I refer to the spectacular recent reports of the Princess Parrots on Newhaven Station Sanctuary (AWC-NT). The following passage on the vegetation associated with 2010 sightings was described by Ian May in his Birding-aus report at that time, followed by identification of the Upside Down plant coming from Anthea Fleming. (IAN MAY):Ideal habitat is Desert Oak with some dead stags adjacent to sand dunes, some large scattered spotted/bloodwood eucalypts and stands of orange flowering gravellier are usually found in the dune swales nearby. Abundant seeding spinifex and other grasses are on the dunes. Most importantly appears to be a common stunted needle leafed plant (stunted Hakea?) with dense clusters of red tubular flowers growing from the base. This plant is common and in its early stage of flowering, seems to be part of a critical habitat association with Princess Parrots. The birds appear to be drawing moisture from its succulent flower bases. If anyone can suggest the correct species identification for this plant, I have just posted some pictures on Flickr.http://www.flickr.com/photos/oo000oo/sets/72157624733435776/To which Anthea Fleming replied:”Your plant is Leptosema chambersii or Upside-down Plant (Anne Urban , Wildflowers and Plants of Central Australia,1990 – p. 89). Book says it pr oduces prolific nectar and is an aboriginal food-plant. When we were in the Centre many years ago, we were very impressed by it. Presumably the Princess parrots are taking the nectar. No mention of the seeds – wonder if the parrots will like them when available?” In Chris Watson’s newspaper article on his recent trip to Newhaven, I note that Desert Oaks and Bloodwoods, previously highlighted by Ian May, feature. A check of the AWC’s website’s details on Newhaven does deal with plant communities and I see both the above trees mentioned and abundant and diverse spinifex, but I see no mention of Leptosema Chambersii, highlighted by Ian. I wonder if the helpful gang from Newhaven could tell us whether the plant is present, to what extent, and if it features in their observations. I also note that Princess Parrot is down on the bird list as likely to be present, but not confirmed. Boy! – hasn’t that prediction been confirmed. The Princess Parrot has indeed found a new haven. Angus Innes. ===============================
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