Yesterday I spent about an hour before sunset crawling around trying to get close to a group of Eastern Rosellas. Predictably, I couldn't get closer than about 20-30m, and thus didn't get any good shots. Those things seem to be my nemeses. 
Anyway, I wanted to ask if I was the only one who had trouble getting anywhere near them. Also, if you have managed to get close to one, it'd be interesting to know how you did it; they are such flighty creatures!
we might wait for Araminta as she is has the best sneaked up on them pics
Peter
Yep, i have trouble with them too. But having said that i did get to about 8-10 metres of one a while back but i have no idea why it let me get that close. I do walk very very slow when i am approaching birds.
Shorty......Canon gear
Canberra
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rawshorty/
Thanks for the photo; I'm jealous. I guess maybe if there is only one bird it is less likely to spook- with a group it is the lowest common denominator that determines when they all jump.
For most birds, walking very slowly and quietly towards them is almost always going to alert them... reason being is that any ground dwelling predetor typically stalks their prey, and in the birds' instinct, it seems that you are also a predetor. The similar mistake people make is whispering to others while birding. Again, that whispering sound is often associated with danger to many animals and you are more likely to scare birds when talking aloud than you are whispering. Perhaps try to make yourself seem like part of the environment... just another animal minding its own business. Also, when sneaking to a bird, constant eye contact with the bird is a no-no as it makes the bird wary that it is being "hunted". Just my own experience...
Brandon (aka ihewman)
I have to say that my experience is opposite of yours, i think eye contact gives a wild creature an insight to your intensions.
just my thoughts.
Shorty......Canon gear
Canberra
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rawshorty/
Some very interesting theories how to sneak up on birds here?
I have no problem sneaking up on anything. I have practiced on my Blue Heeler who is a very alert dog, nothing escapes her. I can sneak past her without waking her up.
Jokes aside, here is how I do it: I watch the bird very carefully, try to assess the situation , what the intention of the bird is at that moment. What is it doing, where will it go next? Let’s say it’s feeding in a shrub, it will be looking to move to the next flower (or something else), after having observed birds for many years , I can almost anticipate the next action. I will slowly move closer, constantly watching the bird, should the bird give me the slightest indication that it might be worried," I STOP" for as long as it takes and I get the impression the bird is not worried by me and continues what it was doing before. I then move slowly forward. Once I reach a certain distance from the bird, I only move when the bird is paying attention to eating, or turn its back to me. (I always say: even birds don’t have eyes in the back of their head) This might take a long time, patience and persistence is needed.
If it doesn’t work, believe me,you have learned a lesson, and every time you will get better at it.
M-L
I guess: Practise makes perfect!
Thanks for the advice, might try sneaking up on some of the local cats for practise.
Do you use camouflage at all, Araminta? I have read some sites gushing over it on the internet, but it does seem a bit impractical to me.
No, I never dress up for anything, not even when I go out
O, I forgot to tell you, I try to slow down my breathing the closer I get to the bird, it calmes me and the bird down and makes me hold the camera more relaxed and steady.
M-L
Ok, good, I already feel silly enough lugging a camera around the local neighbourhood! I get strange looks from all the normal people out being walked by their dogs. I've read of some people going to extraordinary lengths to build camouflage... I can't remember where I found the link to it (was it here?), but I read about some guy in Europe who disguised his canoe by building a fake swan over it. Apparently the birds weren't fooled by the first couple of efforts!
Hi Lachlan, go to Queenscliff for a holiday and stay at Athelstane House. http://www.athelstane.com.au/
Ask for a room on the top floor with a door out to the balcony or just go up there and spend time on the balcony. The Rosellas come into the trees right near there all the time and there are often other birds as well. There are many places to get other birding photos around town too. Down at the mariner, there are often pelicans and other sea birds and just walking around town, you will see Rosellas on the ground that seem to be fairly used to people passing by.
It's really lovely there for a weekend away and you can take the ferry back to Sorrento and drive home that way if it suits you better or for a change. In fact so much to do around that area, I would be happy to return any time.
I know that didn't tell you how to sneak up on Rosellas but you just made me think of it so thought I would share.
Here is a shot I took up there from the balcony.
Kim
Melbourne – South-East