The web page of Scot McPhie
It has been an extraordinary past fortnight for nature lovers in our local area with not just one but two critically endangered bird species visiting us. Hot on the heels of the Swift parrots are Regent honeyeaters at Highfields Falls.
Continue reading “Regent honeyeater – Anthochaera phrygia”
Swift parrots are a critically endangered parrot and are native to Australia. They migrate from Tasmania to the mainland each year, and occasionally some Swift parrots come all the way to Toowoomba, as is the case at the moment.
Continue reading “Swift parrot – Lathamus discolor”
Parrots are known for their bright colours and huge personalities, cockatoos, though big on personality are usually fairly plain in colour, and none more so than Little Corellas. But don’t let their appearance fool you – these are little birds packed full of personality and mischief.
Continue reading “Little corella – Cacatua sanguinea”
I am convinced Tawny frogmouths are one of our most popular birds. Whenever I mention them to anyone, they always receive some kind of adoring response. But let’s get one thing clear right from the outset: they are not owls.
Continue reading “Tawny frogmouth – Podargus strigoides”
If you think your wife/husband/mother-in-law/three year old is picky, then hold my beer while introduce you to Glossy Black-cockatoos.
Continue reading “Glossy black-cockatoo – Calyptorhynchus lathami”
On a recent work trip to Sydney I was intrigued by the sight of a Silver gull wandering happily along one of the main roads in the CBD, about a kilometre away from all of his friends down at Circular Quay.
Continue reading “Silver gull – Chroicocephalus novaehollandiae”
With their striking markings, long curved beak and habit of feeding on the wing, Eastern spinebills are one of the most memorable and sought after birds in the garden.
Continue reading “Eastern Spinebill – Acanthorhynchus tenuirostris”
I was recently treated to this sight in our home paddock – a Brown goshawk with an unfortunate Tawny frogmouth that it had just killed.
Continue reading “Brown Goshawk – Accipiter fasciatus”
Of all the avifauna in Australia two groups stand out as the most conspicuous: the parrots and cockatoos, and the honeyeaters. Of the honeyeaters the Blue-faced honeyeater is one of the largest and most striking, with its brilliant blue eye patch and somewhat aggressive nature.
Continue reading “Blue-faced honeyeater ~ Entomyzon cyanotis”
Do you ever wonder why we have Emu Creek and Emu Vale in the Toowoomba area, but no Emu’s?
Continue reading “Emu – Dromaius novaehollandiae”