So this great tree has come up before on these pages: it’s a giant old dead one, with enough holes and hollows to host a plethora of nests.

I don’t know what species this tree might have been, but it’s one of the dead giants that seem to litter Gillamatong — testament to a drought many years ago, perhaps. Good to know it still plays a vital role in the local ecology. Let’s have a quick look at who’s in residence right now.

As you know, the Nankeen Kestrels moved in some time ago.

But while they may be the purest of hunters in the neighbourhood, there are several other families here which, taken together, make for a great multicultural melting-pot of the avian sort.

For example, several apartments have been occupied by European Starlings (Sturnus vulgaris), which were introduced to Australia in the 19th century.

These shimmery birds with their fizzy calls are constantly popping in and out — and entering into minor disputes with each other.

And higher up, on the top floor as it were, are at least two couples of Sulphur-crested Cockatoos (Cacatua galerita). I’m willing to bet these are pretty noisy neighbours — their shrieks when flying about their daily business will go right through your head, believe me.

I’ve also spotted the occasional Crimson Rosella (Platycercus elegans), although it’s not clear whether they’ve entered into a rental agreement on the place. Same goes for the Red Wattlebird (Anthochaera carunculata), whose red wattles are barely visible from below, as here.

The tree has also hosted a range of other species which seem just to be passing through — including an Australian Hobby (Falco longipennis), which was pretty exciting to see, although it didn’t hang around for long.

And next up, I’ll be telling you about the Currawongs (Coracias strepera) — definitely not residents, but if we run with the Block of Flats metaphor, they’re the gang of muggers hanging around the neighbourhood and making the residents’ lives that bit more dangerous. Stay tuned for bad bird behaviour, right here!