lirralirra

Crested Pigeons can look quite dull, but this one looks exquisite and if they were rare we’d all be super excited about seeing their colours.

I was at a recent Save the Kinley Kangas children’s activity event at Lillydale Lake when I noticed a Crested Pigeon racing around the grass, so I raced around the grass after it. Actually I didn’t do that, I tiptoed to a better spot and stretched out on the grass, hoping the bird would stay within reach of my camera. The sun was low, casting long shadows and glowing with a beautiful warmth. I like the way it lit up the pastel colours of this pretty little bird. Its crest stands out against the blurred background and its pink-red foot is raised as it races towards a seed to make sure it doesn’t escape – I think they have quite tiny brains. Though it may have been racing after a bug as they do take occasional insects.

Imagine the palette you’d need to capture all the colours of this bird; greys, oranges, browns, black, pink, red, purple, magenta, green, aqua, blue – I’m sure I’ve missed some.

It’s been another challenging week and I hope this week’s post finds you all safe and well. As well as lockdown, Victorians coped with horrendous storms over the past couple of days. 94mm of rain fell here, my roof leaked, my garage door broke and I was without power for two days and two nights. It was so cold and wet but my neighbours were awesome and there are many who are still struggling without power and with concerns about flooding. I’m hoping you’re all warm and safe.

Happy birding, stay safe, Kim

~ Facebook page Kim Wormald – lirralirra
~ Facebook group  Ethical Bird Photography