Bar-tailed Godwits

None of the Bar-tailed Godwits I saw
over the weekend showed any sign of breeding plumage. The birds at Wallaga
Lake could have numbered up to 100 possibly as they were difficult to count
and spread out across the lake at low tide - so 50 was a conservative number.
I think most may be gone soon as the weather has been unseasonably warm
up to now along the coast.

Many of the Red-capped Plovers were
in breeding plumage, but none of the Double-banded Plovers were this time
(as opposed to my last trip down that way in April).

Cheers
Marnix

"John Cummings" <>

15/06/2005 10:31 AM

To	"Julienne Kamprad" <>, <>
cc
Subject	RE: [canberrabirds] Bar-tailed Godwits  +Azure KF, Black Falcon, W Goshawk, Pilotbird
Classification

Some times first year birds will over winter.  I
have more often seen Whimbrels and Eastern Curlews here during winter.
 20 is a fair number, were they at a high tide roost?  

Depending on departure and return we will often see migratory
waders in breeding plumage.  Bar-tailed Godwits are the most noticed
probably due to size and color.

All my experience is from further north so there may be
some variations this far south.

Were these birds showing breeding plumage?

Sounds a great weekend.  

 

John Cummings

Ph 02 6230 0182

Fax 02 6230 0181

Mobile 0407181 002

Email

---

From:Julienne Kamprad [

Sent: Wednesday, 15 June 2005 9:23 AM
To: ; 
Subject: Re: [canberrabirds] Bar-tailed Godwits
+Azure KF, Black Falcon, W Goshawk, Pilotbird

 

Dear Coggers
It seems  the Bar-tailed Godwits are overwintering.
Do we ever see them in breeding plumage in Australia?

Julienne K