Sunday 17 October 2010

Grey Shrike-thrush & Leaden Flycatcher

The last couple of times we have been to Cooloola Cove this Grey Shrike-thrush has been there to welcome us. We have them down the back of our place but not sure how much longer they will be there as the area is being developed into a retirement village, and they have started knocking down all the trees to make way for the building to start.

Grey Shrike-thrush (Colluricincla harmonica)

Leaden Flycatcher (Myiagra rubecula)

This Leaden Flycatcher kept us on the lookout trying to find it among all the trees and then came and sat on the outside branch for all to see.

Spring has come to the sand flats.

We had the chance to go out to the sandflats on the low tide, as we are normally there on the high tide for our wader counts. Looks a lot different and much bigger with no water on the flats. Mick led us to this patch of plants in full flower. It is amazing to think they would most likely be underwater when the next tide came in.

8 comments:

mick said...

Nice photos - especially the Shrike Thrush - that's one I still have to get!

Neil said...

Thanks Mick keep an eye out just as you leave the car park.

Kelly said...

...the Leaden Flycatcher is such a striking bird. Sorry you're going to lose valuable habitat behind your place. We've had to deal with a bit of that too. It's always disappointing...

Bob Kaufman said...

So sad to learn that there will be a development in the area soon.

Nice photos of both birds, Neil!

Neil said...

Thanks Kelly & Bob

NatureFootstep said...

that´s one beautiful flycatcher. :)

Larry said...

That Grey Shrike-thrush is a cool looking bird. According to Birds In Backyards, they generally mate for life and have a 10 hectare breeding territory. I guess the habitat destruction will put a huge dent in that. Too bad. It's happening all over the world.

On a happier note, I love it when difficult to see birds come right out in the open and say "here I am!"

Neil said...

Thanks NatureFootstep and Larry.