EARLY DAYS AT THE BOWER

It was mid August when I first spotted a satin bowerbird’s boudoir in Memorial Park, Blackheath. I was very impressed by the location. It was secluded and private, but just a short flight to the village shops and cafes.

The bower itself was a work of art; perfectly symmetrical with a fine collection of treasures. Lots of blue plastic it has to be said, but also feathers and creamy dried leaves.

The perfect bower, except for all the plastic!

A master craftsman’s work.

There was some pretty bleak weather during August, but the bower stood up to it all. It is surrounded by shrubbery; mainly hebe and diosma.

Great spot for a satin bowerbird's bower.

He’s in there somewhere

One day I noticed that the bower had been established against a small, seedling  Japanese maple.

Satin bowerbird's bower

Bare branched maple.

The deciduous tree above the bower turned out to be a prunus. I watched as blossom formed and the bees came.

 

Prunus blossom

What a classy canopy.

There are ornamental cherry trees a few metres away. By late September the blossom  was providing a tasty and convenient  snack  for the bowerbird between his amorous  encounters.

Bowerbird eating cherry blossom.

How tasty and sustaining.

EARLY OCTOBER

Mr Bowerbird is now so accustomed to my presence that even I if make a noise approaching he shows no sign of alarm. He is able to differentiate between me rustling the undergrowth and one of his harem….. or a bird of  different species. I have watched blue wrens hop through the bower.

The seedling maple is now in almost full leaf. My word, what a long courting season! I had no idea it lasts so long.

Satin bowerbirds.

Still wooing the ladies.

The bower’s  diosma hedge is flowering by the path.

And look, I spotted  minute fruits on the overhanging  prunus. They are wild cherries and will make  a delightful ‘end of season’ feast for the bower owner.  Satin bowerbirds adore fruit of any kind, as I know to my cost.

Prunus

Mystery fruit.

Wild cherry

 

In the branches of surrounding trees  the numerous  females who have  visited the bower must be building their nests and incubating eggs. Another generation on the way. I have so enjoyed documenting the lives of these fascinating birds. Click HERE if you are interested in the amazing  way they reflect our social history.

 

 

 

 

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