Female Shining Flycatcher (Myiagra alecto) gets down to adding material to nest in triple fork of bare sapling today. First nest-building by the infrequent visitors in my more than six years in Tyto.
The site amid open pandanus and cheesewood trees, and right alongside main service track into the wetlands, is a surprising choice, even though over a temporary pond. The birds, specially males, love deep shadows along creeks and other treed waterways.
Got quick picture and left after male flew in and took off without going close to nest. Rare to even see a male in Tyto. I'd predict birds won't go on with the project - if I'd a better track record.
And talking of track records, here's an immature White-bellied Sea-Eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster: 2-3 years) caught cruising briefly overhead the other day. My record of tracking high birds and getting super sharp pix is not great. And unimproved!
Anyway, eagle wasting its time really, given the near total lack of prey on or near the main lagoon. Frustrating for both of us since bird didn't hang about and allow time for (possibly) sharper shots.
Great to see the Sning Flycatchers trying to nest, even if it is a little late, by our calendars.
ReplyDeleteNice Juvenile Sea Eagle, Tony.
Because they are so large, we tend to underestimate their speed, and hence the limited amount of time available to the photographer.
Nice work, in my book.
Cheers
Denis
G'day Tony,
ReplyDeleteBeaut to see the Flycatcher on the nest. Hope it succeeds. (Thinking of you as I watch the weather patterns up there).
Gouldiae.
Hi Denis: Eagle can certainly fill the lens and make tracking hard.
ReplyDeleteGidday Gouldiae: Shinings persisting today. Ului no wurri for usi.