This is one of the most dramatic sights I’ve captured.
1/2500, f/8.0, ISO 400
I’ve been crazily busy today and don’t think there’s much chance I’ll get this week’s lirralirra post sent before midnight, though it’ll still be Friday to the west of Melbourne! I’ve been working on the property, using my new arborist pruning saw to take out a mini forest of dead Swamp Paperbarks. It’s been quite addictive and invigoratingly exhausting, if you know what I mean.
Which is why I’ve chosen this image to share, even little critters can take on big tasks. Caspian Terns are Australia’s largest tern, and very distinctive with their black head and large red bill. They dive for fish from a height of up to about 15 metres.
Fairy Terns are one of Australia’s smallest terns (the other is the Little Tern). They also dive for fish, from about 3-5 metres above the water. It takes time and energy to search and dive for fish, and far less energy to hassle a larger bird in the hopes it will drop its catch and enable a nifty bit of theft.
Both species are listed as Vulnerable in Victoria. I photographed them on a memorable trip I organised to Mud Islands in Port Phillip that included a scary time wading through water that was almost a metre deep, worrying about a friend who was pulled under three times, and being very grateful to the other friend who kept us both safe.
Happy birding, Kim
~ Facebook page Kim Wormald – lirralirra
~ Facebook group Ethical Bird Photography
Fantastic shot Kim
Thanks so much Alison
Absolutely brilliant Kim!
Thanks heaps Kat
Brilliant photo
Thank you Carolyn
Brings back a lot of memories, While on Mud Island had a great view of the Tasmanian Ferry travelling up the channel with her bow painted with the face of the Tassie Devil. Similar to a Tropic bird chasing for his meal. Birding is a great past time.
That would have been a memorable sight, both things! I’ve watched the tropicbirds but I haven’t seen them chasing for a meal. The Arctic Jaegers were super impressive. I agree about birding, totally
Hi Kim. Whoa, that’s quite the “Dog Fight”. I love this photo, the birds, the fish, the emotion, light, it’s all in there. Many congrats for capturing this superb photo.
HB
Thanks heaps Harry, it was very lucky to get them lined up as they are
Wow. What a shot.
I ache at just how many birds/animals are firmly in the endangered zone. And applaud their (necessary) resourcefulness.
And yes I hear you about just how addictive, exhausting and restorative that sort of garden work can be.
It is pretty devastating how many creatures are struggling at the moment, and now humans too. We need to take more care of our planet, understand that we are part of nature. Hopefully we’ll get there soon. I’ve had another day of gardening, worked until I was too tired to move the piles, which will wait patiently for me I’m sure.