Birds in the heat

White-browed Woodswallow (L) and Australian Magpie-lark (R)

In the week before Christmas we had a sudden heat wave here in South Australia. Over four consecutive days much of the state had temperatures over 40C (104F). On the worst day Port Augusta's temperature reached a sizzling 47.2C (117F).

That's hot.

Really hot.

 This heat wave was unprecedented because we usually get consecutive days of severe heat in January and February, rarely in December.

On the last day of this heat wave I sat at our sun room table taking note - and photos - of the constant parade of birds coming to our bird bath. Most of them looked very stressed by the fiery north wind. Many came for a drink; a few for a bath. Most lingered for many minutes enabling a few good photos.

Australians in particular should be aware of the plight of birds on days of extreme heat. Put out a few bowls of water in shady spots so the birds can have a drink. Place the bowls near to a bush or tree so that they have a safe route of escape from predators. 

Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater feeling the heat

Happy Christmas

Red-capped Robin

I wish all of my readers a very Happy and Blessed Christmas.

Instead of writing lots about some of the Australian birds I have seen and photographed, 

today I will just share a few of my favourite photos of birds.

Have a great time over Christmas - New Year.

Keep safe - and join me again in 2016 for more photos. 

Trevor

Silvereye - an Australian bird

The Australian Sulphur-crested Cockatoo

 

Australian Ringneck Parrot

Diamond Dove of Australia

Diamond Dove

The dainty little Diamond Dove of Australia is one of our loveliest birds. It is found throughout much of the drier parts of the mainland except for the very driest deserts. Its preferred habitats include grassy woodlands, along watercourses and scrubs.

Although this species has been recorded just a few kilometres from my home, I have not yet recorded it on our property here in Murray Bridge, South Australia. This is about as far south as it is found in our state.

In fact, I cannot recall ever seeing this bird in the natural environment. The bird in the photo was a part of the collection at Adelaide Zoo. This species is a commonly kept bird as a pet in an aviary.

You can read more about Australian birds and see more photos of them on my other site called Trevor's Birding. 

Bar-shouldered Dove of Australia

Bar-shouldered Dove

The beautiful Bar-shouldered Dove is found in eastern and northern coastal parts of Australia where there is suitable habitat.

Their preferred habitats include vegetation near water, mangroves, tropical and sub-tropical scrubs, gullies and gorges, near swamps, plantations and gardens with plenty of trees. They are sometimes found on off-shore islands.

This is one species I have yet to see in the natural environment. The photos in today's post were taken in one of the walk-through aviaries in the world renowned Adelaide Zoo.

You can read more about Australian birds and see more photos of them on another site I write for called Trevor's Birding.

Bar-shouldered Dove

Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike

Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike

I must admit that the Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike is one of my favourite Australian birds. I am not really sure why this is so.

It could be the soft, subtle colours of the plumage.

It could be that I like its soft, musical, churring call as it flies overhead, or perches in a nearby tree.

It could be that, although this species is found all over Australia, including Tasmania, I don't see it that often.

It could be that I could not honestly call this a resident species on our five acre property near Murray Bridge in South Australia, because at best, I can only classify this as an occasional visitor, so it is special when one passes through our property.

It could be that I just like the bird - and leave it at that.

What I can say is that in over 30 years of living here, to my knowledge this photo shows the only individual of this species to have ever visited one of our bird baths. That's special.

The origins of the family name is a mystery. Despite their name they are neither cuckoos nor shrikes. 

You can read more about Australian birds and see more photos of them on my other site about Australian birds on Trevor's Birding.