An Olive-backed Sunbird nest was built on a clothes line in my carport (unused except for the clothes lines) but then it seemed to be deserted.
Well a couple of weeks back I noticed a beak sticking out of the entry hole.
The dark line beside the nest is a towel that I have left there as some protection and to remind me each time that I come out that door.
Amazing Peter, i haven't seen one of those before but i sure hope to.
William.S
That sure is amazing. I'm so envious you have this at your back door Peter. I know less than nothing about these birds, but curiosity and all that, just reading how adaptable they've become to building near people, and how tolerant even when nesting if you're quiet. And, just read that they build, then apear to abandon the nest for a week or so before coming back to nest, which would explain where yours went I guess. I wonder, when they abandon it after building, if they then hang around from time to time after building it to check for danger, could that be a reason why they don't utilise it straight away? I don't know, just fascinating though. Only a weeks incubation then you should hear some additional chirping, if not already. How exciting, I'd be camping in the carport, sad individual that I am, lol!
I am completely fascinated by this now. Would love to see some shots as the nesting progresses if you think it's not going to disturb them and you get the opportunity?
West Coast Tasmania
Annie
thanks for explaining about the absence
that pic was 22/9 and a pic from the weekend would have been the same, ie the little head poking out from the nest (I did take a pic and will try to post tomorrow)
note: you can see the cover over the entry hole (if I take anothe pic I will make the entry cover more visible); the nest entry faces the back of the carport where there is a well-shrubbed embankment; I shoudl see if I can get a line of sight from top of embankment; I get a good line of sight from my dining table where I spend my home time sorting bird pics
note: that is the hen bird, the male has the royal blue throat; I cannot say that I have noticed him sitting
did your reading say that both birds incubate?
a behaviour that I have noticed is a ObS 'pip' call from behind the carport and she flies out; I wonder if this is him returning to feed her or if it is the changeover of the sitting bird?
I have not gone out afterwards as I do not want to disturb her/him
Will
they are delightful birds; I have good pics from my yard and will post some
Peter
Looking forward to seeing some more photos. I hope all goes well for the new family.
Peter, pretty sure I read that males don't help out with incubation, but generally (although not always) do with feeding of the young. Nests are absolute art I think, even humble little 'ol cup nests. My young Ornitholigist wanna be has a growing collection of specimens - we usually keep an eye peeled after the first strong Autumn winds for fallen or broken old ones - nothing as stunning & unique as this one with it's little verandah although her treasured Thornbill dome nest has has a small hood over the front entrance. Even old, unused and partially broken, it is always quite a few degrees warmer inside too when you feel in there. Incredibly intricate little creations all of them and the variation in materials is always fascinating. Anyway, waffling over, back to your Sunbird.....
.... sure hope your embankment approach plan comes to fruition, would love to see some progress shots if possible!
West Coast Tasmania
Great little event happening there, keep us informed.
According to Michael Morcombe's Field Guide to Australian Birds the female does most of the nest building & all of the incubation while the male " pugnacious lye defends the nest territory". No mention is made of the reason for the week or so's break between nest completion & egg laying.
quite a few pics from my yard that may or may not be the nesting pair
yes, female on the nest this morning
Peter
Good looking bird and a great read!.
Samford Valley Qld.