Many thanks Jean, no surprise to me they are still breeding. Our boat trips when they were still breeding on Molonglo Reach showed these species have a very long breeding season, with a few starting
in late September, with late summer/autumn being the peak, and with largish chicks still on the nest in late May! Jack Holland
From: Canberrabirds <>
On Behalf Of Jean Casburn
Sent: Wednesday, 17 March 2021 12:37 PM
To: Canberra birds <>
Subject: [Canberrabirds] Update on Cormorant and Darter nestings Lower Molongolo with COG Outing 17 March 2021
On this occasion the large group generally viewed the birds from the walking track.
Surprising to see the Cormorants and Darters are still nesting in good numbers along the river.
Seven nesting sites were recorded, compared with 12 sites on the previous visit on 24 February.
The bird count of 34 species included 31 Great Cormorant, 13 Little Pied Cormorant, 26 Darters and 11 Little Black Cormorant (from Ebird listing).
Of 14 Great Cormorant on nests there were 2 with visible young.
Of 4 Little Pied Cormorant on nests – one with visible young.
Of 6 Darter nests - 3 with visible young of varying ages.
Of 2 Little Black Cormorant on nests – no young visible.
Total 26 occupied nests.
Thanks to Sandra Henderson for organising the group and Lia for recording bird numbers.
