It’s back!

By now you are probably all sick and tired of reading about the rosella nest box in the tree next to our deck. Recent posts have described the departure of Chubster the Common Brushtail Possum (click HERE) simply because it became too large to fit through the entrance hole of the nest box. Chubster’s departure was followed by the arrival of two Common Ringtail Possums (click HERE to view post). Their tenancy was also short-lived as the box proved to be too hot for both of them together over the summer. It did however provide hours of endless fascination as we watched the tossings and turnings of the two possums within the box trying to keep cool. About a month ago they too moved out.

This week we noticed a familiar face peering out of the nest box opening…that of an Australian Owlet-nightjar (Aegotheles cristatus). One had been the resident of the box 2 years ago. When it left we placed two smaller Owlet-nightjar-specific nest boxes in the nearby trees with the hope of attracting it back, but to no avail. These nocturnal birds have been around as we have heard their distinctive call (click on the arrowhead in the audio bar below to hear one example of its call). Now it’s back, obviously preferring the more spacious abode offered by the rosella box. This bird is a little smaller and a little browner than the previous incarnation.

So if this continuing saga is not boring you and you want a piece of the excitement, install a nest box around your place where you can view it easily. You never know who your neighbours will be.