A few bird photos from Papunya

Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater

Brown Honeyeater

Budgerigar

Red-backed Kingfisher

Zebra Finch

"Surf's Up in Papunya!" 

Water ripples in a large puddle

Major Mitchell Cockatoos, Cockatiels, Red-tailed Black Cockatoos, Kestrel and Kite from Alice Springs to Papunya

I can't remember how long I wanted to get a photo like the above, probably since I first saw the beautiful colours on the underwings of the Major Mitchell Cockatoos. This year I seem to be in the right place at the right time for this species as I have been really lucky to see them most weeks while I have been working in the Aboriginal Communities west of Alice Springs. I hope this continues. Here are some more shots of the group of 4

There is still a lot of water at 2 Mile Camping area near Glen Helen, and a small flock of Cockatiels flew in for a quick drink and then flew off again

across the river from the Cockatiels, the Red-tailed Black Cockatoos enjoyed a group outing

Back on the road, a Nankeen Kestrel sat obligingly for long enough then took off

Whistling Kites are common companions, flying above the road

Spotted Harrier - photos

I should have known the day was going to be dominated by birds of prey on the way home yesterday as the local Australian Hobby gave me a fly-by that was almost too close as I was putting some things into the car to bring home from out bush. I eventually got going and hadn't driven more than 10 kms when this Spotted Harrier finally allowed some photos I feel happy about.

Spotted Harrier

 

Birds and Captions - starting with a Zebra Finch "Sometimes I could just shed a tear, a big tear"

While going through some photos I kept getting particular captions in my head so thought I'd share some starting with the Zebra Finch:

Zebra Finch

"Sometimes I could just shed a tear, a big tear"

"When I grow up, I want to be a walrus"

 "but then again, I'm too tired to be one now"

"Taxi!"

Willie Wagtail

"When I grow up, I'm going to be a Rooster just like my shadow!"

Singing Honeyeater

"Ewww! I hate untreated water!"

Rufous Songlark

"If I just put my beak in ...."

"Went to the hairdresser, go a shampoo and condition and a new gel style. What do you think?"

Diamond Dove

"Safety!" (this one is for my kids)

Brown Honeyeater

"I am the Dancing Queen...."

Budgerigar

"Upon Reflection ... this way?"

 "Upon Reflection ... or this way?"