Forest Kingfishers (Todiramphus macleayii) dominate the fenceline on the entry to Tyto these mornings. Not yet seeing 10-20 poised on posts, but 5-6 birds within 30 metres a common sight. Caterpillars from amid dewy grasses are the prime prey. Two problems: kingfishers are alert and shy, so don't like closeups; kingfishers persist in sitting on manmade structures. Sorry about that!
Beautiful! I know they are around here in some places but so far all I can photograph are Sacreds.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous! But are there any caterpillars left at Tyto? Won't somebody think of the caterpillars?
ReplyDeleteHi Mick: Look to forest fringes, and nest sites in arboreal termite nests.
ReplyDeleteHi Snail: Kingfishers think of little else at times!
I'm neutral: if ever a caterpillar attacks a kingfisher, rest assured I'll cheer it on.
Love Kingfishers. Always brightens my day when I see a photo of one. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteG'day Tony,
ReplyDeleteNice series of a beaut bird. Nothing wrong with it sitting on a man made structure in my book. Doing so often provides a nice differentiation.
Regards,
Gouldiae
Great work, Tony.
ReplyDeleteHaving missed a photo of an Azure Kingfisher, I was discussing with David the skill and patience which you demonstrate with your photos of that Kingfisher. And now you've gone and done it again, with the Forest Kingfisher!
The caterpillars look like once which are a pest in grass crops, and so are introduced here anyway. Go the Kingfishers, I say!
Denis
Hi PYSL: Pleased you liked them. I'm lucky having them all to myself: no hordes with humongous lenses here in Ingham.
ReplyDeleteGidday Gouldiae: Doesn't every tractor user love posts, star pickets and No. 8 wire? ;-)
Hi Denis: Less skill than many hours' opportunities. You're right about the caterpillars; much of the grass is also introduced!
Hi Tony, Lovely to see your beautiful images of Forest Kingfisher and delightful to read all the positive comments. Sometimes the beauty of these birds is overlooked just because they are more easily seen than the more secretive Little K.
ReplyDeleteCheers
Barbara