I have to admit I was more than a little fascinated by the holiday accommodation of an Australasian Darter couple nesting in a plane tree at the marina. With a wing span of 85 - 90cm and weighing in at 2.6 kg each the nest although sturdy in design :) was hardly big enough for one never mind two! I myself watched and took photos of them at various times over a four week period, but they had been observed by others for much longer.. and not a chick in sight!
Although the skies were blue today there have been times during this period when like below, the nest way out on a limb over the waters of the marina would have been shaken a bit more than was comfortable! Yesterday when I zipped down for a peek they had moved on.. I'm going to miss them :) Happy Friday, take care and stay safe...
Awesome captures as always and beautiful skies for a background!! You win the medal of the day, Grace!! Hope you have a wonderful weekend!! Enjoy!!!
ReplyDeleteThey really need to consider a bigger nest when chicks do come!
ReplyDeleteBon voyage wherever they have gone to! Handsome fellas!
ReplyDeleteI love these. The third one has great vibrant colors. Perfect!
ReplyDeleteMersad
Mersad Donko Photography
Maybe they were so much in love they just couldn't wait until Spring. You really did get some great photos of this pair and I agree it is kind of a strange vacation home. They must like 'roughing' it.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the link, Grace. It does look somewhat like the cormorants we have here in the U.S.
ReplyDeleteI hope they didn't fall in....
ReplyDeleteMaybe they were just testing it out for later in the year, Grace! ;-)
ReplyDeleteFabulous images Grace, and my, my - that's taking cosiness to a whole new level! :)
ReplyDeleteGraceful looking birds in that nest. You tell a fine story in photos.
ReplyDeleteYou would think that they would build a little larger nest.
ReplyDeleteWhat a pair of birds!
ReplyDeleteeveryone has to start somewhere. hope they get to move up the property ladder, eventually.
ReplyDeleteInteresting. I don't know a thing about darters.
ReplyDeleteNice close ups.
ReplyDeleteStartlingly strange birds. And you've made such a clear story. Have a happy weekend, Mon Ami
ReplyDeleteALOHA from Honolulu
ComfortSpiral
=^..^= <3
Tiny nest indeed for two huge birds. Hope they have flown to warmer climates!
ReplyDeleteThe third is lovely. Ohhh.
ReplyDeleteThe firth, the last is my favorite.
In this, the skies are dramatic and the scene is a little dangerous.
(Now, tree branches are attacking to the lovely home. :) )
Thanks to post.
Oh my god! Mistaken.
DeleteThe firth, (no) > The fourth, (ok). I'm sorry.
Gee. I have never seen one of these birds on a nest before. It certainly does look a tad cramped for my type of accommodation Grace.
ReplyDeleteGreat pictures of the birds you captured high up in the tree.
ReplyDeleteit's really amazing Grace !
ReplyDeletewell done... ciao
They don't seem to be complaining."empty nest syndrome'?
ReplyDeleteLove this series. They do seem a bit big for their digs. Hmmmm
ReplyDeleteV
what a cute couple...hopefully they've upgraded!
ReplyDeleteI can relate to them having lived in cars throughout our journeys in Australia, Grace - you get used to it :-)
ReplyDeleteWhy did they move on now?
I'm sure they picket that spot because of the view.
ReplyDeletewhat a cute photo...really amazing...
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful find, Grace. Super shots!
ReplyDeleteIt also resembles the cormorants here. What sleek and elegant birds. I love 'em. Great shots !
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