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Yes indeed to the tradition about Willy Wagtails. I spent most of my life in Aboriginal communities and the Willy Wagtail is the brunt of all sorts of accusations about knowing and spreading secrets. Largely it is thought to be a gossip and unwelcome, poor
thing. I think this notion developed because they are not particularly shy of humans and the way a Willy Wagtail would perch close to a family camp and then a few minutes later the same bird would be seen twittering away at another family's camp. Superstitions
die hard in every culture - like our number 13 or lucky horseshoes or fear of black cats or bats or whatever - and plenty Aboriginal people I know will say it is just old fashioned talk but i still hear them say, "Sssshhhh the little bird is listening'!
cheers
John
On 22/10/2013, at 1:19 PM, David Rosalky <> wrote:
I am reliably informed (by reading "Poor Fellow my Country" many years ago)
that, according to Aboriginal culture, the WW calls at night to signal the
performance of elicit unions (amongst humans, not WWs). So, Susanne and
Sandra, I will refrain from seeking more information.
David
-----Original Message-----
From: sandra henderson [mailto:shirmax2931@gmail.com]
Sent: Tuesday, 22 October 2013 12:55 PM
To: Susanne Gardiner
Cc: canberra birds
Subject: sleepless Willy Wagtail?
I've often heard them through the night. A couple of years ago during a
visit by some COG members to Oolambeyan Nat Park one sat outside the
homestead singing most of the night, every night!
The Birds in Backyards site provided by Birdlife Australia says "The Willie
Wagtail's call is well-known, often being uttered constantly throughout the
night"
sandra h
On 10/22/13, Susanne Gardiner <> wrote:
Hi all
I spent the weekend at Camp Cottermouth, the Scouts camp site. Most of
the nights on Fri and Sat a Willy Wagtail was singing. It was only
quiet for a couple of hours, but I didn't look on my watch to check the
times.
I have done plenty of camping, but never heard Willy Wagtails
throughout the night.
Could this have been because of the (very bright) full moon or because
it's spring?
(Or maybe it's absolutely normal, and Willy Wagtails and I have
coincidently never spend the nights together, the chances of which
would be very slim.)
Cheers,
Susanne
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