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Baralga
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| [Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note |
DESCRIPTION
The word “Brolga” comes from the Aboriginal word “Baralga”, a dancer
who was turned into a bird.
The Brolga is a tall and stately, long legged, grey crane. A bustle (skirt
shape) of secondary feathers fall over the rump of the Brolga. The Brolga’s
head is bare of feathers with pale green on the fronds near the beak and
scarlet red on the rear of the head and nape. The Brolga’s eyes are yellow
and their ear coverts (feathers covering the base of the flight feathers) are
grey. A black ‘haired’ dewlap is located under the chin. The neck and back
are silver grey in colour, with a brown trace though the back feathers. Wings
are grey with black tips (primaries).The Brolga’s legs are a dark grey/brown
to black.
Adult Brolgas stand up to 140 cm in height, with a wing span of 2 metres.
The voice of the Brolga is a major feature, heard as a ‘whooping trumpet’
both in flight and on the ground. Brolgas can live for more than forty years
in the wild.
HABITAT
The Brolga is usually found in pairs or groups in the freshwater swampy
grasslands areas from the farmlands, bushlands and the grasslands of
Australia. It is mainly found in tropical north and east of Australia.
DIET
Brolgas live on the roots of water plants, shell fish, frogs and other small
water vertebrates and invertebrates located near the water’s edge.
BEHAVIOUR
Brolgas live in family groups lead by a male. Flocks are usually small
however they sometimes may consist of up to 1,000 members.
When in the air, the Brolga extends its neck and legs for ease of flight.
The Brolga displays shallow wing beats with an upward flick, often seen
soaring in thermals. They can fly at 70 kilometres an hour.
The group dancing displays of the Brolga are a sight to be seen!
Accompanied by loud trumpeting calls, pairs and groups of Brolgas dance,
leaping, bowing, and high stepping with wings spread out and the head
thrown back.
REPRODUCTION
Male and female mate for life. Breeding occurs mainly from September to
December in the south and February to May in the north, prior to the arrival
of the wet season. A Brolga’s nest is built on a mound of grass and other
vegetation raised above water level or on a small island in a swamp. Two
spotted and blotched eggs are laid. Both parents are involved in incubating
the eggs, which may take up to 1 month. Very soon after hatching, the
young birds are able to run and swim. The chicks are cared for by both
parents for approximately 12 months. |
glazzaro, khris_rino, coasties, Luc, marhowie has marked this note useful
Only registered TrekNature members may rate photo notes. |
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Nice detail, you might try dropping the shadows roughly 30% and increasing highlights about 20% in just back area to regain some of the detail in the whites.
Greg
Hi Toni,
An excellent portrait on this crane. The colors and detail in the white feathers is superb. I like the composition and framing here. Your notes are very informative. A Great Job!
Scott
I love the smooth creamy feel in this shot which is accentuated by the out of focus highlights. Amazing details on the stubble(?) and eye. Thanks for sharing!!
Hi Toni
Wonderful capture. Nicely composed. Light was good and compliments the shot. Sharpness and detail are spot on. Nice work. Thanks.
Hi Toni,
The birds is a slightly OE, I think the meter has been fooled by the dark BG. Well composed, good details and nice colours.
The bird stands out nice from the BG.
Very well done.
- Luc
![Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1873 W: 304 N: 4300]](http://i1.treknature.com/misc/g-g-g.gif)
(14729) - [2005-10-31 10:50]
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Appréciation personnelle pour la photo: très bonne.
Pouvoir d'évocation en moi: fort.
Très bon impact visuel.
Pertinence de la photo pour le site: excellente.
Appréciation personnelle pour la note: complète.
Merci Toni.
Very good sharpness & details Toni. Well composed with a good POV also. As stated it's a bit OE on the whites. Stands out well from the BG. Excellent note. Well done & Thank You.
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- jossim
![Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1576 W: 5 N: 2180]](http://i1.treknature.com/misc/g-n-g.gif)
(12248) - [2005-10-31 21:30]
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Beau portrait Toni !
Le Bg fait bien ressortir le sujet et la netteté est très bonne.
Félicitations pour les belles couleurs.
Merci pour l'envoie
![Silver Star Critiquer [C: 49 W: 6 N: 72]](http://i1.treknature.com/misc/s-n-n.gif)
(719)