Dusky Moorhen

[wigz]

Tried a different lake the other day. Most of the birds are much quieter here, so I tried the lens without the TC. Didn't get enough reach for some shots.

There were a number of moorhen interacting with their chicks but this was the only shot with a decent angle, I didn't have enough DOF for a number of feeding shots.




There are a number of twigs I might try to clone out on this one if I can do it without messing up feather detail. The nest is only a metre or so from the bank.

[Grumpy John]

Lovely shots Alan. The twigs are a bit distracting, but they are a natural part of the environment. You would think that the birds would be a bit more considerate of us togs when building their nests .

[wigz]

Thanks John. Birds should also pose for us against a clean background, facing just the right angle. They really are most inconsiderate

[Grumpy John]

Not like dogs and children, they're easy to work with

[Toddyh]

#1 for me Alan. Very sharp and beaut colours with no overblown parts on the water.

[wigz]

Thanks Toddy.

[seaslug]

Leave the twigs, they are a part of the nest. I like the way the bird has lined the nest with soft paperbark first.
Is the second one a Dusky or a Purple Moorhen?

[wigz]

Thanks Greg. Both are Dusky Moorhen. I double checked myself because of the colouring of #2. I think the difference is the light. The purple swamphen has a larger bill without the yellow tip.

[Isac]

Dusky's for sure, plenty around our lake. Lovely shots (both) wigz. Lighting in #1 is very good and both are nice an sharp. Our coots here build their nests the same way. TFS.

[wigz]

Thanks Isac. I found another nest with adults feeding checks this morning, that I could photograph from two different positions - both angles had twigs across the birds. I think they do it on purpose. I'll probably post more images later.