Hello all
Have just returned to base last night after more than 5 weeks away
camping in the bush of Central Australia. It was with some
disappointment to find that nearly all recent discussion about the
Princess Parrot irruption had been changed to a topic about entry
permits into Aboriginal land. I wish to emphasize that prior permission
to enter Aboriginal land is essential. Our personal permissions to
access these areas were given personally by traditional landowners,
elders from Jamieson/Kintore communities. The story about how this came
about is a fascinating one and I hope to post an account of this as soon
as I have time to prepare it.
Regarding the occurrence of Princess Parrots, as said previously there
are many hundreds, probably thousands spread throughout more than 160
km. of a geographic area that probably could be described as the tall
desert oak woodlands of the eastern Gibson Desert dune fields. From our
most recent observations, birds appear to be breaking away from flocks,
spreading out across many areas and forming pairs and smaller groups.
They are obviously breeding at some locations as some birds have ruffled
stained ruffled belly feathers and their long tails are clearly bent
from sitting in hollows.
It would seem very likely that some Princess Parrots will turn up in
public access areas. The habitat also appears ideal around Kings Canyon
less than 50 km from where we had observed good numbers north of
Mereenie oil fields. At present there is also excellent habitat along
several kilometers of the Lasseter Hwy travelling west starting from
about 6 km. west of Curtin Springs.
Ideal habitat is Desert Oak with some dead stags adjacent to sand dunes,
some large scattered spotted/bloodwood eucalypts and stands of orange
flowering gravellier are usually found in the dune swales nearby.
Abundant seeding spinifex and other grasses are on the dunes. Most
importantly appears to be a common stunted needle leafed plant (stunted
Hakea?) with dense clusters of red tubular flowers growing from the
base. This plant is common and in its early stage of flowering, seems
to be part of a critical habitat association with Princess Parrots. The
birds appear to be drawing moisture from its succulent flower bases. If
anyone can suggest the correct species identification for this plant, I
have just posted some pictures on Flickr.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/oo000oo/sets/72157624733435776/
Regards and good birding
Ian May
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