Hello again Oz
before I sign off a few things to sort out.
After the trip, and just for fun, Phil and I wrote down our top ten birds; these
are listed below in case anyone cares, and maybe as a hint of how our minds work
(or don't) on these trips.
We must thank all those who gave us assistance
prior to the trip. Most of what we saw was due to either the superb guide by
Thomas & Thomas or a lot of help from quite a few people, both in the
preparation and whilst down under. I won't name anyone, in case I inadvertently
miss someone out, but you know who are and rest assured we are eternally
grateful. If any of you are in the south of England give us a shout and
maybe we can share some birds and some beers. This includes a number of people
(to whom we extend very sincere apologies) who went to alot of trouble to
provide gen for areas and species we didn't actually end up going for. We do
feel very guilty!
Thanks again to you all, and here's those boring
lists:
PHIL BYSH'S TOP TEN:
1 Wandering Albatross (that's the easy
bit)
2 Carpentarian Grasswren
3 Gibberbird (I know Yellow Chat is rarer but we
knew we'd get it - we found our own Gibberbirds!)
4 Chowchilla
5 Red-footed Booby
6 Beach Thick-knee
7 Inland Dotterel (the one that nearly got
away)
8 Splendid Fairy-Wren
9 Short-tailed Shearwater (big colonies always get
me going!)
10 Gang-gang Cockatoo
STEVE KEEN'S TOP TEN:
1 Wandering Albatross (far too easy)
2 Chowchilla (what jizz, and what a
tease)
3 Carpentarian Grasswren
4 Buff-breasted paradise Kingfisher
5 Powerful Owl
6 Yellow Chat (so what, it's rarer! And better
looking)
7 Wompoo Fruit-Dove (without doubt call of the
trip. Wallock a woo. Tee hee every time)
8 White-winged Fairy-Wren
9 Papuan Frogmouth
10 Spinifex Pigeon
|