Based on the description at http://www.birdsinbackyards.net/species/Myzomela-sanguinolenta I think what I saw today is the Scarlet Honeyeater. There was a pair in a tree down in our paddock. I'd never seen such a small bird with such vibrant colour before. Only larger birds.
Anyway, there were a pair of birds there, assuming they're male and female of the same species. Located in the Dandenong Ranges.
It looks like they both are, to me.
A great sighting Kathie. One I haven't seen. It's a lovely shade of red.
- Graham
Graham Harkom
Organiser
Melbourne Bird Photographers
melbournebirdphotographers@gmail.com
I showed my photos to my neighbour yesterday and he called me over to the side fence today, really excited. He'd seen two of these little birds today through his loungeroom window, in a tree adjoining our fenceline. He's lived here over 20 years and says he's never seen these before. So I'll be looking out for them again to hopefully get better shots. I think I get my neighbours inspired with my interest in bird photography. They notice things they'd not noticed before.
Kathiemt
Selby, Victoria
It sounds like you're spreading the birding bug locally! Great stuff. There's plenty of them to notice around there though, so it will be a good start.
- Graham
Graham Harkom
Organiser
Melbourne Bird Photographers
melbournebirdphotographers@gmail.com
Yes, seems I do that to people. Same with photography. Three people from my business networking group in this past year have all taken up photography, or gone back to it, because of my enthusiasm for it.
Kathiemt
Selby, Victoria
Way to go, Kathiemt. People often post about their difficulties with neighbours' disregard for nature. Showing your neighbour your scarlet honeyeater photos is a great way of engaging with them. Well done!!
I have just started seeing this same bird in my garden in Belgrave - it has been visiting daily for the last few days for long periods despite an eastern spine bill constantly trying to scare it off - a stunning bird. It loves red flowering plants it seems.
We're not that far away from each other then! I'm in Selby.
Kathiemt
Selby, Victoria
And neither one of you is far from me in Gembrook
M-L