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TARA SMITHSON -Wildlife & Nature Photographer 📸

@tarasmithson.bsky.social
4.8K followers 246 following 5.2K posts

Nature is my happy place. 📸🌳🦉🪶🇦🇺🦘🐨🪃 Photos are my own. Most bird photos taken with 600mm lens. BSky native. No DMs. AccessibleImages ALT text Instagram.com/tarasmithson1

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TARA SMITHSON -Wildlife & Nature Photographer 📸 @tarasmithson.bsky.social · 21h
Metallic starlings migrate down from New Guinea each year to breed in the tropical north of Australia, bringing their brilliant iridescent feathers to the local rainforest canopy. 🐦‍⬛🐦‍⬛🐦‍⬛🐦‍⬛🐦‍⬛ 📸 In my cousin's backyard. (I'll be back in another week or so) #birds #BirdOfTheDay #nature #wildlife
Photograph of three metallic starlings perched amongst lush green foliage and vines, their iridescent dark bodies gleaming with hints of green and purple and contrasting with their striking, piercing red eyes, with two of the birds having their beaks open mid-call as they chatter noisily with one another.
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TARA SMITHSON -Wildlife & Nature Photographer 📸 @tarasmithson.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Spoonbills sweep their bill through shallow water in a side-to-side motion, using highly sensitive nerve endings inside the tip to feel for fish, crabs, and insects by touch. 🥄🦀 Also, I'm off grid for a couple of weeks, see you soon. 🔌 #Birds #Wildlife #Nature #BirdOfTheDay #ECK
A crisp, high-definition mid shot side-profile portrait of a Royal Spoonbill against a softly blurred, mottled green and yellow background. The bird faces left, showcasing its long, dark, charcoal-grey bill that widens into a distinct flat, spoon-like shape at the tip. Its head and neck are covered in soft, white feathers, with a subtle cream-colored wash near the crown. Its eye is a striking, vivid ruby-red, bordered by a patch of black facial skin and a small hint of yellow skin just above the eye. The lighting is clean and even,  capturing the fine, textured ridges along the surface of its bill.
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TARA SMITHSON -Wildlife & Nature Photographer 📸 @tarasmithson.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Pelican's shadow is a cartoon???? I took this photo with my phone a few years ago, but it always tickled me that the pelican's shadow looked like a cartoon version of himself. 👤 #LightAndShadow #BirdOfTheDay
An Australian pelican is captured in profile facing right as it takes a measured step along a bright, sunlit sandy shore. Its characteristic long, pinkish-orange bill, clean white head, and dark-tipped wings gleam in the bright daylight as it moves forward, casting a distinct, elongated shadow sharply defined on the golden sand beneath it. In the background, the shallow water's edge gently ripples under the sun.
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TARA SMITHSON -Wildlife & Nature Photographer 📸 @tarasmithson.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
I think this is a Brown Gerygone. Let me know birders. Photo taken in Sydney, Australia. 🔎🦜 #LightAndShadow #BirdOfTheDay
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TARA SMITHSON -Wildlife & Nature Photographer 📸 @tarasmithson.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
The Swamp Hen: Deep blue feathers, striking red shield, and legs built for serious marshland (or supermarket) car park navigation. 🐦‍⬛🛒🦵 #Birds #BirdPhotography #Nature #Wildlife #ECK
A purple swamphen stands perched on a metal frame, leaning forward with its head lowered. The bird has iridescent dark blue and purple plumage on its head and back, a bright red frontal shield and bill, and piercing red eyes. Its long, slender orange-brown legs and oversized toes grip the metal rails, and the background consists of a smooth, out-of-focus blue wall with vertical dark blue lines.
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TARA SMITHSON -Wildlife & Nature Photographer 📸 @tarasmithson.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
'That's one small step for the Australian Darter, and one giant leap for fishkind' - Neil Wingstrong. 🌔🧑‍🚀🪽💪 #CaptionThatBird #BirdOfTheDay #Nature #Wildlife #ECK #Photography
Perched on a gnarly, weathered tree branch that cuts diagonally across the frame, this magnificent Australian Darter bird has thrown both wings wide open like dramatic velvet capes to brake against the air. Its  slender, snake-like neck and dagger-like yellow bill are held with laser-focused poise, while its bright, alert eye tracks the final inch of touchdown. The buff-coloured chest and intricate dark wing feathers contrast sharply against the gray water and soft-focus, misty shoreline in the background. It's caught mid-stride lifting one comically large, fully splayed orange webbed foot in the air before it makes contact with the bark.
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TARA SMITHSON -Wildlife & Nature Photographer 📸 @tarasmithson.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
The white-faced heron has specialised oil droplets in their retinal cones that act like natural sunglasses, filtering out scattered blue-light glare. It also enhances contrast so it can spot a darting fish or a tadpole beneath the surface. 🪞🌞😎🐟 #Birds #BirdPhotography #ECK #Heron #Wildlife
A vertical, close-up shot of a white-faced heron (a head neck and chest in shot with beak pointing to the left)  looking into a shallow pond near water in warm, golden hour light. The bird's sleek neck and head curve downward, stacking above its striking mirror reflection in the glassy, blue-toned water below, where the mirrored head is slightly distorted by gentle ripples.
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TARA SMITHSON -Wildlife & Nature Photographer 📸 @tarasmithson.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
Mallard Duck hybrid (likely a Mallard crossed with a Pacific Black Duck or similar dabbling duck), looking #scruffy in his colouring. The mottled tones are normal cross genetics rather than him playing in the mud or old age. 🎨🩶💚 #BirdOfTheDay #Birds #ECK #Duck
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TARA SMITHSON -Wildlife & Nature Photographer 📸 @tarasmithson.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
Cattle Egrets crossed oceans unassisted and followed livestock right across the globe, eventually establishing themselves all over Australia. They are originally native to parts of Africa, Asia, and southern Europe. 🌏🐄🐂🪽 #Elegant #BirdOfTheDay #Birds #Nature #Wildlife #ECK #BirdPhotography
A wildlife photograph of a Cattle Egret perched among dense, dark green pine branches. The bird is captured mid-flap with its wings fully spread and raised, displaying bright white feathers and a warm golden-orange neck and crest. Its head is turned in profile facing right, with a sharp yellow beak and eye, standing out against a moody, out-of-focus background.
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TARA SMITHSON -Wildlife & Nature Photographer 📸 @tarasmithson.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
Osprey hovering around the reef to look for fish dinner on #FlyDay. 🐠🦅 Have a great weekend everyone. ✌️🫶 #raptor #Birds #BirdPhotography #Nature #ECK #wildlife #Osprey
An osprey banks in mid-flight against a soft, deep-blue water background. Its wings are fully extended, highlighting intricate brown and white feather patterns, sharp primary feathers, and pale underparts. The raptor's head is turned slightly, showing a sharp hooked beak and focused yellow eye, with its talons neatly tucked underneath.
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TARA SMITHSON -Wildlife & Nature Photographer 📸 @tarasmithson.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
Spotted Dove late afternoon for #Pigeons&Doves #BirdOfTheDay theme. 🧣⚫⚪ Introduced to Australia in the 1860s. 🚢 #Birds #BirdPhotography #Nature #Wildlife #Pigeon #Dove #ECK
A spotted dove perched gracefully on a Banksia cone and a gnarled tree branch, looking directly toward the camera. The dove has soft pinkish-grey plumage, a distinctive black-and-white spotted neck patch, and a warm amber eye. The background is a dense, sun-dappled canopy with rich golden-green bokeh.
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TARA SMITHSON -Wildlife & Nature Photographer 📸 @tarasmithson.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
Bird: Masked Lapwing. 🎭🐦‍⬛ 'Calculating the exact distance at which I need to start dive-bombing you.' 📏💥🪽 *PSA: I have a 600mm lens. So the Lapwing (Plover) is not as close it appears. 🚧⚠️🙅‍♀️🤕🦅 #Birds #BirdPhotography #Nature #wildlife #ECK #NaturePhotography #EastCoastKin #Plover
A masked lapwing stands upright in low grassy turf, tilting its head curiously. The bird features brilliant, lemon-yellow facial wattles that contrast sharply with a sleek black cap, pure white chest, and rich dark-brown wings. The background melts into a softly blurred palette of warm, earthy greens and muted tones of yellows, pinks, oranges and greens.
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TARA SMITHSON -Wildlife & Nature Photographer 📸 @tarasmithson.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Wherever you are in the world right now, I hope your day has a bit of magic in it - and if not, let this golden hour tide you over. ✨🌆 Goodnight and peace out from Australia. 🌏🪃🦘 #Sunset #Photography #landscape #beach #Australia
A vibrant sunset over the water, with the bright sun bursting through silhouetted Norfolk Island pine trees and buildings along the horizon. Golden light and sparkling reflections stretch across the rippling water in the foreground, interspersed with dark, scattered rocks.
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TARA SMITHSON -Wildlife & Nature Photographer 📸 @tarasmithson.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Pekin Duck at Centennial Park, Sydney. 🏞️ Whhhyyy helloooooow! 😉 #ODG #BirdOfTheDay #Birds #ECK #NaturePhotography #Wildlife
A close-up profile portrait of a white domestic duck facing right against a soft, out-of-focus green background. Its pristine white feathers frame a dark blue eye, and its bright yellow-orange bill features a subtle paler tip.
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TARA SMITHSON -Wildlife & Nature Photographer 📸 @tarasmithson.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Whether this could be a quick stop at the bakery... or just picking up building supplies for the nest, this Australian magpie has had a busy Thursday. 🥯🪺 #Birds #Nature #Photography #BirdOfTheDay #ECK #Photography
An Australian Magpie, with black and white plumage and a grey back patch, is perched on a weathered tree branch. She is viewed from behind and the side, with her head turned in profile to the left, looking out of the frame. She holds a small, 1 cm crumb-like morsel of food in her open beak, and her dark eye has a warm orange rim. The background is a soft, dappled bokeh of golden, yellow, and blue hues from nearby foliage and water.
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TARA SMITHSON -Wildlife & Nature Photographer 📸 @tarasmithson.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Standing on one legis an energy-saving heat-conservation trick. Birds lose a lot of body heat through their unfeathered limbs, so tucking one up inside their warm plumage minimizes heat loss. 🦵 📷 Spoonbill 🥄🐦 #BirdyLongLegs #BirdOfTheDay #Nature #Wildlife #ECK #Birdphotography
A royal spoonbill with brilliant white plumage stands on a single dark leg atop a concrete ledge, facing directly forward and staring into the camera with bright red-rimmed eyes. Its signature long, flat, spoon-shaped black bill is centered, and its other leg is tucked up against its body. The background features a soft, sun-dappled pond with gentle bokeh reflections.
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TARA SMITHSON -Wildlife & Nature Photographer 📸 @tarasmithson.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
A weed started growing in my pot plant so I let it flourish to see what it would become. It grew and dark berries sprouted...Then, birds like the Noisy Miner would come and eat them. 😋 Thanks Nature! 🍇🐦‍⬛💩🌱🍇 #BirdsWithBerries #BirdOfTheDay #Birds #BirdPhotography #ECK #Nature
A close-up shot of a Noisy Miner bird perched on a rough, grey branch against a soft-focus, sun-dappled green background. The bird has mottled grey and white feathers, bright orange-yellow feet, a matching orange bill, and a distinct yellow patch of bare skin behind its dark eye. It holds a small dark berry delicately in the tip of its beak.
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TARA SMITHSON -Wildlife & Nature Photographer 📸 @tarasmithson.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Swamp Hen says goodnight from Australia. It's dark and time to get tucked in here. 🐦🔦🛏️💤 #Birds #BirdPhotography #ECK #Nature #Wildlife #EastCoastKin #BirdOfTheDay #photography
Close-up portrait of a purple swamphen against a dark, moody background. The bird features deep indigo-blue plumage, a striking crimson-red frontal shield and bill, and an alert, bright eye framed by dark feathers. The lighting accentuates the texture of the feathers and the glossy, vibrant colour of its shield.
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TARA SMITHSON -Wildlife & Nature Photographer 📸 @tarasmithson.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Red-browed finch in the reeds looking for seeds! ❤️🤨 These guys live in tight, highly social little gangs that spend all day chattering away in dense tall grass and will build dummy nests to confuse predators. 🥷🪹 #Finches #BirdOfTheDay #Nature #Wildlife #ECK #EastCoastKin #BirdPhotography #Birds
Close-up photograph of a small red-browed finch perched on thin stems among tall grass and foliage, facing left as it forages. The bird has a soft grey body, a bright red eyebrow stripe above its dark eye, a vivid red bill, and a matching red patch on its rump and tail. Soft-focus green stems and grass blades frame the scene, partially obscuring the foreground and creating a natural, leafy depth.
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TARA SMITHSON -Wildlife & Nature Photographer 📸 @tarasmithson.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Colour or timeless sepia? I'm torn on this little scrubwren portrait. Which one gets your vote? 🎨🤎 📷 Scrub wren. #Birds #BirdPhotography #Wildlife #BirdOfTheDay #ECK #EastCoastKin #Nature
Close-up photograph of a tiny scrub wren perched  on the tiny twig among vibrant green leaves. The bird has a brownish-grey crown, a distinct dark streak running through its eye, a pale throat, and lighter underparts, with a short, fine black bill. The surrounding foliage creates a soft, leafy frame with a gently blurred background.Close-up photograph of a tiny scrubwren.  The photography is in sepia.  The bird is perched among leaves on a twig.  The bird has a brownish-grey crown, a distinct dark streak running through its eye, a pale throat, and lighter underparts, with a short, fine black bill. The surrounding foliage creates a soft, leafy frame with a gently blurred background.
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TARA SMITHSON -Wildlife & Nature Photographer 📸 @tarasmithson.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Male (on the left) superb fairy-wrens pull off one of the cheekiest heists in the animal kingdom by plucking yellow petals and parading them in front of potential mates just to show off. 🌼🌼🌼🐦 #Mamas&Papas #BirdOfTheDay #ECK #birds #Nature #Wildlife
Close-up photograph of a pair of superb fairy-wrens perched on a thin, sunlit branch. On the left, a breeding male features vibrant iridescent blue and black plumage with a flared, textured crest. Snuggled closely behind him on the right is a brown-and-tan female with a lighter orange-tinted beak, looking down toward the male. The background is composed of a soft, out-of-focus green and golden leafy canopy.
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TARA SMITHSON -Wildlife & Nature Photographer 📸 @tarasmithson.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Eastern yellow robins have a sneaky little habit of hunting by "perch-and-pounce", sitting completely still on a low branch to scan the leaf litter, and then dropping like a stone onto whatever unlucky insect happens to be crawling below. 🪱🍂🦜 #BirdOfTheDay #Robins #Birds #Nature #Wildlife #ECK
Close-up photograph of an Eastern yellow robin perched on a rustic wooden branch, angled in a three-quarters view facing left. The bird features soft grey plumage on its head and back, contrasting with a bright lemon-yellow belly and a faint yellow band just below its throat. It has a dark, pointed beak, a round black eye, and folded greyish wings with the tail feathers slightly fanned. The background is a soft, muted, dark neutral blur that makes the bird stand out clearly.
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TARA SMITHSON -Wildlife & Nature Photographer 📸 @tarasmithson.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
Serpentine lines and golden tones. Capturing the theatrical side of an Australian darter (Snake bird) during golden hour. 🐍 🌇 #BirdOfTheDay #NaturePhotography #MyBestSide #BirdPhotography #ECK #EastCoastKin #Birding #Stunday
An Australian darter perched statuesquely on a moss-covered wooden ledge, viewed in profile facing left. Its long, serpentine neck curves in an elegant 'S' shape, featuring fine brown and white feather patterns, a sharp yellowish bill, and a focused amber eye. Its damp, textured body plumage transitions from pale underparts to dark, iridescent wings and a long tail, backlit by a warm golden glow. The background is a soft, dreamlike bokeh of shimmering golden-amber light and deep, moody tones
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TARA SMITHSON -Wildlife & Nature Photographer 📸 @tarasmithson.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
I was in a tiny area of bushland taking photos of other birds and this magpie came up to me and told me EXACTLY what he thought about me being there. 😡👁️👁️🐦‍⬛ #AngryBirds #Magpie #BirdOfTheDay #Nature #Wildlife #ECK #EastCoastKin #Birdphotography
A mid-shot photograph of an Australian magpie staring directly at the camera. The bird is centred in the frame, featuring glossy black plumage on its head and chest, sharply contrasted by a broad white collar extending down its back. Its eyes are intensely focused on the viewer, glowing a deep orange-amber colour. The light is strong and directional, catching the metallic sheen on its head and illuminating the white patch on its upper wing while casting the lower body into shadow. The background is a deeply blurred, dark, and moody blend of green and brown forest foliage.
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TARA SMITHSON -Wildlife & Nature Photographer 📸 @tarasmithson.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
Turning reality on its head - sometimes you have to flip the perspective on your life to see the ripples of the world a little clearer. 🤸‍♂️ White-faced heron leaning into the #BirdsInAbstract theme for #BirdOfTheDay ↪️🦢 #Birds #Birding #ECK #Nature #Wildlife #Heron
Black-and-white high-contrast macro photograph, rotated upside down to create an abstract composition. The image is horizontally bisected by a perfect, sharp, concentric circular ripple pattern on a dark, reflective water surface. Below this central watermark, the main subject—an inverted great white egret—floats upside down, facing left, with its detailed white plumage and long, dark-tipped beak pointing vertically upward. Above the water line, an identical, perfectly mirrored reflection of the inverted bird is visible, creating a surreal, suspended symmetrical form against a dark, softly blurred atmospheric background that appears as a textured sky. The fine feather texture and the sharp geometry of the ripples are the dominant visual elements.
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TARA SMITHSON -Wildlife & Nature Photographer 📸 @tarasmithson.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
Ducks engage in "unihemispheric slow-wave sleep" - they can sleep with one half of their brain awake and one eye open to scan for predators while the other half rests. 🥱😴🦆 #BirdOfTheDay #BirdsInAbstract #Nature #Wildlife #ECK #Reflections #Birds #Ducks
A profile photograph of a Pacific Black Duck, seen from the right side, standing perfectly still and balanced on one leg atop a dark, partially submerged rock. The duck's head is tucked backward, resting and sleeping among its folded wing feathers. Its dark, scaly patterned body is visible, featuring a subtle, iridescent green speculum (wing patch). The duck is centered in the frame, mirrored by a clear, deep reflection on the glassy, calm blue surface of the water below. The background is a smooth, blurred bokeh of blue tones with soft hints of green vegetation and yellow sunlight at the very top.  The dark reflection of the duck reveals the murky brown lagoon bed it is standing on.
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TARA SMITHSON -Wildlife & Nature Photographer 📸 @tarasmithson.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
Meet the architectural legend of sub-Saharan Africa: the Hamerkop. For #BirdOfTheDay #BirdsInAbstract This one almost feels painterly. 🧑‍🎨🎨🖌️🦤 #Birds #Photography #NaturePhotography #ECK #Wildlife #PhotographyIsArt #BirdPhotography #Reflections #HamerKop
A detailed close-up side-profile photograph of a Hamerkop bird, featuring its characteristic thick, heavy, dark bill pointing downward and a smooth sweep of brown, textured plumage flowing backward from its crown. Its dark, glossy eye is sharp against the warm brown feathers of its head, containing a clear, defined reflection of an unseen light source or environment. The layered feathers of its wing are visible in the lower right foreground, and the background is deeply blurred with soft green and neutral tones, creating a portrait-style focus on the bird's unique silhouette.
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TARA SMITHSON -Wildlife & Nature Photographer 📸 @tarasmithson.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
Australian magpies can recognize up to around 100 individual human faces, and they don't forget a grudge. If you walk past a magpie that considers you a threat, it will remember your face and target you specifically. 👊🐦‍⬛ #Black #BirdOfTheDay #AusBirds #Nature #ECK #Birds #photography #AusBirds
A detailed close-up shot of an Australian magpie perched in profile on a textured, warm-toned sandstone rock surface. The bird features a sleek black-and-white plumage pattern, with a prominent white nape and back patch contrasting sharply against its glossy black body and wings. Its dark, sturdy beak points with dirt on it is slightly downward, and its sharp, dark orange eye catches a glint of light. The background is softly out of focus with muted earthy tones and subtle vertical grasses.
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TARA SMITHSON -Wildlife & Nature Photographer 📸 @tarasmithson.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
The ring-necked parakeet originally hails from parts of Africa and the Indian subcontinent. They live in parts of Hawaii after escaping or being released from the pet trade back in the mid-20th century.🌴🦜🌍 #Mouthful #BirdOfTheDay #Birds #BirdPhotography #Nature #Wildlife #Hawaii #Photography
A detailed close-up shot of a vibrant green ring-necked parakeet perched amidst a dense canopy of dark green and reddish-tinted foliage. The bird is captured in a classic side-profile turn, holding a small, pale yellow fruit firmly in its curved beak as it eats. Its bright, intelligent eye with an orange ring is clearly visible against the soft green feathers of its head, and its signature reddish-pink bill shows sharp detail. In the lower left foreground, a heavy cluster of round, pale green berries hangs from a textured brown stem, adding depth and organic framing to the composition. The background is softly diffused canopy of leaves from the tree.
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TARA SMITHSON -Wildlife & Nature Photographer 📸 @tarasmithson.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Starlings use twigs, grass, and all kinds of debris to build or line their nests, usually tucked away in tree hollows, roof eaves, or cavities, and they take the job very seriously like this little one. 🪺🍃🐦‍⬛ #Iridescence #BirdOfTheDay #Birds #BirdPhotography #ECK #Nature #Wildlife #Photography
A European starling (Sturnus vulgaris) stands triumphantly in a patch of vibrant green grass, clutching a long twig lengthwise in its beak like a medieval lance. The bird's sleek plumage catches the light with breathtaking purple and teal iridescence across its head and neck, set off by speckles on its wings and body, all against a soft, muted background.
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TARA SMITHSON -Wildlife & Nature Photographer 📸 @tarasmithson.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
The Little Pied Cormorant's hooked yellow bill is a built-in fishhook designed to latch onto slippery prey during underwater torpedo runs and flip them head-first before swallowing.🪝🐠😋 #Black&White #BirdOfTheDay #Birds #BirdPhotography #ECK #photography #NaturePhotography #Wildlife #Photography
That’s a little little pied cormorant (Microcarbo melanoleucos), showing off its classic high-contrast monochrome plumage with glossy black upperparts and intricate, scaled feather patterning wrapping over its back and wings as its slender, hooked yellow bill turns in profile. The bird is perched comfortably on a thick, ruggedly textured weathered log that stretches horizontally across the right side of the frame, emerging from a rustic tangle of dead branches and a neat tuft of dried debris.  Its back is to camera and it points it's beak to the left so it's face is in profile.  Behind this focal stage, the composition is anchored by a soft-focus background of warm, shimmering water reflecting golden light, flanked on the left by a vertical screen of pale, slender reed stalks that frame the shot and add a painterly, atmospheric depth to the entire scene.
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TARA SMITHSON -Wildlife & Nature Photographer 📸 @tarasmithson.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
Rainbow lorikeets have a specialised brush-tipped tongue covered in tiny papillae that acts like a microscopic mop, designed specifically to lap up nectar and pollen in a single, efficient sweep. 👅🌸🌺🌼 #Birds #BirdPhotography #RSTU #NaturePhotography #Wildlife #ECK #Photography #AusBirds #Australia
A close-up side profile of a vibrant rainbow lorikeet against a soft, neutral background. The bird features a brilliant blue head, a bright lime-green collar, an intense orange-red chest patch, and rich green body plumage with fine, detailed feather patterns. It has a sharp, curved orange beak and a dark eye, looking downward with a focused expression.
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TARA SMITHSON -Wildlife & Nature Photographer 📸 @tarasmithson.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
Did you know an Australasian gannet hits the water at speeds up to 100 kilometres per hour when diving for fish? They even have built-in facial air sacs that act like a custom scuba airbag to cushion the hit. 🛩️🌊🐠 #Birds #BirdPhotography #BirdOfTheDay #ABCD #NaturePhotography #photography #ECK
A juvenile Australasian gannet captured from below in mid-flight, banking sharply against a bright blue sky with soft, wispy clouds. Its long, pointed wings are fully extended and display a striking mottled pattern of dark brown and white feathers. The bird's body is mostly white with brownish speckling along its neck and back, and brown markings on its wing. It points its sharp, pale bill slightly downward as it glides along effortlessly.
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TARA SMITHSON -Wildlife & Nature Photographer 📸 @tarasmithson.bsky.social · 05/09/2026
Goodnight from Australia. 🙋‍♀️ Lone surfer at dusk. 🏄‍♀️🏖️ #Goodnight #Sunset #LandscapePhotography #Beach #ECK #photography #Ocean #surfer #surf
A serene coastal landscape captures a quiet beach at dusk, viewed from the damp sand looking out across calm, gently rolling ocean waves toward a straight horizon. The sky is divided into soft horizontal gradients of pastel pink at the top fading into a deeper dusty purple and a ribbon of cool blue just above the water line. The wet shoreline reflects the pink and purple hues of the twilight sky over the receding tide.  A lone surfer paddling out is a tiny speck compared to the expanse of the ocean.
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TARA SMITHSON -Wildlife & Nature Photographer 📸 @tarasmithson.bsky.social · 05/09/2026
The Myna was introduced into Melbourne in the 1860s to control insect pests in market gardens, and are now seen across Eastern Australia. 💛🐦‍⬛ These two were enjoying the sun heated cement this day. 🌞 #Grounded #BirdOfTheDay #Myna #birds #BirdPhotography #NaturePhotography #Wildlife #Australia #ECK
A photograph shows two common myna birds perched together on a concrete ledge next to a patch of short green grass, viewed from a a ground angle. The bird in the foreground is sitting low and nestled compactly against the concrete, facing left with its sleek brown body, black head, and bright yellow bill and bare skin patch around the eye clearly visible. Just behind and slightly above it, the second myna stands alert, also facing left, showcasing its rich brown plumage, black hood, dark wings marked with a distinct white patch, and matching yellow facial markings and bill. The background consists of a softly blurred, warm-toned landscape with muted earthy textures, keeping the sharp focus entirely on the two birds.
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TARA SMITHSON -Wildlife & Nature Photographer 📸 @tarasmithson.bsky.social · 05/09/2026
Welcome aboard! Flight SG3000 is now cruising at 150 feet 🛬 ☁️💺 🪟🏖️ Our #InFlight meal will be stolen hot chippies 🍟 as we make our way over the Pacific Shoreline. ...Ahem, there may be some turbulence. 🛩️😡💪🍟🕊️ #BirdOfTheDay #BirdPhotography #EastCoastKin #Eck #Birds #nature
A bright, close-up photograph of a silver gull gliding smoothly against a vibrant blue sky dotted with soft white clouds, viewed from a low angle. The gull is banking slightly to the left, its wings fully extended to reveal crisp white primary and secondary feathers tipped with contrasting black markings. Its underbelly is clean white, with webbed orange-red feet tucked neatly against its tail feathers and a sharp, slender dark-red bill with a slightly darker tip pointing forward. The brilliant blue backdrop creates a striking contrast emphasising the bird's effortless flight at a low altitude as it looks to steal someone's hot chips (fries).
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TARA SMITHSON -Wildlife & Nature Photographer 📸 @tarasmithson.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
Pacific Black Duck shows off its bright spot aka the speculum. 💚🦆 #BrightAccents #BirdOfTheDay #EastCoastKin
A detailed wildlife photograph captures a Pacific black duck, positioned left of center, standing in shallow water and facing toward the left of frame while its wings are fully outstretched and forward revealing a striking, iridescent teal-green speculum feather panel against its mottled brown plumage and textured brown flight feathers. To the right of this central action, two other Pacific black ducks are swimming calmly in the softly blurred expanse of water creating a tranquil bokeh, keeping the sharp focus entirely on the dynamic motion, rich feather details, and the alert, patterned head of the main duck.
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TARA SMITHSON -Wildlife & Nature Photographer 📸 @tarasmithson.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
TARA SMITHSON -Wildlife & Nature Photographer 📸 @tarasmithson.bsky.social Kooky says goodnight from Australia! 🌇🇦🇺🦘 Kookaburra on the neighbour's TV antenna at sunset. 📺📡 #Kookaburra #BirdOfTheDay #sunset #BirdPhotography #Nature #ECK #Wildlife #Photography #birds #Australia #AusBirds
A close-up photograph of a laughing kookaburra perched proudly on a metal television antenna against a soft, out-of-focus background. The bird has fluffy white and brown-speckled plumage, a dark brown eye stripe, a sturdy black and cream-coloured beak, and a barred tail hanging down, looking like it's keeping a sharp eye on the neighbourhood.  He looks to the right of the frame.
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TARA SMITHSON -Wildlife & Nature Photographer 📸 @tarasmithson.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
'Henry, stop muggin' for the camera, turn the (street) light out and come to bed.' 🛋️ 🦢🛏️😴 'Who meeeee?' 🕺📸 #BirdNaps #BirdOfTheDay #BirdPhotography #NaturePhotography #Nature #Wildlife #ECK #photography #Australia
Two Australian pelicans perched precariously on a rusted, curved streetlight arm against a pale blue sky. On the right, a fully alert pelican stands squarely over the light fixture, it's body in profile, beak on the right of camera, showcasing a long, pale pink bill with a yellowish tip, a bright yellow eye ring, and crisp black-and-white wing feathers. On the left, its companion faces the opposite direction, body completely tucked inward with its head buried deep into its back plumage for a nap, displaying dark grey, webbed feet gripping the metal bar.
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TARA SMITHSON -Wildlife & Nature Photographer 📸 @tarasmithson.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
Bassian Thrush in the Blue Mountains for #Thrushes alt #BirdOfTheDay. 🦢🐦‍⬛🦜 #Contrast main theme. The males will collect 5 or 6 worms in their bills and take it back to their nest to feed their young. 🪱🪺 #Birds #BirdPhotography #NaturePhotography #Wildlife #ECK #photography #Australia #Canon
A side-profile photograph captures a medium-sized, olive-brown bird, identified as a Bassian thrush, perched alertly on a mossy, textured branch in a forest understory. The bird’s plumage is highly detailed, covered entirely in dense, dark, crescent-shaped or scalloped markings against a lighter, warm buff and white background. This creates a intricate, scaly effect across its head, back, wings, and breast, providing excellent camouflage. The bird faces toward the right, with a dark, slender bill, a prominent dark eye surrounded by a paler eye-ring, and a patch of white visible on its lower belly. The legs are pale. The background is a heavily blurred, soft bokeh of earthy greens, browns, and dappled light, suggesting a dense forest floor with twigs and dried leaves. The lighting is natural and diffuse.
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TARA SMITHSON -Wildlife & Nature Photographer 📸 @tarasmithson.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
A great white egret in full breeding plumage holds court in the dark shallows of a local lagoon. 🦢🔦🤎 #Contrast #BirdOfTheDay #birds #BirdPhotography #Nature #Wildlife #photography #ECK
A great white egret with bright breeding plumage -featuring a yellow-orange bill and a striking green-yellow orbital patch - standing still in shallow, dark water that perfectly mirrors its white form. Framed by a moss-dappled boulder on the left and rugged, shadowy tree trunks in the background, the lone bird faces left in sharp focus against the soft, earthy tones of the natural habitat.
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TARA SMITHSON -Wildlife & Nature Photographer 📸 @tarasmithson.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
"This circle feeder that swings is like totally fun, okay?" 🛝🌱 3rd day of Spring in Australia and it feels like summer! Have a great day! 😎🌞🦜 #Birds #BirdOfTheDay #BirdPhotography #NaturePhotography #wildlife #Galah #Australia #AusBirds #photography
A pink and grey galah peeks playfully from inside a hanging circular ceramic feeder against a soft, out-of-focus green background. The bird is positioned within the ring, tilting its head curiously to the left with its pale pink crest slightly raised and it's chest peaking through the ring,  while its grey tail feathers trail downward outside the terracotta and blue glazed ceramic circle.
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TARA SMITHSON -Wildlife & Nature Photographer 📸 @tarasmithson.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
"But wait, hear me out...." 🔉👂 Male King Parrot has something important to say.🗯️ #BirdOfTheDay #RedHeads #Birds #BirdPhotography #NaturePhotography #Wildlife #photography #Australia
An Australian King Parrot perches on a diagonal branch, facing right against a lush backdrop of sunlit green foliage. The male parrot's brilliant crimson head and chest pop dramatically against its dark green back and wings, while one of its dark feet is raised mid-gesture as if it's about to make a very convincing point.
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TARA SMITHSON -Wildlife & Nature Photographer 📸 @tarasmithson.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
Spoonbills are one of my favourite birds ever. They remind me of Big Bird. Except white instead of yellow. 🐥 #ItsAllWhite #BirdOfTheDay #Birds #BirdPhotography #NaturePhotography
A detailed, sharp profile photograph capturing the head and neck of a Royal Spoonbill in crisp lateral profile, facing left against a dark, softly blurred background. The white plumage of its crest and neck is clearly textured, leading to its dark, bare facial skin which accentuates a striking red eye with a yellow-orange orbital ring (that looks like a yellow eyebrow) . Its characteristic long, black-spotted spoon-shaped bill extends horizontally across the left side of the frame. The lighting is bright, highlighting the details of the bill and plumage.
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TARA SMITHSON -Wildlife & Nature Photographer 📸 @tarasmithson.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
Great Egret loves a crisp white overcast day. ☁️ 🪽 #ItsAllWhite #BirdOfTheDay #Birds #BirdPhotography #NaturePhotography #egret #ECK
A rear-view action shot of a large white egret taking flight directly away from the camera over a calm, light-grey body of water. Its wings are fully spread and curved downward, showcasing detailed white feathers and long primaries. Its dark, slender legs trail straight down below its body, with droplets of water splashing off its feet as it lifts off. Faint, blurred branches of vegetation are visible on the left side against the pale, overcast background.
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TARA SMITHSON -Wildlife & Nature Photographer 📸 @tarasmithson.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
Check out Kevin's new book. You can buy it on Amazon. 🫶 #leukaemia #cancer #goodreads #books #bookoftheweek
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TARA SMITHSON -Wildlife & Nature Photographer 📸 @tarasmithson.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
Little Wattlebird enjoying the end of day sunlight in a Coral tree. 🌞🌹🦜 🌏🇦🇺🦘 #BirdOfTheDay #FlowerPower #birds #ECK #Nature #Naturephotography #Australia
A wattlebird with streaked grey-brown plumage perched beside a vibrant cluster of bright orange, spiky flowers on a slender branch. The background is a soft, sun-drenched wash of green and yellow foliage bokeh, with bright natural light catching the top edge of the scene.
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TARA SMITHSON -Wildlife & Nature Photographer 📸 @tarasmithson.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
Date: August 31, 2026 📅 Phase: Waning gibbous (approx. 90% illumination, just past the full moon peak) 🌔✨ Visibility: High-contrast crater details across the northern highlands and lunar Maria. 🔭🌃🇦🇺 #Moon #moonphases #astrophotography #sky #nightsky #photography #canon
A detailed astrophotography close-up of the Moon against a deep black night sky, capturing a waning gibbous phase with roughly 90% illumination. The sharp focus highlights the intricate topography across the lunar surface, including the dark, basaltic plains of the maria, bright highland terrain, and crisp crater rims and ray systems peppering the upper hemisphere.
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TARA SMITHSON -Wildlife & Nature Photographer 📸 @tarasmithson.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
It's the first day of Spring in Australia. September 1. 🌱🌸☀️ The hours are longer, the weather is warmer, and new life springs eternal. 🌿🐣🍃 Yeeeeeee! 💃🎉🇦🇺🔥✨ #Flower #flowers #photography #Spring #Blossom #BloomScrolling #Nature #NaturePhotography
A vibrant purple morning glory blossom in full bloom, featuring delicate petal folds and a deep, shadowed throat, set against a soft, out-of-focus background of green leaves and muted tones.A close-up of a vibrant cluster of bright yellow cassia flowers in full bloom, featuring delicate curved stamens and rounded petals, accompanied by small oval leaves on a slender branch against a softly blurred, neutral background.A cluster of deep red paper daisies blooming amongst bright green foliage, featuring glossy, stiff petals radiating out from fluffy yellow centres under warm sunlight.
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TARA SMITHSON -Wildlife & Nature Photographer 📸 @tarasmithson.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
Sulphur-crested cockatoo having dinner early just like I'm about to. Turns out, we're both having a salad! 🥗 #BirdsCloseUp #cockatoo #Australia #BirdOfTheDay #Birds #BirdPhotography #Nature #NaturePhotography
A close-up shot of a sulphur-crested cockatoo standing on green grass, captured mid-snack with a small bit of plant matter clamped firmly in its dark, textured beak. It features brilliant white plumage with a distinctive, curved yellow crest swept backward from its head, and an alert, dark eye watching just past the camera against a softly blurred, warm-toned background.
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