Cast query

[Denis Wilson <>]

Robin commented that the Currawongs leave vegetarian pellets in a water bowl.
I seem to recall that Currawongs diet varies seasonally.
Certainly in Canberra, in autumn, they are very fond of Berries.
But in Beetle season they "hawk" for Beetles in the late afternoon (as the Beetles start to fly). So I assume that the hard wings (elantra) of Beetles survive the partial digestion process.

Anthony's comment fits with what I have heard, too, but where I live Currawongs are extremely common, and Boobooks are present, but not in large numbers. I hear them occasionally, in calling season. But such an event is noteworthy. 
But Currawong sightings are entirely "normal", one would say frequent.
So, on the balance of probabilities, I suggest Currawongs more likely to be the source (of the pellets I see here).

Cheers

Denis

On Thu, Feb 28, 2013 at 11:08 AM, Anthony Overs <> wrote:

I seem to recall that Southern Boobook pellets can have a lot of beetle bits too

Anthony

On 28 February 2013 11:01, Denis Wilson <> wrote:

I have often seen such things, with beetle wings evident,
I have always assumed them to be Currawong pellets (regurgitations).
I do know they regurgitate undigested kernels of plant seeds, for example (which incidentally, are great for germination of native plants - but be prepared to weed out the weedy plants).

Denis Wilson..

On Thu, Feb 28, 2013 at 9:44 AM, Robin Hide <> wrote:

In January on a track in Campbell Park, I noticed a number of apparent casts heaped around a stone (see attached photo)- mostly containing insect parts I think - and was intrigued by the number possibly implying some sort of regular use of the stone? .
Any suggestions re bird involved? (The original larger photo has much better cast details).

Robin Hide



*******************************************************************************************************
This is the email announcement and discussion list of the Canberra Ornithologists Group.
Please ensure that emails posted to the list are less than 100 kB in size.
When subscribing or unsubscribing, please insert the word 'Subscribe' or 'Unsubscribe', as applicable, in the email's subject line.
List-Post: <>
List-Help: <>
List-Unsubscribe: <>
List-Subscribe: <>
List archive: <http://bioacoustics.cse.unsw.edu.au/archives/html/canberrabirds>
List manager: David McDonald, email <>

--
Denis Wilson
If you're not pissed off with the World, you're just not paying attention.
(Kasey Chambers)

"The Nature of Robertson"
www.peonyden.blogspot.com.au

-- 
Denis Wilson
If you're not pissed off with the World, you're just not paying
        attention.
(Kasey Chambers)

"The Nature of Robertson"
www.peonyden.blogspot.com.au