This Mallee Ringneck is one of my favourite images, taken at Gluepot, one of my favourite places.
Mallee Ringneck (Barnardius zonarius ssp barnardi)
1/640, f5.6, ISO 400
I was rapt to spend time watching this beautiful bird as it daintily picked eremophila blossoms. I especially liked the way it turned this flower towards me as it perched on the edge of the bush with the red mallee sands as a background. Gluepot Reserve is in South Australia, about 40km north of Waikerie. It is a magnificent, private birding area that is well-worth visiting if you get the chance.
The range of colours in this bird is remarkable. The dark mantle and back means it is most likely male. According to The Australian Bird Guide this sub-species of the Australian Ringneck prefers woodlands, acacia scrub and mallee along with streamside eucalypts. They are stunning birds to see and to listen to their bell-like call.
On a personal note I have spent many hours this week cuddling the new baby in the family, my heart has melted, again.
Happy birding!
Kim
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A beautiful photo. Thank you.
Thank you Meredith, we’re so lucky to have such beautiful birds around us
Just outstanding!
Thanks Stephen 🙂
Gorgeous.
Linda.
Thank you Linda
Oh I love him. Parrots are my favorite bords !
I like their little eyes and the way they look at us and they are very intelligent.
Fabulous picture, Kim. Well done !!!!!
In France, now we have the Rose-ringed Parakeet, which has been breeding for about 15 years. It has adapted to the climate and is gradually colonizing the country.
You have a good weekend.
Hi Nath, thank you. That’s interesting about the Rose-ringed Parakeet; it’s not a species I’m familiar with. Parrots are super intelligent, I was lucky enough to have several species in and around the garden today.