I would suggest that there is a qualitative difference between these two species. The Regent Honeyeater should be a common part of our bird community. It was
historically. So it is not odd to be here. There is a bit about that in Steve Wilson’s book. It has declined greatly and now is concerningly rare, presumably due to habitat loss.
The White-fronted Honeyeater that we had here, was a vagrant, well out of range.
Philip
From: Dr David Rosalky [
Sent: Tuesday, 26 March, 2019 12:53 PM
To: 'Matthew Frawley'; 'Cog line'
Subject: RE: [canberrabirds] Regent Honeyeater
This is amazing. It reminds me of the White-fronted HE which was around Jerrabomberra Wetlands for weeks and then disappeared only to turn up in Philip Veerman’s place. Now, I don’t believe in UFOs, so what is going on?
Two thoughts:
1. These rare (or out of area) birds know the avid birdwatchers and decide to go to their homes for a bit of TLC; or
2. There are many more such visitations to Canberra but the locals don’t realise what they have seen and we don’t find out about them.
I’d go for the latter explanation.
David
From: Matthew Frawley <>
Sent: Tuesday, 26 March 2019 10:54 AM
To: Cog line <>
Subject: Re: [canberrabirds] Regent Honeyeater
Curious as to which suburb this is from?
On Tue, 26 Mar 2019 at 10:29, Alison Russell-French <> wrote:
Wow! A good one Shorty and how privileged are you!
From: shorty <>
Sent: Tuesday, March 26, 2019 9:29 AM
To: COG Chat <>
Subject: [canberrabirds] Regent Honeyeater
Well you could knock me down with a feather. Just had one at my bird bath :)))))
Could only get shots through my dirty window as it took off when i went to the front door but it came back again. It is hanging with a group of 3 Wattlebirds
but they have left now. Hope it comes back.
