hi folks,
The breeding season for Cassowary is upon us again, the local news
being that the male abandoned his 4 chicks on May 15, having been their
sole guardian since we first saw them as tiny striped juveniles on Oct
29 2004.
The four chicks have been hanging around since then, sometimes together
but usually as a group of three and one single. What is unusual is the
grace period the male has given them this time, as in previous years he
has become aggressive towards them after about a week and vigorously
drives them away. This year they are just about tolerated, if he comes
across them he may make a token chase but nothing like the ferocious
battles of previous years when flower beds and bushes were trampled.
Our son was once late for school due to being baled up by the male
fighting the chicks in the grounds, a novel excuse anyway.
There has also been a young male coming in, colouring up quite nicely
and we suspect one of the 2003 vintage as he seems to know us and is
quite at home. he tries to come when the adult is not around, and has
been pretty regular since April 3.
The big female is also visiting regularly and is now consorting quietly
with the male, which is usually the prelude to mating. Both have been
in together twice now this week, tolerating a single large chick nearby
yesterday so maybe the hormones are not yet at peak levels.
The wet weather since March continues, and winter is upon us with males
of Victoria Riflebird visiting daily and a juvenile Black Butcherbird
hanging about, out-dominated by a Helmeted Friarbird today on some
bananas, which goes to show just how bossy those friarbirds are. The
Red-necked Crake continues to potter about meanwhile, and Rufous
Fantails, a winter bird for us, are much in evidence.
Good birding
Phil & Sue Gregory
www. cassowary-house.com.au
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