The Channel-bills in the Blue Mountains seem to have left early and had very few young - by late January all were nowhere to be seen.
Also, the Rainbow Lorikeets - which I never see in the Upper mountains - only came for about a week in early/mid January before they took off.
Lastly, I spotted a Brown Cuckoo-dove in Katoomba (township) which I've never seen before anywhere - must be a sign of the dry times.
Are you saying that all three events are a sign of the dry times, Owl of Kedumba?
I have heard Channel-bills here in Waverley on the Sydney coast quite a bit this summer. Have not seen any though. I have lived here 22 years and never heard the Grey Butcher bird but this year we have a strong showing around our area. Friends in the Inner City report the same.
Although I live east of Melbourne, I have talked about this last week. Most of the birds living in my garden have turned up in fewer numbers. And all of them have only raised one or two broods. It's what I call " smart planning" , birds don't waist energy bringing up young if there is no chance of survival for them. Just as they don't waist time helping their week offspring.
To me this is part of the conditions the environment presents at a particular time. Animals are so much smarter than us.
M-L
Where do the Channel-bills go?
There were a few sightings of Channel-billed Cuckoos around Melbourne reported on birdline last year.
I think mainly the sign of the dry times refers to the Cuckoo-dove more than anything else.
According to Morcombe's map the Brown Cuckoo-Dove's range comfortably encompasses your neck of the woods, Owl of Kedumba so a sighting wouldn't be unusual. What makes you think your sighting might be drought-related?
The approximate range of a species is shown by distribution maps but it does not show where in that range there is suitable habitat. I am aware that the Blue Mountains has got Brown Cuckoo-doves however I do not live in suitable habitat. I also know that their best habitat in the Mountains is in the valley's whereas I'm on a high ridge without rainforest. But it is worth noting I'm at the very top of a creekline.
One thing though. The upper Mountains is a very unique place and is vastly different to the lower Mountains (which has things we don't e.g. White-headed Pigeons). Many species live all around the Upper Mountains but may not live exactly here. I know now not to expect too much from distribution maps.
Excellent points, oh wise Owl of Kedumba.
they winter in PNG &/or Indonesia
Peter