Triller comes down to earth

More male White-winged Trillers (Lalage sueurii) than usual in Tyto this season. Not such happy news for these excitable would-be breeders: fewer females than usual.

And because the males twitter hyperactively about the treetops - trying to attract females - it's been a trying time seeking a decent picture.

Today, at last, a bird foraging on the ground - with remarkable success. 

  One of many morsels grabbed in march across the grass.  

Click pix to enlarge

Who's the prettiest boy ... then?

Few prettier sights in Tyto than male Crimson Finch (Neochmia phaeton) in prime plumage.

Splendid up close.

Rainbow Lorikeet (Trichoglossus haematodus) offers colourful challenge.

Intermediate Egret (Ardea intermedia) looks lovely in early morning light.

Male Cotton Pygmy-goose (Nettapus coromandelianus) floats in subtle beauty.  
Click pix to enlarge

Awake-up Snipe allows walk-up

Posted super Latham's Snipe (Gallinago hardwickii) images earlier in year, but today's presented greater challenge, being totally open walk-up rather than drive-by.

It's satisfying having a wary bird accept - even if nervily - intrusion into its space.

In this case, bird chose to walk off and get on with feeding, in Tyto yesterday.
Click pix to enlarge

Clean as a Whistler

Big branch got between us, but male Rufous Whistler (Pachycephala rufiventris) didn't get clean away and makes for tidy study of feather details.

Also provides chance to run image of female, also taken in Tyto.
Click pix to enlarge

Cheeky faux de grass bottler

Cheeky little Tyto bottler savours of springtime, abounding with verdant, faux de grass overtones and striking bokeh. 

Agile Wallaby (Macropus agilis)
Click pix to enlarge

Catchlights catch them watching

Three images from Jourama Falls reflect wildlife awareness of the intruder among them: Rainbow skink (Carlia rostralis) keeps a cautious eye out.

Northern Fantail (Rhipidura rufiventris) casts a backward look.

Male Shining Flycatcher (Myiagra alecto) glances sideways.

Meanwhile, revised, noise-reduced Pied Monarch (Arses kaupi, with mantid) looks sharper.
Click pix to enlarge

Pied Monarch spied mantid

Pied Monarch (Arses kaupi) with unlucky (and unidentified mantid) at Jourama Falls (25km south of Ingham).

Chased after foraging bird the other day using tripod as wobbly monopod. But bird mostly too quick!  

Also at Jourama, Large-billed Gerygone (Gerygone magnirostris) out of the shadows - for once - along Waterview Creek.

And a Spectacled Monarch (Symposiarchus trivirgatus) showing off rich colours.
Click pix to enlarge

Arty brush-up for Brush-turkey

Something about the sensual fleshiness of this Australian Brush-turkey (Alectura lathami) image from Jourama Falls led to rare excursion into special filters.

Thus, an oil painting.

And a mystery artist.
Click pix to enlarge

Cotton-pickin' Darter darts into Cotton pic!

Sneaking up for distant shot of Cotton Pygmy-goose pair (Nettapus coromandelianus) in Tyto yesterday unaware Australasian Darter (Anhinga novehollandiae) has intruded itself into the picture. May even have spooked the birds.

Not too many Cottons ever on Tyto waters. Even less often in the air on clear days, showing off their colour.
Click pix to enlarge

Tucking into honeyeater points

Yellow-spotted Honeyeater (Meliphaga notata) at Jourama Falls (25km south of Ingham) last week. Strong yellow gape streak pointing to mid-earmark is diagnostic in distinguishing from slightly smaller Graceful HE (weaker, paler streak points to bottom of earmark). Both species can give similar 'tuck' calls.
Click pix to enlarge