This morning at about 9.50 am we saw a largeish bird fly up into our
Sugar Gum, which overlooks Darebin Creek. A check with binocs showed it
was a male Gang Gang and that a female and another bird (?imm.) were
perched just above it. All the Magpies in the area (about a dozen) flew
into neighbouring trees and appeared to be having a good look too.
Perhaps Gang Gangs are new to them too?
When we first started recording local birds c. 1966, Gang Gangs were
regular winter visitors but we haven't seen more than very occasional
birds for a long time - maybe 20 years. We hope they will become
regulars again.
Yesterday we heard a loud birdcall which we couldn't quite place at
first - it proved to be a White-plumed Honeyeater - first seen in our
garden for over 5 years. They disappeared after a large Red Gum nearby
was cut down, along with the Crested Shrike-tits. The WPHEs were
replaced by Eastern Spinebills as our common garden honeyeater. We're
glad to see the 'Chipowee' back but hope that if it brings its family,
they won't chase away the Spinebills.
Regular winter visitors now are the large flocks of Pied Currawongs
which make cheerful noises in the mornings with the Grey Butcherbirds.
The Currawongs are now much more numerous in winter than they used to
be. Grey Currawongs come over at times but not in such numbers. Only
very occasional Currawongs of either species are seen in summer here,
near the junction of Darebin Creek with the Yarra.
Anthea Fleming
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