Dear Birders,
Some time ago I started a thread about the numbers of Crested Pigeons
around at present. I have just completed further analysis of my recent data
and a definite pattern has emerged.
In previous years, I have recorded only single birds through to small
flocks of 3-7 or thereabouts, rarely double figures.
The figures for this year are in startling contrast. Yes - individuals and
small flocks are still seen. But the numbers of large flocks are
increasing.
Consider these records:
13 17/3/98 Sturt Reserve, Murray Bridge
12 28/3/98 Kinchina, west of Murray Bridge
18 4/4/98 Mulgundawa, south of MB
18 30/4/98 In playground of MB Primary School
21 16/5/98 Stansbury, Yorke Peninsula, S.A.
10 16/5/98 Sturt Bay, Yorke Peninsula
16 16/5/98 Marion Bay, Yorke Peninsula
34 16/5/98 Minlaton, Yorke Pen.
10 16/5/98 Curramulka, Yorke Penin.
35 17/5/98 Stansbury, Y.P
27 17/5/98 Curramulka, Y.P.
23 6/6/98 Waikerie, Murray Valley SA
15 7/6/98 Waikerie " "
15 7/6/98 Cobdogla " "
15 8/6/98 Waikerie
45 13/6/98 Murray Bridge East
These numbers seem to indicate a significant increase in Crested Pigeon
numbers in this area, especially over the last few months.
Happy birding,
Trevor Hampel
Murray Bridge
South Australia
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