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Hi Bob,
A record of the Black-necked Stork in Victoria
would be very interesting if confirmed. There have only been a few records
in that state. It is south of the usual range of the species in eastern
Australia, which is presently south to the Hunter Valley, although there was a
record of two birds at North Ryde (Sydney) last year. A pair attempted to
nest at Coomonderry Swamp, Nowra in the 1960's-70's. A report in 2002 from
the Illawarra turned out to be a White-necked Heron (Chris Chafer pers.
comm.). Two reports of dead Black-necked Storks recently turned out to be
Pelicans. These birds had been observed at close range and were still
confused with storks - one had been collected and bagged!
It would be great if an experienced birdo could
confirm this record. If anyone lives close to the location - Tungamah, 25
km SW of Yarrawonga, it would be worth the effort to chase it up. If it is
found and is, indeed, a stork could the observer please note the age and
sex. Adults are black and white with red legs, immatures are black, brown
and white with grey-brown legs and juveniles are brown and white with grey-brown
legs and grey-brown down on the head and neck. Adult males have brown eyes
and females yellow eyes but immature and juvenile eyes are brown in both
sexes.
Regards
Greg
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