I saw this pair in amongst a larger group on the Goose Ponds in Mackay last week. They seem quite pale in comparison. WiFi a bit difficult in some places so finally got a chance to upload.
My backyard keeps changing as we are moving every 3 days or so but it is really interesting. Saw my first Spotted Quail-thrush (M &F) on Mt Kaputar near Narrabri and White-eared Monarch at Cape Hillsborough outside Mackay.
Also had far too close an encounter with a Kookaburra while dining as it tried to take food from my mouth. Kooka fine but I sustained injury with cut and bruised lip... the result of some fool feeding this bird chips! Sue
That is so annoying, not to mention aggravating, Sue. The artifical feeding of birds has so many unintended consequences.
Those paler birds aren't immatures by any chance are they?
Thanks for the feedback Woko. The kooka cut is healing nicely with the bruising finally gone but I wonder what will happen in the future. Such a shame.
I asked about juvenile colouring of a local birder and pointed them out but she had never seen such pale birds. They were paired up so probably from the same hatching and have been the only two amongst many birds seen. Sue
Interesting. We seem to be getting quite a few "miscoloured" postings lately. Is there an increase in the number of genetic aberrations or are we just more aware of them or are there more bird photographers out there?
I would suggest that the last 2 suggestions are true but we need a lot more evidence for the first. Perhaps a study for someone?
sue
I'd say they are leucestic, Sue.
What striking birds! I would agree with BabyBirdwatcher. I see these ducks at my house every day and the three in you photo apear to be fully grown. They really are beautiful
I hope that your lip is fully recovered really soon! So many people just don't stop to think about the possible consequences that come of feeding wild birds unatral food. My little sister had an encounter with a kookaburra that did much the same thing. She was only 18 months old and had a peice of sausage snatched just as she was putting it in her mouth. She sustained quite a fear of kookas for many years after it. Currawonge can be much the same, It's just a matter of people thinking before acting
Once again, lovely birds and a great shot Sue!
Apparently, Adelaide Council has a law making it illegal for humans to feed birds. Penalty: $130. This is aimed more at helping al fresco eating establishments rather than birds as Council seems to do little ecological restoration from what I can see.