Saturday, December 15, 2012

Magpie-lark..or is it.....?


I have three birdbaths in my garden, two at the back and this one just outside the window where I sit and write the blog. It's a fund of photo opportunities especially in summer when the birds really appreciate a bit of a cool down, the word has spread..'this is a good spot, three pools and a smorgasbord'! This male Magpie-lark landed, checked out the vicinity for pussy cats, tested the water temperature (as you do) and plunged in with careless abandon (as you do)! The baffling thing is that if you check the info on the Magpie-lark it reads 'the name Magpie-lark is quite misleading as the species has no link with either the magpies or the larks', I'm definitely feeling misled haha! I was hoping for a relaxing weekend, before I realized we have a million things to do. How about you, much left to do before 'C' Day! Make time to chill, take care and stay safe.....

42 comments:

  1. How strange it is that sometimes it's the pink and greys, or the twenty eights, or the magpies - they seem to take in turns to frequent the area - like one species is dominant each year. We have a lot of these magpie larks and they are very loud!
    Up until this week I hadn't done a thing but in one afternoon bought all the presents - just whizzed around Garden City and bought spontaneously rather than being too picky because I just don't have time!
    Big dinner here on the eve so huge food shop coming up ... in the meantime I paint on.
    Hope all is going well with yours ...

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  2. A bathing beauty surprised in private life! :o) This bird seems to enjoy its bath sooooo much!

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  3. whatever it is, you got some wonderful photos of it ...

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  4. Oh, a bathing beauty indeed!! What terrific captures for the day! I don't have many preparations to make this year since I'm going to Portland for the holidays, but it's always a fun and busy time regardless!! And I am getting so excited!! Have a great weekend, stay safe and enjoy!

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  5. I always find it interesting to know WHERE people write their blogs. Thanks for sharing that with us today Grace!

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  6. Very nice pictures....i like this bird

    Wish you a lovely weekend.

    hugs, Joop

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  7. Elenka tells me I have a million and ONE.

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  8. So nice of you to provide such a welcome yard! We have a bird feeder, three hummingbird feeders and small waterfall fountains front and back, and do attract quite a following. Tried bird baths, but in Vegas it gets too hot in the summer and they don't seem to like boiling water.

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  9. I know them as mud larks. My niece calls them mud jays. My grandparents used to call them jays. Here they spend a lot of time attacking their reflections in car windows.

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  10. Never seen any of them before, love, love, love the last shot!

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  11. Quite a bird! It definitely looks like it's having fun!

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  12. Beauty !

    Please have a good weekend ahead.

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  13. Never before met the fellow. Your splendid shots are quite the introduction!

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  14. Oh, that photo of the splashing water put a smile on my face. I think I need to get a birdbath.

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  15. ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC PICTURES, ESPECIALLY THE THIRD ONE :-). How have you been? I have been away from the blog world due to some reasons which can be found in my blog. I hope you have started enjoying your Australian summer now :-). That's a lovely picture of Perth (I guess) at the very top. Merry Christmas (if you celebrate it), KL

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  16. BELLAS IMAGENES
    SALUDOS Y ABRAZOS
    FELIZ NAVIDAD

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  17. Ow I also want a birdbath in my garden...I love to see bird bathing in little pools of water, so cute. I´m still very much behind with everything, but the totally full shopping centres and car parks and huge queues everywhere put me off!

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  18. You have some great bird photos! How wonderful to have that in the garden.

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  19. Beaut photos, the crows have taken over my birdbath, they keep dunking their bread in it.

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  20. These are wonderful pics, Grace. But I'm wondering how this poor avian got its name its not related to either of the names its called?

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  21. I could spend hours to watch such scenes, beautiful photos, Grace!

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  22. Great photos and you have such beautiful birds there so it would never grow old watching them. Loved your Santa photos as well!

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  23. Très belles photos Grace, la dernière est non seulement belle mais aussi amusante et techniquement parfaite ! Bravo !

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  24. I have never seen a bird like this. Beautiful!

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  25. That's a terrific series of images. You get the nature blogger of the day award.

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  26. Wonderful images Dianne. Love the way you've captured the action in that bottom shot.

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  27. Super shots of the magpie Lark. I've never heard that name before. I would have called it a Pee Wee.

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  28. have a great sunday
    I continue to find it special to see your sunny pictures!

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  29. That is such a cute photo, you caputured him so well!

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  30. I like to see birds that play like that in the water but hard to take sharp pictures. Good job.

    Greetings from the Caribbean,
    Filip

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  31. I have been showing a magpie jay during the last few days, but I read on your post that there is no relation between your magpie and mine.

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  32. I especially love photos of birds!

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  33. Wonderful! Just wonderful, Grace! Love this post.

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