Hi all
Reading my New Atlas, I noted with interest that the Radjah Shelduck appears
in Table 7 on p 747: Species that showed no significant regional variation
... but were more likely to be recorded in the new atlas (possible
increases, p<0.05).
Slater (1989) stated that they were "becoming rare at extremes of range
which extends from Derby WA to Mackay Qld." Frith (1977) considered them
"very uncommon in eastern Queensland south of Cairns." He also said "I have
never seen one more than 20 yards from water."
I have just returned from a rushed road trip Noosa-Mission Beach-Noosa. No
sightings on the way north despite dropping in at the Mackay Botanic Gardens
where they have been recently seen. Heading south, we stopped at Sarina
Beach. There, in a suburban street at the back of the Sarina Beach Motel,
were a pair of Plumed whistling ducks and a pair of Radjah Shelducks. They
did not seem disturbed by cars coming and going. Later, dogs were running
about and I went out to see if the ducks had taken flight (in very windy
conditions). The whistling ducks were gone but the shelducks were still
present. And yes, they weren't all that far from water - a creek flowing
onto the beach.
I hope these stunningly beautiful birds can repopulate their historical
range down to northern NSW - unlikely given the growth in coastal
development.
Andrew
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