Just a glimpse of paradise

Much tromping about in the Jourama Falls creek forest lately chasing Buff-breasted Paradise-Kingfisher (Tanysiptera sylvia) after seeing breeding pair and an immature bird but only above image of male to display. The remains of twin white tail streamers are obscured. 

Better tale and tail with White-browed Robin (Poecilodryas superciliosa) in the same forest another day.

And also recently with  Yellow-spotted Honeyeater (Meliphaga notata).

Grey-headed white-breaded return for paradise chase

Many mornings, few returns from Jourama Falls lately, seeking clear view of Buff-breasted Paradise-Kingfisher (Tanysiptera sylvia). Bird above one of two still in area, so chase goes on.

As does quest for closer looks at Azure Kingfisher (Ceyx azureus), along same section on Waterview Creek, not far from base of falls.

But all the ambling on the road, stumbling along the creekline and bumbling through the forest has turned up a first for the falls: Grey-headed Robin (Heteromyias cinereifrons) seems  taken by dark patch beside creek, barely above sea level, when its usual habitat is higher in the ranges.

Right at home beside the robin is this Australian River Turtle (Emydura spp.), showing the cheek of one too often given an easy feed by those who can't resist chucking bread at anything that moves in or on the water.

They should know better, said Carl, one of my many morning mates, a sharp-eyed Black-throated Rainbow Skink (Carlia rostralis). Even wholegrain is bad, but these nongs are all white-breads. 

Tantalising glimpses of paradise

Don't see many Buff-breasted Paradise-Kingfishers (Tanysiptera sylvia) near Ingham. Caught this seasonal migrant deep in creek forest at Jourama Falls yesterday. Long white tail streamers just visible. Quick glimpse and no picture today. 

What's needed is for the bird to sit up nicely like this Sacred Kingfisher (Todiramphus sanctus) at Dungeness recently.

After that there's the little matter of processing the image to get the best out of it. Or not such a little matter ...