cuckoo

Thank you to Rick and Elis Simpson for showing me this and many other birds.

Cuckoo

In a "cuckoo-ing" stance! Sadly it was also the stance that allowed it to see me stood nearby, and it flew off!

There were 3 chasing each other over the pools and reedbeds, stopping occasionally to call. This one had been in a dead tree, and had flown when it spotted me creeping up. Fortunately, it only flew a few yards to a spot I could approach using a tree as cover.

My first this year a bit distant, but nearer than i got this morning.

Thanks to Birdforum members for identifying this bird for me.

These channel-billed cuckoos are creating havoc as they search for nests to parasitise. They land high in trees such as hoop pines and eucalypts, where other birds' nests are located. Their call is raucous.

Another one of the juvenile I saw recently.

Showing its back to me for a different shot.

Taken in the last light of the day, on the first day on the island. It was hopping along the posts of the fence, picking up caterpillars as it went. Shame about the wire though, as it's a bit distracting on the image.

Sticking its neck out, perhaps spying a meal below.

About to eat another cinnabar caterpillar. I assume it is safe to eat these...

Just having scoffed down another furry snack. Actually stayed still on the ground for a couple of seconds, perhaps soaking up some warmth from the sun.

About to eat a cinnabar caterpillar.

Using those beady eyes to spot something for lunch, from a handy perch at the edge of the reserve.

Rather chuffed with this (and a few others on my web gallery) as this juvenile cuckoo was feeding near the edge of the reserve, but unlike the adult birds, didn't seem bothered by me being there. As a result, I managed to grab a fair few almost full-frame shots of it, as it picked off...

this cuckoo was confiding indeed. often sang also from the balcony of house!?

Was some distance so had to crop a fair bit. Photo could have been better but it is a first.

Complete with caterpillar.