Here's to some 'almosts' and most of all to 2017

Almost into 2017, so here's a few other almosts from the last of the 2016 files, starting with a Rainbow Bee-eater almost but not quite in the right light.

Same story with Torres Strait (Pied Imperial) Pigeon.

Brown-backed Honeyeater almost out from leaves.

Varied Triller almost in clear.

Red-winged Parrot full of twigs - and figs.

Dollarbird almost low enough.

Silver Gull, in fluke full frame, almost at right approach angle.

But Melaleuca Mal, my new Magpie mate, says things are almost sure to get better next year. And even young Magpies are pretty smart. So plenty to aim for from tomorrow. Happy New Year!