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It seems certain that, because of our alteration of habitat, the Western District brolgas are isolated from those in northern Victoria and the Riverina which are, in turn, disjunct from populations further north.
They flock at traditional sites (Willaura is a major one) in autumn - give or take a bit - to feed and socialise when it is dry, disperse to nest and breed when swamps fill. The biggest brolgas measure 1.3 metres with a wingspan of 2.4metres. They are omnivorous, dig to feed on tubers of sedges, are fond of grain, eat molluscs, invertebrates, frogs, small reptiles and mammals.
Brolga pundits tell me that the Western District population of about 650 birds is listed as vulnerable. It would seem that the birds, having had their trad tucker hugely reduced by draining of wetlands, have turned to introduced tucker, especially grain, but also occasionally spuds and some beans. They certainly eat wheat, glean stubble paddocks for fallen grain, as do galahs, ravens, cockies and corellas.
The sight of these Aussie birds accommodating themselves to our clearing of habitat and replacement with crop is wonderful, optimistic, has been the subject for many artists and an anxiety for some farmers.
We need food, and national income. Farmers provide both - something much overlooked by townies. Some farmers have some problems with some birds, such as corellas, which have greatly increased due to our changes. Crop protection against corellas may be necessary but let us not catch our remaining brolgas in this net.
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