Droplets

As I start writing this post there is a flurry of activity at the birdbaths: fantails, two thornbill species, a pardalote and Silvereyes are jostling for space as a scrubwren nudges its way into the water and a pair of robins take turns – and the droplets are flying.

Silvereye (Zosterops lateralis lateralis)

The droplets were flying as this Silvereye waited for another turn in the water. Regular readers know that I let birds drink and bathe before I press the shutter button as I don’t want to risk disturbing them, though they rarely seem to even notice that I’m there.

As I watch the frenzied activity I’m marvelling at the technology that makes it possible to capture any photographs of these speedy little birds.

Grey Fantail

The Grey Fantail above looks serene as it poses, with just a few droplets remaining on its wing and tail.

Brown Thornbill

Another post-bathing shake, this time a tiny Brown Thornbill.

As I’ve been putting this post together the birdbath tally has continued to rise. Five honeyeater species came by (New Holland, Eastern Spinebill, Yellow-faced, Lewins’ and White-naped), along with Superb Fairywrens, Red-browed Finches and a very happy Willie Wagtail.

Along with planting natives (not too many nectar-bearing plants as they may attract aggressively territorial Noisy Miners) and safely containing cats, birdbaths are a wonderful addition to gardens. I’ve placed three of my birdbaths in a little garden, beneath a couple of small trees, where there is nowhere for a stray or feral cat to hide. Two baths are raised above the ground (one shallow and one deeper) and a third is at ground level. I keep them clean and full, so the birds can always rely on them. I keep a rock in the deeper bath so tiny birds are always able to escape. On the downside, I’d get a lot more work done if I couldn’t see them through the window!

Happy birding, Kim

PS birdbath visitors update – Crimson Rosella, magpie and Pied Currawong


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