For the information of list members
A response to Mike Carter’s/Neil Macumber’s posting (28 February) about a large collection of Brolga’s near Dunkeld in western Victoria.
I’ve just checked the Arnol et al. (1984) reference on Brolga management in Victoria and this identifies a Dunkeld flocking site for the species. The numbers indicated at this site are given as greater than or equal to 20 birds so it seems that Neil’s sighting is in fact quite notable for Brolgas in this part of Victoria.
The following relevant text is taken from this report :
‘Brolgas congregate at traditional flocking areas from late December to early May, a period which coincides with the drying out of the shallow freshwater marshes used as breeding areas. Flocking areas are generally characterised by the presence of deep freshwater marshes which provide areas for the Brolga’s drinking, roosting and feeding requirements throughout the drier months of the year.’
I encourage Neil to lodge such sightings onto Birdline Victoria as it’s important these habitats and associated species are formally identified and recorded. If Neil could contact me directly, I can assist in this.
Note that Brolga’s are a threatened species in Victoria so all sightings need to be atlassed.
Ref:
Arnol, J.D., White, D.M. & Hastings, I. (1984) Management of the Brolga in Victoria. Department of Conservation, Forests and Lands, Victoria. Fisheries and Wildlife Service, Technical Report Series No. 5.
cheers, Martin
Martin O’Brien Wildlife Biologist, Catchment Governance Department of Sustainability and Environment 8 Nicholson Street, East Melbourne VIC 3002
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