It was with a major major thrill that I read that many Princess are now being spotted west of Alice Springs by Ian May, Don Haddon et al. Having had the treat of filming these birds in the wild in Sept of 2008 I can only imagine how mind blowing it is to have seen the numbers of individuals that have been spotted recently.
My curiosity is really sparked at this point. Why are we seeing these incredible numbers? Is there a theory? Increase of rain and thus a spike in spinifex growth? Normal dispersal? Just really wondering. We sure dont know much about this species and I am salivating at the thought of seeing so many.
Cheers and as always thanks for this amazing birding site that we can all use to keep tabs on sightings!
Don Kimball
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One response to “Incredible Princess Numbers”
Hello Don,
The area where Ian May has located the birds shows up very well on the Australian Bureau of Meteorology website as having received exceptional rainfall over the last six months, 400 to 600mm, but most of Central Australia has received at least 200 to 300mm as well. This would have resulted in a prolonged growth response by the local plant life, the habitat would be in prime condition to support a major breeding event. If Ian has seen this many birds along a couple of roads imagine how more clusters of birds there must be in the country between the roads.
Cheers Jeff Davies.