This Mallee Fowl was photographed in Mallee country in SW New South Wales, Australia.
The male bird is seen here uncovering the mound to expose the egg chamber where he will check the temperture with his tongue with incredible accuracy. If the temperture has fallen overnight he will leave the mound open to warming rays of the sun. He will know just when to rebuild the mound. This is a daily event!! This image is full frame and probably a bit tight but I was trying to emphasize the patterned plumage.
Canon EOS 5, Canon 100-300 F5.6L, ISO 100, 1/200 sec F8, Natural light with fill flash. Hide/Tripod.
Last edited by John Cooper; 02-15-2008 at 03:45 AM.
Hi John,
I've heard or read about this specie but never seen a photo. I thought he was much smaller than that !
Thanks for your interesting explanation about the bird and your image complements very well your comment.
Excellent balance between natural light and fill-flash.
Very interesting behavior and thanks for the explanation. Sounds like a pretty sophisticated system. It maybe is a bit tight in the frame, but not much.
Mallee Fowl Working Mound
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