Request for information: Fairy Martin

[Michael Lenz <>]

In September I traveled in a group to parts of inland Australia. The most numerous bird was the Fairy Martin. Every bridge, culvert and a number of buildings contained colonies, often large ones. Birds were building nests or already feeding young in nests.

However, locally I am currently aware of 2 colonies that were active last year, but have no birds this year. I am wondering whether observers who know Fairy Martin colonies in and around Canberra could tell me whether those colonies are occupied this year or not? And if they have birds nesting, do numbers seem smaller (or otherwise) this season?

And are there any signs that also Tree Martin numbers have changed this year compared to the previous one?

Any comments and information would be greatly appreciated. You can contact me directly via email or use the chatline.

Many thanks in advance,

Michael Lenz