Thank you Geoffrey for reminding me of that great gathering. I counted 124 birds when I first saw them there. It was a real treat. At that time they were feeding on the grass seed which had been put down across the site by contractors.
That area is now set for an apartment development.
Also set for development is the farming land South of Horse Park Drive between Well Station Drive and the Federal Highway. There is evidence Wedge Tailed Eagles have nested in that paddock for many years. I guess they will be looking for
a new spot.
Danny
From: Canberrabirds <>
On Behalf Of Geoffrey Dabb
Sent: Saturday, June 19, 2021 11:21 AM
To: Canberrabirds <>
Subject: [Canberrabirds] FW: Superbs in Franklin
Thank you Peter. This gathering recalls the large flocks (100+) reported in that area in September 2019. The below snap shows a 2019 flock on the margin of Camilleri Way, with in the background a prone snapper attending
to yet another flock. Overseas subscribers to this chatline might be puzzled by the place names cited here. ‘Franklin’ is a suburb in the newish town area of Gungahlin, named for the novelist Miles Franklin. Manning Clarke is a famous if controversial Australian
historian. I am unable to provide information about Camilleri, except that it is a common surname in Malta. The exotic trees are possibly Chinese Elms, a popular food tree with Superbs, much planted in this general area.
-----Original Message-----
From: Canberrabirds <> On Behalf Of Peter
Sent: Saturday, 19 June 2021 10:34 AM
To:
Subject: Superbs in Franklin
Hi everyone,
A big flock of Superbs y'day afternoon ~4 pm at the crook of Manning Clarke-just east of the roundabout at the SE corner of Mulanggari Grasslands.
I see them quite often in this area in the winter, but this was the biggest flock-I counted 70. About 1/4 in male adult plumage.
They clearly enjoy the seed from the exotic street trees-which is a species I don't know.
Dodgy photo attached showing parrots and trees.
cheers,
Peter
