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Early today I saw numbers of Silvereyes moving through backyard shrubbery.
As is my habit during spring and autumn, I wanted to see if they were local
yokels or Tasmanian migrants so I fetched my binos and had good views from 8
metres away, but discerned no Taswegians.
They were feasting on the small dark fruit of a privet bush. Yes, yes, I
know privet should be cut out so be quiet please. The Silvereyes were
really tucking into the berries and I zeroed in on individuals, watching and
counting the numbers of berries taken. One little gourmand picked and put away
ten berries in the space of twenty seconds. When I lost track of that one I
watched others, all of which ate between five and seven berries.
I was surprised how easily the tiny birds were able to swallow the berries
which measured 5mm in diameter. Eventually they took leave of the
privet bistro and, undoubtedly, will void the seeds which probably remain
viable so there will be more privet for weed warriors to vent their spleen upon.
I do, however, take out privet plants but, occasionally, one evades me for
a while because it grows up among other shrubs.
Late this afternoon Silvereyes were soldiering through again and
I noticed six that wore the Confederate Grey cravats of transient
southern troops.
Colonel John
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