spotted pardalote above nest

[avkomp]

got this guy at lunch time. was full overcast so I could still have decent light.

we saw this guy fly from a wombat burrow not too far from the house and the way he was quite interested in me suggests he may be working on a nest just at the entrance to the wombat hole, before the hole proper stats and the runways finish. there is fern and stuff there for cover but cant see a nest per se. cant go poking around either in case there is. very often he was less than a metre away from us keeping close watch but this is from about 5m and all but full frame.
closest to full side on I could get, but a little tiny bit more head turn would have been nicer.

d5, 600f4 tc17 (1000mm) 1/400 f11 iso 1600 95% of full frame

[Grumpy John]

Lovely image as usual Stephen. Lovely markings on these little guys. Does the female have similar markings, or is she pretty plain?

[Toddyh]

great capture Stephen. Detail spot on from the eye to the claw.

[avkomp]

thanks mate. had to post a profile one after the DOF police got me the other day!

[Grumpy John]

Haha

[avkomp]

thanks folks, female not nearly so striking. funny I not seen a female around yet
must be but way plainer

this is a female from a few years back
doesnt have the orange etc either

[Isac]

Wonderful photo Stephen. Nice detail using f11, which is what we all try to get. The female is certainly less colourful than the male.