Greetings
OCD (or Obsessive Compulsive Disorder). Hmmmm what is life in the birding
world coming to?
I have subscribed to birding-aus to hear about all the interesting sitings
which people have made of the bird world, but to date I have been largely
dissapointed. First off I get to read all about how to cook a turkey and
then I'm bombarded with 'Twitchathoning' and testosterone charged
"Twitchers" who find it most important to put a number against the birds
they have seen. I agree with Chris in that it is fantastic to see such
rivalry and group spirit. People in search of that illusive bird which might
just give them that extra record to tip them over the lne to victory. But at
the end of the day what have we got out of it? An idea of the distribution
of the species seen, sore eyes, a migrane or two, boosted egos and a
self-induced tension of hope (hope that we're the winners) Good one!! What
haven't we got out of it which we might have if we sat and watched a little
longer. A bit about the behaviour of the bird, maybe its social structure,
or maybe even its interaction or role in the wider bird community.
So often in the conservation world two words are placed next to a species.
"Insufficently Known". Imagine what we could learn if for one day, all the
twitchers were to watch one bird each and write down everything which the
bird does, be it eat, drink, call, fly or ...... yeah anyway. Maybe this
thought is less than perfect and has obvious flaws, but what if? I for one
would be happy to do this, and in my own time, away from work this is what I
a starting to do more of.
This is not an intended stab at people for being single orientated. Looking
at this years participants there are alot of names which are highly regarded
and full of people who not only work with conservation agencies, but live
the style away from work. Dedication abounds. I am merely stating what I
see.
I shall wait it out and dare I say the twitchaton will be forgotten till
next year, and I look forward to hearing of more sitings from all over.
For the past four months I have been living in the Plains around Deniliquin,
and with the infamous Phil Maher, have been able to make a few sitings which
may interest people.
Plains-wanderers are a focal point. Each night for five nights I have been
out with Phil on a property 30 mins from Conargo and all but one night we
have seen a male and female bird. On one of these nights we observed the
loyal male, sitting with three chicks. On ohter nights a pair was seen
parading themselves, making notions of future romps on the plains. Can't
watch for too long, even birds need their privacy.
My first ever sighting of a Letter-winged Kite was also whilst out with
Phil. However we only saw this bird on the one occasion and on trips since
have only seen Black-shouldered Kite's (everywhere). Phil was saying that it
have been some time (about 7 or more) since a Letter-winged was seen in the
area. I was wondering if anyone else has seen any lately.
Mention has been made in the past of large numbers of Barn Owls. This too is
being observed in the Riverina area and on one night about 10 Barn Owls were
seen, all within a half kilometre drive. Phil relates this to the growing
numbers of mice which are slowly heading down from the north.
Anyway, for my first email to this group I think I have wrote enough. Look
forward to reading more.
Cheers
David
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