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.

Triller down from tree tops

White-winged Triller (Lalage sueurii) comes down from the tree tops to chase breakfast in Tyto. More males of the species than usual this season but females have not been as prominent.

Certainly not so common as Tawny Grassbird (Megalurus timoriensis). Bladey grass has invaded many former shaded areas since Cyclone Yasi and grassbirds are everywhere in noisy numbers.

As always, so too Rufous Whistler (Pachycephala rufiventris). This juvenile one of several throughout the wetlands lately.