Canberra watchers, usually in the first rank at picking up rarities, are falling behind in the matter of White-breasted Woodswallows. Recently, according to eBird, a group was picked up at Wallaga Lake, of all places (with photo). There
have been several sightings in the Melbourne area. As a sign of a possible invasion from the west, one was picked up 4 weeks ago at Walla Walla. The recent sighting nearest to the ACT was in January, at ‘The Tuckerbox, Gundagai’ (probably while several
Canberra residents were enjoying an organic coffee at Olivers) . The 98-02 atlas suggests closer records to the north of the ACT in that period. The naturally hesitant beginner should feel no reluctance in reporting this species in Canberra as it is one
of the most easily identified in the book. I hope we do not see another year pass without this chap being brought onto the ACT list. If it does, I might believe the rumours that the secret ticking movement is gaining ground.
