Last year when I first moved to Mildura (nw Victoria) I sent an e-mail
regarding the arrival of White-breasted Woodswallows. I have been thinking
since about Easter that this species would soon be gone for the winter, and
even though there seemed to be some evidence of flocking (as I have seen in
Griffith prior to departure) birds are still about (I had one fly over as I
was watering the garden).
HANZAB says they may depart as late as May, and Hobbs in 1961 recorded them
in five years leaving by mid April (which has probably just past). Not
certain how much longer they will be here (I am about to go away until Anzac
Day so they may disappear over that period) but once they do go I will await
there arrival again as the sign that spring has started.
Unlike the cuckoos which stop calling so it is hard to detect exactly when
they disappear, the Woodswallows contact call is easily heard as they fly
overhead, so it should be obvious when they finally depart.
Speaking of cuckoos, after struggling to track any down last spring, I have
seen three sightings in the last fortnight (though none were calling).
Unidentified cuckoo (possibly Fan-tailed) being harassed by a White-plumed
Honeyeater at Kings Billabong (east of Mildura) on Easter Monday.
Pallid Cuckoo at Kinchega NP (se of Broken Hill) a couple of days later.
Another probable Pallid Cuckoo west of Lake Victoria (just near the SA/NSW
border) this last tuesday.
Cheers,
Peter
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