Sun Seeker DSC_9402
You may recall my previous posts over the past few years about discovering this migratory shore-bird- The Lathams Snipe in a very small wetland close to home. As part of an Australia wide research program into this species, they are monitored on specific days of the year on arrival to Australia. Last year on our first count in this area, we counted 34 birds which meant the site met the criteria (over 18 birds) for ‘Nationally Important” under our Federal Legislation (EPBC Act) for this species. Today was the first count for the season and it was a gorgeous morning. We counted around 23 birds. You can see how well they camouflage and the size of their eyes which help them on their journey.
Latham’s Snipe breeds in northern Japan and parts of eastern Russia during May-July and spends its non-breeding season (September to March) along Australia’s eastern coast. “They are the ultimate sunseekers- breeds in the northern hemisphere when the snows have melted and the weather is warm, then returns to the southern hemisphere to take advantage of spring rains, warmer weather and food-rich wetlands”
Because these birds use these smaller wetlands, they are very much in danger from Urban Development.
The team involved in these counts recently published some amazing data about the stamina of these birds-see below.
“The team uncovered an amazing migration from a female snipe captured in Port Fairy. She left her breeding grounds in northern Japan and flew directly to south-east Queensland in three days, a non-stop flight of around 7,000km. A trip that might normally take around five days, this incredible individual did in three.
This is one of the fastest bird migrations on record and highlights how demanding these over-ocean migrations are. It also shines the spotlight on the critical importance of good quality wetland habitat when the snipe return to Australia”.
theconversation.com/this-birds-stamina-is-remarkable-it-f...
Sun Seeker DSC_9402
You may recall my previous posts over the past few years about discovering this migratory shore-bird- The Lathams Snipe in a very small wetland close to home. As part of an Australia wide research program into this species, they are monitored on specific days of the year on arrival to Australia. Last year on our first count in this area, we counted 34 birds which meant the site met the criteria (over 18 birds) for ‘Nationally Important” under our Federal Legislation (EPBC Act) for this species. Today was the first count for the season and it was a gorgeous morning. We counted around 23 birds. You can see how well they camouflage and the size of their eyes which help them on their journey.
Latham’s Snipe breeds in northern Japan and parts of eastern Russia during May-July and spends its non-breeding season (September to March) along Australia’s eastern coast. “They are the ultimate sunseekers- breeds in the northern hemisphere when the snows have melted and the weather is warm, then returns to the southern hemisphere to take advantage of spring rains, warmer weather and food-rich wetlands”
Because these birds use these smaller wetlands, they are very much in danger from Urban Development.
The team involved in these counts recently published some amazing data about the stamina of these birds-see below.
“The team uncovered an amazing migration from a female snipe captured in Port Fairy. She left her breeding grounds in northern Japan and flew directly to south-east Queensland in three days, a non-stop flight of around 7,000km. A trip that might normally take around five days, this incredible individual did in three.
This is one of the fastest bird migrations on record and highlights how demanding these over-ocean migrations are. It also shines the spotlight on the critical importance of good quality wetland habitat when the snipe return to Australia”.
theconversation.com/this-birds-stamina-is-remarkable-it-f...