Young Bush Stone-curlew

This Bush Stone-curlew youngster was a lovely surprise to find darting about at Healesville Sanctuary this week.

Bush Stone-curlew (Burhinus grallarius)
1/640, f/5.6, ISO 2500

Bush Stone-curlews have elaborate courtship rituals during which they stretch their necks, spread their wings and stamp their feet. I don’t generally photograph in aviaries but I like that the birds at Healesville are orphaned or rehabilitated and it’s great that the adult stone-curlews are comfortable enough to raise a chick.

Despite being endangered in Victoria and New South Wales Bush Stone-curlews are considered secure across the country. They lay one to three eggs in a shallow scrape on the ground which leaves them vulnerable to introduced predators such as foxes and cats.

I am ridiculously fond of the colouring and markings of these birds; the browns, greys, black streaks, rufous and warm white highlights blend together in a way I wish I could paint. Their eyes are stunning with strange little markings around the iris. This young bird’s eyes will become more yellow as it grows.

Happy birding

Kim

NB   There is still time for the Andrews’ Government to cancel the 2019 season. If you have a spare moment please call or email your local MP, or write to a newspaper, or support the Coalition Against Duck Shooting – or all of the above along with anything else you can think of. Maybe send a link to this post, or to either Season of Shame posts listed in the right hand sidebar.

~ thank you for visiting and commenting