birding-aus

Birds 'caring' for each other

To: "Birding- Aus" <>
Subject: Birds 'caring' for each other
From: "Bob Ashford" <>
Date: Wed, 13 Aug 2008 16:49:53 +1000
Hi Folks

I had a local resident (Berry, South Coast, NSW) describe to me an interesting 
incident recently.

A female (presumed) Eastern Spinebill had knocked itself out by hitting a house 
window. As it lay stunned on the deck a male (again presumed) ES arrived and 
proceeded to flutter and call around the female.

After about 30 seconds it landed on the female still fluttering and calling. It 
then proceeded to gently prod and push the female, which was lying on its back. 
About a minute and a half after the collision the male  physically turned the 
female over so that it was lying on its stomach/breast still stunned but 
showing signs of revival.

For about another minute the male continued to flutter, call and gently prod 
the female which then quickly got up and flew off to the bushes accompanied by 
the male.

Im fascinated by the effort put in by the male while trying not to read too 
many anthopomorphic conclusions in to it all.

Has anyone else seen similar activity in birds ('caring' for want of a word at 
this stage) and in particular can anyone refer me to where I can get more info 
on this sort of activity.

Many Thanks

Bob Ashford
02 4464 1574
==============================www.birding-aus.org
birding-aus.blogspot.com

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