Satin Bowerbird

[Simon Bennett]

Immature male Satin Bowerbird displaying at a bower in Canberra, Australia. This is probably a four or five year old bird, the males do not aquire the satin-blue adult plumage until seven years of age. These birds decorate the bower and display with blue objects: in the olden days they went for blue parrot feathers and the like, but nowadys blue plastic is the go in near urban areas.

Canon 7D, EF70-200 f/1 + 1.4x @280mm, handheld, ISO 800, f/6.3, 1/250, slight crop for composition

[Sidharth Kodikal]

Amazing behavior captured, Simon. I love how the color of the eye matches the blue bits around.
Excellent image - I thoroughly enjoyed it. TFS.

[Bob Pelkey]

National Geographic Magazine had a great article on the mating behavior of the bowers this past year. Your image, Simon, would have made a great addition to their story. The bird's eye is a great compliment to the color of the "jewelery" the species is noted to favor to attract a mate in this 15 minute Youtube video . . . http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tItY5Pn4I8E

[Jim Crosswell]

Interesting image Simon! I have never heard of this bird before. I see he has blue bits scattered around as well. I like the blue eye and ruffled feathers.

[Cheryl Arena Molennor]

Pretty plumage on this guy.

[Ronald Zigler]

I have heard about these birds Simon and they are absolutely fascinating. The bird well exemplifies the evolutionary origin of the impulse toward interior decorating.

[Jonathan Ashton]

A really interesting shot and what great behavioural display. He obviously wishes to adorn his bower in the same colour as his eyes - such vanity!!