Flying with a forked twig must be tricky. Especially if you’re flying through a forest of gum trees.

It’s early spring, and some birds have started building nests. I watched this Australian Raven and its partner pick up twigs and carry them away to their nest high in the trees. Then one of the birds found two perfect twigs. The only problem was that the twigs were attached together.

Hmm, let’s see. I could snip off one half with this great big beak of mine. Nup, that didn’t work.

Maybe if I hold it this way… Nup, tree-entanglement potential too high.

If I stand on one half, the other half should break off. Nup, too green.

OK, this is just taking too long. Plus, it’s annoying.

Grab it in the middle. I’m off.

Common name: Australian Raven

Scientific name: Corvus coronoides

Approximate length: 50 cm

Date spotted: 3 August 2019

Season: Winter

Location: Manly Dam Reserve, New South Wales, Australia: 33°46’15.6″S 151°14’48.9″E