Yes, Rosemary, although not recently, I have often observed red wattlebirds
feeding on camellia flowers. I first observed them about 40 years ago when
we lived in Normanhurst in Sydney where we lived on a slope with the upper
portion of a camellia bush directly outside our dining room window. The
birds were so intent on the flowers, they did not seem to notice that there
was anyone on the other side of the window, watching them.
Ann
--------------------------------------------------
From: "Rosemary Blemings" <>
Sent: Thursday, September 22, 2022 8:24 AM
To: "Canberra Birds" <>
Subject: Camellias
> This is the first year I’ve noticed Red Wattlebirds, or a returning
> individual, probing beaks deep into the blooms of our 35+ year old
> Camellias.
> The camellias have flowered prolifically thanks to La Nina rehydrating the
> soils but I’ve always assumed the dense blooms had little to offer nectar
> or pollen seeking birds. I assumed that camellias, along with roses and
> other intensively bred floral species were all show and colour and had no
> enticements for potential pollinators.
> Has anyone else noticed Camellias being of use to native birds in this
> way?
>
> The Wattlebirds could be seeking invertebrates of course.
> The visitor could also be the mislead pair that spent many hours
> determinedly pecking at its own image in our mirror-like windows last
> year.
>
> Thanks for any observations,
> Rosemary
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