Phil Marley
The Terminus Hotel in North Fitzroy once again hosted our end-of-year gathering. Clearly mindful of previous Prancing and Dancing, this time they placed us in the beer garden – which was a terrific spot. The weather was kind – gentle filtered sun and no Rain, Dear – reflecting our continued excellent rapport with Jupiter and Zeus.
A goodly number joined the throng to sup on fine food, sip fine beverages and swap tall stories from the year just finishing – the more sipping, the taller the stories. And from what we heard, there must have been a lot of sipping.
Several hours later, well-wined and dined and a little Red-nosed, we Donned our hats and sped like a Comet to Fitzroy High School for our familiar show-and-tell picture session. No Olive-backed orioles or Sunbirds this year, but plenty of birds playing Cupid and showing Vixenish behavior.
Our group had obviously Dashed through bushlands and Blitzed seashores all over the country, and beyond, to collect a fine photographic smorgasbord of fabulous feathered photos. All this, followed by a delicious supper and a well-earned cuppa – a year well-ended.
Sadly, once again, Rudolf couldn’t join us due to prior commitments. Oh well, there’s always next year.
To everyone, have a happy festive season and excellent birding in 2020!
Eastern Curlew – Andrew Browne
Letter-winged Kite – Anthea Fleming
Black Swan – Bridget Gardner
Cockatiel – Catherine Noone
Black Swan – Craig Hogan
Kagu – Ian Wilson
Eastern Bristlebird – Jill Wilson
Fairy Martin – John Van Doorn
Eastern Osprey – John Bosworth
Superb Fairy-wren – John Young
Eastern Yellow Robin – Linda Waters
Splendid Fairy-wren – Margaret Bosworth
Royal Spoonbill – Meryle Findlay
Great Egret – Peter Bennet
Little Egret – Michiko Iida
Crimson Chat – Mike Gage
Brown Thornbill – Phil Marley
Australasian Swamphen – Gaynor Robson
Crimson Chat – Ruth Ault
Brown Thornbill – Sonja Frei
Zebra Finch – Stephen Garth
Little Bee-eater – Steve Waller
Gang-gang Cockatoo – Sue Wilson
At Wibenduck – Vik Dunis
birdlifemelbphotography 