Hi everybody,
During the past few weeks I have noted an influx of Musk and Scaly-breasted
Lorikeets to suburban Willoughby, about 5-6 km north of the Sydney Harbour
Bridge. They have apparently been attracted by flowering eucalypts, many
planted and not native to the area. I believe that both these species are
seen irregularly in the western suburbs of Sydney and a small population of
both species is resident at Cumberland SF. I have also seen S-b Ls in
flowering Swamp Mahoganys at Bayview Golf Course and in flowering shrubs at
nearby Mona Vale Golf Course, both about 20 km n-w of here. However in
nearly 15 year's residence in the Willoughby area I have never personally
had a confirmed sighting and believe both species to be rare vagrants to
the area.
During the past few weeks I have seen both species and have read of or
received information of sightings from several lower/middle north shore
locations:
Artarmon - Both species
Middle Cove - S-b L
Macmahons Point - Musk
Waverton - Musk
Cammeray Golf Course - Both species
Manly - possible Musk heard during a television report
from St Patricks College, on the hill in south Manly.
Three questions for the local birdos:
1) What is the historical status of these species on the north shore,
especially within the municipality of Willoughby ?
2) How widespread are these species in the Sydney region at present ?
3) What tree species are they feeding in ?
TIA and regards, Andy.
Andy Burton
Andy Burton's Bush Tours
703/4 Francis Road
Artarmon, NSW 2064
Email
Ph 61 2 9904 8468 (home and bus.)
Fax 61 2 9904 8768
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