The birds of May
This is a round-up of our social media posts from May. This collection is for those who don’t spend much time on Facebook or Instagram, and apologies to those who have already seen these. (Please do click on the gallery photos to see them in full size!):
Beautiful birds: Mulga Parrots, Grey Fantail and Red-capped Robins
Mulga Parrots feeding in Lignum (Duma florulenta).
Grey Fantail.
For us in the northern Mallee, these birds turn up in mid-May. I love seeing them but I wonder ... how could such a fluttery creature fly across Bass Straight?
Red-capped Robin
Males are in full breeding plumage in the Mallee at the moment. Females are going for the more understated look.
The vivid red plumage is from carotenoids that the Robins obtain from their food. Apparently, a more vivid plumage indicates a healthy bird and healthy habitat. A color-changing indicator species!