Some birds of Hampden Park.

Grey Butcherbird
Yesterday, when I was in Hampden Park, I got a quick look at a Grey Butcherbird (Cracticus torquatus). Check this link to the Birds in Backyards site, for the full life story of Butcherbirds.

These birds are very fast fliers, and quite aggressive towards other birds.

This one attacked a Red Wattlebird which was looking for insects under bark in a Gum Tree. The Wattlebird is marginally larger than the Butcherbird.



The Butcherbird flew out into the open, and landed on a power line, where it perched momentarily.

It then flew off across the Park, to harass something else.

Although far smaller than a Magpie, they are fairly "mean birds", and aggressive. They also kill other small birds, especially nestlings (in season). However, mostly their diet consists of insects, worms, and small lizards.

Kookaburra
A Kookaburra flew in and perched "iconically" in a Gum Tree (as in the song).

After I had taken some photos, and returned to the car, a group of 3 more flew in , and landed together, and started "laughing" together.

Thanks guys! I'll try again another time.