hi all,
Just had the most unusual experience that I thought might intrigue some of
you.
We have a pair of Torresian Crows, which to my displeasure, have decided to
nest in a large tree in the back yard. Not being able to do much about it, I
have but up with them in the hope that something interesting might happen
and they get parasitised by Channel-billed Cuckoos.
Unfortunately, I have been away for about 5 weeks on the trot...and hence
have had little or no opportunity to check the identify or status of the
nesting crows. However after returning tonight for a short break I was
sitting at the computer entering faunal records (as one does) when an
almighty racket came from the back yard. While some of the noise was
obviously crows, I was unclear on the remaining noise.
I headed out the back to check, as the din increased, I stood for only a
second or two before a large object fell from the nest tree. The object,
which turned out to be a bird headed straight for the veranda, where I was
standing. Had I not ducked I'm not sure if I would have an eye right now as
the bird turned out to be a Channel-billed Cuckoo (anyone who has seen these
beasts up close will appreciate the formidable weapon they carry). It would
have been quite literally conked me fair in the head. Confused the bird
floundered on the veranda until I was able to gather myself and grab the
animal.
I assumed at first that it would have been a young bird that must have
fallen out of the crows nest. However, the animal lacked they typical young
bird gap, had a full sized tail and most importantly had no signs of
distinctive growth rings that young birds have in their tail feathers. This
was a fully adult bird! (Further evidence of this was the ease with which
the animal took to the air from a low branch once realised.)
Now this bizarre experience posses some interesting questions. Is it typical
for a adult Channel-billed Cuckoo to roost in trees where nesting crows can
be found? Why would the crows put up with this species in the same tree or
did the Cuckoo get itself into the tree by stealth? And why did the bird
fall from the tree (did the crows locate it during the night and hunt it
out)?
I have my doubts if the Cuckoo was trying to lay eggs into the nest by
darkness as the nest was built some 7-9 weeks ago. I suspect that any crow
eggs would have already been laid and hatch at this point of time. But
without further observations have no direct evidence. I intend to check
early tomorrow to see if anything is in the nest.
Sometimes nature can through something at you that is really bizarre...even
in your own suburban back yard!
Cheers
Mark Sanders
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