For many years a pair of these birds have lived around and nested in the garden trees, regularly raising two youngsters every season. They have never become as trusting as the magpies, always maintaining a wary distance. Table scraps are regularly put out for them, they keep keen eyes on the feeding table and are down to investigate in a matter of minutes. It was so with some off-cuts of mutton, one of the parents first sampled the offering, and then gathered up the remainder to take to the waiting offspring.

Interestingly they also are partial to fruit, orange halves that have been juiced are cleaned out to the pith. They very cleverly place them in the hollow top of a post to make the job easier.

Click to enlarge.

With insects being drawn to the richness of the Eremophila flowers, two tiny lynx spiders were on hand to capture the unwary. The characteristic eye pattern of lynx spiders can be seen in image three.

Close to the Eremophila is the Hakea purpurea, at present coming into full flower. It is also nectar rich and attracted this Imperial White butterfly, Delias harpalyce.

Further out in the garden another Trichiocercus sparshalli larva was discovered making its way upwards on a red gum trunk. The second image is a lateral close up to show the detail of the hairs.

A tiny insect flew in and landed on a Brittle Gum trunk, the macro lens brought into view an extremely small weevil, barely four millimetres long.

Click images except larva to enlarge.