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To: | Ian May <> |
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Subject: | Waders at Price SA: Traces of breeding plumage. |
From: | |
Date: | Tue, 27 Jan 2004 17:59:31 +1100 |
Hi Ian, I went to Point Edwards in Swan Bay (part of Port Philip Bay, Victoria) on the weekend, and noticed a Curlew Sandpiper with traces of breeding plumage. There was only a single bird with this colouration, but I haven't been to the WTP for a week or two to check the large populations of waders in the area. I'll keep the list posted. Peter
g'Day All During this past week, the multitudes of waders here at Price SA are beginning to develop traces of breeding plumage. New moult is appearing on Red Knot, many of them showing a mottling of firebrick red on their flanks and lower breast. The black arrowhead shapes and large spots of the Great Knot are becoming larger and more contrasting while the rufous chestnut and black markings of the Sharp-tailed Sandpiper and Turnstone are becoming brighter and more contrasting too. However Red-necked Stint, Curlew Sandpiper, Grey Plover, Bar-tailed Godwit, Greenshank and Marsh Sandpiper are not showing much change in appearance yet. Across the extensive coastal sand flats of northern St Vincent Gulf, the behaviour of local waders also appears to be gearing up for their impending migration. A flock of hundreds will suddenly take wing, wheeling and weaving rapidly in tight formation. Such spectacular flying will be seen more often in the next month or so being typical of their behaviour prior to departure. Over the township waders are often heard calling on moonlit evenings, the brightest nights always coinciding with spring (lowest low) tides when their favoured feeding areas beyond the mangroves are exposed most. At this time of year, roosting is observed mainly near high tide but feeding activity appears to be almost continuous outside of this and is especially vigorous during the ebb tide. The result of all this feeding activity is pleasing to see. The waders rapidly putting on extra condition with plump healthy looking birds to be seen everywhere, their colourful appearance improving day by day as they build up energy reserves preparing for the most arduous journey ahead. Are others observing waders colouring up elsewhere? Regards Ian May Price, South Australia. Birding-Aus is on the Web at www.shc.melb.catholic.edu.au/home/birding/index.html To unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message "unsubscribe birding-aus" (no quotes, no Subject line) to |
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