After a residency of some years, the satin bowerbird in Soldier’s Memorial Park at Blackheath departed his well known property. It was very sad for those of us who had been observing him. We watched with interest as the local ban on plastic straws changed his treasure collecting to a concentration on milk bottle tops and yellow banksia leaves. He coped so well!
A NEW BIRD ON THE BLOCK
Up went the ‘For Lease’ sign and some weeks later a new tenant moved in. Sadly, the bower had been somewhat vandalized and a lot of the blue treasures had been stolen.
The new tenant appears to be a young fellow who has just reached maturity. He is definitely inexperienced in design, but doing his best to at least tidy things up.
20/3/2020 – A couple of weeks later……..Looking good mate, but can I suggest you move that beam?
He took no notice of my advice. Some fastidious ladies will mark him down over this, I just know.
There was one big problem as far courtship went. A couple of metres away across the path is some sort of berry tree. I tried a ripe black berry myself and oh good grief, it was the most bitter thing I’ve ever tasted. However, the ladies bowerbirds loved them so much they completely ignored the bower and just gorged on the fruit.
In the end our poor new tenant abandoned work on his boudoir and joined them. I’m not sure he will ever move that errant beam.
Not to worry, there will be time for romance another day. Better hurry though, winter is fast approaching. Nest building and egg sitting take a while, and we wouldn’t want shivering satin bowerbird chicks!
20/3/2020 – UPDATE
Well, that errant beam has been repositioned. However, a thin bough has fallen from the tree canopy. Will he have the strength to move it?
I spotted him sitting above the bower wondering how to tackle the problem.
UPDATE – 26/3/2020
Well, he has moved the large, fallen stick. The bower is now almost as neat as previous tenant left it, but there is still only a fraction of the once almost countless treasures. Reminds me of our current supermarket situation.
Next step, practice those display techniques.
Do you know what? I think he may be going to build a wooden front fence. Just needs a few palings.
I can only wish you the best of luck in these difficult days Mr Bowerbird. At least the Coronavirus doesn’t affect you lot!
If you would like to know more about the fascinating life of these beautiful birds, CLICK HERE
