Comings and goings of the birds of King Island

It may look and feel like winter - and indeed it is winter! - but many of the islands’ birds will be starting to prepare for breeding. Start watching for signs of this; birds hanging out in pairs rather than flocks or flying about with sticks or feathers in the bills. Have you ever watched a Welcome Swallow try and manipulate a feather into its nest for lining? They can be so funny; often losing it and having to catch it again in their tiny bills. But they are so persistent, determined and focused on the job. Many of us could learn from them about how to achieve the seemingly impossible.

Bass Strait migrations will also be starting in the near future. We need to know more about when these migrations start and end and how the birds travelling through use the island. Where do they hang out? So keep an eye out for increased numbers of species such as Silver Eyes, Flame Robins, Grey Fantails and Black-faced Cuckoo-shrikes hanging around the place or just moving through the island.

When do the first Swamp Harriers (Hawks) first arrive? When do the Double-banded Plovers leave to go back to New Zealand, their breeding grounds. KINRMG and the Wings on King program, would love to know about any migration observations you notice - simply submit them online by clicking here.

But this year, let’s focus on the Swamp Harrier. Let us know the first time you see one. The first person to spot one and let KINRMG know, will be mentioned in the next update.

The Spring is closer than it feels…

Image source: © Chris Tzaros