This is the 72nd article in an ongoing series that highlights the riches of Pigeon Valley, the urban nature reserve in the heart of Glenwood. The focus of this article is on the Black-headed Oriole.
I was so pleased to get a relatively unobstructed view of this bird recently at the reservoir next to Pigeon Valley, as it is often seen only partially in the high canopy. Its combination of colours, including a richly yellow front, makes it a strikingly handsome bird, and for novice birdwatchers, unmistakable. In addition, it has a beautiful call, a liquid pee-ooh, that is frequently heard in the area and various imitations, as well as a harsher alarm call.
ALSO READ: Exploring Pigeon Valley: Erianthemum dregei (Hairy Mistletoe)
This bird eats small fruits as well as insects; its young are treated to caterpillars.Some people find bird-watching hard to understand. However, so much pleasure in life comes from sensory experiences, and when you start to notice and observe such birds, it becomes a lot easier to grasp why connecting to nature can be so rewarding.
Crispin Hemson chairs the Friends of Pigeon Valley, a group that undertakes clearing of alien plants, keeps records of bird and mammal sightings and alerts management to any problems.
The Friends have a monthly walk at 7.30am on the second Saturday of each month. Email: friendsofpigeonvalley1@gmail.com.
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