Bowerbird observtion - ? practising courtship

[Jean Casburn <>]

After a wind and rain shower, 5 green/brown Bowerbirds were racing and chasing in the back garden. Some plucking pink rosemary, and other small flowers, others carrying something larger and pale in pursuit of another.

Most interesting was one particular bird ( green/ brown, black bill purple eye) which appeared to be practising or displaying prowess to another similar looking green/brown bird.  ‘His’ tail was held up, feathers of the body a bit puffed up,  and hopping in a small space. At one stage wagging what appeared to be a bluish piece of paper at the other bird which was quieter but watching from close quarters.

Visibility not great through rain spotted windows.  But a delightful episode in a dull late afternoon,

Jean