This incredible sight is an elusive Painted Button-quail dashing to freedom through the undergrowth.
1/2500, f/6.3, ISO 1600
Canon R5, Canon RF 600 f/4 L IS USM
Very little is known about the species but it is thought that some of them might migrate. They forage on the ground at night, early in the mornings and late in the evenings. They have a fascinating way of feeding by spinning on each leg in turn to look below the leaf litter for seeds and insects, leaving tiny circles on the ground. These tiny circles are called platelets.
1/2500, f/6.3, ISO 1600
Canon R5, Canon RF 600 f/4 L IS USM
This female Painted Button-quail was nurtured back to health by Nalini at Boobook Wildlife Shelter and I was super lucky to help with her release yesterday afternoon along with little Miss 10. Operating a wildlife shelter is time-consuming, expensive, fraught with heart-ache, and sprinkled with wonderful moments like this that make it all worthwhile.
1/2500, f/6.3, ISO 1600
Canon R5, Canon RF 600 f/4 L IS USM
I love the little feather tuft sprouting from her head and her brilliant markings that are such perfect camouflage, coupled with a red iris and bright yellow legs and feet. What a little beauty she is!
Happy birding, Kim
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Wow Kim!
What a beauty and a female too.
Love the tuft.
How lucky are you?
ttfn
Love Avril
I was super lucky Avril. She’s such a beautiful little bird and it was wonderful to see her running free xo
Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful moment and beautiful bird with us.
And huge thanks to Nalini for her important and too often heartbreaking work.
It really was a magical moment EC, especially as this was the first Painted Button-quail I’ve seen. Little Miss 10 was enthralled which made it even more special. Nalini is amazing, I will let her know of your comment.