Unhinged corellas

["Alberta Hayes" <>]

This morning on a walk to the Tuggeranong Hyperdome I came across some rather interesting displays by Little Corellas.

 

The first was on the bridge going across the lake. Two Corellas were on a large lightpost, one either end. The one on the light bulb end was pivoting very quickly around in circles on one leg. (Quite like a netballer.)  It would do it 6 or 7 times in about three seconds, stop for 10 seconds and then do it all over again. It moved to about 3 different lightposts and then did the same thing again as I was watching. I'm not sure if it kept doing it as I lost it after the 4th lightpost performance.

 

After losing this first Corella I continued walking past the Medicare Australia building which has reflective windows. About 10 Corellas were lined up on the windows attacking their reflections. It was almost as if they were shadow boxing in a gym along the mirror. Quite a few had different fighting styles. Two fought balancing themselves with their wings, most pecked at the window, and one would only kick with its feet. It didn't use its wings to balance and it was the most entertaining to watch a it looked like it was doing Kung Fu.

 

Finally, about 15 more Corellas were on the Salvation Army building and in the trees around the carpark there. The five or so on the building  would crouch low , put their beaks to the ground and let out a low "ehrrr" sound. They would then stand straight again. They did this occasionally. Does anyone know if this is a mating ritual? 

 

Also seen at Tuggeranong were about 15 Pied Currawongs, 3 swans and a pipit.

Alberta Hayes,  Monash.