Hurrah, hurrah for Radjah Radjah

What's in a name? More in some than others. Take above Radjah Shelduck (Tadorna radjah).  Also known as Burdekin Duck. Also now (Radjah radjah). Lovely, yes? One of several shelducks. But one on its own. No longer lumped in with Australian (T. tadornoides), Paradise (T. variegata), and others overseas. More on this here.

Burdekin Duck? Yes and no, and then again. Duck? Of a goosey sort. Burdekin? Not so common in the area as the name suggests. And on the colloquial menu, B. Duck meant sliced beef in batter. Shelduck? Above, probably Sheldrake, based on breastband thickness.

Can't be sure of above bird's gender. Almost certain, there'll be few chances of getting so close to another pair of Radjahs almost next door to me in Rowes Bay in any year to come. Rara avis!

Junior Bush Stone-curlew survives days of rain

Took my eye off these two Bush Stone-curlew eggs for a wee bit and 'hey presto' they were gone from trim gardens close to my overnight parking spot.

Along with stroppy protective male (presumed).

And less threatening female (presumed).

Five days later (four of them filled with rain) and much noise today close to my studio unit in Rowes Bay, Townsville. So, junior's about six days old.

The commotion possibly marked demise of second youngster. No signs, however, of marauding cat or goanna. Interrogated junior's companions but no answers from them.