Night walk tracks plenty of Nightjars

Plenty of Large-tailed Nightjar (Caprimulgus macrurus) sightings during 90-minute walk in Tyto last night.

Even better than birds in air and on low branches, one nightjar allowed extremely close crawl into its space at edge of track. Full frame image.

Elsewhere in Tyto yesterday, good numbers on honeyeaters, including White-gaped Honeyeater (Lichenostomus unicolor). Picture  from an  earlier outing.

As also this Caspian Tern (Hydroprogne caspia) pictured flying by the Tyto lookout recently.

And active around the hide, Australian Reed-Warbler (Acrocephalus australis). Three of this species seen yesterday contributed to my tally of 66 species for the morning, with a further five species added later. Not bad for a 'droughty' Wet.

Mixed blessing seeing owls by day

Mixed blessing finding night birds by day as in today's find of Southern Boobook (Ninox novaeseelandiae) in Leichhardt tree in Tyto Wetlands. Too much light and shadow.

In Tyto carpark three days ago, too much bottlebrush surrounding Eastern Barn Owl (Tyto javanica).

And too much paperbark around Barn Owl at Mungalla Station.

Meanwhile, hunt for Grass Owls found  only Large-tailed Nightjar (Caprimulgus macrurus) on  track. 

Bassian Thrush out in the open

One of four Bassian Thrush (Zoothera lunulata) along short stretch of Paluma Dam road yesterday.

Surprising to see them out in the open, even more surprising to find the species not previously listed in the area. 

No surprise to find Tooth-billed Bowerbird (Catbird) (Scenopoeetes dentirostris) in full 'song', though perhaps 'raucous voice' might be more accurate.

Nothing seems to keep them quiet for long.

Elsewhere, on fire trail behind Tyto Wetlands, Large-tailed Nightjar (Caprimulgus macrurus) sits undisturbed by bright lights and camera flashes in the night.

Some mothers really do have 'em

Large-tailed Nightjar (Caprimulgus macrurus) a metre from tourist road after deciding on her perfect spot to sit on an egg. She's even got me to thank for the twiggy tangle in front of her. Gives new meaning to 'Some mothers do have 'em!'