Big swallow would be more than welcome

Juvenile Welcome Swallow (Hirundo neoxena) in Tyto today just one of many youngsters sitting around in nests and on branches impatiently awaiting incoming fare.

Almost alongside the swallow, Rufous-throated Honeyeater (Conopophila rufogularis) was getting fast service from both parents.

And near the main lagoon, Red-backed Fairy-wren (Malurus melanocephalus) about to make delivery to nest artfully hidden in bladey grass a metre from major track.  

Pale-yellow Robins popping up

Pale-yellow Robins (Tregellasia capito) prominent among species popping up during latest fruitless chases here and there for Noisy Pittas.

So here's to them, at Broadwater.

And to Grey-headed Robin (Heteromyias cinereifrons), near Wallaman Falls.

And to Emerald Dove (Chalcophaps indica), at Jourama Falls.

Time for more crimson tidings

Been a while since my little beauties have featured, so here's a crimson tide, mostly from this morning: Crimson Finch (Neochmia phaeton) ...

... doing very nicely, than you

Bits of a big backlog

One of White-bellied Sea-Eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster) pair resident in area but averse to closeups.

Unlike Australian Pelican (Pelecanus conspicillatus), till recently at home in Tyto.

Or Royal Spoonbill (Platalea regia), also in Tyto, but facing end to creek pickings as pools dry up. 

Or Australasian Darter (Anhinga novehollandiae), at ease near Tyto hide.

What's on the morning menu?

Snail for White-browed Crake (Amaurornis cinerea).

Stillborn katydid(?) for Macleay's Honeyeater (Xanthotis macleayanus)

Red Tie Bush (Wikstroemia indica) fruit  for Brown Cuckoo-Dove (Macropygia amboinensis)

And a feast in bulk, insects for the Cattle Egrets and the cane for us. 

There's behaviour badly acted and behaviour acting badly

Red-capped Plover (Charadrius ruficapillus) gets wires and fake injuries a bit crossed on Lucinda sandspit. Fluttered away ever so piteously, then at full stretch gave the game away. And still I came close to stepping on eggs.

In Tyto, juvenile Welcome Swallow (Hirundo neoxena) suffers unwelcome piggyback attack. Assault lasted 2-3 minutes before all bar victim flew off. Perhaps it somehow mixed with wrong siblings. Assault was quiet, though images noisy because of high ISO to capture flight.  

Oooh, it's an 'oorrible drooly Oody bird

If the Ood turned into evil birds here's The Doctor's future scenario ...

... fighting off spiked-winged monsters with drooly tendrils.

Masked Lapwing (Vanellus miles) on the attack against innocent camera-carrier, said same disingenuously.

What's ahead of young Whistler?

One day this juvenile Rufous Whistler (Pachycephala rufiventris) - in  Tyto today - may grow up to be ...

... a mighty male boasting in song of fighting the birds in the fearsome Toyo chrome bumper. Most females wouldn't waste the energy on Quixotic territoriality.

Do the figgers add up?

Bit odd that Australia has plenty of fig trees but only one recognised species of figbird - though Australasian Figbird comes in 'green' (Sphecotheres vielloti) and 'yellow' (S. v. flaviventris). And many intergrades! Mainly yellow in Tyto.

Red-bellied Black shows angles

Red-bellied Black Snake displays some of the species' angular qualities. Striking appearance from one averse to striking. As always this one slipped away at first chance.

Some mothers really do have 'em

Large-tailed Nightjar (Caprimulgus macrurus) a metre from tourist road after deciding on her perfect spot to sit on an egg. She's even got me to thank for the twiggy tangle in front of her. Gives new meaning to 'Some mothers do have 'em!'

Black Butcherbird gets the message

"Oi! On your way. You're not getting a chance to eat my little darlings." Willie Wagtail (Rhipidura leucophrys) gives Black Butcherbird (Cracticus quoyi) the message in Tyto today. 

And a happier Willie a while back.