This picture of the Eastern Rosella was one of three taken on 1 August 2024 at the Western Remnant. While you will not see these Rosellas every time you visit Royal Park, they do visit from time to time. They are one of the most colourful birds in Australia.
Nikon Z 9, Nikkor Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S @ 1/500s f/6.3 ISO90.
This portrait of a Pied Currawong was taken at the Western Remnant of Royal Park on 31 July 2024.
As I recall, that morning was very foggy. It started with a couple of Australian Magpies congregating at the Western Remnant. They were later joined by one then four of these Pied Currawong. I managed to get a clear shot of this particular Currawong.
Nikon Z 9, Nikkor Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S @ 1/320s f/6.3 ISO2500.
Some of the flora at Royal Park Trin Warren Tam-boore are blooming. The Silvereyes are taking advantage of the flowers. The nectar must be quite delicious because they are oblivious to my presence which allowed me to take these photograph.
Some photographers prefer birds with completely blurred out background. For me, an environmental portrait with an appropriate background adds dimension to the story-telling. I like how the flowers add layers to the images.
Top: Nikon Z 9, Nikkor Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S @ 1/320s f/6.3 ISO1400.
Bottom: Nikon Z 9, Nikkor Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S @ 1/320s f/6.3 ISO1250.
The coat of the Common Starling is probably the most beautiful in Winter. This is mean to be their non-breeding plumage. Personally, I think it looks better than there breeding plumage. This photograph was taken on 25 July 2024 at Royal Park Trin Warren Tam-boore.
Nikon Z 9, Nikkor Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S @ 1/500s f/6.3 ISO1800.
Royal Park Trin Warren Tam-Boore is home to a few Eastern Spinebill. They seem to have flourish in the last few months or so. There are about 4 to 6 individuals calling the park home. Their identifying feature being it’s long bill that curves downwards. The rufous, black and white coat makes it a gorgeous-looking bird indeed.
I captured these photographs on 23 July 2024. They maybe common but decent photographic opportunity is not easy to come by. They are, interestingly, not too worried about approaches from people but they are fast-moving birds.
Left: Nikon Z 9, Nikkor Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S @ 1/500s f/6.3 ISO800.
Right: Nikon Z 9, Nikkor Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S @ 1/500s f/6.3 ISO2500.
The Silvereye is one of the more common birds in Australia. I have also seen them in New Zealand. The identifying feature of the bird is obviously the white ring around the eye, hence, its name. It feeds on insects, fruits and nectar.
This photograph of a Silvereye was taken at Royal Park Trin Warren Tam-Boore on 23 July 2024. Being a small bird, it is extremely active and not easy to get a good picture. I was very fortunate to have this opportunity to take a decent photograph of the bird.
Nikon Z 9, Nikkor Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S @ 1/500s f/6.3 ISO2000.
This photograph of a Tawny Frogmouth was taken on 3 July 2024 at Royal Park Trin Warren Tam-boore. Tawny Frogmouths can be spotted frequently at the park. I spotted this one 2 days before and it was still at the same perch when the picture was taken. The Frogmouth had a couple of other perches prior this this one.
Nikon Z 9, Nikkor Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S @ 1/500s f/6.3 ISO1000.
This picture of a Crested Tern as it was landing was taken at the Nobbies at Philip Island on 4 December 2023. There was a huge Crested Tern colony that was new formed in that part of the Island that wasn’t there previously. This photograph was taken at sunset. I like how the Tern is backlite and there is a bit of glow on the edge of its wing and beak. Noise reduction was applied to remove the noise in the shadows.
Nikon Z 9, Nikkor Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S @ 1/3200s f/6.3 ISO900
The 2 images above are the same photograph of a White-plumed Honeyeater in Royal Park Trin Warren Tam-boore taken on 30 December 2023.
The one of the right has been manipulated by having the tree trunk on the edge removed. At some point in time, every photographer will be tempted to manipulate their photograph for ecstatic reasons. In this case the tree trunk might be seen to be distracting. I experimented using Adobe Photoshop’s generative fill to remove the tree trunk. I was surprise how well it has done. It has even generate rain drops in the area where the tree trunk was.
Personally, I feel that it is my job as a photograph to document the moment and tell a story about where the bird might be. While this is only an experiment, I don’t feel good about publishing a manipulated image.
Nikon Z 9, Nikkor Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S @ 1/800s f/9 ISO450
Royal Park Trin Warren Tam-boore is quite famous for its population of Spotted Pardalotes. This picture of a female Spotted Pardalote was taken on 24 May 2024. On occasions, these Spotted Pardalotes may be joined by Striated Pardalotes. I don’t have photograph of the Striated Pardalotes that I considered decent. I will post one when I do.
Nikon Z 9, Nikkor Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S @ 1/800s f/6.3 ISO2500