BW pigeon/currawong standoff in Fraser

[Denis Wilson <>]

Hi Dennis and others

A message of foreboding, I am afraid, re the Currawongs and the Bronzewings.

Many years ago, while I was a volunteer guide at ANBG i monitored a Bronzewing Pigeon nest. I observed several close encounters such as you describe, and was impressed with the use of the wing (s) as a defensive shield. Strong sudden "flap in the face" of the Currawong.

However, eventually 3 Currawongs ganged up on the poor Bronzewing, which made the mistake of lunging forward slightly, to defend the chick, with yet another flap of its wings. Unfortunately that move proved fatal for the chick, which was exposed to attack from the 3rd bird which was waiting behind the nest.

The chick was grabbed by the leg, and dragged backwards out of the nest, and killed.

Once Currawongs establish that there is a chick available, they have time on their side, and wait, and wait.

I hope your Bronzewings are successful, but my money is on the Currawongs.

Denis Wilson

On Thu, Aug 16, 2012 at 9:49 AM, Dennis Ayliffe <> wrote:

Good morning

The bronze wing pigeons raising a nestling in my backyard have been receiving close attention over the past two days from the local pied currawongs who have been harassing the sitting bird (see pic below). This morning,  I saw  a couple of currawongs come within 30 or so centimetres of the nest. The sitting bird's response was to raise a wing so that it covered its face while it hunkered down a little more in the nest. The currawongs backed off. 

Dennis Ayliffe

0400168825

-- 
Denis Wilson
"The Nature of Robertson"
www.peonyden.blogspot.com.au