satin bowerbird

After parking up in the picnic area we had a wander round looking at the lovely views I then found this stunning Satin Bowerbird up in a tree. Not a Lifer of course, as I'd seen a few by now, but they're so beautiful, especially when the light gets them right, that they feel like it every time LOL.

.... your own raindrops. Believe it or not there's a Satin Bowerbird in that mess! However, he only needed to wait a few hours and the rains came.

The Satin Bowerbird came back and wandered really close to my little hide.... just had to take this didn't I. He seemed desperate for me to take his picture and I really didn't mind as he's so beautiful.

I thought the eyes on this Satin Bowerbird were really striking!!! I've never seen anything else coming close to that. I can't actually count this one as a Lifer, as I'd seen a female a few days before on the Gold Coast, but this is the first picture I managed to get of this species.

We weren't even thinking of bowerbirds when this gorgeous gal appeared in a clearing. Isn't she a beauty??? And no, she's not wearing coloured contact lenses. Check out that lilac eye :eek!: And yes, Delia, I have now seen Fairywrens. Not in breeding plumage, but still gorgeous. And very busy...

This male Satin Bowerbird is here seen in its avenue bower,constructed of dead sticks

Another view of the Satin Bowerbird, and a short video clip. http://www.birdforum.tv/action/viewvideo/8549/Satin_Bowerbird/?ref=peterday

We're back from the cottage in Queensland - weather was quite overcast which limited photo opportunities, so only a few to post. And no platypus - too shy! But the Bowerbird was the star of the week!

This is a first for me. Hundreds of visits by both, and this is the first time they've come at the same time.

Male Satin Bowerbird

He & his partner turned up for a photo. More on my blog http://bradsburras.blogspot.com.au

Although I've not seen a male, there are two, sometimes three female Satin Bowerbirds which visit regularly to feed from the wild lantana on the steep banks in my garden. Unfortunately I rarely manage a clear view. This shot is heavily cropped, but was a treat for me to get a clear view in a tree.

I think it's a juvenile but I'm not sure how to tell if it's male or female. For some reason I can never get a good shot of the adult males, it's like the camera can't focus properly on them.