Our big paperbark tree (melaleuca) is now in full blossoming mode, joining the poplar gum which started flowering a week ago, and the nectar-feeding birds are having a wonderful time in both of them. The Rainbow Lorikeets (Trichoglossus haematodus) are in constant motion, squabbling as they feed and then flitting off in little groups and coming back a few minutes later.
Coming home at 8.30 last night I saw a couple of flying foxes, which are also nectar feeders, in the poplar gum. It wouldn’t surprise me at all if they feed on the paperbark too; maybe I should get out there with a big torch tonight.
Those two trees aren’t all that’s flowering at the moment. The mango has just finished, the macadamia is just getting into its stride and the red bottlebrush is just past its best. The last of these seems to attract mostly Brown and White-gaped Honeyeaters, while the mango and macadamia aren’t so popular with the birds although bees and other insects love them.
We’ve had loads of them out here too, feasting on the blooms. Starting to see some Black Cockatoos as well.
Hi, Bernie,
We saw Black Cockatoos down at Pallarenda last weekend but I haven’t seen any in Mundingburra. They do come to Anderson Park and Gill Park, either side of Pimlico high school, so I’ll have to watch out for them.
Our paperbark has just begun flowering and the birds are enjoying the nectar.