Swamp Harrier drops in for closer views

Swamp Harrier stopped months of teasing at distance and circled pool in front of Payets Tower in the Townsville Common yesterday. Unclear what it was interested in, apart from possibly one of resident Darter pair in water. Which would be much more ambitious target than the diet of grasshoppers the Swampy's mostly been on lately.

Elsewhere in the air recently, Brown Falcon near Woodstock ...

... and Brahminy Kite over the Ross River.

Water Python puts lethal squeeze on White Ibis

Just caught sight of Australian White Ibis's final seconds alive at edge of pool beneath Payets Tower in Town Common Conservation Park today. A forlorn wave of wing as snake dragged bird into pool. Quick walk back to Troopy for camera change and gumboots. Snake quit kill soon after this picture, perhaps realising it was wrapped around more than it could swallow. But can't rule out camera-shyness.

Sticking up for birds on sticks

Sick of birds on sticks? Too bad. They've got to go somewhere, apart from with atlas listings. And I've vetoed barbed wire and similar artificial perches. But BOS 'savers' do build up after failing to fit into blog themes. Apart, that is, from theme of birds on sticks. Original, huh? Above, Sacred Kingfisher near takeoff, Ross River.

Horsfields Cuckoo in early-morning light, Townsville Town Common Conservation Park.

Forest Kingfishers in light and shade, Town Common.

Nutmeg Mannikin male, Ross River.

Mistloebird male with fig, just metres away from Nutmeg.

Pale-headed Rosella, Bald Rock  area, Town Common.

Striated Pardalote, one of pair beside Old Flinders Highway.

White-browed Robin, in thicket by Town Common entry gate.