Perhaps the Bowen ibis have all moved to the breeding colony on the south
bank of the Ross River in Townsville. I think Alex Appleman underestimated
the Cattle Egrets. This year they started arriving back at the beginning of
October and there are now over 1800 in residence - all in breeding plumage.
This is about 400 more than at the equivalent time last year. As well there
are much smaller numbers of Great, Intermediate and Little Egrets - all also
in breeding plumage. Flying fox numbers have been estimated at anything
from 5,000 to 20,000 depending on whether the Little Reds are there as well
as the resident Black Flying Foxes.This colony, less than 5km from the
centre of Townsville, is one of the great sights of north Queensland and not
to be missed if you're up this way.
Cattle Egrets disappear from the Tableland at the same time that they arrive
back here ( apart from 20 left at Daintree that may be starting up another
colony) and plans are afoot to mark them when the breeding season is over to
see if that's where they spend the winter.
On another matter, I went to the launch of John Young's Wings of Silence
video last Sunday night in Ingham. After a rather 'gothic' start it is
brilliant. A must on your Xmas list.
Jo Wieneke
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