I have been trying to get a decent image of a rufous fantail (Rhipidura rufifrons) for some weeks. A pair lives on the block, but they are not disposed towards posing for photos. But the other day, one of them dropped in for a quick bath.
And I happened to be outside with the camera. So I clicked away and managed to get a few reasonable shots before the bird flew off.
It was only then that I realised that the setting was a little downmarket. Oh well, the bird is the star and fantails really are rather lovely birds*.
The species is a partial migrant in Australia and birds from southern parts of the range fly to northern Queensland and New Guinea in winter. I'm not sure if these fantails are resident or will soon be abandoning the Atherton Tablelands for warmer regions — either in low altitudes or lower latitudes.
*Does not extend to willy wagtails
