Kookaburra's insect fillers fill in for kingfisher

Target Buff-breasted Paradise Kingfisher refused to quit treetops in Townsville Bush Gardens today but obliging male Blue-winged Kookaburra's pounced several times on insects in leaf litter between pauses in our long one-sided chat.

Hard to see the prey among the litter. Close look reveals spiky leg poking up side of upper mandible.

This insect appeared the preferred meal. The many small skinks among the litter consistently ignored.

Nearby, three Tawny Frogmouths in position to look down on unknowing walkers.

And White-browed Robin - after much noisy early calling - deigned to descend from the kingfisher's heights.