Bellbirds

A miserable day, non-stop rain and a high of 4ºC. I noticed some of the waxeyes were sheltering under the veranda roof and took out some sugar water and a cut apple for them. Soon the bellbird turned up. She loudly and repeatedly proclaimed her ownership of the nearby blossom tree. But then she noticed the waxeyes and took charge of the apple. Her song so close to the window was very penetrating.

Presently another voice joined in, much louder with a more complex song. A male alighted next to her and they briefly pecked each other (too quick for me to capture), and they flew away. However, the female returned many times, singing, and was collected by the male. I found it all rather exciting.

 This shot of the female was taken through the window. The top of her head is wet, probably from the wet blossoms she was sipping nectar from. I think the white specks are pollen. The male, alas, was too elusive. I got only a couple of blurred shots.