The yellow wattlebird is one of those species like the dusky robin and the Tasmanian scrubwren which peppers the long and winding road to Tasmania’s modern, settler history. The wattlebird appears prominently in the historical record, not so much as a curiosity but for its large size and diet of native fruits and berries which made it a popular game bird. This largest member of the Australian honeyeater family was shot for the pot during hard times experienced by the … [Read more...] about Yellow wattlebird
Striated pardalote leaves it late
The birds were scurrying for cover as a cold blast roared in from the south-west, rain falling in diagonal grey stripes from behind kunanyi/Mount Wellington. Among them I was surprised to see a straited pardalote, a summer migrant who should have been well on the way to Bass Strait and crossing to the mainland by mid-autumn. If the tiny pardalote had been in any doubt about the time to leave, the threat of snow on the high country would have finally spurred he or she on … [Read more...] about Striated pardalote leaves it late
Freckled duck finds sanctuary in Tasmania
Australia’s rarest waterfowl, the freckled duck, has made a welcome return to the wetlands of the Derwent with two being spotted at Goulds Lagoon, Austins Ferry, earlier this month. It was with pure coincidence that a species endemic to Australia should arrive just as the duck hunting season was opening in the state. I’ve seen the freckled duck on several occasions at Goulds Lagoon after I first added it to my checklist of birds spotted in 2013. On that occasion, I had … [Read more...] about Freckled duck finds sanctuary in Tasmania
The amateur has their place in science
Over the years I have been proud to declare myself a “citizen scientist” when I‘ve gone out to monitor bird numbers in places as far-flung as New York City, or the Glenorchy rubbish tip. The subject was seagulls on both occasions and although gulls might be considered by many a humble and non-attractive species I was happy to do my bit in the interests of research into their habits and numbers. I may have been making a mistake, however, proclaiming myself a citizen … [Read more...] about The amateur has their place in science
A precious space under threat
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