On Sunday 11th April, 9.30 to 11.30 am, I made my first visit to Morwell
National Park. Gippsland, Vic.
Fantail Cuckoos were calling repeatedly from various directions as I
walked along the track between the Carpark and Lindley's Clearing. I
heard both the descending trill and the fife-like whistle - I have been
told that the latter is the female's call. The undergrowth was fairly
dense and I was unable to see the birds but I heard them at at least
three locations, possibly four.
This morning (Mon 12th April) between 10.30 and 11.00 am Fantail Cuckoos
were calling at Wilson Reserve, Ivanhoe - some were definitely calling
from the other side of the Yarra from the grounds of the Greenacres Golf
Club. One pair (both calls) was on the Ivanhoe side near the Scout Den
but despite prowling through undergrowth, falling over logs hidden by
Tradescantia, and getting twigs in hair I couldn't find them. I had a
glimpse of something which flew like a cuckoo flying across the river
pursued by a Red Wattlebird.
Query: I havent heard a cuckoo of any kind since Christmas. Why are they
calling now?
(I have often heard them in May and early June). Are they preparing to
impose their young on winter/early spring breeding birds, such as Blue
Wrens etc, or are they migrating birds moving through from, say,
Tasmania?
Any opinions?
Anthea Fleming in Ivanhoe, Melbourne
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