Numbers of migrating Spangled Drongos are far
higher than I can remember from the last two
years, small flocks seem to be going through all
the time since mid October. This culminated up at
Lotusbird Lodge, Cape York Peninsula on Oct. 25,
when we recorded over 1,000 birds all heading
south west along woodland corridors on the Marina
Plains in the course of a couple of hours in the
morning. Simon Kennedy counted 117 in a sample one
minute count, so the 1000+ estimate is very
conservative. They were in loose flocks of 50-70
birds, or in small groups of a few individuals,
flying near treetop height and clearly moving
steadily through. Some paused to rest and would
then flush and continue onwards. This was a
striking example of visible migration in action.
The Spangled Drongo that was resident and much
photographed at Cassowary House, Kuranda, and
which used to wake us a dawn each day with its
loud calls, was sadly nabbed by a Grey Goshawk and
devoured in full view of our veranda. Two new ones
have appeared already, but are thankfully a lot
quieter so far......
Good birding
Phil Gregory
Birding-Aus is on the Web at
www.shc.melb.catholic.edu.au/home/birding/index.html
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