Osprey

Rainbow bee eater

Rainbow bee eater
Originally uploaded by catheralla

This stunning little bird was flitting around the sand dunes at Coolum Beach. I have always wanted to see one up close and this was no disappointment.

Rose crowned fruit Dove

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Originally uploaded by catheralla

This beautiful bird is a native of the Queensland rainforest and is surely the most beautiful creature I have set eyes on in a long while. This bird was in a zoo situation so I was able to get close and spend a long time just watching it. First glance absolutely took my breath away .

Maskes Lapwing Plover showng off his spurs

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Originally uploaded by catheralla

These guys are lethal in combat with each other and as defenders of their young, using the yellow spurs at the front of their wings as a weapon.

Beauty is always such a sweet surprise when found in these small packages

Close encounters

These beautiful songsters surround my home morning and night, and are full of such character. I find them and their youngsters a delight and occasionally when we decide to feed them, they are not at all shy and take food from our hands, or line up to fly for it if thrown. Their haunting, flute like song is at its best when there is fog or light rain and no wind. It echoes through the air in a way that captures the moment in all it's perfection and settles lightly on my shoulders, seeping into my soul.

These Pelicans were in seventh heaven as they waited for the fish to come their way.  Smart birds and a joy to watch in that beautiful light

Female Fairy Wren

 While the highway rushed by and people  hurried to restrooms or to gulp down their travel snacks at a roadside rest stop, I was privileged to witness the tiniest of worlds in all their perfection.

These Fairy Wrens were invisible to those whose eyes were not open.