1, 2, 3 Apostlebirds

Apostlebirds are such engaging characters, so curious and comical.

Apostlebirds live in communal groups of up to about ten birds that include a dominant male, some females and some youngsters from the previous year that stay to help out.

The Apostlebird in the portrait looks quite regal with its stunningly detailed feather ‘ruff’ raised in the breeze. It was watching the others as they were chattering among themselves at Hattah-Kulkyne National Park.

They live across much of inland eastern Australia with some along the Queensland coast and others around Katherine in the Northern Territory. They are always fun to watch as they’re so noisy and animated.

They forage on the ground using their strong, stubby bills to take a range of foods including seeds, fruits, invertebrates and the occasional small reptile.

These three Apostlebirds were so curious about me. They were near a campsite at Lake Mungo National Park where they hang around the water taps.

The bokeh in this shot is quite beautiful. For non-photographers bokeh is the way the camera makes points of light in the background blur into circles. In different images it can look soft and twinkling, or bright and dramatic. The bokeh above seems to add a sparkle to the shot which reflects the bubbly character of the birds.

Happy birding, Kim

~ Facebook page Kim Wormald – lirralirra
~ Facebook group  Ethical Bird Photography