Black Faced Cuckoo Shrike

[Isac]

The black-faced cuckoo shrike (Coracina novaehollandiae) is a protected common omnivorous passerine bird native to Australia and southern New Guinea. I see them at our local lake but they are very difficult to capture in flight. They dart about in the large trees and are pretty shy. This one was being pursued by a magpie lark and kept trying to hide. I was lucky enough to get a few shots while it was watching out for his enemy.

#1 - From about 60 metres away high up.

#2 - Off to a closer perch only about 10 metres away.

[wigz]

#2 is a beauty Isac. I see them fairly often but, as you say, it's difficult to get a shot.

[seaslug]

#2 is the keeper.

[Isac]

#2 is a beauty Isac. I see them fairly often but, as you say, it's difficult to get a shot.

Thanks wigz. I'm sure I'd have a few more keepers if their faces weren't so black! It makes it hard to get detail.

#2 is the keeper.

Thanks Greg, one of only a few that have not hit the cutting room floor.

[Grumpy John]

Or the recycle bin these days