Autumn leaf with darter and Carillion

diannemcd, on June 8, 2009, said:

What a beauty, with his wings spread way out, great shot, and love the lonely autumn leaf. D

bdeh, on June 9, 2009, said:

Great shot Helen, nice composition. (Paul doesn't it looks more like an Anhinga?) Greetings Berend

marbiz, on June 9, 2009, said:

Same sentiments as above. Another good shot. The Carillion stands out against the blue sky.

Inspector H snaps!!, on June 10, 2009, said:

Hi Paul Dianne Berend and marbiz The darters and cormorants are related and darters are also called "snake-birds" here. They certainly look like snakes in the water. This one is anhinga novaehollandiae

The browny coloured female was just out of shot here and the male had waddled, wings out, along the jetty towards her. (he looked so funny, a bit like a penguin). They have very furry looking feathers. My friend was nearly frozen solid so I couldn't take any more time to try and get both darters in the shot. Thanks all - Helen

bdeh, on June 11, 2009, said:

Hi, Helen, in Holland we call it "Snakeneckbird". Here is an American version that I took in Costa Rica. Greetings Berend

Inspector H snaps!!, on June 12, 2009, said:

Yes he does look like our schlangenvogel thanks for link - H

Ritva, on June 18, 2009, said:

Very, VERY nice!!!

Cheers :)

jeangregoryevans, on June 19, 2009, said:

Great and interesting photo, H! Drying his wings and showing off, maybe?? He looks grand. Those buildings in the background are interesting structures too.

Thanks for sharing this!

Jean

Inspector H snaps!!, on June 19, 2009, said:

Hi Jean, his mate was drying her wings very close by but I had to go.First time I have seen a black darter, he was quite lovely and glossy.

The tall building is located on a tiny island in Lake Burley Griffin and the National Carillon was a gift from the British Government to the people of Australia celebrating the 50th anniversary of the National Capital. It is a bell tower with 53 bells. Opened 26 April 1970.thanks google

The other building on the left is possibly the intelligence building (spies). Paul S would know if it is ASIO or military. Greetings Helen

Jean this is in Canberra our National Capital in the Australian Capital Territory, a little enclave in the state of New South Wales, our National Parliament house is here, along with our federal government departments, our National Art Gallery, Portrait Galleries, Archives, Library, War Memorial, Military stuff and much more SO the project to get our state of Victoria off the google map continues!!! Don't laugh Paul if you see this!!

Inspector H snaps!!, on June 27, 2009, said:

Hello Ippa sorry I missed you, while I was writing my long story to Jean. I haven't talked to you for a long time but now know you are a girl!! Thanks for the comment. H