| 
 I certainly am seeing [and hearing] far less
Rainbow Bee-eaters around the Sunshine Coast (S E Qld) this year.  
They are normally obvious in many places, and I used to see flocks up to 600 on
the rare occasion.   This year, I have seen very few, and they are
missing from several usual haunts. 
  
I did have a "permanent" visitor in winter, though,
by the call.   I finally tracked it down to a Spangled Drongo who
spent winter in my yard.   It did not move its beak at all to make the
call, and through binoculars I was barely able to discern slight throat
movement.   The same bird also did a marvellous Black-faced
Monarch! 
  
Robyn 
  
 |