Where are the relatives?

Dusky Woodswallows have been back in good numbers after a brief absence during winter. Nesting is now in full swing.

Usually by this time of year we would expect them to have been joined by their relatives, White-browed and Masked Woodswallows. Alas, no sign of these fellow migrants as yet, although they typically appear on the first of the spring northerlies, often in large mixed flocks. Conditions this year have been cool and wet, and would seem to have delayed their movement south.

Dusky Woodswallow with prey, Bell’s Lane Track, 21st November 2022

II

III

Dusky Woodswallow, Muckleford State Forest, 22nd November 2022

Early stages of nest-building in a River Red Gum

II

III