My opinion. I would suggest that if it is ready for release, then do so. I can’t imagine any benefit in disrupting this bird’s development by retaining it artificially
in southern Australia. If you do and release it in spring, it might then think it needs to migrate south for 1500 km. There does not appear to be any reason to think that they need any access to any other Koels in order to migrate. No reason why they would.
They are antisocial birds.
You have not said whether it is an adult or a juvenile. Adults can migrate by themselves. Before they were breeding in Canberra, all adults would leave by February.
Juveniles normally have no one else to guide them, as they grow up only with foster parents and as soon as that bond is broken they are alone. They know what to do. They don’t have parents to guide them. Any presence of adult Koels around juveniles is transitory,
probably coincidental but at best unclear as to purpose, Most adults have already left several weeks ago and there are still a small number of juveniles around, so that is the normal; pattern .
Philip.
From: Canberrabirds [
On Behalf Of Maryanne Gates via Canberrabirds
Sent: Thursday, 25 March, 2021 11:05 AM
To:
Subject: [Canberrabirds] Koel migration
Does anyone know if there are still koels in the region or have they started their migration?
We have one in care that is ready for release, but not sure if they have already left and if so, does this one need to be in care over winter (hope not!)
Maryanne Gates
Bird Coordinator
Wildcare Queanbeyan Inc
PO Box 1404 Queanbeyan NSW 2620
www.wildcare.com.au
0411 422 897
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