possible Scarlet Honeyeater, Little Wattlebird at ANBG

["Anthony Overs" <>]

Wow, top work Tobias, a great find! Definitely a female Scarlet Honeyeater. They have a distinctive call, did she make a sound?

 

Here is a shot of a female Scarlet Honeyeater in my hand: http://www.flickr.com/photos/aovers/258077144/sizes/l/in/set-72157594249322827/

Note they share the following: almost a golden hue to the primary feather edges, pale buff edges to the greater coverts, some reddish wash on the shoulder, whitish marks above and below the eye, and the rather short curved bill.

 

Cheers

Anthony

 

From: Tobias Hayashi [
Sent: Wednesday, 17 September 2008 6:27 PM
To:
Subject: [canberrabirds] possible Scarlet Honeyeater, Little Wattlebird at ANBG

 

Hi all,

The main point of this post is to inform other members about the probability of a female/immature Scarlet Honeyeater at the Botanic Gardens. I saw it this afternoon in section 25 and 7, and possibly s. 24.

Attached is a photo, ID confirmation would be appreciated. It was noticeably smaller than other honeyeaters/spinebill, dumpy tailed, I cannot see what else it could be.

 

I spent 8 hours at the gardens today, with great photo opportunities, and good birdwatching as well. In addition to the probably Scarlet Honeyeater late in the day, there was also a male Crescent Honeyeater, plus Yellow-faced, White-naped, Eastern Spinebills, lots of Red Wattlebirds and lots of wattlebird nests, Noisy Friarbirds etc.

Also around was a Little Eagle.

 

At the Tom Green seat, there was a great view of all the bathing action, with large numbers of Crimson Rosellas supplemented by bathing Eastern Rosellas, Red Wattlebirds, Noisy Friarbirds, Eastern Spinebills, New Holland Honeyeaters, Australian Magpies, Pied Currawongs. Late in the morning a LITTLE WATTLEBIRD also dropped by, but was gone just as the camera was focussing on him.

 

Switching to butterflies, Imperial Jezebels were starting to come out, and I saw one Australian Painted Lady.

 

Cheers,

Tobias