I was determined to pick just one highlight for 2004 but I really
can't. How to decide between watching Pied Honeyeaters in their
aerial displays throughout central Australia, being surrounded by
inquisitive Chiming Wedgebills and listening to their amazing calls
from close range, visiting the beautiful Lake Gregory (WA) with its
Yellow Chats and Flock Bronzewings, finding Gouldian Finches as
"common as sparrows" in Wyndham, or closer to home, following the
fortunes of Regent Honeyeaters nesting for the first time in three
years in the Capertee Valley.
Just as memorable were the extended, up-close and intimate
observations of more common or familiar species such as the three
Spotted Quail-thrush which hung around my Capertee Valley cabin for a
few months or the Rockwarbler with tons of personality which adopted
my garden in Katoomba for a while (the funniest birding experience of
the year was listening to it trying to mimic the King-Parrots).
Then there were the many highlights in the course of guiding
throughout 2004. The easing of the drought and consequently better
conditions have meant that every day in the field is a joy at the
moment. It's incredibly gratifying to be able to introduce visitors
to our magnificent birdlife and I count myself very lucky to be doing
what I love as an occupation.
Here's to an even better 2005 and whatever birding highlights lie
ahead for us all!
Cheers
Carol
Carol Probets
Katoomba
Blue Mountains NSW
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