I have just returned from a two night visit to Norfolk Island. I spent nine hours in the National Park walking trails at Mount Pitt, Mount Bates, Palm Glen and Machlachlan’s Lane. The weather was not wonderful having strong winds for the duration of the stay although it was quite sheltered in the forest interior.
It was of concern that in the nine hours of birding in the park we could only find one pair of Tasman Parakeets and one male Pacific Robin.
The Crimson Rosella population has exploded since my last visit in 2001. There appear to be no ongoing control programs (perhaps someone knows more about this). The Crimson Rosella is abundant in the national park. It is a recognised competitor for nesting sites of the Tasman Parakeet along with the equally abundant European Starling (See Stephen Garnett-Threatened and Extinct Birds of Australia).
I think there is a definite need for regular systematic population surveys of both the Tasman Parakeet and the Pacific Robin and rosella control in the park at least. The Tasman Parakeet could also benefit from identification and protection of nesting hollows or creation of a nest box program. The robin may benefit from extra rat protection at nesting sites.
It was great to see plenty of Norfolk Island Whistlers, Gerygones, Fantails and Slender-billed White-eyes. I left Norfolk concerned for the long term welfare of the Tasman Parakeet and Pacific Robin. Both species should have much higher population densities.
Cheers
Dion
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Hi Dion
I had a week on Norfolk earlier in the year in April and while I did find parrots in very low numbers. I spent a fair bit of time talking to Margaret Christian and she certainly believes parrot numbers have crashed. Other locals said the same thing – ie parrots not visiting orchards in the last couple of years where previously they were regular. National Parks still state 250 birds but I spent all week walking all over the national park and would have seen or heard at most 6 parrots total. Certainly Crimson Rosellas were everywhere….
Robins I found quite plentiful although only in or near the National Park… perhaps it was the time of year or perhaps the same individuals seen over and again.
Not sure what to do about it really? Is there anyone worth writing a letter to?
Cheers Tim
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