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