Eremophilas (Emu Bushes) and Birds

I have been entertained by the antics of the Honeyeaters on the prostrate Eremophila glabra (Emu Bush) which I can see from the table. This red flowered Eremophila has been in flower for a few months and is attracting 5 different species of Honeyeater.

The antics of the New Holland Honeyeater are amusing. There is a daisy bush growing beside this plant and it has light twiggy growth low down in the bush. The New Holland Honeyeaters hang by their claws like a trapeze artist to reach their beaks and long tongues into the flowers. Then they decide that it is just as easy to get at the nectar by hopping all over the plant as the other species do.

This particular plant has made roots along some stems and in doing so collects more moisture. The Eremophila glabra forms are all very hardy but like all plants appreciates water during mid summer. We had 33mm (about an inch and a quarter) rainfall last weekend and everything has perked up even though this rain was sopped up by the ground very quickly.

More information about Honeyeaters can be found at Trevor’s Birding.