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black faced cormorant

Other Birds Along The Great Ocean Road

April 26, 2016 by Jade Craven Leave a Comment

This trip to Apollo Bay was going to be different to previous trips. This time, my parents decided that we were going to explore the area up to, and beyond, the 12 Apostles.

Awesome! Sethy had expressed an interest in getting the rufous bristlebird, and I had read that they were in multiple places near attractions. Alas, we didn’t have much luck. Someone was a bit hyperactive, which doesn’t always bode well for finding shy birds.

We did have luck at the twelve apostles. We sound two nankeen kestrels

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In a nearby cliff face there was a small group of black faced cormorants. It was so phenomenal seeing the cliffs along that coastline. So many people do this section in just one or two days.

No. Take longer and take it all in.

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We also saw a swamp rat, which was a lifer for both Seth and I. A lady said she saw a rat and I thought “oooh! That could be a native species.” I joined a mammal watching group on Facebook late last year, which has led to me taking a different approach to animals. I was glad I did, and was even luckier that this was able to be identified. It was taken during the day, which is apparently a giveaway. The small ears and dark colour are also relevant.

Swamp rat

Apollo Bay

These are photos from other parts of the trip that didn’t really fit into the other categories. The emphasis was slightly less on birding this trip. Which sucked, as I wanted to return to Paradise Picnic groud. Oh well, always many more visits 🙂

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Two juvenile pacific gulls had fun with the fisherman. It was also fun watching the resident sting rays swim underneath it.

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OMG! I was photographing some terns when I noticed some little birds running around. I snuck up slightly closer and realized there was a group of hoodies! I may have completely embarrassed myself when submitting this report because somebody inaccurately thought the red necked stints here were young hoodies.

I didn’t notice though that there was double banded plovers. How awesome! I wish I could have gotten Sethy to see them. I’m thinking we may go to Lake Victoria or elsewhere to get a decent look. 🙂

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The red necked stints, getting into breeding plumage.

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I discovered a lot more of the local areas on this trip, much different to previous ones. I really wish I had a car and could show my family some of the cool places I’m discovering. I also enjoyed my own personal emphasis on walking this trip.

Filed Under: Great Ocean Road Tagged With: black faced cormorant, double banded plover, nankeen kestrel, pacific gull

Black Faced Cormorants at Apollo Bay

January 27, 2016 by Jade Craven Leave a Comment

This trip was a lot more low key then previous trips. We mostly stayed pretty close to the city. This meant there were lots of opportunities to ‘accidentally’ check out the black faced cormorants that hang out in the harbour.

They are incredibly beautiful. I’m pretty sure one of the birds is a couple of months old. I’d love to photograph chicks and juveniles but don’t think that is feasible any time soon.

I love how distinct the markings are on the adult bird. I’ve seen them since then, in Portland, but Apollo Bay is just far more accessible.

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Filed Under: Apollo Bay Tagged With: Apollo Bay Harbour, black faced cormorant

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