AFO - Current Edition

June, 2010 issue.

Next Edition of AFO

Wader Roosts

A small high-tide roost on the mudflats at North Stradbroke Island, in Moreton Bay, Qld, is the focus of the main article in September’s issue of Australian Field Ornithology. The data on abundance and diversity of waders here in the different seasons show how important even small roost-sites can be for both migratory and resident species. Disturbance of the birds at such sites can have profound effects on wader populations. If you can, do read this article in conjunction with the book reviewed in the same issue, which flags the importance for migratory waders along the East Asian-Australasian Flyway of refuelling stopovers in the Yellow Sea.

A paper on another first record for Australian territory – this time, the Lesser Coucal – shows how important Ashmore Reef is for migrant and vagrant birds in our area.

Shorter papers concern observations on the breeding behaviour of two different raptors; of a trio of Australian Pied Oystercatchers; and of Australasian Grebes on a flood-retarding basin. In addition, there is an interesting article on a cuckoo (Eastern Koel) being attacked and killed by potential host species in northern Australia. Read the Editorial too, and support BOCA by subscribing to AFO ($32 pa, or $40 pa overseas airmail).

Julia Hurley

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