A moment set in stone. A male—I assume because it is larger and demonstrative—Little Wattlebird (Anthochaera chrysoptera) pleads from a subordinate position on the perch hierarchy. I’ve observed this behaviour many times. The male fluffs its plumage to appear larger and faces the female to reveal its bright orange gape.


This is a composite image that subjugates the twiggy stage and bland sky background of the original capture. The added texture is cracked concrete on a footpath near the lighthouse, chosen for its lines and their resonance with the tree sculpture.

1/1500th | f4 | 600mm | ISO 1600 | tripod | 26 Apr 2016
Available as a print, canvas, aluminium panel, or greeting card. ®