AF misses the flycatcher action

Wee trip north today to Five-mile Swimming Hole just south of Yasi-ravaged Cardwell offered plenty of action with Lemon-bellied Flycatchers (Microeca flavigaster) and Leaden Flycatchers (Myiagra rubecula).

Missing in action through much of a frustrating hour, auto focus and/or external flash. Birds came and went, so did camera functions.

But even on best behaviour camera would have struggled for sharp capture of sudden spat between two birds.

And in-flight grabs at prey seldom come out much better than the above. Of course, back at home camera works perfectly. Damn it!
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Monarch on a mossy 'throne'

Search for Noisy Pittas in Broadwater Forest Park today collected a few blurred images, many mosquito bites and a mixed bag of other birds, starting with Spectacled Monarch (Symposiarchus trivirgatus) on deep mossy nest. Species busy breeding and feeding throughout the rainforest park, 40km west of Ingham.

Grey-headed Robin (Heteromyias cinereifrons) willing as always to pose briefly. Earlier, came upon a Grey-headed being dive-bombed by two (much smaller) Pale Yellow Robins.

Conflict also seen between Lemon-bellied Flycatchers (Microeca flavigaster), but this bird was just getting on with foraging.

Last, but for size of catch not least, Forest Kingfisher (Todiramphus macleayii) about to finish off small skink (one of the many copper-heads).
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Flash experiences not so flash

Toured down my favourite country road today with flash new flash and hopes of finding Lemon-bellied Flycatcher (Microeca flavigaster) in coastal woodland. Bird turned up briefly. Flash failed, then overcompensated.

Did better unflashed with Blue-winged Kookaburra (Dacelo leachii) glaring down from distant height.

Better yet with flashy unflashed Brahminy Kite (Haliastur indus) sitting unruffled by gusty winds and my approach on foot.

More flash on this Rainbow Bee-eater (Merops ornatus). Like bird's surroundings, flash new flash rather complicated.  

Junior Lapwing steps forward

Almost missed seeing young Masked Lapwing (Vanellus miles) beside cattle road near coast yesterday.

Screaming parent gave game away. Birds settled down when car stopped.

Used passenger-side window as camera support. Sprawled from driver's seat and fought cramp and aching knee. The things we do ...

Earlier, came upon Lemon-bellied Flycatcher (Microeca flavigaster) in coastal woodland. Species used to turn up in Tyto, but largely absent for past four years.

Unhappy first sighting near Ingham (for me) of Australian Pratincole (Stiltia isabella) on cattle road. Bird ran along road. Behaviour, drooping right wing indicate fracture. Water, food and cover enough for short-term survival.