Ending July back on the coast (2019)

Venturing north to visit my dad who was having another stint in a Gold Coast hospital, we had the good fortune to be located on the upper levels of a high rise overlooking the Broadwater near the Southport ocean entrance close to Labrador. These first images offer an realtively unusual perspective being able to look "at", or even down on, some sea birds. This offers some terrific views of their plummage in flight.

The first shot of the osprey belies my intro but offers a neat view of the commanding perch atop a yacht mast. The upright posture seems to accentuate the "command" of being in control of its environment.

The next three absolutely convey the essence of my intro, especially the first and third ones. The second is worthy of a little more context ... while on its downward trajectory, this pelican was being harrassed by several seagulls and I just happened to snap this shot mid-manouver as it acrobatically made it's annoyance clear by physical gyration and snapping. The latter offers a great sense of the gaping jaw and flexible chin skin 😉

This next study was captured while this osprey was (clearly) very focused on activity in Shaws Bay (Ballina) from its perch atop one of the lamp posts along the wall. The beauty of this perch and the intensity of its search was the special opportunity afforded to get "right under" the post enabling the excellent close-ups. The singular focused stare, to me, is very clear in each photo of the sequence. The different head angles provide a sense that "singular focused stare" is far from fixed as the head swivels from side to side scanning a considerable volume of the bay! The ability of that beak to tear any flesh is also extremely clear! A real privilege to be this close and observe such a bird of prey on the lookout 😀

Willy wagtail being very photogenic

Superb fairy wren balancing against the wind

Next up, and finishing this post, I offer a series of "pairs" that emerged from my review of photos from July. These each struck me as I was flicking through choosing what I might include. I am pleased to share again, as I have often commented, the way even those birds we often don't notice because they are "plain" or nondescript or just "common", shine in the right setting ... "plain" is something you just have to dismiss the more closely you are able to admire birds in their natural settings.

First up is a spotted turtle dove that very obligingly did a 180 turn for me on the same perch with the water of the bay providing a nice backdrop against the shiny bright green leaves. 

Next up are two swallows soaking up the rays on the rock wall, replenshing their energy between flights, again with the water of the bay providing a wonderful backdrop for context. Each was at a different point along the wall and the different angles and dropping sun provide a contrasting colour scheme for each bird. Much more striking than the small "dark" birds  we see darting about the sky catching insects.

The next pair, playing on the interpretation of "pair", is actually the same bird, differing angles as I was heading east along the wall. These rocks are on the residential side of the narrow water of the bay at the eastern end of the bay. What is striking to me about these shots is the way this white-faced heron has its neck tucked right in as it faces the setting sun and the stiff afternoon breeze. Not to mention balancing on one leg and the quite striking soft pinkish breast plummage the light has caught. Quite a unique pose for this wading hunter!

Again playing on the interpretation of the word "pair" but in a different way ... the first photo of the superb fairy wrens is indeed a pair (male and female) while the second photo completes a "pair" for the same male superb fairy wren. This fantastic distinctive plummage is a favourite of mine to be enjoyed.

Barney Creek mostly small birds (July 2019)

A final post wrapping up this wonderful second visit to Barney Creek Vineyard Cottages featuring mostly small birds. These are always a treat to see and an even bigger treat to get some good shots of because they are so lively. Several of these are rare glimpses I have been able to add to my portfolio.

A pleasing feature for most of these was being able to capture the brids in good light rather than heavily camouflaged environments they are often noticed in.

White-cheeked honeyeater

Kookaburra pair lterally sitting in the old gum tree!

The ubiquitous willy wagtail shining on a wire.

Eastern spinebill feasting on a flower

The next three are showing off a yellow-faced honeyeater. This was a "new" treat for me and the settings and sunshine really show off the reason for the name very well. Such a treat when you m,anage nice clear shots like these showing the agility and camouflage of the same bird.

Jacky winter perched on twig

The next three show two different angles front-on of a golden whistler with the thrid showing off the olive and white wing and back feathers of this beautifully coloured bird with a gorgeous and aptly named "golden" whistle. Easy to hear, not so easy to spot when you hear them, so capturing these with such clarity was another treat for this visit!

A rare stationary grey fantail

The next two shots are of a rose robin, a new bird for me and as you can see another delightful display of colour selection by mother nature to behold. Did not quite manage to get the light right for either setting but each still provide a sense of how tiny but beutiful they are.

The next two are different views of one of my favourite wrens - the red-backed fairy wren. One among some branches into the light, the other on the ground in better light but I was not quick enough before it manged to get its beak behind the grass.

And finally, the wonderful hues on teh wings and fluffly head feathers shown off in the "right" light by this laughing kookaburra - but not in the od gum tree this time.

 

Barney Creek Peacock study (July 2019)

One sunny day 😉 ... and reviewing these images for posting reminded me just how magnificent & creative nature can be with her range of colours and poses and settings ... all we have to do is be fortunate enough and patient enough to be still and observe the moment! 

This study offers a "study" of the peacock in all its grandeur as the morning sun lights the scenes. Yes, earlier posts from this visit to Mt Barney have featured the peacock but not quite as wonderfully as this morning offered.

Enjoy (I will be very surprised if you do not)!

Perched in shadow with the lake as the backdrop

On the move, emerging to the sunshine

This next shot I love. The emergence into the sunshine peeking above the bush with the small purple flowers as additional contrast. The light was just right from the angle I was taking the photo to showcase the beautiful irridescent sheen of the blue neck and head feathers, the eye and white eye liners and the delicate "fascinator" that would proudly feature at a Melbourne Cup parade😉!

The next series show the emergence onto the lawn in the clear morning sunshine, seeking and finding a suitable place for a repose to relax and savour the rays. The range of colour speaks for itself. The final photo of the set offers a wider view of the setting reflecting the peacefulness of the position ... who would not want a position like that?

The final set is what I had hoped for and the final morning delivered. While not at all complaining, it is a pity this happened in the shaded bamboo enclosure rather than in full sun ... but I am more than grateful I noticed it happening and was able to obtain the images presented. Quite something! The first two are in full display, the third one just as it is beginning to fold back down ... if you look carefully on the third one, you can even see that peacocks cross their legs while strutting in their model mode 😊. I was also chuffed to time the first and third shots while I was being looked directly in the eye! The second one, yes, a nice profile for contrast!!