Hi Birders
I am rather curious to hear anyone’s thoughts on this influx of young Spotted Harriers. I have been a keen bird observer/photographer for almost six years and have heard of the odd one turn up near Penrith/Richmond, but to know of (and see two of these) three within five days (two near Penrith Lakes, one at Triangle Lane in Richmond) is something that was surprising to me.
In your opinion or experience, is this a possible dispersion of young birds from inland (maybe relevant to the Eastern Barn Owl irruption last winter/spring) or could it be that they sneakily exist and there is a small, or returning breeding population out there?
If it is a dispersion, is there any chance that a breeding pair may establish itself?
Thanks for any thoughts.
Stay safe Regards Akos
Hi Akos, there has been an ‘explosion’ of many species in central Australia over the last 12-18 months. Spotted Harriers are one of those species that seem to be everywhere you go in central Australia so I would assume there is some type of dispersal going on as they are in far greater number than usual. Barn Owls and Crested Bellbirds are two species that also bred prolifically and with a mild summer going on out here, there are still species breeding now when they would have usually finished breeding long ago. I type this as I sip on coffee and watch White-browed Babblers building a nest a few metres from my lounge room window …………… ahhhhh the good things in life!!!!
Anthony Molyneux Alice Springs
===============================
To unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message: unsubscribe (in the body of the message, with no Subject line)
http://birding-aus.org ===============================