Keep away from my nest you mongrel

[Grumpy John]

Spotted this Sand Monitor (I think) after hearing screeching coming from a gum tree near where we were camped at Mildura.
#1 One of the birds that was making a fuss. Noisey Miner (Manorina Melanocephala)


#2 This guy was at least 1.2 meters long and very determined to get to the nest, which very high up in the tree. Judging by his claws I have no doubt that he would have made it.


#3


#4

[kevinj]

Those noisy miners do cause a hell of a ruckus and you can`t blame them with that bugger going after their nest.Like how you got him all in #2 but #4 would be my fave,he`s giving you the "evil eye" for sure.

[Grumpy John]

Thanks Kevin. He let me get quite close, I think he was too focused on the nest to worry about me.

[eaglem]

Nature in a pictorial series... Well done.

[Grumpy John]

Thank you EM, finding this Sand Monitor going about his natural business was a real bonus for me.

[Isac]

Lovely series GJ! It's a real buzz when you catch something like this, rather unexpected - and glad you have your camera with you. I missed a classic this morning (no camera), a beautiful Black faced Cuckoo Shrike RIGHT IN FRONT OF ME on a low branch with only blue sky behind it. Ah well, a moment lost. I think all of your pics need a contrast boost, to me they look a tad flat. I may be wrong. Maybe setting a USER Picture Style to push the contrast and saturation up a bit? Does this look any better?

[Ozzie_Traveller]

G'day GJ

All looks beaut to me matey - just keep cleaar of those claws

Phil