I must certainly agree with David. Alot of the birds are out of sight and I
am sure this also goes with the number of the Terns I have reported - I
would not be surprised if there are a hundred or more Common and
White-winged Black Terns about Newcastle (both species have been seen in
their hundreds about Newcastle in the past and what I have reported is
probably below average). Newcastle, from what I have heard, is supposed to
support 10,000 migratory plus thousands of other resident waders and terns
each year - does this still hold today? The Newcastle area is a big area
with plenty of habitat for these birds with only few observers to chase
them. This is also a reason why Black-necked Storks may also be hard to find
in the Hunter region, yet their are probably a few pairs around. I would
take me a week to thoroughly check out all the good birding areas around
Newcastle. I wonder how many rarities we miss out each year in this area!!!
Edwin
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