Big mornings with two Mr Bigs

Big morning near Wallaman Falls featured leisurely walk down the road with resident Mr Big, Southern Cassowary (Casuarius casuarius). Not much fallen tucker about the place so fruitful  stops proved rare. Three birds seen together lately so breeding seems probable. Good news for the endangered species.

Another Mr Big, Australian Bustard (Ardeotis australis), the continent's heaviest flyer, pauses during a morning stroll at Mungalla Station, just east of Ingham. Four birds at present call the station's paddocks home.

Biggish bird feeding big appetite at Tyto Wetlands the other day, Pacific Heron (Ardea pacifica). Though striking mostly at prey in mud and shallow water, the bird didn't neglect its greens. Something for parents of fussy feeders to consider given talk of people going insectivorous?  

Uncommon morning starts with uncommon visitor

Uncommonly interesting time yesterday,  starting with uncommon visiting Shining Bronze-Cuckoo (Chalcites lucidus). Species seldom seen in Tyto Wetlands. 

Young White-winged Triller (Lalage sueurii) proved uncommonly content to pose up close.

This Pacific Heron (Ardea pacifica) uncommonly allowed me to walk alongside as it paused between stabbing at prey in the azolla to fluff up in the breeze.  

And female Olive-backed Sunbird (Nectarinia jugularis) put finishing touches to  a nest rather uncommonly dangling openly from pandanus.

To top it all off,  uncommonly long chats with two visiting birders. Thanks guys and birds for a great morning.