Reposting this as I posted it in the wrong thread with the pics.
While walking this morning I was delighted to come across two very enamoured Rainbow Lorikeets that were going through what looked like a pretty complicated courting ritual. Particularly impressive was the tongue work from the male ( I presume) and it was accompanied by back arching and head bobbing - looked very athletic at times...... and the mating hadn't even got close to first base at this stage!
Then there was suddenly a third bird in the mix and different behaviours were performed.... all very cool until the third bird flew off after being given the cold shoulder and the first two started it all over again!!! I was pretty annoyed that I had exposure problems and couldn't get the best shots but the observation was worth the wait and I though I would post just a few of the shots I managed to get anyway.
Notre the tongue action in the nest shot!! You could see all the little hairs on the end of it.
I know I'd be impressed by these colours with the wing beating :::'):: if I was a lady lorikeet
I finished my walk by going through the rainforest and had a Golden Whistler hang around for ages and then fruitlessly spent 30 - 40 minutes stalking a rufous fantail in the palms and undergrowth but .... no shot of course.
I know nothing about Lorikeets but the colours on his wings are beautiful. Good shot! :)
Well aren't you a lucky one to witness such a spectacular sight ;) You've captured the action very well, my favourite must be the second where it looks like they are tapping their toes in sync. Never seen anything like it.
Nice concluding your post with the Golden Whistler, he's adorable.
Great shots, Birdie ;D
Taz
Thank you Taz and yes..... I considered myself very lucky to witness such adoration and the intricacies of "bird love" :)
I have never seen it before either, though I am surrounded by Loris everywhere I go.
It is so important to take time to see the world around us isn't it?
Sunshine Coast Queensland
So true, so true. There's so much to appreciate and you can be very well-rewarded by your patience. Displays of "bird love" are remarkable things to see, although I do feel slightly guilty for being invasive in viewing a private performance :P but I'm sure male birds are proud enough to show the world (including a human audience) their talents.
Keep up the great observations and posts :D
Taz
Birdie, I'm lucky enough to have a Golden Whistler in my backyard. No photo! ( their whistle is not like a Rufous Whistler? Sorry, I'm in one of my provocative moods! LOL !) I never said that!
M-L
Great spotting. It's interesting to watch them isn't it? We knew our galah box was appreciated because as soon as my husband put it up the galahs mated in front of it. When he finished he walked over her head