Australian Magpie - mouse hunter?!

I noticed that this magpie was interested in something in the long grass at Hull Rd Wetlands the other day. Then there was a squeak and for some reason I thought it had a young bird. I was impressed to see it marching off with a mouse. I'm accustomed to seeing them poking around for insects, worms and other invertebrates or scavenging from cooperative humans so this was a change for me!

Australian magpie (Gymnorhina tibicen)
Hull Rd Wetlands, Lilydale

Bird of prey!!!?

Also hunting in the soft ground after recent rain was this white-faced heron. While I was watching all he caught was a cricket.

White-faced heron (Egretta novaehollandiae)

Poor shot just before swallowing
his prized catch.

Yellow Robin vs Sparrowhawk

While on the subject of duelling between bird species I came across this fellow at Hull Rd Wetlands the other day. I was drawn into the under storey of a copse of trees by the incessant calling of this juvenile Eastern Yellow Robin (Eopsaltria australis). It was one of those moments when the call was loud but difficult to localise until I had almost walked into him. I took a few pictures and moved on as he continued to call from the same perch.

I was particularly bemused by this vulnerable situation because the reason I was close to the trees was because I was tracking this Collared sparrowhawk (Accipiter cirrocephalus). We had surprised each other (unfortunately this was the only picture I managed) less than three minutes earlier. I am sure that the juvenile robin would have been easy pickings!

The reserve is right on the suburban boundary and is linked to bushland via linear parks and creeklands so there are a good number of species present. A couple seen on the same day follow:

This uncooperative Superb fairy-wren would not
venture in front of the pleasingly presented foliage!

I have seen kookaburra
on each visit.

Word for the day - "Aigrette"

I never connected race day ladies' headwear with egrets until reading one of our esteemed field guides (Pizzey) who refers to the Great egret's breeding plumage:

erectile 'aigrette' plumes cascade down over back to beyond tail tip

One thing led to another (well .... wikipedia) and:

The term aigrette (pronounced: [ɛɡrɛt]; from the French for egret, or lesser white heron) refers to the tufted crest or head-plumes of the egret, used for adorning a woman's headdress.

This knowledge can only add to my sparkling repartee come this year's Victorian Derby Day! Now wouldn't it be great if I had some sparkling aigrette pictures!

If you look carefully you can see a plume.

Great egret - Ardea alba modesta

I mean aigrette

On arrival this egret didn't really choose its perch well

for the breezy conditions ... whoops!

That's better

and now for some dinner

Enlarge me = hint of aigrette

"Aigrettes for human fashion?
Mon Dieu, C'est horrible!"

Hat Inspection Authority in action
The author on race day

By the way, the egret pictures were taken today at the Hull Road Wetlands (on the Olinda Creek near Lilydale).

Point of interest - the egret appears on the reverse of a Brazillian currency 5 reias: