Tug-o'-war before Woodswallow swallows

Immature White-breasted Woodswallow (Artamus leucorynchus) awaiting return of parent (to river cherry tree by Palm Creek at Mungalla Station) had to engage in mini tug-o'-war before eventually taking delivery of the prey.

Even bird parents sometimes have to encourage a youngster to eat but in this case the parent seemed genuinely reluctant when push came to shove to surrender the food. Parents stopped hawking soon after so no repeat performances.