Yesterday afternoon as we walked along The Boulevard in Ivanhoe, we
heard a lot of crackling and rattling noises in a Kurrajong tree. This
proved to be the sound effects of four Pied Currawongs (two adults, two
younger birds with greyish tinges) pecking the seeds from the dry open
pods. They were feeding intently and not calling at all.
I had always wondered what ate the seeds and left the empty pods
lying on the ground.
I have been told that the seeds can be eaten by humans, providing
they are thoroughly rubbed clean of the irritating hairs which surround
them in the pod. I don't know if they should be cooked or not..
I don't think Kurrajong trees are native to the area but there are
quite a few planted locally on roadsides and in reserves and gardens.
Currrawongs also eat the seeds of Melia azederach (White Cedar) but
these are said to be poisonous to humans. Just proves that you cant
always follow the example of birds and animals.
Anthea Fleming
in Ivanhoe, Vic.
===============================
www.birding-aus.org
birding-aus.blogspot.com
To unsubscribe from this mailing list,
send the message:
unsubscribe
(in the body of the message, with no Subject line)
to:
===============================
|
