The whoosh of Metallic Starlings en masse, as they swoop fast and low through our garden, is indicative of warmer weather on its way. Although still a very pleasant temperature for gardening activities, our cool winter weather is giving way to our warmer ‘growth’ months. Pruning and weeding keeps me busy but it’s not a chore when you’re able to stop and watch the birds nearby.
Large-billed Gerygone
We’ve been listening to Little Bronze-cuckoo calling, probably a prelude to mating and egg laying ……… but in whose nest? A pair of large-billed Gerygone have just started nest building, conveniently within lens distance of one of the bird hides, but nicely placed in the foliage of a paper-bark. (Melaleuca cajaputi)
Large-billed Gerygone at work nest building
Lovely Fairy Wrens, looking particularly lovely just now, are always a delight to observe as they dart in and out of cover in their search for insects. The climbing fern, Lygodium reticulatum, is wonderful shelter for them although it’s tough twining stems can be troublesome for young trees.
Female Lovely Fairy-wren
A glimpse of the male through some foliage, showing his glorious colours in the sunlight.
Male Lovely Fairy-wren
Allen
Barbara