Hello all,
Last weekend I assisted with the Hunter Bird Observers Club survey of
Latham's Snipe in the lower Hunter Valley. At Pambalong we had about 15
counters and about 4 beaters. The maximum count was of 36 Latham's Snipe at
Pambalong NR. Most of the other sites had smaller numbers, Irrawang Swamp
(at Raymond Terrace) had 35 Snipe (although I understand Max Maddock
counted about 70 about a month ago). Off the top of my head I think
Newcastle Wetlands Reserve had about 10 snipe with lower numbers at a few
other sites.
Pambalong NR (formerly Cedar Hill Swamp) was where I conducted a lot of my
research on Latham's Snipe in 1997-98. That year we counted 475 Latham's
Snipe in what I think was a record count. It was an unusual year with the
water level in the swamp very low... parts of it dried out completely. The
counts, conducted ever after by the HBOC, since then have been
significantly lower with mid 30's in the last 2 years. Its also the site
with I think the most Painted Snipe events in the Hunter with three that
I'm aware of (the last one in 1999 I think).
Other interesting birds in the area during this year's survey were a grey
Goshawk with a Common Ringtail Possum in its claws, Buff-banded Rail,
Wandering Whistling-duck and Jacana.
Cheers,
Mick
Mick Todd
Toronto, NSW, Australia
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