Further to the sightings of the Sandringham (Melbourne) Swift Parrots, and
an earlier sighting reported of Swifties at Rhyll, Phillip Island, whilst on
last weekend's Twitchathon, our team (The Bush Turkeys) had a most pleasant
but unexpected addition to our list with a flock of twenty+ Swifties feeding
noisily amongst eucalypts, (Blue Gum and Swamp Gum?) opposite the Koala
Conservation Centre on Phillip Island. As we were rushing through the middle
of a Twitchathon and were attempting to beat the Grand Prix traffic off the
island, we had no time to ascertain whether they were feeding from blossom
or lerps.
The birds were in the eucalypts on the grounds of both the motel and tourist
complex opposite the Koala Centre. (In the Melways the complex is marked as
the "A Maze 'n' Things" complex!) This is the same locality where Swift
Parrots were in December 1994. It will be interesting to see how long these
birds hang around- are they merely refuelling for the flight across Bass
Strait or will they stay until this food resource has been exhausted?
Perhaps Victoria may get its first breeding record for this species and
Kennett-like, steal yet another event exclusivley held exclusively by
another state!
PS: Thanks to Lawrie Conole and his helpers in organising the Vicgroup
Twitchathon. Lets hope next year sees more entrants in this worthy and
fantastic event, trying to knock the Bush Turkeys off their newly acquired
victory perch. (After six attempts, I think we are entitled to just the
tiniest amount of crowing- or should that be gobbling?)
Sean Dooley, Team Leader, Bush Turkeys
The
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