pre-European bowers

["Ian Fraser" <>]

WHile blue is obviously crucial to a SBB display bower, and the ready 
availability of blue artefacts probably means that alternatives are largely 
ignored now near settlements, I think that 'traditional' birds were/are not 
blind to other options.
I have a slide taken deep in Tallaganda, of a bower with no artificial aids. 
Blue Crimson Rosella feathers dominate, with blue berries (probably 
Dianella), but there is also a selection of mostly pale-coloured 
'curiosities', though a couple of sprays of glossy leaves are also present. 
There are several native snail shells, but centre stage is a sloughed snake 
skin.
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Ian Fraser,  
Environment Tours; Vertego Environmental Wordsmithing
GPO Box 3268, Canberra, ACT 2601
ph: 02 6249 1560  fax: 02 6247 3227
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