Ibis on the move

Drove from Dubbo down the Upper Hunter Valley last Thursday and back up the valley (on a different route) on Saturday.

Conspicuous in the Upper Hunter were flocks (15 - 20 that I saw) of up to 500  Straw-necked Ibis all heading west.  This morning I'm told that over the weekend flocks of Str-n Ibis started moving along the Macquarie River and along the Talbragar (a tributary of the Macquarie).  These latter birds are obviously headed for the Macquarie Marshes (a major ibis breeding area).  One can only assume the Hunter birds were doing the same.  

There has been enough flow in the Macquarie to replenish the marshes but not enough for a flood.  How do the birds know this?  If they are in the marshes and we get more rain then they are ready to take advantage and breed.  If we don't get a flood then they at least have a food resource and can disperse again later.

I've said it before, this stuff is fascinating!

Cheers

David Geering
Regent Honeyeater Recovery Coordinator
NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service
P.O. Box 2111
Dubbo  NSW  2830
Ph: 02 6883 5335 or Freecall 1800 621 056
Fax: 02 6884 9382



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