Advice sought re White-browed Scrubwrens breeding

["Philip Veerman" <>]

Hi Barbara,

 

I would suggest that the risk of abandonment from doing some protective work, provided you don't take a long time, is small. I had these birds breeding in my yard a few years ago and they were not disturbed by my presence. Even though on three nestings, I only found the actual nest on the day the chicks fledged but I knew they were in there somewhere. Students & staff at ANU have been studying them for years and banding them, including checking nests. We had a talk at COG within the last year I think, about the vocalisations used by WBSW in this situation. The risk of predation is very high. I would try using chicken wire if you have it. Small enough to stop Currawongs and big enough to let little birds through.

 

Philip