What a difference a week makes.
Last Monday, 14 of March the T-Section lagoons played host to a wide array
of migratory waders: Black-tailed Godwits, Red Knots, Greenshanks, dozens
of Marsh Sandpipers, hundreds of Sharpies, similar numbers of Curlew Sands,
loads of RN Stints, a Pectoral, 3 or 4 Woods and of course the popular
Red-necked Phalarope. Watching an mature Black Falcon dashing in and
shuffling the pack last week was a highlight.
This Sunday there were just a couple of Sharpies and the Godwits remaining;
the Stilts, Avocets and Lapwings were still there in similar numbers but
had all the rest started their northward migration? The beach near the hide
held large numbers of Stints on the receding tide line but only a few
Sharpies and I could not pick out anything else. Similar story along the
coast as far as the Borrow Pits.
Perhaps the F18 flying to and from the F1 GP in Albert Park scared them off
(- though the local Stilts and Lapwings around Albert Park do not seem to
fussed about the commotion) or is this just the week that they leave?
Have other observers noted similar reductions in migratory waders this
week? At Broome they watch the waders depart as a evening ritual at this
time of year. Must try and sample the WTP more regularly mid March next
year.
Regards
Mark Stanley
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