Christmas in Kyabram

Christmas holidays had us driving north towards the Murray river and around the town of Kyabram.

First spotting was a Cattle Egret, aptly named as it hung around a herd of grazing cattle. A relatively small Egret, it has a special relationship with these cows. It forages on insects disturbed by the wandering cattle and is often found perched on their backs, removing annoying ticks and flies from the cattle. 

Cattle Egret, Bubulcus ibis

There is nothing better than an evening stroll after overindulging on the Christmas feast! This Brown Falcon was found perched in a dead tree on the side of the road.

Brown Falcon, Falco berigora

The farmlands were abuzz with finches and sparrows but most were too quick for me and my camera!
A Willy Wagtail snuck into my shot of this Goldfinch.

European Goldfinch, Carduelus carduelus

Zebra Finch (female), Taeniopygia guttata

Common Starling (immature), Sturnus vulgaris

A blur of pink and grey as a flock of Galahs are disturbed by a passing car.

We caught some beautifully coloured yabbies in the farm channels (these were put back after the photos were taken).

Common Yabby, Cherax destructor

On Boxing day we had a morning drive up to the Barmah NP where we found this gigantic Bardi moth. 

The lake was rich with bird life but most of it was too far away to photograph.

The pelican at the rear was flapping the skin of his pouch like there was an angry fish inside trying to escape. I think this was just his way of cooling down on such a hot day.

There were half a dozen spoonbills (a mix of Royal and Yellow-billed) resting in the trees on the opposite bank. Too far for a decent shot unfortunately. 

Just as we were leaving I came across this new spotting of a Black-tailed Native Hen. Shame he wouldn't look at me!

Black-tailed Native Hen, Gallinula ventralis

Another 3 spottings added to my tally and then we headed to Kosciusko NP for some camping, hiking and biking.