19 June 2013

Australian Hobby and Black-faced Cuckoo-Shrike

Seen at Nangar National Park, N.S.W.  Earlier post depicts this dry inland location, where the red-capped robins were also seen.  Deep into the tree tops ahead, flew in this beautiful raptor, perfect spot to take in the sunshine that morning; thank-you Australian Hobby!  I'd liked to have written "Mr Hobby" but how can I be sure?  




it was spotted near to the left of here
      
also known as Little Falcon


According to Readers Digest, Birds of Australia, this medium/large falcon is a fast hunter, relying on sheer speed to surprise and overtake prey, which ranges from large insects to ducks and small herons!

 Seen later, while lunching at the Riverside Park, Condobolin, beside the Lachlan River,..


 Black-faced Cuckoo-Shrike




27 comments:

Maude Lynn said...

Gorgeous shots!

TexWisGirl said...

love the mask on that raptor. :)

Saun said...

Gorgeous thanks for sharing. Happy shooting

mick said...

Interesting habitat and it looks like a great place for birds.

Carletta said...

Lovely shots! I especially like the Hobby shots against that gorgeous blue sky.

diane b said...

I agree with Carletta. Great shots against the blue sky. I've never herd of a hobby bird.

Bob Bushell said...

Beautiiful Raptor, and what about the Shrike, they are superb.

Anonymous said...

Wonderful photos!

Irma said...

Hi Carole,
Beautiful pictures of the birds and a beautiful blue sky.
The first bird we call a tree falcon.
Second bird is not in Netherlands.
Kind regards, Irma

Dianne said...

Gorgeous captures Carole especially the little falcon.

i stora drag said...

Lovely photos of the raptor and Cuckoo! .)

The bird in my post wasn't a pidgeon, it is a Northern Lapwing.
Greetings Pia

eileeninmd said...

Great sightings and wonderful birds and photos, Carole!

Gumer Paz said...

Beautiful photos Carole! Same as the above, I had not seen. The birds seem to pose for you. A kiss :)

Anni said...

Wow...what else can I say but...WOW!?!!

Awesome. Beautiful birds, blue, intense sky. Picture post card Perfect!!!

Rebecca said...

Very unusual birds for me! Thanks for sharing ~ great photos!

Isidro Ortiz said...

Estupendas capturas.Un abrazo

Jennifer said...

Great shots! I always love posts from those living in Australia...I would so love to be able to travel there someday and explore and photograph the wonderful birds I see in your posts! (I'm in Arkansas, USA)

Montanagirl said...

Great shots of two beautiful birds!

Arija said...

Love the red-cap robin, just a glimpse of them brightens up one's day. The falcon is such an elegant bird, great shots. Nice to see those large callitris trees looking so healthy. Aren't the black faced cuckoo shrike a sleek and handsome bird?

Unknown said...

Beautiful birds!

EG CameraGirl said...

I love seeing how the birds are different from the ones we have here in northeastern North America. Great shots!

grammie g said...

Hi Carole..Love the Hobby shot,especially with the lovely blue sky!! It so reminds me of our American Kestrel in the face pattern ,but his diet is usually mice and small rodents!
Like seeing the birds in your area!!
Grace

Unknown said...

Great series!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.

Jan Castle said...

Great pictures Carole...why is it that all your pictures have a perfect blue sky - LOL - the birds are so regal and elegant!!!

Neil said...

Beautiful series.

Stewart M said...

Wonderful shots - how do people get to photograph so many birds of prey!!

Cheers - Stewart M - Melbourne

Margaret Birding For Pleasure said...

Hi Carol Love the red capped Robin. Margaret