Brown-headed & Black-chinned Honeyeater

In 2006, we set up the inaugral Challenge to see if we could collectively record 250 species during the year in the club's survey area. How did we go? Extremely well considering the drought... Plenty of unusual and rare birds .... some great records from non-members too. It was a fascinating year. And a worthwhile exercise which we encourage other groups to follow. See for yourself...

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Mick Atzeni
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Joined: Sun Dec 11, 2005 9:08 pm

Brown-headed & Black-chinned Honeyeater

Post by Mick Atzeni »

Folks

Had to drop my daughter, Milly, down to Laidley for a netball carnival this morning so did some birding on the way back, dropping briefly into Bill Gunn Dam and Lowes Rd swamp before bee-lining to one of my favourite areas around Helidon - along Connors Rd. There, I picked up both Brown-headed Honeyeater and Black-chinned Honeyeater in the one patch. I heard the Black-chinned's distinctive call while I was observing the Brown-headeds feeding in a flowering mistletoe.

The Black-chinned Honeyeater's one of my favourite birds. I've always found it a challenge to find, so I've never taken any sighting for granted. What happened next was one of those magical birding moments you never forget. As I searched for the calling bird all of a sudden it materialises in an acacia less than 2m away, then continues to move into full view about a metre from my face, very inquisitive, studying me for about a minute. I had always considered them to be shy so what a treat! To top it off, he then lets loose with his glorious rich song to a very appreciative audience of one.

I continued to get close looks and saw at least two birds on and off for about 10 minutes.

At Bill Gun Dam, saw plenty of Great-crested Grebe, a Swamp Harrier, and a Caspian Tern. Nothing of any note at Lowes Rd.

Cheers
Michael Atzeni
7 Woden St, Murphys Creek 4352
Mob: 0499 395 485
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