Yes, there really is an Australian bird called a Blue Bonnet – and it is exquisite.
1/1200, f/5.6, ISO 400
Canon R5, Canon RF 600 f/4 L IS USM
Shivers of loveliness! I think these small parrots look incredibly cute. Although many of their feathers are a somewhat dull light brownish-green their bright blue faces and the scattering of reds, blues and yellows make them an absolute delight to find. Their underbellies are crimson and you can see a little of the richness of the colour if you look closely enough.
This one visited our campsite in the Murray Sunset National Park. I’d planned to take my eldest daughter and her children to Mungo National Park but it poured with rain and the roads were closed – it was our second attempt, hopefully we’ll be luckier next time. But the diversion to the Murray Sunset NP was truly wonderful and seeing this stunning little bird was a definite bonus.
Please excuse the shorter than usual post but there is so much to do on my property at this time of year, plus I need to clear the attic by next week, the littlies are all needing time (which is wonderful) and most worrying of all is that my precious friend is in hospital. Hopefully I will get enough Christmas shopping squeezed in that no one will think I’m the Grinch.
Happy birding, Kim
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How did I miss this. I blame blessed blogger.
What an absolute stunner. And one that I was totally ignorant about.
Thank you.
Best wishes for your friend. Hospital is a necessary evil (in my eyes) and definitely no place to spend Christmas.
I don’t see these little beauties very often EC so am always especially happy when I do. Thanks you for your good wishes for my friend, they are much appreciated.
What an interesting bird, I had never heard of them before. Very sweet.
They are super sweet to watch, I’m always rapt to see them.
I wonder if the name Blue Bonnet came from the early settlers naming this sweet bird – as all those colonial women and little girls would have worn bonnets every day? Blue Hat doesn’t sound nearly as charming! it really does look as if a rather plain bird has fluttered by accident onto a paint pallet, and tried to preen all the paint off, but his beak just couldn’t reach some feathers! I do love learning from your deep knowledge of our Oz birds – I wouldn’t have a hope of finding one of these brill birds in the suburbs of Melbourne. Sorry to hear that your dear friend is unwell – I hope she gets out of the hospital in time for Xmas, as I think Xmas lunch with hospital food on the menu would be a bit dismal. She’s lucky to have you to cheer her up!
What an interesting idea about their name Deirdre – I really like that idea. And I like the paint pallet idea too! There would definitely be no chance of finding them around Melbourne as they frequent only the dry northwest of Victoria along with a few other arid parts of the country. Thank you for you well-wishes for my friend, it would be wonderful if she is home in time for Christmas.