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Edwin Vella wrote:
".......Previously I thought that Cattle Egrets
only nested as far south as Newcastle with these birds mainly visiting Sydney in
the winter time. However I have been noticing more Cattle Egrets hanging about
in the summer time (and in their breeding plumage) in Sydney and this may
explain why. Are there any other Cattle Egret nesting colonies further south
than Newcastle? ....."
On Christmas Day I noticed a Cattle Egret fly up
from a group of cattle as I was heading off to family celebrations at the corner
of Coghlan and Rhyll Rds on Phillip Island. Its the first time I've
noticed them down in this area during summer. this one was also in
breeding plumage - another first for me! Since then I have also noticed a
small group of cattle in breeding plumage on the mainland near
Bass/Corinella. Maybe we should be looking for a breeding colony in the
area? My first guess after Edwin's suggestion would be the Rhyll Swamp
where Ibis nested, at least until the drought started.
Elizabeth Shaw
Phillip Island, Vic.
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