26 October 2011

Fairy Wrens

Splendid Fairy-wren Malurus cyaneus 14 cm., is difficult to photograph because of its quick, jerky movements. To have these photographs of both the male and jenny-wren in my garden is special.

They can be recognised when in close vicinity (described in my Readers Digest/Birds of Australia),  by their loud accelerating trill; 'tsee' of alarm; sharp 'prrip-prrip' contact call.

In the hot summer, a male wren (perhaps this fellow),  is sometimes very determined to fight with his reflection in the windows here, while his little harem of may be four or five jennys, continue to fossick around the garden.  I've often been concerned he'll knock himself up in the heat of the day!



These photos taken a little down the coast, in the Munmorah State Conservation Area/National Park.






Later notation: After reading this article in Australian Geographic, I'm wondering if the 'harem' I'd referred to, could more likely have been the male fairy-wren and his jenny (female partner), with several juveniles.

Have left a comment there and await an answer. 

16 comments:

Jenni said...

Carole, thank you for stopping by my blog...you are too kind!
I LOVE. your little blue wrens...they are one of my favourite birds...many childhood memories of them..camping etc.
The little Jennywren is like my logo...once again a childhood
Nickname. Although I love the male better!! I bought a glass one in Venice this year....which reminds me, I am not too sure where that is!! Got to look now....
Jenni

Jeanne said...

such adorable and colorful little birds! I have to leave the computer now and GO TO WORK. Hard to do!

Stewart M said...

Hi there - what great little birds they are.

I managed to get some pictures of a male attacking its own reflection in our car windscreen a week or so ago - I think I'll move them up my "to post" list.

Cheers - Stewart M - Melbourne

Pat Ulrich said...

The male is just stunning (and of course, the female is lovely too) -- what a delightful species to find in your garden!

TexWisGirl said...

really beautiful! i'm amazed that he mates with several females. so many songbirds here are monogamous.

Kay Ellen said...

Ahhh sweet birdies...
:))
Great photo capture :)

Kay Ellen

Springman said...

What a beautiful wren! That blue on the male is electric. They look energetic even in a still photograph. Thanks for sharing!

jeanlivingsimple said...

I enjoyed seeing your perky wrens! They remind me of our Carolina Wren.

Unknown said...

That blue fellow is beautiful!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.

theconstantwalker said...

Wonderful little birds to see...lovely images.
Many thanks for sharing.

mick said...

Great photos of these beautiful little wrens. They are not easy to photograph. I am still trying for good photos of the male Variegated Wren!

Jeanne said...

interesting about this little fairy wren fighting his reflection in the window. In the spring, we had a scarlet tannager at our cabin who flew in to the windows of our cabin over and over, day after day. I thought he would kill himself he did it so many times. Are they just trying to protect their mates against the "competition". Oh my. your little birds here are lovely. I am taking my grandson, sam to the zoo here on Sat, so am anxious to get some good photos! Always on the lookout! Have a good night! Jeanne

eileeninmd said...

They are beautiful, I like how their cute tail sticks up in the air. Great captures.

Pat said...

Wrens always seem to be so actively busy and are so hard to photograph. Your photos of this beautiful little bird are wonderful - the blue color of the male is beautiful!

Jan Castle said...

Pretty, pretty, pretty!

Kay said...

Great shots. We have wrens too but they are different. Lucky to have these beautiful birds in your garden!