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Red Wattlebirds & Bell Miners

To: David Kowalick <>
Subject: Red Wattlebirds & Bell Miners
From: Michael Tarburton <>
Date: Fri, 27 Feb 2009 18:59:54 +1100
G'day birding-ausers

It appears that the heat wave in Melbourne may have finished off the Bell Miners that have been declining for 30 years in the Nunawading Area.

I first came across them in Central Road in 1964, when they inhabited quite a large area around Blackburn Lake Reserve. I have not heard or seen them in many areas they then occupied. They first left Central Road, then Wellington St, then Alandale St, then the reserve and for the last two years have only been in Jeffery St and Naughton St where the landowners have encouraged their presence for they either liked the birds or appreciated the extra $ value they added to their property.

I have done my usual census along these two streets about 15 times since the heat wave and have not heard or seen one Bell Miner.

I see that one patch of saplings has been cleared along the creek so perhaps the two events happening simultaneously was too much for them.

Hope they have not died out near your homes.

Cheers
& happy birding

Mike



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Michael Tarburton

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On 26/02/2009, at 1:08 PM, David Kowalick wrote:

Hi Everybody,

Just adding my own note. Ever since the heat-wave have not seen any Wattlebirds on my daily trip to work on which I would normally see several every day in the Adelaide plains. Maybe they retreated to the hills. Just unusual to not see this very common bird.

Cheers

Dave K
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