Explanation sort for missing birds...

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Chimbu
Chimbu's picture
Explanation sort for missing birds...

Hi everyone, I’m hoping to tap into your collective knowledge and experience regarding why specific bird species have virtually ceased to visit or inhabit my immediate local area in Penrith over the last few years.

The birds in question include : Eastern Rosella, Red-rumped Parrot, Black-faced Cuckoo shrike, Red-whiskered Bulbul, Restless Flycatcher, Willie Wagtail, Superb Fairy-wren, Red Wattlebird, Noisy Friarbird, White-plumed Honeyeater, Eastern Spinebill Honeyeater and House Sparrow.

I’m currently delighted with the fact that 3 Satin Bowerbirds have mysteriously elected to very frequently visit my yard (2 olive-green ‘immature’ males appear to take it in turns building a bower whilst a cheeky glossy-blue black male likes to dismantle their hard work late in the afternoon). He’s probably their father and thinks they can do better ! Nothing like lots of practice. What a magic firsthand experience. Note, I’ve observed up to 7 Noisy ‘grey’ Miners harassing the 2 ‘immature’ males.

For consideration - none of my immediate neighbours have a cat and my old pet dog is rather tolerant. I’m inclined to suspect the likely cause of the ‘missing’ birds is the sizable population of both Noisy’grey’ Miners and Common ‘brown Indian Mynahs’ which regrettably have ‘moved in’ to the neighbourhood. A fair enough inference ?? If so, I wouldn’t mind trapping and re-locating the intruders 100km from home !

Sincere thanks for any enlightening input regarding these much missed birds.
All the best, Ross.

DenisWilson
DenisWilson's picture

Hi Chimbu
I would trade some of those "missing" birds for the Bowerbirds, any time.
In general, Noisy Miners and the introduced Common Mynas are both aggressive and tend to chase many other birds away.
In NSW you are entitled to trap and destroy Common Mynas. There are rules about humane treatment.
I would start by ringing your local Council Environment Section and ask them if they participate in a trapping program.
Check this website.
http://sres-associated.anu.edu.au/myna/trapping.html
It comes from Canberra (ACT), but I know there are control programs which have received approval in NSW.
Cheers
Denis

Chimbu
Chimbu's picture

Thanks Dennis for your helpful advice. I'll sound out Council with regard trapping the Common Mynas. Birds certainly are fascinating....I love their various calls and, of late, those of the Bowerbird. Regards, Ross.

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