As I was walking towards the shops at Point Lonsdale I was visited by this rather energetic little bird – a Willie Wagtail (Rhipidura leucophrys). They are almost always in motion, swishing their tails from side to side like a clock work toy. If they get cross – and they seem to have very short tempers – they flare the white stripes above their eyes.
I think this one was very used to people and a day later he almost landed at my feet as we spent a last few hours drawing in the sand and generally not wanting to go back to work!
They are a very vocal and sometimes aggressive little bird – I’ve watched them attack magpies and they will often attack cats if they get too close to a nest. It must be hard work being that small!
I suppose it’s another example of a bird named for its supposed likeness to a bird from the far North of the world.
You can find more birds at World Bird Wednesday.You can find the latest post to my other blog by clicking on the Paying Ready Attention image on the RHS of the screen.
Enjoy the birds.
I wonder if small birds KNOW they are small. By the way small ones here chase crows or hawks, I think they either don't have a clue or are very brave.
ReplyDeletea cute little character! with a most interesting name. :)
ReplyDeleteLove the images, love the bird, love the name and I think it sounds very much like the personality of our Mockingbirds...they are quite the characters as well...yes, tis fun to play in the sand;)
ReplyDeleteIt may have a similar name but obviously far more fiesty than the ones I regulary see here!
ReplyDeleteThey are cute birds, and I like the name Wagtail. Great shots!
ReplyDeleteGreat photos of the little Willie! They are fun to watch.
ReplyDeleteA lovely little bird to see...
ReplyDeleteIs that really his name? It's cute and so is he -- in fact, he is adorable.
ReplyDeleteGreat captures and an interesting read. Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.
ReplyDeleteSo sweet little bird! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Stewart for checking out my current events blog They Did What?! I really appreciated your comment! Just trying to get the word out there about some things that are going on in our world these days!
ReplyDeleteThese are lovely photos. Have an awesome week!
Hi Steward! Ids such a sweet little bird!
ReplyDeleteGreat photos of these wonderful little birds, Stewart. "Leucophrys" comes from the Greek and means " with white eyebrows" - very apt!
ReplyDeletea nice little wagtain. We don´t have that onw os it was nice to see your shots. And read the story.
ReplyDeleteHow much heart do these little creatures have? Amazing that they have that much attitude to face off with a cat!
ReplyDeleteWhat a cute little bird!
ReplyDeleteAs dignified as an eagle!
ReplyDelete