https://www.xxzza1.com
18.6 C
Newcastle

Latham’s Snipe recorded in big numbers across the Hunter Estuary

SHARE

Much to the delight of Hunter Bird Observers Club members, migratory shorebird Latham’s Snipe has been recorded in the hundreds across several locations in the Hunter Estuary this week.

In fact, it’s more than two decades since such a similar occurrence.

Club vice-president Mick Roderick said counts of snipe had been conducted by volunteers since 1996 in the Lower Hunter.

And, this year’s tally of more than 250 birds across eight different locations is a very exciting result.

“Also referred to as Japanese Snipe, these birds migrate from Japan where they breed in the northern hemisphere summer, arriving in south-eastern Australia from August into September,” he said.

“They seek out freshwater wetlands, and rest and feed for six months in preparation for the long journey back to Japan in autumn.

“But, we have not had numbers in the hundreds like this for many years.

“In December 1997, there were 475 birds counted at Pambalong Nature Reserve, the highest count in the Hunter Estuary to date.”

Bunnings Swamp – Latham’s Snipe. Photo: Robert Palazzi

Club life member Ann Lindsey agreed.

“The birds returned to sites where they have previously been recorded in past years including Shortland, Wallsend, Fletcher, Irrawang Swamp, Rutherford, Bolwarra and Stockton,” she explained.

“Latham’s Snipe are known to return to the same places year after year.

“A national Latham’s Snipe survey took place in mid-November and a record number of 205 birds were counted at one site in the Shortland Waters Golf Club.

“We decided to do a second study of the entire golf club site and 168 birds were still there, despite heavy rain filling the wetlands.”

Ms Lindsey admitted it was very thrilling news for bird enthusiasts in the region.

“This number of snipe in one location is of national significance,” she said.

“Finding the bird in these numbers at the golf club is a clear indication of the high habitat value that the premises can provide for this cryptic species.

“It inhabits different habitat to other migratory shorebirds and, with well camouflaged brown plumage, it can be difficult to see.

“We will continue to monitor their numbers over the next few months as the birds prepare for the long flight back to Japan.

“Flying more than 8,000km in just two days, the snipe will return to their summer breeding grounds in Hokkaido during March and April.”

Get all the latest Newcastle news, sport, entertainment, lifestyle, competitions and more delivered straight to your inbox with the Newcastle Weekly Daily Newsletter. Sign up here.

More Stories

Newcastle Weekly

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Subscribe to Newcastle Weekly. News, Community, Lifestyle, Property delivered direct to your inbox! 100% Local, 100% Free.

You have Successfully Subscribed!