A Flash of Color in the Canopy
Nature has a way of surprising us when light, colour, and timing fall into perfect harmony. On a quiet wander beneath the canopy of Raymond Island, the flutter and chatter of a rainbow lorikeet drew the eye upward.
Perched among dappled branches, this bird became a radiant burst of colour against the softened greens and greys of the eucalyptus. Its plumage is almost unbelievable — cobalt blue head, fiery orange breast, and lime-green wings blending into layers of brilliance. Though common across much of Australia, rainbow lorikeets are never ordinary. Their energy, chatter, and striking feathers always invite pause and wonder.
This photograph holds a brief stillness in the lorikeet’s usually restless nature. Framed by branches and softened by filtered sunlight, its expression suggests curiosity — perhaps even contemplation. In that instant, the canopy felt quieter, as though both bird and observer were sharing a moment of calm.
Behind the Image
The shot was taken in natural light, late morning, with the sun diffused through overhead foliage. A moderate focal length brought the bird close while keeping background branches softly blurred. A faster shutter speed was chosen to ensure sharp detail in the lorikeet’s feathers, while the aperture created enough depth to hold both the bird and its perch in focus.
Minimal editing preserved the authenticity of the moment. Slight adjustments to contrast and colour balance emphasised the lorikeet’s natural vibrancy against the muted background.
Camera settings:
- Camera: Nikon D3200
- Lens: 55–200mm
- Aperture: f/5.6
- Shutter speed: 1/400 sec
- ISO: 400
- Focal length: 200mm
