Testing this link for Cathshane ..... but it doesnt work properly so ......
The link to the Melbourne story didnt work so i found the same information on the NSW govt site about the spread of disease etc .
the point made in the Herald Sun's article was that ornithologists are not unhappy with the deaths of the Lorikeets who are being overly aggressive and prolific in urban areas as a result of the encouragement from well meaning people.
http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/animals/TheDangersOfFeedingLorikeets.htm
How interesting, birdie. Perhaps this article highlights the dangers of humans falling in love with certain species of animals because of their colours, "cuteness" or behaviour. Maybe we need to be redirecting our passion for individual animals or species to preserving & restoring natural habitats.
I've just come across this link which clearly demonstrates the risks of artificially feeding birds: http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=jEjUAnPc2VA
Woko that was great, thanks for posting. Hope others click on the link well worth the watch.
The other sad think about the Melbourne story is that the smaller honeyeaters are not getting a chance with all the Lorikeets around either. We were at Braeside Park, in the south eastern sub on the weekend and couldnt believe the amount of Lorikeets around, have never seen so many there before.
If anyone if the Melbourne area does see sick or dead Rainbow Lorikeets they can report it to pamw@unimelb.edu.au
Yes it is interesting Woko, only a few days ago someone was proudly telling me about their inlaws and how many lovely lorikeets they have because they feed them sugar and water
It is just a matter of continual education I guess, and we all have to do our bit with friends and family etc
Personally , although I love to photograph rainbows, I can't stand their noise when they find a special tree with something they love that is in flower . The only bird I have ever left fruit out for was the green catbirds at my last house and they did not take advantage of it or become too territorial because I did it on an irregular basis.
The Lewins HEs used to come and steal a bit of catbird fruit and that was a joy to me as they are sweet.
Sunshine Coast Queensland
Sugar and water really, surely they know that wouldnt be any good for them.
I know the Americans do that for their Hummingbirds all the time, still cant understand why though
Half of Australia does the Cath .... some probably said long ago that that was what they liked and it just gets handed down through generations I guess.
Sunshine Coast Queensland
I couldn't think of anything worse, i would never have thought of putting it out and never would. I really wonder what will be left for the next generation and the one after that. I hope they get to enjoy the pleasures of nature that we have (that is what we have left, i have already culled some of my shopping items due to palm oil being in them. Did you know Tim Tams even have Palm oil in them) it really is quite sad.
Feeding lorikeets sugar & water???!!! No wonder lorikeets don't have teeth!
Very witty Woko ... but it is a common enough occurrence I can tell you , sadly.
Sunshine Coast Queensland
There was a discussion on ABC radio on Thursday morning about this and the fact that lorikeet food was also available in supermarkets and that not being a good thing either. I think many people are lazy and cheap when they want to feed native animals as rarely do they research the animals' needs and so just feed what is cheapest and easiest for the human with little thought for the consequences.
I hope by this getting some media attention that at least some people think of the results of their actions.
Alison
~~~~~~
"the earth is not only for humans, but for all animals and living things."
I noticed when I went to a local popular pond lasst week to find some swans and ducks etc that there were notice to say Do not feed. Sadly they didnt educate anyone as to why ... more than likely it was so the council dont have to clean out the rotting food from the pond. Situations like that are a perfect example for educating people and their children.
Alison I think it is an ongoing education thing, there will always be newcomers as we find on this forum who do not know these things so every little bit of info helps :)
Sunshine Coast Queensland
That fits in very nicely with why this horrible place up in the Dandenongs (Grant's Picnic Grounds) makes me sooooo angry. The place where thousands tourist feed unfortunate Parrots to death, after permits are given (with the blessing of Parks Victoria) , and nothing can be done about it. On top of that , quite a few people on here think that is a lovely place to see birds and take photos.
Birdie, education sounds great, hard to beat the Tourist Dollar though, money speaks loud, and is very hard to shut up.
M-L
A good article by NSW government. I hope they are able to publish it widely. Its a pity they can't get a slot on one of the prime time commercial television shows like A Current Affair. Judging by some of the crap they put on that show they must be short of practical and meaningful subjects to talk about.