10,000 Birds

FEBRUARY 6, 2013

As most people know cats, both feral and domestic, have a pretty big impact on wild birds and other wildlife, and the effect of mammals is particularly profound in New Zealand. Yes, Gareth Morgan’s position, when examined beyond attention grabbing headlines is a great deal more nuanced that headlines might suggest.

New Zealand 121

New Zealand Possums SPCA Hedgehogs 121

10,000 Birds

APRIL 17, 2011

They had to close their Poo Ponds to tourists/birders recently due to a feral dog problem, but this has been addressed and access is now possible. Those that had stayed had bred, though and there are a few family groups. We are not allowed into our ponds, so they are very lucky in Alice Springs. Of course there are always warnings!

Feral 150

Feral Ducks Dogs Family 150

10,000 Birds

OCTOBER 2, 2011

Sadly a lot of eggs are lost to feral cats and chicks are sometimes taken by birds of prey. Three day old Pied Oystercatcher chicks I have returned to observe this family from a distance and they are keeping themselves on higher ground this week due to the 10 metre tides we are experiencing.

2002 166

2002 Feral Cats Eggs 2007 166

10,000 Birds

MARCH 13, 2011

Every March, hope springs anew that I’ll cross paths with one of these feral fluffballs, but as April ends, so do another year’s delirious dreams. Clare and Grant-Broome Western Australia Mar 13th, 2011 at 7:59 pm Well done! I’ve been chasing Northern Saw-whet Owls , those adorable little predators, for years now.

2011 168

2011 Deer Owls New York 168

10,000 Birds

JANUARY 19, 2020

There is a family of feral foxes that I often encounter near Bennison Creek. Foxes were introduced to Australia in 1855 for hunting and have established themselves far and wide. Bennison Creek Bridge. White-eared Honeyeater. They usually bolt as soon as they see me, but I have been able to take a few photos of them. Tiger Snake.

Fox 154

Fox Feral Ducks Horses 154

10,000 Birds

APRIL 1, 2018

After arranging to meet up with my sister and her family in Kalbarri earlier this year we had looked for a suitable camping area in between Geraldton and Perth and came across the Shire of Carnamah’s website that had information on Lake Indoon. Feral bees.

Kangaroos 100

Kangaroos Feral Australia 2018 100

10,000 Birds

OCTOBER 24, 2012

In the event I’m in a life or death struggle with an Oregon Junco or a particularly feral Dunnock I’d rather my birding companion was at least nominally on my side. Australian Magpies are found across Australia, southern New Guinea and have been introduced to New Zealand (along with just about everything else). Dum dum DUM!

New Zealand 153

New Zealand Kangaroos Birds Australia 153

10,000 Birds

JANUARY 18, 2012

They are one of the most attractive of Australia’s parrots, and one of the most common, benefiting from the planting of attractive flowering shrubs. The lake was filled with families of Dusky Moorhens and Purple Swamphens (or Pukeko as we call them in New Zealand), all tending small groups of black chicks.

New Zealand 172

New Zealand Ducks Australia Japan 172

10,000 Birds

MARCH 17, 2013

As we wandered along the trail we soon encountered family groups of both White-winged Fairywrens and Variegated Fairywrens. There was also evidence of the damage that feral pigs can do all along the trail and along the water’s edge and we soon came across a small group of them. Feral pigs. Orange Chat. Turtle shell.

Feral 148

Feral Pelicans Pigs Ducks 148

10,000 Birds

AUGUST 10, 2011

Also known as the Spur-winged Plover this is another common self-introduction from Australia that has done very well with the clearance of forests. Feral Turkey are also quite common. Easily separated from the New Zealand Falcon by its size and wing shape, and the fact you rarely see falcons while driving.

New Zealand 177

New Zealand Birds Thailand Falcons 177