Wednesday, October 29, 2014

Spotted Thick-knee

On Sunday as we were returning from a bird outing in the bush, Grant spotted a sunbird flitting into several shrubs which had already started flowering. He stopped and I got out. Although I panned back and forth, I just couldn't pick up his sighting.

As I lowered the camera, I focused on a shadowy shape under a bush quite some way off. I zoomed in and saw that it was a Spotted Thick-knee.
 Spotted Thick-knee resting in the shade

The Spotted Thick-knee is a brown plover-like bird with a large head and large yellow eyes. The upper-parts are mottled brown giving a spotted appearance and the underparts are paler and streaked, especially on the breast.

Spotted Thick-knees feed in the morning, in the early evening and at night. They occur in dry rocky scrub and bush country.  During the day they can be found resting in the shade of bushes and trees. 
 Note how well it's camouflaged; I was thrilled to have "spotted" it! 

I'm linking my post to Wild Bird Wednesday hosted by Stewart Monckton here

Here's wishing you all a Happy Wednesday. 

 



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13 comments:

  1. TexWisGirl29 October, 2014 04:19

    such fantastic eyes!

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  2. Sylvia K29 October, 2014 04:23

    Handsome bird and one I've never see before!! Great captures for the day, Jo, as always!! Thanks for sharing!!

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  3. Gaelyn29 October, 2014 04:31

    Great sighting.

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  4. A Colorful World29 October, 2014 08:00

    Really marvelous that you spotted the bird! It's a very pretty one, and has such a large eye...unusual.

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  5. Margaret Birding For Pleasure29 October, 2014 09:02

    That was well spotted and great shots of it. No dog update?

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  6. eileeninmd29 October, 2014 10:20

    Hello JO, I love this cute bird. It does have pretty eyes.. Great shots, enjoy your day!

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  7. Adam Jones29 October, 2014 10:40

    What a great bird. Similar and of the same family as our Stone Curlew. Superb pictures.

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  8. Carol29 October, 2014 12:10

    Like Adam, we have the same bird here in Far North Queensland, Australia called the Bush Stone Curlew ~ nocturnal and sit under cover during the day. They have the most curdling cry.

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  9. MadSnapper29 October, 2014 13:48

    thanks for my first view of this bird.. his knees don't look thick to me. HA Ha.. he is camouflaged perfectly.

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  10. Unknown29 October, 2014 15:14

    The eyes look enormous.

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  11. BumbleVee29 October, 2014 20:07

    hahahahah.... even the title was funny.....and look at those eyes!!

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  12. Anonymous30 October, 2014 00:23

    We have nothing like that in Michigan.

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  13. Firefly the Travel Guy30 October, 2014 14:25

    I don't know why but I find them to be very special birds. Perhaps you don't get to see them that often

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Thank you for visiting my blog and taking the time to leave a comment. I appreciate your feedback. Jo