White-headed Stilts (Himantopus leucocephalus) are a regular sight at Werribee - but I never mind seeing such an elegant bird. They are described in one of the field guides here as having 'absurdly' long legs - and while I take the point, I would say that 'remarkably' would have been a better word to use.
This individual is an immature bird, and has yet to fully develop the black colouration in the back of its neck.
Unfortunately, this bird seemed to have some fishing line trailing from its legs, along I cant see it in the pictures taken later in the sequence. Hopefully is rapid movements in this pool untangled the line from its leg. (I fish myself, and the amount of line I collect from the bank is depressing really)
Anyway, this is a gorgeous bird and the light and reflections were pretty good.
As ever, to join in with WBW, click the blue button. SM
Hari OM
ReplyDeleteA handsome birdy indeed! Yes, the leavings of plastic and nylon lines is a problem - have seen evidence of this up my way and it is distressing... YAM xx
Such g a graceful bird. Those who fail to properly dispose of fishing lines are absurdly ignorant of the peril they present to wildlife.
ReplyDeleteThe white-headed stilts have the lovely reflection making them look even more attractive
ReplyDeleteI really love those reflective shots!
ReplyDeleteYes, this is a beautiful series. Thank you, Stewart
ReplyDeleteA very graceful bird beautifully shot Stewart. Thanks for hosting and I hope you have a lovely week ahead
ReplyDeleteIf only we could all strut with such elegance.
ReplyDeleteThe reflection photos give two for one. Perfect!
ReplyDeleteHello Stewart :=) I agree entirely about the length of the legs that only increase the elegance of The White Headed Stilt in m h o. It infuriates me that careless fishermen leave there plastic lines and hooks behind causing untold misery to countless water birds. I have seen this first hand and it is heart breaking.
ReplyDeleteAll the best Stewart and thank you for hosting.
Wonderful pictures of the beautiful stilt. I was not able to view them on my Satari browser but fortunately, I can see them using Chrome.
ReplyDeleteWonderful pictures of the beautiful stilt. I was not able to view them on my Satari browser but fortunately, I can see them using Chrome.
ReplyDelete