Brolgas! I could watch these magnificent cranes for hours, actually I have watched them for hours. This time was the loudest I’ve ever heard them calling. The video will let you hear their voices.
It’s the RSV bug that has affected the household, especially me and the tiny twins. I can still hardly believe that a fortnight of our lives has disappeared due to a tiny virus. The twins are feeling better now and I’m hopefully only a few days behind them.
1/1000, f6.3, ISO 1600, handheld
Canon R5, Canon RF 600mm f/4 L IS USM
I’m very fond of this photograph. I like the captured movement, the intent look of the bird as it walks towards its partner, the dried grasses giving the background a golden glow and the mud on its bill showing how it had been foraging moments before.
The name ‘Brolga’ is derived from ‘burralga’ which is their name in the indigenous Gamilaraay language.
1/1000, f6.3, ISO 1600, handheld
Canon R5, Canon RF 600mm f/4 L IS USM
The shot above was taken just a few minutes later; the sun was behind a cloud and the Brolgas had moved to a patch of stubble.
It’s tricky to distinguish between males and females but I think the bird on the left is probably the male as it looks a little larger.
While I was taking still photographs Upali was taking a video. The Brolgas were calling so loudly, it was magical. The video was taken by Upali on a recent trip to the Western Treatment Plant with Des from Australian Bird Tours – we had a seriously beaut day! Many thanks to Upali for allowing me to share his video.
Time for another early night but I’m hopeful that I’ll be on the mend by next week and able to see what the local birds are up to.
Happy birding, Kim
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