A
small hollow containing the eggs also does not fit a Grey Shrike-thrushes, apart from the small size ruling that out (assuming your 15 mm is right). GST have a simple open cup nest. Even crushed would not have a small hollow. Sounds more like a wren
or warbler that builds a covered nest with a side opening. GST eggs are 28 mm long, according to Beruldsen’s book. I can’t see it being a good match to any small cuckoo either a bit too small for them too and colour not right.
From: [
Sent: Thursday, 8 October, 2020 8:25 AM
To: 'Robin Eckermann'
Cc: 'COG Chatline'
Subject: Re: [Canberrabirds] Mystery bird egg
Robin, are there any Grey Shrike-thrushes around? The egg fits the picture in Morecombe’s field guide, and they do have a habit of nesting in old tin cans etc garages. Regards Jack Holland
From: Robin Eckermann <>
Sent: Thursday, 8 October 2020 8:14 AM
To: Elizabeth Keen <>
Cc: COG Chatline <>
Subject: Re: [Canberrabirds] Mystery bird egg
Unfortunately no photo of the nest ... but it was quite large (approaching the size of a soccer ball) and composed of loosely woven pieces of grass ... many strands 6” or longer.
On initial inspection, it didn’t even strike me as a completed nest ... more something under construction or abandoned. I picked it up and took it into the outside light for a closer look. Only then did I discover the small hollow containing
the eggs ... but I am uncertain whether this hollow was on the top or side In the original positioning of the nest.
I promptly and carefully put it back onto the bike’s parcel carrier with the hollow on top, and tried to cover the bikes with the tarp that originally covered them. I saw no birds coming to or going from the area in the 3 days prior to
discovering the nest ... and despite specifically looking out for them in subsequent days, no sightings thereafter.
Small birds frequenting the garden include superb fairy wrens & brown thornbills ... and also (albeit slightly larger) Eastern yellow robins.
On 8 Oct 2020, at 7:33 am, Elizabeth Keen <> wrote:
Robin, what is the nest like? Cup or dome? What materials? Libby
