Friday, October 23, 2009

Birdphotography Weekly ~ Red Wattlebirds

The Red Wattlebirds, Anthochaera carunculata, have
dramatically increased in numbers as our garden has
started to mature.



With Grevilleas flowering for many months before
the Eucalyptus trees begin, food is plentiful.



They are quite large birds, up to 33cm, and can be
extremely frightening when dive bombing my poor
antique cat.



Swooping low over her back and loudly clicking
their beaks, they do not actually harm her, but
give her one h... of a fright.



The red wattles are clearly visible in these two photos.
Wattle birds have a very loud and grating raucous call,
a very unmusical sound indeed, and are not particularly
nice to smaller birds in their vicinity.

The bird was so intent on terrorising the cat at my feet,
that I was standing no more than 2' from it, snapping
away with my camera and it did not even notice me.



There is nothing like getting up close and personal
to catch all its antics.



This year they have had an absolute population exlposion
with a whole flock inhabiting the park. I have never seen
a flock of these birds before.
The vast numbers of Galahs we have had in other years seem
to have moved elsewhere. This year for the first time we have
had Crows and Wattlebirds vieing for nesting space with
the large numbers of resident Magpies.
For more birds around the world, click on the Logo and enjoy.

23 comments:

  1. Quite an interesting bird Arija.You have gotten some great shots of it. We have Tree Swallows here that dive bomb my cats too clicking their beaks, and will terrorize them until the cats finally go hide.

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  2. Looking forward to your oak story. Thank you for the compliment about my unacorn beret.

    I first read anout wattle birds two years ago from another Australian bird blogger. I know they like banksia (bottlebrush) tree, named after Joseph Banks who did an absolutely beautiful botanical illustration of the tree.

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  3. It is wonderful to learn about the birds in your part of the world.Many are so different than ours.The wattles are a unique adornment.Thanks.
    Blessings,Ruth

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  4. I like the banksia much better and I know you would correct me. Hahah! I have not heard of Ferdinand buy I would like to chjeck out his works.

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  5. I do love learning about the birds in your area and, of course, I love your photos! This one is a real delight, Arija! Had me smiling as I thought of the cat!!

    Have a lovely day!

    Sylvia

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  6. a striking looking bird and it seems he is very entertaining to everyone but the cat.

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  7. These are excellent images Arija. Too bad the cat had to be harrassed for these. The red wattles look like big earrings. Also like the red blooms on the tree. Sure is nice to see such color in your part of the world.

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  8. I think they are handsome birds but I am sorry they like to dive bomb your poor cat. I guess the red wattlebirds and your cat both have their jobs to do. ;-)

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  9. I think they are beautiful. I kept looking to see where they were red and you didn't disappoint.

    Love Renee xoxox

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  10. What an attractive bird - red wattles are just the thing to brighten up the 3-piece pinstripe suit!

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  11. It is great to see that the land is again providing food for wild life after the drought. I am so excited to hear about your goslings. You will put up photos and let me live vicariously. I do love geese.. Michelle

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  12. Brilliant photographs Arija. I wish we had such magnificent birds. However, I did see a kingfisher on our beck today, his chestnut breast shining in the sunlight just caught my eye. Have a good weekend.

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  13. Great photos and their antics look fun, but, I am sorry for the poor cat!

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  14. such a lovely bird, I love the red wattles.... wonderful that you get to watch these beauties.

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  15. I have only ever heard of this... it is an intersting looking bird.. I will look it up later.. You managed to capture some great shots which I am so glad you shared.

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  16. The Grevillea does seem to have eyes only for your poor cat! It is absolutely standing on its head for better viewing. The tail feathers are so long.

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  17. Nature in my area is beginning it's ritual of hibernation and slumber. Yours is just opening it's eyes to the sunshine and joy's of spring. Same world different view. I love your photo's of the birds and spring. Foraging and feeding, new life coming. It's been a wonderful visit. I'll be back again soon. Blessings to you and yours. Love and Light, Nina P

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  18. And I thought cats were supposed to terrorize birds? What do I know. It's a beauty of a bird.

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  19. Great bird and shots.
    Congrats.
    Thanks for share them.
    Luiz Ramos

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  20. Wonderful shots of the birds and an interesting post. Thanks for letting me know your sutter's gold is a climber. Now I know the name of my rose!

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  21. That wattlebird sounds and behaves like a great-tailed grackle around here. They take over the parks and parking lots in the city as well as agricultural fields. They make loud and racuous whistles and chirps that pierce your ears! What interesting coloring with the spots in its under-tail and its yellow belly! Those red whattles hanging down are quite the adornment!

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  22. More beautiful photos Arija. What a big bird that Wattlebird is and how striking. It sounds like our magpie and behaves like them too. They terrorise the smaller birds and steal eggs and chicks from their nests.

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