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Radjah Shelducks in E. Qld

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Subject: Radjah Shelducks in E. Qld
From: "Andrew Noosa" <>
Date: Sat, 20 Dec 2003 08:17:30 +1000
Hi all
Reading my New Atlas, I noted with interest that the Radjah Shelduck appears in Table 7 on p 747: Species that showed no significant regional variation ... but were more likely to be recorded in the new atlas (possible increases, p<0.05). Slater (1989) stated that they were "becoming rare at extremes of range which extends from Derby WA to Mackay Qld." Frith (1977) considered them "very uncommon in eastern Queensland south of Cairns." He also said "I have never seen one more than 20 yards from water." I have just returned from a rushed road trip Noosa-Mission Beach-Noosa. No sightings on the way north despite dropping in at the Mackay Botanic Gardens where they have been recently seen. Heading south, we stopped at Sarina Beach. There, in a suburban street at the back of the Sarina Beach Motel, were a pair of Plumed whistling ducks and a pair of Radjah Shelducks. They did not seem disturbed by cars coming and going. Later, dogs were running about and I went out to see if the ducks had taken flight (in very windy conditions). The whistling ducks were gone but the shelducks were still present. And yes, they weren't all that far from water - a creek flowing onto the beach. I hope these stunningly beautiful birds can repopulate their historical range down to northern NSW - unlikely given the growth in coastal development.
Andrew

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