Re: Torres Strait Pigeons

["Niven McCrie" <>]

Just to answer a query from John Leonard.
Pied Imperial Pigeons (is that the right name these days?) are almost 
resident in Darwin. There are birds here throughout the year, though 
numbers in May and June are usually quite small. It is a modern 
phenomenon that any are here at all at this time of year as they are 
meant to completely leave Australia. It perhaps has something to do 
with changes in Darwin allowing a more secure food supply throughout 
the Dry Season.
Birds begin returning as early as the second week of July, and by the 
beginning of August they are very coomon. I've even seen a pair 
copulating in the third week of July this year, so it will be 
interesting to see if nesting occurs early.
Cheers
Niven
PS Remember to send me your NT Trip Reports.