TARA SMITHSON -Wildlife & Nature 📸
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tarasmithson.bsky.social
TARA SMITHSON -Wildlife & Nature 📸
@tarasmithson.bsky.social
4K followers 310 following 3.2K 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
The horizon is a leaden shelf, a charcoal monolith; the sea, a shimmer of pewter and slate. 🌫️⛵ Pinned against this indifferent darkness is a single lone sailboat catching a sliver of light. 🌅⚓

Find your peace in the storm. 🧘‍♀️⛈️

#photography #ocean #nature #storm #peace #Australia #Canon #B&W
A white sailboat is a small, luminous focal point on a dark, textured sea. The upper half of the frame is a massive, dark grey-black storm cloud looming heavily over the water. The ocean below is deep, agitated teal and grey. The boat’s bright white sail provides a sharp, bright contrast against the dark, monolithic weather.
January 21, 2026 at 10:30 AM
tarasmithson.bsky.social
One from the vault when I was teaching myself photography on an entry level Canon. 📸📷

Crested Tern. 🐦🌊

#birds #birdphotography #birding #birdwatching #birdwatchers #nature #naturephotography #wildlifephotography #wildlife #Canon #R5 #Australia #BirdOfTheDay
A sharp, lateral profile shot of a Crested Tern in mid-flight, gliding low over a deep blue ocean. The bird has a streamlined, white body with pale grey wings and a distinctive black "cap" of feathers on its head that extends down to its nape. Its sharp, pointed beak is a bright, saturated yellow, and its dark eye is visible against the white of its face. The bird’s wings are slightly angled back, capturing a sense of high-speed momentum. The background is divided horizontally: the bottom half is the dark, shimmering blue of the sea with soft white foam peaks, while the top half is a pale, hazy blue sky with soft, blurred clouds.
January 21, 2026 at 10:08 AM
tarasmithson.bsky.social
Our Australian Bush Turkey looks a smidge prehistoric looking up close. 🦃🎶 Cue Jurassic Park music. 🦖

I snapped this photo around the Manly area. 📸📍

#birds #birdphotography #birding #birdwatching #birdwatchers #nature #naturephotography #wildlifephotography #wildlife #Australia #BirdOfTheDay
A extreme close-up, high-detail profile shot of an Australian brush turkey's head and neck. The bird has a rugged, prehistoric appearance with a featherless, wrinkled head of deep red skin that transitions into a bright, bumpy yellow wattle at the base of the neck. Sparse, black hair-like feathers sprout haphazardly from its red crown and face. Its large, round eye is a clear amber-brown, reflecting the light with a startling, intense gaze. The dark, curved beak is textured with dirt or wear, and the body transitions into dense, coarse dark-brown and grey feathers on the left side of the frame. The background is a clean, out-of-focus off-white, making the raw textures of the bird’s skin and feathers stand out sharply.
January 21, 2026 at 9:53 AM
tarasmithson.bsky.social
Be the osprey. Run to break free. Fly to find the path. Soar because you’ve mastered the atmosphere. 🦅🏃‍♀️💨

Run. Fly. Soar. 🏃‍♀️💨🦅

One is a start. One is a process. One is a state of mind. 🚀🌟🧠

#birds #birdphotography #birding #birdwatching #birdwatchers #nature #naturephotography #wildlifephotography
A sharp, high-resolution profile shot of an osprey in full flight against a soft, out-of-focus pale blue background. The bird is soaring from left to right, its massive wings arched upward, revealing intricate patterns of white and dark brown mottled feathers on its underside. Its head is bright white with a distinctive dark chocolate-brown stripe running through its piercing yellow eye. Its powerful black beak is slightly hooked, and its talons are tucked neatly against its white underbelly, giving it a streamlined, aerodynamic silhouette of focused intent.
January 21, 2026 at 9:38 AM
tarasmithson.bsky.social
'Nothing is impossible, the word itself says, I’m possible' 🌠✨ - Audrey Hepburn.

...Just in case you needed to hear that today. 💪

Hope you're day is peaceful. 😌🧘‍♀️🧘‍♂️

#birdphotography #birding #birdwatching #birdwatchers #nature #naturephotography #wildlifephotography #wildlife #Australia #birds
A Pacific Black Duck floats calmly on still water, its body shown in profile facing left. The duck has mottled brown plumage with a distinctive dark stripe through its eye and a pale cream-colored face. Its reflection is visible in the dark green water, which is rippled . The background is a soft-focus lush green bank with hints of purple wildflowers and a warm, golden light filtering through the foliage.
January 15, 2026 at 4:05 AM
tarasmithson.bsky.social
It's reached 43c (109f) today in my neck of the woods in Australia. 🥵🌞 These magpies have stayed close to my cactus plant as its their fave watering hole. 🐦🌵 Shout out here Aussies how hot it got in your neck of the woods.

#birds #heatwave #Aussieheatwave #birdwatching #birdwatchers ##BirdOfTheDay
January 10, 2026 at 6:11 AM
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