Highlights from twice-weekly Canberra Ornithologists' Group (COG) hotline,
for week ending 27 March (some reports are of earlier obs).
STILL no rain! No particular species records this week, but a couple of
general phenomena. As expected, large scale movements unusually early, and
the autumn mixed feeding flocks are setting up, with one of the best I've
ever heard of, especially in a suburban yard!
SILVEREYES The Tasmanian race birds (part passage migrants, part
'to-Canberra' migrants have arrived.
MOVEMENTS The following species are on the move this week. Red
Wattlebirds (a 'partial' migrant locally), Noisy Friarbirds, Yellow-faced
Honeyeaters (en masse - this peak traditionally occurs around Anzac Day) -
one count of 2500 birds, Spine-tailed Swifts (paradoxically, well after
they've usually left!), Rainbow Bee-eaters, Grey Fantails
MIXED FEEDING FLOCK A 'regular' flock in inner suburban Cook; Yellow-rumped,
Striated, Brown and Buff-rumped Thornbills, Grey Fantails, Grey
Shrike-thrushes, Speckled Warblers, Western Warblers, Red-browed and
Double-barred Finches, White-throated Treecreepers, Silvereyes, Rose Robins!!
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Ian Fraser, Canberra
Environment Tours; Vertego Environmental Writing Consultancy
ph: 02 62491560 fax: 02 62473227
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