Those wishing to twitch the House Crow should
search the far western tip of Phillip Island. Anywhere within 2.5 km of the Sea
Life Centre which is on the headland which overlooks The Nobbies. It has not yet
been seen as far east as the Penguin Parade. This is not a particularly large
area and fairly easily patrolled by car, especially high 4WD's, from cliff top
roads along both shores. Best time is early morning when it joins groups of
Little Ravens scavenging in the penguin and shearwater colonies among tussock
grass. There are 60 to 100 Little Ravens in the area. The smaller size of the
Crow is obvious in direct comparison when perched, but less so in
flight. Against the light, head/bill shape is the best identification character.
The lower mandible "undulates".
I saw it four times between 07.40 & 09.40
this morning, 25 January, and departed when I hadn't found it again after
another hour. By then, the Ravens were less in evidence.
Mike
Carter
