Without trying as hard (or for quite as long) as Mark describes, I also believe that Pallid Cuckoo has reduced substantially. I think I have only encountered
one in the last maybe 3 years. That being I think at Lanyon on one of the blitz days. From late 1970s to 1980s etc I would think it a relatively regular to encounter at least one on several days of average effort, through most parts of spring and summer. It
is not a cryptic species. It is not one that is easy to suggest a particular reason for decline, as in more than so many other woodland birds. Maybe fewer Regent Honeyeaters to parasitise (half joking).
Philip
From: Canberrabirds [
On Behalf Of Mark Clayton via Canberrabirds
Sent: Tuesday, 1 October, 2024 1:22 PM
To: Kathy Cook; 'Canberra birds'
Subject: Re: [Canberrabirds] Pallid Cuckoo
I agree with Kathy, this is a species that has disappeared from many areas where I have previously recorded it. During last years “Blitz” I heard my first one for a long time near Hall and earlier this year was with Stuart
Rae near Michelago trying to catch a bird of prey and heard several on a property there. I have done quite a bit of travelling in central NSW over the last few years while on bird banding trips and have not heard any. It is all a bit worrying and one of the
reasons that I have suggested to Birdlife Australia (obviously falling on deaf ears!!!) that it is time to do another bird atlas. I think people would be horrified with what is happening with our birdlife. For those who don’t know me and may think I
am a bit “looney” (probably am!!) I have been a serious birder and bander (and worked at CSIRO Wildlife) for over 60 years!!
Mark
Sent from
Mail for Windows
From:
Sent: Tuesday, 1 October 2024 11:40 AM
To:
Subject: [Canberrabirds] Pallid Cuckoo
This morning at Wamboin our first Pallid Cuckoo of the season is
calling. They used to be a regular (weekly) visitor to our property from
early September, but in recent years their numbers here have decreased
significantly.
Kathy
