Sandra, a very interesting observation.
We’ve had Crescent Honeyeaters in and around our garden in Chapman for about 35 years, and 8 is certainly a big number reasonably close together. It’s not unusual to get 2 close together, and sometimes a few more in a loose association, though in some
years particularly pre the 2003 fires from their call they seemed to be very well spread throughout Chapman.
Interesting habitat they were observed in too, I would have expected they’d be feeding in the
Grevillea juniperina that also found in that area (perhaps not flowering yet?).
I suspect they’re on the move from the higher parts of the ACT, so keep an ear out for them in your local patch, their very loud call will readily alert you to their presence.
Jack Holland
From:
Sent: Thursday, May 12, 2016 11:37 AM
Subject: RE: [canberrabirds] interesting sightings this morning
I also go there sort of regularly. Although most sort of counts are by hearing them from the upper walkway (which changed after 2003), with only a handful
of viewings over the years. In winter usually. Can’t think that I have ever noticed as much as 8 in a day (anywhere – perhaps in Tasmania). They are normally far less social than most honeyeaters and I find at that place on those times that I do notice them,
would usually space out something like 100 to 200 metres apart.
Philip
From: sandra henderson [
Sent: Thursday, 12 May, 2016 9:54 AM
To: Cog line
Subject: [canberrabirds] interesting sightings this morning
At Kambah Pool Reserve, at least eight Crescent Honeyeaters moving through flowering mistletoe on the casuarinas at water's edge. Birds were in trees both sides of river, and calling frequently. Have not seen such a large number of these
in the past, and have never seen one in this reserve in the past.
At the roundabout on Tralee St in Hume, a fox carrying what I suspect was a raven, being pursued by nine ravens.
