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Hi All,
My son Tim and I did a quick trip
this morning around some of the sites where Swift Parrots have been reported in
Wyong Shire and are able to report that the sites are still all occupied. While
having morning tea, we were able to show members of the Central Coast Group,
Birding NSW, the birds around our home in Murray Street Bateau Bay, part of the
local population of 300+ that go to roost about 150m from our house each
evening. We then went onto the carpark behind the Budgewoi Shopping Centre where
66+ were seen 2 days ago and the birds were still present, spread over an area
of 1 square kilometre. Finally we went to Wyongah, on the western shores of
Tuggerah Lakes, where once again spread over an area of 1 sq km, mostly around
the streets of Murrawal, Darri, Coolanga & Coorabah birds were feeding in
Swamp Mahogany, Woolybutt Euc. longifolia, Red Bloodwood and Forest Red
Gum. All these species were flowering however the Swifties were taking both
nectar and lerps from these trees. Paul Shelley found these birds on 5 June 2002
and estimated over 100 birds beingb present. We would confirm that figure. If
the article in the latest issue of Wingspan is correct, that the population is
only about 2000 birds, then 25% of the total population is present in Wyong
Shire at the present time!.
Alan Morris
Central Coast Regent Honeyater
Volunteer Operations Group.
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