Z is for zip, zap, and azure

     

bird with black head and outstretched wings

As we were walking around Dederang (before the fires), we heard birds making a "ZZZ" sound. The sound was like a big bug zapper or a large bee. They looked like willie wagtails. I saw three gang up on a kookaburra- not typical wagtail behavior. Ebird helped figure it out. They were actually restless flycatchers. According to ebird, they make an "incomparable buzzing scissors-grinder sound". I did see them repeatedly gang up on other birds. 


In Dederang, they were also fighting the installation of a lithium battery farm:
red sign saying no lithium batteries, save kiewa valley

There was already a power plant in place and this was to be replaced by two battery set ups. The locals were really worried about fires (fair!) and battery explosions. Since most everything would be downwind/downriver, they thought the health risk unacceptable. 
 
power plant behind trees

The current power plant is already above regulated noise levels so they have to fix that before batteries could be installed. I recorded the sound but it isn't good enough to worry about. Definitely there, though. I can see the point with the health risk! I don't know where to put these but the valley seems convenient but high risk. The delay may help with more exploration and review. 

This has apparently been a cicada year in Victoria. In the mosaic park, there were cicada shells all over and a constant buzz. I recorded this one too but it didn't come through well. Enjoy this youtube one instead (more buzzing)

I thought a bird had pooped on me but it turns out they pee frequently. Since there are hundreds out right now, it was dangerous to walk under them! Gross. Wait a month. 

Finally, we found dollar birds again. These also buzz when trying to fight off other birds. I didn't manage to get one flying (you can see a nice pattern on their wings). Ebird (which can be hilarious to read) calls them heavily built and flat headed. 

two dark blue birds with flat heads and stocky bodies

At that park, we also found a different kingfisher! 

Scott has gotten very good at spotting these little birds. We have seen several of sacred kingfisher version (this one was in Hay, NSW): 

aqua backed bird with large beak

The ones at Wonga wetlands were red and blue - the azure kingfisher

bright blue back on bird with big bill

We will finish up with another version of Z's. Scout and Charlie have given up on a morning walk and are saving strength! We have been for walks for two mornings in a row and Charlie saw a pattern. We are still in Victoria (Drouin) and sitting with these two kelpies plus a cat and a bird. While some barking still occurs, I think my hearing is gradually recovering after the last sit and the high pitched yips. 
two dogs lying flat out on mats


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