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.
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.