Between the blossoms

It looks remarkably as though this New Holland Honeyeater is wearing a fancy Kangaroo Paw bonnet.

It’s the depth of winter, the temperature is 9 degrees Celsius and it’s raining (hopefully not through my leaking roof) so I felt the need to share a little bit of sunshine. Earlier this year, on a nice warm day, I photographed this New Holland Honeyeater feeding from Kangaroo Paw. When feeding their bills are inside each blossom for less than one second so I was especially pleased to capture this interesting shot.

I love the way the honeyeater has stretched its head between the blossoms to reach the more distant nectar. I also love the way the stamens are spread evenly across the bird’s bill with the yellow pollen standing out so clearly against its shiny black bill.

Until the 30 June 2021 we have the opportunity for our voices to be heard regarding the future welfare of Australia’s wildlife. This link goes directly to a place where you can quickly tick a box to indicate your interest in wildlife, a confidentiality option, and a limited space to share your thoughts. You could just say ‘please ban recreational duck shooting’ or feel free to cut, paste and enhance from my comments below if any are helpful to you.

https://engage.vic.gov.au/independent-review-victorias-wildlife-act-1975/general-comment

“As a nationally and internationally awarded wildlife photographer I am extremely concerned that Australian wildlife is facing devastating impacts. I urge the panel to recognise that a ‘best practice’ framework for wildlife needs to recognise the intrinsic value of wildlife and biodiversity, and needs to consider the added pressures of climate change. My recommendations include:
– use independent scientific surveys regarding wildlife numbers
– permanently ban recreational shooting of native wildlife
– end the ‘harvesting’ of kangaroos
– end the lethal Authority to Control Wildlife permits
– develop resources and educate communities about non-lethal wildlife solutions, including sonic repellers, audio/visual deterrents, Eagle Eyes and repellents
– establish an independent office of wildlife welfare
– implement harsher penalties for breaches of the Wildlife Act
– adequately fund wildlife rescue and rehabilitation
– legislate the use of wildlife-friendly fencing and netting
– legislate the containment of domestic pets to prevent them from harming wildlife
– ban poisons that directly and indirectly harm native wildlife, including 1080 and second-generation anti coagulant rodenticides
– ensure that all new developments include provision for conservation of wildlife habitat, including wildlife corridors and the retention and creation of habitat
– legislate to ban logging in native forests
– promote nature-based tourism
– recognise that interactions with nature have been shown to improve mental health
– recognise the negative impacts on mental health relating to harm caused to wildlife “

Thank you for caring, happy birding, stay safe, Kim

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