I am a regular visitor to the Shortland Wetlands Centre near Newcastle.
In early 1990 drought caused one of the ponds to dry up completely and
the others to develop wide mudflats around the margins. At this time
Crakes and Rails were easy to see wandering around on the mud. I have
not seen nearly as many in any subsequent year, so, Laurie, my vote goes
to the abnormally dry conditions.
Paul Osborn
Research Scientist
BHP Research - Newcastle Labs
PO Box 188 Wallsend, NSW, 2287
Ph: (02) 49792705
VPN: 8843 2705
Fax: (02) 49792022
> ----------
> From: Conole, Lawrie[SMTP:
> Sent: Tuesday, 11 November 1997 5:13
> To: 'ozbird'
> Subject: RE: Baillon's Crake
>
>
> Are people seeing more crakes/rails in SE Australia this year because:
>
> (a) there are more around due to the dry conditions in other parts of
> eastern Australia? [likely]
> (c) "traditional" sites have become unsuitable for other reasons [also
> likely]
> (b) people are getting better at seeing them? [less likely]
>
> For eg. at Bendigo Sewerage Farm in one small spot, the crakes/rails
> are
> so numerous it'd be hard to cross the mud flat without standing on a
> few
> (Buff-banded, Spotless, Spotted & Baillon's) ;-)
>
>
> Lawrie Conole
> Geelong, Victoria, Australia
>
>
>
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