Monday, May 24, 2010

Shining end to Butcherbird threat

Life and death drama for Shining Flycatchers (Myiagra alecto) after juveniles left nest on Friday. Saturday brought Black Butcherbird (big appetite for little birds).

But in more than an hour of searching neither Butch (ignoring throughout Shining parents' fluttering, rasping protests) nor I could find the youngsters.

Yesterday, no dramas. Parents on job (top two pix). No sign of Butch. Shining end!

Bit of shine from Green Pygmy-goose (Nettapus pulchellus) trailing glistening droplets as she takes to the air from the main lagoon. Three pairs settled in now.

Looking pleased with life, Magpie Goose (Anseranas semipalmata) wings over the lagoon. Most of the birds have quit the wetlands.

Not looking so sharp, Forest Kingfisher (Todiramphus macleayii) tucks in ready for landing on bush below lookout.
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5 comments:

  1. mickMay 24, 2010 at 7:37 PM

    Wow! Bird drama at its best with a happy ending!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Denis WilsonMay 25, 2010 at 9:01 AM

    Hi Tony
    Good news re the fledgling "Shinings", but there is always Tomorrow!
    Remember what they say: "Every win is temporary, every loss - Permanent."
    Love the Kingfisher landing image.
    Cheers
    Denis

    ReplyDelete
  3. TonyCMay 25, 2010 at 9:05 AM

    The Pygmy goose shot is a cracker!! Well done Tony.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Tyto TonyMay 26, 2010 at 4:03 PM

    Hi Mick: All still well with Shinings.

    Hi Denis: Win some, lose all?

    Thanks Tony. Still trying for perfect takeoff.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Tyto TonyMay 26, 2010 at 4:03 PM

    Hi Mick: All still well with Shinings.

    Hi Denis: Win some, lose all?

    Thanks Tony. Still trying for perfect takeoff.

    ReplyDelete

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