Bintel 礼品卡
点击这里
点击这里
Birds, Lenses, Queensland Skies
Amanda - Avian Adventures Australia
From coastal wetlands to tropical gardens, rich birdlife met world-class photography conditions
Our latest photography adventure took us from the lush tropics of Cairns to the open landscapes of Rockhampton, stopping at some of Queensland’s most productive and accessible birding locations. Each destination offered something different for the camera, from raptors soaring overhead to jewel-toned nectar feeders darting through blossoms.
Locations Visited
Cairns Esplanade
A globally recognised shorebird site, this was the perfect starting point. The changing tides drew in waders, terns, and sunbirds, all within close range of footpaths. Soft morning light and wet reflections made this an ideal place to test exposure balancing and quick focusing.
Centenary Lakes and Cairns Botanic Gardens
Dense tropical foliage, still lakes, and flowering corridors provided a dynamic setting for fast-moving birds. Lighting was dappled and challenging, but the variety of species made it worth the effort. This is a fantastic place to work on manual exposure in changing conditions.
Cattana Wetlands
A quiet oasis of boardwalks and native vegetation north of Cairns. This location rewarded those who slowed down and watched carefully. Waterbirds, insect hunters, and even sunbathing reptiles made appearances, often framed by soft reflections and open skies.
Atherton Tablelands
Higher altitude brought a welcome drop in temperature and a shift in species. Open paddocks, misty rainforest edges, and long vistas allowed for landscape-friendly compositions, perfect for raptor spotting and wide-angle environmental shots.
Townsville Botanic Gardens
Well-landscaped and easy to navigate, this garden allowed for low ISO shooting in open shade. Flowering trees attracted sunbirds and lorikeets, while the open lawns made for excellent thick-knee photography in the evening.
Mackay Botanic Gardens
A peaceful regional stop with rewilded sections and excellent boardwalk access. Starlings, sunbirds, and bush thick-knees were the highlights here, with calm morning conditions and great light for backlit shots.
Rockhampton Botanic Gardens and Zoo
This location offered both wild and captive subjects, with a surprising number of urban-adapted birds blending into the manicured gardens. The resident Bush Thick-knees provided excellent opportunities for low-light, full-body portraits.
Bonus Stop: Rockhampton Zoo
Located within the Rockhampton Botanic Gardens, the Rockhampton Zoo is a hidden gem, and best of all, entry is completely free. The zoo is seamlessly connected to the gardens, meaning visitors can wander between exotic plantings and native animals without ever leaving the park.
This council-run zoo focuses on conservation and education, housing over 60 species of animals. For photographers, it offers an opportunity to practice portrait techniques, test long lenses in low-light enclosures, and photograph both native and exotic subjects at close range.
- The zoo is home to Tasmanian Devils, Koalas, Wombats, and a vibrant aviary full of parrots and finches.
- Chimpanzees are a major attraction, with one of the most successful breeding groups in regional Australia.
- Many enclosures are designed to be barrier-free or use low fencing, giving photographers cleaner sightlines for natural-looking shots.
- It is one of the few free zoos in the country where you can photograph both native species and exotic animals in a lush, botanic setting.
Sahul Sunbird (Cinnyris frenatus)
Identification
- Male: Bright yellow underparts with a glossy blue-black head, throat, and upper chest.
- Female: Duller olive-brown upperparts with yellow underparts and a white throat.
- Size: Approximately 12 cm in length.
Range and Habitat
Found across northern Australia, including coastal Queensland, the Northern Territory, and parts of the Kimberley. They inhabit mangroves, monsoon forests, and gardens, often near flowering plants.
Behaviour
Sahul Sunbirds are active and agile, feeding on nectar and insects. They are often seen hovering near flowers or perching briefly before darting to the next bloom. Males are territorial and may display aggressive behaviour to defend feeding areas.
Photography Tips
- Approach: Observe from a distance to avoid disturbing their feeding.
- Camera Settings:
- Shutter Speed: 1/3200 sec or faster
- Aperture: f/5.6 to f/6.3
- ISO: 800 to 1600
- Timing: Early morning or late afternoon.
- Behavioural Observation: Look for hover pauses before landing.
Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus banksia)
Identification
- Male: Glossy black plumage with bright red panels in the tail.
- Female: Duller black with yellow spots on the head, neck, and wings; orange-yellow barring on the breast and tail.
- Size: Approximately 55–60 cm in length; wingspan up to 110 cm.
- Weight: Males 670–900g; females 615–920g.
Range and Habitat
Distributed across northern, western, and eastern Australia, inhabiting eucalyptus forests, woodlands, grasslands, and riparian zones.
Behaviour
Highly social, often in pairs or flocks. Loud, distinctive calls. Feed on seeds, flowers, nectar, and occasionally insects. Often found in post-fire landscapes.
Photography Tips
- Approach: Keep at least 30m distance to avoid disturbance.
- Camera Settings:
- Shutter Speed: 1/2000 to 1/3200 sec
- Aperture: f/7.1 to f/9
- ISO: 400 to 800
- Timing: Early morning or late afternoon.
- Behavioural Observation: Anticipate feeding and flight patterns.
Osprey (Pandion haliaetus)
Identification
- Dark brown upperparts with white underparts and head.
- Distinctive dark eye stripe.
- Size: 55–58 cm in length; wingspan up to 180 cm.
Range and Habitat
Common near Australian coasts, rivers, lakes, and estuaries. Frequently nest on power poles and towers.
Behaviour
Expert fish hunters. Dive feet-first into water. Often carry fish headfirst during flight.
Photography Tips
- Approach: Use telephoto lens to maintain distance.
- Camera Settings:
- Shutter Speed: 1/2500 to 1/3200 sec
- Aperture: f/7.1 to f/8
- ISO: 400 to 1000
- Timing: Early morning for best action.
- Behavioural Observation: Look for hovering before dives.
Wedge-tailed Eagle (Aquila audax)
Identification
- Dark brown to black plumage with wedge-shaped tail.
- Fully feathered legs.
- Size: 85–106 cm in length; wingspan up to 2.5 m.
Range and Habitat
Widespread across Australia and Tasmania. Found in open country, mountain ranges, and roadsides.
Behaviour
Soar on thermals for hours. Often seen feeding on roadkill or perched in trees. Juveniles are lighter brown than adults.
Photography Tips
- Approach: Stay distant to avoid stress.
- Camera Settings:
- Shutter Speed: 1/2000 sec
- Aperture: f/7.1 to f/9
- ISO: 400 to 800
- Timing: Midday when thermals are strongest.
- Behavioural Observation: Look for circling motion to track flight.
Metallic Starling (Aplonis metallica)
Identification
- Glossy black plumage with green sheen.
- Bright red eyes and forked tail.
- Size: Approximately 20 cm.
Range and Habitat
Occurs in northern Queensland between Mackay and Cape York. Lives in tropical forests and woodlands.
Behaviour
Social birds seen in flocks. Feed on fruit and insects. Known for loud, chattering calls.
Photography Tips
- Approach: Use natural cover to avoid spooking.
- Camera Settings:
- Shutter Speed: 1/1600 to 1/2500 sec
- Aperture: f/5.6 to f/6.3
- ISO: 800 to 1600 under canopy
- Timing: Early or late in the day for best light.
- Behavioural Observation: Anticipate movement in flocks.
Bush Thick-knee (Burhinus grallarius)
Identification
- Grey-brown plumage with dark streaks.
- Large yellow eyes and long legs.
- Size: ~55 cm long; wingspan ~1 metre.
Range and Habitat
Common across most of mainland Australia. Found in grasslands, bushland, parks, and urban spaces.
Behaviour
Nocturnal and highly camouflaged. Motionless during day, active at dusk. Often roost in pairs in urban areas.
Photography Tips
- Approach: Use red/diffused light at night.
- Camera Settings:
- Shutter Speed: 1/400 sec at dusk
- Aperture: f/2.8 to f/4
- ISO: 3200 to 6400
- Timing: Evening or night for best activity.
- Behavioural Observation: Shoot at eye level for impact.
Summary
From the Esplanade in Cairns to the gardens of Rockhampton, this tour highlighted just how varied and rewarding bird photography in Queensland can be. Photographing Sahul Sunbirds tested our speed and precision as they darted through tangled vegetation. Learning to work with fast-moving birds in unpredictable light became a skill we refined daily. Large raptors gave us the opportunity to slow down and observe flight patterns, adjust to their rhythms, and anticipate movement before even lifting the camera. Metallic Starlings reminded us how much light and angle can affect colour and contrast, while the Bush Thick-knee encouraged patience, low-light control, and a more thoughtful approach to framing and distance.
This wasn’t just about adding species to a list. It was about building confidence, responding to changing field conditions, and learning how to capture birds with clarity, respect, and intent. Whether photographing in full sun or fading light, Queensland gave us a reason to stay focused and keep shooting. We returned with stronger skills, deeper awareness, and a renewed respect for the birds we share these landscapes with.
Extra Photography Tips
- Use manual exposure or auto ISO with a locked shutter/aperture for consistent results when the bird flies across different backgrounds.
- Underexpose by -0.3 to -1.0 EV in bright conditions to preserve feather detail, especially on pale or white birds.
- Shoot at eye level or slightly below to avoid harsh angles and keep the wings in a natural line.