Coastal Visitor

The picture above was taken in the Flecker Botanic Gardens, Cairns, of a young Black Butcherbird

After New Year we often have Black Butcherbirds visit the eastern parts of the Atherton Tablelands. Earlier this week though I woke to the unmistakable call of this vicious songster. I say vicious because of their habit of hanging their prey in tight forks or on thorns while they dismember it. Their prey may still be alive while this is happening.