White Ibis snatches, swallows snake in seconds

Surprise sight today of White Ibis snatching snake in Townsville Town Common Conservation Park and swallowing it within about 30 seconds.

 First such catch I've seen. And by far fastest swallow by any bird - similar size or larger.

Sorry about lousy pictures but speed definitely of the essence.

Surprise Satin Flycatcher find an easy stroll next door

How smooth is this? Stroll next door - to Rowes Bay Sustainability Centre wetlands - and stumble upon Satin Flycatcher, very, very uncommon to the area. Plenty down south. But Townsville, of course isn't down south. So, spot black bird with white belly on Saturday. Great!

Sunday, with another keen birder, see same species, but to my mind different bird from first. Great again, but pictures inconclusive. No show yesterday or today. Not so surprising. Who knows where birds uncommon to an area will move to? Or when?

Uncommon highlight today: 2m+ Carpet Python, unconcerned by six Great Bowerbirds and a Yellow Honeyeater mobbing it.