And now for something completely different

Trundled across lower reaches of Mungalla Station today looking for waders on the lower lagoon system, opened two years ago to saline inflows at big tides. Didn't find any birds of note (listing on eBird Eremaea for those interested) but after leaning against big paperbark took a closer look at some of its inhabitants. Haven't seen such clusters for years, probably because the birds are higher and the snakes lower than this mob: they're not caterpillars of course, but Paperbark Sawfly larvae (Pergagrapta polita)

And this is, a nice chubby Garden Orb-weaver (Eriophora transmarina) part tucked under paperbark flap. 50c coin size, might even find one tucked away around house in eastern Australia. Apparently ready biter but I found this one absolutely unaggressive.

Time to look away if you're squeamish. Below is cow munching unconcernedly near another station yesterday with prolapsed uterus dangling bloodily behind her. Told jack- and jill-aroos, so she should have all tucked backed inside and a stitch or two holding her together by now.

Still with us? Here's another reddish behind, but much, much nicer: female Blue-winged Kookaburra, on post beside sugar cane road yesterday. (Males don't have red/rufous in tails).