I wanted to share something uplifting this week, and wings fit that criteria, literally and figuratively.
1/1000, f/5.6, ISO 2500
Canon 5DSR, Canon 200-400mmL IS USM EXT
Female Spotted Pardalotes aren’t as brightly coloured as the males but they are exquisitely beautiful. The reds and yellows fit perfectly with the soft warmth of their underparts, contrasting with the black accents and the soft yellow spots on their heads.
I was rapt to capture this tiny bird as she raised her wings – I feel like that’s what I need to do this year, metaphorically speaking. The past year has been challenging for most of us, but there have been many things to be grateful for, so many kindnesses, so much community spirit and the mere thought of those post-lockdown hugs gives me goosebumps.
Over the years I’ve served on dozens of committees but that has lapsed recently as life had different plans. I find I’m missing that kind of purpose, working with like-minded people, striving to improve things for people and for the environment. I’ve been busy working on my small Land for Wildlife property but hopefully soon I’ll get things under control here and be able to work on some other projects. I’ll keep sharing images for conservation purposes, I’m passionate about that!
iPhone SE – taken at midnight on NYE
New Year’s Eve has always been a favourite day for me but this year was different. There was no party; instead a friend helped me oil my new deck, it looks so good. As the year drew to a close, I sat on the wide veranda steps, patting my dogs and watching the full moon as it gracefully crossed the sky.
In the words of David Attenborough (whose hand I was lucky enough to shake when he visited Melbourne), ‘Our planet is unique. A living world of diversity and wonder. It’s also fragile. With the new year comes the opportunity for change. And if we act in 2021, we can make a world of difference. Together, we can turn things around. Together, we can restore our fragile home and make it a happy new year for all the inhabitants of planet Earth.’
Happy birding, Kim
NB I’ll rescue comments from spam
~ Facebook page Kim Wormald – lirralirra
~ Facebook group Ethical Bird Photography
What a beautiful photo of one of my favourite little birds!
You were so lucky to have met Sir David Attenborough. I bet that was a special moment that will stay with you forever. He’s such a wonderful man.
You sound as though you had a lovely New Years Eve. My decks are in desperate need of oiling now that you mention it.
Have a healthy, safe and Happy New Year, Kim!xx
It really was a special moment Marg. I met him again another time and took a book of his to be signed, that’s part of the special memory too! Have fun oiling your decks, it such a rewarding job xo
Happy New Year, somewhat poignant this year. We may not be able to change a lot around us but we can choose what we focus on and we can choose to be different, do different, more aware each new day. Thanks for the joy you share Kim
Thank you for your kind and beautiful comment Syndy, great advice. Today I’ve enjoyed doing a bit of weeding, and loved seeing so many birds using the birdbaths and to see a fascinating stick insect
Such a gorgeous photo! I’ve never seen one in real life, maybe that should be a goal this year😊
You were so lucky to have met David Attenborough, he is an outstanding human and we should all listen to what he has to say.
Happy new year to you and thank you for your photos throughout 2020.
That’s a great goal to have Donna! I hope you get to see lots of them and their striated cousins. I was very lucky to meet David, the world needs millions of him
Oh Kim. Pardalotes epitomise feathered enchantment for me. Thank you so much for this glorious image.
No moon to be seen my way. Thick cloud (and sadly none of the promised rain).
Here’s to a happy, hopeful, healthy New Year. For all of us and for the world.
They are arguably the prettiest little birds, so tiny and beautiful. I’m glad you like them too EC. And yes, definitely agree with your other sentiments!
Beautiful photo of the pardalote. I like Alyssa’s word ‘exquisite’.
I also love the “Midnight Moon”. There have been some stunning effects over the last few nights, with the moon appearing over the mountain, between the trees or emerging from behind the clouds.
I liked Alyssa’s word too! The picture you paint of the moon at your place sounds really delightful
What a spectacular picture of the pardalote. Exquisite is the perfect word. I love the wise words from Sir David too. The best thing to have come out of 2020 is that we are learning to do so many more things online which reduces our carbon footprint 🙂
You’re still contributing lots to the environment with your online advocacy, promoting ethical bird photography and instilling a love for our birdlife with your magical pics.
Happy new year!
Oh Alyssa, thank you for your lovely comment, especially as I know how hard you work for the environment and the birds, you’re a star