I’m intrigued by the rise in numbers of Musk Lorikeets in Sydney in the past 20 years. In 1995 I noted an influx of Musk Ls into northern Sydney from late Summer to early Winter, after which they disappeared. I’d have to check my records but they almost certainly moved into areas south of the Harbour as well at that time. To the best of my knowledge this was the first time (since I started keeping records in 1978) that this occurred. The same pattern has repeated itself every year since 1995, making a change of status of this species as migratory into Sydney. My one caveat is that I believe there have always been one or two small and localised populations e.g.., at Cumberland SF where they breed. In 2013, for the first time since their appearance in 1995, some of these Muskies remained in Sydney throughout the year and I strongly suspect that they will now become a species that is widespread, throughout Sydney and will be present throughout the year. Their numbers appeared to increase in late summer 2014, coincident with their normal arrival for the cooler months. They have been present in my garden in Roseville for some months now. I have my own theory for the change in abundance of this species throughout Sydney, and would be interested in any comments. Andy _______________________________________________ Birding-Aus mailing list Birding-Aus@birding-aus.org To change settings or unsubscribe visit: http://birding-aus.org/mailman/listinfo/birding-aus_birding-aus.org