WingedHearts.org More love than you thought possible

The sound of bachelor koels trying to attract a mate announces the start of spring in our yard.  But don't be misled by the loud cooing. Koels are usually very shy and the males hide amongst the leaves, their eyes easily camouflaged by the mulberries.

We've had some success in sweet talking the koel last season to peek out of the branches long enough for us to photograph him.  Last year, the female koel was much bolder and stuck her neck out far enough for us to get some good shots.  These seasonal birds are not made welcome by the regulars as they know the dangers to their brood from the cuckoos.

This year the koels got bolder still.  The one above hopped around openly for Ron to get some good photographs.  He then aggressively chased the butcherbirds and the noisy miners out of the mulberry tree much to their annoyance.  When we went out to investigate their complaints we found two male koels trying to outdo each other with their singing.  The reason became clearer when the object of their adoration - the lady they were trying to impress honoured them with her presence. 

We managed to get some nice pictures of these elusive birds.

(click on the 'next' button to forward through the slides).
Previous Slide 1/12 Next Koels wooing Something's astir

as the koel suddenly

emboldened comes out into the open

a nice demo of the fan tail

looking vulnerable but determined

as he spots his rival

and gives him chase

while Kari currawong watches with interest

and the lady at the centre

watches her hero from above

Will she agree?

Yes - she says coming out of hiding.

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