Musk Lorikeets returned to the Clarence Valley, north coast NSW, in late
October after an absence of many months. Last week I had the four lorikeet
species at home at Coutts Crossing - Rainbow, Scaly-breasted, Musk and
Little. Maybe not large numbers but the flowering Silky Oaks and some
eucalypts are keeping the lorikeets around. The Musk Lorikeet is irruptive
in our area and probably travels from more temperate regions such as
southern NSW and Victoria when nectar is scarce there.
Greg
Dr Greg. P. Clancy
Ecologist and Wildlife-birding Guide
Coutts Crossing NSW 2460
0266493153 0429601960
-----Original Message-----
From: Tim Dolby
Sent: Tuesday, November 13, 2012 11:45 AM
To:
Subject: The birds and the bees - nectar feeders
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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