Golden preener

It’s such a privilege to watch birds preening and seeing this little one contort itself in the process was seriously cute.

Pink-eared Duck (Malacorhynchus membranaceus)
1/1600, f/5.6, ISO 1600

I don’t think I’ve ever shared an image without the bird’s eye showing but for some strange reason I adore this pinkie shot. Watching it preen itself, first thing in the morning, seemed a bit personal. It’s great that it was so comfortable that it could completely ignore me sitting at the muddy edge of the temporary lake.

The view of the pinkie’s distinct bill is fascinating. It seems too large for their tiny bodies and it’s sweet to see the pink underside and the peculiar mandibular flaps. I was hoping to share images of pinkies foraging but I’ll have to do that another week as I’ve completely run out of time.

Cartoon by First Dog on the Moon – used with permission
Thanks First Dog!
Originally published in the Guardian

I hope you enjoy First Dog’s cartoon. I like the ‘spokesfox’ comment, I’ll have to remember that. Meanwhile our wonderful wildlife warriors are still rescuing ducks at the wetlands, hopefully they’ll have a quiet weekend.

Happy birding

Kim

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