General observations
Family groups
General observations are available for some family groups, as defined in the classification table (currently: 5, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 18, 19, 21 ).
Seasonal and annual changes
In the 2010 season birds started their territorial and mating calls round about early August, aheaad of one of several rain events with wind from northerly directions.
During the 2008/09 breeding season we noticed that several bird species have extended their ranges. Several endemic 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.
All these birds (including pests, see below) are 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.
Migratory birds
Autumn 2009
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 where 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. There were more European 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 make a general nuisance of themselves. Also the number of European Starlings in the neighbourhood (mostly around cattle [and their droppings] on paddocks) seems to have increased.
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