05 May 2014

Yarramalong Valley - Final Round

On this part of the Yarramalong Valley outing, some of the remaining group after lunch-time had driven on for the final stop, to Linga-Longa Road, turning into the Jack Gear Reserve.


First sighting were Topknot Pigeons, sighted across the reserve,  high in a few tree canopies. Sporting a rather unusual head profile; my Birds of Australia reference reads "Large, drab grey pigeon with ginger crests."

Apart from the more obvious 'five', you can just pick up a sixth bird above them, it's facing left, and the profile of the 'topknot' that projects at the end of the head, is a little more noticeable.


This twining Morning Glory vine is an invasive threat to bushland in Australia where it will smother native plants (though I consider the flower itself really attractive, shame it has this trait)


was said to be nesting hole for Spotted Pardalote; there were a number of these along a dirt/clay ridge








 it was easy to 'see' a mythical creature in this mossy-twisted vine




and a pair of White-faced Grey Herons flirted with one another.  Later seen in a wonderful theatrical sky-dance, when my camera battery had phased out, just as we were leaving the reserve.

Note:  Am back today after a few days away with a great group of birders, explains my not showing at your recent blog posts.

12 comments:

  1. The Morning Glory is a pretty colour Carole.
    We have the same problem here with Rhododendrons, they are beautiful, but very invasive.

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  2. It is interesting seeing a Pardalote nest site - have only read where they make their nests. They're such tiny and beautiful sounding birds aren't they.
    Enjoyed your photos of the bush and the twisted vine too.
    Beautiful end of post with the Herons.
    You saw a lot during your time with the group :D)

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  3. Nice photos - I especially like the twisted vine.o How interesting!

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  4. a neat area, for sure.

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  5. Hi Carole,
    Beautiful series, which I find amazing photo 6.
    They are just smiling mouths.
    Greetings Irma

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  6. I've never heard of Topknot Pigeons. I'm sure there's a reason for the name. Love your trees!

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  7. I too like morning glory but it's such a bully boy to everything else which is a pity.
    Merle.............

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  8. Very pretty images from your outing, Carole! I love the mossy twisted vine, morning glories and the herons. The pigeons are cool looking.. Lovely post, thanks for sharing.

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  9. Luckily Morning Glory can be grown here as a garden plant with no danger of it becoming invasive as it seems to be killed off by our cool winters - well, that's what I thought till this winter where several so-called 'tender' plants seem to have survived the particularly mild weather. Global warming....?

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  10. Your birds are beautiful to look at but I think you trees in this blog and in particular the details really beautiful to see. Very nicely done :-)

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  11. A very special place. I like this big tree and all the greens, also the birds.
    Best regards, Synnöve

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  12. Amazing photos, as usual, Carole! Enjoyed them all, especially the moss covered twisty vine and the tree with the peeling bark! The forest is so pretty with all the shades of green! Hugs, Laura

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thanks for visiting Snap Happy Birding, and for leaving a comment; I can still see them. Now both my blogs are resting in idle mode. It was time to give other things priority, even though I miss my regular blogging and the feedback that came my way over the years. Take care.