I would not advocate being too concerned. They probably have just moved away a bit for breeding. Certainly in the last few days, or even months I regularly
see them sitting on the light poles nearest to the exit ramp (going north) from Tuggeranong Parkway towards Woden and they are usually along the west Kambah walkway of Mt Taylor. The GBS Report (extract follows, although that is now rather old information)
has info to suggest that abundance is low October to December as they are maybe further from homes when breeding (although the change is small as they are basically resident).
Philip
Laughing Kookaburra Dacelo novaeguineae
This species has a strong family life and many observations represent family groups. It favours woodland but is still common in suburbs bordering Canberra Nature Park. They are conspicuous and have probably the most
distinctive and well-known calls of all Australian birds. They probably have a tight annual schedule with juveniles being included for a long time in family groups. This may be the cause of a peculiar monthly pattern. This appears to be regular and smooth
but unusual in the shape of two peaks and troughs each year. The amplitude is small. From a high in March declines to a low in May then increases to August, declining again to a low in November, then increasing to March. The low spring and early summer pattern
is probably due to birds breeding at that time and tending to move away from suburbs and into the bush, or even birds on nest not being counted. The April to May drop could be from dispersal of young birds. What is clear however is the significant almost even
decline in abundance. It is possible that its decline may be related to the increasing summertime abundance of the Pied Currawong. That species in part relies on the same food sources and may be successfully competing with the Kookaburra. This may be reducing
the Kookaburra’s breeding success. Breeding records have declined (13 in the first 8 years, four of these from Site 14, compared with 10 in the last 13 years). The breeding period is wide with only two records involving activities at nests, inspecting hollows
from mid July to attending nest late September. The only other breeding records are of dependent young from end of November till end of April.
Graphs on page: 96, Rank: 23, Breeding Rank: 26, A = 0.36959, F = 74.00%, W = 52.0, R = 20.886%, G = 1.77.
From: cogoffice [
Sent: Sunday, 27 November, 2016 3:03 PM To:
Subject: [canberrabirds] Fwd: Kookaburras
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Subject:
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Kookaburras
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Date:
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2016-11-27 12:17
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From:
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"Fran Conlan" <>
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To:
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<>
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Hi Folks,
My house backs on to Mt Taylor Reserve in Chifley.
For many years I have been delighted by the sounds and sight of Kookaburras in the Reserve. However, since approximately April this year I haven’t seen or heard them.
This is of great concern to me.
I was wondering if anyone at COG had any information about their absence?
I would be grateful for your advice on this.
Best Regards,
Fran Conlan
Phone: 0422 813 581
