Martin,
You raised the issue of Pied Currawongs in the Sydney region;
There is no doubt that the numbers of Pied Currawongs in the Sydney
metrapolitan region have increased and along with the change in their
altitudinal migration habits where they now tend to stay in Sydney areas
all year round rather than migrate back into the Blue Mountains. This
has no doubt been due to the availability of a wide range of food
especially naturalised berry species.
Camphur Laurel are slowly spreading in Sydney but I do not think that
this species is the main cause of the shift in numbers of Pied
Currawongs. Camphur Laurel and a major environmental weed (tree) on the
north coast of NSW.
The Birds of Sydney, Hoskin, E.S., Hindwood, K.A. and McGill,
A.R.(1991) stated that; "Since 1958, there has been a marked increase
in population, the bird establishing itself in parks and suburban
gardens as a breeding resident and is well distributed throughout the
sandstone forests and parts of the shale. During early autumn, nomadic
flocks leave the ranges for the coastal areas. They invade the
territories of local birds, but most times the territorial pairs do not
join the wandering flocks though they attempt to resist their
intrusion.
regards,
Alan Leishman,
Plant Sciences,
Royal Botanic Gardens,
Mrs Macquaries Road,
Sydney, NSW 2565
Tel: (02) 9231 8166
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>>> <> 05/22/03 12:21pm >>>
I have a question for NSW/Sydney birdos.
I have just read a statement about Camphor Laurel spread/plantings and
the
incidence of Currawongs (no species given) in Sydney.
The actual statement is:
'...increase in aggressiveness of the Sydney- -based Currawong
population -
a species that was not regularly seen, or based-there prior to 1960.'
Would those familiar with Currawongs in Sydney please advise me about:
- which species is being talked about here
- the accuracy of this statement, and
- whether currawongs have been a permanent or recent part of the
avifauna
in this part of Australia.
cheers
Martin O'Brien
Executive Scientific Officer, Scientific Advisory Committee
Department of Sustainability and Environment
4/250 Victoria Pde., East Melbourne 3002
Tel: 9412 4567 Fax: 9412 4586
(prefixes: Interstate 03 International 613)
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