On Jan 3 2009 out on our block in the Tinderry area I saw a pair of
deep blue kingfishers on a bare branch near the Queanbeyan River
about 13 kms SSE of London Bridge. This is an area where Sacred
Kingfishers return each year, and where these have been vocal since
spring. No, these newcomers were not Sacreds or Azures or Red-backed,
but a satisfyingly deep-blue pair of Forest Kingfishers.
They sat still for quite a while, then made short sallies to nearby
trees, returning to the same perch. The female took a quick look at a
small hole in one tree - but may have been just collecting an insect.
Certainly there are no arboreal termite mounds to interest them. I
saw the female alone the next morning, flying more determinedly.
Of the usual field guides, Pizzey is the only one I have that
mentions under 'Range' that Forest Kingfishers can be 'casual' in the
SE. Steve Wilson's Systematic List does not mention them. So I am
wondering what other observers have seen in COG's AOI since the list
was published, and where, and whether the data base has any information?
It was a very good start to 2009.
Muriel Brookfield
Muriel Brookfield
(02) 6251 2934
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