Hi Tony
Here in Canberra I regularly see 'flocks' of 20+ RR Parrots feeding on the
ground in
my local urban park in Autumn.
Weather pattern doesn't seem to be a factor, as they are reliably seen anytime
after
breeding season, and when grass species are seeding.
Interestingly, according to Philip Veerman's recent publication on Canberra's
garden birds, RR Parrots appear to be declining significantly in the urban
Canberra
area. Although the picture still appears confusing, a number of theories
include
nest site competition from Common Myna, increased food competition from Crested
Pigeon, or decreasing habitat quality in general in Canberra's aging, and more
thickly vegetated, suburbs (as you probably know the species prefers more open
landscapes).
Or, as Philip also suggests, the species may just show strong fluctuation in
numbers
over the years!
Difficult to pinpoint the cause, and one for our Garden Bird Surveyers to keep
their
collective eyes on.
Cheers
Julie McGuiness
Kambah, ACT
On 23 May 2002 at 18:06, Tony Russell wrote:
> Hi All,
> Over the last few years I have noticed an ever increasing frequency of
> Red-rumps in my NE Adelaide suburb. At first ( like five years ago)
> there was an occasional pair seen on power lines along a main road,
> later on they could be seen actually on the ground out the front of my
> house. But today, right outside the Reservoir Hotel on power lines I
> counted ca. forty in one group and another twenty odd in another. This
> may have had something to do with our recent wet weather break in
> season ? Any ideas out there ?
>
> Tony. ( Dicrurus)
>
> Birding-Aus is on the Web at
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>
**************************
Julie McGuiness
9 Seymour Place
Kambah ACT 2902
AUSTRALIA
(02) 6231 9882 (h)
(02) 6249 6491 (w)
Birding-Aus is on the Web at
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