Just a note that the I heard the first Channel Bill Cuckoo here in Central Queensland on Wednsday and another at 2 am this morning and calling during rain showers now.
It would be interesting to hear from other forum members, how fast they migrate South. Maybe set up a forum topic?!
I haven't heard any or seen any yet in Sydney but the first one for Sydney was reported wednesday last week on Eremaea.
I haven't heard them or the Koels yet in Brisbane. Starting to get Fantail Cuckoos calling now though.
Rain showers all day yesterday. One bird calling around the area last evening and today, not sure if it is the same bird, will keep observing!
They havn't hit our area of the Sunshine Coat yet.
Heard a second bird (two calling) late 11/09 just on sunset
Now 3 birds here now possibly 4. Three flew overhead just on sundown and a possible 4th was about 500 meters away flying on an intersecting course. Size and flight action looked right but not confirmed.
Observed one feeding in and under mulberry tree.
I've been keeping a record of the first Koel and Channel bill arrival her in the Blue Mountains for a number of years, and when I looked in my book today noticed that over the last couple of years it's been between the 15/9 and 22/9, but as yet I haven't heard any here yet. Keep you posted.
i did notice that I recorded seeing the Koel juvenile calling as late as Jan one year.
If we are keeping track can people note where they are talking about please?
I am in Mackay Qld. this week and heard a koel calling on Wed.
Unfortunately, I still haven't heard them this year in the Blue Mtns, starting to think they're not coming ! Anyone else in the Mountains heard them over their valleys?
Hooray! They're finally here in the Blue Mtns. Heard a faint call this morning. Later than usual.
I heard the first one here too, in the inner west of Sydney. 5.00am. Also heard it again about 6.00 tonight. I found the tree it was in, but couldn't get a good look at it. But its nice they have arrived, as noisy as they are.
elizabeth
I am actually trying to work out what birds start calling before the Koel, sometimes as early as 4.00, I think that one of them is a Brush Cuckoo. There is another with an ascending call, that i thought might be another kind of cuckoo but it doesn't match the sound files i have heard.
elizabeth
Getting both CB Cuckoos and Koels calling now in Samford
Hi Elizabeth, I have heard the CB make a two tone call (low / high) increasing in pitch a number of times. You can mimick the tones whistling and it encourages further calls.
Also meant to say that CBC's call through out the night up here.
Hi Devster, good to hear they have arrived there. I suspect where they hit first is possibly related to where the wind they pick up takes them south. Be interesting to satelite track a migration to see how high they travel on the winds and if offshore. If any got in that southerly wind flow down the coast this week, they could be in Victoria in a day or two.
Thanks ozplant, the birds i am hearing have a call that is a lot less harsh than a CB Cuckoo. I could be wrong but don't believe they are that. And yes, I have heard a CB Cuckoo calling all night too! During the summer.
elizabeth
Finally heard the Koel this am in the Blue Mtns near Sydney, mind you, I have been away for a week! Has anyone else heard them near or around Sydney this season yet?