Hello All,
Autumn is when we often see flocking of various bird species. In Nth Vic we
see large flocks of Sulphur-crested Cockatoos, Long-billed Corella, Galah
also other species such as Striated Pardalotes, Magpie-larks. Ravens etc. I
also saw a flock of about twelve Pied Butcherbirds too. I have not often
seen them flock like this. It was great also to see a flock of about a dozen
Brolga too - not bad for Nth Vic. Anyway, a few weeks back at sunset I was
parked near the town of Leitchville and noticed flocks of about 200+ of both
Galahs and Starlings flying around the trees getting ready to roost for the
night. As is often the case, they seem to 'galah' around a bit before
settling down, with the flocks landing, and then suddenly as one taking off
and flying frantically in formation around and around calling loudly before
landing. They seem to be having quite a bit of fun! This can go on quite a
few times. What struck me this time was that the massed flocks of these two
species would intersect one another's flights, so for a brief time the two
flocks were all intermingled. However, neither flock became disorganized.
Both kept their formation and after mingling would simply come apart without
any apparent confusion or disorder. The precision required for such close
flying and for the concentration needed to keep in touch with one's own
species in such circumstances seemed to me to be remarkable. Fascinating!
We are so very thankful for the several 'inches' of rain we have had in Nth
Victoria. The country is responding very quickly, and we look for some
follow up soon.
Regards,
Chris Coleborn
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www.birding-aus.org
birding-aus.blogspot.com
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