Dear Laurie
I live in Montrose, not too far from the Basin as you know. Things have
been pretty normal around here of late (thank god for the rain) however of
note is a pair of King Parrots that have recently taken up residency in the
neighbourhood. I've been here for ten years and this is the first time I've
seen King Parrots in Montrose and, actually in the Dandenongs now that I
think about it.
Regards
Mick Miller
----------
> From: Laurie Living <>
> To:
> Subject: seasonal bird movements
> Date: Wednesday, 22 October 1997 9:38
>
> It is interesting to see observations about the impact of seasonal
> conditions on birds.
>
> The Basin[where I am] in the Dandenong Ranges, Melbourne, has been
> experiencing some light rains for four or five weeks after a dry, low
> rainfall winter. The soil is unusually dry for this time of year, and
many
> of the eucys in the area have not recovered from the hotter than usual
> summer of 96 and the large part of the Ranges National Park burnt in
> January is still looking bleak.
>
> The birds
>
> The wintering flocks of pied currawongs left earlier than usual [early
> September] to go back to the mountains, and the greys returned earlier to
> start breeding.
>
> As reported elsewhere there are plenty of cuckoos [fantailed,
horsfields].
>
> Rose robins have already passed through on their way back to the
mountains.
>
> Olive-back orioles were early on their way south.
>
> Crescent honeyeaters have already nested, and juvenile golden whistlers
are
> about.
>
> Red-browed firetails are searching for seed around the house,a sign they
> are feeding young up in the park.
>
> No sign yet of rufous fantails, satin or leaden flycatchers.
>
> Satin bowerbirds have been reported near Sherbrooke, just when some were
> thinking of striking the species from the Ranges bird list.
>
> My local pair of powerful owls abandoned their nests six weeks ago, after
> successfully rearing two in 1996. I suspect that the bush fire which
burnt
> out a large portion of their territory may have reduced the food supply..
>
> There are three small parties of red-whiskered bulbuls active at the
moment
> in the area. Of no significance to Sydney siders!
>
> Laurie
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