Interesting about the corellas, Sandra. Numbers might be
unusual, but I’d suggest they are still in their ‘normal’
range. In the below adaptations of the atlas maps I’ve marked Deniliquin
with a green star. Even in 77-81 that was on the edge but within the natural
extension. The great spread further afield in 98-02 has been
attributed to releases and escapes, and I think that accounts for the birds in
Canberra. By contrast the map for the Little Corella would show a
continuous extension. I think that is reinforced by the large numbers
that turn up here periodically. Therefore if we were suddenly to get a
hundred Long-bills I would say the resident introductions had been augmented by
an advance party from the riverina. Another indication would be to watch
carefully and see if they show a preference for Australian Rules, western
Victoria and the riverina having strong traditional associations with that particular
form of boot-ball.
From: sandra henderson
[
Sent: Friday, 18 December 2009 9:19 PM
To: Cog line
Subject: [canberrabirds] spectacular gathering of corellas (not local!)
- and channel-billed cuckoo in Wanniassa yesterday
I'm spending the night in Deniliquin, at my favourite
motel by the river. For the past hour there has been a huge flock of
long-billed corellas settling down for the night in the adjacent tall
eucs. The person in the unit 2 doors up estimates there are 5,000 in the
flock. Every now and again they all take flight together, calling loudly,
circle a few times then back into the trees - I'm guessing some trees have
literally hundreds of birds in them - all within 50 metres of my room - the
noise is deafening and the sight is amazing. now that its almost completely
dark I suppose they'll soon decide its time to sleep.
