#9 - to identify a species
At the beginning, I mentioned a particular incident that prompted this series. The circumstances appear below – the photographing of a bird you can’t even see. Some will be relieved I am sparing you the graphics, in this case a blurry and distant, but identifiable, image.
As to the OBP, I remember it from childhood rambles over the marshy paddocks behind the sand dunes between Torquay and Bream Creek. Who would have thought it would become so famous?
With thoughts turning to the Blitz, I shall end here this little series. I did have a couple of things to report from my homeward journey on Monday and Tuesday. Perhaps later.
From: Chris Tzaros [
Sent: Thursday, 24 October 2013 12:40 PM
To: 'Geoffrey Dabb'
Cc: 'Steve Davidson'
Subject: RE: Small parrots
G’day Geoffrey,
Many thanks for sending through the photos (definitely OBPs, no doubt about that), and for the maps. I have again CCd Steve Davidson on the off chance that he can follow up this sighting – maybe they’re still around? It is late for them to be in that area and even on the mainland at this time. There are already a few birds back in Tassie at Melaleuca apparently.
Regards,
Chris
Chris Tzaros | Wildlife Ecologist and Photographer
Birds, Bush and Beyond
Email:
Mobile: 0409 235 263
Thanks Chris
Photos are severe crops as birds were not visible to naked eye - I just photoed the general area they went to. These are what I sent to Joe.
See the extract from the WTP map - spot indicated by red arrow. On the Google extract, I was walking along the gravel road when the birds flushed from veg at base of bank (A) and flew to bush at B. When I flushed them again walking back to my vehicle they flew to C, which was where I left them. They seemed reluctant to leave area, probably wanting to get back to feeding.
3 birds. First seen 0950, last at 1006, 18 Oct. This is late for them isn’t it? Geoffrey
G’day Geoffrey,
There has been 3-4 OBPs present at WTP for much of the winter but Steve Davidson, the person who has been doing the monitoring, hasn’t located them on more recent visits. Seems like you may have come across them. Are you able to supply the photos please and also provide the location details, date, time etc.?
Best wishes,
Chris
Hello Chris - can provide location details if you want. Does seem late - strong winds? Geoffrey
From: Joseph Forshaw
Sent: Wednesday, 23 October 2013 7:37 PM
To: 'Geoffrey Dabb'
Subject: RE: Small parrots
Hello Geoffrey:
Judging from their grass-green upperparts the birds depicted are Orange-bellied Parrots.
Best wishes,
Joe
Joe hello - Appreciate your advice on the following. Last Friday I was at Werribee snapping various stuff and I flushed 3 small parrots. Given the late date and that Blue-wings are common in the area, I assumed that was what they were. However, to check later I snapped the 2 shrubs they flew into, and went on my way. The distance was ridiculous - about 60m or so. Looking at the blurry images later, I find they look very like orange bellies. One bird has extensive orange and the other just a trace. Moreover none of the images show that dark blue in the wings. What do you think? Geoffrey
