Re: Breeding of Magpie Geese

Greg

Although this is circumstantial evidence suggesting breeding in the Clarence it doesn't rule out birds moving south from Queensland.

I find it interesting that given the population density, and the corresponding high number of birdwatchers, on the northern rivers that there are no confirmed recent breeding records of Magpie Geese.  I appreciate that areas like the Coldstream wetlands are large and generally inaccessible (being essentially on private property) but over the years one would think that breeding would be identified if it occurred.  The area certainly seems to provide suitable habitat for breeding.  Other areas in the Clarence, such as the Everlasting Swamp (whoever named this would be turning in their grave now), would also provide seemingly suitable habitat.  What is also interesting is that the area the geese seem to frequent (or are at least recorded more frequently) doesn't provide great breeding habitat.

Perhaps, as Alan Morris suggested to me, they do simply move south from Queensland.

Cheers

David Geering
Regent Honeyeater Recovery Coordinator
Department of Environment & Conservation
P.O. Box 2111
Dubbo  NSW  2830
Ph: 02 6883 5335 or Freecall 1800 621 056
Fax: 02 6884 9382



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