Autumn is a busy time for the birds in our Blackheath garden. So many seeds to snack on, so many fallen leaves to scrabble about in. And I swear there are those who just know they look good against a blaze of colour. The cheeky rascal below thinks his golden crest makes a perfect centrepiece.
Sulphur crested cockatoo…what a poser!
Wattle Birds have their pretty yellow ‘undercarriage’ to display against a matching background.
Aren’t I handsome?
Butcher birds are inclined to live up to their name, so tiny feathered creatures steer clear if they value their lives. Just look at that wicked beak.
Butter yellow leaves behind Mr Butcherbird.
This beautiful little Eastern Yellow Robin was drying off among the Japanese maple leaves after a morning bath.
Yellow robin in the maple.
The tulip trees would have to be among the autumn favourites here, especially among the bigger birds..
A delicious breakfast of tulip tree seeds for a rosella.
Pretty on a perch
Here is a female king parrot feeding in the maples. They also love the petals of autumn flowering camellias.
Camellia petals for dessert.
The king parrots love autumn nuts and maple seeds.
The brightly coloured male king parrot knows he looks good.
Sometime the birds simply sit and gaze at nature’s beauty, just as I do myself.
A sweet silvereye.
There are a few negatives of course. For example, the Wonga does not appreciate autumn leaves in his bath. Honestly, he could get them out instead of sitting there looking so aggrieved.
Pauline! Come and fix this please.
The currawong looks a little bemused by the new ‘carpet’.
Currawong in autumn
For the rosella, the autumn foliage from pin oaks is a sheer delight.
Crimson rosella feeding in the pin oak leaves.
A dear old Kookaburra, no doubt hoping a few lizards will be out basking in April sunshine.
Kooka making a visit.
Here he is again, hanging out in the oak tree.
Last but not least, the Satin Bowerbird is on maintenance duty until spring. Lots of his blue treasures have been stolen, and he is kept busy chasing off rival males. He has given up trying to clear those encroaching leaves.
On guard.
Such a special time of year in the beautiful Blue Mountains. Sadly, far fewer people will be able to enjoy it in 2020.
In these dark days, let there be light!
Love those birds. I wish we had some of those colorful species here to brighten up the scenery.