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Project Noah Nature School
Amaurornis phoenicurus
As the name hints: looks like a hen. White cheeks and front of neck, dark back and wings; rust coloured vent feathers...and a pink 'bindi.' Extremely elongated toes!
It had rained last night and I was glad I did not have to water the garden but could spare some time to take in the fragrance of the jasmine when I noticed this bird on the neighbour's wall across the lane. I ran to get the camera. Very swiftly it crossed the road and came closer foraging on the grassy verge of the house opposite mine. It foraged a bit (first 2 shots) very close. Suddenly it spotted me and flew to sit atop the gate at the base of which it had been foraging. You can see how it has spread its toes in order not to slide down. Finally it flew into the vegetation-covered abandoned house that is just two doors away.
With my morning walk axed, I am glad whenever old friends like this one drop in. Today I spotted (for the first time here) a Bronze-winged Jacana as I was returning home after work.
Spotted on Apr 22, 2021
Submitted on Apr 22, 2021
5 Comments
I like this bird - it has character, and looks very friendly and inquisitive! I hope you make it to Australia one day, Sukanya. I'm sure you'll love it! I never tire of our flora and fauna :)
A new spotting for you...that makes me so happy...because I (a lapsed zoologist) have never been to Australia/New Zealand...so celebrated for the flora and fauna...and I am always amazed by the spottings from there (and total fan of your notes). BTW, this bird is quite celebrated in Bangla poetry.
Beautiful spotting! Now this is a new species for me! I love the story too, Sukanya. Thank you :)
Thank you, Dawn for the kind words
Yes, those elongated toes are really something. Here is another bird I spotted that can give it a run for its money:
https://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/12...
Awesome spotting! Those are some pretty amazing toes! Thanks for sharing.