I thought it might be an idea to practise birds in flight shots so went out in the heat of this afternoon. I didn’t actually get out of our front of house area for a while as my attention was grabbed by assorted House Sparrows, Asian Glossy Starlings and Yellow-vented Bulbuls adjacent to our house. I was hoping however for bigger birds like egrets in flight to practice on. But I was really happy to fill my boots with what was on offer in my own backyard. Above is a juvenile Asian Glossy Starling and by any standards it is a beauty … I love that striking ruby iris.
Next up I jumped on a tricycle and headed for Catmon Creek. What a great move, no suitable birds for flight shots but a small flock of Chestnut Munias really made my day. Alas I could not get near enough to get a decent capture. Also recorded two Lesser Coucals skulking around and two Brahminy Kites were exulting in the wonderful afternoon sun too far away to engage the tracking on my camera. No worries. Happy to be seeing more birds. I even got sight of a small rail in the deep shrubs. I wouldn’t try to call it but think it was too small to be Barred Rail.
Basically I’ll photograph anything so I have added a tree sparrow and a shot of a feral pigeon. The sparrow’s colour scheme is wonderful. The pigeon intrigues me: why is it not bothered about my proximity? Is it feeling the heat too or is it not long for this world? I love the iris once more!.
Irony of ironies, a passing jet gave me my best flight shot opportunity. As you can see I took it with both hands! I’ll try and get out again over the weekend and get some practice on birds in flights.
On my way home a small group of maybe four Garden Sunbirds provided some entertainment.
So the locale is buzzing with good birds. Catmon Creek has a lot to offer and I reckon it will pay to check it out regularly.
Dodgy Birds 