Olive-Backed Oriole

Coorongooba Campground is located in the Wollemi National Park, which is situated in the Central Tablelands region of New South Wales. The park is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and photographers. The Olive-Backed Oriole can be spotted in the park during the breeding season, which typically runs from September to January.

When photographing the Olive-Backed Oriole, it’s important to remember that these birds are quite shy and can be difficult to approach. However, with patience and a little bit of luck, you can capture some stunning photos of these beautiful birds. Here are some tips to help you get started:

Before you begin your photography session, take some time to scout the area and look for signs of the Olive-Backed Oriole. These birds are often found near the river or stream, so look for areas with plenty of trees and foliage. You may also want to listen for their distinctive call, which is a series of clear whistles.

To capture clear and detailed photos of the Olive-Backed Oriole, it’s highly recommended that you use a telephoto lens. (Leave your phone in your pocket!) This will allow you to get close-up shots of the bird without disturbing it. A lens with a focal length of at least 600mm is ideal for photographing birds. In my case I used the Sony 70-200mm G Master II with the Sony 2x Teleconverter that gave me 400mm reach. Some post processing cropping gave me the result I wanted.

Photographing wildlife requires a lot of patience, and the Olive-Backed Oriole is no exception. It may take some time for the bird to come into view, so be prepared to wait. Once you’ve spotted the bird, stay still and quiet to avoid scaring it away. I kept my distance which meant my images needed cropping to get the desired result, but I avoided disturbing the subject.

The Olive-Backed Oriole is an active bird, and capturing it in action can make for some stunning photos. Try to capture the bird in flight or perched on a branch, singing or feeding its young. These types of shots can add depth and interest to your photos. This of course requires a lot of patience, and down by the river at Coorongooba there is not a lot of light, so you will be shooting high ISO to get action shots.

Photographing the Olive-Backed Oriole near the river in the Coorongooba Campground is an excellent opportunity for nature enthusiasts and photographers. By following these tips and being patient, you can capture some stunning photos of these beautiful birds.