Still no worthwhile flight picture of a Sacred Kingfisher, in spite of another hour chasing three of them in Tyto today. Consolation prize is the rather painterly image above. Just an ordinary shot, post-processed normally. But the bird is so perfectly groomed it looks to me rather like a fussy watercolour.
Couldn't get near this Little Kingfisher as it worked the edges of a large creek pool today. With luck there'll be plenty of chances to get closer to the newcomer in coming days. The bird's quick-fire dives for tiny fish show that some clarity is emerging near the surface of the silt-laden waters.
Think this dragonfly is Austrogomphus prasinus. Not showing this just to boast of hand-holding 672mm= lens at two metres, nor to attract Duncan's attention to one of his beloved odos. No, no, no. Look closely at that lovable face. Remind you of a notable politician? A. johnhowardus? Or am I seeing things?
Great photos again. Isn't it strange that sometimes birds look perfect - just as in the books - but most of the time they seem to be grooming feathers, fluffing them out, and definitely looking less than perfect!
ReplyDeleteG'day Tony,
ReplyDeleteI love that first shot. The plumage looks like it was done with brush strokes - very nice.
Gouldiae
Hi Mick: It is paradoxical that photographs of birds seldom are so helpful as field guide drawings when IDing birds. My 'flat' photo is the sort of exception proving the rule.
ReplyDeleteHi Gouldiae: Indeed. It's differently better than I first thought. Might work on it a bit more.
You're not seeing things! LOL.
ReplyDelete