Perilous life for a Bush Stone Curlew chick (click pic to enlarge). Parent birds don't go much for nest building. Almost any old bit of ground will do. Plonk! Plonk! Two eggs. Job done.
With all their hissing and pretence at injury, the parents often draw attention to the presence of eggs or youngsters. Seeing two birds feigning injury in an area part-cleared for revegetation, I tiptoed about yesterday, attended most closely by the female (above).
Spotted junior 'hiding' motionless. Quick pictures, apologies for the disturbance to Ma and Pa, and tiptoe (could be another, unseen) away. About 140mm rain overnight. Check today. Junior and parents OK.
Here's hoping the youngster grows to fly over Tyto - like this!
All great photos but the one of the chick is absolutely fantastic! Imagine being that close!
ReplyDeleteLovely photo essay Tony - I love the way Curlews try to lure intruders away from their 'nest'. I hope the youngster matures successfully.
ReplyDeleteCheers
Barbara
Nice one Tony, fingers crossed for the little one.
ReplyDeleteThanks all: So far, so good.
ReplyDeleteWhich is more than can be said for two other items. Yellow Oriole never went on with nest near the lookout. Red-backed Fairy-Wren nest near owl lookout victim of neglect and latest heavy rains.
My goodness! They actually fly! That's fantastic. I don't think I've ever seen one take to the air.
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