Jeff Amess proposed an interesting list of invaders "species such as the
Common, Starling, House and Tree Sparrow, The two Goldfinches, Blackbird,
Cattle Egret, House Crow (a wiry foe), Ostrich, Spotted and Laughing Dove,
Feral Pigeon".
I am wondering about the inclusion of the Cattle Egret on this list. Yes,
it "invaded" this country but did so under its own steam without the direct
aid of man as was the case for the other species listed. There were small
introductions early this century but it is thought that these did not
succeed. Later, these birds made their own way to Australia, as they made
their way to New Zealand decades later. Indirectly, they took advantage of
a habitat created by man in the form of pastureland. This habitat is one
that is largely unoccupied although other native species such as ibis have
also taken advantage of it.
Cheers
David Geering
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