New Holland Honeyeater (Phylidonyris novaehollandiae)

Shadow on the Mossy Bough

Perched upon an ancient, moss-draped branch woven with pale strands of old man's beard lichen, a bold honeyeater surveys its quiet, misty woodland kingdom.

David S. McMeans · Canon EOS R3 · Canon RF 600mm f/4L IS USM telephoto

Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, Central Highlands Region, Tasmania, Australia

Image

Shadow on the Mossy Bough

Perched upon an ancient, moss-draped branch woven with pale strands of old man's beard lichen, a bold honeyeater surveys its quiet, misty woodland kingdom. Its dark, sleek head is highlighted by stark white streaks above the eye and a prominent crescent flash at the neck, while its pale, wide iris holds an expression of intense alertness. A brilliant splash of golden yellow blazes across its folded primary feathers, creating a vibrant streak of color against the deep charcoal, gray, and white streaking of its underbelly. Pausing gracefully amidst the damp, shadowy subalpine canopy, the striking canopy traveler balances effortlessly on the textured bark before darting off toward the next nectar source.

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