Olive-backed Oriole calling and mimicking other birds

I listened to this Olive-backed Oriole for a while, trilling its characteristic call interspersed with imitations of other birds. I managed to get part of its performance on video. As well as being pretty and having a lovely song, this Oriole is an excellent mimic.

At the start of the video, the Oriole reacts to the shriek of Masked Lapwings (also known as Spur-winged Plovers). After a couple of seconds, the Oriole starts its own performance again.

https://youtu.be/2fmOwY53qoQ

Common name: Olive-backed Oriole
Scientific name: Oriolus sagittatus
Approximate length: 25-28 cm
Date spotted: 17 March 2026 (autumn)
Location: Manly Dam Park, New South Wales, Australia: 33°46’31.7″S 151°14’47.8″E

The Sandhill Cranes bugling calls were awesome. SACR 2/2

#MarshMadness #birds #birding #BirdCalls #nature #NaturePhotography #SolaceInNature

Our first and closest sighting of Sandhill Cranes taken several years ago when a pair visited a wetland marsh in our area far from their normal range. We approached the secluded area quietly and crouched in a thicket of bushes and trees to ensure we didn’t disturb them. SACR 1/2

#MarshMadness #birds #birding #BirdCalls #nature #NaturePhotography #SolaceInNature

Tongue of the White-cheeked Honeyeater

A White-cheeked Honeyeater feeds off the flower of a Banksia bush. At 19 to 24 seconds into the video, you can see the bird’s long, thin, white tongue flicking quickly in and out of its beak. The bird chirps every now and then, no doubt commenting about me to the other birds in the area.

https://youtu.be/pqREdfG-8jk

Like most honeyeaters, these birds feed on nectar from flowers and also will snap up a handy insect every now and then. Their tongues are long enough to stick out beyond the end of their beaks, making it easier to lap up nectar from a flower.

Common name: White-cheeked Honeyeater
Scientific name: Phylidonyris nigra
Approximate length: 16-19 cm
Date spotted: 25 February 2025 (summer)
Location: Manly Dam Reserve, New South Wales, Australia: 33°46’28.7″S 151°14’46.3″E

Get to know the #startup Hula Earth, which uses #satellitedata and #birdcalls to determine #biodiversity. More than 80 small high-tech boxes are installed in the outdoors, collecting data and transmitting it to the company headquarters: http://go.tum.de/230329

📷A. Heddergott

Golden Whistler calling – a short video

This morning, a Golden Whistler stayed in one spot for long enough for me to get out my camera and record a few seconds of his song. So, for your enjoyment, here it is!

https://youtu.be/2JvVLFxrqN0

Golden Whistlers are small birds, about the size of a wren. They have a black head and a white bib, and the golden chest, underbelly, and collar that give them the first part of their name. The second part of the name comes from their lovely whistling calls. I’ve published more videos and pictures of previous sightings.

Common name: Golden Whistler
Scientific name: Pachycephala pectoralis
Approximate length: 16-18 cm
Date spotted: 3 December 2025 (summer)
Location: Manly Dam Reserve, New South Wales, Australia: 33°46’45.0″S 151°14’54.2″E

#australia #birdCalls #birds #birdsong #birdwatching #goldenWhistler #sydneyBirds

It’s a quiet evening. Then I start hearing this bird calling.

Didn’t think much of it initially; I heard it throughout my childhood in Singapore… until something in my brain clicks and I’m like, “Hang on, a Pacific Koel? Here in Geelong?!”

It's not supposed to be in Victoria? Maybe other southeast Australian birdwatchers already know this but it’s news to me! I documented the call with Merlin Bird ID.

Have a listen, it's a lovely call.

#BirdWatching #BirdCalls #AustralianWildlife

Peaceful Dove calling

In Merriwa, NSW, the call of a Peaceful Dove sounds out above the early morning bird chorus:

https://youtu.be/8RbW7Zh8bzA

Peaceful Doves are small doves, coloured shades of grey with an apricot tinge, and a blue ring of bare skin around the eye.

Common name: Peaceful Dove
Scientific name: Geopelia placida
Approximate length: 20-24 cm
Date spotted: 13 September 2025 (spring)
Location: Merriwa, New South Wales, Australia: 32°23’36.0″S 150°41’07.8″E

#australia #birdCalls #birds #birdsong #birdwatching #Dove #PeacefulDove