Curlew overhead, crab underfoot, heron into prawn

Plenty of Bush Stone Curlews on the ground in Townsville (lately breeding in gardens close to my door) but less often caught overhead in daylight. Above, one of 36 or so put to flight as I sploshed  the other morning across Rowes Bay Lagoon, part of which backs onto my retirement village.

Even less common, mud crab - getting crabby about camera lens being thrust in its face on the same morning.

Rather better looking (unless you're into crabs) and always sounding joyously alive, Varied Honeyeater in pink climber on bank of Lower Mundy Creek, which feeds into the lagoon during super high tides or - as presently - when maintenance work requires the closing of the two large flood gates. 

Striated Herons regularly found along the creek. Not so often seen with fresh-caught prawn (or maybe shrimp?). Long mangrove tendril appears to have got caught up in heron's strike. Bird darted deep into the shadows to sort things out unseen.   

Curlewy question: who's hiding here?

Perilous life for a Bush Stone Curlew chick (click pic to enlarge). Parent birds don't go much for nest building. Almost any old bit of ground will do. Plonk! Plonk! Two eggs. Job done. 

With all their hissing and pretence at injury, the parents often draw attention to the presence of eggs or youngsters. Seeing two birds feigning injury in an area part-cleared for revegetation, I tiptoed about yesterday, attended most closely by the female (above).

Spotted junior 'hiding' motionless. Quick pictures, apologies for the disturbance to Ma and Pa, and tiptoe (could be another, unseen) away. About 140mm rain overnight. Check today. Junior and parents OK.

Here's hoping the youngster grows to fly over Tyto - like this!