Photographs copyright: DAVID McMAHON
It was just one of those warm Melbourne afternoons and I decided to walk along the river at Southbank when I noticed this bird sitting in the sunlight. He was in no hurry at all. He just sat there, so I decided to drop anchor and watch him for a few minutes.
I thought I might be able to get in a fortuitous shot, because if the bird was hungry, he might launch himself across the river to pick up a fish that ventured unwisely close to the surface. But nope, he wasn’t hungry – or maybe he just wasn’t energetic enough.
As the moments ticked by, I noticed that each time he blinked, you could actually see a green sheen across the single eye that I could see in profile. He was a long way away from me, but if I’d moved closer I would have been at a different angle, merely looking at his back. So I stayed where I was, hoping to react quick enough to catch him.
This was just a lucky shot. You could say it happened in the blink of an eye.
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He's a cool looking bird.. nothing seems to bother him. Great shots. :)
ReplyDeleteHe looks very relaxed.
ReplyDeleteOh, a lonely bird. I want to fly higher and farther I want to fly higher. :)
ReplyDeleteHealth is the Greatest Happiness
The World at The Present
That was a lucky break for you. Every time I point a camera at any form of wild life....... off it goes!
ReplyDeleteLovely shots.
He does look kind of a grumpy, lonely old boy; the Mrs. has gone to chat with the girls, kids are more interested in playing than in learning, it is too hot, and some bloke with a camera is taking his picture...huge sigh...bugger off.
ReplyDeleteThis is really the best shot - zooming in- they have such a caricature look about them. Lehners in France any new blog site?
ReplyDeleteWhat kind of water fowl is he? Love that bit of green in your luck shot!
ReplyDeleteIn the blink of an eye - you crack me up, David!
ReplyDeleteYou got some nice shots of the bird, even if he didn't cooperate and move.
This made me chuckle! It really IS sitting. Just chillin' in Melbourne, enjoying the sun. Which is so much what I long to do. I'm so smitten with Melbourne since I've been visiting blogs!
ReplyDeleteNice photo of that bird, love his little webbed feet wrapped around there!
ReplyDeleteGreat shot! He was just waiting for the paparazzi to show up!
ReplyDeleteHe seems perfectly happy to just sit there and be photographed. Blinking slowly so you could get the perfect shot...
ReplyDeleteWhat a different looking bird! His feet look like duck feet...and his neck looks almost flamingo like. neat photos!
ReplyDeleteI've never seen a bird quite like him. Cool shot David and I like your title for this post!
ReplyDeleteLooks like this gannet has a wee bit of its last dinner adhering to its beak, possibly why it didn't go "fishing" while you were there.
ReplyDeleteWhat a neat looking bird! And lucky you to have gotten a picture of him/her.
ReplyDeleteNow that guy is really a cool bird, widh I knew what he is!
ReplyDeleteYou know, I've never noticed a bird sitting on his bum like that one before! What a cool dude.
ReplyDeleteReally cool looking bird! And you did get some great shots!
ReplyDeleteHi David! Can you still remember me? Nice pictures and blog. Can you please comment on my 1st and 3rd blog? Thanks in advance. Take care. :D
ReplyDeleteHe looks like he's posing for the artist. So patient!
ReplyDeleteLike me, this bird probably is the kind who "warms up" to the water slowly ...no, he just doesn't dive in willy-nilly. Gotta get the lay of the water ...kinda like me-- snooping around your blog before finally committing myself to follow, and heaven forbid, exposing myself by leaving a comment! :-)But I just couldn't help stopping by...have a soft spot for your adopted country and Aussies as years ago my hubbie and I visited, and he was offered a position in Melbourne. I'll never forgive him for turning the employer down as I had already purchased the draperies for a home in the western surburbs of the city! Ha! But several years later, I succeeded in dragging him to London ...where I was happily employed for some time. Cheers! I love your blog! You are an inspiration!
ReplyDeleteYou know, on reflection, I think he is a Cormarant.
ReplyDeleteWhat an unusual looking bird.
ReplyDeleteDavid, Thank you for stopping by, and for your kind words of encouragement! You are a prince among bloggers! Thank you! I will stay in touch! God bless!
ReplyDeleteNeat shot, David! Love the bird...
ReplyDeleteSheila :-)
Hi David. Very slick photography, as ever. I think the bird is a cormorant, yes I've just looked it up. It is a voracious fish eater and dives to catch it's prey. It is a great under water swimmer. So you have been bird watching! I have been sheep watching! I have my phot of the Cod Almighty and will be doing the post soon. If you'd arrived earlier you might have seen the cormorant diving into the water. Super post. Eddie
ReplyDeleteThis reminds me of the cormorants I wait for around the harbour. These are excellent I swear he's posing or is he waiting for his date?
ReplyDeleteGreat shot! I have been chasing birds around my back yard for weeks! They just HATE me and take off, blerk!
ReplyDeleteThat is a funny looking bird.
ReplyDeleteAt peace, yes, funny looking, yes.
Everybody's getting pictures of birds!
Even though I wasn't seeking it out - last two pic entries were heavy in bird-dom.
Saw your blog on my dashboard with a bird, and another one of my favs with a bird.
Hmm.
I have never been very lucky with birds and I have never seen a Gannet before either. This one's stomach is full, I guess!
ReplyDeleteAwesome shots!
ReplyDeleteHave not seen one of these before, i like that last photo.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the stop over on my blog.
I can see the green! Great shot, David. I'm not buying the 'luck' part of the story though ;)
ReplyDeleteGreat shots. he's just enjoying the warmth and the scenery :-)
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