Should never try too hard to predict birds. At mid day today I had two adult male Koels indulging in what appeared as a vocal battle in my front yard (near
the described tree).
From: Philip Veerman [
Sent: Friday, 22 January, 2021 12:55 PM
To: 'Chatline Canberrabirds'
Subject: RE: [Canberrabirds] Koel breeding event
And this morning, watching from my bedroom window the young Koel was feeding itself from this tree along with several Currawongs and at least two Satin Bowerbirds,
one Red Wattlebird (not whilst the Koel was there), plus one Rainbow Lorikeet. It is the first time I have seen a Rainbow Lorikeet in low foliage at home (let alone from my bedroom). I have not been aware of any adult Koels near home for at least three weeks
(doesn’t mean there aren’t).
Philip
From: Canberrabirds [
On Behalf Of Philip Veerman
Sent: Thursday, 21 January, 2021 3:05 PM
To: 'Chatline Canberrabirds'
Subject: Re: [Canberrabirds] Koel breeding event
Home today. Outside hanging washing (often an opportunity to see the birds). Presumably the same young Koel was perched in my big euc then flew up the driveway,
where it perched in another euc with 4 Currawongs watching it closely. RW appeared to want to chase it away, but followed briefly but no feeding noted. My neighbour’s mum came out and was interested in what I was looking at (above her car). So I introduced
her to a young Koel (which I think she liked). Then it flew back down my driveway, over my house and perched in the tree with many little red berries touching my bedroom window. Seemed to want to eat some but didn’t. The DY K appeared close to full grown with
usual juvenile colours and “weep” call, the tail about full size and flying and moving through trees confidently, So it is close to independent. There is also successful RW breeding in my immediate GBS Site.
Philip
From: Philip Veerman [
Sent: Tuesday, 19 January, 2021 10:38 PM
To: 'Chatline Canberrabirds'
Subject: RE: [Canberrabirds] Koel breeding event
Arriving home (Kambah) at about 5:30 p.m. today, I heard my first DY Koel calls for this year. I had to rush off to somewhere else so did not get time to look
for or at it. Adults have been in the area through the summer but nowhere near as obvious as in recent years.
Philip
