Beauty takes time to emerge

Can always count on Crimson Finch (Neochmia phaeton) for local colour in Tyto. Little beauties brightening most days, rain of shine. 

Sometimes, though, outer beauty takes time to emerge.

Also taking plenty of time to emerge, Australian Little Bittern (Ixobrychus dubius). Tucked away in the scleria for most of this year, male came out a few days ago.

May be visible more often between now and Xmas, a period when I think males can be in tussles for territory. 

In the meantime here's hoping for closer emergences and better luck with bigger prey.  

Long Little Bittern neck from long way with long lens

Australian Little Bittern (Ixobrychus dubius) stretches his long neck toward breakfast in Tyto's main lagoon. Missed subsequent strike. But picture worth noting: Canon 5DIII from 70 metres, with 1.4 and 2.0 converters stacked on 400mm lens, for 1120mm. Extremely fiddly, sensitive manual focus in live view. Wifi shutter release.

Much easier shooting Salty down the road at Cattle Creek from half the distance.  

Distance far from only problem posed

Happy run of Australian Little Bittern (Ixobrychus dubius) sightings for two mornings. Much successful fishing action, though from about 60 metres away so not so great photographically. And no way short of boat to get closer. Anyone got a 600mm lens to spare?

Elsewhere in Tyto the birds have been persisting in popping up on perches short of ideal. Thus, Rainbow Bee-eater (Merops ornatus), definitely not poster-perfect. 

Australian Reed-Warbler (Acrocephalus australis) lands on the wrong stem.

Tawny Grassbird (Megalurus timoriensis) won't quit the guava tangles.

And White-throated Gerygone (Gerygone albogularis) too high and mighty to pose at my level. But I love 'em all anyway.
Click pix to enlarge  

Wanderers wee way off wonderful

Ugly ducklings seldom transform as sexy swans. But sodden bird above will, fate willing, one day be a wonderful Wandering Whistling-Duck (Dendrocygna arcuata).

Might be asking a lot of fate for all 20-plus in this mob on the main Tyto lagoon yesterday to reach maturity. Hard, too, to keep track of them as pink lotus takes over much of the lagoon. Do my best. 

Did my best to capture this female Australian Little Bittern (Ixobrychus dubius) as she flew with shrill calls from scleria and crossed the lagoon in front of me the other day. Missed - as Max Smart would say - by just 'that' much.
Click pix to enlarge