Tuesday, May 8, 2012

WORLD BIRD WEDNESDAY - A Mixed Bag


My first morning at Wirrialpa Station in the North Flinders Ranges, 
I fully expected to be a flop.
I was out there as the sun rose and nothing stirred at all. As my 
hands got colder, my camera got heavier and suddenly there they 
were, a Variegated Fairy-Wren (female), Malurus lamberti 
with a pretty iridescent pale blue tail.


A young male coming into colour,


just see how tiny it is against the leaves


and miracle of miracles, a mature male in mating plumage whom 
I almost missed in sheer excitement. I only got one shot at him and
this blur was it.


If you can imagine anything smaller still, here is a Chestnut-rumped
Thornbill, Acanthiza uropygialis, the tiniest of tiny cuties.


Just check out those soulful little eyes!


This Hall's Babbler, Pomatostomus halii, in contrast, is almost the 
size of a blackbird.


They have quite a long sharp and strong beak.


And lastly, a Singing Honeyeater hiding in the bushes.


This was just my first morning's birding, there are many more to come . . .

43 comments:

  1. Hi Arija...finally getting to comment on yours...been trying to get back in the grove!! ; }
    I love seeing these birds, and the V Fairy-Wren is adorable..so tiny ...to bad your only got the blur ...it must be beautiful!!
    They are all just lovely ,such a good variety you was able to get shots of !! Love some of there names ; }
    Grace

    ReplyDelete
  2. Oh Arija -- you must have been ecstatic to see all these birds -- I just about am looking at your pictures. Can't believe how you got the eye in that teeny tiny little one! What a fabulous birding day and equally fabulous pictures. Thanks!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Love the colors of those tiny birds. You got some great shots.

    ReplyDelete
  4. such pretties! i like the fairy wren in color, shape and name! :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. Such lovely, delightful birds, Arija! I love your captures for the day!!

    Sylvia

    ReplyDelete
  6. Arija, how wonderful! I love that name.."Fairy Wren!" I am thinking of you today while I do housework. It is damp and chilly today with off and on showers. I did read your message about your sister's birthday. Just want you to know I am sending you my love and a big hug!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Beautiful birds! Really nice shots!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Nice post! Great pictures!
    Happy World Bird Wednesday!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Such tiny, pretty birds! The mating plumage is spectacular!!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Arija!
    There is nothing quite like being in the moment, camera in hand, when the birds are jumping about. Your Fairy wren is spectacular! I can't wait to see what else you caught in your expert lens. These are tough shots wonderfully taken!
    Cheers!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Beautiful series!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.

    ReplyDelete
  12. They are all lovely Arija but the colourful little Wren is amazing to see.... and another newbie for me.
    Hugs Drew x

    ReplyDelete
  13. Sometimes I sigh reading your posts because not only are they wonderful photographic images, your knowledge of flora and fauna is INCREDIBLE!!! Oh my, if that was me, I will just describe it as "A baby bird" and "Oh this one has color." Thank God for the passionate ones who study. Hope you are well. TSUP!

    ReplyDelete
  14. A great series of birds and perfect for your first morning!

    ReplyDelete
  15. I share the moments that you had with these shots - the split second and its gone, and sometimes the blurred one is part of the day! not as good as the portrait but no less earned

    Dave

    ReplyDelete
  16. Beautiful captures of these little birds.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Great bird sightings, Arija! I love the cute male fairy wren. He is a beauty. Thanks for sharing your world birds, they are all new to me.

    ReplyDelete
  18. What lovely, tiny birds - great shots!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Too bad that picture turned out to be blurred.These are pretty birds.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Even though it is blurred, I can see those brilliant colors. Love the little birds.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Very beautiful shots of birds. The little blue color makes it interesting.

    ReplyDelete
  22. You've captured the tiny birds so beautifully. Thanks for sharing!

    Shantana

    ReplyDelete
  23. Beautiful picture series you run.
    Wishing you a good day.
    Hanne Bente / hbt.finus.dk

    ReplyDelete
  24. Wonderful captures! What a delightful way to start the day.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Wonderful series of the tiny birds!
    :)

    ReplyDelete
  26. Great shots, Arija! The Fairy Wrens are so tiny - must have been hard to capture.

    ReplyDelete
  27. ooohhhh that fairy wren!! what a beautiful collection!!

    ReplyDelete
  28. How thrilling, Arija! Fabulous photos of this tiny bird!

    ReplyDelete
  29. Beautiful series of cute little birds. I love the Variagated Fairy Wrens.

    ReplyDelete
  30. gorgeous little birds. And you managed to get shots. Lovely aand thanks for sharing them.

    ReplyDelete
  31. Arija, such tiny, wee, little birds they are and oh such lovely ones too. Your larger birds were quite the catch as well, but oh for the perfection of those tiny ones, with the beautiful eyes, love them all! Hugs~

    ReplyDelete
  32. I showed a shag, I also saw them on the Gold Coast

    ReplyDelete
  33. The Wren looks so small. How cute!

    ReplyDelete
  34. What a wonderfully colorful variety of birds!

    ReplyDelete
  35. OK, OK, now I really am jealous!

    The wrens are great.

    Stewart M

    ReplyDelete
  36. Fantastic photographs. I am greeting

    ReplyDelete