With spring, here come the silvereyes
ALTHOUGH cuckoos are often called the harbingers of spring, I much prefer to rely on another little bird.
Early this week a small flock of silvereyes, about a dozen or so, arrived to have a drink and splash in the birdbath at Belmont.
They didn’t linger, for they had urgent business in Tasmania where they would soon be raising their families.
Silvereyes are a rather complex species, for there are about six different “races” among the one species.
The Tasmanians belong to the lateralis group, and they are best separated from the others by the rich honeybrown colour on the sides of the body.
They, like the orange-bellied and swift parrots, are migratory, crossing Bass Strait as autumn closes in and weather on the island state becomes harsh.
How far north they travel is uncertain but they are well known from parts of Queensland as winter visitors.
Of course I can’t say they are the same individuals, yet a small number of silvereyes invariably call in each autumn and spring for a brief spell.
We have locals too, those that nest in our gardens and bushland, probably familiaris.
The nests they build are dainty cups made from fine plant fibre, with green moss often woven onto the sides.
They will use synthetic fibres such as nylon threads or short pieces of fishing line, and on occasions they trap the bird by its feet or beak, with fatal results.
Silvereyes are not the most popular of birds with fruitgrowers, and their passion for grapes and other soft fruits is well known. Now, we tend to use netting to protect the vines and fruit trees rather than persecuting the birds. Wildlife information and questions can be sent to ppescott@gmail.com