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Re David Rosalky's report of an Olive-backed Oriole in Deakin on August 27,
I saw one gleaning something-or-other from the winter-bare branches of a Silver
Birch next to our Holt driveway last Saturday August 20. I watched it for
some 30 seconds before it left.
I understand they are one the earliest arriving spring migrants hereabouts.
I have records of them arriving at Lake Ginninderra and Australian National
Botanic Gardens during the first week in August. However, I've never seen one in
a West Belconnen street before.
Olive-backed Orioles appear to be among our best avian mimics and, due
the number of runarounds they've put me through when I can hear one, but have
had great difficulty locating it, I agree they ventriloquise - if that's a
word.
John K. Layton
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