While out hunting for fledgeling koels this morning, I came across this
fledgeling currawong sitting on top of a magpie-lark nest that was active
earlier this year (see photos). He was picking at it, almost like he was trying
to eat the material it was made out of. I took these two photos. Has anyone
else seen anything like this before? I thought it was a bit odd-looking.
Also, I found one, or both, of the koel fledgelings that have been reported at
Chapman by Jack and Bruce. I found the first one on Angophora St. and I watched
it for an hour. It begged constantly, but was never fed, although some nearby
currawongs seemed to be harassing it a bit. It eventually flew too far for me
to follow, but on my way back to my car I saw another fledgeling close to 62
Darwinia, also begging. Not sure if it was the same bird or not since two were
reported in the area.
Hi Virginia, two comments on your observation.
# Currawongs have an inherent interest in looking at nests, any time of year. # There may have been some items of interest for the currawong left in the nest if it was once an active Magpie-lark nest. But it may perhaps also have taken bits of the mud/clay for replenishing minerals, although there is no mention of such behaviour in HANZAB.
Michael Lenz |
