Colouring up!

[monotwine]

I was trying to figure out how to use my new camera the other day (unsuccessfully), but even though these were a little blurry, they were worth sharing. I just love the vibrant colour which is the Violet eared waxbill, but added to the White-eye's food offering which he is tucking into, it was spectacular.

Thought I would share for fun as I have not posted any pics in a while.

This is my Violet ear male. He is building nest like a trooper, he's up to no. 3 now but I fear his mate is not impressed with his efforts as I see no laying / nesting happening. He was taking time out for a snack.

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All that food flung around was this little ones doing:
This is it looking for mosquitoes and other bugs that might be hiding on the roof.

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Livewire as he got called because of his lively actions on day one, was my last wild hand fed which was released some time ago and is now a regular visitor to my garden. S/he still visits with the finches and chats up a storm while raiding my veggie garden for aphids.

[Mands]

monotwine I was with a friend reading a finch book from here in Australia by "Russell Kingston" and there was a photo of the Violet eared waxbill. He said "If I could have anything it would be that" and then you pop up with one. Very very stunning bird....well done and great photos. Love the little white fluff ball as well.

Mands.

[monotwine]

I have his book finch breeders companion (I think that is the one you are refering to), and have met Russell Kingston through the Rare Finch Group. Very knowledgeable and skilled aviculturist! A violet ear waxbill is the only thing I may ever have that he doesn't . I also have supply (limited by ability to breed) but a supply none the less.

I struggle with them as they prefer a much drier habitat. As much as I love them I fear if this pair does not perform it may be the last time I keep them for now.
Here is the hen:
(sorry it was an unseasonally cool day when I took the pics, so all of them a slightly puffy trying to keep warm)

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[wellingtoncdm]

Gorgeous birds and great photos!!! Thanks for sharing.

[dutch]

monotwine....incredible bird!

[monotwine]

Thanks

[lovezebs]

monotwine
Absolutely unbelievable colours. And you said you couldn't use your camera? I think you did a pretty good job. Please send me one fluff ball please, upside down, right side up, sunny side up, whichever way. Please please pleeeeze......lol.

[monotwine]

lol. They are such characters. Even once released these little White eye make me laugh. They are full of antics. If they where not 1. wild and 2. fruit and insect fed Id be tempted to get some.

[monotwine]

ps thanks for the encouraging comments on the photographer. lol they look ok small, but large they are blurry.

[finchmix22]

Cute, Cute Pics!

[FrostyFinch]

What a beauty….such coloring…wow!

I love the photo of 'Livewire' too….perfect name for him!

[Colt]

Wonderful photos. I envy those of you with outdoor aviaries. I can't wait to have one eventually.

[Ginene]

STUNNING!!! Truly...

[monotwine]

Colt you will get your turn one day!
And will love it. I can sit in mine for ages and just partake in the birdy going on's as a spectator.

Thanks all for the kind words.

[Sally]

Gorgeous birds! I have only seen Violet-ears in photos, I don't know if they exist in U.S. aviculture now. One of our members had a pair a few years ago, but I don't think she ever got them to breed.