We’re in the middle of another lockdown so I wandered into the garden with my camera; today’s image shows the kind of issue I often face as a wildlife photographer.
1/1000, f/5.6, ISO 800, focal length 560mm
Canon 5DSR, Canon 200-400mm L IS USM EXT
I usually share photographs where the bird isn’t virtually hidden but in reality that’s the way I usually see them!
This exquisite little spinebill sat and preened itself for a few moments while perched on the far side of a weeping apricot, about eight metres from where I was watching and waiting. The chances of being able to focus on it’s rapidly moving eye is tricky enough without having to contend with all those branches and the bird sometimes being completely hidden.
But, it’s lockdown. And there’s little else to entertain me apart from steam cleaning anything that doesn’t run away.
I was using a tripod and back button focussing, capturing this shot would have been impossible any other way (not that it’s a brilliant shot but it does tell a bit of a story).
I’ve been sharing some memories during this lockdown, images and anecdotes that were funny or interesting to share a little brightness for others, and myself. But someone wrote that I should be in lockdown. They clearly hadn’t been following what I was doing. I can’t believe how much it’s bothered me. To be accused of flouting lockdown, which I’d never do, while suffering being in lockdown. Sigh.
I’ll probably regret sharing that, I’m a ridiculously private person but you’re my lirralirra family and I hope you don’t mind.
Actually, before I sign off I’ll share one of the memories for those of you who aren’t on Facebook – I was near the weeping apricot then too.
1/1000, f/5.6, ISO 800, focal length 560mm
Canon 5DSR, Canon 200-400mm L IS USM EXT
I took this photograph last week, in my garden. A ray of sunlight fell on the Eastern Spinebill while the rest of the image was in distant shade. It reminded me of sitting under my fabric camouflage hide, in the same part of my garden, when a tradie was sent round the back to ask me a question. He was a big guy and he was confidently striding straight past me when I said ‘Hi’. He jumped and hollered, and tools flew everywhere. I guess my fabric hide works pretty well!
Happy birding from home, stay safe, Kim
~ Facebook page Kim Wormald – lirralirra
~ Facebook group Ethical Bird Photography
Please keep sharing, Kim. You’re keeping us all sane and smiling. It takes some longer than others to learn it’s arrogance to judge someone without trying on their shoes, and is usually more revealing of the commentor rather than the commentee. Enough said, let’s go for less offended – whatsoever is good, lovely, encouraging and building each other up. Thanks for being all those things, hang in there Melbourne, this could be our (less restricted) weekend. A broader opportunity to be off with the birds.
Thank you heaps Syndy. Your ‘good, lovely, encouraging and building each other up’ thought is absolutely lovely, your comment has been that for me right now! It’ll be so good if the danger is over by this weekend, there are some Red-tailed Black-Cockatoos lurking around that I’d love to see. Happy hopefully less-restricted birding, Kim
I am laughing as I have the privilege and absolute pleasure of seeking out and watching this exquisite little spinebill in a tree in the garden. I look for it each morning and then see a gentle rustle of the bush and watch as it moves silently and swiftly from branch to branch. I totally agree the chances of seeing its eyes would be unbelievably difficult as I have trouble just seeing all of this gorgeous little bird. The other day I am sure a second bird appeared but not sure if it is friend or foe as the resident took off after the other bird and they both disappeared. Romance??? Protecting territory??? The mystery continues. This little bird makes me laugh and smile every day and I miss it when it does not appear (or I sleep in!!!).
I, too, am still laughing at the big tradie’s reaction. That is hysterical as I know many tradies and all of them would have reacted the same way. I hope you, however, took the opportunity to show him the beautiful bird you were watching. Many of these ‘big tradies’ are also ‘big softies’ and with a little bit of persuasion will definitely enjoy the natural wonders that are around them and it is vital we keep introducing people to the wonderful world of nature and especially birds.
These beautiful images are what people need to see and enjoy at a time in the world when it is crazy. Your images make people so happy and keep them all connected to what is really important in life and that is life itself.
I can assure you Kim, you and your amazing images have kept many of us whether locked down or not or just dealing with life in general, SANE and for that I say a big ‘thank you’.
Hello Barbara,
What a wonderful joyous and life affirming comment to Kim, I applaud your sentiments with regard to Kim’s weekly posts, keeping us all sane and looking at our natural world to keep us all smiling. Today I attended, on World Environment Day, a chance to support the Bob Brown Foundation in Hobart calling for assistance to oppose the imminent destruction of Takayna/Tarkine in Tassie’s north west. This is the largest remnant of temperate rainforest in Tasmania, Australia and possibly the world. As Bob Brown said to a packed City Hall audience today, there is a new tourism in Tasmania, Activism Tourism to save our precious environments, our native flora and fauna including of course our avian fauna. If we do not act to protect these special places our future on this planet is indeed doomed.
Thankyou again Barbara for your comment.
Alison Moore
Hi Alison
Kim’s photos are amazing and her work should be exhibited all over Australia. She is a great ambassador for conservation and her pictures and posts are perfect for helping people cope with stress, anxiety, anger, confusion and constantly watching news items which show graphically the horrors of the world. A walk in a garden listening to the sounds and seeing these gorgeous birds definitely lifts your spirits and can make you feel happy and alive – great for anyone suffering mental illness.
It is wonderful to read a ‘packed City Hall audience’ attended the World Environment Day in support of the Bob Brown Foundation in Hobart and I totally support the fight to save and protect the precious Takayna/Tarkine in Tassie’s north west. What a sensational, committed and amazing group of people who will never give up the fight. Activism Tourism is absolutely needed to save our precious, unique and valuable native flora, fauna and, of course, our beautiful feathered friends. The governments, politicians and businesses will be working overtime to stop Activism Tourism and bringing in more laws to make that happen. Bob Brown and his courageous band of wildlife warriors have fought many battles, seen the inside of many prisons and courts and are still at the forefront of Activism Tourism. I have spent the last few weeks writing to politicians in Victoria demanding the banning of the cruel, barbaric duck shooting which these politicians proudly state is just ‘sport, recreation and fun’. No it is all about politics before humanity and the gentle, defenceless, voiceless native waterbirds are just killed for the sake of killing and to get the support (so they think) of the powerful Shooters Party and Gun Lobby. I have also sent information to many ‘bird’ groups but in the past have been told ‘we are not political’!!!! That answer is appalling as the destruction of our planet, environment, wildlife and, of course, communities is the responsibility of each and every one of us on this planet. However, as Paul Watson stated: “we will eventually win if we never retreat, never surrender and never lose faith in the power of our compassion and the strength of our resolve”.
Do you live in beautiful Tasmania? I used to run tour groups to Tasmania to introduce people to all the island’s delights – they had a ball and would then book their car and family on an extended holiday.
Alison it is always lovely to meet another wildlife warrior and so most happy to stay in touch. devineba@gmail.com
Hi Alison, I feel a bit rude commenting on your note to Barbara but you say some lovely things that I appreciate very much. I didn’t know that the Tarkine was under threat again, what is wrong with people! It’s great that you were able to hear Bob Brown speak and support his cause. If there’s any link you’d like me to share on lirralirra please let me know, Kim
Hi Kim thx for your message of support re the Tarkine. I will contact the Bib Brown Foundation and ask re link that you can share. Warmest regards Alison
Hello again Kim and Good Morning 😊 the Bob Brown Foundation would be delighted if you were to post a link to the organisation in support of the Tarkine. They also suggested you email them to receive information about this beautiful and threatened temperate rainforests in NW Tasmania. Their email address is contact@bobbrown.org.au The more we tell people about this proposed desecration the more hope we have of saving it and all the wonderful wildlife it supports. Thankyou Kim, Alison
Thanks so much Alison, I will contact them and see what they’d like me to share, Kim
I’m 100% with you regarding spinebills Barbara. Today I was walking past my eremophila when I saw a tiny movement of its leaves. I stood still, watching and waiting and sure enough there were two spinebills busily taking nectar. They came very close, it was beautiful to watch them without looking through a lens. They are so tiny, so delicate. They chase each other around here too, usually during the breeding season. Sometimes it looks as though they’re chasing competitors away but maybe they’re courting.
And about your tradie comment, it was a different tradie who spotted the first Blue-banded bee here. We were talking business when he heard its buzz and recognised its uniqueness. Wonderful!
I’m deeply grateful for your kind comments Barbara, thank you, Kim
Thank you once again Kim for lovely bird photos. I have such a small garden now but was pleased to see a few birds coming to visit the native plants I have put in here. Such welcome visitors now with this, another, lockdown. Take care and thanks again. Valda
I’m so pleased to hear that birds are visiting your new garden Valda, that makes me happy. I totally understand the moments of joy we get from their visits, especially during lockdown. It’s strangely quiet in my garden this morning, there must be a goshawk or sparrowhawk lurking among the paperbarks.
Love the first photograph. What an array of pretty colours!
As I am not on Facebook, I appreciate your tradie story. I am laughing.
I understand how hurtful the comment, regarding the fact that you should be in lockdown. I think it reflects two things which are very prevalent in today’s world. Firstly,we are bombarded with so much information, that we often do not absorb the full story, and jump to conclusions.
Secondly, amongst some, there is a strong drive to always critisize and put down. Very sad!
Sharing such stories can help to ease the hurt. I hope that has worked for you.
I’m glad you like all the colours Margot, the splash of blue does add the complementary colour. Technically it was a very tricky shot to get due to having to focus on a moving target between branches, I’m glad you liked it.
I was surprised how hurt I felt from that casual comment, some days the stress of lockdown (and the worries that go with it) are harder than others. I want everyone to stay safe, take care out there.
Love the story of you freaking out the tradie. It is early here and I have a huge smile. Thank you.
And I also adore the photos from home – while mourning for all those who are enduring yet another lockdown.
It’s a very effective hide! I’m glad you like the spinebills EC and thanks for caring about the lockdown. I hope everyone stays safe