Another Exidia species found in our oak forest, first in the series. This one takes an irregular shape of a gelatinous, dark-brown to black, lump protruding through a deep layer of old moss on a large log discarded in the forest. The lump is very jelly-like, shaky on touch, and appears covered in wart-like bumps. This lump was about 10 to 12 cm large, some 5cm deep, and about the same in height.

And yes, it IS a great spotting, congrats.

Bush stone-curlew's are large, slim, mainly nocturnal, ground-dwelling birds, and are endemic to Australia. Although they look rather like a wading bird and are related to the oystercatchers, avocets and plovers, they are a terrestrial predator filling an ecological niche similar to that of the roadrunners of North America. They specialise in hunting small grassland animals: frogs, spiders, insects, molluscs, crustaceans, snakes, lizards and small mammals are all taken. This species is classifies as endangered in NSW and Victoria. They range throughout most of Australia and were formerly quite common, but have declined in numbers through habitat loss and predation by foxes and feral cats. Other states are reasonably secure.

Ok, times are rough, maybe the guy just wanted a steady job! You know, maybe he is tired of running after prey and from predators! And, if 'he' is a 'she', I'd check if the bathroom window is closed... ;-)

Bush stone-curlew's are large, slim, mainly nocturnal, ground-dwelling birds, and are endemic to Australia. Although they look rather like a wading bird and are related to the oystercatchers, avocets and plovers, they are a terrestrial predator filling an ecological niche similar to that of the roadrunners of North America. They specialise in hunting small grassland animals: frogs, spiders, insects, molluscs, crustaceans, snakes, lizards and small mammals are all taken. This species is classifies as endangered in NSW and Victoria. They range throughout most of Australia and were formerly quite common, but have declined in numbers through habitat loss and predation by foxes and feral cats. Other states are reasonably secure.

Many thanks, Leuba, Sukanya and Jae. I did my best to discourage the bird from entering the building, but he was determined! He made an odd "guttural" sound every time I approached, but I had no alternative but to shoo him off! They are a very attractive, albeit odd-looking bird, and their big eyes are very distinctive. Being ground-dwelling birds makes them easy pickings for feral animals. Yes, it is a pity, Leuba :(