Hi Tom,
An interesting trip report. The raven was almost certainly a Forest Raven
as they are found all along the coast from Myall Lakes to just north of
Coffs Harbour. They are usually within 1 km of the coastline and often
interact with the more abundant Torresian Crows, which seem to harass them
often. The short tail is interesting because although the southern
populations (Tas & Vic) have a relatively short tail North Coast NSW birds'
tails appear quite long to me, certainly relatively longer than the
Torresian Crow's. Fairy Terns are not usually found on the NSW North Coast
so your birds at Port Macquarie were probably Little Terns. Sanderlings are
uncommon on the north coast with small numbers (1-2) at Station Creek, N of
Red Rock with larger numbers in the Richmond Estuary (Ballina). I am not
sure of their status in the Harrington area but I have never seen them
there. I would also think that the Avocets would be extremely rare at that
site. I am not aware of any previous records at that site (?Alan Morris) so
this is a good sighting.
Regards
Greg
Dr Greg. P. Clancy
Ecologist and Wildlife Guide
Coutts Crossing
NSW
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