Rainbow Lorikeet Richardson

["Philip Veerman" <>]

A few months ago I met a bunch of people from around the country (I think it was the event Tony Lawson organised and asked COG people to join at Campbell Park). I heard details from them about the history of the release of these captive Rainbow Lorikeets in Perth. So I believe that is a well established bit of knowledge (apart from that they are otherwise totally isolated from natural spread). As for especially in this case where it was eating cut up apple, something it would not get in the wild well yes in the purest (native) sense that is true, but it is entirely normal for wild birds of all sorts (with no captive past) to eat somewhat odd food supplied by people, especially if they see other birds already there. these birds are known to be very adept at taking over any provided food source. I also mention that the wild Crimson Rosellas and S-c Cockatoos are very happy to eat the apples from my tree, so not that different.

 

Philip

 

-----Original Message-----
From: Mark Clayton [
Sent: Thursday, 7 February 2013 9:35 AM
To: 'Denis Wilson'; 'kym bradley'
Cc:
Subject: RE: [canberrabirds] Rainbow Lorikeet Richardson

Denis has raised a valid point here. Around Perth, where they are not a native species, they are taking over and the WA government has been trying to eradicate them. I believe Kym’s bird is an escapee and still feel that the vast majority of Canberra’s Rainbow Lorikeets, and for that matter records of Scaly-breasted Lorikeets locally, are of escaped cage birds, especially in this case where it was eating cut up apple, something it would not get in the wild. Perth’s birds were obviously cage birds that have established themselves so I see no reason why they should not do the same here.

 

Mark

 

 

From: Denis Wilson [
Sent: Thursday, 7 February 2013 9:15 AM
To: kym bradley
Cc:
Subject: Re: [canberrabirds] Rainbow Lorikeet Richardson

 

Having observed how Rainbow Lorikeets have moved into natural areas surrounding Melbourne - places where they never existed in my childhood - I understand your excitement about the first arrival of a Rainbow in your back yard in Canberra. However, I fear Canberrans in general, and COG members in particular will come to regret their arrival.

The current range of Parrots which have up until now called Canberra home may well be out-competed by these noisy, aggressive birds.

I am not suggesting any remedy to the problem, as I doubt there is one.
Just commenting.

regards

Denis Wilson

On Thu, Feb 7, 2013 at 8:27 AM, kym bradley <> wrote:

Wonderful surprise this morning I was out feeding  my birds, and a rainbow lorikeet came in and helped him/her self to the apple I had cut up for my babies had to run for the camera excuse the shots