Tuesday 13 September 2011

World Bird Wednesday - Grey Butcher Bird

Today’s World Bird Wednesday post is brought to you by the Grey Butcher Bird.


People have noticed that we have a lot of colourful birds in Australia – so here’s one that manages to be rather splendid in a grey scale kind of way.











When I first arrived here I did not see many of these birds – but once I learnt their voice they are not hard to find. I often see them as I walk to work. I pointed one out to a stranger once and I think he was on the verge of calling the emergency services about an escaped lunatic before I walked off!





Most years they breed in the old oak trees near out house. They are related to Australian Magpies – but don’t seem to have the same aggressive tendencies. As far as garden birds go I have to say they are rather special!

You can find more birds here at World Bird Wednesday.
You can also look at my other blog by clicking on the Paying Ready Attention image on the RHS of the screen (go on – you may like it!)

17 comments:

  1. That's cool you have them nesting nearby! Great shots Andrew. Always enjoy stopping by and learning more about your nature!

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  2. he is stunning! and very dapper in his gray and black tones. :)

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  3. A beautiful bird to see Stewart..lovely images.

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  4. beautiful shades of gray, so cute...

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  5. What a beautiful bird, Stewart.

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  6. HHHMMMmmm... sadly, they're not called 'butcher' birds for nothing!!! Love that monochrome look!!

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  7. How lucky of you to be able to find all the colorful birds. Most of the ones I see are grey or black. The colorful ones are available but less seen.

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  8. Nice to slip into the realms of the monochromatic for a change. A shame that stranger missed a wonderful opportunity to enjoy your wisdom! Great capture Stewart, cheers!

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  9. Great photos of the Grey Butcherbird. I see more of the Pied Butcherbirds around here.

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  10. He is a very handsome bird! Was the stranger surprised because you pointed out a bird or because of its name? I was walking with another lady from our RV Park yesterday and stopped to watch the grebe family -- she gave me a very strange look and I don't think she ever understood why I had to stop. (I get that blank stare quite often -- that's why I love these bird memes, nice to know I'm not alone!)

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  11. Looks like a dapper gentleman in his Sunday best.
    Good looking bird Stewart.

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  12. Beautiful bird Steward!
    Greetings:)

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  13. Butcher does not sound good. But the bird is beautiful. As are our magpies. :)

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  14. This is a beautiful bird with such distinct markings. Thanks for sharing your beautiful images.

    It's my first visit here from World Bird Wednesday.

    Kat
    http://inmydreamssfk.blogspot.com/

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  15. I like that description you coined - "splendid in a grey scale kind of way". He certainly is! Lovely shots!

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  16. Hmmm...I would say that all your birds are spectacular!

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  17. ohh! he's a looker for sure! Love the photos and the info, great bird!

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