Standing around looking cool

Nothing nicer these crisp mornings than standing around looking cool in the morning sun. And there's nothing a Plumed Whistling-Duck (Dendrocygna eytoni) likes more than standing around: the species prefers to land on land and stand about all day, before marching off to graze at night.

Australian Bustard (Ardeotis australis) knows all about standing around and stepping out coolly, happy to lead birders on teasing walks across scruffy pasture.  

Shyer, but coolly seeking prey close to road beside local creek, Pacific (White-necked) Heron (Ardea pacifica) stands out in the coolest of colours. 

Spoonbill slurps as Stilt sips

Lone Yellow-billed Spoonbill (Platalea flavipes) slurps into action at Orient Station today, trail of droplets tracing glittering arc of water.

Much daintier probing for prey from Black-winged Stilt (Himantopus himantopus) casts a few droplets in the same flooded field.

Three views of changing conditions

Contrasting conditions along road through Orient Station the other morning as cloudy morn gave way to brisk breeze and welcome sun after rains that have delayed the start of this season's sugar cane crush. Black-faced Woodswallow  (Artamus cinereus) pauses during preening upon a post.

Nankeen Kestrel (Falco cenchroides) lights up day and shadowed perch.

Australian Hobby (Falco longipennis) in nature's frame backed by cloudless blue. 

How's Tyto going these days?

How's Tyto going these days? I'm glad you asked. View west from the lookout tracks female Black-necked Stork (Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus) crossing scleria islands and channel in the main lagoon. (Late April flooding washed huge amounts of weed from the lagoon.)

Uncommon sighting yesterday, male Rose-crowned Fruit-Dove (Ptilinopus regina) wouldn't have found much to eat in this Euodia: the trees flowered months ago. Even rarer yesterday was an immature male Scarlet Honeyeater, first listing of the species in Tyto. Too quick for me to photograph and a no-show today.

Not rare but seldom seen feeding deep within trees along the creekline, White-throated Honeyeater (Melithreptus albogularis) takes a turn as insectivore.

No chance of Willie Wagtail (Rhipidura leucophrys) ever turning beak up  at insects and taking to dining on pollen.

Ending the quick tour with two looks at larger birds gradually returning to the main lagoon:

Australian White Ibis (Threskiornis molucca)

Eastern Great Egret (Ardea modesta)

And a final mile(kilometre)stone: slow speed ahead as odo on the Troopy (Toyota landcruiserus) ticks over to a splendidly round number.

Brolga bounces into hip-hop bonding

Hey, look at me, I'm a dancing fool. Look at me. Look at me. Look at me! Male Brolga (Grus rubicunda) bounces into bonding hip-hop at Mungalla Station.

Bush Thick-knee sits on the truth

Eggs? What eggs? No eggs here! Can't a bird just sit in some sunshine after yesterday's rain ... but Bush Thick-knee (Burhinus grallarius) might be a big fibber.

Rufous Fantail does flit tease

Couple of Rufous Fantail (Rhipidura rufifrons) teasingly flitting about near Jourama Falls camp area the other day. Not an easy species to pin down.   

Grey Fantail (Rhipidura albiscapa) as usual in greater numbers and more willing to pose.

As was this moth, Erebus crepuscularis, showing keen interest in the base of several trees near the falls parking area. Wingspan about 6cm. (Thanks, DF, for correct ID)

Jabiru juniors nearing home stretch

Nestlings don't get much bigger than this. Pair of Black-necked Stork (Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus) juniors sit up in their high-rise home above Palm Creek at Mungalla Station near Ingham. Not much wing stretching and flapping to build strength just yet. Watch this space, as they say...