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:

mick said...

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

Charlie Moores said...

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

Boobook said...

Excellent photos Tony.

Anonymous said...

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?

Gouldiae said...

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.

Tyto Tony said...

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.

DDolan said...

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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