Haven't noticed any particular change in honeyeater numbers around
Townsville; most are resident all year round though the Grey Fantails and
other winter migrants are now heading south.
The first of this seasons Bush Stone-curlew chicks hatched yesterday at a
nest site (scrape on the ground actually) at the Garbutt RAAF base. This
nest site is on a landscaped mound under saplings close to the perimeter
fence bordering busy Ingham Road. From information gained from the Airport
security it has been in use for at least a couple of years. Unfortunately
chicks hatching early in the season seem to have 100% mortality rate. Adult
/ adulescent Bush Stone-curlews figure prominently in the bird strike
statistics for Townsville Airport, partly because they forage at night
around the landing lights and taxiways, and partly because they are large
enough for the remains to be identified.
Alex Appleman
Townsville
S19*19' E146*45'
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