Martin’s & Denis’s reasons can be as valid as any. I also just looked at the COG Atlas and the old “status” series (1972, CBN 2(4): 15) both of which also confirm
the “no breeding”. Though getting numbers from that is difficult (as the former only noted number of records and the letter impressions). The latter saying “usually recorded in pairs” (in ACT). I suggest that the species simply is a lot more common here now
than in the years of those early references. Most people commenting on waterbirds recently mention them and supported in the latest COG ABR. Yesterday I happened to go to Kelly’s swamp and was told of there being about 100 of them there. Though I suspect that
they were part of the mixed big flock of ducks that I saw flying over FSP as I arrived. That high numbers I reckon is a more likely excuse for the new observation of breeding.
Philip
From: Denis Wilson [
Sent: Sunday, 27 March 2016 4:44 PM
To: Philip Veerman
Cc: CanberraBirds
Subject: Re: [canberrabirds] Pink-eared Ducklings
As is well understood, generally, Harry Frith, former Chief of CSIRO WILDLIFE was the expert on Ducks, responsible for the content on that group of birds. Dad's book was a collation of known bird records available at the time of publication.
Put it down to more people reporting, and/or Climate Change.
Denis Wilson
On Saturday, 26 March 2016, Philip Veerman <> wrote:
Steve Wilson’s book says: “Breeding does not occur in the ACT”. Notably “The Birds in the Australian
High Country” which covers a much wider area, says the same. I wonder why it has not happened before. They are regular here and don’t migrate a long way.
Philip
Well done Christine and Milburn, apparently the first breeding records for this sp in the ACT.
Noela and I had a good visit this arvo to Gambles TSR (Sutton Road)
http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S28546467 . Heaps of honeyeaters tho not showing any signs of migrating. Other highlights were Jacky Winter and O-B Oriole.
David
On 26/03/2016 4:22 PM, Christine wrote:
Just posting as no-one else seems to have posted, and as I could not find any breeding records for the ACT. The six
ducklings were recorded by Peter Milburn on Thursday. Still present yesterday and today. Staying fairly well hidden near the centre of the big dam at Mullies.
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