The Willie Wagtail is a common bird in Melbourne. This photograph was taken at Royal Park Trin Warren Tam-boore on 19 August 2024. It has a mate close by and was singing. As the name suggests, the bird wags its tail as it moves around. A very sweet bird that I am always happy to see.
Nikon Z 9, Nikkor Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S @ 1/500s f/6.3 ISO450.
The photograph of the Black-shouldered Kite was taken on 15 August 2024 at the Skink Habitat of Royal Park. This bird can be seen frequently at this location and usually perched on the same dead tree.
Nikon Z 9, Nikkor Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S @ 1/500s f/6.3 ISO90.
This Galah was photographed on 7 August 2024 at Royal Park Trin Warren Tam-boore. It was originally on the ground but flew up to a tree. It appears to proceed to give the tree a hug which I find quite amusing.
Nikon Z 9, Nikkor Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S @ 1/500s f/6.3 ISO220.
This photograph of a Grey Fantail was taken on 6 August 2024 at the Western Remnant of Royal Park. According to someone more knowledgeable than myself, this particular Fantail came all the way from Tasmania to make Victoria its winter home.
Nikon Z 9, Nikkor Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S @ 1/500s f/6.3 ISO1400.
In Winter, some Robins will migrate to the open plains around Melbourne. Some Flame Robins are believed to also migrate from Tasmania. These pair of Flame Robins was photographed at Woodlands Historic Park on 4 August 2024. I have to employ the 1.4X TC as the Flame Robins are extremely skittish.
Left: Nikon Z 9, Nikkor Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S, Nikon Z TC-1.4X @ 1120mm 1/500s f/9 ISO1400.
Right: Nikon Z 9, Nikkor Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S, Nikon Z TC-1.4X @ 1120mm 1/500s f/9 ISO1100.
This photograph of a fairly young male Red-rumped Parrot was taken on 2 August 2024 at the oval next to Royal Park Trin Warren Tam-boore. They seemed quite comfortably near people. Although it allowed me to approach, I have to back off a bit so that my lens will focus.
Nikon Z 9, Nikkor Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S @ 1/800s f/6.3 ISO200.
These photographs of a Brown Thornbill was taken at the Western Remnant of Royal Park on 2 August 2024. Brown Thornbills are insectivores and one of the smallest birds in Australia. They are fairly common but difficult to photograph as they are very energetic and will not remain in one place for very long.
Nikon Z 9, Nikkor Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S @ 1/800s f/6.3 ISO2500.
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.