Very swift runners & will sometimes run in an upright position on their hind legs when pursued. In cool, wet weather they bury themselves in the sand or shelter under a bush. They rarely enter the water but do have the ability to swim. Feed on flies, moths, caterpillars, grasshoppers & small beetles

…Red-necked Stints, Red Knots, Pied Oystercatchers and others yet to be ID’d!

Thanks Michelle 😊

Me too 😂
I was trying to find my ‘babies’ pics but will have to search further!

…like hopping on a single leg to attract attention to itself & away from its real nest or chicks. Common throughout N, central & E Australia. Also found in Indonesia & New Guinea. Populations have been formed in New Caledonia & New Zealand from birds that have flown there from Australia.

…& then swooping fast & low striking at interlopers with their feet & attacking animals on the ground with the conspicuous yellow spur on the carpal joint of the wing. The bird may also use diversion tactics such as fiercely protecting a non-existent nest, or a noisy distraction display…3/4

Known for their bold nesting habits being prepared to make a nest on almost any stretch of open ground: school ovals, car parks, traffic roundabouts etc. Shy & harmless until breeding when the nesting pair defends their territory against intruders by calling loudly, spreading their wings…2/4

Forage in tree canopies & feed almost exclusively on insects & their larvae, especially hairy caterpillars. Also found  in Lesser Sundas, New Guinea, Solomons & Vanuatu, New Zealand, Lord Howe, Norfolk & Chatham Islands and is partly migratory throughout these areas while others are sedentary. 3/3

They lay their eggs in other bird's nests, usually Thornbills but also Gerygones, Scrubwrens, Fairywrens, Honeyeaters & Robins. One egg is laid per host nest. Chicks are blind when they hatch & they eject the other contents of the host nest within 24 to 96 hours of hatching! 2/3

Bet that’s helping you breathe easier too 💛✨😘

Sorry to hear you’re still struggling with back issues despite the heavy duty meds Trish but great news about the absence of cancer in your bones 🤗

If impressed, the female moves into the bower for mating & then leaves to perform the nesting duties on her own while the male readies himself for courting more prospective females! Feed mostly on fruits but during summer (breeding) also insects & leaves are often eaten during the winter months 4/4

When a female appears
the male begins a ritualised display of exaggerated movements; strutting bowing with wings outstretched & quivering, accompanied by a variety of mechanical-sounding calls; buzzing & rattling & also mimicry. One of the bower decorations is usually carried in his bill. 3/4