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g'day all,
Sweers Island is 70km north of Burketown in the Gulf of
Carpentaria.
I was able to spend 1-1/2 days birding on the southern part of
the Island last weekend.
I have not yet compiled my bird list, but it should be
approaching 50 species.
What did standout was recording the Rose-crowned
Fruit-Dove.
None of the Field Guides nor the 1st Atlas show the southern
part of the Gulf as its territory. I am was not really surprised to
see the bird as the habitat on this part of the island was ideal for it. The
Island has a number of small fresh water swamps which supports a variety of
dense vegetation.
When I was asking the resort owners what were the resident
species they mentioned the RcFD was to be seen only a few 100
meters from the accommodation units. I had the good fortune to get a clear
view of one bird.
Unfortunately Lyn Battle, the resident birding enthusiast was
absent, so I will have to wait to find out any more of the habits of the
bird.
Regards, Bob Forsyth, Mount Isa, NW Qld.
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