above: Welcome Swallow (Hirundo neoxena)
There are many young birds around these days. When I have time, I love observing all the extra activities associated with this special time of the year. The big Channel-billed Cuckoos have come here to enjoy the moment too and lay some eggs in other birds' nests. I can hear them every morning and see Currawongs and Mapies chasing them in the air.
Here is a mix of different youngsters, all of them at different stage of development, all of them at the beginning of their lives, learning how to deal with challenges and survive in a hostile environment. Let's wish them good luck!
above: Spotted Pardalote (Pardalotus punctatus)
above: Willy Wagtail (Rhipidura leucophrys)
above: Eastern Whipbird (Psophodes olivaceus)
above: Australian Magpie (Gymnorhina tibicen)
above: Azure Kingfisher (Alcedo azurea)
above: House Sparrow (Passer domesticus)
above: Blackbird (Turdus merula)
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A few weeks ago I saw a very small nest on a branch hanging over the water. This Willy Wagtail chick was there, probably for the last day as it seemed to me fledged and the parents were trying to get it out of the nest. Below is a picture of a different adult bird, just for comparison. I didn't want to disturb them too much and quickly walked away...
Willy Wagtail, NSW
