Con very interesting.
In my December Gang-gang column I noted that “after
a slower start than usual, over the past fortnight there I have been hearing/seeing a significant increase in the number of
Red Wattlebird fledglings in Rivett/Chapman, including 2 separate sets in my GBS site”, from memory there were at least 7. There was also an occupied nest
in a flowering plum outside my bedroom window. At one stage that had two chicks (so no Koel chick) but as we left for holidays on 24/12 only one had survived. I have not been able to find that one since we got back on 5/1, indeed
I have only been able to find a single begging wattlebird fledgling in my search for Koel fledglings since then.
Sent: Tuesday, January 8, 2019 2:37 PM
Subject: Re: [canberrabirds] Rural Koels
Hi Jack
My theory is that there was subdued Red Wattlebird breeding activity general running up to November because of the drought but that the rainfall since has stimulated some late breeding. If so, the prediction would be that Koel young should start showing
a month or two later than normal... in response to late first or late second breeding attempts by Red Wattlebirds.
regards
Con
On 1/8/2019 1:06 PM, Jack & Andrea Holland wrote:
Very interesting Martin, given the generally lower Koel activity this season described by many observers in Canberra. My local patch (and a few others) has been an exception, the adults were the most active they’ve ever been pre-Xmas and have continued
to be so since we got back over the past weekend.
However, no fledglings yet, nor as far as I’m aware elsewhere in Canberra. One theory that has been advanced for the apparent return to conditions which prevailed a couple of years ago has been the lack of food (both fruit and also insects for the host
feeding fledglings), this may also be the reason why they are advancing further afield.
Regards
Jack Holland
Sent: Tuesday, January 8, 2019 9:40 AM
Subject: [canberrabirds] Rural Koels
There have been a number of reports on our local Facebook site of Koels calling. So far no reports of breeding activity but this is the first year the species seems to established a presence in the area. In past years it has been one or two records early
in the season.
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