I refer to the spectacular recent reports of the Princess Parrots on Newhaven
Station Sanctuary (AWC-NT). The following passage on the vegetation associated
with 2010 sightings was described by Ian May in his Birding-aus report at that
time, followed by identification of the Upside Down plant coming from Anthea
Fleming.
(IAN MAY):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/To which
Anthea Fleming replied:"Your plant is Leptosema chambersii or Upside-down Plant
(Anne Urban , Wildflowers and Plants of Central Australia,1990 - p. 89). Book
says it pr
oduces prolific nectar and is an aboriginal food-plant. When we were in the
Centre many years ago, we were very impressed by it. Presumably the Princess
parrots are taking the nectar. No mention of the seeds - wonder if the parrots
will like them when available?"
In Chris Watson's newspaper article on his recent trip to Newhaven, I note that
Desert Oaks and Bloodwoods, previously highlighted by Ian May, feature. A check
of the AWC's website's details on Newhaven does deal with plant communities and
I see both the above trees mentioned and abundant and diverse spinifex, but I
see no mention of Leptosema Chambersii, highlighted by Ian. I wonder if the
helpful gang from Newhaven could tell us whether the plant is present, to what
extent, and if it features in their observations.
I also note that Princess Parrot is down on the bird list as likely to be
present, but not confirmed. Boy! - hasn't that prediction been confirmed. The
Princess Parrot has indeed found a new haven.
Angus Innes.
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