It’s a matter of some wonder – and a little concern – that this birdy couple has constructed its home so close to the path where you’d think it was vulnerable. I’m grateful, of course – that’s how you get to take photos without having to resort to scaffolding and ropes.

It reminds me a little of the Magpie Lark I photographed in Queanbeyan last year, moments before seeing a platypus for the first time. The nest was in full view of a busy riverside path with its ceaseless traffic of dog walkers, runners and cyclists. But it was well over the water, so presumably difficult for predators to reach it and sup on the precious eggs within.

Note the expression we know so well from the Willie nest: a kind of ‘I’m not here but if I was you can’t see me’ scowl.

Today’s foray down to the Nestwatch site produced little of concrete interest . . . but mama Willie did seem to be sitting a tad higher – perhaps holding a brood of repulsive featherless hatchlings to her bosom? Impossible to tell: that revelation will have to wait until the progeny are larger and more active.

Anyway, another shot on the way back past the nest didn’t reveal much more: just some fluff and stuff which looked a little less tidy than usual. Evidence of a long night of hatching? I’d like to think so.

It’s been a night of lightning, thunder, and a short period of very heavy rain. I imagine this doughty soul hunkered down in her little cup of moss and spiderwebs, keeping her offspring (or eggs) warm and dry while the weather does its best to defeat them. Let’s see what tomorrow brings.