I was asked recently whether I had any Superb Fairy-wren images that an artist could use as the basis for a painting. I sent a couple of dozen ‘possibles’ for consideration. The artist chose two, one of which is included among this week’s images. This set me wondering what criteria she was looking for, and which image I would choose (if only I could paint).
Superb Fairy-wren (Malurus cyaneus)
1/640, f/5.6, ISO 200
I would be tempted to try the image above of the young male Superb Fairy-wren as I like his direct look, the tail position, how fluffed up he is and especially the way the wind is ruffling his feathers. Young male Superbs are often confused with females but they lack the orange coloured lores and orange feathers around the eye. As the males grow, their bill gradually turns from brown to black.
Superb Fairy-wren (Malurus cyaneus)
1/640, f/5.6, ISO 200
The fairy-wren above is clearly a female. Her long leg stretch makes me smile and the background colours are very pleasing. Females can have varying amounts of blue in their tails.
Superb Fairy-wren (Malurus cyaneus)
1/640, f/5.6, ISO 200
I like the perch in the image above and the way the fairy-wren stands out against the dark background. The curl of feathers on her rump is particularly cute as are the fluffy feathers of her underparts as they sweep up over her wing.
Superb Fairy-wren (Malurus cyaneus)
1/640, f/5.6, ISO 200
This shot is of a male Superb Fairy-wren in breeding plumage, if you look closely you’ll be able to see the tiny bug in its bill. I like the graceful curves in this image.
Superb Fairy-wren (Malurus cyaneus)
1/640, f/5.6, ISO 200
By now you’ll know, if you didn’t already, whether the fairy-wren above is male or female. These fairy-wrens often forage on the ground, searching for bugs among the grasses and leaf litter. I was lying on the grasses to take this shot and it looks as though the fairy-wren was a bit surprised to see me looking at her. I’d enjoy painting the setting in this image, it would be easier than painting the bird!
Superb Fairy-wren (Malurus cyaneus)
1/640, f/5.6, ISO 200
I think the jaunty looking male above would be fun to paint as he poses on a banksia flower. I like the detail of the feathers fringing his throat and from his tail down to his leg. I also like the way his tail coverts frame his beautifully coloured tail.
Now I’m curious about which image others would choose.
Happy birding
Kim
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