Attack of the Wattlebird!

[Michaela]

This Wattlebird thinks it's great sport to chase our dogs each night as I take them for a walk along the bridle trail. He always appears and persists until they are past his territory, though he pauses occasionally to feed from the marri flowers while the dogs bark at him from below.

These shots show him with Lara on the run - quality is poor unfortunately, as it was almost dark.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4138/4912159319_374de06216_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mlnewman/4912159319/)
IMG_3265.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mlnewman/4912159319/) by Greenidyll (http://www.flickr.com/people/mlnewman/), on Flickr

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4101/4912762840_6c983236f4_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mlnewman/4912762840/)
IMG_3266.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mlnewman/4912762840/) by Greenidyll (http://www.flickr.com/people/mlnewman/), on Flickr

[OzzieTraveller]

G'day Michaela

never mind the IQ
great attack routine tho ... isn't it amazing how the smaller the bird, the more vigorous its attack routine
I'm sure tho that if the dog turned and snapped back, the bird would keep away (it's not silly)
Otherwise - I like 'em

Regards, Phil

[Michaela]

Thanks, Phil!

It seems to be this bird's "Spring thing" as he only does it at this time of year. He seems to pick on the kelpie more than our corgi/jack russell cross, but neither of them can turn their backs on him! It almost seems to be a game for him, flying low to the ground with the dogs after him and then sitting in low tree branches just out of reach. The dogs get so frustrated! I'll have to take the video camera out one afternoon - it's quite amusing to watch!