After a long rain storm at Point Addis, on the surf coast near Anglesea, I watched the birds come out and make the most of the rain puddles. This little male Superb Fairy Wren was fully focussed on having a good clean. He would spend a minute or so bathing, fly up to a post, preen and then back into the puddle again. Takes a lot of work to keep your feathers in shape. His female companion was much more nervous and only took a few quick flying dips.
Male Superb Fairy Wren, Pt Addis,
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On some scrub nearby an immature Crimson Rosella watched the action. Over time his feathers will slowly turn a vibrant crimson. The mottled colours helps the bird stay camouflaged as they learn the skills required to survive. Unless they are in the open like the one below they can be very hard to see and find in the trees.
Immature Crimson Rosella, Pt Addis
An example below of the bright colours of the adult Crimson Rosella, photographed a month back at Welch Track in the Dandenongs.
Crimson Rosella, Welch Track, Dandenongs Ranges National Park
The Gap Year and Beyond 