Bellbird with the blues

Anthornis melanura (Bellbird, korimako) feeding on Phormium tenax (New Zealand Flax, Harakeke) at the Papatowai Estuary in the Catlins, New Zealand.

 

I was particularly struck by his beautiful blue pollen from I know not what flower - I don't believe any of the other birds were privy to his secret stash of whatever it was.

 

And also the sheer horror when I looked down and saw dozens of what I assume were sandflies coating what seemed like every blade of grass/tussocky thing. There would have been tens of thousands within a few metres. Luckily not coating me. I was even stupid enough to come back again one I'd gone to put some repellant on.

Done