sandeyeThe Rainbow Lorikeets
February 29th 2008 15:02
Recently, I sold another copy of Our Australian Feathered Friends - without publicity - and have also participated in some further marketing. I decided to allow readers at BirdStory.com another preview of my recently released book dealing with the local birdlife. Here is the chapter on The Rainbow-Lorikeets.
Officially named Trichoglossus haematodus, the Rainbow Lorikeet is one of the most colorful birds in our district. One sunny afternoon, when we had been living in our current property for less than a year, I heard a terrific screeching noise in the front yard. Peeping through the curtains in what was then the lounge, but subsequently changed into our guest room, and since then has become my yoga-room, I spotted some of these vibrant birds on our Umbrella tree.
My first impression was that they must be some sort of Parrot, with their bright blue heads, red beak and throat patch, green body and tail, and blue belly. My son had soon looked them up and declared them to be Rainbow Lorikeets - which do happen to belong to the Parrot family.
Located around the coast of Australia, mostly from northern Western Australia running clockwise through to mid South Australia, this species also has a small habitat area in Tasmania and an area of abundance around the city of Perth. Mainly found in rainforest and woodland areas, they have also found a home in suburbs containing appropriate trees – such as our Umbrella tree. Parents will often choose a Eucalypt tree as their preferred nesting place, and tend to lay two white, oval eggs during winter through midsummer.
As well as dining upon the red floral sticks of Umbrella trees, the Rainbow Lorikeet enjoys feasting upon other nectar sources, as well as some insects, fruits and seeds. On rare occasions, we have witnessed one or two Lorikeets in our backyard, pecking about at the wild bird seed that we throw out twice daily, after the Pigeons had feasted but left a few behind. I observed a Lorikeet taking a drink from a collection of rainfall upon next door’s roof on one occasion, and I also spotted two noisy parents with an equally clamorous child in a nearby neighbor’s tree, just a few months ago.
I have frequently attempted to photograph this species; however, I have yet to obtain the ‘perfect’ photograph. These birds often seem to suddenly hop onto another flower stalk, or to remain hidden behind one. As with the photograph that I have used for this book, it is more a game of ‘spot the bird’ than a clear and distinct picture.
If you wish to hear the book discussed and a portion read, please go to Really Long Link and check out the Dec 3 2007 program.
Additionally, there is a wall calendar available using selected bird photographs in relation to the book at: Really Long Link
If any one is interested in further previewing/purchasing this book, please go to www.lulu.com/winterbear
Officially named Trichoglossus haematodus, the Rainbow Lorikeet is one of the most colorful birds in our district. One sunny afternoon, when we had been living in our current property for less than a year, I heard a terrific screeching noise in the front yard. Peeping through the curtains in what was then the lounge, but subsequently changed into our guest room, and since then has become my yoga-room, I spotted some of these vibrant birds on our Umbrella tree.
Located around the coast of Australia, mostly from northern Western Australia running clockwise through to mid South Australia, this species also has a small habitat area in Tasmania and an area of abundance around the city of Perth. Mainly found in rainforest and woodland areas, they have also found a home in suburbs containing appropriate trees – such as our Umbrella tree. Parents will often choose a Eucalypt tree as their preferred nesting place, and tend to lay two white, oval eggs during winter through midsummer.
As well as dining upon the red floral sticks of Umbrella trees, the Rainbow Lorikeet enjoys feasting upon other nectar sources, as well as some insects, fruits and seeds. On rare occasions, we have witnessed one or two Lorikeets in our backyard, pecking about at the wild bird seed that we throw out twice daily, after the Pigeons had feasted but left a few behind. I observed a Lorikeet taking a drink from a collection of rainfall upon next door’s roof on one occasion, and I also spotted two noisy parents with an equally clamorous child in a nearby neighbor’s tree, just a few months ago.
If you wish to hear the book discussed and a portion read, please go to Really Long Link and check out the Dec 3 2007 program.
Additionally, there is a wall calendar available using selected bird photographs in relation to the book at: Really Long Link
If any one is interested in further previewing/purchasing this book, please go to www.lulu.com/winterbear
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