Going South: Down Under
As winter closed in on my home in Europe, this year, much like my beloved birds, I found myself flying down down down, way down south to the lands down under. A few days in Melbourne. The city, vibrant and charming inspite of the grey skies.
At the Carlton Gardens right in the center of the city were some interesting, un-shy city birds. A clear sign of what my last day in Australia, on a full day birding tour could offer… scroll on down!!
The last day started out early to overcast skies and we drove out of the city to Point Wilson for some water birds…
Some bush birds came along to say hello as well :)
My favourite was this little golden fellow, a Striated fieldwren (Calamanthus fuliginosus). Endemic to Australia they are now considered vulnerable after large habitat loss and are generally quite difficult to spot. But not so our happy one, this morning, as it stood posed for a photo-session.
As the day got brighter, we made our way inland to Serendip and the Brisbane Ranges for songbirds.
The landscape was beautiful. The birds even more so.
Over 100 bird species in a day. Many endemic to Australia, some to only this little part of Australia. It was a one-of-it’s-kind days.
BUT 100 bird species was still not all because what is a day in Australia without some Kangaroos and some Wallabies?!?!
And here they are!
Then my time in Australia was up. A very early morning ride to the airport was made. Another visit much hoped for.
