Archive for July, 2008

I am sometimes amazed at how opportunistic some birds can be. Quite a few species of Australian birds will migrate long distances to take advantage of rain or floods in some part of this country. Honeyeaters come and go in response to the flowering of native trees. Various hawks and kites will come to an area over run with a mouse plague, while other species respond to a locust plague.

This week I’ve witnessed a response to a very localised situation. We are having some areas next to the house concreted tomorrow. A few days ago the builder did some quite extensive work with a bob cat, leveling the area to be covered. A storm water drain was also installed, further disturbing the soil.

Both the resident Willie Wagtails and Australian Magpies took immediate advantage of the situation, feeding on the exposed worms and beetles. Both species are quite unafraid and feed within a metre or two of where we were working. Unfortunately I was too busy to race inside for the camera.

UPDATE:

The concrete slab was poured the next day, denying the birds any more feeding opportunities on that patch. Looks good too – this area will become a great outdoor living area for us – and I hope the birds like it too when we introduce a few plants into the scene.

Below is a photo of the cement being poured.

A new concrete slab being poured in our back yard.