Commonplace as it may be to most of you, you'll barely be able to
imagine my astonishment at coming across a Red Wattlebird last
weekend -- on east-facing hills of the Daguilar Range (Mt Mee spur/
Ocean View).
At 2007 UBD page 45, L 16, the bird was in recently
subdivided banksia country. Elevation's probably 350-450m, and
building & landscaping have nevertheless left many of the plants that
were on-site when "settlement" took off about ?5 years ago.
There appeared to be only one Red Wattlebird. It would be
described as "associating with" a group of Little/Brush Wattlebirds,
though its behaviour was different & the "association" seemed...
loose.
The wattlebirds were all foraging in the banksias (& moving
among nearby trees/shrubs). While the Brush/Littles were engaging in
chases & appeared to be in groups, however, the lone Red was not
approached by any of the others while I watched, nor did it approach
them or any other species. It was much warier than its smaller
fellows of human movement (-- though I remained in my car, at a
distance of 30m minimum, the bird retreated to cover whenever I
raised the camera or made other slight movements).
The country up here is much cooler than Brisbane, especially
by night. A little further down the eastern face of these hills I
have in previous years seen New Holland OR White-cheeked among the
banksias (sorry, don't have the record with me at present, but can
advise which it was if anyone's particularly interested) -- which
I've not seen elsewhere on these mountains.
The afternoon was sunny & clear, July being warmer than June
had been, with perhaps a breeze. The bird's red wattle was clearly
evident, as was its lovely powder-yellow belly and hoarse voice.
In the current Atlas, records of this bird in this location
look non-existent.
Cheers!
Judith.
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