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Hi Birders,
Ian Fraser's recent record of 20 Superb Parrots at
Gunderbooka National Park (c.35 km SSW of Bourke) highlights how far north these
birds travel in winter away from their Riverina/South-west Slopes breeding
areas. However his record is not the furthest north-west that they have
been reported in recent times.
Two records are on interest. 18 adults were
observed at Bourke on 6 June 1989 (Aust. Birds 26,106) while 7 were
seen 30 km south of Milparinka on 21 October 1983 (Wingspan 12,31).
With such good seasonal conditions in north-west NSW at present, this would be
the year that they could return to Milparinka. Alas, Craig Arms, Robin Benson
& myself were not that lucky when we were there in late May!
More birds in bigger numbers are being reported at
more locations in recent years. Is this as a result of more people reporting
them or are their numbers increasing? My gut feeling is that their numbers are
on the increase. Is there any quantative data that would show that this is the
case?
Alan Morris
NSWFOC Records Officer
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