Bellbird

Anthornis melanura, Maori name korimako. Female.

Today has been cold and wet. Two female bellbirds have been in my garden most of the day, vying with each other for coprosma berries, honey water and cut apple halves. I managed to get several reasonably good shots through a window, and amazingly I captured one singing. The female bellbird's song lacks the range and complexity of the male's, but it is still pleasant to have in the garden. If you are interested here is a very short movie of it. The usually sleek birds are puffed up against the cold.

Quite good in large.

I was delighted with the response to my blip yesterday about the project Meles and I undertook.