As I was working on last week’s post, sharing one of the most amazing shots I’ve ever taken, I mentioned that my favourite small bird had turned up at the birdbath – it is an exceedingly rare visitor here. I hoped that I’d get some shots through the window that were good enough to share… well, they’re not really good enough but I’m sharing them any way. It’s not good to be a perfectionist all the time!
1/500, f/5.6, ISO 6400, focal length 560mm, handheld
Canon 5DSR, Canon 200-400 L IS USM
Outside of my window I have three birdbaths nestled beneath some trees. There is a deep bowl on a stand with a rock in the water to ensure that waterlogged birds can bathe safely. There’s a shallow bath on a pedestal (the favourite of most small birds) and a shallow bath on the ground (thank you my precious birdbath-making friend) which is preferred by the scrubwrens and often used by fairywrens, Red-browed Finches and Silvereyes when the other shallow bath is full.
As any bird-watcher worth their salt would do, I spend a lot of time checking out of the window to see what’s around. Or sometimes the activity catches my eye when honeyeaters land on the plants by the window, or like this week when the White-faced Heron landed there too. Last week I was absolutely stoked to glance outside at just the right time to see a flash of rufous so bright I knew immediately what it was.
1/400, f/5.6, ISO 6400, focal length 560mm, handheld
Canon 5DSR, Canon 200-400 L IS USM
The Rufous Fantail darted around crazily quickly – I did the same to grab my camera! I would love to get a shot of this species in full sun, when my ISO didn’t need to be a ridiculous 6400 and my shutter speed could be more than a ridiculous 400-500th of a second with a long lens, handheld. But, this exquisite bird is recognisable despite being so poorly photographed.
1/500, f/5.6, ISO 6400, focal length 560mm, handheld
Canon 5DSR, Canon 200-400 L IS USM
It was calling loudly, you might be able to see that its bill is wide open in the third shot of this triptych. I feel so absolutely blessed that this sweet bird visited. It’s been a year when this little blessing is extra appreciated.
I’m thinking of you all and hoping you all have the merriest of merry Christmases, the happiest of holidays, and that your lives are filled with birdsong and blessings.
Happy birding, Kim
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Oh my! Aren’t you a lucky girl, Kim! I think they are wonderful photos of a bird that I still have to find. You did really well! They are such a gorgeous little bird. They only turn up in the rainforests here in Summer and then head north again. I think. I have just redone my front garden and planted quite a few shrubs to entice birds and native bees as I have to go walking to find them.
Hope you had a wonderful Christmas with your family and may you have a healthy, prosperous and Happy New Year. ❤️
I’m crazily lucky that the Rufous Fantail visited. There’s been a Rufous Whistler calling a lot recently too, they used to be here all the time so hopefully they’re coming back now. Your new front garden sounds exciting! I hope heaps of birds and bees turn up, and that you get loads of lovely photographs (that I get to see!). Wishing you and yours a truly wonderful new year xo
Thankyou Kym for amazing photography and detailed information during the year.
You bring much joy to your members. You must be the envy of many!
A prosperous New Year to you and yours
Best Wishes
Mary Reedman
Thanks so much Mary, I feel very blessed to be able to photograph so many beautiful birds. Wishing you and yours a wonderful 2023, Kim
Thank you for the lively stories this year. Your photographs are wonderful and abundant. I appreciate your fine efforts.
Thanks heaps Janine. Rufous Whistlers have been calling in the garden this week, I’m hoping to get a shot of them to share soon… or maybe the juvenile Grey Fantail that is so crazily cute I smile just thinking about it.
Thank you for the joy – and information – you have brought to us this year!
Merry Christmas to you and your family,
Fiona
You’re so very welcome Fiona, all the best to you and yours, Kim
Hi Kim. Your beautiful photos have brought me great joy and wonder throughout the year. With heartfelt thanks for your ethical work and your willingness to share with us. Wishes for peace and happiness. Sue
It was lovely to find your comment here Sue, especially as I’d been thinking about you heaps in the lead up to Christmas. I hope all’s well xo
Hi Kym,
Thanks for the fabulous photographs you have posted during 2022. Best wishes for Christmas and a Happy and Healthy 2023.
Linda.
My pleasure Linda, so glad you’ve enjoyed them. Wishing you and yours the very best for 2023 🙂
Hopefully we’ll soon be in the situation where all cats are genuinely confined to their owners’ properties, the same regulations as we have for dogs. I hope your kittens are feeling much happier now.
Oh yes. We spend a LOT of time looking out the windows. I love the idea of having a bird bath in the ground but sadly neighbouring cats make that an impossibility. (Our boys stay inside). Thank you for this beauty and for your rich and encompassing wishes – which I echo and return.
Hopefully we’ll soon be in the situation where all cats are genuinely confined to their owners’ properties, the same regulations as we have for dogs. I hope your kittens are feeling much happier now.