Rose Robin makes a rare visit

Rose Robin (Male)
Rose Robin (Male)

Royal Park Trin Warren Tam-boore from time to time will spring a surprise on me. On the morning of 29 August 2024, I spotted what I original thought was a Mistletoebird and later thought it might actually be a Flame Robin. However, on closer look, it was actually a male Rose Robin. I never would have thought to actually see a Rose Robin at this park.

Left: Nikon Z 9, Nikkor Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S @ 1/500s f/6.3 ISO2200.

Right: Nikon Z 9, Nikkor Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S @ 1/500s f/6.3 ISO3200.

Willie Wagtail stealing the limelight

Willie Wagtail
Willie Wagtail

This Willie Wagtail appears to be begging for its photograph taken. When I saw it, it was on the ground. It quickly flew onto this rock which provided me with an opportunity to capture it with an extremely clean background due to depth-of-field. I personally would have preferred some detail in the background but in this case, the background is not worth recording. This was taken on 23 August 2024 at Royal Park Trin Warren Tam-boore.

Nikon Z 9, Nikkor Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S @ 1/800s f/6.3 ISO400.

Crested Pigeon

Crested Pigeon

The Crested Pigeon is a native Australia species. It is a bird that is easily identified due to its unique “hair style”. This particular photograph was taken on 21 August 2024 in Royal Park Trin Warren Tam-boore.

Nikon Z 9, Nikkor Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S @ 1/800s f/6.3 ISO3200.

The Hardheads returned to Oak Street Wetland

Hardhead

From time to time, we can see Hardheads at Oak Street Wetland. This photograph of a male Hardhead was taken in the morning of 19 August 2024. There were 4 Hardheads that day but up to 8 had been reported.

Nikon Z 9, Nikkor Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S @ 1/500s f/6.3 ISO2200.

Eastern Rosella of Royal Park

Eastern Rosella

The Eastern Rosella is a frequent visitor to Royal Park Trin Warren Tam-boore. These birds always adds to the colour of the park. It is always delightful to see one or two. This photograph was taken on 19 August 2024.

Nikon Z 9, Nikkor Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S @ 1/500s f/6.3 ISO1250.

Willie Wagtail

Willie Wagtail

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.

A tree-hugging Galah

Galah (Male)

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.

Red-rumped Parrot at the oval

Red-rumped Parrot

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.

Silvereyes taking advantage of the winter bloom

Silvereye
Silvereye

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.

TopNikon Z 9, Nikkor Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S @ 1/320s f/6.3 ISO1400.

BottomNikon Z 9, Nikkor Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S @ 1/320s f/6.3 ISO1250.

Common Starling in their winter coat

Common Starling

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.