Many thanks Shorty, for your very interesting observation/
The possible reasons for Koel adult/fledgling interactions are not clear, with at least 2 theories being raised in the past, 1) to imprint the call or 2) to escort the fledglings N. Yours giving
the ko-el call (which I heard up to Christmas but not on my return) is very interesting, and perhaps lends some support for the former, since early January would seem too early for them to migrate.
My last summary (with back references) of adult/fledgling interactions is in Section 5.4 of CBN
45, 293-310 (2020) for the 2019-2020 season. I note John Harris’ adult was giving the
wirra wirra call. There were very few such observations in the bumper 2020-2021 season [Section 4.8 of CBN
46, 119-144 (2021)].
Jack Holland
From: Canberrabirds <>
On Behalf Of shorty via Canberrabirds
Sent: Sunday, 12 January 2025 12:52 PM
To: Canberra birds <>
Subject: [Canberrabirds] More on the Koel
Today I have had both the juvenile present and also an adult male calling. I took a recording where you can hear the juvenile beginning and the adult calling, they were about 20 metres apart in separate trees. Recording is on my checklist.
