It was a nice welcome back to Australia treat to have these two characters living near mum and dad's in the same tree that they've been in for the last couple of months. I'd enjoy walking Molly, the resident Tibetan Spaniel, around to say hello and take a few photos.
Last Wednesday we went around and there happened to be a small army of trucks, wood-chippers, vehicles and chainsaw wielders taking to the trees around the small shopping strip. In spite of the obvious presence of 2 x Tawny Frogmouths they saw fit to act on the tree that had no limbs of trouble.
The more flighty of the two was absent while they were there - possibly didn't like the commotion and left at the time. In any case it hasn't returned and the second bird has also since left.
Coincidence or disturbance?
You've made my morning Quiet Miner! Tawny's are amongst my favourites. Funny, most councils require property owners to check in relation to effects on wildlife etc (don't they?) before removing trees or major limbs etc. So assuming these were council employed workers, given it's around a shopping centre, let's hope they did their homework too? Especially as you mentioned, there were limbs removed that didn't pose any particular threat. I hope they come back - the Frogmouths, not the workers
, would be such a shame if not.
West Coast Tasmania
With their habitat largely removed I doubt they'll be back for a long while, Ruby.
Quiet Miner, I trust that the council has heard from you on this matter as this is a classic example of the tokenism towards the environment which exists in so many councils. In spite of the environmental officers which are employed at great expense to the rate payers, we still get situations like the new roundabout where, in spite of representations made about the value of roundabouts in conserving small native plants, the Mt Barker Council has planted a feral tree & gazanias, a well known weed, on it.
I’m appalled to hear this, but not surprised.
During this week the power company has removed branches that “might fall” onto power lines in our street. The neighbour down the road pointed out a few trees on his own property, not council land, he claimed to be dangerous. (I know , because he told me, There are sugar gliders in those trees he wants to get rid of , because they make a mess) . Guess what? They cut three huge old trees down for him. Now, who is going to argue with the power company?
I rang the council, they weren’t going to stop the fellers, because the power company and the safety of people and fire prevention has priority. Now, I know that neighbour convinced the tree fellers that those healthy trees had to be removed. Nothing I could have done to prevent it. People are getting more and more away with the destruction of nature, more and more excuses are accepted these days.
M-L
Hi Woko,
I have raised this with the council and I am waiting to hear a response. Hard to believe that your council is planting weeds these days.
The Tawnys haven't returned yet by the way.
Graham Harkom
Organiser
Melbourne Bird Photographers
melbournebirdphotographers@gmail.com
True Woko. Naive hope perhaps that the "fellers" only took the minimum of lower branches? Be interesting to see if/what your council has to say Quiet Miner.
West Coast Tasmania
I'm yet to hear back from the council, but I can give an update that at least one of the two birds has returned and my dad seems to think he saw two last weekend.
Graham Harkom
Organiser
Melbourne Bird Photographers
melbournebirdphotographers@gmail.com
Good on you, Quiet Miner. For the tawny frogmouth to have returned I presume there are other trees there to its liking.
I've noticed that in spite of all the information available to councils they continue to plant weeds. Further, I've seen numerous situations where on roadsides councils remove indigenous vegetation but do nothing about weeds.
Well, they must be attached to that particular tree as they/it are back to the very same one!
Removing indigenous vegetation? Madness.
Graham Harkom
Organiser
Melbourne Bird Photographers
melbournebirdphotographers@gmail.com