Hi Tim,
The article seems to be about Victorian beekeepers, so may not be a true
reflection for impending conditions for nectivores in south-eastern Australia.
Either way, it is interesting in light of what we saw in NSW this year, which
was a "Spotted Gum" year by all accounts. The Spotted Gums (Corymbia maculata)
only flower every 3 or 4 years and when they do it really turns it on for
nectar-loving birds and mammals. It was a particularly good year in the Hunter
and the South Coast of NSW, where about 400/1200 Swift Parrots were recorded
respectively (the latter being the biggest known concentration anywhere).
Thousands of Flying-foxes departed camps and headed for these areas as well.
Regent Honeyeaters were in good numbers (100+) in the Hunter as well, alomost
certainly in response to the Spotted Gum blossom (the last big Spotted Gum year
here was 2009 and we had similar numbers then as well). Having said that, the
other "key species" in coastal NSW (Swamp Mahogany) did not go this year, so
perhaps will next year. It will be interesting to see what transpires next year
with this article's message in mind
and the probable low-key Spotted Gum event.
Mick
________________________________
From: Tim Dolby <>
To: "" <>
Sent: Tuesday, 13 November 2012 11:45 AM
Subject: The birds and the bees - nectar feeders
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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