Interesting point, Sean, and including availability of water. We had three
sources of water near the house over that heat wave period and there was a
strong hierarchy of who got access priority when they wanted it, e.g.
Currawongs, Kookaburras, Ravens and Magpies at the top, Shrike-thrush,
Wattlebirds, then Honeyeaters, Treecreepers, Shrike-tits and Whistlers, then
Thornbills, Pardalotes, Scrubwrens & Fairy-wrens. When there was not such
competition and such extreme weather the Pardalotes very actively used these
water sources. It is easy to imagine that the little ones found it very
difficult to get water as and when they needed it.
Bob
-----Original Message-----
From: Sean Dooley
Sent: Tuesday, 7 July 2009 11:49 AM
To: ; 'Frank Pierce / Janet Mattiske'
Cc: 'birding birding-aus'
Subject: Missing Pardalotes Central Victoria
Just a further thought on the dearth of pardalotes in Victoria, I wonder
what toll the heat wave that preceded the Black Saturday fires had on these
small birds? With several days of temperatures above 42 degrees, and with
many reports on Birding-aus at the time of birds dying, I suspect that tiny
things like pardalotes may have copped a real pounding. Perhaps they
retreated to their breeding hollows for respite but I wouldn't be surprised
if as many succumbed to the heat as they did to the flames.
Sean
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