Today definitely 3 chicks in the
Leaden Flycatcher’s nest. Lifting heads up high and panting. The 2 parents continued to bring in moths etc, even when a lawn mower tractor and sprayers were working the immediate vicinity below. Interestingly I found another Noisy Friarbird nest much
closer, in the Casuarina tree immediately adjacent. The 2 trees bases are about 2.5 metres apart. Judging by the sounds I’m guessing that also has chicks. Strange that I had missed finding that one before. But I can’t find the original one.
Philip
From: Philip Veerman [
Sent: Tuesday, 17 November 2015 2:37 PM
To:
Subject: [canberrabirds] Update on Pine Island nests
For what it is worth, as at mid day today, the Leaden Flycatchers are still attending the nest. Today there are at least 3, or maybe even 5 half grown chicks. Both parents bringing caterpillars and other things, The mother also removing
droppings. One of the parents gave a spirited chase to an O-b Oriole that flew over, but appeared not to bother this time with a Noisy Friarbird nearby.
Philip
From: Philip Veerman [
Sent: Friday, 13 November 2015 3:51 PM
To:
Subject: [canberrabirds] Update on Pine Island nests
For what it is worth, as at mid day today, the Leaden Flycatchers are still attending the nest (no doubt incubating). The site is easy to find and photograph, only a few metres from the car park (though don’t walk backwards and fall in
the wombat hole)..... A few little notes, they appear to change over incubating shifts every about 10 to 20 minutes. That is on the basis that on all the times I have been there, it has been of close to that duration, and I have always seen them change over
either once or twice. Accompanied by a lot of calling either from the bird whilst sitting or the replacer approaching. I recall many years ago watching Satin Flycatchers at their nest and was intrigued how they would have a rapid change over, one would arrive
as the other departed, looking almost as though it was one bird in one movement. The Leaden Flycatchers don’t do that. Although that is only comparing two pairs. Also whilst one is on the nest, the other has not been more than about 20 or 30 metres distant,
just foraging or calling in the adjacent trees or fussing over other birds.
The Noisy Friarbird nest and Satin Bowerbird nest in neighbouring trees are still there and presumably still occupied, although too high to see what is going on.
Philip
