At just 10 a.m. (daylight saving so it was really, 9 a.m.), this Australasian Darter was sitting in the full sunshine; it was already quite hot. Her cheeks were visibly rippling as she panted. I figured that the nest was positioned there where it would only pick up the sun in the first half, rather than the last half of the day, when it is likely to be much hotter. Still I really felt for her; it must've been stifling!
The nest was sited beside a creek, and to save getting too close and disturbing her, lens needed to be zoomed through foliages (explains shadow, top right).
Hand-held, full-zoom, 215 mm = 1200mm.
this is what it looked like from the bank; the nest is through there, in the middle of the white 'frame'
As I was about to leave I spotted another, a male, sitting in a She-Oak tree.
having them sitting still helps a lot!
both at full-zoom again
Fact-sheet from Birds in Backyards, for the Australasian Darter here.
Sharing with Wild Bird Wednesday
Sharing with Wild Bird Wednesday
35 comments:
Very nice photo's Carole...... good work again.
Greetings, Joop
That is some pretty good shots from that distance Carole. Amazing.
Interesting pictures of a species that is not often photographed it seems to me,
Marvelous photos of this wonderful and big birds. Amazing !
Best regards, Synnöve
My, These are great photos, Carole! I have never heard of this bird; and I'm so impressed with your camera and photography skills!
What a beauty, I wouldn't want to be attached to that beak.
very cool birds. every time i see the word 'darter' i expect a snake, however. :)
Terrific shots Carole! Poor female having to bake in the heat.
Beautiful bird this is, Carole.
And you have this perfectly photographed.
You do have a great zoom 12mm, which is really a lot.
I can zoom in with my lens to 420mm.
Once again I am impressed with the clarity your camera can deliver fully zoomed in and the steadiness of hands its owner has.
Hi Carole, it was a real treat to see your photos this morning. Thank you!
That zoom of yours works really well Carole. I could almost feel the heat in that first shot.
Hi Carole. Great photos of the darters and that poor lady mum in the hot spot. I love what you've done with Jenny and Casanova! Cheers and have a happy Christmas. Jane
Fantastic images of a beautiful bird Carole... many thanks for sharing.
Fantastic to get such great photos of both the male and female. I haven't had much luck with photos of the male yet. Will you be able to go back and get photos of the young ones later?
thanks all for your comments; TexWisGirl: yes it is known to have a 'long snake-like neck' - there is an association with the name if you like. Irma: 420mm with your camera is top quality lens material compared to a super-zoom. You will get much better quality photos all the time with your lens. Sometimes I 'fluke it' :)! That means get lucky.
thanks Mick; I hadn't thought about going-back, I will make a note to do that though and see if I can find them there
Fantastic shots Carole, epecially when hand held,
All the best Gordon.
Carole, awesome shots of your Darter. You have a great zoom there, love the closeups of the male. Have a happy week!
Lovely pics Carole!!!
Jan
Wonderful photos, Carole! Very handsome birds! I like the black plumage.
Beautiful shots of these handsome birds! The last two of the male in the tree are awesome.
Superb pictures well captured !
Great shots of wonderful bird.
Great zoom great captures. He's a beauty.
Wow incredible images!!! It's cold here...would love to have some of your warmer days where I am.
Anni @ I'd Rather B Birdin'
and
Hootin' Anni's
Hi Carole. You must have a powerful zoom on your camera to get those shots. Well done. love your header now.
What great shots! It looks a bit like what is called a 'shag' here in New Zealand.
They must be related to "our" anihinga...looks very much like. Lovely pictures ...your sky is beautifully blue (oh right, I just remembered it's summer there!)
Impressive Darter. How well has photographed and also in its nest. Congratulations Carole. A kiss :)
Wow! this is great work. Your zoom also does a great job! :-)
Greetings! ;-)
dzjiedzjee.blogspot.com
Very nice photo's Carole!!!
Wonderful.
You have got some wonderful shots of the bird.
Wonderful captures! Your lens works beautifully from that distance. I'm envious. :)
Beautiful wildlife photography and, you've got a new follower.
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