Sunday, May 10, 2009

Crimson helps beat the grey


Can't beat a Crimson Finch (Neochmia phaeton) to provide a touch of colour when the skies go grey over Tyto (and much of coastal Queensland for a week!). Though mature birds are no longer at their breeding plumage finest, when seen up close (above) the red depth is a revelation.


Not much red yet for this immature Crimson.


No red, either, for female Little Bronze-Cuckoo (Chalcites minutillus), though ID is easier if red eye ring of the male is showing. Above female was accompanied by an extremely plain unbarred specimen, possibly a juvenile nearing independence.


Nothing red about this White-browed Robin (Poecilodryas superciliosa). However it showed welcome readiness to sit around low in an Euodia.


Finally, a holdover from bluer days, Union Jack (Delia mysis) spend a rare moment on a swamp lily. Plenty of the butterflies around, not usually much interest in flowers on the water. 

7 comments:

  1. Fantastic photos again. The crimson finch and the butterfly are very special!

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  2. Wow, great photos - can I come and stay at your place please :)
    Cheers!

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  3. A brilliant splash of colour indeed and much appreciated on these grey, wet days. Excellent photos Tony. Maybe we'll have some sun by mid week?

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  4. Wow Tony,
    Great stuff. How close did you have to be for the shot of the crimson? Are they shy in the wild?
    I just love the variety you get up there.
    Gouldiae.

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  5. Hi all and thanks for viewing.

    Pretty close, Gouldiae. About 2 metres. Pic is close to full frame depth. Yes, they are shy, but less so than many other finches and mannikins.

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  6. Great Shots! I will be back to see more. I aspire to get some shots like that on my blog. I would love a visit from you with some help in improving if you don't mind.

    Dave

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