Egret catches up with Keelback

Bit of live action from Tyto today. Intermediate Egret (Ardea intermedia) tosses Keelback (Tropidonophis mairii) about and tries to catch it near the head for the big swallow. End came soon after the above picture. Big gulps followed by reflex neck spasms. Goodbye snake!

Earlier, 'that's-my-spot' conflict between Whistling Kites (Haliastur sphenurus). Having made some sort of point, the aggressor headed off to another tree. As did the submissive loser.

Black-shouldered Kite (Elanus axillaris) does a bit of stretching before taking off for a spell of low cruising over the grasslands. This bird allowed an unusually close approach, but harsh high sunlight counted against the camera.

Sticking to raptors, here's a Black Kite (Milvus migrans) circling above the lookout.

Finally, no picture, but an amusing incident. Came upon Common Tree Snake in middle of track today. Braked but before coming to halt, found snake speeding for cover - under my feet and the moving bicycle. Off balance, camera bouncing on shoulder, sunglasses flying, feet looking for ground unoccupied by snake, laughing and apologising as it zoomed into long grass. Another case of snakes 'attacking' people. Not!!!