John et al,
When I first started working at the then CSIRO Division of Wildlife Research in 1970, the paddocks surrounding the Division had massive infestations of various thistle species. It was not unusual in winter to see flocks of several hundred European Goldfinches descend on these thistles to feed. Also during winter these same paddocks would have lots of Flame Robins in them, perching on the thistles. The spraying of thistles has reduced their number significantly and the biggest patch I can recall seeing anywhere local lately is near the car park at Kelly’s Swamp. Judging by the signs in the nearby paddock these are under attack by ACT Parks and CSIRO – and rightly so. I would imagine that the prolonged drought over eastern Australia also has had a dramatic impact on breeding success of this species, coupled with the expansion of housing into many former paddocks. The breaking of the drought over the last couple of years has probably given them some respite but as we appear to be heading back to dry times, their “revival” may be short lived.
I gather from your little “unhappy face” that you are of British decent and have a soft spot for the species. I’m afraid I am siding with the Collared Sparrowhawk on this one.
“Charmed”
Mark
From: John Layton [
Sent: Thursday, 24 January 2013 9:44 AM
To: Canberra Birds
Subject: [canberrabirds] Eurppean Goldfinches
At 06:30 today about 10 European Goldfinches moved through our yard, and I could make out maybe 3 or 4 immatures. This was particularly satisfying as I’ve not seen E. Goldfinches hereabouts for at least 15 years. Are there any hypotheses as to their apparent demise?
At 07:30 I went outside again and saw a male Collared Sparrowhawk plucking a small bird atop a Silver Birch. I bade brat to bring binos and watched from 15m away. And, maybe you’ve guessed it, the prey item was ... an immature European Goldfinch L!
To another species; I’ve noticed more House Sparrows here last spring and this summer than I have in 20 years.
John K. Layton
Holt.
