On Fri, Nov 19, 2004 at 09:39:18AM +1100, Frank Hemmings wrote:
> Tim Low, in his new book "The New Nature" cites a few examples of similar
> Lorikeet roosts (amongst others), and suggests freedom from predators as a
> major factor (although he also discusses the urban heat island effect,
> especially with respect to northern hemisphere cases).
Another example is the Rainbow Lorrikeet flock which roosts near the
Jabiru shopping centre (in the middle of Kakadu) which on some occassions
when I've visited has been 1000+.
I'm not sure why. They certainly aren't coming for the heat. There are
predators in Jabiru, in particular numbers of Barking Owls. Artificial
plantings within Jabiru wouldn't seem much of food source although I
guess they might provide some food when its scarce naturally. Maybe its
just the combination of a prominent "landmark" with suitable roost trees.
Andrew
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