|
Further to Russ Lamb's Anzac Day sighting of a
SIPO at Woody Point (Brisbane), Allan Richards, David Siems and myself located
the bird at Pelican Park, Clontarf Beach on Saturday (28 April) at mid-day (high
tide).
It was first located on the rocky outcrop to the
right of the boatramp and then flew to the breakwater beside the ramp where we
had very clear views of the bird.
To make a 100% identification, the bird flew
with an OZPO to show its clear size difference plus the white markings on the
back going well up the back compared with the OZ bird.
I agree with Russ about the bill difference as
well - not to mention the shorter leg above the knee joint.
It was good to have two "experts" with
me as it was difficult at first to identify the bird amongst about 15 others
amongst the rocks. It certainly could have easily been overlooked or, in my
case, "too difficult" when you don't know the distinguishing
differences as pointed out by David who had seen the birds at Ballina last
year.
Max O'Sullivan
| 