This one below joined the one shown above, at a waterhole.
Is slightly smaller than the one above, with the chestnut vent extending further down under, a shorter tail, & doesn't bob it's tail as much.
It also has dark markings around its face.
This one is more skittish, presumably because it's in unfamiliar territory, although when it goes to water, the other either stays hidden or comes down after..
Does anybody know which is male or female.
(Image is full frame from about 20')


Nikon D70s w/Nikkor 300mm F/4
2006/03/12 13:49:46.1
Exposure Mode: Aperture Priority
Metering Mode: Center-Weighted
1/160 sec - F/4.5
Exposure Comp.: -0.3 EV
Sensitivity: ISO 200
Optimize Image: Normal
White Balance: Auto
AF Mode: AF-C

Nobody know? Ok I'll take a guess.

In the same spot I've been watching a courting pair of Magpie Robins.

Normally the male Magpie Robin does not allow the female anywhere near this spot, and the female only comes to water when he is not around.
On this particular day, they were hanging around within a few feet of one another.
The female went to water & bathed herelf with the male watching from nearby.
Then she left & he came to the exact same spot & bathed himelf.
They both disappeared together.

Similarly the larger Waterhen is always around, but on this day brought the smaller Waterhen to the area.
The smaller one went to water (different spot to Magpie Robins) & bathed itself. After it dryed itself it went into the undergrowth.
A few minutes later the larger one came down to the exact same spot & was just about to wash itself, but was disturbed & ran off.

My assumption being that the smaller is the female as she came down first.

Here is an image of the two of them "chatting" just before the washing routine. The noise was really loud & within about 12'.
The image is not so good because of the very slow shutter speed.


Nikon D70s w/Nikkor 300mm F/4
2006/03/12 08:28:14.1
Exposure Mode: Aperture Priority
Metering Mode: Center-Weighted
1/25 sec - F/4.5
Exposure Comp.: -0.3 EV
Sensitivity: ISO 200
Optimize Image: Normal
White Balance: Auto
AF Mode: AF-C

The books say that the sexes are similar in the waterhen, so it may just be a difference in age or random variation. Maybe they were engaged in congress and were showering up afterwards. Maybe you could offer them one of your cigarettes next time?

And then followed the washing sequence if anybody is interested............ is the one I think is the female.
(All images are full frame)










D70s w/Nikkor 300mm F/4
2006/03/12 14:27:15.8
Exposure Mode: Aperture Priority
Metering Mode: Spot
1/50 sec - F/4.5
Exposure Comp.: -1.0 EV
Sensitivity: ISO 200
Optimize Image: Normal
White Balance: Auto
AF Mode: AF-C

I know it's a bit of overkill, but is a shame not to show the images as some may be interested.
This was a continuance of the washing........










D70s w/Nikkor 300mm
12/03/2006

And after the wash......... the "fluff up"........


D70s w/Nikkor 300mm F/4
12/03/2006

Good topic! Very useful :)