Through the wonky aluminium window...

Normally, while standing in the shower I can observe the king parrots and Bower birds savaging the tomatoes. Visitors wonder at the selection of plums sitting on the windowsill - ammunition.

This morning we were treated to a couple of little Superb Fairy Wrens. The male has the bright blue plumage (in pic) while the female is disguised as a 65 year old school administrator. I was informed however, that the female is the most promiscuous of all birds. It's tempting to make crass comments but we prevail.

Because males like to secure their genetic heritage, they peck at the female, just above the vulva until the previous suitor's blob of sperm emerges. He then mates with her. I've said it before and I'll say it again; nature is disgusting. Whilst musing on this slutty little detail a female fairy wren showed up, wearing her non-descript taupe plumage. It's always the quiet ones....

Fairy wrens aren't rare, and they featured among the specimens removed and examined by Cook's expedition, who proved their knickerbockers and frilly shirts by dandily naming the varieties; the Superb Fairy Wren and the Splendid Fairy Wren. No wonder the Hawaiians ate him.