In a recently cleared area of Kooloonbung Nature Park I came across a beautiful azure kingfisher.
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It was flitting around a creek, obviously in search of the abundant small fish to be found there.
The azure kingfisher’s outer feathers and crown are very bright blue with an undercarriage of orange and pink feathers, and bright orange legs. They certainly make a spectacular sight.
There were plenty of small fish in the creek for it to eat and it will no doubt spread the word to its cousin the kookaburra, which is also a member of the river kingfisher species.
A bit further along was a noisy friarbird, diving in amongst the ferns. It is quite noticeable with its bare black head, and whitish feathers around its throat, giving it a real monk-like appearance.
It is a member of the honeyeater family and is fairly common around eastern Australia. Its favourite foods are nectar, fruit, insects and small invertebrates.
While we didn’t actually see it, there was evidence on the ground of a powerful owl. It is a large bird and can take animals as big as possums, leaving the just skin and bones behind.
It has a diverse habitat, needing large old trees for nesting. It does seem to have adapted reasonably well to human habitation.
Withing the Kooloonbung Nature Park there are old termite nests which one species of bird has made into a cosy nest.
We are very fortunate in Port Macquarie to have such a wonderful expanse of diverse environment in the middle of town, which supports a broad spectrum of birds and other wildlife.
As spring makes its presence felt, it is a great time to visit the park as you will hear and see the sight and sounds of the many birds who migrate to breed here.
If you, would like to join the bunch of enthusiastic Friends of Kooloonbung volunteers who help maintain the park, contact Rex on 0429 680 131. We would love to see you on Mondays, which is when we do the majority of our work.