At 01:30 PM 13/03/2012, you wrote:
Perhaps the most notable tick at the ANBG this morning was a PRONE
SPINEBILL. This chap was lying within a half metre of a path in the
Sydney Gully, motionless except for a slow lean to one side to bring
the red eye to bear. It allowed an approach to less than 1m. before
a flick of the wings and off, absolutely nothing wrong with
him. Perhaps a combination of sun, habituation to passers-by, and
the soporific effect of a big feed on nectar. Also, in the insect
department, what I take from Michael Braby's little book to be a
Glasswing or "Little Greasy" and one of a couple of hairstreaks
hanging around the site of that spectacular colony of last year.
That gathering was last February, so the main colony either
relocated or had a break this year.
Geoffrey et al,
When I was working at the ANBG a few years ago I observed a spinebill
doing a similar thing. It was in the Sydney Gully, lying in a patch
of sunshine about 45cm across (the sunshine, not the bird! <grin>),
literally lying in the middle of the path. I'd assumed it was
sunbaking? I don't recall how close I got, but I know I was amazed
at how trusting it was. It too was watching me intently. I don't
know whether it is one bird, or they just are trusting there because
there is so much cover about?
Cheers.
Paul T.
Higgins, ACT.
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