Ruf Whistler in Curtin [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED]

I think it was back in October that
there was some discussion here about the lack of Ruf Whistlers and G Fantails
around Canberra NP etc and other regular haunts. Others later reported
from Tidbinbilla and elsewhere that both were abundant.

Last season a male Ruf Whistler set
up a territory in Nth Curtin horse paddocks ( no breeding tho'). This year
a new territory adjacent to Yarralumla CK and Yarra Glen was set up in
deciduous parkland. A pair has two young in nest which is the first breeding
record here for 15yrs. 

This immediate area has yielded much
breeding success this spring.

• Mudlark fledged 1st brood + another 2 nests with dy
• N Friarbird fledged from 2 nests
• Leaden Flycatcher fledged
• White-winged triller 1 pair with ny
• Red Wattlebird fledged 1st brood + 2nd brood in nest
• Willie Wagtail 2 pairs ( 1 fledged other still sitting)

All this with hardly a native tree in
sight! Thus this highlights the importance of some structure and location
(near creek) for breeding when other areas are too dry. A lot of our nature
parks are on ridges. This spot in Curtin has gradually become more productive
over the last 5-10 years indicating that birds are adapting to breed in
non-native parkland habitat (especially in drought) along flowing creeks
and LBG.

cheers
Richard
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