Bird of the Week Challenge: 8th December - portraits

Supper.    by robwill4, on Flickr

This is one of my favourites. A plain looking and common bird but one full of character. 

Tasmanian Native Hen

Meet Brian. Brian (maybe Brianna) is obviously a black swan. Brian and I have crossed paths 3 times now, we do wildlife rescue. Unfortunatley Brian cannot fly, his left wing has been "pinioned" that is he has no wing from what we would call the elbow. Not sure if this is the result of an accident, or some incredibly cruel human has done this, in order to prevent him from leaving their property. He currently has a lady who keeps an eye on him, and supplements his food (only food she collects from his native habitat). Brian also has a problem swallowing, and gets a build up of food under his tongue at the base of his bill. This is easily cleaned out, but unfortunatley he needs to come into care for a week or so. He tends to become underweight, as it appears he cannot feed properly until the bill is cleaned. Thankfully Brian has someone who cares, for without this lady, and his repeat problems he would be euthanised.

This Tawny Frogmouth was probably hit by a car, he has a head injury, and will most likely end up in permanent care, if he survives his injury. Most animals are euthanised, if rehab and release is not possible, however some remain in captivity for public awareness and captive breeding programs. All carers must be registered and require permits for each animal in care (except Pademelons, Bennetts Wallaby and Brushtail possums, which are in huge numbers down here in Tassie)

tawny frogmouth (Podargus strigoides)-2637 by rawshorty, on Flickr">[/url]tawny frogmouth (Podargus strigoides)-2637 by rawshorty, on Flickr

Magpie

I looked twice when I saw this Pelican having a strech.

Bower Bird-4375 by rawshorty, on Flickr">[/url]Bower Bird-4375 by rawshorty, on Flickr

Rainbow Lorikeet giving me the stare.

Nankeen Kestrel (Falco cenchroides)-7403 by rawshorty, on Flickr">[/url]Nankeen Kestrel (Falco cenchroides)-7403 by rawshorty, on Flickr

Some great photo's coming through this week!

Masked Lapwing.

Great shot Devster. Where did you take this pic? These birds are very rare down my way. (Albury). I believe there is a captive breeding program just north of where I live. It would be great to track one of these down and get a photo. 

Not really sure if this Whiskered Tern is a portrait?

Fantastic photos everyone.

Little corella

Capricorn Silvereye. Just a thought but does this count as a different species to the mainland bird?

Another Brown Falcon, taken by my son Sam, posted with permission.

Black-shouldered Kite (Elanus axillaris-9841 by rawshorty, on Flickr">[/url]Black-shouldered Kite (Elanus axillaris-9841 by rawshorty, on Flickr

royal spoonbill (Platalea regia)-2-4 by rawshorty, on Flickr">[/url]royal spoonbill (Platalea regia)-2-4 by rawshorty, on Flickr

Thanks  Rob.

The Bowerbird was at the Bunya Mountains but we also get them locally up at Mt Glorious QLD, but they are a bit more timid.

The Bush Stone Curllew was taken a couple of streets away from my place at Samford.

 Australian Wood Duck or Maned Duck.

Australasian darter (Anhinga novaehollandiae)-2-2 by rawshorty, on Flickr">[/url]Australasian darter (Anhinga novaehollandiae)-2-2 by rawshorty, on Flickr

Brown Quail

Buff-Banded Rail.

Thanks, Devster. It was a rare moment where it was at eye level and i managed to get within a few metres of it.

And i agree, excellent pics all round and a very popular theme.

black kite (Milvus migrans)-1-3 by rawshorty, on Flickr">[/url]black kite (Milvus migrans)-1-3 by rawshorty, on Flickr