This is an impressive sighting Bas, if it is indeed an Orange-belled
Parrot. Does anyone know about OB Parrot records in Sydney? I've never
heard of one.
Lorne.
Bas Hensen wrote:
> This morning (12/08/03) 10.15-10.30 AM in heath land just south of
> Maroubra Beach, Sydney, NSW, a green parrot flew up from the track
> and posed itself 15 m away in a dry bush, 1/2 m above ground. I am
> 95 % sure it was a orange-bellied parrot. We looked at it with good
> binoculars and a 30* scope. It was bright (but not shiny) green on
> the back, head green, slightly paler, towards yellow around the eye,
> with a brighter bluegreen spot (?- I did not notice it to be
> continuous) above/in front of the eye (not very obvious, or as
> obvious as on illustrations in bird guides. Belly yellow with a big
> orange spot near the legs. Base of primaries bright blue, only
> visable when the wing was not completely closed. Shoulder
> wingcoverts bright green blue. Upper tail green with conspicupous
> yellow margins, dark central band from underneath. A Nephema parrot
> no doubt and the very green colour and non-wide blue wing band
> suggests orange bellied rather than blue winged parrot. Al other
> feature like colour of legs and beak fit OK.
>
> The bird was silent unfortunately.
>
> The bird was banded on the right leg with a bright sapphire/metallic
> blue band ( approx.3 mm wide).
> It was relatively tame ( or a bit confused) but eventually flew away,
> when a fisherman passed on the track, a shortish distance, and landed
> out of sight in the dense heath. We left it in peace after that. I
> can provide more detailed location to a serious birder for further
> confirmation, but prefer to keep the crowds away from this rarity (
> how many left: couple of hundred ?).
>
> Bas Hensen Home tel (02) 96622302
> --
> Bas Hensen
> Geology (BEES)
> University of New South Wales
> Sydney NSW 2052 Australia
> Tel (61 2) 93858701
> Home(61 2) 96622302
> FAX (61 2) 9385
>
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