A reader phoned at the height of the bushfires this summer to report that hundreds, possibly thousands, of welcome swallows had gathered at a single location in the HuonValley and he was puzzled why they were congregating in this way. It was too early for the start of the migration when both welcome swallows and their near relatives tree martins can be seen perching on telegraph lines, marking time before heading north to cross Bass Strait. When the reader called, smoke … [Read more...] about Swallows flee bushfire flames
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Forest rings to the satin flycatcher song
The forests below Mt Wellington have been ringing with the song of the beautiful satin flycatcher during the summer. The species has proved elusive in the past but this year hardly a day goes by on my travels on the lower slopes of the mountain, or in its forested foothills closer to the city, I do not hear it either making its cheerful, rhythmic whistle, or a harsher note that sounds like the chirring of crickets. So familiar has the bird become that I can now identify … [Read more...] about Forest rings to the satin flycatcher song
Harriers find a friend
The patch of yellow grass in a shorn hay meadow held a secret within in its sun-burnt stalks swaying in the hot summer wind. The secret was partially revealed as I approached the grassy oasis because overhead a bird of prey appeared as if from nowhere, letting out a shrill cry that echoed through the surrounding hills. Treading carefully through the tall grass I suddenly caught sight of two creamy-white, downy shapes, perfectly camouflaged to hide in the grass. Then an … [Read more...] about Harriers find a friend
Extraction distraction
THEY stand sentinel over the Huon Valley, perched on fence posts along the long and winding road that drops down from the high country to Huonville and beyond. I always see brown falcons on this route and they bring a welcome distraction from what might well be an extraction at the dentist’s down the road. My dentist has a surgery in Huonville – having transferred there from his previous base in Sandy Bay– and for my visits to him at least I have the probable sight of the … [Read more...] about Extraction distraction
The great cassowary hunt
THE search for one of Australia's rarest birds, the southern cassowary, started excitedly one steamy, sultry afternoon at Mission Beach in far-north Queensland – and ended with a shock. The cassowary is a species that every birdwatcher worth his or her salt inAustralia must see at some time in their life and on a summer holiday in tropical climes I decided I would be reacquainted with this remarkable bird after seeing it briefly when I lived in Townsville a decade … [Read more...] about The great cassowary hunt