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Friday, 20 April 2012

Cockatiels, Major Mitchell Cockatoo, Galah and Budgerigars

More photos of this group of birds from the past few days from Alice Springs to Ampilwatja and back.
The Cockatiels are around in small to medium groups, and the best part is to hear them, even though their colours are stunning, their little tweeps that come through the air alert you to them and when there are 30-40 of them, it sounds fantastic. These photos are Cockatiels on the same tree, the first is during the day and the second is early in the morning. As you can see, they like to congregate in small to medium groups:


Next on the list were some Major Mitchell Cockatoos that I saw on the road on the way home, and literally on the road. I'd just come over the top of a crest and they were about 50 metres in front of me. Fortunately I was being wary coming over the crest so I was going quite slow and it was relatively easy to slow to a stop without scaring them off. They did fly a bit further than I would have liked, but this little guy was demonstrating his huge toes that I had to include a couple of photos on the blog:

Left foot

Right foot

This Galah was one of a pair sitting in a tree above the accommodation. The flocks don't seem to be as large as those in Alice Springs, but I'm sure they are out there somewhere. I've included this photo as the morning light was hitting it nicely:
and finally, the Budgerigars from the past few days. These photos could have been taken anywhere between Alice Springs and Ampilatwatja, but they were taken about 60 kms north of Alice springs at Burt Creek, which is next to the Warburton Memorial on the Stuart Highway. There were lots and lots of pairs, going into holes in trees and always making lots of chatter:






Happy Birding!

4 comments:

  1. the Major Mitchell takes the cake for today's post; I think they're the sweetest cockatoo. Love all the others, the budgerigars look fantastic in the great outdoors ..such a lovely working environment you have!

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  2. Oh geee.... The Leadbeater is gorgeous! One of my favorite cockies!
    The Females Galah is superb too!
    Great pics, Richard!

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  3. Some great colour and observations, great stuff.

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