Mixed Bathing Flock

[martin butterfield <>]

This line has often discussed MFFs (Mixed Feeding Flocks) in Winter.  I have just observed an MBF (Mixed Bathing Flock) over our small ponds which are backed by some fairly dense Acacia.  It included the following: Grey fantail (2), Spotted Pardalote (3), Silvereye (at least 5); Rufous Whistler (2), Superb FairyWren (at least 6), Brown-headed Honeyeater (1) , Yellow-faced Honeyeater (4), White-eared Honeyeater (2) and Striated Thornbill (4).  A White-throated Gerygone and a White-throated Treecreeper were also in the vicinity. 

As well as splashing in the pond all these birds seemed to be taking some lunch in the form of insects flying just above the surface.

A particular pleasure in this was being able to sit within about 3 metres of the birds and to be totally ignored by them.

Martin