What's in a picture? 1000 words? Here's a Great Bowerbird (Ptilonorhynchus nuchalis) in Tyto 'obviously' selecting bower material. Er, perhaps not. Bird picked up scores of twigs for more than 10 minutes. Discarded all. Flew off and began seeking prey in paperbarks. So. Fastidiously choosy? Thinking of bower-building? Or nesting? Playing?
Some pictures may lead to 1000 words through 100 questions. Many more pictures and observations may yield answers.
No question about activity of this male Rufous-throated Honeyeater (Conopophila rufogularis). No surprise catching bird gathering nesting material near Tyto hide, They build cup nests in paperbarks (some of which ring the hide) often over water. Hard to see in upper foliage and further disguised by birds' secretive flight into one tree and through it into the nest tree. 
Interesting that down south, young birds abound at present, but it would be way too late to start nest building (here).
ReplyDeleteCheers
Denis
All nice photos but the first one is fantastic!
ReplyDeleteWhen I lived near Mareeba the Great bowerbirds gave some amazing entertainment.Pilfering from each others bower was rife and bowers were robbed whilst the owner was out robbing someone else!
ReplyDeleteThey could meow like a cat and make static noises like a radio. I don't think I ever got a ripe mulberry off the tree either!
I vote for the final Honeyeater pic though they are all great!
Hi Denis: Don't think Bowerbird was thinking of nesting. But rain triggers finches and hisome honeyeaters into action.
ReplyDeleteThanks Mick and Russell. Good to get up close to show details.
Yes, I enjoy the final shot, also.
ReplyDeleteA wonderful pose.