Went out with the camera today and was surprised (disappointed) to note that it was my first shoot for two months. The Aussie Bird Count got me out! Managed a few ok photos including this Grey fantail. I tried to use Sonia’s advice regarding messy backgrounds, with limited success.

One of those amazing mornings where you come home on a huge high - multiple sightings of this magnificent Brown Goshawk, and a delightful Sacred Kingfisher who posed so beautifully for me. I would have loved a bit of action, but neither budged from their perches (until both flew away in the wrong direction for a shot), so I had to settle for a couple of classic portraits. Still very happy with that - especially the Goshawk, a notoriously difficult subject!

Just love these wily characters, so industrious and rarely still, they can be a patience tester and indeed it took me quite a while to catch this one in the frame.

I’m not the best at identifying birds, but what I think I have here are: Sooty Oystercatcher, Australasian Pipit, Pacific Gull, Pacific Gull (juvenile), Red-capped Plover, White-fronted Chat, Hooded Plover, Pied Oystercatcher. Can anyone help me, please? All captured on the beaches near Marrawah, Tasmania.

I often think I want a longer lens. Then, when I least expect it, my lens is too long. The cheeky little fellow didn't stick around long enough for me to zoom out.