re overwintering Superb parrots

["Kathy Cook" <>]

This recent ABC article encapsulates the importance of Yellow Box and describes some conservation efforts with farmers. http://www.abc.net.au/environment/articles/2013/08/07/3819491.htm

 

Kathy

 

From:

Sent: Wednesday, August 07, 2013 1:12 PM

To:

Cc: ; ; m("canberrabirds.org.au","canberrabirds"); href="">

Subject: RE: [canberrabirds] re overwintering Superb parrots

 

Peter,

 

I have had a similar discussion with one of the people on my Charcoal Tank banding list and who does work for the Government and she has said that the Government doesn’t like planting potentially large trees in what could be considered “small” areas. I think this attitude is a bit narrow-minded but suppose I can see the Governments position. Perhaps the COG committee could put a proposal to the Government?!!

 

Mark

 

From: Peter Ormay [
Sent: Wednesday, 7 August 2013 12:29 PM
To: Mark Clayton
Cc: ; 'Chris Davey';
Subject: Re: [canberrabirds] re overwintering Superb parrots

 

Mark

Why don't you write to the ACT Government. With the same effort that it took you to write the below you could have passed some useful informastion to them.

 

Peter

----- Original Message -----

From:

To: ; m("canberrabirds.org.au","canberrabirds"); href="">

Cc:

Sent: Wednesday, August 07, 2013 11:57 AM

Subject: RE: [canberrabirds] re overwintering Superb parrots

 

Chris,

 

After Sandra’s report, I went over to the AIS on August 3 to check the birds out as part of an international bird quest I am doing this (financial) year. Kay and I found 3 female plumaged birds feeding in a just flowering small Yellow Box tree in the car park opposite the statue at the front of the AIS. There may have been more birds but it was very windy and I was lucky to see these birds after tracking down a call. I am a bit concerned by the ACT Governments plantings of Brittle Gums and exotics to the west of the AIS car parks opposite the “flats” going up there. There is plenty of room to plant species like Yellow Box and Mugga Ironbarks, far more bird attracting species.

 

Mark

 

From: Chris Davey
Sent: Wednesday, 7 August 2013 11:29 AM
To:
Cc:
Subject: [canberrabirds] re overwintering Superb parrots

 

Hi, I refer to Sandra Henderson’s email of 1 August in which she reported 15 Superb Parrots feeding on the ground at the AIS. I wonder if the 15 overwintered or have arrive back approximately 1 month early?

It is really interesting that we now appear to have these birds overwintering in the ACT.  Observations over the last few years have suggested that this may be starting to happen.

The lack of food is often put down as the reason why birds move to different areas over the winter so what has changed?  Will we soon be receiving reports of Superb Parrots at bird feeders?

 

I would be most interested if anyone can tell me what the birds are feeding on over the winter period.  The sort of information that would be useful would include as follows; are the birds feeding in trees or on the ground, if on the ground are they feeding out in the open or under trees.  If under trees what species of tree.  Any observations would be welcome.

 

Chris