Broome Finches

Easter is almost here, so planning our Easter bird trip is in full swing. It looks like we are going to be heading northwards into the dry Mulga areas looking for hard elusive birds such as Grey Honeyeater, Gilbert's Whistler and an extreme long shot, Scarlet-chested Parrot.

It doesn't look like there will be rain, so it's going to be a camping 'swag under the stars' holiday, and this time with a couple of friends in another 4WD. That makes it a lot safer, especially if your camped at least two days walk from any help (as usual).

Here are some more photos from the last bird holiday up in Broome.

Long-tailed Finches coming in for a drink at the Broome Bird Observatory. These are the WA form with the yellow bill, the Northern Territory/Queensland form have a red bill.

One of the most common finches in Australia, Zebra Finches. The male at the front is a lot more colourful with the orange cheek patch and spotted chestnut flanks.

The beautiful Double-barred Finch. This is the kimberley form annulosa with the black rump (white rump on bichenovii in eastern Australia).