I walked into a gorge for a sunrise shoot and came across two Broglas feeding. I was able to get fairly close and watch them dance and forage along the bank.
Brolga and other cranes have elaborate courtship displays. This mating dance is what Brolgas are most famous for. With wings spread and facing each other, the two Brolgas jump, dance and pirouette, prance about and perform with a lot of head movement. Brolgas will often jump a metre into the air with wings outspread, or they will beat their wings whilst taking a few steps forward. At the same time they make loud trumpeting calls to each other. Although primarily a mating ritual, such displays do occur all year round, but to a much lesser degree.
by Peta
10 comments
Peta - Thank you Louise, it was very special to get so close to the Brolgas, usually they get scared and fly off.
jemimah - Amazing i love brolgas i have always wanted to see one now it feels like i have. JEMIMAH
Peta - Thanks Leigh, yes it was an amazing experience to get so close to these beautiful birds.
Leigh Diprose - Peta I just love these shots!
You have captured these birds beautifully.
Brolga Dance 1 would have to be my favorite out of all them.
Just wish I was there!
Peta - Thanks Mark, It was amazing watching and I will post a few more Brolga shots shortly. It really pays off getting up early…sometimes…
Mark Stothard - Great set of shots Peta and oooh so sharp!
I particularly like the Brolga mating dance shots…way cool!
Peta - Thanks Merv, it was a great trip, good weather and a great bunch of photographers. Yes I love HDR…sometimes you cant be everywhere at the crack of dawn or for sunset so HDR comes in so handy to shoot in the middle of the day.
mervfrench - Hi Peta
Love all these bird shots , they are fantastic.
The bungle bungle’s and the goanna up close and personal are terrific as well.
Still into a little HDR as well I see.
You must have had a great trip.
Good stuff
Merv
Peta - Thanks, they were taken with the 400mm and at times I wish I had a smaller lens as they walked up so close. It was amazing to watch these beautiful birds dance and feed. The best way to spend a very early morning…
Pete Hodgson - Hey Peta these images are fantastic, are these shot with the 400mm ?
Good to hear the Gibb River trip was a roaring success as well.