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This weekend is the Orange-bellied Parrot count weekend. Being
as one of these birds was seen in Sydney
last year it is reasonable to think that this species may regularly move along
the NSW coast. All birders are asked to keep an eye out for this elusive bird. However
don’t expect to see a prominent orange belly! as it is more likely that
young birds would be seen as far north as Sydney.
Watch out for anything resembling a blue-winged parrot feeding on the ground or
perched on bushes in coastal saltmarsh or coastal heath and let us all know
(any of these species would be exciting in coastal NSW!). The last OBP was seen
up until September last year. Please pay particular attention to any coloured
and/or numbered bands.
No, I have not switched allegiance from shorebirds but even
shorebird experts have been known to look at such short-legged birds on
occasions!
Phil Straw
Editor, The Tattler,
Newsletter for the East Asian-Australasian Flyway
P.O. Box 2006
Rockdale Delivery Centre
NSW 2216, Australia
