As EE is becoming much more comfortable with Dolly, we decided on a morning around the Ornamental Lake at Werribee Mansion. The tracks are wellformed and its possible to get close to the action without long walks.
The only part of our plan that was not controllable was the weather, and we ended up with mostly an overcast morning. Also there was little activity at the Lake, perhaps most of the food has diminished and the birds have moved away.
We were sitting on the grass near the lake enjoying a cuppa when an Australasian Darter launched itself out of the water, from between the reeds and waddled up onto the grass. So close that I had to inch back along the grass to get it all in the frame. I guess that I was at grass level, and not standing up, the bird felt comfortable enough to go about its preening and drying business.
So, rather than repeat my rant from the Saturday Evening Post on Dean Collins, here is the few moments as they played out.
Enjoy
Birds as Poetry —— Just because I WANDER - --doesn't mean I'm LOST 
Wow! So close! Wonderful shots, David.
Glad to hear that EE is getting along with Dolly so well!
I haven’t been able to get out at all so far this week, but, as Ned Kelly is reputed to have said ‘that’s life’
DN
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Superb shots, Dave. Your images show details and aspects of the darter that I’ve not seen before.
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That’s special….close encounter. I use a trolley too…Mine is called “Hotwheels” I got up close and personal with six Magpie Geese at Lake Purrumbete today.
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Hi Nina, we are slowly getting used to working with Dolly, good find on the Magpie Geese. Too much fun
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A wonderful series of shots as he gets himself sorted out. I just love the elegant curve of the neck as he works just at the top of the wing in shot number six. Thanks David, and great that Dorothy is finding Dolly so helpful.
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Twas a funny encounter, and I guess I managed about thirty poses by the end of the session. The wonder of the curved neck was such a bonus
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Gorgeous encounter David 🤗
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What a dashing Darter David, love the last shot how it captures his wing fronds. The weather has been unsettled as the seasons change, hope we all get good rain out of it.
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HI AB, I nearly nearly cropped to show just the wing patterning. I have another shot from the moment that I might yet put up.
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Some bird to admire, David. I’ve got a soft spot for Darters because they are such wonderfully sculptural birds. They are not very shy (at least with me) but your encounter was definitely a very special moment.
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G,day Adam, I agree if they find a spot to work away at the feathers, then all sorts of great poses come out as they have such a presence. This bird is a little bit human tolerant, has to be, the lake is constantly visited by people during the week and is often the centre piece of some event or other out there.
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