Yes a “me too”. I went about mid day today and found Con B. at the site, who showed me where it had
been, exactly as Sue described. I strolled and sat on the park bench for 20+ minutes blankly looking into the trees thinking I should come back tomorrow morning when the birds should be more active. It is a little awkward strolling around with binoculars near
two young ladies sunning themselves in bikinis nearby. Then the Black-eared Cuckoo appeared, flew in and perched about 3 metres away from me, stayed in easy view for about 10 minutes whilst I sat on the park bench and then I lost it. Geoffrey D appeared and
the Black-eared Cuckoo reappeared almost immediately, followed by Julie C. Anyway we 3 watched it for maybe 30 minutes, mostly at very close range. Many photos taken (not by me). It stayed at about 2.5 to 4 metres above ground, in contrast to the 2 spp of
Bronze-Cuckoos (1 of each) who were only seen by me near the tree top. The Black-eared Cuckoo was feeding throughout the time, delicately picking off the small caterpillars, each by the middle of the body (as far as I could see). Only flying minimally, mainly
just walking along the branches. It is a first ever observation of this species for me. It is some years since I added a bird to my Aussie list. Thanks for the information.
Philip
From: Sue
Lashko [
Sent: Wednesday, 7 February, 2018 6:37 PM
To: canberrabirds chatline
Subject: [canberrabirds] Black-eared Cuckoo
Just back from a very productive 45 minutes at Bimbi Beach, Diddams Close, Lake Ginninderra.
Christine D had already located the Black-eared Cuckoo when I arrived and by the time we left we had identified both bronze-cuckoos as well as a Fan-tailed. The elm leaves are being attacked by small caterpillars and the cuckoos were gorging themselves, so
it would be reasonable to assume that the cuckoos might still be there in the morning.
Just to repeat the location - the elms between the dog park and the beach and the actual trees were between the 2 barbeques.
