Focus on fishing takes tern for the better

Continuing the fishy theme of late, did better with Whiskered Tern (Chlidonias hybrida) fishing in pool at eastern outlet of Palm Creek in Mungalla Station today.

Gave up trying to swing 600mm lens on gimbal and dug out 300mm lens and went back to handheld efforts. Huge increase in auto focus speed and much easier to find bird in viewfinder.

For all that, only one sequence scored bird with fish in focus (more or less).

Morning also offered a lesson for those thinking of messing about in wetlands in crocodile country. Above, scene across pool. Something not quite right with shape of mud in shadow.

Gumboots on, walk around eastern end of pool and take closer look.

Hello, telltale patterns of quick turn in mud. No sign of exit from water and mud.

And here's the victim. Well, the remains, of turtle seeming about to lay eggs (one mid-left under water).

Saltwater crocodiles don't need much water. And they certainly don't need much invitation to attack the unwary. The message? Look sharp!

Sacred dive heads day of splashy catches

Catching Sacred Kingfisher (Todiramphus sanctus) on the dive one of several highlights at Mungalla Station over weekend.

Can't claim super reflexes for this one. Bird was one of three launching from atop Leichhardt tree and swooping on insects just above water level and on hymenachne growing along the edge of pool below.

And White-bellied Sea-Eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster) happened along overhead in time for leisurely tracking. The major blessing is having the underwings well lit.

Catch of the day for Whiskered Tern (Chlidonias hybrida) came with the bird's only deep dive. After mostly scooping smaller fish from the surface, the bird took a steeper line into the water. It wasn't where I'd been focussing. No time for viewfinder so spun lens on gimbal and jammed shutter button for high-speed burst (almost always have camera on the setting). My catch not quite so perfect as bird's. Splashy though.

No such luck in Tyto today. Managed to draw glare from Pacific Baza (Aviceda subcristata). It's a mark of the species' acceptance of people that this look came after much arm-waving and whistling.

After taking terns, look to a master

Frustrating morning begging White-winged Black Terns (Chlidonias leucopterus) to stop mucking about at fishing and hover slowly above my head at the edge of tidal lagoon today. The Whiskered Terns (Chlidonias hybrida) were no more helpful. Above, best of a bad 300 images.

Slightly better bird-in-flight, Yellow Honeyeater (Lichenostomus flavus) about to join mate in Tyto recently. Hoped to get pair in action but other bird ducked behind mass of twiggery.

And here's what we all hope for, from a master 

Last looks before the Wet

Won't be catching up with this immature White-gaped Honeyeater (Lichenostomus unicolor) at Mungalla Station again soon. The Wet's arrived and it's goodbye to some birding spots for several months.

Mud yesterday, under water today where this Little Curlew (Numenius minutus) stands on a Mungalla track beside Palm Creek.

And Whiskered Tern (Chlidonias hybrida) - yesterday teasing me at Orient Station - will today not be bothered by photographers.