Raven gulls slow Sea-Eagle and chicken Swamp Harrier

Quickfire chain of conflicts beside and above earth dam wall, Town Common Conservation Park, Townsville, today.  Youngish White-bellied Sea-Eagle disputed possession of Tilapia with Swamp Harrier.

Fish left behind as birds squabbled across the sky. Australian Raven saw chance, flew down and off with the fish.

Magpie Lark took over from sea-eagle and launched attack on intruding harrier, driving it away.

Sea-eagle returned for fish. Too late. The fish had flown!

White-bellied Sea-Eagle behaviour raises questions

Behind this picture today of White-bellied Sea-Eagle family togetherness may hide an altogether different one of a cheating, food-hogging, faithless father and a neglected partner and juvenile. (And this in the same family from which three weeks ago a second juvenile had to be rescued after being pushed or falling from the nest.)

Just an hour before above image was taken the male tucking into unidentified lunch in TownsvilleTown Common Conservation Park was seen carrying large fish or turtle away from Freshwater area. But instead of flying to above nest the bird crossed the wetland and soared on thermal up and over ridge of Many Peaks range. It reappeared minutes later without prey and stooped without luck upon Magpie Geese on distant pool before being lost track of. Seems it later brought another catch to the nest - and ripped into it without any sign of sharing. Or ... or there may be a third breeding pair I'm unaware of and above male may have case for suit against me.

On firmer ground with juvenile from the second known nest site perched on branch  behind Melaleuca viewing area and getting close to launching into first flight. Its more forward sibling took off unseen last week and, as has been their way, has not been seen since.

A notable difference between the two breeding pairs has been the many noisy vocal interchanges I've heard for about three months between the above juvenile's parents and near total silence from the top picture's adults. Perhaps explainable by close proximity of the silent birds' nest to a well-used walking/cycling track. Or not.

Friday 13 turns out lucky for Tern, Osprey and Darter

Friday 13. Unlucky for some. Lucky for some. CaspianTern whizzed in and out again with one of the fish the 50 or so Pelicans camped on the water this week have failed to scoop up.

Eastern Osprey made typical splash entry and came away clutching probable Tilapia.

Australasian Darter speared its fish and surfaced close by but swam off behind long grass before swallowing it.

Meantime, many of the Australian Pelicans were busier bathing than fishing.

Lucky me, catching some of the catches at Melaleuca viewing area, Townsville Town Common Conservation Park this morning.

Crow woe can drive one stark raven mad

Remember those Torresian Crows from last week? They were actually these Australian Ravens photographed yesterday in the Townsville Town Common Conservation Park.

It's all in the pink throat patch below the bill.

Now you see it ...

... now you don't.

And the longer hackles. But not in young birds.
And the bigger bill. But not in young birds.
And in the calls. But not to most ears.

Makes a difference knowing all this, doesn't it? No? Well, no matter. The birds don't care anyway.

Bee-eater takes flight but others show no fright

Rainbow Bee-eater took flight this morning in the Townsville Town Common but a few other birds have been more camera friendly lately.

None more so than immature White-eared Monarch. Almost perched on lens today. Too close to focus. Naturally, whizzed away far beyond reach when it did decide to go. So, picture from earlier in week.

Yesterday, male Leaden Flycatcher had plenty to say along fire break between road and golf course. If the bill was turned a little more the bird might present as one of those bird or rabbit illusions.

Bit of a puzzle with juvenile Black-necked Storks this week. Three youngsters became four  yesterday. Seems a loner turned up and more or less joined the regular trio. Today, loner alone. No sign of juniors. Above, female parent yesterday.

Much smaller and harder to gain focus on, Fairy Gerygone two days ago stayed still long enough for an almost sharp shot.

And here's a reminder of the golden rule: don't be lured to eating fruit and berries because the birds in the bush are gobbling them up. Here's an Australian Raven chomping into Black or Deadly Nightshade. Black is deadly and ripe Deadly is black. Stick to Blackberries and leave black berries well alone.

Last, reminders of Tyto Wetland days in Ingham with one of the Common's Crimson Finches. Not many to be seen for a few months but they're popping up here and there these days. Not always quite so prettily as this male.