Don't be fooled by this innocent looking feathered friend sheltering from the rain on the fence in my back garden. Yes, it is gorgeous, all birds are, but that little hook on the end of it's beak is deadly to it's victims. It is the Grey Butcher Bird (
more) endemic to Australia. Named thus because when it kills it's prey, which can be anything from insects to small vertebrae creatures like lizards and other birds, it impales it on something sharp like a thorn or something similar to make it easier to eat, or store for later or believe it or not to attract a mate..! Not quite sure which of these it was attempting when it impaled a baby dove on one of the plants on my patio, but believe me it didn't 'attract' me in the slightest..!! The balance of nature can sometimes be tough to witness.....!! Have a great day.
Wow, that is awfully vicious for such a cute little bird. I don't think I've ever heard of this guy before.
ReplyDeleteWhat a ruthless character! Not the most pleasant to have hanging about in your garden.
ReplyDeleteJust goes to show that you cannot judge a book by its cover; looks definitely are deceiving. But, then again, gotta believe the the balance of nature is part of the equation.
ReplyDeleteIt looks like a mild-mannered fellow. Thanks for the warning!
ReplyDeleteI saw a baby snake the other day that this little fellow would have loved for a snack. Happy Saturday.
ReplyDeleteI'm no nature photographer but that's a fine shot. Never heard of this cute little monster but the universe in general is cruel. Any asteroids heading our way?
ReplyDeletedo re-title this post with the name of the bird, so those searching it will see this great shot!
ReplyDeleteAloha from Waikiki;
Comfort Spiral
> < } } ( ° >
oh wow!
ReplyDeletenature can seem so cruel at times..
brilliant capture!
What a good shot. Marvelous how you managed to get him to pose for you!
ReplyDeleteand say that it seemed so innocent !!!!!! It 's true that looks can be deceiving !!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteBellissimo!
ReplyDeletehave a nice weekend
ciao
Matteo
He's a pretty little thing for a butcher bird! Nice shot.
ReplyDeleteBeautifully clear shot Grace. Hope your weekend is going well.
ReplyDeleteI've heard of it but was not familiar with it until now. Good capture.
ReplyDeleteI don't think it's vicious in the least. We tend to look at animals with human 'morals' and sets of values, which to me is downright stupid.
ReplyDeleteSorry about that. I think that whatever its to us peculiar ways, this is a beauty!
The only birds I see on my terrace are huge and incontinent gulls. I really hate them: they scared away the few sparrows...
ReplyDeleteSimply beautifully captured shot...lovely!
ReplyDeleteI want a cute little podgy bird just like that in my garden Grace.
ReplyDeleteThat's a pleasant thought. Nature is amazing, really.
ReplyDeleteMerci et bonjour
ReplyDeleteBeautiful shot!
ReplyDeletei am not too keen on birds although this one does look sweet.
ReplyDeleteWe get many of these little ones in our garden! I did not realise that they were quite so vicious! And love the ring of their call!
ReplyDeleteHe looks so innocent. We learn something new, albeit scary, every day.
ReplyDeleteDarryl and Ruth :)
Don't judge a book by its cover! :-) It's lovely anyway and I never heard of it before. Great capture.
ReplyDeleteI don't think he/she looks innocent. There's an evil look in that eye! Natural selection, Grace, you've got to admire it!
ReplyDeleteNice little critter...
ReplyDeleteKind regards,
Mike