birding-aus

The birds and the bees - nectar feeders

To: "" <>
Subject: The birds and the bees - nectar feeders
From: Tim Dolby <>
Date: Tue, 13 Nov 2012 00:45:09 +0000
Hi all,

I've just heard an interesting report on ABC Radio Australia about the fact 
that commercial beekeepers, in terms of nectar production, are having one of 
their worst seasons on record. The report suggests, that due to our wet winter 
and cool spring, trees and shrubs are putting all their energy in the 
development of green growth rather than flowering. See

http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/international/2012-11-12/falling-nectar-production-leads-to-honey-drought/1044622.

Anecdotally, I also think the lack of flowering has had an impact the number of 
nectar feeding birds i.e. our honeyeaters and lorikeets. Personally I've 
noticed far less lorikeets about the place. For instance, just this morning on 
my ride to work (through Royal Park in Melbourne) there were virtually no 
lorikeets. Interestingly the main type of lorikeet I did see (hear) was Little 
Lorikeet.

The report concludes that our plants are still growing but it will take 12 
months to see the benefits, and that this time next year we'll be having a good 
honey season. I'm speculating that the same applies to our nectar feeding 
birds, certainly across southern and eastern Australia. In theory spring 2013 
will be the 'year' of the nectar feeders!

Cheers,

Tim

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