Young Bazas stretching out before first flights

Severe thunder storm shaking Townsville overnight did no damage to thriving Pacific Baza family of four in centre of Pallarenda park. Latest pictures reveal youngsters giving their wings thorough workouts from time to time. 

Here's hoping for some shots as birds soon get ready to depart nest. But, how soon? And when . . . ?   

Munching on mantids, preying on the praying

Munching on mantids, it's what Pacific Bazas do. Putting it another way, preying on Praying Mantises makes their mornings. Specially when most of the mantid is destined for young birds high in a nest.

Where's the nest? High above my head in a suburban park. Near the seaside. Nothing strange about that. Bazas appear right at home along the tropical North Queensland coast.

But it's not all juicy green mantids. Green tree frogs, not quite so well disguised, make an equally juicy target, though not quite so deliciously squishy.

 All up, great diet! Meaty greens, relatively low fat. Just the thing to keep youngsters growing and tireless parents going. And that's a must. As the Baza's call has it: Eee-chew, Eee-chew.