European Blackbirds were introduced into Australia and New Zealand, then
found their own way to Lord Howe Island. Australia some 500 km west is the
nearest land, but at the time of their arrival at LHI, New Zealand had the
nearest Blackbirds.
On Boxing Day, 1996, I tape-recorded a Blackbird near Thompson's Store on
LHI. It was simply repeating a single, sort of piping note which lasted a
little less than one-tenth of a second, and I have counted 21 notes in 20
seconds, but the spacing is variable.
The bird making those notes was and aberrant Blackbird with an appreciable
amount of white. I have referred to it as "pied". A second Blackbird
joined in, with both of them making the same soft notes. On the recording I
said:
"Those softer calls (are) from a second Blackbird on the ground, not
pied, carrying a moth in its beak. Correction, now that I see the insect,
it has clear wings, possibly a cicada. If so, a small one.
"(The) bird is sitting up on the roof of the building now, just watching
me. Making no attempt to either eat, or take it to a nest."
Q.1 Can anyone familiar with Blackbirds suggest what was going on? (No
Blackbirds around here - Brisbane.)
Q.2 Has anyone, who has visited LHI recently, seen a pied Blackbird near
Thompson's Store?
TIA
Cheers
Syd Curtis
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