Paul, the answer to your question is possibly not but I can't be sure.
Philip Veerman and I published a paper in Canberra Bird Notes in 2000 [CBN
Vol 25 (2) pp59-71] documenting the spread of this species into Canberra
suburbs. While most of the records to that time were from the S of Canberra
(Weston Creek, Woden and Tuggeranong - the spread seemed to be from the SW),
there were a number of records from Fraser (Mt Rogers) from as early as
1996.
I have not been very rigorous about keeping records of new suburbs since
that time, but am aware of observations from Melba and that the species has
gradually spread westwards from the Botanic Gardens to Aranda through Cook
to Weetangera and Hawker. So yours could well be a further spread from the
N or from the SE.
Where the birds originally at Mt Rogers came from is unclear, as there
doesn't seem to be much good habitat for them in the large distance between
the ranges and there. Many of the birds I used to see in Chapman were at
least temporary local residents (there was a large roost of up to 85 birds
each winter in Chauvel Circle pre-fires), but more recently I have seen
groups of up to a dozen birds or so heading SW from Cooleman Ridge where
suitable habitat is much closer.
So I hope you enjoy your "new residents", I spent many hours watching the
activities round a bower over the fence in my neighbour's garden, that sadly
is no more as it was abandoned after the January 2003 fires. However, be
careful of your vegies, they are very efficient at stripping the green
leaves of brassicas etc, and some members very soon tire of their presence!!
Regards
Jack Holland
-----Original Message-----
From: Paul T.
Sent: Thursday, October 20, 2011 11:56 AM
To:
Subject: More Satin Bower Birds in Higgins
Howdy All,
Further to my email of yesterday detailing a first sighting of bower
birds for me here in Higgins....... I was just down the street
checking whether the bird I saw in evidence yesterday was there (I
heard it in a large conifer two houses down from my place this
morning when I was hanging out the washing) but I didn't see the
black male bird of yesterday. I did however see 2 green birds, but
not close enough to tell you beak colour or anything like that for
attempting to do any sex or age identification, even if I knew
how. One of these was calling in the usual distinct call of the
species, but nowhere near as strongly or intricately as the black
male I saw yesterday.
So... we have not just one but at least 3 bower birds apparently in
residence in my street here. Cool!! Hopefully they might visit my
garden for water at times. Interestingly, I cannot see any evidence
of a bower constructed as yet, but there are definitely blue items
lying about in a cleared area, so perhaps the bower will be a future
display addition. <grin>
Has anyone else heard of bower birds this far west in Belconnen? Or
have I missed other reports?
Thanks.
Cheers.
Paul T.
Higgins, ACT
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