Are Mallee Fowl predicting a rain event?

 

The Mallee's very own Bush Chook has created debate over the years on their ability to predict rain that would help with their egg incubation.

I recently travelled to a remote area deep in the Mallee scrub to see an active nest. What amazed me most was the birds "composting" skills. 

Composting in this case, is the process the Mallee Fowl uses to create heat. That heat subsequently works like an incubator that keeps the eggs warm in the giant mound that this unique little bird has constructed.

Mallee Fowl scrape leaves and debris from as far as 10 meters away into their nest and wait for rain to start the composting process to begin. The shape of the nest also works like a funnel, diverting water from around the nest into the centre where all the leaves are and underneath the eggs.

How do the Mallee Fowl know when to begin this process? Do they know it's going to rain or are they taking a punt?

To be honest I have no idea, but during my visit I set up some trail cameras in the hope to get a better look at what these birds are up to and if they really can predict the rain.

In the coming weeks I will download the footage and share what I find. Will we see little chicks emerging from a nest or will it be a non-event? I guess now I'm the one taking the punt.