Spotted Whistling-ducks progress
By Birding-Aus, on January 17th, 2014
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 _______________________________________________ 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 David, I agree – i’ve always been interested in this species too! I recall Ben Bright seeing and photographing some Spotted Whistlers and young ducklings near Weipa a couple of years ago which would surely indicate breeding. Cheers Dave Stowe On 17/01/2014, at 4:39 PM, David Taylor < theplainswanderer@mac.com> wrote: _______________________________________________ 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
I, for one, welcome our new Spotted Whistling-Duck overlords. John Leonard On 17 January 2014 23:25, David Taylor < theplainswanderer@mac.com> wrote: — John Leonard Canberra Australia http://www.jleonard.net I want to be with the 9,999 other things. _______________________________________________ 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 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 < pveerman@pcug.org.au> wrote: _______________________________________________ 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
Indeed Spotted Whistling-Ducks do appear to be a very adaptive species as observed in parts of West Papua, (Indonesia) and further to the west in parts of Maluku where they quickly move in a utilise newly created suitable habitat. Unfortunately this often signals the demise of other habitats and other species. Regards David K David Bishop Semioptera Pty Ltd PO Box 1234 ARMIDALE, NSW, 2350 Australia +61 412 737 297 +61 2 6771 5580 kdbishop@ozemail.com.au On 17/01/2014, at 4:39 PM, David Taylor wrote: _______________________________________________ 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