Thanks John-Pierre. As you knew, unmistakeably an Aust BT, and apparently an adult, and in good view. I think I’d come back to the point I suggested earlier. If it appeared 2 weeks ago, has been hanging around the precincts of yours and other properties since then, and shows what might be called ‘picnic-grounds’ confidence towards humans (or doesn’t immediately disappear into cover), I think the evidence favours a captive-bird origin. Perhaps it came from an aviary or exotic-bird collection in the area. Geoffrey
From: John-Pierre Favre [
Sent: Friday, 20 January 2012 12:51 PM
To: Geoffrey Dabb
Subject: Re: [canberrabirds] Brush Turkey
This is a shot of the beast taken at our place last week.
JP Favre
On Fri, Jan 20, 2012 at 10:41 AM, Geoffrey Dabb <> wrote:
John-Pierre
This record would be of considerable interest. There was an early record of the species in the district that remains controversial. The issue was discussed in the local bird journal (Canberra Bird Notes 24:3, September 1999), and the conclusion reached that early previous occurrence was possible. Every effort should be made to verify this record eg with a photo. I am happy to come and try to get one if you think this feasible. Meanwhile any info on a possible captive origin would be of interest. Geoffrey
From: John-Pierre Favre [mailto:m("gmail.com","jsfavre");" target="_blank">]
Sent: Friday, 20 January 2012 10:13 AM
To: m("canberrabirds.org.au","canberrabirds");" target="_blank">
Subject: [canberrabirds] Brush Turkey
Hello there,
We live in Bywong (the Mac's Reef road area on the way to Bungendore). About two weeks ago a Brush Turkey turned up on our 40 acre lot. He has been seen on various properties since that day.
He comes and sleep way up a gum tree near our house. This morning he was feeding on Black Wattle seeds that are in abundance at the moment.
We know little about birds of Australia and would like to know if it is conceivable that Brush Turkeys live in our district.
We have put notices via email to ask if he belongs to someone but go no answers.
Can anyone give us some idea about this welcome arrival?
