig Webb, set out more than a decade ago to provide a home for eagles coming to grief in mankind’s world. Over time Webb has released 20 injured wedge-tailed and sea eagles that have received tender, loving care at the refuge at Kettering but it is a bird actually born in one of the rehabilitation aviaries which has stolen the headlines in the past year. A masked owl called Montgomery has become a free-flying … [Read more...] about Montgomery steals the show
Swallows safely on their way
The long, hot and lazy days of summer are not without a little tension and anguish down at the Waterworks Reserve where I monitor the seasons, and the birds arriving and departing. Over the years I have developed a one-sided relationship with a family of welcome swallows and each year I wait for them to arrive and then go through the trials and tribulations of parenthood with them. I regard the swallows visiting the reserve, well at least one pair and their successive … [Read more...] about Swallows safely on their way
Ibis listing a bitter quill
Tasmania left off the map again, this time when it comes to birds. That was my first thought when I read that the white ibis – which does not occur here – was leading the poll to name Australia’s favourite bird for 2017. Thankfully, bird enthusiasts taking part in the survey came to their senses and named the magpie as number one. The white ibis winning the Guardian Australia/Birdlife Australia bird of the year contest would have been a bitter pill – or should I say … [Read more...] about Ibis listing a bitter quill