I'm have some doubts about the "indigenous planting" theory as a sole
explanation of the increased Rainbow Lorikeet numbers around Melbourne.
Certainly there has been a recovery (remembering they were common around
1900) since the 1960s which could be linked to planting, but are there
special factors this year?
Rainbows have been exceptionally widespread in Bayside in 1998, with
records from all over the place in most months. This has also been the
case with Spotted Pardalotes and, to a lesser extent, Eastern
Spinebills. So weather could be an important factor.
Anyhow they are certainly taking up nesting sites. I'm pretty sure
they've ousted some Eastern Rosellas but guess the Starlings may be
suffering most of all (bad for our Hobbys). Rainbows have even nested
in a Canary Island palm (possibly two pairs in one plant).
Bang goes my argument that these ugly introduced trees are good only for
introduced birds !
Michael Norris
Hampton, Victoria
|
