Friday, July 11, 2014

Top spot.. cramped accomodation!



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!


The female is a paler grey in colour the male much darker. While I admire their choice of vacation location, it did seem odd to see them there at this time and for such a long period, breeding is usually spring/summer.. les mystères of nature!


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... 


30 comments:

  1. 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!!!

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  2. They really need to consider a bigger nest when chicks do come!

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  3. Bon voyage wherever they have gone to! Handsome fellas!

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  4. I love these. The third one has great vibrant colors. Perfect!

    Mersad
    Mersad Donko Photography

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  5. 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.

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  6. Thanks for the link, Grace. It does look somewhat like the cormorants we have here in the U.S.

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  7. Maybe they were just testing it out for later in the year, Grace! ;-)

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  8. Fabulous images Grace, and my, my - that's taking cosiness to a whole new level! :)

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  9. Graceful looking birds in that nest. You tell a fine story in photos.

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  10. You would think that they would build a little larger nest.

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  11. everyone has to start somewhere. hope they get to move up the property ladder, eventually.

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  12. Interesting. I don't know a thing about darters.

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  13. Startlingly strange birds. And you've made such a clear story. Have a happy weekend, Mon Ami


    ALOHA from Honolulu
    ComfortSpiral
    =^..^= <3

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  14. Tiny nest indeed for two huge birds. Hope they have flown to warmer climates!

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  15. The third is lovely. Ohhh.
    The 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.

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    Replies
    1. Oh my god! Mistaken.
      The firth, (no) > The fourth, (ok). I'm sorry.

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  16. 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.

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  17. Great pictures of the birds you captured high up in the tree.

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  18. it's really amazing Grace !
    well done... ciao

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  19. They don't seem to be complaining."empty nest syndrome'?

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  20. Love this series. They do seem a bit big for their digs. Hmmmm
    V

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  21. what a cute couple...hopefully they've upgraded!

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  22. I can relate to them having lived in cars throughout our journeys in Australia, Grace - you get used to it :-)
    Why did they move on now?

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  23. I'm sure they picket that spot because of the view.

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  24. what a cute photo...really amazing...

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  25. What a wonderful find, Grace. Super shots!

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  26. It also resembles the cormorants here. What sleek and elegant birds. I love 'em. Great shots !

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