Raven in attack mode.

Getting closer

Moving to a different position

We saw nature in its rawness yesterday evening.  We were riding along the Cooks River when we came across a flock of very rowdy shrieking Cockatoos.  There were around twenty of them all gathered in the one gum tree.  The noise was something else.

I stopped to take some photos when my husband said, “There is a mammal up there.”  I looked around the canopy & saw a brushtail possum with two ravens nearby.  It was about 7pm & the sun was still up, so we had a very good view of this possum.  Being nocturnal, these animals are usually only seen after dark.

As we watched it became obvious that the ravens wanted to attack the possum. They are meat eaters, usually carrion.  My guess is that the possum was seen as an opportunity for food because it was in such a vulnerable position.  That is, if they could get him to fall to his death.

Whatever the reason behind their actions, the ravens were most certainly wanting to harm the possum.  He was standing on a very thin branchlet, having put a branch between him & the ravens.  His left foot was poised ready to strike any raven that came too close.

So, we had two strong black beaks that could have easily blinded the possum & the long claws of the possum, which would have caused injury to any raven that got too close.

The ravens took turns & tried to strike the possum from underneath, but they just could not get close enough.  Meanwhile the Cockatoos were alerting everyone in earshot that a possum was in danger.  We felt scared for the possum because he had nowhere to go.

Suddenly a large cockatoo entered the fray.  Wings out & crest up,  this cockatoo came between the ravens & the possum.  Screeching & expanding his size by spreading those wings even more, he managed to push the ravens out & miracle of miracles, they gave up & flew off.

The cockatoo then moved away from the possum still making a performance until he had moved to a different part of the canopy.  What a hero!   Then the rest of the flock praised his bravery as loud as they could.

When we moved on, the possum was still standing in the same position probably getting over what was a near death experience & thinking he will never come out early again.

I am pleased that there are possums along the river.  We need to keep in mind that trees offer both food & a home to wildlife & plant trees that will serve our native wildlife well.  In other words, plant food producing trees as a first choice.

Big old trees are vitally important & I expect we will lose many of them to development.   Then the accommodation crisis for homes between birds & animals will become obvious.

This was a great outcome for the brushtail possum & three cheers for the brave cockatoo who put an end to the fight.

Cockatoo to the rescue!

Look at how fierce I am

Moving away now that the ravens have gone

Taking a new position now the possum is safe.