Re: Nesting and moulting(?) at Lake Ginninderra

["Philip Veerman" <>]



Hi John,

 

Given that important amendment, then I suspect it quite possible that it is "immature, not young, not nestlings .... going through the first normal moult" in which case it does all seem quite sensible. I don't actually know if this is the regular time of year for this to happen. It is quite feasible that their moult is more drastic than most land birds and that they don't like to fly then (happens with lots of waterbirds). Someone who knows a lot about them may know.  Darters are great fliers and soarers once they get going, but they are quite heavy looking and probably reluctant to became airborne in normal circumstances.

 

Philip