A quick trip north to look for the reported Malleefowl along the
Ouyen-Patchewollock Rd, was most successful. We saw 35 malleefowl feeding along
the road between 6:15pm and 6:45pm. The birds were mainly in singles and pairs,
with one group of three. The next morning we saw 8 Malleefowl along the same
stretch of road at about 8:30am. I suspect that there would have been more
birds earlier. To see so many of these enigmatic birds was an exciting and
highly recommended birding experience.
I do, however, have some questions. The birds were feeding on what I presume is
spilt grain along with many Common Bronzewing Pigeons, Mallee Ringnecks and
Red-rumped Parrots. Is this Malleefowl gathering an annual occurrence which has
gone unreported in the past or a unique event? Is this large number of
Malleefowl the result of a few years successful breeding who are now struggling
after our current hot dry summer? We saw 35 Malleefowl along a 10km stretch of
road. This seems to be a high population density. Is this usual or are the
birds travelling large distances for an 'easy' feed?
I would be most interested to hear other birders' opinions on what is happening
here. When I think of my previous efforts to spot a Malleefowl!
Philip Jackson
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