Fishy catch for big and small

Snack snatched from edge of main Tyto lagoon this week just the right size and shape for an Intermediate Egret (Ardea intermedia).

But sometimes the catch is almost to small to see - and impossible to identify.

Opposite problem for Australasian Grebes (Tachybaptus novaehollandiae) on lagoon yesterday. Three grebes fought over fish. All finally let it drop. Too much of a good thing it would seem.

Kite leads a show of wings

Wings on show in Tyto reflect some interesting looks at bird life. First, wingtips of Whistling Kite (Haliastur sphenurus) gleam in the morning sunshine as the bird cruises low over the wetlands.

Then, Olive-backed Sunbird (Nectarinia jugularis) begins to open wings as it dances on aerial fig tree roots in the shadows of the Tyto lookout. The bird flittered between three of us standing under the lookout roof, and perched briefly on a tripod.

Finally, Australasian Grebe (Tachybaptus novaehollandiae) trails a wing during a quick stretch and preen on the main lagoon. A quirk of wave angle and light gives the bird three reflected heads.