During Melbourne’s current lockdown I had some moments when I felt numb with the stress that our world is facing. During one of the lowest moments the sun briefly peeked between the clouds, and thanks to a suggestion from a friend, I took my camera gear outside.
1/1000, f/5.6, ISO 1600
Canon 5DSR, Canon 200-400 L IS USM EXT
As I went outside this Grey Fantail was taking a bath, chattering to a nearby Eastern Spinebill – it sounded like they didn’t want to share the bathwater! I thought they’d fly away immediately, but they didn’t and I was lucky to capture this quick shot as this beautiful little fantail spread it wings and tail to shake the droplets away.
1/1000, f/5.6, ISO 1600
Canon 5DSR, Canon 200-400 L IS USM EXT
As soon as the fantail had finished bathing, the spinebill fluttered down through the branches of the Golden Robinia towards the water. When I’m watching birds at water I let them drink and bathe before I take a shot, just in case they’re feeling skittish. Quite often that means I miss the shot completely, which is kind of sad when it something unusual, but I’d hate to feel responsible for scaring a bird from a much-needed drink or bath. This damp little spinebill glanced at me briefly when I took a shot. I use my shutter on the ‘silent’ setting, which isn’t silent but is significantly quieter. It slows the frame rate a little but that’s okay.
Years ago I was encouraged, strongly, to meditate but it’s never been something I can do. I love yoga and hope my classes will be able to start again soon. The person who was encouraging me to meditate read about contemplation one day and said that bird-watching was my form of meditation. I was off the hook. I definitely lose myself in nature, the wonder of it fills me with smiles. I’ve seen some beautiful things this week, including some quite beautiful spiders, and a tiny pinkish centipede. And the birds always catch my attention, especially the little ones as they forage around my garden.
Happy birding, stay safe, Kim
~ Facebook page Kim Wormald – lirralirra
~ Facebook group Ethical Bird Photography
Dear lovely Kim,
Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful pics, thoughts and your tender care for wildlife.
Your ethical approach is such a great example and inspiration.
So glad you took yourself out with your camera to have these precious encounters.
Grey Fannies are such sweet delights – flitting and dancing through the air so convivially. I’m convinced they enjoy our presence as much as we do theirs, and not only for the insects we stir up. I swear they just love to show off and shine too! I mean, who doesn’t love to dance!! 😍 They bring so much lighthearted happiness to our world as you do too, sharing your pics and writing.
Losing myself in nature with my camera is my happy place too. It’s the way I find solace and peace and and a place for my curiosity to flourish. I think so many of us are feeling overwhelmed in these strange times, struggling to find ways to cope.
I am so grateful that I found that ‘zoning out in nature through the viewfinder of a camera, is also my way to ‘zone back in’, a chance to find peace in the midst of mayhem and stress. It’s the best kind of meditation, I think.
Sending hugs and strength.
Stay safe and take care!
Warm regards,
Denise Ravenscroft
💚🕊🐥🙏💖
You have worded that perfectly Denise. The situation is pretty overwhelming, not just our own roof leaks and electrical issues and unusual lack of company but also our concern for others, for families, friends and strangers. I think we’re hardwired to cope with the kind of joys and distresses of our local community but these days we know what is happening everywhere, and the sadnesses and tragedies are shared way more often than the kindnesses and celebrations.
I love watching fantails too. Once I watched a juvenile trying, unsuccessfully, to catch a large insect in flight. It was very comical. Have you noticed how their bills clack together when they catch an insect? I’m not sure yet if it’s mainly the youngsters that do it, as they learn to get the pressure right, but I’m pretty sure I’ve heard it from adult fantails too.
Anyways, I have pathways to clean with the high-pressure hose, and dogs to walk, and the the temperature is gradually nearing double figures so I’d better get organised. Happy birding Denise, and happy zoning out and back in, Kim
Thank you for sharing your beautiful meditation.
How I wish that others would/could take advantage of this respite. Calls on the crisis line from your area are at unheard of levels at the moment, and so many of them are feeling the weight of fear, anger, grief and despair. My heart aches with and for them.
I met some people on a walk a couple of weeks ago who said they’d only become interested in birding during last year’s lockdown – I hope there are many more like them, it could improve things for the people and the birds. It’s hard when so many people live in situations where it’s less easy for them to see the natural world. I’m greatly saddened to read your comment about the crisis line calls, but I totally understand it too. Once again EC, thank you so much for the support you give to those callers, take care, Kim
Two of my favourite small birds Kim. I used to think that the Grey Fantails took a particular liking to me when I walked down our hill to see if there was any post. I was told by a much more experienced bird lover that it was my walking which disturbed insects as the reason for the Fantail to shadow my footsteps not because I was personally being chosen by the bird! And the Eastern Spinebill is such a gorgeous bird with that amazingly curved bill which you capture so well in your photo, and its lovely markings. May all our Victorian friends be released soon from lockdown, an extremely distressing and challenging time for you all. Like you Kim and I suspect many of us, we find solace in nature; landscapes, plants, birds and all other animals. Warmest regards, Alison from Tassie.
Oh Alison, I replied to your comment two days ago! It must have disappeared when I had another momentary power cut or maybe I put my reply on the wrong page but I’ve had a quick look and can’t see it anywhere. Anyways, I do remember saying that I’m sure the fantails like you as well as the bugs you kindly stir up for them. I also said that I often scuff my feet when I’m walking and the fantails are around, maybe they appreciate that a little as I’m still absolutely astounded by the one that perched on me. I find the spinebills mesmerising to watch. They are so delicate and awesome at feeding while hovering and yet they’re also pretty feisty, chasing each other around and seeming to scold as they do it. I think those of us who find solace in nature are lucky, I can’t imagine not being able to enjoy the beauty and wonder of all the things you mention, Kim
Beautiful bird photos again Kim. I think we are all finding this 4th shutdown very hard., especially with the different groups we have joined being put on hold. I am so pleased to see in my little garden that I have now that my native plants are being to flower and the bees are buzzing around them, and even a bird or two. Tells me Spring is on its way. Many thanks for your photos once again. Best wishes, Valda
Your garden sounds absolutely beautiful Valda, what a treasure for you and the birds and insects. Maybe you’ll get some Blue-banded Bees or some of the other native bees. I learned recently about the bubble blowing bees which are pretty amazing. I hope your groups start up again soon, and that winter brings many wonders to your garden, Kim