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~White-plumed Honeyeater~
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| [Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note |
This image was taken at the wetlands near Mt Barker. It was a freezing cold day when my friend and I visited. I am pretty sure I have identified this bird correctly, however, feel free to correct me if I am wrong. It moved very fast and I was surprised to get a photo. If the photo has a lot of noise could someone do a workshop to show me how it should look.
White-plumed Honeyeater
Scientific name: Lichenostomus penicillatus
Family: Meliphagidae
Order: Passeriformes
Facts and figures
Research Species: No
Minimum size: 15 cm
Maximum size: 17 cm
Average size: 16 cm
Average weight: 19 g
Breeding season: Anytime but mainly August to December.
Clutch size: 2 to 3, rarely 4
Incubation: 14 days
Time in nest: 14 days
Description
The White-plumed Honeyeater is a medium-sized honeyeater with a slightly down-curved bill. It is yellowish-olive to grey above, pale brown-grey below, with a yellowish head and a distinctive white neck-plume, giving the bird its name. The males are slightly larger but the sexes are otherwise similar. Young are duller, with much less distinct plumes and a paler bill. Usually gregarious and seen constantly moving from tree to tree with rapid darting movements.
Distribution
Endemic to mainland Australia, the White-plumed Honeyeater is found found everywhere except in the tropical north, Cape York Peninsula and the most arid areas. Originally a 'straggler' to Sydney until the 1940s, it is now very common and well-established, and has also expanded its range into the upper Hunter Valley all the way to Newcastle, New South Wales. It may also be extending its range into south-western Western Australia, but this is yet to be confirmed.
Habitat
The White-plumed Honeyeater is found in open forests and woodlands, often near water and wetlands. It is scarce or absent in arid regions unless water artificially supplied (e.g. water troughs for stock). Its overall distribution is linked to River Red Gums. It is also found in remnant bushland in urban areas, as well as parks and gardens.
Feeding
The White-plumed Honeyeater feeds very actively from leaves and flowers in the crowns of trees and in shrubs between 5 m and 13 m from the ground. Its main foods are nectar, insects (and their products such as lerps and honeydew), manna and fruit, with some seeds. Very strongly associated with River Red Gums. They sometimes also feed in the air or forage upon the ground.
Breeding
During the breeding season, male White-plumed Honeyeaters make several 'Song Flights' throughout the day above the treetops (10 m – 20 m above ground) while singing a special song, before diving steeply into nearby tree. Females build a small cup-shaped nest in the crown of a tree from 1 m to 20 m off the ground. It is woven from grass and spider web and lined with wool, hair or feathers. Females incubate the eggs but both parents feed the young, sometimes with the assistance of helpers. Two to three clutches are laid each year.
Living with humans
The removal of trees along creeks has a negative impact on the White-plumed Honeyeater in its natural habitat, but it is very adaptable to urban environments. Cats and dogs are common threats. It has also been known to damage soft fruit in orchards.
References
Higgins, P.J., Peter, J.M. and Steele, W.K. (eds) 2001. Handbook of Australian, New Zealand and Antarctic Birds, Volume 5 (Tyrant-flycatchers to Chats). Oxford University Press, Melbourne.
Longmore, N.W. 1991. The Honeyeaters and their Allies of Australia. Angus and Robertson and The National Photographic Index of Australian Wildlife, Sydney.
http://birdsinbackyards.net/finder/display.cfm?id=144
Cheers,
Debbie |
Proframe, rousettus, gypsygirl58, jaycee, Alex99, JPlumb has marked this note useful
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Very nice bird shot again Debbie.
You've done a great job by nailing such fast moving subject.
Sharpness is very good and composition excellent.
Just would like to have seen a little more detail in the feathers of the bird. It's a bit to dark imho while the leaves wich do surround the bird are a bit to light.
In my opinion nothing is wrong with noise, but if you like to experiment with noise reduction, you can download a free trail version of Neat Image.
It's really great software.
I've reworked the image a little in Photoshop by darkening the leaf and lightening the bird, but I can't upload an other workshop today.
If you like to see it please email me on harry.eggens@proframe.org and I will send it to you right away.
Kind regards, Harry
Hi Debbie,
interesting capture. nice capture. composition, sharpness and action very nice. useful and detailed notes. thanks for sharing
well done
Ahmet
Hi Deb,
Lovely capture of this Honeyeater! Excellent details and sharpness on the plumage, and the colours are very true to life IMO! It stands out well from the blurred background as well. Great notes! Well done and TFS
Cheers Tina :-)
Très belle photo en effet il y a un peu de bruit mais cela n'enlève rien au résultat.
Bravo
Marie
- iris
![Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 469 W: 60 N: 947]](http://i1.treknature.com/misc/g-g-g.gif)
(3016) - [2007-06-13 11:01]
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A very nice shot of the white plumed honey, Debbie.Considering the condition you got this shot, it looks really good.I find no noise, but if one were to sharpen it slightly to bring out the details especially on its plumage, the NeatImage software should be a great idea. ( see that harry has already offered to do this for you.)
Very well done.
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- jaycee
![Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2493 W: 11 N: 6885]](http://i1.treknature.com/misc/g-s-g.gif)
(21912) - [2007-06-13 11:28]
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Hi Debbie,
A wonderful capture of this bird I have never seen - with an unusual pov. Wonderful details and lovely natural colors.
Jane
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- Alex99
(18607)
- [2007-06-13 11:36]
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Hi, Debbie, again.
I like this attractive scene, your impressive POV, details and DOF. I also like the excellent level of exposure of the shot and especially BG. Lighting and colors are natural and pleasant for look. Best wishes and TFS.
Alexei.
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- JPlumb
(2884)
- [2007-06-14 1:50]
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Hi Debbie, this is one I haven't seen yet. I like the way you've captured this guy hanging over. The bird itself is very sharp with great colour. The leaf by his beak is a bit of a distraction but I still like this composition with him in his natural element. Looks like you're working with Harry on the leaf.
Thanks, John
![Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 101 W: 0 N: 138]](http://i1.treknature.com/misc/g-n-g.gif)
(426)