Mynas

Common Mynas are universally hated by Australian bird photographers because of the environmental pressure that they put on our native birds. In spite of that, they are quite handsome birds and very intelligent. We seem to be getting a lot more of them around Cooranbong in the time I have started observing birds. There is often a flock active somewhere between the Swing Bridge and The Point of Dora Creek. This one was taken much closer to home on the corner of Glenrose Cr and Crawford Rd.

There is often a pair of Hardheads on the sewerage pond near the factory. This is the female. She does not have the white eye of the male. Unfortunately the sewerage pond has a cyclone netting fence around it making it difficult to get good photographs. There was also a pair of Australian Grebes on the pond. They were closer to the fence than on previous days but I can only get good photos when they come close to the gap in the gate.

The White-bellied Sea-eagles were back again in the same place. I managed to get quite close this time around, but could only photograph them through small gaps in the foliage. Of course, even though I was well hidden by the foliage on the track the eagles were still well aware of my presence and it was obvious they were keeping a wary eye on me.

The Fairy-wrens were very active along Sandy Creek where I often find them. I have often seen both Variegated and Superb Fairy-wrens in this area but I could not find a coloured male to confirm the species active today. I know that the species are different, even in eclipse but I have not had enough experience in differentiating them yet.

There are a lot of Yellow-faced Honeyeaters flying around high in the canopy. Other observers are saying that they are migrating. I do see a lot of little birds flying at about double the tree height, but I have yet to observe a pattern in their direction of travel.