tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18783751.post1348815476625755995..comments2023-11-12T21:16:10.098+11:00Comments on Birds in Tasmania: Year of the Blue-winged ParrotBirdingTashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08341646998037894004noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18783751.post-74675950555739492262010-11-28T07:18:05.154+11:002010-11-28T07:18:05.154+11:00Hi,
It's interesting that you mention havi...Hi,<br /> It's interesting that you mention having flocks in your garden as, except perhaps in search of water, these domestic budgerigar size birds, rarely venture into gardens. Mostly they feed in grasslands, and in the Meehan Range they can often be heard at this time of year as they fly from their nest sites to grasslands, sometimes some distance away.<br /> It's these grasslands that have begun to thrive again after years of low rainfall, that I suspect are the key to their apparent increase in numbers. One parrot expert (Joe Forshaw) writing 40 years ago, described the bluewing as Tasmania's most common parrot. Certainly in autumn, I have found them widespread in the Midlands, often feeding on roadside verges and nearby grasslands. Changes to agricultural practices may well have played a part in their decline. I have found them breeding in many parts of the Midlands and Central Plateau over the years, so their presence at Brady's Lake is a likely spot for them.<br /> Thanks for your comments and observations.BirdingTashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08341646998037894004noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18783751.post-69374613057916197922010-11-23T11:17:01.865+11:002010-11-23T11:17:01.865+11:00We live close to Meehan Range and this is the firs...We live close to Meehan Range and this is the first year we've had flocks of these parrots in the garden. More interestingly, I saw a group of 3 beside Bradys Lake in the Central Highlands a couple of weeks ago. Are they becoming more common and widespread?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18783751.post-15534956227970815892010-02-14T12:14:57.695+11:002010-02-14T12:14:57.695+11:00Thanks Alan
I'll go and give it a try.
Cheer...Thanks Alan<br /><br />I'll go and give it a try.<br /><br />Cheers<br />Mickmickbrownsbirdshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13574989750951852538noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18783751.post-89027599222694368332010-02-13T08:34:51.994+11:002010-02-13T08:34:51.994+11:00Hi Mick,
You've done better than I have ...Hi Mick,<br /> You've done better than I have as I've yet to get acceptable shots of bluewings at Risdon Brook, despite seeing them on many visits! Redgate entrance to the Meehan Range is accessed off the road into Cambridge. From the City towards the airport, take the left fork,as if you're going to Cambridge or Richmond. On your left, about 150 metres from the highway, is Belbin's Road (unsealed), opposite the highway underpass. Take that. There is a small turning circle a few hundred metres in, park there. It isn't the most salubrious site, it has had a hard life! Birding is a bit pot luck, but can be good. The "Redgate" apparently refers to the gate on the old Bellerive/Sorell railway line, long defunct.BirdingTashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08341646998037894004noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18783751.post-35689190501224942902010-02-12T23:17:07.948+11:002010-02-12T23:17:07.948+11:00Hi Alan
Thanks for the great pix. I read your ea...Hi Alan<br /><br />Thanks for the great pix. I read your earlier blog on Risdon Brook and had a walk there. I was lucky enough to get some nice photos of a blue wing and also my first shots of a scrub wren. I haven't seen any satin flycatchers yet though - where is Redgate on Meehan Range?<br /><br />Cheers<br />Mick Brownmickbrownsbirdshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13574989750951852538noreply@blogger.com