In Melbourne at present, there are many flowering old, well-established
Silky Oaks (Grevillea robusta) in streets and gardens. Some trees are
pyramids of orange flower-heads. But we don't see any birds feeding on
them, though the nectar is copious, and certainly palatable to humans.
A neighbour and I were discussing this, and the only birds we have seen
in the nearest tree are a few Rainbow Lorikeets. We haven't observed
whether the trees are frequented by Grey-headed Flying-Foxes either.
The natural range of the Silky Oak is much further north than Melbourne,
Queensland I believe.. We wonder if birds make use of them within their
natural range.
Why is this so? (to quote Julius Sumner Miller).
Anthea Fleming
in Ivanhoe, Vic.
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