Hi All,
I was interested on Friday to see that two Crested Terns (CRTE) on the
Caloundra sandbanks, SEQld, were in full breeding plumage, in winter. A few
weeks ago we also had one individual in breeding plumage.
Whilst I realise that Crested Terns breed in all seasons, depending on
latitude ( and possibly for other reasons of which I am unaware), in
south-east Queensland I have observed a clear pattern of courtship in the
spring, and a diminishing of the population locally when they go off to
breed in summer. The young start to arrive with their parents in late
January. Well, perhaps I should rephrase that: the young are seen begging
from adults in Caloundra from late January. [I had a feeling that the summer
breeding season of 2001/02 was not a good one in our region, for we saw few
juveniles.]
I can't explain why we should have individuals present here now in breeding
plumage. Does anyone have any information which could explain it? Who sees
CTRE breeding, and where? I know they breed on Lady Elliott Island, the
southernmost of the Barrier Reef islands, and perhaps someone knows when
they start.
Cheers,
Jill
--
Jill Dening
Sunshine Coast, Qld
26º 51' 152º 56'
Ph (07) 5494 0994
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