Hi All
A few snippets of info on KI Birds. Still no sign of Antarctic Tern at Cape
du Couedic - has been three years now since they were at this location
during September 2006. However, whilst searcing S coast for any sign of
these birds, my son David and I were lucky enough to see and photograph a
fully mature bull Elephant Seal hauled out amongst Australian Sealions.
Massive thing and a real treat to see as it is a rare vagrant to KI. Weight
is about 4,000 Kg!!
First record of breeding Royal Spoonbills at Busby Islet just offshore from
Kingscote. Nesting with about 200 pairs of Aust White Ibis and Little Pied
Cormorant (c.30 pairs) atop Nitre-bushes. Pied and Black-faced Cormorants
finished nesting now with c.400 pairs and 800 pairs respectively throughout
Autumn-Winter breeding period. As per usual produced many hundreds of young.
Also near this locality in Bay of Shoals was first arrivals of Eastern
Curlew, Great Knot, Ruddy Turnstones, Red-necked Stints and Bar-tailed
Godwit. Latter three species showing pronounced breeding colour in some
individuals. Double-banded Plovers have gone now - wintering population here
numbered about 50 birds. A Greater Sand Plover was a rarity for KI. Immature
Northern Giant Petrel (pink tipped bill) photographed at D'Estrees Bay.
Fantailed and Horsfield's Bronze Cuckoos calling frequently but have not
heard Golden Bronze Cuckoo calling yet. In my house yard garden have nesting
Brown Thornbill, White-browed Scrubwren (race maculatus), Welcome Swallow,
Striated Pardalote, Superb Fairy-wren and Grey Shrike-thrush (preparing to
nest in hanging potplant on front verandah). In sugar gum E. cladocalyx
forest surrounding house yard have nesting/imminent nesting of Aust Magpie,
Grey Currawong (race melanoptera), Little Raven (just finishing) Tree
Martin, Laughing Kookaburra, Crimson Rosella and Dusky Woodswallow. Bush
Stone-curlew and Southern Boobook are in good voice during night. Looking
forward to build up of spring and return of migrants. Happy Birding.
Cheers
Chris Baxter
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www.birding-aus.org
birding-aus.blogspot.com
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