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Crimson Rosellas are spectacular at any time but this youngster with its freshly unfurled feathers is absolutely exquisite.

Crimson Rosellas are here every day and nest in hollows in the huge Mahogany Gums (E. botryoides) so I frequently see adults and youngsters but this is the first time I’ve seen one with this lime-green, golden glow. There are three types of Crimson Rosella, the crimson, the yellow and the orange. They rarely interbred and I’m in the crimson only range or I might have thought this was a cross between the crimson and the yellow type.

I was stoked to get this shot of it striding jauntily along the branch. Adult females have green feathers in the upper central part of their tails but I wouldn’t be game to say this one is female as it’s still in its juvenile plumage.

As many readers won’t be familiar with adult Crimson Rosellas I thought I should share this photograph I took a while ago of one enjoying apricots from my tiny orchard.

I’m thinking of everyone in south east Queensland and northern NSW as they wait for Cyclone Alfred to reach the mainland in the next few hours. I hope everyone stays safe and that the wildlife manages find refuges.

Thinking of you all and hoping that the birds are singing again soon, Kim

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