Bush Stone-curlews

This post is for World Bird Wednesday

This morning I was invited to visit a beautiful bird-friendly garden. Brian and Sue have been living here for about twenty years and they have a garden filled with mature trees and shrubs as well as areas of low-growing foliage and flowers. Many of the trees and shrubs are flowering and fruiting varieties that the birds love. There are also areas of low growing foliage where the ground is mulched and plenty of dried leaves are left for ground dwelling birds to hide in among. Add to all this beds of veges and herbs and large beds of strawberries.
I could see birds flying between the trees but I had come to see a special pair of Bush Stone-curlews (Burhinus grallarius). These birds have been in this garden for a number of years and have nested and raised young ones here. There are no cats or dogs to bother them and they are used to people moving quietly through the garden. They have a couple of favorite spots where they can sit down among the plants and get lots of winter sunshine. (Click on photos to enlarge them.)
(Added later! I should have given an indication of the size of these birds. Length 550mm including 180mm tail and 45mm bill. These birds are NOT small!)

Birding books say that Bush Stone-curlews are shy and more often heard than seen. However, they can also become used to people around them in places where they feel safe. The garden this morning was very peaceful and it was great to have the opportunity to see these birds so close. Thanks Sue and Brian!