Scene: Melbourne southern suburbs 2020.
Back in the second half of last century, 1960s and 70s to be more precise, planting of Australian native trees became fashionable. Of course many of the eucalypts in backyards are now huge. In addition councils have continued to plant smaller species of flowering eucalypts and corymbias.
Within 20 years, say 1980, Melbourne I first noticed Rainbow lorikeeets, but the number has exploded. Theres no doubt the vast number of suitable flowering species have attracted birds into the suburbs. Soon it became possible to see Scaly breasted and Little lorikeets as well.
So I think that the now vast number of these Lorikeets now present in Melbourne is a result of opportunism.
Now a more recent adaptee the Corella is a bird I had not noticed here in such numbers until more recently, and it seemed to occur after the drought early this century. There are very large numbers in the Braeside park area now. I suspect this adaption to new habitat in a suburban setting is due to drought. I am not sure if they are common in other areas, but in this area there is a green wedge . Corellas, however can even find food in your nature strip.
I know there will be folk in this community who have much more knowledge in this area. I would be very interested to share in your ideas and or facts around this subject.
Back in the second half of last century, 1960s and 70s to be more precise, planting of Australian native trees became fashionable. Of course many of the eucalypts in backyards are now huge. In addition councils have continued to plant smaller species of flowering eucalypts and corymbias.
Within 20 years, say 1980, Melbourne I first noticed Rainbow lorikeeets, but the number has exploded. Theres no doubt the vast number of suitable flowering species have attracted birds into the suburbs. Soon it became possible to see Scaly breasted and Little lorikeets as well.
So I think that the now vast number of these Lorikeets now present in Melbourne is a result of opportunism.
Now a more recent adaptee the Corella is a bird I had not noticed here in such numbers until more recently, and it seemed to occur after the drought early this century. There are very large numbers in the Braeside park area now. I suspect this adaption to new habitat in a suburban setting is due to drought. I am not sure if they are common in other areas, but in this area there is a green wedge . Corellas, however can even find food in your nature strip.
I know there will be folk in this community who have much more knowledge in this area. I would be very interested to share in your ideas and or facts around this subject.