This Little Wattlebird focussed as intently on me as I focussed on it – such a striking pose!
1/1250, f/5.6, ISO 1600. focal length 560mm
Canon 5DSR, Canon 200-400mm L IS USM EXT
I very rarely get the chance to photograph these stunning-looking birds. Their feathers are beautifully streaked and there is something about them that appeals to me, a lot. They are a medium to large honeyeater with a sturdy bill, pretty eye and a strange, harsh call.
I saw this Little Wattlebird at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Cranbourne. It was busy working the ‘wrong side’ of all the nectar-bearing plants but it briefly popped up and seemed pretty surprised to see me.
Grey Teal – Kim Wormald
I’m stoked that my Grey Teal features on the front cover of this week’s Winchelsea Star in the ongoing battle to promote nature-based tourism and have duck shooting permanently banned in Victoria. Regional Victorians Opposed to Duck Shooting have a compelling article in the paper accompanied by one of my graphic shots showing dead protected species and a shot and abandoned Grey Teal (they look so much happier when they’re alive). If you have time please read the article and/or write emails, click ‘likes’ or anything else that shows your concern for our native birds.
A quick note to these politicians would be much appreciated by me and the ducks: daniel.andrews@parliament.vic.gov.au; mary-anne.thomas@parliament.vic.gov.au; lily.dambrosio@parliament.vic.gov.au; james.merlino@parliament.vic.gov.au
Thank you and happy birding, Kim
~ Facebook page Kim Wormald – lirralirra
~ Facebook group Ethical Bird Photography
Love your work Kim, keep educating us all and revealing the beauty
Thanks heaps Syndy, there is so much beauty out there
Hello Kim, we are enjoying visits by the Little Wattlebird to our garden in Bellerive, Hobart. They take full advantage of one of our birdbaths and seem to enjoy bathing in pairs or more. They make a welcome change to the suburban birds who are in residence – Spotted-neck Turtle Doves and Australian Miners. On lucky days we have Eastern Rosellas & yellow tailed Black Cockatoo. We are planting lots of small and sometimes prickly shrubs to attract the smaller birds like Superb Fairy Wrens and small honeyeaters- Eastern Spinebills but as we know it’s a long game. Thankyou once again Kim for your posts, always a welcome email in my Inbox.
Alison
It’s exciting to hear about the shrubs you are planting for the smaller birds. The Eastern Spinebills at my place love Kangaroo Paw and correa – I hope they appreciate whatever you are planting for them. YtBc are beautiful birds, I love their call and their graceful flight
To all those who love and care for our beautiful feathered friends they need us to be their voice and take action. Constantly sending emails and comments to politicians and media outlets is vital so that this horrific, brutal, cruel and senseless killing of gentle, peaceful wildlife will be stopped.
Politicians are elected by the people and paid for with our taxes and they should be held accountable for every decision they make that affects humans, our wildlife and environment. Birds and animals don’t vote but we do and we must be their advocates, carers and protectors if we are all to continue to enjoy the sight and sound of these gorgeous creatures and the amazing moments and images captured by wonderful photographers like Kim.
Congratulations on the cover of the Winchelsea Star and for your tireless work in demanding a stop this senseless killing and definitely the answer is promotion of nature-based tourism. Taking groups to use a camera instead of a gun will, in fact, bring prosperity and jobs to these regional and remote areas and, most importantly, save our native birds.
Each and every one of us can make a difference.
“All creatures are deserving of a life free from fear and pain” Maura Cummings
I agree with you Barbara, totally agree. It’s the power of all the people who have worked tirelessly to let us know the reality of duck shooting who deserve our thanks, and all those who have taken the time to write to politicians. Hopefully, hopefully, this year will be the end of it.
They are becoming more at home in our area. Hoping one day they meyturn into the Koel we have here over Christmas.
It’s so neat to hear the Koel in the area. It visited my garden briefly last year, hopefully I’ll be able to photograph it soon
Sadly my aging eyes cannot read the article – despite embiggening as much as I could.
Killing (of any species) for recreation is an obscenity in my eyes and the sooner it is banned the better.
I love your image and mourn the necessity of this call to (peaceful) arms. I will be writing.
The article was super well written EC, giving many statistics about the realities of duck shooting and promoting nature-based tourism – hopefully soon!