Went out to Samsonvale with Reflex on the weekend to see if we could get a shot of an Azure kingfisher.
While we were waiting, out of the blue comes this White-Bellied Cuckoo-Shrike. Not only is this a new tick for me, but it landed a reasonable distance away, in nice light on a tree with no obstructions. Not only that but it hung around for a while before heading over to the other side of the creek to join its mate. Needless to say I was very happy.
Oh and we did see the Azure Kingfisher which gave John a new tick, but it was way out on a branch in the middle of the dam. You can make out its an Azure, but thats about it.
Back
Front
In the Bushes
Couldn't Pass up this curious Grey Fantail
Great shots and a nice suprise, also nice shot of the fantail they always come close.
Lake Samsonvale is a great spot and never fails to turn up something no matter how many times I go. The light was actually quite diificult when we first saw the Cuckoo Shrike. Pity the Azure Kingfisher didn't want to come closer. The fantail shot is nice and clear, he /she really put on a display.
Samford Valley Qld.
Plump looking specimen, well done. Congrats on the new tick John.
After quite a drought I have managed a Golden-headed Cisticola and a Black Falcon in the last two weeks. :-)
Very nice photos devster - great when a new tick just appears in a perfect spot, and you made the most of it getting those great shots. Might just be me, but it has a Jacky Winter look to it in that first photo (ignoring the black mask and beak).
btw ... aren't all surprises unexpected ! :)
Fantastic portraits Dev, very nice indeed
Dont take life too seriously, it never ends well
Thanks guys. Glad to hear you got some new ticks Rick.
Even at 242 I'm finding it hard to get new ones im my area.
Lol WD I guess they are. Maybe I should have called it Unexpected Visitor or Surprise Visitor.
Great work, you must have been very happy. I agree with WD that the first pic makes it look like a robin-sized bird though :)
Ryu
Canberra
Aiming for DSLR-quality shots with a bridge camera
Lovely shots :)
Nice set Devster and well done with the tick, the higher your count gets the harder they are to get ;)
Shorty......Canon gear
Canberra
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rawshorty/
Thanks Shorty. I haven't been out of South East Qld yet so it is getting even harder. I want to travel around but it's hard when your family doesn't share your passion for birds or photography.