Yes, this is a tree but if you look a bit closer you will see what makes this tree interesting.
Theses are metallic starlings. One of the first times I saw them in the wild was back here in August. But I have seen the resident ones at the Cairns Wildlife Dome quite regularly.
The adult has brilliant red eyes, a long tail and green-glossed black plumage. Immature birds are pale below with dark streaks.
It is native of New Guinea and nearby Australasian islands, and a limited area of north-eastern Australia. They migrate during August to the northern regions of Queensland, where they mate, preparing messy globular nests for their young which hang from tall trees. There they remain until April, whereupon they make their return journey to New Guinea. Wikipedia
These birds have chosen a tree between a servo (service station) and a shopping centre (really it is in the car park) to create a noisy hive of activity.
The birds have built a high flying, high rise apartment complex, filling the lower branches of a tree with their untidy nests. I wouldn't think that would be my chosen place to raise children but it seems to suit them well enough.
They are curious looking birds with their googly red eyes. They didn't seem at all concerned by my company at the bottom of the tree.
They fly to and from the nest regularly and dip inside their nest to feed their young.
On occasion they would startle and the whole flock would disappear in an instant leaving their nests and moving to another tree but then they all came back just as suddenly.
Do you have any curious looking animals near your place?
Wild Bird Wednesday
