It is interesting to see observations about the impact of seasonal
conditions on birds.
The Basin[where I am] in the Dandenong Ranges, Melbourne, has been
experiencing some light rains for four or five weeks after a dry, low
rainfall winter. The soil is unusually dry for this time of year, and many
of the eucys in the area have not recovered from the hotter than usual
summer of 96 and the large part of the Ranges National Park burnt in
January is still looking bleak.
The birds
The wintering flocks of pied currawongs left earlier than usual [early
September] to go back to the mountains, and the greys returned earlier to
start breeding.
As reported elsewhere there are plenty of cuckoos [fantailed, horsfields].
Rose robins have already passed through on their way back to the mountains.
Olive-back orioles were early on their way south.
Crescent honeyeaters have already nested, and juvenile golden whistlers are
about.
Red-browed firetails are searching for seed around the house,a sign they
are feeding young up in the park.
No sign yet of rufous fantails, satin or leaden flycatchers.
Satin bowerbirds have been reported near Sherbrooke, just when some were
thinking of striking the species from the Ranges bird list.
My local pair of powerful owls abandoned their nests six weeks ago, after
successfully rearing two in 1996. I suspect that the bush fire which burnt
out a large portion of their territory may have reduced the food supply..
There are three small parties of red-whiskered bulbuls active at the moment
in the area. Of no significance to Sydney siders!
Laurie
|
