Whistling Kite makes catch of the day

Surprise catch of the day in Tyto late this morning with Whistling Kite (Haliastur sphenurus) launching from above me ...

... going straight to centre of shin-deep main lagoon to strike and grab eel ...

... and heading off with writhing prey ...

... still spraying droplets of water as the kite turned back towards trees - with glimpse of lookout shelter in background.

It all seems so easy, but most Whistling and Black Kites do not exhibit any skill at taking live fish or eels, even after seeing others of their species make catches.

Willie Wagtail whistles into intruding Kite

Whistling Kite (Haliastur sphenurus) may look menacing in flight above Mungalla Station but ...

... Willie Wagtail (Rhipidura leucophrys) doesn't scare so easily. (Always bet on the black and white bird in any avian conflict: the kite moved on).

Cuckoo in strange company

Uncommon enough circling low over the Wetlands, this lone Channel-billed Cuckoo (Scythrops novaehollandiae) today added to distinction by flying and perching with mixed mob of egrets and cormorants in Tyto before heading off east with its new-found chums. Not a longterm bond, I feel.

Uncommonly close at Mungalla today, Whistling Kite (Haliastur sphenurus) almost fills frame (crop top only) as it floats over Palm Creek. Almost sharp too. Almost...