Tasty buds

A pair of Galahs called in as one fancied a snack and landed in the top of our Christmas Bush and proceeded to snack on the buds and doing a bit of pruning at the same time.

Its mate was content just to sit on the powerline and wait till the snacking was finished then they both flew on their way. Fortunately for us not too many buds were consumed so we still will have a good display in a couple of months.

 

House hunting

It is now the time for many birds and animals to start their search for suitable housing to raise next seasons young. Tree hollows created by termites or the termites nest itself are the preferred site for cockatoos, kingfishers, many of the owls, marsupials such as possums and gliders as well as micro bats.
Sites are always in high demand often causing squabbles to breakout between prospective tenants and the pecking order usually sorts out who gets possession. The type and size of the hollow often determines the likely occupants and a site that suited a small parrot may get enlarged as a limb falls and then become more suited to a larger animal. A large eucalyptus in our front paddock had a small nest site that was used by Eastern Rosellas but a recent storm broke off a large section and now it is of interest to a pair of Galahs who were busy inspecting the site today. 

The male checks out the nest potential

Galahs Eolophus roseicapillus are one of the smaller cockatoos and the most widespread, ranging throughout mainland Australia and straying into Tasmania. 

The female keeps a watch on the proceedings