Conella Pavlova? Evans Head, Northern New South Wales, Australia
Any idea what Conella Pavlova is yet? Could it be the name of an XXX-rated movie star? Off course it isn’t!
Cute chicks at Evans Head, Northern New South Wales, Australia
This story is about chicks of a different kind.
Entertainment at Evans Head, Northern New South Wales, Australia
Very different, very cute and just as much entertaining. Yes, I made the name up, but with good reasons as my camera proved.
Corella’s favourite Cone at Evans Head, Northern New South Wales, Australia
Fresh Pine Cones are irresistible to Corellas.
Goodness all around at Evans Head, Northern New South Wales, Australia
Nutritious and full of cellulite, the fresher, the tastier it appears.
Some useful pineduducation at Evans Head, Northern New South Wales, Australia
A female pinecone carries the seeds, while the male cone is the one that flowers.
A stroll through the woods at Evans Head, Northern New South Wales, Australia
While these birds stroll through different pine trees, they are actually pollinating them. You’re most likely to hear the flock before they rock up. Most swarms don’t exceed a couple of dozen Corellas. The concert stage is set.
Sticking together at Evans Head, Northern New South Wales, Australia
Usually, they select a few pine trees within a small distance from another. Safety in numbers is unmissable.
There’s another! at Evans Head, Northern New South Wales, Australia
This is where the freshest pine cones are to be found, naturally.
Reproduction process at Evans Head, Northern New South Wales, Australia
Each Corella has it’s own favourite branch it appeared.
Who goes there at Evans Head, Northern New South Wales, Australia
This is also a high vantage point to observe possible danger.
Whats in your hand? Evans Head, Northern New South Wales, Australia
Or questioning humans pointing a camera towards them. Partially eaten pine cones are dropped to the ground, purposely or accidentally.
All you can eat buffet at Evans Head, Northern New South Wales, Australia
Next one, please. It’s a cone banquet.
Time to move at Evans Head, Northern New South Wales, Australia
At some stage, one corella flies to the ground to harvest the easy pickings.
Ground invasion at Evans Head, Northern New South Wales, Australia
This triggers all corellas to explore the meadows.
The ground force at Evans Head, Northern New South Wales, Australia
The stage continuous at ground level. The blue-sky backdrop changed to grass-green.
Where is my pine cone? at Evans Head, Northern New South Wales, Australia
Some stayed close within each other, while others venture off.
Scrumptious food at Evans Head, Northern New South Wales, Australia
Either way, each one had their own style.
Feeding frenzy at Evans Head, Northern New South Wales, Australia
Observing these radiant parrots during their feeding frenzy is most amusing for spectators.
Joyful gathering at Evans Head, Northern New South Wales, Australia
But even within the group, it’s always a joyful affair.
This one is mine! Evans Head, Northern New South Wales, Australia
It wasn’t the fact that there was little food to be shared with, but a competition on who got the juiciest pine cone.
The grass is greener over here at Evans Head, Northern New South Wales, Australia
Some corellas carried their scrumptious meal out of sight from others.
Where are you going? at Evans Head, Northern New South Wales, Australia
That didn’t always prove to be the right tactics.
Tumbling in at Evans Head, Northern New South Wales, Australia
Pine cones appear so desirable, that they are worth scrambling for.
A dispute at Evans Head, Northern New South Wales, Australia
When these two chicks got together to settle a vibrant disagreement, each contender tried to nab the opposition.
Evenly matched at Evans Head, Northern New South Wales, Australia
No one was in serious danger of injury.
Croaky at Evans Head, Northern New South Wales, Australia
Neither was willing to give up.
Conella Pavlova at Evans Head, Northern New South Wales, Australia
And just like that, pavlova appeared on my camera.
Feather decorations at Evans Head, Northern New South Wales, Australia
A very lively one. Only a pine cone decoration was missing.
Leader and protectirl at Evans Head, Northern New South Wales, Australia
Where there are a few chicks in the flock, there is always a leader and protector.
Kernel Carl at Evans Head, Northern New South Wales, Australia
And this one meant business. I called him Kernel Carl.
Proud veteran at Evans Head, Northern New South Wales, Australia
His head feathers proudly crowned his helmet like any veteran.
Moustache feathers and grim look at Evans Head, Northern New South Wales, Australia
His old fashion moustache feathers alone would intimidate any opponent.
Patrolling the waterhole at Evans Head, Northern New South Wales, Australia
Proudly patrolling the dangerous waterhole, no movement would escape his attention.
Happy flock drinking at Evans Head, Northern New South Wales, Australia
Keeping this mob protected was his priority.
Surf Life Saver at work at Evans Head, Northern New South Wales, Australia
He would be a perfect Surf Life Saver.
Growling? at work at Evans Head, Northern New South Wales, Australia
He wasn’t impressed when I stepped closer towards him.
Oh look! That’s me! at Evans Head, Northern New South Wales, Australia
His chicky babes were confident within their alarm post as they reflected cheerfully in the mirror.
Mirror, mirror on the tar! at Evans Head, Northern New South Wales, Australia
Mirror, mirror on the tar, who is the happiest here by far?
Have you heard the news today? at Evans Head, Northern New South Wales, Australia
There was certainly some gossip making the rounds too. Kernel Matt tried a few times to catch up on chatters.
What’s up ladies? at Evans Head, Northern New South Wales, Australia
But the girls showed him the cold wing. What’s a man gotta do?
Oh well! at Evans Head, Northern New South Wales, Australia
When all had safely their fill, it was his turn to drink.
Something to smile about at Evans Head, Northern New South Wales, Australia
His stressful appearance disappeared and the true Kernel came out. Kernel Carl had a big smile on his face.
Kernel Carl getting his drink at Evans Head, Northern New South Wales, Australia
He had his own drinking technique.
Scooping drops with his beak at Evans Head, Northern New South Wales, Australia
Wading through the shallow puddle, he scooped the water off with his beak.
Kernel Carl feeling frisky at Evans Head, Northern New South Wales, Australia
That’s how it’s done, ladies. A little cheek goes a long way.
Who said that? at Evans Head, Northern New South Wales, Australia
Did someone call my name? ‘
Happy feet at Evans Head, Northern New South Wales, Australia
No matter from what angle I pictured these birds, they always seemed to be smiling.
My favourite! at Evans Head, Northern New South Wales, Australia
Yay! Pinecone!
A room without a roof at Evans Head, Northern New South Wales, Australia
Cause I am happy, Clap along if you feel like a room without a roof
Happiness is the truth! at Evans Head, Northern New South Wales, Australia
Cause I am happy, Clap along if you feel like happiness is the truth
Cause I am happy! at Evans Head, Northern New South Wales, Australia
Cause I am happy, Clap along if you know what happiness is to you
Clap along! at Evans Head, Northern New South Wales, Australia
Cause I am happy, Clap along if you feel like that’s what you want to do
Travels with Ben 