This spring hasn't been a good one for migratory birds here on the south eastern slopes of the Mt Lofty Ranges in SA. In fact, a number of migratory species which used to appear here haven't been seen for many years. E.g, Flame Robin, Budgerigar, White-winged Triller, Cockatiel, White-browned Woodswallow, Pallid Cuckoo & Fan-tailed Cuckoo.
Other species are now very few in numbers. Only two hearings of Rainbow Bee-eaters & one hearing of a Rugous Songlark so far this migration season. Dusky Woodswallow numbers have dropped over the last two years.
On the positive side Horsfield's Bronze Cuckoos continue to turn up & Elegant Parrots now seem to be regular arrivals at this time of the year.
On the ultra-positive side we've had a White-throated Gerygone calling for the last three days & this morning I was fortunate enough to catch a glimpse of it. This is not only the first time we've had this species at our place but it's the first time I've ever heard or seen one! I didn't even know it was a migratory species for south eastern Australia until I did some research this morning. So exciting times all round here!
