Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Too close to gorgeous

Came upon this male Olive-backed Sunbird (Nectarinia jugularis) up a bit too close for 300mm lens and 1.4x converter yesterday.

So images are rather soft. And tongue was too quick. But gorgeous is gorgeous. Right?

Also found Cotton Pygmy-goose (Nettapus coromandelianus) twosome (male, left, chasing female) - seldom seen singly in Tyto; rarer still paired - feeding and squabbling among themselves and two Green Pygmy-geese (Nettapus pulchellus).

Easy at a distance (and more so in poor light) to confuse Cottons (front) and Greens (rear). Safest guide often pattern on birds' flanks.

And here's a surprise. Not! Birds Cottons turned up day after I advised visitors of their rarity in the wetlands. Almost enough to make one talk of lack of Dodos, in hope they'll magic into being just to prove one wrong!

Updates: Comb-crested Jacana still on four eggs. Shining Flycatchers still on ? eggs.


5 comments:

mick said...

Definitely gorgeous! Interesting photo too of the two kinds of Pygmy-geese.

Duncan said...

Tony, if I give up bird photography it will be all your fault. Went out yesterday and came home with one picture of a magpie.....

Mosura said...

Gorgeous? - Yes! Love the iridescent feathers in the first shot.

Tyto Tony said...

Thanks Mick. Good to get them close for comparison.

Hi Duncan: you're not alone in those sorts of days. If you really want to give up, try matching any of Ofer Levy's pix on BirdingOz.

Hi alan: Right! Can't beat gorgets for gorgeous.

Andy said...

What can I say? Another great set!

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