Egret flaps, Ibises stand out, Neon Bee shines

Oops, toes too long, twigs too tiny, Intermediate Egret fights for balance in the Town Common today.

But casting shadow of its head on inside of wing is a nice touch.

Sharing fast-dropping small pool with the egrets, Australian White Ibis stands shadowed in shallows.

Unlike Straw-necked Ibis, on rock in city park (and sitting in picture folder for weeks: awaiting 'right' opening).

And ... and a bright blue bee. A Neon Cuckoo Bee. It's not just birds that sneak eggs into other species' nests.

Colour here curved to max to show bee as it looks in strong late morning sunshine. Extremely neony!

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Catching landings and landing catches

Caught couple of wetland landings in warm morning light at Mungalla Station, first with Eastern Great Egret (Ardea modesta) nearing touchdown ...

... then Royal Spoonbill (Platalea regia) glowing a catching pinky-white while coming down to join the crowd.

And in same session captured Intermediate Egret (Ardea intermedia) landing a tasty catch. Success is catching!

Flood food brings Egret breezing in

Intermediate Egret (Ardea intermedia) fluffs out and gets legs crossed in a brisk Tyto breeze. Flush of easy flood pickings brought this bird and many others to temporary spillway across track. Flood gone, food gone, bird gone.