Aphrodisiac toys for a Bowerbird

I have always regarded the blue bits of plastic (and feathers) which Bowerbirds collect - to be "trophies" (to show off their masculinity). But my brother Brendan has persuaded me that their real purpose is as "aphrodisiacs" - to please the female birds.

Anyway, I had a little time to spare the other day, after a careless demounting from a 3 step ladder. In other words I fell off it as I was getting down, and I needed to take a rest, to get over the physical shock. So I parked myself inside the back door window and waited to see if the Bowerbirds would steal the blue plastic pieces which Brendan had put out on the table outside.

Of course, we knew they would only last a few moments, as the male Bowerbirds collect blue items to decorate their display Bowers.

Here's what happened.

A point to note, this bird is an immature male. It still has the green plumage, but the coarse feathers have changed to smooth lines, especially around the neck and face. The top of the head is very smooth, with just a hint of blue-grey tonings. Nothing like the ultimate Satin Blue of the mature male, but he is "on the way".
The bone colouring of the beak is also developing.
This bird has a golden yellow feather in his wing, which helps me identify him.
Finally, this bird is super competitive - being outranked only by the Blue Bird(s). In turn, only a Currawong holds enough power and presence to dominate the feeder over a male Bowerbird in all his glory.

The Approach

picking up the Ring.
But wait - there's more.
Picking up a second piece.
Look at me! I've got the aphrodisiac toys.
Could I possibly get more?
Lets have a close look again.
What're you looking at?
Click to enlarge the image.
The bird is staring straight at the camera.
I'll settle for this lot.

Of course, the Blue male (or one of them) came back shortly afterwards and cleaned off the remaining blue objects. It is a very competitive world out there in the Bowerbird hierarchy.