Regent Parrots!

I think I’m in love – Regent Parrots are animated sunshine, their beauty is outstanding.

 

Regent Parrots (Polytelis anthopeplus)

 

This was the first time I’ve seen Regent Parrots, which makes them a ‘lifer’ in birding parlance.

I was blessed to spend time with a kindred spirit who knows the area like the back of her hand and was happy to sit for ages while we waited to see  what, if anything, would appear.

 

Regent Parrots (Polytelis anthopeplus)

The pair of Regent Parrots landed about 15-20 metres away, at a guess, and all of this week’s images are heavily cropped.

Regent Parrots are found in very limited areas in and around the Mallee in Victoria, NSW and SA. There is a completely separate population in Western Australia where the species is faring better than in Victoria and NSW where it is listed as Vulnerable/Endangered.

 

Regent Parrots (Polytelis anthopeplus)

I was thrilled to capture images of the male and female Regent Parrot together. Males are more brightly coloured than the female but both are exquisitely beautiful with their bright yellows, soft greens and patches of red on their wings. Both genders have red bills and long blue-black tails and wings. They are about 40cm long and weigh about 175g.

 

Regent Parrots (Polytelis anthopeplus)

 

I get shivers of delight when I look at the image above as the parrot ruffled its feathers after preening; the colours are stunning. They feed predominantly on seeds but will also take some fruit and insects.

I’m concerned that I haven’t processed the images well, especially as these birds deserve the best. I’ll work on them again when I’m feeling better and it’s the right side of midnight.

Happy birding, stay well

Kim

 

PS  actually I get shivers of delight when I look at any of the images, or even when I think about the moments we shared with such an exquisite species

 

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14 comments to Regent Parrots!

  • ALAN R. STRACHAN

    WHAT BEAUTIFUL BIRDS ARE THE REGENT PARROTS. HOPE TO DO A TRIP TO THE MALLEE COUNTRY AROUND HATTAH AND WYPERFIELD NATIONAL PARK NEXT YEAR AND HOPEFULLY SEE FOR THE FIRST TIME REGENT PARROTS IN THEIR WILD NATURAL STATE LIKE YOU HAVE DONE. WHAT GREAT PHOTOGRAPHS YOU MADE AVAILABLE FOR US TO VIEW, SHOWING HOW COLOURFUL THESE PARROTS ARE. I DON’T KNOW WHAT TIME OF THE YEAR TO TRAVEL TO HATTAH REGION. I HOPE TO TAKE THE REGENTS ON VIDEO MOVIE CAMERA. ONCE AGAIN, THANK YIU FOR MAKING YOUR PHOTOGRAPHS AVAILABLE TO US.

    • lirralirra

      Hi Alan, so sorry to have only just seen your post. I hope you had a brilliant trip to the Mallee and had the chance to see these beautiful birds on your travels, Kim

  • Judy

    Glad you got to see them. I think they are beautiful! So marvellous in flight too.

    • lirralirra

      Seeing them in flight would be just wonderful. I was treated to a brief flyover straight over my head, it would have made a beaut GIF but wasn’t long enough to do more than gasp

  • Helen Chapman

    Thank you Kim. Just stunning. I don’t think I’ve seen these parrots before. Any chance you’re putting out a calendar? Could feature rare and endangered species. If so this ruffled beauty would be a worthy contender. To my untrained eye the image looks fine. 🙂 Look after yourself. Helen

    • lirralirra

      It was brilliant to see them Helen, so beautiful. I have done calendars in the past, via Redbubble, but I had an exhibition last year instead and haven’t decided what to do this year. Although the print quality on Redbubble is great the cost is prohibitive. I donated profits from the calendars but they cost almost the same as they sell for. I should do some research … I like your idea about rare and endangered species 🙂

  • Gai Collens

    Just beautiful Kim and can well imagine your excitement at capturing these gorgeous parrots!

  • Mary Goodall Tuohey

    Great images, Kim, and particularly lovely as these birds are rare and and endangered.

  • How could you not fall in love? Or shiver with delight?
    There is so much feathered enchantment around, and it fills my heart to overflowing.
    Thank you for these glorious birds. I hope you start to feel MUCH better soon.

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