The change of seasons is an interesting and exciting time in nature.
A week ago, many of our birds seemed to be clicking into spring mode.
But sure enough, this was short-lived, as we then experienced a severe cold blast reminding us that winter isn’t over just yet.
Transition from winter into spring typically results in the arrival of migratory species from in-land and northern Australia, and changes in the behaviour of our local year-round residents, many of which start to establish breeding territories and engage in nest building.
Apart from the changes we see in our environment, we also start to notice the different sounds brought about by the song of new arrivals and changes in the tune of our locals.
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Many of our birds have a spring song specifically given with the purpose of marking and defending territories, and attracting a mate.
One of the recent arrivals to the district is the Western Gerygone.
This nondescript, grey little bird that constantly moves about the foliage often causes frustration among those trying to get a decent look and identify it.
Many people struggle to even pronounce its unusual name – 'jer-rig-on-nee'.
Nonetheless, the plain appearance and annoying behaviour is more than compensated for by its sweet melodious song, and the Western Gerygone is regarded as one of our finest songsters.
Their call led to it also being known as the Western Warbler.
Though relatively featureless, the Western Gerygone does have a few features that allow for its identification, namely the conspicuous red eye, white brow and a black tail fringed with white, noticeable when the tail is fanned as the bird hovers and flits about the foliage looking for food.
But their call really sets it apart from other little brown-grey jobs.
The only mistake possible would be confusion with the call of the related White-throated Gerygone, but the Western has a hesitant start to its song which is more consistent and evenly pitched than the rising and falling notes of the White-throated.
