The Red-browed Finches are visiting the garden!
These tiny finches always seem happy as they splash around in the birdbaths, a dozen at a time, and forage for seeds and insects among the grasses. I sometimes see the males carrying long streamers of dried grasses to impress their mates but I haven’t managed to photograph that yet – I’ll keep trying!
They are about 11cm and 11g, and they move very quickly which makes focussing on their eyes an enjoyable challenge. This little one landed very briefly on this branch. Its right foot hasn’t quite touched the perch, as soon as it did touchdown it took off again.
Canon 5DSR, Canon 200-400mm L IS USM EXT
Yesterday I had the pleasure of watching this mumma kangaroo as she nurtured her joey. For some reason this shot is my favourite of the day; there’s something endearing, tender and yet a bit comical about it. Backlighting can be challenging to work with but I really like the rim-lighting that defines her back, neck and ear. I also like the way the meadow grasses look as though they are softly glowing.
These kangaroos are part of the mob from the Heritage Golf and Country Club in Chirnside Park, in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs. They are valued by residents and golfers alike. On Tuesday residents were told that kangaroos and their joeys were going to be killed, that night, for dog food. Word quickly got around and an amazing number of people, including vets, wildlife carers, residents and others who care about our native wildlife turned up in protest. I got there quite late as I’d been at a meeting; it was inspiring to see such a big crowd. And it worked, there was no shooting that night.
I love sharing my images, our wildlife is truly amazing. I especially love it when my images help our wildlife and I’d be grateful if you’d join me in helping these kangaroos by adding your name to this petition: Save the Heritage Kangas
Thank you, happy birding, Kim
~ Facebook page Kim Wormald – lirralirra
~ Facebook group Ethical Bird Photography
Some very engaging images. They really capture the relationship between the animal and their world. I keep learning from your images. Thanks for your regular posting which must be like a second (or 3rd) job.
Oh Peter, what a beaut comment, thank you, Kim
Awesome pics Kim.
Thanks heaps Alison
How lucky you are to have those small beauties visit your garden. The little birds make greased lightening seem slow and predictable don’t they?
Love that mama and her baby. The size of those feet suggests he is a bit of a pouch potato – but a much loved one.
And of course I signed the petition.
“Pouch potato”! Oh EC I absolutely love that description. There’s been a lot of work done on how close kangaroo families are bonded and I think this mumma’s patient attention to her pouch potato proves it.
Such a heavenly little bird! A brilliant capture!
The mumma and joey fill my heart and I’m so glad the community could come together to fight for them. Let’s hope the club can turn around this grave mistake to save the roos and their reputation. It’s a beautiful pic ❤️
That’s a lovely comment Alyssa, I hope so too! xo