Judging from the tiny map in 'Shorebirds' it would seem that the western
limit of the breeding range of Grey-headed Lapwing is about 116 deg E., some
5-6 deg to the east of Lake Baikal (and much further south). This is roughly
north of Perth. In the east it reaches almost to 130 deg E, i.e. roughly the
line of the WA/NT border. 'Flocks of up to 36 are seen most winters in Hong
Kong' (ca 111 deg E) (Viney & Phillipps) which is near the eastern limit of
the winter range on the mainland. But it also winters on Taiwan (ca 122 deg
E). This is shown in 'Shorebirds' but you (well I) need a magnifying glass
to pick that up. And I know that to be fact because the species has appeared
on winter wetland counts there but am checking on numbers. So whilst a line
drawn between the centre of the breeding range through the centre of the
wintering range projects SW through to Madagascar, individuals wintering in
the east would necessarily have a due N/S course overall which could project
through to the Kimberley!
And I agree how it got here is just total speculation but fun! Just as
likely it was disorientated and displaced by a typhoon. May even have taken
refuge on a ship for a while and carried in the wrong direction.
Mike Carter
30 Canadian Bay Road
Mt Eliza VIC 3930
Ph: (03) 9787 7136
Email:
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