Along The Track: Mudlark Magic #2

Posted in Along the Track, Magpie-lark, MudlarkTagged , ,

I had thought that by now the little Magpie-larks would have been on the wing.

But, No.

I’ve ventured out each morning the past few days, and as only Melbourne can do, it has been freezing cold, windy, and on one morning, a thin sleet running on the wind.

Feel a bit self-indulgent about putting up another set of these little birds on nest and feeding.
However, as is so typical, I’ve grown rather fond of the fluffly little hyperactive feather balls. They seem to be fed about every 10-15 minutes and it’s not unsual for first one, and then the other parent to arrive to keep them filled up.

Today, as the nest is now, well, well overcrowded, one of them ventured out on to the branch. Mum came by and in scolding Muddie calles shoo’d it back into the nest. In the nest they are very accommodating of the other’s needs for a wing-stretch or a preen, and it’s not unual for one to bob down into the nest so the other one has room to flex the tiny wings. Hard to describe but heartwarming to watch.
Here is a couple of days of activity.

I’ve tried it as a gallery, so click on an image for a larger view and slide show.

Giving the little wings a bit of a work out
Here, here, we’re over here. Interestingly they are not calling at this stage and its all about wide open beaks and wing flaps
Another food delivery
Every effort is made to be sure that nothing is accidently dropped
Beginning to develop a full set of wing feathers.
The other two hug down in the nest so that a wing trial can go ahead.
Another delivery
Getting bold and stepping out to make room in the nest.
Mum comes in with a beakful
Showing off its tiny tail
More food on call.
The young ones are messy feeders and the long legs of the insect meant that one didn’t quite make it into the mouth.
Mum tries again. The fallen insect is on the branch and nest junction
No waste here. Mum reaches down to retrieve the loss.
… And in it goes.

Enjoy

14 thoughts on “Along The Track: Mudlark Magic #2”

      1. Wellington’s weather has also been very fickle – and very, very wet…! And now the whole of the North Island is under Cyclone Warning as “Gabriel” begins to track down the East Coast… Hopefully, it will change course overnight!
        Keep that camera handy – and hopefully your weather will improve as Autumn approaches!
        Have a pleasant evening…!

        Liked by 1 person

    1. Hello Eleanor, yes, we’ve been out and a bout on family duties the past few days, should be back and settled soon.
      The last time I checked the nest was empty, (not surprised), but try as I might, could not locate a Muddie large or small anywhere. They must have moved them well away.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

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