I’m not quite such a fan. I had a few around but then after the 2003 bushfires they were suddenly in the numbers I’m seeing now. There also used to be dozens of Eastern Rosellas roosting in the little
park behind me. After the Currawong numbers increased the rosella population all bur disappeared. I’ve only been seeing the Eastern Rosellas coming back in the last few years.
On the other hand, there has been a Grey Butcherbird present for over six months now. My population of 50+ Sparrows is now down to just eight. The Butcherbird perhaps??
From: John Layton
Sent: Saturday, 18 July 2020 12:25 PM
To: Canberra birds <>
Subject: Re: [Canberrabirds] Currawongs have arrived - Higgins
I suspect currawongs have been around our place since disembarking from Mr. Noah’s fantastic livestock transport. When I kept a birdbath currawongs regurgitated food pellets
in the water transforming it into a repugnant reddish brown soup that any self respecting bird wouldn’t poke a toe in. At least I believe currawongs were the culprits. I’ve often wondered why a bird bath would act as an emetic.
Together with drought currawongs assist in keeping the local Common Blackbird population in check. So on that point they’re probably not such a bad old home-grown Aussie
bird to have around.
John Layton
Holt.
For months I’ve had only one Currawong in my GBS. Arrived home on Thursday to find 15 in and around my yard and birdbath. Yesterday 22 and today 27. The Magpies are already chasing them away from the nest they have started building.
Alison
