Scarlet-chested Parrot

A little while ago, there was a report of a female Scarlet-chested Parrot that had been seen at the local Alice Springs Desert Park. This was a wild bird, not in an enclosure. I managed to get myself over to the Park, which is only a short distance, and look for the bird. I did find it fairly quickly which was fortunate.
I am fairly sure this was my second sighting of this parrot, the first was during a Twitchathon with my sons 6 or so years ago, but as more than one of the Team had to see the bird for it to be counted, the opportunity was missed and I couldn't say 100% that it was a Scarlet-chested Parrot. So the following are my only photos of a wild SCP.

Scarlet-chested Parrot

Major Mitchell or Pink Cockatoos in the Backyard

I have had a few regular visitors this week to the back yard. Major Mitchell or Pink Cockatoos. They are quite gregarious and have seemingly become used to me sitting out on the back verandah while they are there. this has presented me with a few really enjoyable photo sessions. Hope you enjoy.

Major Mitchell Cockatoo

Wedge-tailed Eagle, a bit relaxed on a hot afternoon near Alice Springs

The title says it all really, I hope you enjoy the photos.

Wedge-tailed Eagle

White-browed Treecreeper with chick

I went birding with Mark Carter of Mark Carter Birding and Wildlife (best guide and bird-watcher in Alice Springs) as he wanted to try to find some White-browed Treecreepers as he suspected they had chicks. He didn't disappoint.

It took a little while to locate them, firstly by call, and then by sight.

we noticed first one, then three Treecreepers flitting from Ironwood to Ironwood, one fairly consistently calling/begging. We stayed on the roadside of the brabed-wire fenceline, and the birds slowly came closer. We took quite a few shots of the birds at distance, and then,they came a lot closer to where we had thought/hoped they would come. We were ready with the cameras and managed to get some decent photos.

These birds are common further south in South Australia, but can be tricky to find in the NT so it was wonderful to see they are breeding locally.

A huge thank you to Mark for allowing me to see and capture these birds.

White-browed Treecreeper

Dusky Grasswren, Red-browed Pardalote and Red-backed Kingfisher

Back in the home environment and the birding continues to be amazing.

If the Centre has Spring, then it has sprung. Birds are nesting everywhere, and with a slightly cooler than average period at the moment, they are active under the cloudy skies.

The weekend activity included a short bike ride where Moses and I found a Red-browed Pardalote frenzy. They were calling non-stop and actively building their "nests" in the side of a dirt mound. The Red-backed Kingfishers were out as well, the one in the photo with the remains of an unfortunate, unknown small reptile.

But by far the most exciting was the Dusky Grasswrens I ran into today. I had tried to find them, and, after searching the spinifex-laden, rocky gullies, finally found some. One in particular was enjoying being a model for the camera.

I hope you enjoy the photos.

Dusky Grasswren

Red-browed Pardalote

Red-backed Kingfisher