Sunday Selections was originally brought to us by Kim, of Frogpondsrock, as an ongoing meme where participants could post previously unused photos languishing in their files.
The meme is now continued by River at Drifting through life. The rules are so simple as to be almost non-existent. Post some photos under the title Sunday Selections and link back to River.
Like River I usually run with a theme. Not only is it winter here (which I love) we have been having rather a lot of grey days - which I am less fond of. However, the grey days have been brightened immeasurably because the coloured birds have returned!!!
They have been in the nearby hills over summer raising their families and have just started visiting us again. Crimson rosellas, king parrots - and those little stunners, the eastern rosellas.
Crimson rosellas - and there is a whole family visiting at the moment. I will try and capture (photographically) the adolescents as well.
King parrot - and this is a female, who allowed me to get very, very close to her. Within a foot or two.
And the Eastern rosellas - who adore green apple. They are visiting almost every day at the moment. Bliss.
And I am not the only one who is obsessed by our avian visitors. Jazz loves them too.
The meme is now continued by River at Drifting through life. The rules are so simple as to be almost non-existent. Post some photos under the title Sunday Selections and link back to River.
Like River I usually run with a theme. Not only is it winter here (which I love) we have been having rather a lot of grey days - which I am less fond of. However, the grey days have been brightened immeasurably because the coloured birds have returned!!!
They have been in the nearby hills over summer raising their families and have just started visiting us again. Crimson rosellas, king parrots - and those little stunners, the eastern rosellas.
Crimson rosellas - and there is a whole family visiting at the moment. I will try and capture (photographically) the adolescents as well.
King parrot - and this is a female, who allowed me to get very, very close to her. Within a foot or two.
And the Eastern rosellas - who adore green apple. They are visiting almost every day at the moment. Bliss.
And I am not the only one who is obsessed by our avian visitors. Jazz loves them too.
I can't decide if I like the Crimson or Eastern Rosellas more. Jazz is a very lazy bird watcher, I must say!
ReplyDeleteStrayer: We love them both - but see the Crimson more often - so the Eastern is (usually) a favourite. Jazz was conserving his energy. And knew that there was a window between the birds and him.
DeleteI also conserve my energy!
DeleteStrayer: But are you as good at energy conservation as a cat? Nothing, nothing, nothing - and an explosive burst. Followed by a sleep. And some food. And another sleep.
DeleteOh, the crimson rosellas are adorable =)
ReplyDeleteCrimsonAnna: They are aren't they? And it is lovely to have a family of them around.
DeleteWhat magnificent birds :)
ReplyDeleteAnd Jazz looks like he's hungry ... crikey!
Wendy: Jazz is always hungry. He is a very food oriented cat. And a fibber to boot.
DeleteAnd the birds are a constant joy.
Oh you lucky girl with all those parrots, we used to have all of the different kinds stay and visit at the property in the Hunter Valley and I miss them terribly, particularly the King parrot - my all time favourite, so passive and accepting of humans. I've had some wonderful experiences with wild King parrots. Just lovely EC, thanks for bringing back some wonderful bird memories!
ReplyDeleteRose ~ from Oz: In other years we have had King parrots eat from our hands. Not this year. Yet. And they are beautiful. And much less agressive than the smaller Crimsons. All of the birds are a joy aren't they? Brighten the greyest day. We (humans and cats) spend a LOT of time watching them.
DeleteSo very pretty....and I'm sure they know it!
ReplyDeleteHave a good week, EC....stay warm. I hope the Skinny One is doing well. :)
Lee: Of course they know it. How could they not? I am enjoying this weather - and his high and skinniness (who is still asleep) is mostly doing better.
DeleteA wonderful week to you and the furry tyrants as well.
Hooray for you ~ the rosellas have returned. You must be happy. Have you ever kept a record of the number of different birds which visit your garden EC?
ReplyDeleteCarol in Cairns: We get representatives from at least seven or eight of our native species every day. Occasionally we will also get visitors who are 'out of their range'. There are two bird books in the bookcase nearest the door - and they get a work out.
DeleteHa! Look at that cat and what he's thinking!
ReplyDeleteThe birds are too lovely for words.
Joanne Noragon: I am frequently glad that Jazz doesn't speak English. I suspect a lot of what he says would have got my mouth washed out...
DeleteIt must sound like you're living in a jungle where you live, beautiful colors on those birds.
ReplyDeleteLinda Starr: It is often noisy - but not musical. Very few of our native birds are songsters. Many of them are vocal though.
DeleteOh EC - they certainly brightened up a grey Sunday for me! Such beautiful colours.
ReplyDeleteJazz is mesmerised - so funny :)
Alexia: They do brighten the day don't they? Jewel is more ambitious than Jazz. She longs for a cockatoo to call her own - despite them being bigger than she is. And watches them, chittering with frustrated lust. Jazz would be perfectly happy with any bird. Which fortunately he doesn't get.
DeleteI don't think I have ever seen an Eastern Rosella. Their markings are wonderful. There is certainly a lot of colour in your garden.
ReplyDeleteAndrew: With people, books, the garden, the birds and the blogosphere there is a lot of colour in my world. Which I am grateful for.
DeleteEastern rosellas are small - think budgies on steroids, but very, very colourful.
Such colorful birds! And Jazz looks ready to pounce.
ReplyDeleteAlex J. Cavanaugh: He would love to pounce. And fortunately can't.
DeleteSO colorful. I love these birds!
ReplyDeleteStephanie Faris: So do we. And Jazz. And Jewel.
DeleteSo beautiful and Jazz is so tensed up ready for action.
ReplyDeleteSue in Italia/In the Land of Cancer: Jazz lost interest fairly quickly and demanded food. More easily caught food.
DeleteI love it when all the colourful birds come to visit, we don't get a many as you my cat usually go inside when they visit.
ReplyDeleteMerle..............
Merlesworld: You get birds we don't get. And there are wonderful birds everywhere. Are your cats spooked by the birds of colour?
DeleteThe kind parrot is watching you watching her, and looks like she is smiling. Thank you for sharing these. It's hard to believe there are such colourful birds in a place where they don't seem to blend in very well - or are their nesting grounds better camouflage for them?
ReplyDelete"king" parrot, not \'kind", of course :)
Deletejenny_o: Most of these birds nest in hollows in gum trees. It is amazing how well they can be camoflagued though. A little later in the year I will show you photos of the King Parrots hiding (sucessfully) in the camellia bushes when they are in bloom. And the Eastern's blend into the grass surprisingly well when they put their heads down.
DeleteNature is amazing, isn't it? Looking forward to whatever you can catch on film :)
DeleteGreat shots. Reminds me - better feed the birds.
ReplyDeleteJ Cosmo Newbery: Feeding the birds is a must. And green apples delight rather a lot of those that visit us.
DeleteJazz's eyes say it all: Remove the bell from my collar cuz I'm going bird huntin'.
ReplyDeletelotta joy: Jazz is out of luck. Badly out of luck. The bell stays. As much as anything it alerts ME when he is in hunting mode. He still catches me though.
DeleteThey are beautiful birds. You are so fortunate to have such gorgeous creatures to keep you company. Jazz seems to have different ideas that admiring their beauty. :-)
ReplyDeleteDJan: You are right. Jazz would much rather see the birds (all of them) on his dinner plate. Tough luck.
DeleteThose Eastern Rosellas are just stunning! You have the most colorful birds there! You are so lucky to be able to see these in the wild.
ReplyDeleteTeresa: Other parts of Oz get colourful birds we don't. Other parts of the world get colourful birds we don't. Feathered enchantment - and magic.
DeleteHello Jazz!
ReplyDeleteThe birds are gorgeous. How lucky to get so close to a king parrot.
River: She and her mate were round this morning too, and allowed us to get really close to them again. We might even be able to hand feed them soon.
DeleteI don't mind grey days, they would be particularly lovely if I had birds like these in my garden. I envy you in the middle of winter, I am melting.
ReplyDeleteKaren: I am so sorry you are in melt mode. I know how vile it is. You get some pretty amazing birds - and those squirrels in your garden too.
DeleteWhat wonderfully colourful and beautiful visitors you have!
ReplyDeleteladyfi: We do - and welcome them each and every time.
DeleteYou sure get very beautiful and colorful birdies in your garden. We only get to see the common swallows or those awful cawing crows in our garden.
ReplyDeleteThe Furries of Whisppy: Your common swallows are very, very rare here. And I have a soft spot for crows. Such intelligent family minded birds. But I am very grateful for the rainbow visitors we get.
DeleteWonderful photos, EC! Jewels of the forest.
ReplyDeleteYour Eastern Rosellas are always a treat to see!
I love whistling to the Kings and Crimsons, and they will whistle back to me.
It really is an honour when wildlife allow us to get close to them, and on their terms.
It's great when the parents return with their babies - which are as big as their oldies by that stage, yet still learning the ways of the birdworld.
I love watching their interactions.
A magpie couple, that have been coming to my kitchen window and backdoor for the past three years, bring their youngsters each year.
Mumma maggie will now come right up to my hand, and she pecks at the window when she wants me.
Bird watching is so very fascinating - and beautiful Jazz thinks so too. Trying to get him to break the gaze must be hard at times :)
Vicki: Jewels of the forest - and of the skies is a wonderful description. And I like them soooo much more than other jewels.
DeleteYou are right - it is a privilege and an honour when birds come back year after year - bringing their family.
And I love the magpie gurgle. It spells home to me.
Poor Jazz! So hard to only be allowed to watch. Your birds are stunning. We get the occasional King but rarely see a Rosella of any kind. It's all the big guys here, Black or Suphur-crested, or little Lorrikeets. Love them all...
ReplyDeleteCarol: Jazz would agree with you. Poor Jazz, poor poor Jazz. How he suffers.
DeleteAnd yes, I love all the birds - but will admit to a sneaking envy for your blacks and Lorrikeets. Which we rarely see.
Jazz appears very focused. Does he do that bottom jaw sort of chattering thing while he watches?
ReplyDeleteDelores: It is Jewel rather than Jazz who can't contain the 'chitter'. At all. She drools in lust too.
DeleteWonderful birds.
ReplyDeleteJust make sure that Jazz doesn’t get too near. She looks quite fearsome.
Friko: The cats are only outside for a small window each day. And the birds know about them. The bell (and both cats wear bells) helps too.
DeleteThe colors on the crimson rosellas are stunning. They look like they've been painted - well, all of your birds look that way. Lucky, lucky you to have such beauty visit all the time! Jazz certainly has the box seats for the show. :)
ReplyDeleteRiver Fairchild: The colour palette of birds always astounds me. Jazz would much prefer that he saw the birds with a dinner napkin. How sad, never mind.
DeleteHow lucky you are to have such pretty birds in your yard! I love the red and blue comtination on the first ones!
ReplyDeleteBookie: We know we are lucky - and do love the birds. So much.
DeleteHow much of a bird-hunter is Jazz? The inclusion of that picture was very cute. My sister's cat was also fascinated with birds... as prey, anyway.
ReplyDeleteJohn Wiswell: Fortunately Jazz isn't much of a hunter. Which doesn't stop the wishful thinking.
DeleteIt would seem that Jazz is thinking "Yum!" Such amazing colors.
ReplyDeleteSusan Kane: Jazz is certainly thinking Yum. The poor undernourished cat NEVER gets given anything nice. Or so he says anyway.
DeleteAHHHHHHHHHH, I cannot believe the beauty outside your window, dear! WOW! amazing.
ReplyDeleteAs for Jazz, I have a feeling she'd have multi-colored feathers inside her mouth given half the chance!
XXXXXXX
My Inner Chick: Jazz certainly sees the birds as breakfast. Fortunately they see him - and know what his focus is.
Delete"Jazz loves them too"
ReplyDeleteProbably not quite the phrase that Jazz would use.
Andrew Maclaren-Scott: Jazz would love them too - given the opportunity. Briefly. And then he would yearn for another. And another. Serial monogamy. Though he probably wouldn't be averse to a spot of bigamy either.
DeleteThey are very beautiful. How did you figure it out about green apple?
ReplyDeleteRiot Kitty: Reading bird books, and trial and error. And one of my sisters-in-law bitching because the parrots got to her apples before she did. Interestingly they will eat red apples - but it is very obviously second best.
DeleteMy goodness - these beautiful visitors of yours would brighten even the gloomiest day! Their colors are so magnificent! My favorite, though, is your King parrot friend. What a sweetheart! Such a sweet and gentle face - I love that she welcomed you to get so close to her.
ReplyDelete(No, no, Jazzy - look, but don't touch!)
Laloofah: It is a privilege and a honour that I am very, very conscious of. She is beautiful - and free. That she allows me to approach her humbles me.
DeleteAnd no, Jazz is NOT allowed to touch. And, since his impulse control is weak I would probably rather he didn't look.
GTom And Minnie Follow me when i go to feed the birds on a DRY morning; but they are long gone when I pick up the hose.
ReplyDeleteTwo elderly Magpies I have been acquainted with for years it seems,enjoy a chat with me while being hand fed. please keep this a secret, or I may get locked away...... Amazing Pics.
Vest: I too chat with the birds. And the cats. And someday would welcome the men in white coats.
DeleteRe the magpies. My father fed one every morning. He came inside one day, having given it enough. The magpie didn't agree and followed him in to the kitchen - begging.
I love winter and don't even mind the grey days as they usually bring much needed rain. I am more likely to feel depressed on a very hot summer day than during winter.
ReplyDeleteThose Eastern Rosellas are so beautiful. Our rosellas in the west are less colourful and you never see them in the city. You are so fortunate to have them visit you and it's great to see there is a pane of glass between Jazz and the birds. I guess you could say he was just 'window shopping".
Mimsie: A grey day with rain is fine. Lately however it has just been grey. We are indeed lucky to see the Eastern Rosellas - and Jazz, despite his wishes, isn't going to get one to call his own.
DeleteThey are soooooo beautiful. Thank you for capturing them in your photos. Poor Jazz can only caputure them in his dreams. Hope the days brighten up.
ReplyDeleteMyrna R.: Jazz's dream would be my nightmare. He can look - but not touch.
DeleteAnd the last few days have been crisp, clear - and blue. Bright blue. Which is lovely.
You have some of the most gorgeous birds there! I hope Jazz is content to watch them from afar. I know hunting is "in the nature of the beast" but it's so upsetting whenever a stray cat kills a bird in our yard.
ReplyDeleteSusan: My pump action water pistol discourages ambitious cats. And is fun.
DeleteHA! I love it! I'd like to see a picture of you in action.
DeleteG'day Sue,
ReplyDeleteI could parrot what the other commenter's have stated. However, I just want you to know I love those photos, especially because I've never seen such birds around where I live. Thanks for this post and all that Jazz......
Hugs,
Gary :)
klahanie: Good morning Gary. Yet again I am in awe at your punning skills. Hugs.
DeleteThe color of those birds is sure to brighten up any gray skies!! And your Jazz does look rather fond of the visitors. I'm guessing they might not return the sentiment. ;)
ReplyDeletemail4rosey: Funnily enough, no the birds don't think much of Jazz. And the agressive wattle-birds swoop him. Which he doesn't like - and makes me laugh. Mind you, sometimes the wattle birds swoop (or swear at) me too.
DeleteI'm laughing at Jazz hahahaha. Beautiful birds, though I must admit its the King Parrot that's stolen my heart, what a sweet looking face, almost Budgie-like.
ReplyDeleteAll Consuming: Poor Jazz. He really, really doesn't like being laughed at.
DeleteAnd yes, the King Parrot has a corner of my heart reserved too.
Jazz looks like our Mojo. That rascal! I hope he hasn't gotten so close as to sample a colorful feather.
ReplyDeleteI could stare, with enchantment, at those gorgeous birds for hours. I'm glad you have them to keep your spirits up on gray days.
Rawknrobyn: Jazz is on a coloured feather free diet. And I intend to keep him (and Jewel) on it.
DeleteAnd I do watch the birds with glee. And wonder.
Ms. King Parrot appears to be posing for you. She's so beautiful and royal. The rosellas - crimson and apple green - are awesome. I can see why Jazz is enthralled.
ReplyDeleteCarol Kilgore: If I am very, very lucky Ms King Parrot will eat from my hand. She is getting closer to that point.
DeleteAnd Jazz is no more enthralled than we are.
Beautiful birds! And if you can't get out to chase them you might as well have a couple of comfy tomes to rest on while you watch...
ReplyDeleteMolly: I can't tell you how much time we spend watching the birds. Hours. Every day. And they are not wasted.
DeleteWow, EC, they're lovely splashes of color in the winter blahs! I enjoy your winter when we have summer as much as I enjoy your summer when we're in winter. Beautiful shots! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteAustan: Isn't it lovely to think that whatever our weather - someone else is experiencing - and sharing - the opposite? And I could never feel blah with the colour of our avian visitors. Never.
DeleteYou do get a beautiful variety of birds visting - lucky you, and lucky us who get to see the pretty photos.
ReplyDeleteYour cat has the sleekest most beautiful cat coat ever.
Jacckie K: Lucky indeed. We do love, welcome, encourage the birds.
DeleteJazz's coat is sleek - but no sleeker than Jewel's. Hers is finer than his though.
I ooo-ed and awww-ed out loud as I gazed at the fabulous parrot closeups... then continued down and got to Jazz, and nearly wet myself laughing. Fantastic!
ReplyDeletePaper Chipmunk (aka Ellen): Jazz spends at least as much time as I do watching the birds. Lusting after the birds... He doesn't like being laughed at either. Tough.
DeleteMy cats eye the beautiful birds too but not for admiration as much as a potential meal. You have some wonderful bird photos.
ReplyDeleteGrannie Annie: Jazz isn't a connoisseur of beauty either. He is a very, very food oriented cat. And not nearly as underfed (or privileged) as he claims.
DeleteThey're gorgeous! And posing pretty for you too...although I'm sure Jazz would end their modeling careers given half a chance!
ReplyDeleteJaquelineand...: I don't think Jazz would need even a quarter chance. He is opportunistic - but his size and his bells mean the birds know he is there.
DeleteThese pretty birds would brighten my day too. Gorgeous shots! The one of Jazz is really cute.
ReplyDeleteThank you for leaving such sweet comments on Father-in-law's D-Day trip to Normandy. I am going to tell him to read them and I know they will put a skip in his step :)
DeniseinVA: Your father-in-laws trip to Normandy was nearly as moving to see as it would have been to experience.
DeleteAnd Jazz thinks he is pretty cute too.
The picture of Jazz cracked me up. I can't imagine how obsessed with Nate would be with these birds.
ReplyDeleteI also can't imagine seeing such beautiful bright birds in my yard. What a treat! I love the photos.
Julie Flanders: My obsessions frequently clash. I love the cats, who love the birds, who love the garden. And the cats would like to destroy the birds, the birds can be vandals in the garden, and far too many plants are poisonous to cats. Constant juggling.
DeleteAnd the cats resent my obsession with books too. And have been know to chew on them.
What wonderful birds! Thanks for sharing these.
ReplyDeletewww.modernworld4.blogspot.com
Gina Gao: It is my pleasure to share them.
DeleteThese birds have marvelous colors – do they make a lot of noise? When my daughter lived in Long Beach, California, there was a palm tree nearby where many parrots used to come to and they would wake you up. Here the only large colorful birds are Cardinals and Blue Jays. You do have wonderful tropical birds in your area.
ReplyDeleteVagabonde: These birds are relatively quiet. It is our cockatoos which make the noise. Lots and lots of noise. And they screech rather than sing. And it is wattle birds which wake me up at a quarter to too early. They aren't musical either.
DeleteWhat beautiful birds! And I can tell your cat thinks they're beautiful too!
ReplyDeleteMildred Ratched: He does - and he is right.
DeleteThey're gorgeous creatures and you're lucky to get so wonderfully close to them. Jazz too... ;-)
ReplyDeleteGeoff: The bush capital has a lot to recommend it doesn't it?
DeletePretty boys.
ReplyDeleteBob Bushell: And girls.
DeleteWhat beautiful birds, you are so blessed to have them in your garden. Their colouring is amazing.
ReplyDeleteLL Cool Joe: We are very lucky. Today in my absence the skinny one got mugged by a pair of king parrots. They couldn't wait for food - but ate it out of his hand. Jealous thoughts. And, if they come back, lots and lots of photos.
DeleteI've heard that the crimson rosella is a very cheeky bird, is it true?
ReplyDeleteParrots too, they're hilarious and so rude.
Guyana-Gyal: I think the cockatoos (and corellas) are cheekier. But the crimson rosellas are a feisty little bird. They challenge much bigger birds for their share (fair or unfair) of whatever is going around.
DeleteI still can't get over that you have birds like this...
ReplyDeletePearl: Neither can I. I am so very grateful for them - and happy to see them. Whenever they appear.
DeleteAfter reading the comment you just left me, I wanted to tell you that EVERYTHING about your blog is lovely and perfect!
ReplyDeleteI really mean that!
DeleteMildred Ratched: What a lovely thing to say. I am often amazed at the warmth and the generosity I have found in the blogosphere. And always grateful.
DeleteI am amazed by your visitors too, don't blame Jazz
ReplyDeleteKim @ Stuff could...: We are amazed too. And I don't blame Jazz. He is welcome to look - but not touch.
DeleteI can only imagine how it must be magical when those bright beauties
ReplyDeleteappear in the midst of the gray! Bold little shots of courage, each:)
Thanks for sharing the beauty from where you're watching!
-Jennifer
Jennifer Richardson: It is magical. And beautiful. And very, very welcome.
Delete