Seriously cute fluffed, semi-fluffed and unfluffed Grey Fantail at the birdbath.
1/1600, f/6.3, ISO 800
Canon 5DSR, Canon 200-400L IS USM EXT
Last week we had a few moments of springtime, it was beautiful. The grass dried just enough for me to hop on the mower (though I was a bit over optimistic with yesterday’s mowing and I managed to get bogged) and the light was perfect for photography.
I sat on the bottom step of my veranda with my camera gear on a tripod and my fabric hide over me and my gear, turning me into a camouflaged bunyip. Tiny thornbills and spinebills came to the branches just above my head and all kinds of species came to drink and bathe. I don’t press the shutter button until the birds have had a splash and a drink, which often means I miss taking their photograph. I would have loved to have photographed the amazing looking White-browed Scrubwren, and the three species of honeyeaters, and the Superb Fairywrens but they all flew following their first sips or dips.
The Grey Fantails kept returning, bathing and splashing and fluffing up their feathers into the most beautiful patterns, like the fantail above – so pretty!
1/1600, f/6.3, ISO 800
Canon 5DSR, Canon 200-400L IS USM EXT
Grey Fantails are constantly on the move. They catch insects on the wing, flying out from trees, swooping and diving in beautiful aerial dances that finish with a snap of their bills as they catch their prey.
These little birds weigh about 9g (think about that in relation to 60g hens’ eggs, amazing isn’t it) and they measure about 15cm, much of which is their tail.
1/1600, f/6.3, ISO 800
Canon 5DSR, Canon 200-400L IS USM EXT
The photograph above shows a sleeker version of the fantail as it smooths its feathers back into place. They have such pretty markings, a photographers dream really with the dynamic range going from a pure white to a genuine black.
Grey Fantails can be found in most parts of Australia; I hope you get to see them too and enjoy their antics and lilting songs.
Happy birding from home, Kim
~ Facebook page Kim Wormald – lirralirra
~ Facebook group Ethical Bird Photography
Those funny triangles are great on its feathers.
That’s my favourite part of the photograph too!
Kim that gorgeous little bird enjoyed his bath as much as we enjoyed the photo. These moments of magic make you smile when everything around us at the moment is in many ways so sad. As we hear each day about people who are struggling to cope with all the dramatic and drastic effects of COVID I think everyone who enjoys your beautiful photos should send them out to their friends and invite them to visit your page and connect with our precious and unique feathered friends.
These wonderful tiny birds bring the biggest smile and definitely a bright spot in anyone’s day.
I am still grinning and each time I check out that photo it makes me laugh and for that I thank you.
That’s so lovely Barbara. Those of us who are lucky enough to be able to connect to nature can definitely find plenty to smile at; though some days are harder than others. I’m glad you enjoy the images, thank you for letting me know, Kim
Must be getting ready for a date! Your garden must be appealing to all the birds.
I hope so Togram! Fledgling fantails are exquisite, I’ll definitely mention it on lirralirra if I see any little ones
How do they not simply blow away…? Love the clarity Kim.
I agree Synd! They are so tiny and we’ve had some very big winds. I love capturing pixel-peeping details, I’m glad you appreciate that too, Kim
So precious! I love them all but the little damp and tufty pic is extra special!
I really like that one too Alyssa, thanks for letting me know 🙂
Great shots!
Thanks so much Stephen
This is the first year we have had so few fantails visiting the Sunshine Coast hinterland this year. Possibly earlier fires??? Anyway I love your photo. Such a cutie.
Oh Carolyn, I’m sorry to hear about your fantails. It could have something to do with the fires as Grey Fantails are migratory. This is my 5th year with no Scarlet Robins, let’s both hope our birds return soon, Kim
Oh my, oh my, oh my.
I suspect my camouflaged bunyip would have been uttering squeaks of delight. Definitely counter productive.
Huge thanks. It is early here (and winter has returned) and I am smiling broadly enough to hurt my face.
This camouflaged bunyip definitely smiles, a lot. 3:44am! Oh my goodness, I hope you’re okay, hopefully getting up super early to photograph frozen bubbles or something equally exquisite
Love your write-ups as much as your photos 🙂
Thanks Bill, that’s a lovely comment 🙂