Bellbird in Hillcrest

[Michael]

Hello all,

On my morning walk to school, while conducting a bird count as I do fairly regularly, I heard a bellbird calling several times. First heard directly across from Hillcrest Park, appeared to fly west along Masters Avenue.

Also of note, last week I saw my first Spotted Dove for this location and time of morning. I've also been recording more thrushes than I was last year, and a similar story with Fantails.

Full count for the day:
Eurasian Blackbird 11
Silvereye 22
House Sparrow 38
Grey Gerygone 1
European Starling 21
Song Thrush 5
New Zealand Fantail 4
Indian Myna 4
Common Goldfinch 1
Common Mallard 6
New Zealand Bellbird 1
Australian Magpie 1

[Neil Fitzgerald]

Thanks for the bellbird sighting. I hope to be doing another detailed survey for them in the city later in the year and will be great if it's still around.
I noticed a lot of thrush song last week around here too. They might have been going for a while but I haven't been in the office much.

[Michael]

Another bellbird at my house in Hillcrest today, calling from a Kowhai tree.

Thrush numbers are slowly dropping, around about 3-4 now on a morning walk to school, but redpoll are hanging around.

[Michael]

He's been hanging around today, calling and showing off in the garden. Lovely chap. Haven't seen any bands yet.