A fine quartet, said the Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike

A fine quartet of Gracia's postcards soon to grace our new greeting cards for 2012, presented by a Black-faced Cuckoo-strike.

I sighted said Black-faced Cuckoo-strike (Coracina novaehollandiae) in the garden yesterday. I can't recall ever having seen one in the backgarden, even though they are common. It is sometimes referred to as a Blue or Grey Jay. It even answers to the name Cherry Hawk, or so my handy field guide to the birds of Australia tells me. They are known to have a musical voice, which I think makes them sound particularly clever. They make regular autumn-winter migrations inland.

Another thing about these birds I especially like is that they build their nests some 6 to 20 metres high on a horizontal branch laced with spider webs. I wonder if I will see one today.

Thanks for all your help in picking this foursome.


You're in my sights.


With rainfall and thunder close behind.



I enjoy your company.



Guiding me home.