Some of the blackbird family's neighbors over Christmas/New Year.

I wanted to show you both the whole flower and this close up. I think it looks like a cat's face. 

Now, on with the new post...

I so enjoyed learning about the blackbirds in our backyard recently that I decided to continue to watch and take pictures of who else was hanging around. This post is the result.  

I also have just a few updated shots of the blackbird family at the end.   

It's summer in our backyard.  

That's a tui.  It must be windy way up there at the top of the tree.  

A house sparrow is picking up materials for his house.  

A couple of myna(h)s

A spotted dove

A few more shots of mynahs

This is a starling. 

He's a tough looking character.  

A starling's feathers are known for their iridescence. It shows a little bit here.    

This is his 'Arnold Schwarzenegger' pose.  

"Yah, dis is me, Ahnold Starlingnegger!  I'm going to fly away now but, I'll be back."  

Starlings and mynas are related.  

Here is a silvereye. So tiny compared to the juvenile blackbird. (and well camouflaged)

Update on the blackbird family. 

This is Dad blackbird 'sunbathing.'  He spread his wings, puffed up all his feathers, and held this pose for at least 15-20 seconds.  After doing this, he shook back his feathers all around and hopped into the shade, panted a while longer, and then groomed himself.  I think he does it to clean his feathers.  I read that blackbirds will pant when they're hot. That's why his beak is open.

I took this picture at about 1 pm on a very sunny day. Dad blackbird had chosen a clear spot in the garden for his 'treatment.'  It was the hottest spot I think he could find. I think he might get rid of pests in his feathers this way.  

This is New baby (above) and Baby blackbird (below) in our orange tree. They are both doing well. I don't see tailfeathers yet on Baby.  

A photo based on a Christmas song.

A partridge in a (real) pear tree.  (No, it does Not look like a turkey! It's a partridge!) I'm not drawing it again! Have you ever tried the 'draw' feature? It's not easy! Go ahead. Let's see you do better. I dare 'ya.  

After almost nine years here in New Zealand, I've grown accustomed to experiencing Christmas in the summer. I don't believe however, that it will ever feel quite right to me. A white Christmas is hardwired into my brain and that's that.    

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas. Have a happy New Year!              -djf