Olive-backed Oriole and Crescent Honeyeater

["Jack & Andrea Holland" <>]

Paul, re the OBO, possibly a tad early though as one of the last species to leave it is also amongst the earliest to return, with Steve Wallace’s charts obtained from the COG database showing a sharp rise in September (and a small rise in August compared with May to July).  I’ve always thought the first to return are towards the end of August, though particularly this year when migrants seem to be slow in coming despite the mild conditions, you can’t rule out that it has overwintered, which as pointed out in my recent Gang-gang column (and confirmed by Steve’s charts) happens in small numbers. 

 

Very interesting re the Crescent Honeyeater, it’s been a regular in my garden in Chapman since the early 80s, but there have been few in the past couple of years, and none so far this winter.  Certainly from some of the postings on the chat line they seem to have found some other spots to go this winter, and I agree with you if they’re in your garden they will certainly make themselves heard!

 

Jack Holland

 

From:

Sent: Friday, August 16, 2013 7:15 AM

To:

Subject: [canberrabirds] Olive-backed Oriole and Crescent Honeyeater

 

Hi everyone

 

A couple of days ago I saw a relatively juvenile OBO sitting quietly on power lines in the back yard.  It was not calling, but looked quite pleased with itself.  Should one mention that this appears to be a tad early for this species?  Or is it just the enthusiasm of youth?

 

In contrast, there has been, for the past 6 weeks, a Crescent Honeyeater hanging around the yard.  It is easy to hear, because it is a most vociferous individual, but sometimes a bit hard to see; although we have had very good views at about 2 metres from our kitchen window.  I heard it calling at the crack of dawn this morning.  We have only seen one in the yard for a brief moment last year, and none before that.

 

When we first spotted it 6 weeks ago, there were 3 individuals, but 2 have obviously displayed better judgement and moved to a more salubrious location.

 

During the same period there have been 2 Eastern Spinebills who spend most of their time playing high-speed Chasies around the yard, when they are not feeding on correa and westringia flowers.

 

The bird baths under the kitchen and dining room windows prove very popular, and often give us splendid close-quarter views.  The most entertaining one is the Grey Fantail, who carries on like a pork chop when bathing, singing away and hopping around on the rim of the bath before  splashing vigorously, still calling attention to itself in the loudest possible way.

 

Cheers

 

Paul

 

Paul Fennell

Editor Annual Bird Report

 

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