I decided to drive to Toorbul this morning to photograph some of the Whimbrels, Pied Oystercatchers, Eastern Curlews and Bar Tailed Godwits that all arrive at just after high tide at this time of year. High tide was 1pm not ideal for photography and it was as hot as South Australia but I persisted and spent about two hours in the afternoon sun trying to get close enough for some good photographs but it was a waste of time. I couldn't get as close as I wanted, they are so easily spooked.
A litre of cold iced tea and an hour and a half drive home later with the air-con on full blast...It was an absolute pleasure to arrive home and find a pair of Spotted Doves basking in the perfect late afternoon sun around the bird bath.
How good is this!..
Shame about missing out on the waders, but these photos are fantastic. So sharp, beautiful light and amazing feather detail, I particularly like that last shot. Feral they may be but there is no denying they are a photogenic species.
LM
"How good is that?" would depend on whether we're talking about their presence or their much better photographability, but you have gotten some lovely composition there :)
Ryu
Canberra
Aiming for DSLR-quality shots with a bridge camera
Lovely photos Reflex! I'm sure you'll be able to get your wader shots next time :) I've always found that the Turtle doves look constantly surprised by something! They are such a beautlful bird to photograph!
Thanks for sharing :)
Bad luck with the waders, but very nice comeback on home turf with the doves. I have those in my garden too.
I sometimes think that we are all at risk of missing the beauty at home in a quest for something special. Nice you got such photogenic sitters for you photos. Beautifully photographed!
Happy Birding!
https://www.flickr.com/photos/138588528@N02/
Great shots Reflex, especially No.1...
Thanks everyone. I must admit I didn't know that they are an introduced species until now. I agree with you Elsie they always look to be constantly surprised or scared even, as though a huge raptor is about to latch on to them and whisk them off!
Samford Valley Qld.
Nice day saver there John but I do not believe "it was as hot as South Australia" :-) :-)
In your first sentence that would have been three ticks for me.
OK, ok maybe a little bit of poetic license was used in order to produce an idea of the sort of day. More than happy to show you around Rick. You just need to get yourself up here. (Floating hide is almost ready for use and Toorbul would be a great spot to use it).
Samford Valley Qld.