Hi Robb,
An odd question but yes. Lots. How closely are you defining “scientific”? Basically that is having a hypothesis and checking if it is supportable. Even locally,
for years, we have observed local migrations of birds. From that, we make predictions (the local honeyeater migrations for example). Every year from when we noticed it, it has happened. That aspect of supporting (or not) a hypothesis is science. Admittedly
at a fairly simple level. Even among our own data, many of the monthly abundance graphs in The GBS Report clearly demonstrate seasonal migration (when the text mentions it). It is true that bird migrations is a lot less obvious in Australia than many other
parts of the world that are less isolated than Australia and where major human occupied areas are a further north latitudes than we have south, in Australia. Not many taggings of birds with tracking devices yet for birds within Australia. Some show long movements
but not a lot yet of regular migration within Australia. But this is this a method in its early days.
Philip
From: Canberrabirds [
On Behalf Of Rob Geraghty via Canberrabirds
Sent: Sunday, 22 June, 2025 1:01 PM
To: Canberrabirds
Subject: [Canberrabirds] Seasonal migration of Australian birds
Has there been any scientific studies of seasonal migration by Australian birds? Some birds from other countries are obvious migrants (like Lathams Snipe), but it seems like many endemic species migrate at least between altitudes if not
north and south. Various Robins and Honeyeaters come down from the ranges in winter. Many seem to migrate to the coast. I grew up thinking that bird migrations were largely a northern hemisphere phenomenon. The only migrants I thought about as a child were
cuckoos.
Are there published studies about the seasonal migration of endemic birds?
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