With my camera in the repair shop after 10 years of faithfull service I have rediscovered the joys of wandering through the bush listening to and watching birds. No pressure to get close or find the best lighting or waiting patiently for a subject to adopt a picturesque stance. I only have one camera, a Canon 7D ii and use a Canon 100 - 400 mm zoom lense for nearly all photos. It has proved a reliable and versatile combination, has good reach because the three quarter frame sensor results in an effective 600 mm range, and good quality photos.
I have also had time for reading and research. I am still on the mailing list for the Milton - Ullladulla bird group (MUD). Last week they surveyed the LIttle Forest Plateau in Morton National Park, a site that was badly burnt in the Currowan bushfire in 2020. It has taken time for this heathland and banksia forest recover but the count last week was a joy to see. Eleven species of honeyeaters, included 100 White-naped Honeyeaters, 200 Red Wattlebirds and 500 Yellow-faced Honeyeaters!
Yellow-faced Honeyeater photographed on New South Wales south coast in 2021.