Snipe triggers smiles on Sunday surveyors' dials

Latham's Snipe takes break from busy morning feeding close to tower hide in Townsville Town Common this morning and by so doing in plain sight pleasing members of Birdlife's regular monthly Sunday survey team. Also present, two, later three, Sharp-tailed Sandpipers. Nothing remarkable about their presence, ordinarily. However small wader (shore bird) numbers notably low through all the 2020 post-wet season. Seems also unlikely that migrating Yellow Wagtails will drop in by the rapidly drying remaining pools. Low numbers of Australasian Pipits seen lately indicate lack of suitable conditions for the Wagtails.

Water Python puts lethal squeeze on White Ibis

Just caught sight of Australian White Ibis's final seconds alive at edge of pool beneath Payets Tower in Town Common Conservation Park today. A forlorn wave of wing as snake dragged bird into pool. Quick walk back to Troopy for camera change and gumboots. Snake quit kill soon after this picture, perhaps realising it was wrapped around more than it could swallow. But can't rule out camera-shyness.