Another sign of winters approach Restless Flycatcher

[martin butterfield <>]

G'day Mark

I certainly agree with you about Restless Flycatcher.  When we first lived in Canberra the species was almost 'common' particularly up near Urriara Homestead.  The only one I have seen for several years was on a COG WW near Michelago.

For Southern Whiteface the situation is a bit better out here (Carwoola).  According to the records I keep for a group of local residents, over the past 4 years the species is typically recorded in 10 months of the year, with the months of absence often October - presumably while they are breeding - and, for some reason I can't think of, March (although I did see 6 a few days ago).  The area I see them most frequently seems to be the road from Hoskinstown to Foxlow Bridge: the hawthorns seem to be attraction for them..

Martin

On 23 March 2013 07:58, Mark Clayton <> wrote:

Kym’s photo of the Restless Flycatcher this morning reminded me that this is a species that, to me, is rapidly disappearing from our landscapes. Growing up in north Canberra during the 60’s and 70’s it was a common bird in areas that are now covered by housing – so too were Brown Treecreepers and Hooded Robins. I used to regularly band Restless Flycatchers at The Charcoal Tank Nature Reserve near West Wyalong but haven’t seen them probably for over a decade out there, let alone banded any. The last bird I saw locally was at CSIRO (Wildlife) late last year from memory and I did put in an incidental observation report for that record. I recommend that COG members record any observations of this species so that we have records of its decline locally.

 

There are a number of other species that are also rapidly disappearing from COG’s area of interest e.g. Southern Whiteface, Whistling Kite. Please record all observations of these species.

 

Cheers,

Mark

 

From: kym bradley [
Sent: Friday, 22 March 2013 10:52 PM
To:
Subject: [canberrabirds] Another sign of winters approach Restless Flycatcher

 

Another first for 2013 cooler weather, restless flycatcher, flying with a flock of willy wagtails

 

http://i1297.photobucket.com/albums/ag39/birdsofseaustralia/fly_zps0c0058b8.jpg

 

Sighted at the bridge on smiths rd prior to the sandwash , also black fronted dotterel ( got his shot this time )

 

http://i1297.photobucket.com/albums/ag39/birdsofseaustralia/d1_zps842e5adf.jpg

--
Martin Butterfield

http://franmart.blogspot.com.au/