Hi all,
I've just heard an interesting report on ABC Radio Australia about the fact
that commercial beekeepers, in terms of nectar production, are having one of
their worst seasons on record. The report suggests, that due to our wet winter
and cool spring, trees and shrubs are putting all their energy in the
development of green growth rather than flowering. See
http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/international/2012-11-12/falling-nectar-production-leads-to-honey-drought/1044622.
Anecdotally, I also think the lack of flowering has had an impact the number of
nectar feeding birds i.e. our honeyeaters and lorikeets. Personally I've
noticed far less lorikeets about the place. For instance, just this morning on
my ride to work (through Royal Park in Melbourne) there were virtually no
lorikeets. Interestingly the main type of lorikeet I did see (hear) was Little
Lorikeet.
The report concludes that our plants are still growing but it will take 12
months to see the benefits, and that this time next year we'll be having a good
honey season. I'm speculating that the same applies to our nectar feeding
birds, certainly across southern and eastern Australia. In theory spring 2013
will be the 'year' of the nectar feeders!
Cheers,
Tim
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