The Buff Banded Rail (Gallirallus philippensis) is a pretty common bird on Lord Howe Island - it was pretty much the 'bird of the trip' in terms of it being seen almost everywhere, and certainly everyday.
They are fast, ground dwellers although they are not flightless. Most evenings we could watch them dashing about in the garden beds outside of our room.
The scientific name of the bird refers to where the species was first described by western science - ie The Phillipines. These birds always brought a smile (not that I was not smiling most of the time I was on LHI!) to my face with their high speed energy and their tendency to get upset with almost every living thing they saw!
I wish I had some in my garden!
They are fast, ground dwellers although they are not flightless. Most evenings we could watch them dashing about in the garden beds outside of our room.
The scientific name of the bird refers to where the species was first described by western science - ie The Phillipines. These birds always brought a smile (not that I was not smiling most of the time I was on LHI!) to my face with their high speed energy and their tendency to get upset with almost every living thing they saw!
I wish I had some in my garden!
As ever, to join in with WBW click on the blue button below the thumbnails.
Feel free to spread the word about our little birding community in 2019. SM.
They have such a striking facial pattern! Such interesting and energetic birds!
ReplyDeleteLovely pictures Stewart... Interesting coloring and feather pattern on this little bird. Nice series..Hope you are having a good week..
ReplyDeleteHari Om
ReplyDeleteFabulous shots of a fiesty wee feathery! I love the one of it stepping off the log. YAM xx
These are super photographs Stewart. Thanks for hosting and have a great week ahead.
ReplyDeleteOh, wow! What a gorgeous bird!
ReplyDeleteStriking bird.
ReplyDeleteHe's quite dapper!!!
ReplyDeleteEven a common bird can be a beauty :-))
ReplyDeleteSuch a beauty. The markings are spectacular!
ReplyDeleteThat bird has personality (I could tell from the pictures and even more from your words; it would be a fun one to have in your backyard)!
ReplyDeleteIt looks quite a funny bird...the shot where he descends the step is lovely!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this new bird.
All the best!
Cool-looking bird.
ReplyDelete:)
It's a beautiful bird! Wish we had them also!
ReplyDeleteOnly just got home to France today after driving through lots of snow, not our best trip but we are safely back thank goodness. Love this Rail, what a pretty bird. Hope to be back next week if I get sorted out!!! Cheers Diane
ReplyDeleteStewart, another new bird for us. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThey are always nice to see and would definitely be great backyard birds to have! You got some great shots!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful bird! These are great shots.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great bird! I can't complain too much because I am sitting looking at Cinnamon Hummingbird, Rufous-naped Wren and Great Kiskadee here in Costa Rica. The weather is a little oppressive, however, mid thirties every day with a hundred percent hunidity. I will not be sorry to get back home to a little cold and snow.
ReplyDelete