The figs are ripening and the Silvereyes are lurking, bills and balancing skills at the ready.
1/1000, f/4.0, ISO 2000
Canon 5DSR, Canon 200-400mm L IS USM
My fig tree is absolutely laden this year and the Silvereye are checking it out each day, though I think it will be a while before the fruit is ripe. Unlike the apples and plums the birds don’t seem to taste the figs until they really are ready. Hmmm, I wonder why that is.
This year I entirely missed out on my apricots, plums and the three cherries that had so much potential until they disappeared. I’ve been a lot luckier with the cumquats and have been treated to countless pots of AKW’s magnificent marmalade.
1/800, f/4.0, ISO 2000
Canon 5DSR, Canon 200-400mm L IS USM
The light was miserable for these shots which explains the low shutter speed (low for bird photography, crazily fast for landscapes) and the high ISO. Silvereyes are beautiful little birds, they often look like large green butterflies as they flit around the birdbath. I’m hoping to get out and about with my camera gear over the weekend so will try to get some brighter shots to share.
For people local to Lillydale Lake there is a vigil at the lake on Saturday and Sunday from 8am-2pm to spread the word about the plight of the gentle mob of kangaroos that have brought much pleasure to local residents. Oh, I’ve just realised I could add a copy of the business cards that will be handed out to people visiting the marquee, here it is:
I’m planning to attend for a few hours on a least one of the days, please stop by to say g’day and collect your business card.
Take care out there, happy birding, Kim
~ Facebook page Kim Wormald – lirralirra
~ Facebook group Ethical Bird Photography
Its great that people care about the kangas!!
It really is. Let’s hope the right team gets the chance to rescue them
Great Shots Kim. Wondering if they are from Tasmania.
I think they’re eastern breeding birds with their grey backs, buff sides and yellow throats. The Tassie birds have darker sides… I may have made a mistake in an earlier post when a Silvereye’s sides were wet… hmmm, I’ll check that when I get the chance. Do you think this one looks like a Tassie bird?
Beautiful photos as always Kim, I rarely see silver eyes in our garden here but we had these little beauties regularly in our family garden when I was growing up.
I’m glad you have lovely memories of them Jan and I hope they start visiting your current garden more often, Kim
I love the little silver eyes, that first photo on the fig would have to be one of my favourite photos. It’s beautiful ☺️
That’s really lovely of you Donna, thank you 🙂
The photo on thr fig is a work of art! Beautiful subdued tones, focussed interest and park erfect study if thr bird. Well done!
Aw, thanks so much Judy. I appreciate your artistic eye
The birds are unerring in spotting just when the fruit is ripe and honing in on it aren’t they? Just as you were with these gorgeous shots of miniature marvels.
I so hope the vigil has the desired effect. I am tired (and more than a little sad and angry) at just how often animal needs fall a very poor second to development and developers.
They are brilliant aren’t they! I agree about the roos EC and desperately hope they are given the chance they deserve. It’s wonderful that a team of such dedicated experts are will to donate their time, it will be a travesty if they aren’t given the chance to save this little mob
Hi Kim. This is a lovely and uplifting post. We have another snow day here but it’s warm(-10C). I can’t imagine having figs and Silver Eyes in my yard. Silver Eyes look small even compared to the fig. Amazing.
Kim I also checked out the ethical bird photography link. This is an awesome group.
-10C – warm!!! Shivers. They are tiny little birds, it’s always tricky to keep the focus on their minuscule eyes. I’m glad you like EBP – I hope you joined us!