Sunbird bends over backwards

Few headaches lately brought CT scan trip to Townsville yesterday, and some time looking (mostly) for anything interesting in dwindling wader spots. Nothing stood out among Sharp-tailed and Marsh Sandpipers, apart distant Latham's Snipe.


Best sight, female Olive-backed Sunbird (Nectarinia jugularis) at work on dangling nest. 

She even bent over backwards for me - but wouldn't stay still.

Also found young (rufous markings) Little Shrike-Thrush (Colluricincla megarhyncha) nearby, feeding, not gathering nest material.

Closer to home, got unsteady image of Barking Owl (Ninox connivens) the other night (watch out, possums!). Holding heavy spotlight and camera proved bit of a pain.


Talking of pain, and headaches, brain scan showed nothing (well, minimal grey matter) apart from treatable sinus condition. Spray for me, friends.
Click pix to enlarge