TF Musings

[Robin Eckermann <>]

A pair of Tawny Frogmouths was sitting on a well-known roosting spot on
the path up to Mt. Ainslie from the War Memorial this morning - after a
long absence. They sit within about 3m of a path that is frequented from
pre-dawn until well after dark - with multiple people (and dogs) passing
by every minute during busy times. Over the past five or so years
a pair has used this spot most years, typically for several months at a
time before they disappear.

This prompts me to wonder:

1. Is this the same pair coming back to a highly favoured roosting spot
that they've used over many years?

2. Is this a new pair that has just discovered the spot and has yet to
learn the extent of human proximity ... and when they do, they will give
up on the spot after a few days/weeks/months?

3. Is there some subtle and maybe counter-intuitive reason why human
proximity makes for a good roosting spot - like reduced daytime
harrassment from other birds for example?

I'm sure there are lots of other theories - maybe someone who knows these
things much better than I will be able to shed some light on TF
behaviour.

Robin Eckermann