Hi all, Recently Scott Baker and I ventured to Yanac to try to find Australian Bustard, a bird that seems rarely recorded in Victoria, especially within the past decade. Guided by historic records from Rob Farnes we arrived and met with local farmers who pointed us in the right direction (to find the ‘bush turkey’s). Within an hour, we found a group of at least 10 birds (6 females, 4 males) on a property 5.3kms along Millers Rd. This was a Vic Tick for Scott and bird number 347 for Victorian Big Year (more information on my Vic Big Year can be found at http://jamesmustafabirding.blogspot.com.au) I’m interested in any information on Australian Bustard’s in Victoria as they seem hardly reported. I recently also spoke to the managers up at Neds Corner who inform me that they have also recorded Bustard on their property in the last 10 years. Is there a bird that actually has a large population and stronghold from Yanac, Telopea downs and beyond? Possibly 100, 200, 500 strong? Perhaps some more information on this fantastically monstrous bird could provide Victorian’s with the kick/info they need to check them out. All the best, James Mustafa 0400 951 517 www.jamesmustafajazzorchestra.com _______________________________________________ Birding-Aus mailing list Birding-Aus@birding-aus.org To change settings or unsubscribe visit: http://birding-aus.org/mailman/listinfo/birding-aus_birding-aus.org
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2 responses to “Bustards in Vic”
Oh, James, if you’re interested in Bustards in Victoria, Ruth has folder after folder of archive material at Serendip and is regularly in touch with members of the survey teams from the 70s, 80s and 90s. Paul Sent from my iPhone _______________________________________________ Birding-Aus mailing list Birding-Aus@birding-aus.org To change settings or unsubscribe visit: http://birding-aus.org/mailman/listinfo/birding-aus_birding-aus.org
Hi James, It is good that you saw the bustards in Victoria (although not good that you saw them in your Big Year year – as that was one species Ruth and I didn’t get in our 2010 Big Year). We subsequently saw them in 2011 in Victoria, after communicating with landholders in the area that you mentioned over a period of about 3 years. It took that long to win over their confidence to divulge the location to us and we had to promise to not publicise the information (although they had no problem with us either telling individuals or putting those individuals in touch). Whilst this may seem like a bit too much cloak and dagger, the reason was simple. Apparently, there are locals from Nhill and nearby towns who, when bored, like nothing more than to drink a skinful of beer, grab their guns and head out to the properties in the area that you mentioned to shoot things – preferably “bush turkeys”. With that in mind, could we perhaps not publish this information further? By all means let people know that they can ask you, but not publish it broadly? Thanks and good luck with the rest of the year! Paul Dodd Docklands, Victoria Sent from my iPhone _______________________________________________ Birding-Aus mailing list Birding-Aus@birding-aus.org To change settings or unsubscribe visit: http://birding-aus.org/mailman/listinfo/birding-aus_birding-aus.org