The mud flats, before Easter crowds on Thursday 24th, were host to thousands of birds including about 1000 Black Swans, 120 Golden Plover in various
stages of breeding colour (the majority were not in obvious breeding colour). There were 16 Eastern Curlew, lots of Red-necked Stint and lots of Double-banded Plover which are difficult to count. About 200 Bar-tailed Godwit, of which about 1/8th
were in lovely rufous colour. 16 Pied Oystercatcher were generally keeping to themselves and Crested Tern were amongst the Golden Plover. Quite a few Australian Raven cavorted near the beach and later on the mud flats feeding on flotsam washed up by the
waves.
A great morning.
Jean
From: Philip Veerman [
Sent: Sunday, 27 March 2016 3:45 PM
To: 'Lindsay Hansch'; 'COG-L'
Subject: RE: [canberrabirds] Pacific Golden Plover
Yes. Though the extent of this varies a lot (certainly between species). It seems odd that they would want to be migrating whilst moulting but they want to be
first at their breeding grounds looking spiff. From my memory this appearance is not so odd for this species (although most not so advanced and it is years since I have seen them). Books tend to like to illustrate either eclipse plumages or full breeding
plumages (maybe because they are neater).
Philip
From: Lindsay Hansch
Sent: Sunday, 27 March 2016 3:30 PM
To: COG-L
Subject: [canberrabirds] Pacific Golden Plover
I took the photo below last Thursday at Mystery Bay (just north of Bermagui). I was surprised to see so much colour so late in the season. Is it normal for birds
to begin to colour up before they commence migration. I profess no great knowledge on migratory waders so would appreciate any views
Regards
Lindsay Hansch
