Rainbows in the rain

Looking like tropical flowers themselves, a small flock of Rainbow Lorikeets descended on my hibiscus in between showers.

The only lorikeet with a blue head, these noisy nectar-feeders are a welcome splash of colour in a grey winter. I wonder about the different degrees of red on their yellow chests, but apparently it is simply variation, denoting neither sex nor maturity.

One pair in particular catch my eye, as they seem to be intent on remaining close and looking after each other, although one is more attentive than the other. Personality?

Then two becomes three and much preening and cleaning and drying out goes on, but the right hand one remains aloof, still.

Time for a nap, as heads tuck under those amazing and beautifully layered feathers, but not for my frosty friend. Or is he on watch duty, so must stay statue stiff, strong and alert?

Whatever his role, he is certainly conscientious.

Or is that just his best side, so he’s keeping the pose?

I used to love my Crimson Rosellas at the Mountain, especially as ‘Rosellas in the mist’. These Lorikeets are as striking, sporting a wider range of bright and extraordinary colours, but they can’t sing like my Rosies…