Junior Jabiru grows in confidence

Not so long ago junior Jabiru showed no more than a big head sitting high in a big nest beside Palm Creek at Mungalla Station, Ingham. A few weeks later and young Black-necked Stork (Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus) had to be rescued by Mum after being attacked in the air by an unusually bold Black Kite. In the past two or three weeks, the apron strings have given way to limited self-reliance and independent foraging. Today, enough confidence to allow me within 30 metres before taking off.

Shake the cobwebs out before flight.

Launch into the wind and over the water.

Get those big wings working for some lift.

And up into the somewhat wild grey yonder.