Sunday, June 7, 2009

Red backs, brows and bugbears



Chasing close encounters with Red-backed Fairy-wrens (Malurus melanocephalus) and Red-browed Finches (Neochmia temporalis) calls for ready patience and prior acceptance of probable failure.


When the birds sit still briefly it's usually within a protective mass of of shrubbery (more exactly, twiggery), or hidden away in the shadows.

And when, wonder of wonders, a male wren poses unobscured the light is so harsh red plumage detail is, sadly, swamped. But, one day ... one day ...  Hope it comes soon! 

                                  Mature (above) and juvenile (below)

9 comments:

geoff from yea said...

A couple of questions on your beautiful red-dressed birds today: Do the young male red-backed wrens go into eclipse plumage in Winter like the Fairy Wrens in our district?
And what's the story with the red-browed with no red brow? Immature?

Tyto Tony said...

Hi Geoff. Yes, pattern of eclipse seems to prevail throughout our fairy-wrens. Yes again, bottom pic is maturing juvenile.

Denis Wilson said...

Hi Tony
I have never sees such a large patch of red on a Red-backed Wren as in your first photo.
I assume the wings normally cover part of the red patch. Presumably part of a display routine to expose more red.
Great shots.
Love the baby Red-brow. Great clarity.
Cheers

Denis

Tyto Tony said...

Hi Denis: Male was preening rather than trying to impress, but you are right. Lots of red for use when they want to impress or intimidate.

Gouldiae said...

G'day Tony,
Wow, and you're not happy? I only wish!
Great birds, great shots.
Gouldiae

Anonymous said...

Yes Tony, my comments will echo Gouldiae....I think perhaps you are being too critical of your efforts. The shots are full of life and obviously lots of us are enjoying them.
Barbara

Tyto Tony said...

Thanks, but you're all just too kind.

Sally Fyfield said...

Tony, your photography is amazing. Thanks for sharing.

Tyto Tony said...

Thanks Sally. Glad you got a lot out of Kakadu. Awesome birding area!

Head up for dragonfly, head off for fish head . . .

One moment it's dragonfly trying to dance on White-bellied Sea-Eagle's head, the next it's all go for fisher's discarded fis...