The very-talented Noisy friarbird

The Noisy friarbird is a dusky grey-brown bird with a black leathery head and knobbly bill. I have just learned from the Birds in Backyards Philemon corniculatus page that the prominent bump is called a "casque".

In the annual school play the Friarbird is sick of being cast as the ugly villain!

The Villain
Noisy Friarbird, Hell's Gates, Noosa National Park

I had a close range experience with this "fellow" at Noosa in a bit of golden hour light. When reviewing the images I felt this bird appeared keen to audition for some other roles!

The Larrikin
Quick to poke the tongue

The TV Journalist
"That's very concerning indeed!"

The Professor
"I liked the way you worked that maths problem Sonny"

The Dinner Party Host
Impeccably presented

The Wintry Businessman
Loves a well-fitted fur coat

The Hunchback

The Patient
"Do you think I could get this thing taken off?"

The Action Hero
Ready to pounce!

We birders can't resist an opportunity to apply a little anthropomorphism!

Sharing with Wild Bird Wednesday

Bird on!

Today I learnt about dimorphism!

We Aussie blokes have noticed that sheilas look different....

I read today that this is called sexual dimorphism. Birds demonstrate this as well of course but some species demonstrate non-sexual dimorphism.

I had always been aware that the Eastern Reef Egret had dark and light forms known as morphs. Up 'till now I had only ever seen the dark morph (living down south) but this month on the Sunshine Coast I believe I have seen both.

This prompted a little exploration about how this dimorphism works with particular reference to this species. I read:

1. Wikipedia's pages Eastern Reef Egret and sexual dimorphism
2. Eremaea's listing for Eastern Reef Egret
3. Birdlife Australia re Eastern Reef Egret
4. Same for Birds in Backyards

Eastern Reef Egret (Egretta sacra) Dark morph, Noosa Heads headland

Eastern Reef Egret, light morph, Caloundra

This photo from Thailand hosted by Wikipedia at their Eastern Reef egret page claims to have both forms in the one frame:

Birders look away (instagram warning):

Black-shouldered kite, Wedge-tailed eagle, Eastern spinebill

Sunshine Coast Ospreys

Over the last four years I have enjoyed an annual trip with friends to Caloundra for a few days in May. Among the many highlights are opportunities to renew acquaintances with the local ospreys.

Osprey (Pandion heliaetus), Noosa Heads National Park 

In the photos above the bird was perched on the bare branch seen at lower right. He patrolled this coastline around the Boilingpot Lookout, Noosa Heads National Park

Now we are back closer the accommodation and the Kings Beach ospreys are even more obliging with one bird regularly perching at the Surf Club. His favoured lookout was on some street art ...... featuring birds!

A fellow Victorian admires the view (allowed this close only after the author was satisfied he had enough snaps!)