Western Chanell-bill

Yesterday morning (1 December), while trying to muster the kids out of the house in the general direction of school, I heard the unmistakable raucous call of a Channel-billed Cuckoo.  Nothing remarkable about this I hear the Sydney birdos muttering.  The difference is that this was at my place 20 odd kilometres south of Dubbo!  Ducking outside I observed a single bird flying directly over the house in a northward direction.

I understand there are records of Channel-bills in the Wurrumbungles and I regularly see them in the Tamworth area.  In fact, in that general area they appear to be associated with the ranges where fig trees aren't that uncommon.  What would this bird potentially be feeding on in this area?  There are no figs trees or other soft-fruiting trees around.  Existing on insects and, potentially, nestling birds possibly. 

An interesting and opportunistic sighting.  Just shows that you have to be at the right place at the right time.  Imagine just how many vagrants are out there and not seen because someone who is interested isn't there to see it?  By the way, just where are all the Regent Honeyeaters at the moment????

Cheers

David

David Geering
Regent Honeyeater Recovery Coordinator
Department of Environment & Conservation
P.O. Box 2111
Dubbo  NSW  2830
Ph: 02 6883 5335 or Freecall 1800 621 056
Fax: 02 6884 9382



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