birding-aus

Tameness in some NZ birds

To: Syd Curtis <>
Subject: Tameness in some NZ birds
From: knightl <>
Date: Fri, 23 Dec 2005 20:11:27 +1000
Thanks for that Syd. I believe that Aus insect repellants don't work that well with the dreaded NZ sandflies, but I've heard that some of the local concoctions seem to be fairly effective. Not sure if anyone has developed a Kea [a very tame species] repellant yet.

On Friday, December 23, 2005, at 04:12  PM, Syd Curtis wrote:



On one of my walks of the Milford Track ('98, maybe) I had just crossed the Arthur River on the last day of the walk. The vegetation grew right to the
side of the high bridge on the western bank.  I like to think that the
family of Grey Fantails were waiting for walkers to cross. Mother Fantail
and three juveniles.

I paused to admire the view down the river and immediately the notorious Milford sandflies** attacked. This was what the birds were waiting for. The three juveniles deftly picked off the sandflies in mid-air just inches
in front of my face, while Mother admired their newly developed aerial
dexterity. Unfortunately a few of the attackers were getting through the guard and as I react very severely to sandfly bites, I had to move on. But
it was a happy experience.

A happy holiday season and a prosperous 2006 to all on birding-aus and the
birds we love.

Syd Curtis

** They are HUGE! I was told that one landed on the Milford aero pad and
the locals refuelled it before they realized what it was.  :-)
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Laurie & Leanne Knight

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