On the weekend I went back out to the Dandenong Wetlands to have a look at what the Fairy Martins were doing at their washed out nest site. While the birds were still about, I did not see a single one on the ground collecting nesting mud - so I think that they are either nesting elsewhere, or they may have given up. I'll keep looking.
As I moved on to another areas of the wetland I came across this Little Wattlebird (Anthochaera chrysoptera). While not as spectacular as some birds I still enjoyed photographing it. This bird is (not surprisingly) smaller than the Red Wattlebird, but surprisingly (given its name) it does not have wattles! These kind of things in bird names always makes me smile.
In one of these pictures you can see some of the feathers that form the chestnut / rufous wingpatch that is very distinctive in the species when it is in flight.
Not the most glamorous of birds, but I dont think I have shared any pictures of this species before.
By the end of this week we should be more or less out of lock down in Victoria - which I am very thankful for. I hope that the ability to move about a bit more, get out a lot more and generally rejoin life will result in me being a bit more active in the 'visting blogs' regard. Hope this makes sense.
As ever, to join in with WBW click on the link below. SM
No I don't think you have shown us this bird before and I certainly have never seen it in Australia when I was there. Thanks for sharing and hosting Stewart. Have a great week ahead
ReplyDeleteHari OM
ReplyDeleteWell spotted that man... and even the plainest of birds hold value in your lens! YAM xx
And what would a wattle look like? It shows up well against the green background.
ReplyDeleteLittle Wattlebird has a nice ring to it. I think I will start calling Miriam "My Little Wattlebird", assuring her all the while that it does not reflect on her physiognomy. On second thoughts......maybe it's not a good idea!
ReplyDeleteYou missed the Fairy Martins but found these. Nice captures! Glad you'll be out of lock down soon.
ReplyDeleteGreat photos of a pretty bird!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your freedom..one never knows how long it will last..I was looking for a wattle before I read your post...That explains why I didn't see one..Great shots!!
ReplyDeleteLove the last picture! Glad you are being released from captivity.
ReplyDeleteThis is a new species for me. Thanks for the introduction! Love the third photo!
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