Help with ID please

["Philip Veerman" <>]

Now having another look at this, I am far more comfortable with that it is (they are) Common Blackbird(s) (I saw one there today). As I wrote yesterday, there is a big problem with the idea of two dependent juvenile Cuckoos (of one foster parent). The main thing showing in the photo relates to: cuckoos have short legs and when perched usually appear to have the belly almost touching the perch (this doesn't). Also cuckoos are much slimmer in the body than that and the tail is not long enough for a cuckoo. There is no suggestion of any barring on any feathers. I was influenced by that you suggested it is a cuckoo and I always give some basis to the impression of the person who was there, who might see something more than the photo (when a photo is mediocre). As to These two birds flew across near the bridge at the wetlands in hot pursuit of a wattlebird. Well no big thing really, could be coincidence, could be because Blackbirds can be aggressive, could be all were escaping some predator that you didn't see.  

 

Philip

 

-----Original Message-----From: Lindell [ Sent: Thursday, 24 January 2013 4:49 PM      To: Canberra Birds
Subject: [canberrabirds] Help with ID please

These two birds flew across near the bridge at the wetlands in hot pursuit of a wattlebird towards Fyshwick this morning. I didn't get the bins on them but did notice they weren't flying like Wattlebirds. I followed and they had stopped on this dead tree way across the creek. This is the best my lens would do.

Would I be right in saying that they were dependent juvenile Fantail Cuckoos with the parent Wattlebird?

If wrong can someone tell me what they might be please.

Thank you

--

Lindell

Griffith ACT