Check my birding map for specific location.
I wanted to go to Mount Korong as the birds looked fantastic and I specifically wanted to see the Painted Honeyeater, which I knew was there. A small picnic and camping area met me and was very pleasant. There were lots of birds around, particularly Galah making a lot of noise. I didn't do much birding as it was already hot.
I woke the next morning feeling unsettled. I knew I had been awake in the night and didn't know why. It slowly came back to me. Something about a noise and an owl. Then I saw the blood stains running down the side of my van. A Southern Boobook had been sitting on top of my van, eating some poor, wretched creature. Sigh. I didn't even have enough water to clean it. Gross.
Anyway, at dawn I was off. I walked along the track heading west. It was quiet beyond the cockatoo cacophony but I started to see the odd bird. There were a few treecreepers and some honeyeaters. As the sun started to climb and the morning chill wore off, there was a lot more activity. I was concerned I wouldn't find the honeyeater as I was skirting the mount, rather than heading further into the bush toward it. However, I don't do hills whenever possible. Too much hard work.
I thought I heard the Painted Honeyeater once or twice in the distance and then I hit a patch of bush where there was suddenly a lot more activity. I stopped and waited. And there it was. The distinctive call of the honeyeater. It flew right over me and I crept towards where it was sitting on a dead tree. To my amazement, as I started to take photos it actually cam closer to me. And in the sunlight!
Painted Honeyeater (Grantiella picta)
It was only 7.30am and I was done for the day. I started back along the track to get some breakfast. I had the sun in my eyes and didn't expect to see much else. But there was something running along a fallen tree. I knew straight away it was an Antichinus. It is a marsupial that looks like a giant mouse. Very cute. There were 3 of them running around. Not a great shot but fabulous to watch them.
Antichinus
Further along I heard bee-eaters. I just love their buzz call. I found a branch where a youngster was being fed.
Rainbow Bee-eater (Merops ornatus)
Behind me were some rosella. Always shy, I struggle to photograph them before they take off. These photos were better than usual.
Eastern Rosella (Platycercus eximius)
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