The zebra finch is well-known in aviaries, but it is rarely seen in the wild around Ballarat.
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A sighting of three zebra finches at Clunes last weekend was, therefore an unusual one, and a surprise for the observers.
The zebra finch’s usual range extends to the Bendigo district, but rarely further south. It is mostly a bird of inland Australia, but it is now often found close to the coast around Werribee. Its usual habitat is open country, interspersed with trees and shrubs. Older reports for the Ballarat region include a few from Lake Goldsmith in the 1960s, about eight birds at Creswick North in February 1981 and a few irregular reports from around Clunes over many years.
At the start of summer there was a report of probably five zebra finches about 15km north of Clunes. The recent report probably involves different birds.
Zebra finches are popular cage birds. How do we know that the recent three birds at Clunes were not aviary escapees? They certainly gave no impression of ever having lived in an aviary or of close human interaction.
They were as wary and shy, as would be expected from wild birds.
Not many local bird observers have seen zebra finches within 40km of Ballarat.
FIELD NATURALISTS
Outings to Linton bushland, Skipton native grassland, Lal Lal Falls, Brisbane Ranges, Snake Valley and Canadian Regional Park are just a few planned for the Field Naturalists’ Club of Ballarat this year. A trip to search for fungi, and a coastal visit, are also planned.
The Field Naturalists’ Club of Ballarat holds monthly outings and meetings. Topics covered by guest speakers at meetings include woodland bird conservation, frogs, birds of Creswick, biodiversity in leaf litter and earthquakes and volcanoes.
Recognised frog expert Ray Draper will address next Friday’s meeting, on May 5, and the outing on May 7 will visit some lesser-known local reserves. The club welcomes visitors and new members. For more details, phone the secretary on 0433 344 287.
WASPS UNCOMMON
European wasps have been uncommon this autumn. In some years they have been abundant nuisances in March and April, but not this year.
These wasps often build their nests underground and as such, wet weather does not suit them.
It is very likely that last year’s wet spring resulted in a poor breeding season for European wasps, with fewer of them being seen this year as a result.
Certainly, their numbers are down noticeably on some years.
