Standing up for oneself widely admired, but not so desirable for bird picture - as evidenced by this Chestnut-breasted Mannikin (Lonchura castaneothorax) in Tyto today. An upright avian citizen indeed. More generally, immature flocks of mannikins are starting to gather. Soon there'll be groups of 40-50 young birds foraging amid the seeding grasses.
In past years Rainbow Bee-eaters (Merops ornatus) also have gathered in large flocks. But not in the wetlands recently. Have almost given up hope of decent aerial shots.
Even more limited exercise of capturing birds with intact tail-shafts showing clearly has proved trickier than expected. Who said practice makes perfect?
Shining Flycatchers persisting with nest today. Noticed male's only role is to chase Wille Wagtails away. Appears to do nothing toward building.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
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...
-
Feet-first attack kicks off fighting flurry between Intermediate Egrets in Townsville Town Common Conservation Park. But aggressor ended up ...
-
White-faced Heron stands up and begs picture be taken at Tyto. The birds can develop some trust in people, but I've never found any aro...
-
Big Water Python wraps up Grey Teal in middle of Rowes Bay Lagoon, Townsville, this morning. Slowly but surely the snake stretches mouth ov...
6 comments:
That mannikin looks as though it was defying you to take a photo. You wait until the gang's together!
The oldies seldom get around in gangs big enough to scare me. (This is a first: almost live comment within my alloted hour at Ingham library!)
Very nice images of the Bee-eaters. Are they resident all year round?
The Mannikin is a little beauty. There are so many birds I still have to see.
That's a smart looking Mannikin - certainly no dummy ;-)
Hi Mark: They'll mostly head off north when it gets colder. A few stick around, but closer to the coast.
Hi Mick: So many to see, so little time.
Hi Mosura: A model of rectitude!
Post a Comment