Spinifex Pigeon (Geophaps plumifera) Bladensburg NP Queensland Australia

[Rod Warnock]

Spinifex Pigeon (Geophaps plumifera) Bladensburg NP Queensland Australia
Canon EOS 40D Lens 100-400mm L IS USM at 400mm ISO 400 F11 1/1250 fill flash 13 August 2009 1.49pmTaken at a permanent waterhole on Surprise Creek in Bladensburg National Park from within a camo pop-up hide. First indication of this species was when I heard a flurry of heavy wing beats and then saw a single bird standing in full sun on the exposed dry section of the creek bed and about 15 meters back from the water's edge. After a few moments of caution the bird quickly moved forwards towards the water's edge. Shortly after another flurry of wings and another two pigeons arrived from the spinifex clumps along the creek banks and landed roughly where the first bird had landed. This sequence was repeated until Spinifex Pigeons cautious but quickly came to drink. The day in the hide was a day to remember. Even if you are not into bird photography just grab a comfortable chair drop a sheet of camouflage material over you just sit quietly in the early morning and the rewards will surprise you...even in the middle of the day..note time of the above image !!
Thanks for viewing
Best regards
Rod Warnock

[Satish Ranadive]

Great image captured.Beautiful colors. Love the pose of bird with crest .

[christopher galeski]

beautiful image of a beautiful bird,would clone out the branches right of the bird.nice one.

[Roman Kurywczak]

Very unsusual bird. Given the light, you handled it well too! Agree with suggestions on removing twigs.....if within your ethics of course!

[Ofer Levy]

Sweet shot Rod! Lovely pose and such a stunning bird!