Cuckoos, caterpillars and thornbills

It’s been an interesting few days in the garden – Red Wattlebirds nesting, Common Bronzewings have returned and some nice spring migrants showing up.

This Horsfield’s Bronze-cuckoo announced its presence with repeated plaintive calls from a series of high points around the house.

Horsfield’s Bronze-cuckoo, Newstead, 27th August 2014.

This species often parasitises fairy-wrens and thornbills, so downtown Newstead offers good opportunities. Cuckoos love eating caterpillars – these images of a Yellow-rumped Thornbill dispatching one while the bronze-cuckoo called above seemed apt.

Yellow-rumped Thornbill with caterpillar, Newstead, 27th August 2014.

Dispatched in a blur!

Finishing off the job.