This afternoon I tried out my Christmas prenent, a new longer lens. I had my eye on this Heron for some time,but it was always too far away.So, today was the day.When I looked at them on the computer I noticed the "red marks" on both sides of the wings. Do you think the bird is injured and needs help? Or is it part of some mating colour display? What do you think?
Right shoulder:
left shoulder
[img]http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7005/6524292083_55c1315aef.jpg
both shoulders:
Sorry here is the left shoulder:
M-L
Breeding plumage, Araminta.
Thanks Woko.I have seen two birds from a distance, so I will have to keep an eye out for the young. Will they be around somewhere close? They are in a paddock, I can't get any closer than I was today. M-L
M-L
Looks determined, doesn't he?
Meave
My research tells me this species nests "in tall, often dead, trees standing in water"(Morcombe)& often with other water birds. Are there such things near your photo spot?
If they haven't already produced young it'll be interesting to see how long they stay around because they respond to good rain in the interior. With all the rain in NSW & Qld lately they may be off soon if they're not currently looking after a brood.