What sad news about the Tern breeding attempt!
Re David's comment about fox baiting, baiting alone may not be effective.
David wrote:
>At most Little Tern colonies I'm aware of baiting is the main tool in the
>fight against foxes. Do I assume there is a reason why this isn't the
>case at Windang?
>
Last night I assisted with a wildlife survey over part of the native
grassland at Terrick Terrick National Park, near Mitiamo (west of
Echuca-Moama).
The park manager, Russell S, told me that fox baits are regularly laid in
and around the park but few, if any, baits are taken. He thinks the foxes
may have learned to avoid eating the baits.
Park personnel therefore spotlight and shoot foxes, bagging six a few days ago.
Neighbouring land holders coordinate their efforts so that fox control can
be effective and efficient.
During the survey, we observed no foxes, a hare and a handful of rabbits
near Bendigo Creek. We saw some Dunnarts, bats and a Curl Snake. There was
a thick cloud of insects which only thinned when a breeze sprang up.
Amongst the birds observed was a pair of Plains Wanderer (male and female),
a pair of Tawny Frogmouths and a couple of Pipits. The PWs were amongst
Russell's flock of sheep. The sheep are used as an environmental tool to
ensure that grassland conditions are optimal for the PWs.
Another team observed similar birds the previous evening.
Before commencing the survey. I observed a flock of around 200 Red-rumped
Parrots.
To all Birding-aus subscribers, Merry Christmas, a happy new year, and
thank you for your interesting postings this year and over recent years.
Keith Stockwell
Moama (southern Riverina)
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