bird photos #2
Dear Ciara,
I’ve spent the last couple of weeks patiently sitting in my garden, mostly beneath the lemon tree, waiting for birds to arrive. Birdwatching, it seems, requires significance patience. Some birds have finally begun to use the bird feeder—namely sparrows and munias—but I have yet to photograph them. Instead, let me present you with a variety of other shots from my garden and the surrounding suburb. Some you’ve seen before; others are new faces.
Olive-Backed Sunbird
I finally managed to snap some photos of sunbirds. They are perhaps the most loved bird in all of Tropical Queensland. I think they’re Olive-Backed Sunbirds, but I’m not entirely sure. My ability to identify species is still in its infancy. The photo below is of a glorious male sitting in our flamebush:
I also caught some snaps of a female in the lime tree. I particularly like the second one.
Black Butcherbird
I think this is the main, if not the only butcherbird species we get up here. They are named for their macabre habit of hanging their prey from branches like a butcher hanging in meat in his shop. A bit ominous, but still a gorgeous bird.
Hornbill Friarbird
I finally managed to snap a photo of a friarbird. I hadn't seen one in the callistemon tree out front in ages. I think it is a Hornbill Friarbird, but I may be wrong.
Red-Tailed Black Cockatoo
I’ve been taking my camera out at dusk, as this is an excellent time for birding. In a local park near my house, I came across a flock of black cockatoos. Managed to get a couple of nice photos. I love parrots—they have such a distinct intelligence behind their eyes.
Australian White Ibis
Yes, the infamous Australian bin-chickens visit my garden too. You can tell when one has arrived because they emit a strange honking sound.
Graceful Honeyeater
Caught him playing peekaboo. Very cute.
White-Bellied Cuckooshrike
This was a surprise! I’d seen cuckooshrikes in town, but never in my own garden. Here is a photo of him perched on the neighbour’s roof:
Willie-Wagtail
And, of course, another photo of Willie. In this one, he is sitting atop a bamboo pole in the back garden bed, looking rather distinguished.
The song for today is:
Y Môr — Anelog
Some music yn Gymraeg to fill your day.
Love,
The Gardener