Banded Stilts and Avocets on the Natimuk-Douglas saline wetlands

["Richard Alcorn" <>]

On 27 October 1996 there were 57,000 stilts and avocets on these 
wetlands in the Wimmera region of Victoria.  About 90% were Banded 
Stilts.  This represents about one-quarter of the Banded Stilt 
population.

There are about 30 seasonal lakes in this system.  Refer to Wingspan 
September 1995 for a map and information on public access points to 
these lakes.  On the above date the birds were spread across a number 
of lakes, principally Olivers Lake (16,000), Mitre Lake (15,000), 
small lake south-west of Connans Swamp (4,000), Heard Lake (5000), 
Bow Lake (6,000) and Centre Lake (11,000).  All roads are passable 
now.

Margaret and myself have been counting these wetlands monthly since 
1989 and this is the largest number we have seen yet.  They will 
probably stay for another two months or so as there is currently a lot 
of water in the lakes (most lakes will dry over summer).

Richard Alcorn