Spotted Pardalote

[avkomp]

we went to a local picnic area and there were at least 3 male pardys hanging around. perhaps competing for territory or what.
they werent going anywhere nice to pose, but at least had the light. not many pix with eye contact either.

D5 600f4 tc17 (1000mm) 1/2500 iso 1600. 80% of frame

[Grumpy John]

Lovely colours on the little fella Stephen, well captured. Is that shallow DOF causing the blur on the tail?

[avkomp]

Thanks mate. Yep shallow dof causes the blur on the tail. Even at f8, dof is narrow when shooting all but point blank. Couldn't stop down either cos of trees etc behind. Ideally if you could get him in profile, it less of an issue. Birds not cooperate though.

[Grumpy John]

Kids and animals do not take direction well

[Toddyh]

Nice capture Stephen.I did notice the depth of field blur on the tail too but the eye and head are perfect.

[avkomp]

This guy is around 5 metres away.
Shame you not get much dof up close

This morning we were checking out some wombat workings about 50m from the house water tanks including a newish burrow and a pardy came out from an approach to the burrow. He stayed within 1m and showed lots of interest. I reckon he is making a nest there. Hopefully some pix on offer
And side on.
dont think the nest itself will be engagable due to some ferns and stuff offering cover (guess that would be why he picked that spot in first place)
but
there are some branches above the burrow shoulder height and waist height that he will go to to see if anyone is around as he comes to and leaves nest, so hopefully some pix.