I'm rather more excited than usual about this post. Firstly, I am finally on leave. And secondly I managed to photograph this remarkable bird on the weekend.
These are pictures of a Plains-wanderer (Pedionomus torquatus) a rather odd wader that lives on the grassland in a rather restricted area of grassland in southern and central Australia. This bird is classified as Critically Endangered, mainly due to habitat loss.
Interestingly this bird is the only species in the family Pedionomidae and genus Pedionomus, and it is endemic to Australia. As I mentioned this bird is actually more closely related to waders than the quails that it seems rather similar to.
We found these birds roosting in longish grass - their preferred habitat - in the Terrick Terrick National Park in northern Victoria. This species just freezes in place when it feels threatened, which make them easy to observe once you have found them. It's finding them in the first place that is hard. Over a couple of hours we found three in prime habitat.
The males have a black and white collar on the back of the neck, and a rufous bib. We found two males - neither of which were in prime breeding plumage - and one female.
I had not realized that you had seen Plains Wanderer, Stewart. What a truly fabulous encounter, and what wonderful pictures you have. To see this bird must surely rank as one of your all-time highlights. The glow from your face probably lit up the room when you got back to your accommodation!
ReplyDeletePoor endangered animals! So sorry.
ReplyDeleteNice that you had a fantastic encounter with this rarity.
All the best!
Hari OM
ReplyDeleteWhat a delightful wee bird and such a poseur! I love that second shot. Well done you - and happy days! YAM xx
What a great find. I can understand your excitement. It is a beauty!
ReplyDeleteNice find and photos. They do look more chicken-like than typical waders.
ReplyDeleteThat must have been an exciting find. Sad that it is on the endangered list.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful bird Stewart. We doesn't have them here. You are lucky to see him.
ReplyDeleteWhat a darling little bird..Fabulous pictures..It looks like a little quail..
ReplyDeleteThank You!
ReplyDeleteHello Stewart
ReplyDeleteThe shock of course helps when taking photos, but the bird doesn't look scared in the photos ...
Greetings Frank
never heard or seen this bird. wonderful shots of it Stewart. Thanks for hosting, stay safe and have a good week ahead.
ReplyDeleteWhat a treat!
ReplyDeleteHow exciting and fabulous photos, well done. Thanks for hosting. Keep well and stay safe, cheers Diane
ReplyDeleteI've never heard of this bird! Is the loss of habitat because of the fires or because of urbanisation and industry? We are destroying this country so rapidly at the moment. Shame on us.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful bird! Nice crisp photos.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful bird! Great photos!
ReplyDeleteLovely bird and shots... Happy day...
ReplyDeleteWhat a handsome looking bird. It's always a thrill to find and photograph an elusive bird.
ReplyDeleteI hope you're doing well there. I think I read lock downs are returning to Australia. Here in Connecticut US, we've been "open" for a few months, but I'm still erring on the side of caution. Unfortunately I've had some minor health issues that have prevented me from getting out to take photographs, so my blog has been barren of those for about two months now.
Unas fotos magníficas, me han gustado mucho. Enhorabuena, saludos desde el norte de España.
ReplyDeleteWhat a very handsome bird. It looks like he's very friendly & looking right at you! Awesome!
ReplyDeleteOh, nice! Looks like he has his bib and tucker on.
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting and pretty little bird with his matching yellow beak, eye ring and legs! I do wish he fares well enough to get off that dreaded endangered list.
ReplyDeleteSo flipping adorable, Stewart!!! When I got to the photos where the bird was more erect, it appeared as if it it was standing on it's tiptoes..perfect, just perfect!...jp
ReplyDeleteBeautiful blog
ReplyDelete