This reminds me of one day when a group of us very intrepid SA birders
were at Yumbarra CP north of Ceduna in 48 degs C, chasing after
Scarlet-chested Parrots. We found the parrots Ok, but on the way back we
noticed lots of Pied Honeyeaters flitting up from the sides of the road
as we drove past. Closer inspection found that they were trying to get
out of the heat by sheltering in two inch deep depressions they had made
in the sandy ground in the shade ( what there was of it) of the roadside
vegetation. We assumed that the sand was slightly cooler this far below
the surface and that somehow the birds were aware of this.
Colin's experience below sounds like the same survival trick in
Fantails.
Tony
-----Original Message-----
From:
On Behalf Of Colin
Driscoll
Sent: Thursday, February 02, 2006 6:34 PM
To: 'Birding-Aus'
Subject: Hot fantail
Hi all
Today I was in Aberdare State Forest near Cessnock and the shade temp
was 44 deg. I saw a Grey Fantail fly across in front of me and disappear
into the ground at a low embankment on the edge of the track. On closer
inspection, there it was sheltering from the heat in a small eroded
cavity under an old stump. I have a piccy if I can find somewhere to
post it.
Cheers
Colin Driscoll
------------------------------------------
Colin Driscoll
Environmental Biologist
PO Box 1047
Toronto NSW 2283
Australia
Ph/fax +61 2 49598016
Mob 0438 773029
email
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