The trip from Hallam/Endeavour Hills to Berwick (SE Melbourne Suburbs) is one i
have had to do a couple of times a week for work over the past 4 years or so,
its a fairly pleasant drive through outer urban sprawl and green paddocks and
usually a raptor or two to keep things interesting. Cattle Egrets are regular
in these paddocks but over the past few years their numbers have increased from
groups of 5-10 to groups of 80 or so. I guess Im curious as to whether people
think this is an increase in numbers or perhaps them moving to a greener area
because of the drought? Was also wondering if there are any Victorian colonies
or do they come from further afield? Its also interesting to note that there
are a lot of ibis in these paddocks (and the occasional spoonbill) but
generally in different paddocks to the egrets. Although the next day they may
have swapped paddocks. I dont have any hard records as such of numbers and
dates, its just things i have noticed from the car.
Just some idle ramblings
Cheers
Tim
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