Hi Gary,
Yes, I can confirm from those I've spoken to at the Desert Park and birding 
rangers that immature Channel-Billed Cuckoos born in ASP do indeed winter over 
here and then head off north the following year. I'm not exactly sure why they 
come to Alice Springs! Local Aboriginal languages have words for Channel Bills, 
so they seem to have been doing it for some time.
If you would like to know more about them, perhaps give Michael Barritt a call 
at PWS (8951 8250) - he's the senior community education ranger, and involved 
in the Field Nats. You could also call up Jon Delaine on the same number - he's 
one of PWS's resident birders and also the wildlife ranger who does snake 
call-outs!
Hope this is helpful.
Amanda> From: > To: > Date: 
Tue, 15 Apr 2008 20:20:03 +0930> Subject: [Birding-Aus] immature channell 
billed cuckoo> > On Sturt st Alice springs today I saw an immature channel 
billed cuckoo drinking from a pool(from sprinkler, not rain!) attended by two 
torresian crows. Does this mean the immatures overwinter here in Alice(adults 
left some time back, approx 4-5 weeks ago) or like immature waders or 
shearwaters they leave after the parents? > > I am assuming they leave after 
the parents-individually? There can't be that many immature channel billed 
cuckoos in Alice and as to why tehy would ever come here in the first place who 
would know? We are not exactly a wonderland of fruit?> > Gary> 
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