The numbers of the summer migrants have reduced greatly - Pied Imperial Pigeons, Metallic Starlings and Black Bittern are all more difficult to see, and there seems to be just one or two young Buff-breasted Paradise Kingfishers remaining. The adults have all gone back to New Guinea where they will stay until the migration south begins again in October for breeding.
Some birds that have become easier to see though, over the past week or so include the Topknot Pigeon, Wompoo Fruit-Dove and Spotted Catbird. The Wompoo Fruit-Dove has the remarkable ability to disguise itself despite it's bright purples, greens and golds.
Another common, and colourful, bird at this time of the year is the Rainbow Bee-Eater, Australia's only bee-eater. They often sit on fences, fly out hawking for insects, and returning to the same spot to eat them. A pleasure to watch!
