Pratincole at Werribee TP

[Lawrie Conole <>]

Mules, Michael wrote:

Went down to Werribee this morning and spent 3 hours looking for the Northern Shoveller, with no success.  I concentrated on the Summer, T-Section, Western and Austin Rd. Lagoons.  Plenty of Australasian Shoveller, Pink-eared Duck and Chestnut Teal, and a few Freckled Duck. 

 

The highlight, however was a pair of Oriental Pratincole flying around the T-section Lagoons.  At the time I thought they were Australian, and made comment to Will Steele (Melbourne Water employee I was going around the lagoon with) about the bib markings on the throat.  Also, their forked tails were a very noticeable feature.  But in typing this, I thought I'd double check the books, and it appears I saw Oriental Pratincole instead!  Not exactly what I was expecting, but there you go.

 

For my own peace of mind, has anyone else seen them? Or have I just misidentified a pair of Australian Pratincole (although I'm fairly certain I haven't)

Michael

Aus & Oriental Pratincoles don't look as much alike as the field guides
suggest IMHO.  If you think they're OPs, then they probably are.  You got
the main field marks.  

The only OP I've ever seen was in much the same area back in 1985 (when there
was also a Little Stint there).  Rare as pratincole's teeth down south; but
not unprecedented.

Cheers -- Lawrie

-- 
=================================
Lawrie Conole
Senior Ecologist
Ornithology & Terrestrial Ecology
 
Ecology Australia Pty. Ltd.
Flora and Fauna Consultants
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