Having a long weekend stay in the old Gatehouse at Medlow Bath (1867), our most conspicuous visitors were the Red Wattlebirds (Anthocaera carunculata).
The Red Wattlebird is not red: is named for its red wattle, the fleshy lobe that hangs from each side of the neck. The are very territorial, and can be noisy in chasing off other birds. Their calls are not musical – a harsh, coughing “yak” or “chok” sound – but it’s not unpleasant.
They take occasional insects, but chiefly eat nectar from flowers with their probing tongues. The Red Wattlebird is the second largest honeyeater in Australia (the Yellow Wattlebird of Tasmanian is larger).
Bramandagram 