Hi all,
The Silky Oak Grevillea robusta, is not restricted to Queensland as was
suggested in an earlier email. It is found as far south as the Orara River,
north coast NSW. The Orara flows from the hills behind Coffs Harbour and
enters the Calrence River at Eatonsville. I live at Coutts Crossing, which
is situated on the Orara and we have an abundance of Silky Oaks growing
naturally along the River and planted in the village. Why anyone would
focus a floral festival around a South American weed species, the Jacaranda,
when there is such a beautiful local native is anyone's guess. Maybe the
Silky Oaks weren't as abundant around Grafton as they are at Coutts
Crossing.
I would suggest that the limited number of birds attracted to the species in
areas outside of its normal range is due to the fact the local birds have
adapted to utilise other food resources whereas birds within its range have
used Silky Oaks for a long time. This supports the argument for retaining
and replanting only local native species. The Silky Oak is an ecological
weed south of the Orara River and west of the ranges.
In addition to the numerous honeyeater species and Flying-foxes, both
Grey-headed and Little Red (and presumably Black), I have observed
non-nectarvores, such as the Olive-backed Oriole, Figbird and Satin and
Regent Bowerbirds feeding at the flowers. Their foraging behaviour
suggested that it was the nectar/pollen that they were after rather than
insects.
Greg Clancy
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www.birding-aus.org
birding-aus.blogspot.com
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