Hi Philip
I would agree. There have been times when either of the Whistling-ducks were
rarely seen in the Brisbane region and were relatively uncommon in SEQ. Today
and of recent years it is very different with both Wandering and Plumed
regularly occurring on wetlands throughout the Greater Brisbane region. Fair to
say that the big rains of recent years have brought many species rarely seen in
drier periods into the region. The Red-kneed Dotteral is a good example -
definitely a scarce visitor in former times they are seen commonly in Brisbane
- I have seen over 100 of them at a wetland in suburban Hemmant. Freckled Ducks
are another example - into the region after a big breeding event during the
wet. Crakes are another - whilst no doubt always around they have also become
common place on many wetlands in the area - I regularly see Bailons and
Spotless yet there were previous times you had to work very hard to see them.
Spotted Crake remain scarce with only a handful of sightings. Increased
sightings of Lewins Rail, Pink-eared Ducks, Red-necked Avocets and even
Blue-billed Duck have been great for birders in the region. I suspect it will
change at some point and some of these species will once again become harder to
find. But we are enjoying it!
cheers
David Taylor
On 17 Jan 2014, at 6:11 pm, Philip Veerman <> wrote:
> I suspect it also true that both Australian species have increased greatly
> in SE Qld. As I recall from my time there 1979-1983, one was rare to
> uncommon and the other not there. I suspect it is now the case that one is
> common and the other you say "regular".
>
> Philip Veerman
> 24 Castley Circuit
> Kambah ACT 2902
>
> 02 - 62314041
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Birding-Aus On Behalf Of
> David Taylor
> Sent: Friday, 17 January 2014 4:40 PM
> To:
> Subject: [Birding-Aus] Spotted Whistling-ducks progress
>
>
>
>
> It's interesting to read of sightings of Spotted Whistling-ducks
> (Dendrocygna guttata ) progressively further south of their original
> location. I think the very first sightings were all on the very northern
> part of Cape York near Weipa, But we are hearing of sightings as far south
> as the Daintree River. ( 5 recently reported ) and Wonga Beach north of
> Cairns. ( 27 odd) ...and perhaps further south?
>
> I find it a very interesting species which has evidently self introduced
> into Queensland and would appear to be increasing in numbers and range.
>
> I wonder if they are actually breeding in Australia? Are there any records?
> Curious to hear of any other more southerly reports of this species.
>
> It will be fascinating to watch their progress over coming years to see if
> at some point they vanish or indeed become a permanent and regular fixture
> on the Australian list.. would seem the latter is likely?
>
> I find the Whistling-ducks a fascinating group of birds and we are fortunate
> to see both regularly in South-east Queensland. would be nice to have a
> third here at some point!!!
>
> cheers
>
> David Taylor
> Brisbane
>
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