Neochmia temporalis (Red-browed Finch)

IUCN Status: Least Concern

This species has an amazingly large range: from the eastern side of the Gulf of Carpentaria, up The Cape, then down the east coast around to just past Adelaide. While typically seen in flocks I saw this one as a lone individual at Mount Mee. We were heading out in the car and he flew across in front of us and perched for a few seconds in the lantana. Long enough for a couple of shots.

I’ve read and heard it said that if you want to call yourself a photographer, you need to be ready all the time. By that measure, I’m no photographer. I rarely have my camera with me unless I’m out in the bush. That has caused me some really loss.

On one of my many trips between Hervey Bay and Brisbane I was driving just outside Gympie. Saw a huge wedgetail eagle flying down the highway. While a wedgie in flight shot would be great, it wouldn’t be that unique. When my brain caught up with the information my eyes were sending I realised the eagle had a snake five or size feet long in its talons and hanging down under it.

I still had another two hours of driving to contemplate the horrible truth that perhaps the best photography opportunity I’ll ever witness just flew past me while I was doing 80 down the highway.