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If we are to include others than land birds, then what
about migratory waders? Mixed flocks on Roebuck Bay regularly numbered over
30,000 around November and December lst year (often several of these in
close proximity) and I have observed flocks where more than ten thousand
Bar-tailed Godwits were present.
Broome Bird Observatory staff witnessed pure flocks of
3,500 Black-tailed Godwits depart on migration together around 3 weeks ago. Yes
3,500! That same night we observed several flocks of similar sizes making their
way on their annual epic journey. Total for the night was a record - 9,200
birds! Deeply moving experience to be sure.
On Bush Point (south Roebuck Bay) some years ago, the
world's largest mixed gathering of migratory waders was recorded: 100,000 plus!
I witnessed 3 flocks of well over 30,000 individuals there in close proximity
last year.
If we're not limiting ourselves to Australia, I believe
that Flamingoes do it pretty well in Africa and Snow Geese are known to get
about in flocks of 60 to 100 thousand! That's just for starters.
Ricki
Broome WA
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