Junior Bush Stone-curlew survives days of rain

Took my eye off these two Bush Stone-curlew eggs for a wee bit and 'hey presto' they were gone from trim gardens close to my overnight parking spot.

Along with stroppy protective male (presumed).

And less threatening female (presumed).

Five days later (four of them filled with rain) and much noise today close to my studio unit in Rowes Bay, Townsville. So, junior's about six days old.

The commotion possibly marked demise of second youngster. No signs, however, of marauding cat or goanna. Interrogated junior's companions but no answers from them.

Wedge-tailed Eagle allows camera up close

Wedge-tailed Eagles are big. They look big from 100 metres. Much bigger from 13m, the distance one allowed me to walk within at the southwestern end of the Ross River dam wall the other day.

Even after 'clear for takeoff' the bird relaxed again and held position atop concrete-filled steel post.

Pity the confidingness didn't include looking at me or the camera lens. Another close encounter on another day perhaps.

Making 'Hey' while the Sunbird shines

Eye-catching flashes of colour today in Townsville Town Common Conservation Park came from Olive-backed Sunbird darting to and fro across early stretch of the road in as she put finishing touches to standard dangling nest. 400 frames, most discarded. No need for more words:

Noisy Miner gets 2019 off with a bang

Flying start to 2019 with first listing and pictures of Noisy Miner species in Cape Pallarenda Conservation Park.

Juvenile bird obligingly posed atop rusty steel pole.

Next day it did the proper thing and showed off in more natural surroundings.

Plenty of Red-tailed Black Cockatoos in the park, but can't get local statuary as background. Fluked this shot near Ross River Bush Gardens yesterday.

Mass takeoff also unintended shot. Birds feeding on ground were spooked by oncoming dog-walker. Arty blurring result of slow shutter speed set for low light beneath trees.

And must introduce the new boss of Payet Tower in the Townsville Common Conservation Park. Super-sized White-lipped Green Treefrog has taken over from possum sacked for always sleeping at her post.