Old Froggies

[keni]

After seeing the wonderful Frogmouth photos from jjj and Paddy I thought I may as well throw in a few.
I have a squillion of them as there was a pair that nested in a tree next door for a few years.
They nest elsewhere now but I still see one or two late at night on the Hills hoist or the overhead wires.
My neighbour told me about them so I went looking late one afternoon.
You know the feeling you get when you think you're being watched.
Well after standing at the fence trying to spot something I looked up.
I had to move back as I had a 100-300 lens attached ready for the long shot.
That's the first pic.....one parent and both young.
Second pic..the other parent...not in the least concerned.
Third pic...untouched...I just love the way their feathers match the tree.
Fourth pic ....gotta love those eyes.

Ken.

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[jjjnettie]

:) awesome pics Ken.
They're amazing birds.

[RickS]

Very nice, Ken!

[keni]

Thanks jjj and Rick.
Yes they're just fantastic.Like I said I have a squillion pics but don't worry.
I'll only throw up a few more from the following year when their nest was overhanging my yard.

A workmate's parents looked after one several years ago when it was orphaned.
It would get in the shower with his father each morning then flop around for a couple of hours until it had dried off enough to fly again.
Then each night it would go off to hunt and spend its days perched on a big piece of coral they had on their sideboard.
One day his mother had the local mothers' group round for coffee.
"Wow what a realistic statue" one lady said.You can guess the rest as it tried to perch on her shoulder.
Eventually it returned to the wild on it's own.
I just love 'em.

Ken.

[spearo]

excellent especially the last two
frank

[keni]

Thank you Frank.
They were so easy to shoot. Must have known I'm a gentle soul.

Ken.

[Paddy]

Gorgeous photos Ken. They have such character. I love the way they're all in a line in the 3rd pic.

[keni]

Hi Paddy,
Thanks, you're right they do have great characters.
I was so lucky having them raise their young for a few years so close.
the best part was sitting downstairs in the dark (with just enough light from upstairs) watching the adults
call to the youngsters from the clothes hoist getting them to fly...fantastic.
Unfortunately no pics of that, much too dark.

Ken.