The (Porzana pusilla) gains its common name from Lousi Baillon, a French naturalist who collect some of the earliest (but not the earliest!) examples of this species. It's scientific name means 'insignificant little crake', which is a reasonable assessment of its size!
The Baillons's Crake is actually only just bigger than a house sparrow, and tends to be found in dense freshwater vegetation. However, on the morning I took these pictures it seems it was a 'crakes day out' as there were five, and maybe six, of these birds visible at one time! They seemed to be largely unconcerned by the presence of three birders, all of which were wielding long lenses.
It will come as no surprise for people to learn that these birds were seen at Werribee Sewage works.
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Pretty markings and the red eye and coloured beak add to its beauty!
ReplyDeleteThank you Stewart. That is a striking bird! Aloha!
ReplyDeleteHandsome bird..the red eye !! Love the reflection in the water..Hope all is well with you..
ReplyDeleteA tiny handsome little rail from a very large family of species. Another nice find at a water treatment facility.
ReplyDeleteHari OM
ReplyDeleteWhat a delight to spot! YAM xx
The red eye really stands out. Had you not mentioned the size I would have thought it much larger.
ReplyDeleteSuch an exquisite bird!
ReplyDeleteHow brilliant to have got so many photographs of this elusive bird. By the way I have got my 12 month Australian visa and am arriving in Oz on 29 November. it has been a very long long up hill journey since I started the process in March and selling my home here and everything in it and ws plagued with health issues however got there in the end. Aussies look out!!! Thanks for hosting and I hope you have a great week ahead
ReplyDeleteIt’s an enigmatic little bird, difficult to observe I am sure. Hooray for Werribee!
ReplyDeleteStewart - thanks for stopping by my blog. It's been awhile. (As it has for me commenting on yours.) Regarding the first photo that you didn't know what it was - it's a ceiling of one of the rooms in the Nasrid Palace in Alhambra.
ReplyDeleteI see from Margaret's comment she's on her way to Australia finally.
Lovely photos I love that distinctive red eye. Cheers Diane
ReplyDeleteLovely rich browns and great reflection.
ReplyDeleteHello Stewart :=)
ReplyDeleteThe Baillon's Crake is an attractive little bird with it's grey and rust coloured markings and distinctive red eye.
ps I wish I could hear some of those horse jokes
Beautifully photographed this beautiful bird.
ReplyDeleteGreetings Tinie
Jak ten ptak piękny! I zdjęcia bardzo dobre!
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