General observations
Family groups
General observations are available for some family groups, as defined in the family group table (currently: 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, 21 ).
Seasonal and annual changes
During the 2008/09 breeding season we noticed that several bird species had extended their ranges. Several species were found by us in areas where we had not observed them before. E.g. we saw Rainbow Lorikeets in Moree and Tamworth. In Moree we also spotted Scaly-breasted Lorikeets. These parrot species may just be taking advantage of food sources made available in town parks. Rainbow Lorikeets reached Narrabri in the spring of 2011.
All these birds (including pests, see below) were probably taking advantage of increased rainfall during 2008/09 and subsequent growth of vegetation, leading to more plants and seeds and also to larger numbers of insects and other potential prey.
At the start of spring in northern NSW in 2010 some aquatic bird species were observed by us that are normally found only in wetter areas, such as along the Queensland coastline or in the tropics, e.g. Wandering Whistling-Ducks and Green Pygmy-Geese.
Migratory birds
Weather patterns can lead to shifts in annual migration patterns. Here a basic attempt to relate events with birds' behaviour, as observed by us.
Spring 2011
Several migratory species that spend the southern wintertime in the northern part of Australia arrived with frontal system and associated inland trough in mid-August. Pallid Cuckoo, Black-eared Cuckoo and White-throated Gerygone were seen in the second half of August.
Spring 2010
The first migratory birds of the season, Channel-billed Cuckoos and Rainbow Bee-eaters, were observed by us during the first week of September, a day after a major rainfall event with strong northerly winds.
Autumn 2009
In the 2010 season birds started their territorial and mating calls round about early August, ahead of one of several rain events with wind from northerly directions. The first migratory birds from beyond the Australian continent were observed in early September, again one day after major rainfall associated with strong northerly wind.
At the end of summer 2008/09 several migratory species left the area of Eulah Creek earlier than normal, in advance of a cold spell with a lot of rainfall on 14 February. Cuckoos such as Channel-billed Cuckoos, Horsefield's Bronze-cuckoos and Common Koels were last seen and heard by us around the end of January/early February. Dollarbirds had left Eulah Creek already in the middle of January, but were seen elsewhere in the neighbourhood until at least early March. Rainbow Bee-eaters stayed until at least early March and Welcome Swallows also stayed around.
Spring 2008
In 2008 several migratory bird species arrived in the Narrabri area in mid-September, on the second consecutive day of strong, warm northerly winds. This major weather event clearly determined the migration pattern that year.
Pests
Unfortunately, pests (not shown on these pages) spread too in favourable conditions. In 2008/09 there were more House Sparrows at our place than before (although the numbers have dropped again since we blocked potential nesting spaces). Where there were none until the 2007/08 breeding season, in 2008/09 about 50 Common Mynas roosted in trees around our place and made a general nuisance of themselves. Also the number of European Starlings in the neighbourhood (mostly around cattle [and their droppings] on paddocks) seemed to have increased. Removing nesting possibilities during the winter led to a sharp decline of both House Sparrows and Starlings on our property during the 2010/11 breeding season.
Co-habitation/nesting habits
It is common knowledge that some species of birds associate with each other and even nest in close proximity. An example of this is the co-habitation of Sulphur-crested Cockatoos, Little Corellas and Galahs.
During the breeding season of 2010/11, a time with above-average rainfall and therefore lots of growth and food around, we noticed an abundance of bird nests in our garden in close proximity to each other. However, birds nested close to each other simultaneously that normally don't get along very well. In November pairs of Australian Magpies, Magpie-larks and Willie Wagtails all nested within 10 m of each other, at different heights in two neighbouring eucalypt trees. In December/January there were again three nests, now of different types of omnivore nectar eaters, namely Little Friarbirds, Striped Honeyeaters and Spiny-cheeked Honeyeaters, all within 15 m of each other.
For a page describing the behaviour of a Little Friarbird at its nest, please click here.
Different bathing techniques
It is always fascinating to observe birds taking a bath (if they do so - birds like chickens loathe getting wet). There are a number of different techniques to it.
Many birds, most well-known probably Budgerigars, squat in a shallow pool of water and use their wings to splash themselves wet. For photos, see e.g. the page about Double-barred Finches.
Then there are those who dive in and fully immerse themselves, such as e.g. Spotted Bowerbirds. While they dive in one at a time, Apostlebirds do the same in a group, thereby often emptying a bowl in no time at all.
Another technique is preferred by some honeyeaters, e.g. White-plumed Honeyeaters. They fly in from a perch, slow down their flight (see photo) and ditch onto the water surface, from where they fly back to their perch again immediately. This procedure is usually repeated several times.
White-plumed Honeyeater hard on the brakes flying in for a bath
