I normally go to Tuggeranong a few times a week for other things. So I have been to check
the Leaden Flycatchers most days and along with at least 4 other people that I know of (and thanks for their observations) I can report the following: The male has definitely vanished. Last confirmed presence
was last Thursday 6pm. The female has remained and flies around calling a lot but no reply or presence from the dad, who was until Thursday always present and sharing duties. Most likely he was taken by a predator. (It was reported – not by me - to chase away
a Grey Butcherbird on Thursday). At mid day today, two of the young have left the nest, one still in the nest. The two are clearly capable of limited flight (although I didn’t see this and you would hardly think it by looking at them). One was perched in the
middle of an adjoining Casuarina, about 3 metres higher than the nest (thus I know it can fly). The other one perched about a metre away in the same tree as the nest. The mother was feeding and defending all 3. She fussed over a Satin Bowerbird (presumably
the one nesting nearby) and a few minutes later gave a spirited attack on an Olive-backed Oriole (both in the same tree as the one chick). If I did not know what the young chicks were or see the mum feeding them I would have real trouble working out what they
are. The chicks all give buzzing calls and it appears that is the way the mum keeps track of where they are. Of course none of this is unusual but they are cute birds and this is the first time I have had an opportunity to conveniently monitor them.....
Sounds from the
Noisy Friarbird nest suggest they have chicks.
Philip
From: Philip Veerman
Sent: Thursday, 19 November 2015 2:48 PM
To:
Subject: Update on Pine Island nests
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
