Happy May, folks! This month our Bird’s-eye view calendar friend is a Lewin’s Honeyeater (Meliphaga lewinii). You are likely to find this little one in your backyard garden, in forests, and rainforest type areas. We have a couple of resident Lewin’s at my place and they enjoy a quick dip in the bird bath every morning. In fact, I can hear one now as I write this.
These are beautiful little honeyeaters and if you look up close at the photo, you will see they have a bluish coloured eye, and a little yellowish patch on their cheek. They can be very vocal and you will probably hear them before you see them. Their call is described on ebird as a “rapid staccato machine-gun call”, and that is pretty accurate!
I took this photo at Figtrees on Watson in Reeseville, which is just outside of Maleny. It is a great place to stay if you’re going solo or for a family. I thought this place would have lots of different birds for me to photograph. I could certainly hear them.
Every time, we saw movement, my Mum or Dad would say, “What bird is that?” My response was, “It’s a Lewin’s Honeyeater”. They were certainly abundant in Reeseville. This went on for days, and by the third day when I was asked what bird was that, I was so frustrated at seeing the same bird over and over (and not much else!), I said “It’s a f*$#ing Lewin!” Yes, birdwatching does increase my swear-o-meter, sorry! Henceforth, this is what my family call Lewin’s Honeyeaters.
So a word to the wise – if you are planning a trip around bird watching or photography, it is best to have zero expectations or be willing to endlessly see or photograph one type of bird. That’s how I try to roll now. It’s a good reminder to be willing to see and spend time focusing on whatever shows up for you.
Speaking of showing up, thank you to everyone who took the time to go and check out the Feather & Fur exhibition at The Churn Room in Dayboro last month. It was a great showcase of bird- and fur- themed artworks by local talent. My Forest Kingfishers did not find a home this time, but I am hoping they will in the future!
Have a wonderful month and thank you as always for your support.
PS. If you need a hand with gifts, I have a selection of unique gifts on offer and I am more than happy to post a gift in Australia on your behalf. I also offer free gift-wrapping. I’d love to help!