Re: More late migrants

Greg Clancy wrote "Large numbers of Noisy Friarbirds were present in flowering eucalypts near Middle Creek, W of Grafton on April 9, almost certainly migrants."

It is always worth checking congregations of migratory honeyeaters for Regent Honeyeaters - even in places where you may not normally expect Regents.  This is a species that I think is often overlooked, particularly on the NSW north coast.  On 10 March a Regent Honeyeater was picked up by WIRES (Wildlife Information & Rescue Service) near Coffs Harbour after colliding with a window.  It recovered and was released.  The same bird, presumably, was seen nearby 12 days later.  Media coverage of this find has uncovered at least four reports of Regent Honeyeaters (which I'm convinced are for real) on the north coast between Scotts Head and Valla.

At this time of year Regents are often solitary, in pairs or very small groups.  Under these conditions they tend not to call much and can be very cryptic thus easily overlooked.

As I say, it pays to have a look.  The resources that are attracting friarbirds and smaller honeyeaters are those resources Regents are also looking for.

Cheers

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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