Sunday, August 10, 2008

Rainbow Lorikeets

Rainbow Lorikeets are very common in this area and in my backyard. I planted grevillias hoping to encourage the birds into my yard and the lorikeets are usually there. They are noisy and colourful birds and I enjoy watching them interacting with each other. Early in the morning large flocks fly overhead with their noisy cries. Late in the evening I can hear their sleepy murmurs as they settle down to roost in the pine trees next door.
I enjoy following them around with the camera but they seldom sit in a good pose for pictures. More often they are hanging upside down or walking around and under the foliage.

9 comments:

  1. Spectacular birds! Getting more common down here (as everywhere) I believe although I never see them where I am.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hi Mick
    People have created a wonderful habitat for Rainbow Lorikeets all the the way down the southern NSW Coast, and into Victoria. When I was a kid they were never recorded there. Now they breed in Melbourne. It is largely our habit of planting flowering Gum Trees and Grevilleas - and of course, our "Sea Changers" moving to the coast.
    Great photos of the Lorikeets upside down. The video shows how active they are. Hyperactive birds. Too much sugar in their diet, I think!
    Cheers
    Denis.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hi Mosura and Denis. I realized that the large flocks I see around here must be feeding on something - possibly not just wallum vegetation - although they do feed in that as well. And yes, my grevillias are a deliberate attempt to encourage them into my garden!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Mick - somehow the sound of lorikeets/parakeets calling seems familiar regardless of the continent. However, your Rainbow Lorikeets have in interesting trill to their call that the Ring-necked Parakeets lack!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Hi Tricia, I agree about the sound of their calls - especially when they "scream"! Then its very much a matter of the decibel level.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Nice one Mick.
    The pics of 'upside down' Rainbows are just typical of a very enjoyable bird.
    Gouldiae

    ReplyDelete
  7. Thanks Gouldiae, yes they definitely are enjoyable.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Colourful bullies, scoot every other bird from the food. As Denis noted they've extended their range and are a very common bird in Gippsland, and our garden!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Hi Duncan, I've found that the Blue-faced Honeyeaters are a match for anything else in my yard including the lorikeets.

    ReplyDelete