Beautiful firetails

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sparrow
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Beautiful firetails

Dose anyone one know how far inland Beautiful firetails are known to venture I'm almost positive i saw one today by a stream at the foot of the Grampians

Owen1
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The grampians aren't too far away from the coast so it is likely some might stray up that way.

Cheers, Owen.

Woko
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Any chance it was a diamond firetail or red-browed firetail, Sparrow? These 2 species can be found in the Grampians, I understand.

sparrow
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I see red brows and diamond fire tails all time, this bird was slightly bigger than a red brow and darker than a diamond FT it looked like the ones in my field guides,it was only 5-6 m away i had one of those brain freeze moments when you stand and stare instead of taking the photo,i have been back to the spot twice(10k round trip)I'll go back when the weather improves and keep looking.

Araminta
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I have lots and lots of red browed fire tails in my bachyard, they come in large flocks. I live next to the Bunyip State Park. They are not shy,just a bit flighty. They come right up to the house, and mingle with the wrens.I didn't think they were "that special"? Goes to show, it all depends on where you live!

M-L

Woko
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You're right there, Araminta. It was about 15 years before we saw red-browed firetails at our place in SA. Gradually, they've become regular visitors from autumn to spring, suggesting they migrate back to higher areas in the Mt Lofty Ranges for summer. Last year I didn't see any but this year there's a flock of about 8 around the place. They're a lovely addition to our bird life & I'm hoping the native grasses which are now rapidly becoming re-established will mean larger flocks will be attracted to our area since they're predominantly seed eaters.

Woko
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Sparrow, I reckon if you were 5 - 6 metres away then your judgement would have to be respected! I imagine members will be interested to hear if you have another sighting.
From what I've seen of distribution maps (e.g, Reader's Digest Complete Book of Australian Birds) the Grampians would be close to the limit of the beautiful firetail's normal range. I'd be interested if other members, particularly any in the Grampians area, have comments about this.

Araminta
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Woko, native grasses are the perfect solution. We just let the normal grass grow long, and go to seed.(where we live, we don't need a "lawn" (LOL). Rosellas (right and left footed! Inside joke!), wrens and the army of fire tails, are marching and muching their way through the long grass! Sometimes it's good to be untidy!

M-L

Woko
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Yes, Araminta. The natural, untidy look for me (& my garden!). Bird & other wildlife add an incredibly beautiful & interesting dimension to gardening.

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