December 20, 2019

Crimson Chats deal with heatwave

The prolonged drought in an extensive region of the Australian interior has seen the largest movement of birds into southern districts in more than 35 years. Crimson Chats are one species to have moved south to breed. A record breaking heat wave has seen many animals taking to shelter and water at domestic sites. Today 48 degree temperatures saw two Crimson Chats find shade in a farmers' carport. The farmers supplied a shallow tray of water for the chats.

Earlier during the heat wave about 60 Tyde's Sand Wasps Podalonia tydei took shelter in shade that included, on my shoes or under the toe of my shoes, in the shade of my shadow.

Posted on December 20, 2019 06:49 AM by davidsando davidsando | 0 comments | Leave a comment

November 13, 2019

more on our bird invasion

Lots of people in our community have noticed the unprecedented number of birds that have moved here from the drought affected interior of the continent. Today an apiarist reported Budgerigars from Yallumurray, near Padthaway. A mate around the corner reported a bird, that was obviously a White-browed Woodswallow, was nesting in his front garden rose bush. I pointed up above us to where woodswallows were perching on power lines. This evening I was bailed up for an hour in the front bar of my local by a bloke who wanted to know about the little black and white birds, (White-winged Trillers). He'd had a few but convincingly communicated his favourable impressions of the Readers Digest Complete Book of Australian Birds, the orchids on his scrub block, martin swallows (I mistakenly thought were the woodswallows until corrected and realised were Tree Martins) and child hood bird egging adventures. Managed to escape and get home to find a text from a young farmer with photos of Crimson Chats and Budgerigars.

Posted on November 13, 2019 11:39 AM by davidsando davidsando | 0 comments | Leave a comment

November 4, 2019

Bird Invasion

Stopped in the street this morning by two council employees working on kerbing. They wanted to find out about all the birds they'd noticed recently. Turns out they were referring to male White-winged Trillers and White-browed Woodswallows. The conversation went on to include stories of the progeny of a Major Mitchell cross with a corella in turn crossing with a Galah.

Anyway the rub is that lots of locals have noticed the exceptional number of birds that are here because of the drought in the interior.

Posted on November 4, 2019 03:13 AM by davidsando davidsando | 0 comments | Leave a comment

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