Last year there was a discussion about a Koel in S Victoria (see extract
below) I wonder if this arrival is explained by this article? It took a S,
not N turn when it set of on migration?
"The report of the Koel at Ocean Grove in Victoria certainly is an
interesting one. The reporter, Martin Williams, said that it arrived in the
first week in May, and has been there ever since. He said that it is an
immature male, around a year old. Maybe a case of reverse migration ?"
(Simon Starr, B-aus 27/9/07)
It is also interesting to read in the migration article
"Since many questions still remain unanswered regarding the spread of the
bird flu virus H5N1, there is increasing interest in research into bird
migration. Experts believe, however, that it is unlikely that the virus is
spread via migratory birds and suspect that it is spread through the
international trade in poultry products. In any case, vagrants pose the
lowest risk."
I know there was a lot of netting of incoming migratory birds up north to
take blood to check for Bird-flu. Also contingency planning to local council
level, even around here (Melbourne, Vic) to deal with any outbreak. This was
a while back when there was a real panic about the virus.
Wendy
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