In finch heaven.........
Posted: 03 Aug 2011, 12:37
I camped at Sandy Creek in Litchfield NP last night. The ranger said to get up to the magnetic termite mounds at dawn to see finches, fairy wrens and a general orgy of insectivory.There is 2m high seeding grasses, endless cover, and billions of termites.
After reading the posts on termites, I have had termites on the brain, so imagine my delight to be surrounded by mounds up to 5m tall. Yellow-rump and chestnut-breasted Mannis, Bichenos, red-backed fairy wrens and more other small passerines than I could mention. I swear that I heard Gouldian's, but I didn't see any and the ranger told me I was dreaming. This is finch heaven.
For a Southerner like me, the thing I noticed most was how inconspicuous these birds are in their own place, even when you are standing right next to them. There are so many leaves, woody fruits and palm appendages that resemble a finch that they can hide in plain view.
...and no bloody cats.
I'll try to post some photos when I get back to civilisation.
After reading the posts on termites, I have had termites on the brain, so imagine my delight to be surrounded by mounds up to 5m tall. Yellow-rump and chestnut-breasted Mannis, Bichenos, red-backed fairy wrens and more other small passerines than I could mention. I swear that I heard Gouldian's, but I didn't see any and the ranger told me I was dreaming. This is finch heaven.
For a Southerner like me, the thing I noticed most was how inconspicuous these birds are in their own place, even when you are standing right next to them. There are so many leaves, woody fruits and palm appendages that resemble a finch that they can hide in plain view.
...and no bloody cats.
I'll try to post some photos when I get back to civilisation.
