birding-aus

Gouldians in the Wet

To: "birding-aus" <>
Subject: Gouldians in the Wet
From: "Glenn Holmes" <>
Date: Mon, 21 Feb 2000 16:28:49 +1000
Most birders know that the Gouldian Finch is declining, especially in Queensland.  The well visited spot at Georgetown, until quite recently a traditional nesting area, is now all but abandoned.
 
In recent times I have observed it on various grazing properties round Chillagoe, the largest group being 13 birds.  Last Saturday I observed it on a new property, behaving as though nesting was in progress.  The food was Cockatoo Grass Alloteropsis, an important item for finches.  Black-throated and Masked Finches were eating it too.
 
The Wet has turned the district green.  The vine thickets around the numerous limestone outcrops almost resemble rainforest, and herbs are flowering throughout the woodlands.  The height and density of grasses makes observing finches difficult.  But the real problem is the heavy thunderstorms.  Most roads are unsealed and creek crossings are numerous.  On Saturday I reluctantly had to leave the finches for another time because of rain.  It's possible to be stranded in the back country for weeks.
 
Chillagoe is not well known by birders.  The bird with the greatest profile is the Chillagoe Swiftlet.  If ever it is split,  birders will doubtless flock to the tower karst landscape like never before.
 
Glenn
 
Glenn Holmes & Associates Environmental Consulting Services
Birding & botanical specialists
PO Box 1246
Atherton Qld 4883
<Prev in Thread] Current Thread [Next in Thread>
  • Gouldians in the Wet, Glenn Holmes <=
Admin

The University of NSW School of Computer and Engineering takes no responsibility for the contents of this archive. It is purely a compilation of material sent by many people to the birding-aus mailing list. It has not been checked for accuracy nor its content verified in any way. If you wish to get material removed from the archive or have other queries about the archive e-mail Andrew Taylor at this address: andrewt@cse.unsw.EDU.AU