As I start writing this post there is a flurry of activity at the birdbaths: fantails, two thornbill species, a pardalote and Silvereyes are jostling for space as a scrubwren nudges its way into the water and a pair of robins take turns – and the droplets are flying.
The droplets were flying as this Silvereye waited for another turn in the water. Regular readers know that I let birds drink and bathe before I press the shutter button as I don’t want to risk disturbing them, though they rarely seem to even notice that I’m there.
As I watch the frenzied activity I’m marvelling at the technology that makes it possible to capture any photographs of these speedy little birds.
The Grey Fantail above looks serene as it poses, with just a few droplets remaining on its wing and tail.
Another post-bathing shake, this time a tiny Brown Thornbill.
As I’ve been putting this post together the birdbath tally has continued to rise. Five honeyeater species came by (New Holland, Eastern Spinebill, Yellow-faced, Lewins’ and White-naped), along with Superb Fairywrens, Red-browed Finches and a very happy Willie Wagtail.
Along with planting natives (not too many nectar-bearing plants as they may attract aggressively territorial Noisy Miners) and safely containing cats, birdbaths are a wonderful addition to gardens. I’ve placed three of my birdbaths in a little garden, beneath a couple of small trees, where there is nowhere for a stray or feral cat to hide. Two baths are raised above the ground (one shallow and one deeper) and a third is at ground level. I keep them clean and full, so the birds can always rely on them. I keep a rock in the deeper bath so tiny birds are always able to escape. On the downside, I’d get a lot more work done if I couldn’t see them through the window!
Happy birding, Kim
PS birdbath visitors update – Crimson Rosella, magpie and Pied Currawong
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Your bird baths really are unbelievably popular! It’s delightful to see how beautifully you capture the little visitors.
Sometimes I can hardly believe it myself! But other times, like this afternoon, no tiny birds came to bathe. I’m guessing there was a goshawk or sparrowhawk lurking around, especially as I heard a couple of alarm calls.
A very kind thing to do for the birds, Kim – especially in this boiling hot heatwave we’ve been having in Victoria, lately. Hell for them – and for us! I put a birdbath out for the poor, parched birds – and a nosey neighbour complained, and said I was attracting mosquitoes to the area. I told him that was a ridiculous complaint, as any mozzie larvae would quickly be gobbled up by the birds, anyway. He had no answer for that, and just rolled his eyes at me.
Some sad people just have no feeling for Nature! Of course, he has his yard carpeted in hideous plastic grass – a bird-free zone – and a joyless one!
Oh my goodness Deirdre, I can’t imagine the horror of a plastic grass garden! Mozzie larvae doesn’t have a hope of maturing in birdbaths where the water is continually being replaced. I hope you and the birds enjoyed the birdbaths you filled for them.
These magical photos bring a smile to your face and make you feel so happy and joyous that you can for a moment forget all the troubles of the world and that is why I say a big thank you to you Kim for always capturing and sharing such wonderful, unique and precious photographs of our very special feathered friends.
“Photography takes an instant out of time, altering life by holding it still.” Dorothea Lange
You share the most beautiful quotes Barbara, thank you
Very nice photos, although again can we more duck photos?
They’ll be coming a bit closer to opening…
What do you mean??
Closer to the opening of this year’s shooting season 🙁