Photos 1 - 10

Masked lapwing: This shot was taken on my birthday while I REALLY was just experimenting with auto settings on my brand new camera. The surprise was seeing plovers (masked lapwings) on the beach J.

Striated heron: I had been watching this heron being harassed by pee-wees (magpie larks) and finally it settled on this mangrove branch … the best bit was the next shot … 

Striated heron: Every now and again you are very fortunate J. This is absolutely not touched up in any way (& no electric shock applied) … I just happened to click my shutter when a puff of wind blew across the water from behind the heron – same bird, same spot as the last photo & no more harassment!

White-faced heron: Love to just do what the heron is doing … wait and watch and notice movement to catch … the heron, however, is far more graceful and far quicker to react! Also looks much better than me in the mirror J.

Welcome swallow: Could not believe a swallow possessed such beautiful colours. This day I learned by taking time to observe the flight patterns, on windy days they like to rest on the sheltered side (leeward) after their airborne feasts on bugs. This one has a bib to catch any morsels J.

Bush-stone curlew: Had the good fortune to be called to a “rescue” of this curlew in the University Plaza. Managed to capture a view while being carefully checked out through a gap in a hedge. Wonderful feather textures and translucent eye. Turned out to be a false rescue … he was just fine, if a little lost.

Little corella: Driving along the river bank to South Ballina this tree by the road was full of corellas taking a rest. The light was fantastic clearly contrasting the pastels of the bird with the stronger tones of the tree and clear blue sky. Nature at her best J.

Osprey: Nature at her best again … a disdainful look from on high making sure I was no threat J. A reminder that we are mere humans who need to respect our place because “you can’t do this!” The contrast of the fluffy cloud and clear blue sky enhances the sense of updraft & gracefulness of flight.

Sacred kingfisher: Mr Reliable … often noticed in flight and watching patiently in the mangroves by the wall for any movement below. The shades through turquoise and buff breast feathers are finery to behold … here a soft sunlight enhances with iridescence.

Red-browed finch: What an end to another wonderful sojourn at Eltham Pantry. A pair from a flock feasting on pecan shells in a bin of caught with a watchful pose in afternoon light. The vibrancy of their plumage shines.