TARA SMITHSON -Wildlife & Nature 📸
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tarasmithson.bsky.social
TARA SMITHSON -Wildlife & Nature 📸
@tarasmithson.bsky.social
4K followers 300 following 3.1K posts
Photographing nature is my happy place. 📸🌳🦉🪶🇦🇺🦘🐨🪃

Photos are my own.

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Instagram.com/tarasmithson1

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TARA SMITHSON -Wildlife & Nature 📸 @tarasmithson.bsky.social · Dec 12
Feeling down? Go on a nature walk; you will feel 23% better. Be creative. Help someone else. (That's a good'n.) Talk to someone you can say anything to. Nothing stays the same forever, good or bad. You will get through it.

#mentahealth #birds #birdphotography #nature #wildlifephotography
A superb fairy wren, exhibiting a light blue and black head and neck, white abdomen, and brown wings, is perched on a slender branch of a tree with spiny leaves. The background features orange, purple, and pink hues. A Pacific black duck, exhibiting a striped face and predominantly brown plumage, is perched on the edge of a reflective pond, with a grassy bank and purple wildflowers in the background. A white egret, displaying its characteristic fluffy wing plumage, is wading in a calm brown lagoon reflecting the submerged trees. The scene depicts a beach at dusk, featuring dark brown sand to the left and a contrast between vibrant yellow clouds and a grey, blue-tinged sky which is reflected in the ocean.
tarasmithson.bsky.social
Happy New Year! 🥳🎆

I just got AI to cook up a happy place in my mind to start off 2026. 🧠✨ This is my nirvana. 🧘‍♀️🌸 Dream big.

#HNY
December 31, 2025 at 11:43 PM
tarasmithson.bsky.social
"Your future hasn't been written yet. No one's has. Your future is whatever you make it. So make it a good one."

DOC BROWN - Back to The Future 3.

2026 is yours. ONWARD!

#birds #BirdOfTheDay #NYE #birdphotography #birding #birdwatching #nature #naturephotography #wildlifephotography #wildlife
A detailed profile of a White-faced Heron wading in shallow, dark water. The bird has elegant blue-grey feathers, a sharp black beak, and a signature white face. It is captured mid-step, with its thin yellow leg lifting out of the water to create a striking pattern of symmetrical, concentric ripples. In the background, the soft-focus reflections of brown reeds and branches add a calm, natural texture to the scene.
December 31, 2025 at 10:46 AM
tarasmithson.bsky.social
Peck the halls with boughs of holly...🎄🎶

MERRY CHRISTMAS from the land down under. 🇦🇺🎄🎁

May your days be lorikeet and bright! 🦜✨

#BirdOfTheDay #birds #birdphotography #birding #birdwatching #nature #naturephotography #wildlifephotography #wildlife #Canon #R5 #MerryChristmas #happyholidays
A vibrant, colorful Rainbow lorikeet is digitally edited with a red glittery Santa hat and bow tie. This close-up photo features the bird's bright blue head, fiery red and orange breast, and lush green wings, among blurred green foliage and dry twigs. White stylized text at the bottom of the image reads, "Merry Christmas".
December 24, 2025 at 10:11 PM
tarasmithson.bsky.social
Buff-banded rails have incredible colour and patterns. 🤩🎨 Those deep red eyes are the perfect accent to their high-end design feathers. 🔴✨

#birds #BirdOfTheDay #birdphotography #birding #birdwatching #birdwatchers #nature #naturephotography #wildlifephotography #wildlife #Canon #R5 #Australia
A close-up, profile view of a Buff-banded Rail's head and neck against a soft-focus green and black background. The bird features a distinctive white stripe above its striking red eye and a broad, chestnut-colored band running from its beak through the eye to the back of its head. Its neck and breast are covered in a fine, intricate pattern of horizontal black and white bars, while its wings show dark feathers with white spots. The beak is long, pointed, and light brown.
December 22, 2025 at 10:02 AM
tarasmithson.bsky.social
When the birds look straight at you. 🐦👀 🥷

Welcome Swallow.

#birds #BirdOfTheDay #birdphotography #birding #birdwatching #birdwatchers #nature #naturephotography #wildlifephotography #wildlife #Canon #R5 #Australia #Sunlit
​A side-profile photo of a Buff-banded Rail standing among tall marsh grasses. The bird has a striking white stripe above its red eye and a rich chestnut band running from its beak to the back of its neck. Its chest features a bold orange band above a belly covered in fine black and white horizontal stripes. Its head is turned and looking straight into the lens. The background shows soft-focus leaves and other green foliage.
December 22, 2025 at 9:50 AM
tarasmithson.bsky.social
I was asking Google a question about Buff-banded Rails as I was taking a break, and I looked up and one was before me. 🪄✨ Like magic.

#BirdOfTheDay #birds #birdphotography #nature #birding #birdwatchers #wildlife #wildlifephotography #Canon #Australia #R5
​A clear side-profile photo of a Buff-banded Rail standing among tall marsh grasses. The bird has a striking white stripe above its red eye and a rich chestnut band running from its beak to the back of its neck. Its chest features a bold orange band above a belly covered in fine black and white horizontal stripes. The background shows soft-focus reeds and green foliage.
December 22, 2025 at 8:57 AM
tarasmithson.bsky.social
I snapped this photo today. 🦋📸 This Blue Triangle butterfly was enjoying some nectar from a Lantana flower. 🌸🌿

#butterfly #nature #naturephotography #wildlife #wildlifephotography #beauty #forest #photography #Australia #joy #butterflies #blue
In this side profile, a Common Bluebottle butterfly rests on a Lantana cluster. Its dark wings are dominated by a central triangular band of vibrant, translucent turquoise that tapers toward the bottom. ​The Lantana flowers are a mix of bright pink and sunny yellow florets, contrasting with the toothed, deep-green leaves that have a textured, sandpapery appearance. The background is a soft, warm-toned blur of forest greens.
December 22, 2025 at 7:22 AM
tarasmithson.bsky.social
How much 80s hair gel does this Red Whiskered BulBul use to get that crest so high?
🧴🦅

#birds #birding #birdwatching #birdwatchers #nature #naturephotography #BirdOfTheDay #wildlife #wildlifephotography #Canon
A medium-sized Red-whiskered Bulbul is perched centrally on a thick, horizontal tree branch covered with white and gray lichen, looking to the right of frame. The bird has a distinctive pointed black crest, a white throat, and a vivid red patch below its eye. Its back is reddish-brown, and its chest is light beige. It has a brown wing and tail with white at the tip. The foreground and background are filled with soft, out-of-focus green and yellow leaves, suggesting the photo was taken in a sunny, forested area.
December 4, 2025 at 3:51 AM
tarasmithson.bsky.social
This sulphur-Crested cockatoo likes to dine in at the Neighbour's Conifer Tree. 🍽
🌲 If they see me on the deck, they'll come over, strut around like they own the joint, then leave. 🦜

#birds #birdphotography #birding #birdwatching #birdwatchers #naturephotography #wildlifephotography #wildlife
A Sulphur-crested Cockatoo (a large white parrot with a pale yellow crest) is perched in the dense, dark green foliage of a conifer tree. The bird's head is tilted camera lefts looking toward the camera with its black eye and dark gray beak. Its white feathers are bright, contrasting with the shadowed green background.
December 4, 2025 at 2:32 AM
tarasmithson.bsky.social
This male pied currawong flew in the air, caught a bug and fed its fledgling on my deck. 🐦🪶🦗 Nature up close and personal. 🌿👀

#BirdOfTheDay #birds #birding #birdwatching #birdwatchers #birdphotography #nature #naturephotography #wildlifephotography #wildlife #Canon #R5
Close-up profiles of a male Pied Currawong, identifiable by its bright yellow eye and black plumage, feeding a fledgling currawong (also black but with a grey eye) a small insect or grub. The adult is gently placing the food into the wide-open, bright pink-lined beak of the young bird.
December 4, 2025 at 12:10 AM
tarasmithson.bsky.social
I just caught this image of a Pied Currawong bringing food for its baby on the neighbors' TV antenna. 🐦📸 Earlier in the day, the adult landed on my deck and introduced me to its fledgling. 🏡

#currawong #BirdOfTheDay #birds #birdphotography #birding #birdwatching #birdwatchers #nature #wildlife
​Two Australian Pied Currawongs are photographed against a pale sky, perched on a metal rooftop antenna. On the right, a young, brown, fluffy juvenile bird sits with its beak wide open and we see the bright pink of its mouth, actively soliciting food from the adult. On the left, an adult Pied Currawong, identifiable by its sleek black plumage with striking white patches on its wings and under the tail, is captured mid-flight, swooping in with its legs extended toward the juvenile to deliver food.
November 25, 2025 at 8:58 AM
tarasmithson.bsky.social
Beautiful writing by AJ (Audrey). @audjde.bsky.social Sounds like a great place to be!
audjde.bsky.social Aj d'Wit (Audrey) @audjde.bsky.social · Nov 22
This one's for Tara @tarasmithson.bsky.social She light heartedly suggested I could write a poem about flying like a Peregrine. I put that aside. Suddenly words started forming last night. So here it is. Perhaps all bird lovers might like it. See ALT @alan678.bsky.social @robcrank68.bsky.social
If I ever do publish this one, I'll need to buy or beg a photo of a Peregrine from one of you wonderful photographers ... a Gull just doesn't really measure up. 😂🤷🏼‍♀️
November 22, 2025 at 2:55 AM
tarasmithson.bsky.social
Another little Red-Browed Finch photo. I had to lie on my stomach; otherwise, they would fly away when I stood up. Why can't they just say "cheese"?

🤦 🐦📸🔎

#BirdOfTheDay #birds #birdphotography #birding #birdwatching #birdwatchers #nature #naturephotography #wildlifephotography #wildlife
A Red-browed Finch, sits low in dense green and brown undergrowth. The bird is facing to the right with its head turned toward the viewer, and it appears has grass seed in its beak. Its plumage features a distinctive vivid red stripe above its eye (the red brow) and a red rump/tail patch. The top of its head and neck are light grey, its back and wings are an olive-green/yellow color, and its chest and belly are a pale grey. The foreground and background are filled with soft-focus green leaves, and dried brown stems.
November 21, 2025 at 11:55 PM
tarasmithson.bsky.social
This small Red Whiskered BulBul was swaying around on this tiny branch as it was pretty windy when I captured the image. 🌳🌬️🐦

##BirdOfTheDay #birds #birdphotography #birding #birdwatching #birdwatchers #nature #naturephotography #wildlifephotography #wildlife #Canon #R5 #Australia
A medium-sized Red-whiskered Bulbul bird with a black crest and a small red patch on its head is perched on a thin, vertical brown twig. The bird has a light grey-to-white chest and an orange-red patch of feathers beneath its tail. To the right, below the bird, is asmaller stems with bright green leaves and vines. The background is a soft, blurry mix of light greens and yellows ans pinks.
November 21, 2025 at 11:39 PM
tarasmithson.bsky.social
When a bird (or bird of prey) turns and looks right at you, do you ever wonder what its thinking?
🤔🦅

#birds #BirdOfTheDay #birdphotography #BirdsOfBlueSky #B&W #birdwatchers #birdwatching #nature #naturephotography #wildlifephotography #wildlife #Canon #R5 #Australia 🇦🇺📸
A black and white portrait photograph of a mature eagle, likely an Osprey (a bird of prey) perched on a branch. The raptor'sback is to camera but looks back over its left shoulder at the photographer, giving a sharp profile of its head and beak against a blurred, soft-focus background. Its feathers are richly textured and detailed, providing a strong contrast against the lighter, hazy background. The overall mood is contemplative and majestic.
November 21, 2025 at 6:16 AM
tarasmithson.bsky.social
This peregrine falcon was flying around with its mate along the cliff yesterday. 🦅🏞️ They can reach speeds of up to 320 km (200 mph). 💨🚀

#birds #BirdOfTheDay #birdphotography #birding #birdwatching #birdwatchers #nature #naturephotography #wildlifephotography #wildlife #Canon #R5 #Australia
A full-body, close-up photograph of a Peregrine Falcon soaring against a bright, near-white sky. The bird is captured from slightly below, showcasing the underside of its powerful wings and body. Its plumage is a rich, mottled pattern of dark brown and light tan, with barred feather tips visible on the wing edges. The tail feathers, held fanned out, show distinct yellow coloration near the base. Its yellow talons tucked into its tail. The falcon's head is turned slightly to the right, revealing its dark eyes and characteristic dark 'helmet' or 'mustache' markings. The image emphasizes the bird's dynamic flight and striking feather details.
November 21, 2025 at 4:56 AM
tarasmithson.bsky.social
I captured these two silver eyes yesterday afternoon. They are tiny birds in real life but striking. ✨ 👁👁

#BirdOfTheDay #birds #birdphotography #birding #birdwatching #birdwatchers #nature #naturephotography #wildlifephotography #wildlife #Canon #R5 #Australia #BirdsOfBlueSky 🐦📸🌿
A photograph featuring two small Silvereyes (Zosterops lateralis) perched on bare, leafless tree branches against an overcast white sky. The Silvereyes are characterized by their olive-green and yellow plumage and prominent, diagnostic white rings around their eyes. The two birds are positioned slightly apart on a thin branch, both facing toward the left.
November 21, 2025 at 3:10 AM
tarasmithson.bsky.social
Two Nankeen Kestrels were flinging around a local cliff. 🏞️🦅 They were pretty high in the sky, & even with a 600mm lens, I've had to do a hard crop. 📸 But it was fab to see.
✨🤩

#Birds #BirdOfTheDay #birdphotography #birding #birdwatching #birdwatchers #nature #naturephotography #wildlifephotography
Two Nankeen Kestrels in flight against a pale blue-grey sky. The bird in the upper portion is flying slightly upwards, with its wings fully extended and tail slightly fanned, showing the distinct brown and black barring on its tail feathers and the rufous-brown coloration of its back. The second kestrel, lower and slightly ahead, is flying horizontally or diving downward, seen mostly from the underside, with its wings slightly tucked back. Both birds exhibit the characteristic slim, pointed wing shape of a falcon.
November 21, 2025 at 2:51 AM
tarasmithson.bsky.social
I love having a 600mm lens to capture the detail of birds - What we don't see with the naked eye. 📸🔭 Red browed finch. 🐦 Look at those deep red eyes. 👀

#BirdOfTheDay #birds #birdphotography #birding #birdwatching #birdwatchers #nature #naturephotography #wildlifephotography #wildlife #Canon #R5
​A small, plump finch, a Red-browed Finch (Red-browed Firetail), stands on a patch of dry grass and scattered green clover. It is predominantly soft grey on its head and underside, with olive-green/brown wings and back. The bird has a distinctive, bright scarlet red mask extending from its beak over its eye, and a striking scarlet patch on its rump and the base of its tail. A horizontal band of bright yellow separates the grey throat from the olive-green back. The bird is facing left in profile, with its tail slightly cocked up. Low angle shot.
November 21, 2025 at 2:43 AM
tarasmithson.bsky.social
Young Welcome Swallows are awaiting the return of their parents, who are currently out foraging for insects, which they skillfully catch in mid-flight to bring back as food. 🐦🦗👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

#BirdOfTheDay #birds #birdphotography #birding #birdwatching #birdwatchers #nature #naturephotography #wildlife #Canon
Two juvenile Welcome Swallows perch on a textured, rough brown rock formation. Both birds have dark grey-brown wings, light grey-white chests, and distinctive orange-rufous throats. They are facing slightly toward the camera with their beaks wide open in a begging or chirping posture. The bird on the right is partially spreading its wings, revealing the grey underside, while the bird on the left is standing still. The background is a soft, light-coloured blur, suggesting a body of water.
November 21, 2025 at 12:01 AM
tarasmithson.bsky.social
Yellow Tailed Black Cockatoo munching on the seed pods of a Banskia tree. 🌳🦜 Doesn't get more Aussie than that!
🇦🇺🦘

#BirdOfTheDay #birds #birdphotography #birding #birdwatching #birdwatchers #nature #naturephotography #wildlifephotography #wildlife #Canon #R5 #Australia
A close-up, profile photograph of a Glossy Black-Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus lathami) perched in the dense foliage of a native Australian Banksia shrub. The large, black cockatoo is positioned in the center, facing right, with its bright yellow cheek patch prominently visible. Its eyes are dark, rimmed with pink/red. It is using its large, grey beak and black clawed foot to hold and intently eat the seed pod of the Banksia plant. The background is filled with silvery-green and darker green Banksia leaves and distinctive woody seed cones.
November 20, 2025 at 3:58 AM
tarasmithson.bsky.social
These Yellow Tailed Black Cockatoos were in the middle of a preening session. 🦜🖤 I rarely see them so this was special. ✨😊

#BirdOfTheDay #birds #birdphotography #birding #birdwatching #birdwatchers #nature #naturephotography #wildlifephotography #wildlife #Canon #R5 #Australia
A medium-close-up photo shows three Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoos (a large, dark brown to black cockatoo with yellow cheek patches and yellow panels in the tail) perched high in the leafy, green-grey branches of an Australian native tree, possibly a Banksia. The cockatoos have their crests slightly raised. One on the far left looks directly at the camera. The other two are closer together; one has its head bowed and the third is looking down and to the right, preening. The background is a bright, overcast sky.
November 17, 2025 at 11:40 PM
tarasmithson.bsky.social
This Bell Miner gave me the #StareDown when I was walking through the bush.
🐦🌳👀

#BirdOfTheDay #staredown #birds #birdphotography #birding #birdwatching #birdwatchers #nature #naturephotography #wildlifephotography #wildlife #Canon #R5 #Australia
​A close-up photograph of a small, plump, olive-green bird(a Bell Miner) perched on a bare, dark, thin diagonal tree branch. The bird has yellow markings around its eyes and a bright yellow beak. Black eyes and black stripe under its beak. Its body is primarily a dull olive-green or moss-green colour, with darker, grayish-brown feathers visible on its wings. It is facing directly toward the viewer, giving it a curious and slightly intense expression. The background is soft and blurred (bokeh), showing muted colours of green and white, suggesting trees and leaves.
November 17, 2025 at 11:34 PM
tarasmithson.bsky.social
This Rainbow Lorikeet just hung out on my deck one rainy day. 🌈🦜☔

#BirdOfTheDay #birds #birdphotography #birding #birdwatching #birdwatchers #nature #naturephotography #wildlifephotography #wildlife #Canon #R5 #Australia #parrot
​A close-up, high-detail photograph of the head and upper body of a Rainbow Lorikeet (a colorful Australian parrot). The bird is facing left, with its bright red-orange eye clearly visible. The feathers on its head are a deep, iridescent blue, transitioning to a vivid lime-yellow-green on the nape. The prominent chest area is a striking band of bright red and orange, contrasting sharply with the predominantly rich, deep green feathers covering the rest of its back and wings. The beak is a pale, slightly pink-orange color. The bird is set against a soft, shallow depth-of-field background of muted green and brown.
November 17, 2025 at 12:53 PM
tarasmithson.bsky.social
Black-shouldered Kite was just hanging out near the car park and no noticed. 🦅🅿️ Everyone just walked past.
🚶‍♀️🚶‍♂️

#birds #birdphotography #birding #birdwatching #birdwatchers #nature #naturephotography #wildlifephotography #wildlife #Canon #R5 #BirdOfTheDay
​A majestic, mostly white bird of prey, a Black-shouldered Kite, is perched atop a weathered, light brown wooden post or log stump. The bird is shown in a profile view against a soft, pale blue-grey sky. It has bright white plumage on its head, chest, and underside, contrasted by striking black patches on its shoulders (the leading edge of the wing). Its eyes are a prominent deep ruby red, and its talons are bright yellow.
November 17, 2025 at 7:31 AM