We have mynas around here (O’Connor, just down from the Ridge) for the
first time since I’ve lived here (that I remember). I emailed the contact on the
CIMAG website a couple of weeks ago requesting a trap, but have not heard back
(I assumed who-ever it was directed to was on holidays, so have not been
concerned ...).
There just appears to be a small number (family?) here, so nothing like
John’s flock, so spare traps should go where they are most useful.... However,
if there are still spare traps around – esp the northside (or inner south) - I
will be grateful for a loan ...
cheers
Barbara
Barbara Preston
______________________________________
Barbara Preston Research | ABN 18 142 854 599
21 Boobialla Street | O Connor ACT 2602 | Australia
T: 02 6247 8919 | M: 0439 47 8919
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www.barbaraprestonresearch.com.au
From:
Sent: Monday, January 27, 2014 8:03 PM
To:
Cc:
;
Subject: RE: [canberrabirds] Mynas
Hello
John
It
is disturbing that there are so many mynas in your area and increasing. There
have not been any mynas in my area for over 5years, I and others in the area
have trapped them out and they have not returned. There are two trappers within
200m of my place that I know of, there may be more.
Would
you like to help rid the ACT by operating a trap? There is a shortage of traps
at present but you could make your own (there are instructions on how to make
one on the CIMAG website)or borrow mine.
Peter
Several
weeks ago I reported a myna event here in Nicholls. I had not seen mynas much at
all for some months which was quite pleasing, although blackbirds are
increasing. Then one day a surprising mixed flock of about 100 ‘pest species’
made a huge commotion – about 50 mynas, 30 starlings and 20 blackbirds. While
the whole flock eventually took off to the north, since then myna numbers have
greatly increased here which is a worry.
An
interesting but worrying observation is the changed behaviour of the mynahs.
When we had a lot here a few years ago, they were mainly encountered in my
garden, digging and generally being a nuisance. Although the numbers are now
even greater, after the lull I mentioned, the mynas are behaving more like
native woodland birds. They are nesting on Mt Percival and I have seen them
diving into Ginninderra Creek to drink (like Red Wattlebirds do) and
acrobatically catching insects in the air (like the Flycatchers and Fantails
do.)
This
is very anecdotal and unscientific but it worries me that they are showing such
adaptive skills.
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