Martin, I think the higher than expected breeding reporting rate results
from when the do come and stay around for any time, such as this year, they will
attempt to breed. Due to their habit of doing this in loose flocks, with
some speed and using almost any site, breeding is relatively easy to detect than
for other species. I should add that it’s not always successful, often
they abandon when conditions change, as they may do this time given the
significant rain (and cold) over the past 24 hours.
This at least is my experience since I first saw them doing this in the
Tharwa area round about 1980 during the RAOU atlas.
Jack Holland
From:
Sent: Sunday, November 10, 2013 9:03 PM
To:
Cc:
Subject: Re: [canberrabirds] Woodswallows at New Line
Paddock
Thanks Steve. I find the breeding reporting rate to be higher
than I would have expected in my experience. That is coloured by the GBS data
(which doesn't really cover Woodswallow breeding habitat to any large extent )
and reports to the chatline which may not all get followed up with record sheets
especially if breeding is not involved.
It is always good when facts correct gut feelings!
Martin
