Little Birds South of Alice Springs

I managed to have the opportunity to head south of Alice Springs recently. I drove a "road" (really just a fairly upmarket track) for about 7 kms and was stunned by the amount and variety of birdlife available for viewing and photographing.

Pied and Black Honeyeaters as well as Crimson Chats seem to be everywhere around Central Australia at the moment, as well as the Woodswallows. I was also hoping to see a few other species though, and was delighted to find Cinnamon Quail-thrushes in numbers, as well as Southern Whiteface, both Red-capped and Hooded Robins, Chestnut-rumped Thornbills, and a highlight was catching up with Bourke's Parrots.

If you are thinking about heading to the Centre, any time in the next few months will be a wonderful time as the explosion of bird numbers is set to continue.

Cinnamon Quail-thrush

Southern Whiteface

Bourke's Parrot

Crimson Chats

Hooded Robin

Red-capped Robin

Cinnamon Quail-thrush and a Perentie

On the road to Chambers Pillar I was surprised by the lack of bird life. Very few raptors in the air, and even the Willie Wagtails, a constant sight around these parts numbered just 1 during a late afternoon drive from Titjikala to about half way to Chambers Pillar.

When I was driving back from my turn-around point, I came across a few Black-faced Woodswallows flying just above the ground and then swooping up, presumably to catch insects. I stopped the car as I saw another bird fly low across the road. I wasn't travelling very fast as the road isn't fantastic and just sat in the car, waiting for the bird to appear. I could hear it calling but couldn't see it. I knew it was an unusual bird for me as I didn't recognise the call.

Eventually it popped its head out from behind some bushes. A Cinnamon Quail-thrush:

There was only the one that I saw, although I think I heard at least one other one calling.

I got back in the car and drove a bit further and came across this guy. He was sitting on the road edge as I approached and scurried off the road and into the grasses. I haven't noticed this before but they have the same eye protection as some of the larger raptors ie the blue lens cap, and I'm sure there are lots of animals with this protection. I just haven't noticed them before. Again I stayed in the car for the photo, his claws are just a bit too big for my liking:

Perentie

Cinnamon Quail-thrush photos

Saw this Cinnamon Quail-thrush recently. Hope you enjoy the photos:

Happy Birding!