Red In Beak And Claw

Doctor Wallenius is in a crouching position at one end of the rotten log.

He has been there for ages.

The female funnel web spider is at the other end of the rotten log, inside her silk lined burrow.

Not coming out.

Is waiting the only option? asks Ray. Surely there are more active methods of extraction.

Yes there are active methods, says Doctor Wallenius. Can anyone tell me what they are?

I can, says Keanu ( little smart arse). You could use a pooter.

Well done, says Doctor Wallenius. And why won't I use one today?

Because you might swallow the spider, says Beau.

Good answer, says Doctor Wallenius. The pooter is only used to suck up small creatures, and then blow them out into a container. So the pooter is too small to suck up this large female arachnid.

Can you see her? asks Unni.

I can, says Doctor Wallenius.

Why don't you go to the other end of the log and come up behind her? asks Ray.

Great plan, says Doctor Wallenius. Who'll keep guard at this end?

Me, says Keanu. And me, says Beau.

Okay, says Doctor Wallenius. Here's a Ziploc bag each. Wear it like a glove. If she jumps out don't panic.

They can't jump, says Beau ( first class smart arse)

Just be prepared, says Doctor Wallenius.

Remaining in a crouching position he waddles to the far end of the rotten log and peers in.

The female funnel web spider is unprepared for a rear entry.

Doctor Wallenius produces his entomology forceps. His hand moves forward gently, gently....

But then...

Sweezus breaks through the undergrowth, with the aid of Katherine's bird smeared trainers.

Crash-smash-tash!

Followed by Katherine, with little assistance.

Oooo-ooh! says Katherine. My poor FEET!

Katherine! cries Unni, What's all that blood on your face? And why aren't you wearing your trainers?

Long story, says Sweezus, placing the trainers on top of the rotten log, as two Bristlebirds settle softly on a branch at the edge of the clearing.

Damn! says Doctor Wallenius.

The female funnel web spider does not jump exactly, but something quite like it.

Now she runs to the other end of her silk lined burrow, and freezes at the entrance.

There she IS! cries what looks like a Ziploc bag, opening to swallow her.

She drops to the floor of the forest, and hides under a pile of dead leaves.

Did you see that dear? says Mr Bristlebird. Fancy a morsel?

I certainly wouldn't say no, says Mrs Bristlebird.

Mr Bristlebird darts down and nabs the female funnel web spider. With one snap she is one half demolished. The other half is borne aloft to his missus.

Did you see that! cries Unni.

Yes, says Tom Wallenius, disappointed.

They look like Eastern Bristlebirds! cries Unni. What do you think, dad?

Ray thinks they look like Eastern Bristlebirds.

The Bristlebirds are alarmed at all this attention. They fly upwards.

On the way up, they bethink themselves. They can't leave their babies, smeared all over the trainers of that blundering woman. What about the promise of restoration that Sweezus has made them?

They fly downwards, perching just out of sight of Team Spider.