Hi All,
I think like all good generalisations, the one
about the raven species and flock sizes is a good one, which means it is correct
most (but not all) of the time. So I agree with McComas and Martin. Wasn't it
Frith & Co who worked out the difference in the social behaviour and other
aspects between these species. It certainly wasn't any past or present
coordinator of COG's GBS.
Suffice to say however that this issue has of
course already been fully discussed, with quantitative evidence given, from the
local context, in the GBS Report (page 82 of the 21 year report, page 83 of the
18 year report), which is so much better than just quoting impressions. In some
places (eg around Mugga Lane tip) and times of the year Australian Ravens do
occur in congregations, although they are usually in pairs or family groups.
There is a difference though between many birds in an area and the same number
of birds behaving as a social group (ie showing social cohesion), so keep that
in mind when deciding whether it is a flock of birds together. So a flock of 10
or so could easily be this species, it is just on the upper range of flock
sizes. However I have never encountered Little Ravens in pairs in the urban or
suburban areas in Canberra, only in congregations and on the fringes of the
city. John's id may be right but I suggest it as unusual. I would suggest this
sighting is worth another try and based on a little more than what John
mentions, to be sure of his id. I agree with Martin "I'm not sure if you can see
an absence."
Also I never thought of anyone's one year
involvement with the GBS, especially during a period when all of the hard
work had already been done, could be called a "reign", even though I served COG
and developed and contributed to the GBS for about 15 times that
long.
Philip
