15 February 2012

Common Koel

Once upon a time, there was a large cuckoo, with distinctive voice and plumage.  In part, this is what my Readers Digest Birds of Australia book says.  Today's post is about this juvenile koel.  The female will look identical, only for having red eyes like her male counterpart.  However that's where the likeness ends with a pair of koels, same eyes, but he will sport an all-over glossy-black plumage.

Quoted also from the same book, "habitat: open forests and woodlands, scrub, mangroves, gardens and orchards".  On this occasion, I guess you'd class this your not so typical, garden setting then.  

Had arranged this week, to meet with a birding-friend for coffee.  A cappuccino, a flat-white, and lots of chatting happening on one side of a heavy plate-glass window, and out of the corner of my eye, a cuckoo on the other!  Definately not your every-day encounter; what a thrill for us both!

Camera?  I hadn't expected I'd need one, for a golden opportunity like this, just right.. out there, so close.  But I did have one out in the car!  I felt sure though,  if I got up and left the scene for it, that the koel would too, so I tried to just enjoy watching instead.  Till it really got the better of me, and I had to go get it.


Just resting up a while, after feasting on these fruits, belonging to the palm tree alongside.



  Eudynamys cyanocephala, now that's a mouthful!

Gulp!



 The (tail) end.


Oh, but there is a little extra surprise for today's W.B.W. with this: Eastern Rosella


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28 comments:

Unknown said...

A real beauty!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.

Brian King said...

What a cool looking bird! I love the camouflage look of its plumage! A+ for having your camera.

theconstantwalker said...

Wow! Carole what a beauty.. I bet you are so please you went for the camera.
I am.. Great shots xx

Dianne said...

What pretty markings Carole ... And your close-ups are so clear ...great photography.

TexWisGirl said...

gorgeous feathers! really pretty!

eileeninmd said...

Wow, what a pretty bird, I love its coloring. Great shots!

mick said...

Great photo of the cuckoo. I find them very hard to get close enough to for good photos.

Grandma Barb's This and That said...

Great close ups of cuckoo. Your photos are so good.

Shaun said...

fantastic images, thank you for sharing. a real beaut of a bird

Linda said...

What wonderful photos.

Carletta said...

I'm glad you went for your camera so I know you are. Love that last shot with all the feather detail!

holdingmoments said...

That's a beauty of a bird. Lovely feather markings too.

Anonymous said...

WOW..I am so glad you had a camera and were able to get such beautiful shots of this magnificent bird!

Thank you for sharing with those of us who haven't the opportunity to see one in person. :)

Jan Castle said...

Happy you gave inane went for your camera! Beautiful markings!
Hugs,
Jan

CameraCruise said...

Great shots of the beautiful bird!
Have a great day.
Mette

Stewart M said...

Hi there - splendid pictures - much as I am a birder, I do like the berries picture!

Stewart M - Melbourne

Lori P said...

What a wonderful day! Gorgeous pics - I'm loving that plant with the red berries.

Rebecca said...

What a beautiful bird! Love the interesting berries on the palm also... Thanks for sharing :)

joo said...

Superb bird! I have never seen it before!

Liz said...

What a wonderful series of shots, Carole! Great clarity, lovely close ups and a bird I have never seen.
Thanks for sharing

NatureFootstep said...

such a cool bird. And lovely shots. The bird really blends with the surroundings. :) Thanks for sharing.

Kathy said...

What a beautiful bird! Thanks for sharing your fabulous pictures!
Kathy

Mary Howell Cromer said...

Just tried to leave a comment...will try again. I have never seen this bird before, how beautiful and the fruit is also very interesting!

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful bird!

Laura said...

Such a great story and wonderful photos too! Amazing how you captured this birdie eating the red berry-fruit! Was that from a palm tree? Thanks for sharing!

Carole M. said...

nice to see how others are enjoying my bird pics too; always appreciate the comments.

Yes Laura, the red-fruits are draping off a palm tree. I guess I should've showed a long-shot too.

Springman said...

These are amazing! I got a kick out of your angst; To sit and enjoy the sighting or run for the camera and risk losing the moment. Fortunetly you made a great choice!

Sharyl said...

In addition to all the great bird photos, I love the one with the berries too!