Interludes – Birds as Poetry —— Just because I WANDER

This is one of those moments that my “Interlude Project” was made for.

One of a pair with cygnets in our local Water Retaining Basin.
It had moved to the far end of the pond for a spot of bathing, cleaning and coot chasing.
Satisfied with its results, it was time to return to the chores of looking after the young.

A quick flight down the pondage and a waterski for the thrill and life could go on.

I know that it’s frowned on to anthropomorphise about them enjoying the moment, but I really believe that they get a kick out of the ability to skim the water and make a bit entrance.
And if they don’t, well at least it keeps me smiling.

Enjoy

All flaps down, brushing off speed and readying the landing gear.

Levelling out and a landing spot picked out

Any one can ski on two, it’s much more fun on one

“Mum’s Back” The young came out all excited to see the parent return.

Tho’ Nature, red in tooth and claw
In Memoriam;
Alfred, Lord Tennyson

Welcome to Interludes:
We had been monitoring a pair of Black-shouldered Kites for the past several months, in between lockdowns, and had come to the conclusion that perhaps they had abandoned the project due to the cold weather.
However a couple of weeks ago things seemed to change, the male began to bring in food and took to sitting on a tree close to where we thought the nest might be. Plaintive cries from a hungry female confirmed it.

But, the nest tree was cleverly located behind a huge chainwire fence at the Treatment Plant and access and a close approach was out of the question. So in between weeks at home and bad weather we just had to wait.

Then, the weather opened up one morning to sunshine and we journeyed out for a looksee.

Can’t be sure, but it is pretty clear that the young had emerged from the nest, and at least one of them has made a few tentative flights.
Set up, settle in, see what happens.

One of the young took to the air, but its direction and control skills needed much more development. Eventually after much loud calling it landed a bit down range in the next tree.

Unfortunately, the tree was already inhabited by a nesting Australian Magpie.

And Maggie has a zero tolerance for visitor. Enraged and highly defensive, the little Kite would be no match for Maggies sustained attack.