zneb240 Loc: New South Wales - Australia

The Eastern Bristlebird is a mid-sized bird approximately the size of a small parrot. They inhabit thick, low, often windswept coastal vegetation. Although somewhat nondescript and rarely seen, the Bristlebird is immensely important as it is both very rare and endangered. Due to years of coastal land clearing and development, there remains only two very small population areas on the east coast of New South Wales (NSW) Australia.... one in a small area to the south on the state border of NSW and Victoria and an equally small area to the north on the border of NSW and Queensland.

The Bristlebird's very existence is in the balance as they're reluctant flyers within the dense, tangled undergrowth of the coastal heathland they inhabit.... even a relatively small bushfire or heavy predation by feral animals in one of these areas could destroy the entire population.

As the Bristlebird is very elusive and secretive, I was extraordinarily fortunate to quickly snap this (not particularly good) image, particularly of one calling, as they rarely venture into the open. As I briefly looked at this little bird with which we share our lives, I felt both sorrow and guilt knowing that we humans are entirely responsible for it's fragile predicament.

Warren Wilson

(For the technicians)!
Nikon D500 DSLR
Nikkor 500mmf/4E FL VR lens
Manfrotto monopod
f/6.3 @ 1/1,250s ISO 140
Processed in Nikon NX-D and PSE 14

(Download)

Gspeed Loc: Rhinebeck, NY

Amazing! Love the tail!

zneb240 Loc: New South Wales - Australia

Thanks Gspeed. The long tail is fanned out broadly when in flight to help it manouver more readily in the tangled undergrowth as it hunts out insects.

kpmac Loc: Ragley, La

Good job. You recorded something many will never see.

Tikva Loc: Waukesha, WI

Excellent photo. It is even more amazing considering how rare they are. Too bad their habitat is being destroyed. I hope they survive.

DOOK Loc: Maclean, Australia

I agree with what you say, Warren. Good shot, considering the circumstances.

carlysue Loc: Columbus

I understand your feelings,Warren, as I felt the same as I read your narrative. It never fails to sadden me to hear of man's destruction or apathy towards what they've been given. Your image is wonderful, especially for a bird so elusive that most will never see it. It must have been a thrill to be given this opportunity.

bajadreamer Loc: Baja California Sur

[quote=zneb240]The Eastern Bristlebird is a mid-sized bird approximately the size of a small parrot. They inhabit thick, low, often windswept coastal vegetation. Although somewhat nondescript and rarely seen, the Bristlebird is immensely important as it is both very rare and endangered. Due to years of coastal land clearing and development, there remains only two very small population areas on the east coast of New South Wales (NSW) Australia.... one in a small area to the south on the state border of NSW and Victoria and an equally small area to the north on the border of NSW and Queensland.

The Bristlebird's very existence is in the balance as they're reluctant flyers within the dense, tangled undergrowth of the coastal heathland they inhabit.... even a relatively small bushfire or heavy predation by feral animals in one of these areas could destroy the entire population.

As the Bristlebird is very elusive and secretive, I was extraordinarily fortunate to quickly snap this (not particularly good) image, particularly of one calling, as they rarely venture into the open. As I briefly looked at this little bird with which we share our lives, I felt both sorrow and guilt knowing that we humans are entirely responsible for it's fragile predicament.

Warren Wilson



A nice picture and a wonderful, heartfelt narrative. Seeing and photographing a bird like that would be a day to remember.

JeffDavidson Loc: Originally Detroit Now Los Angeles

Great capture and framing in branches. So sad about the loss of so many of Mother Nature's children.

jliane Loc: Washington state

And very sad to know we'll hear more and more stories like this as time goes on.

merrytexan Loc: georgia

you got a real nice shot of that bristlebird when he was belting out his song...good job warren.

sailorsmom Loc: Souderton, PA

Beautiful shot, Warren! He's just singing his little heart out!

Swamp-Cork Loc: Lanexa, Virginia

Excellent capture, Warren and hope that they can hang on!