I visited the grounds of the University of Queensland campus at
Gatton yesterday, checking out the lake there. I was interested to
see a dramatic decline in bird numbers since I last visited about
three months ago. On that occasion there were literally thousands of
Plumed-Whistling Ducks, a few wandering Whistling Ducks, hundreds of
Pied Geese and Pink-eared Ducks as well as various other water birds
and waterfowl of various species. It was literally teaming with birds,
In stark contrast yesterday there was not a Pied Goose in sight, and
perhaps just a hundred or so Plumed Whistling Ducks. Not a cormorant,
heron, ibis or egret to be seen, and small numbers of Duck,( Grey
Teal, Black Duck and Woodies ). There was however about a hundred
Pink-eared Ducks in the far rear of the lake. A few Black-winged
Stilts, Black-fronted Dotterals, Masked Lapwings, a lone Coot, Purple
Swamphens and Dusky Moorhens were about all else around.
Its always fascinating as to how bird numbers fluctuate at a
particular site. Certainly whilst the water level appeared down a
little there was still plenty of water in the lake.
The grounds are always good for Red-rumped Parrots, and I saw a flock
of about 30. Two Whistling Kites perched on a tree, and pretty Yellow-
rumped Thornbills were about.
David Taylor
Brisbane
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