Looking forward - one would hope for a sustainable future for all these long distance migrants but it is not a very hopeful outlook. As I said in my last post Eastern Curlews have just been declared
Critically Endangered. So this is a partial record of my sightings of Eastern Curlews over the past 10 years or so since I have lived here.
I first identified Eastern Curlews in places like this - way out on the sand flats - such a distinctive looking bird with that huge down-bent beak. There is never any chance of sneaking up closer they are just so 'flighty'. A friend suggested to me that behavior may have been bred into them through generations when their size made them desirable food additions all up and down the flyway.
Eastern Curlews are some of the first migrants to return in the spring. This photo was taken in September out at Inskip Point.My own observations suggest that a lot of birds stop in at this place before moving on to other roosts either further south or in other places around the Straits. A lot of the birds are seen sleeping - despite the people walking all around the area - not to mention the vehicle traffic! Also see the half-closed eyes on some of the birds.
I have seen Eastern Curlews in most of the roost sites around the bay but often there are only one or two together. However, the Mullens roost site usually has a larger number together. They are always at the back of other migratory birds or else further back on the roost. This was a lower tide with more sand and salt marsh exposed but the Curlews were well back behind other birds.
Eastern Curlews look especially beautiful in photos where their under wings can be seen.
I have never thought that birds with mainly brown and tan colors looked their best against a background of brown vegetation . There is only one place on this roost where the birds can be seen with water in front and behind them. It took me years to find cooperative birds, the right tide height and nice sunny conditions. This photo is the result.
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Great shots - they are a very difficult bird to get close to. One day I may!
ReplyDeleteCheers - Stewart M - Melbourne
Ive never seen birds like that before, interesting post = thanks :-)
ReplyDeleteWonderful shots - especially of the birds in flights!
ReplyDeleteWonderful nature shots of the migrating birds ~ thanks,
ReplyDeleteHappy Week to you ~ ^_^
Nous aimons beaucoup les courlis en vol ;-)
ReplyDeleteCéline & Philippe
Beautiful photos of the Curlews. Very interesting post.
ReplyDeleteMagnificent in flight photo!
ReplyDeleteInteresting post. Great photos. That bird looks so beautiful.
ReplyDeletea beautiful species. It is soo sad we destroy every habitat there is.
ReplyDeleteThat is a lovely flight shot.
ReplyDeleteThat last photo is wonderful, but I love the flight shot too. I hope these birds do well and can be saved and the count brought up, they are beautiful.
ReplyDeleteYou ate lucky to have them nearby. I actually really like that flight shot.
ReplyDeleteWhat lovely birds -- so sad to hear they are endangered!
ReplyDeleteFantastic photos of the curlews, Mick! The flight shot is especially stunning. We see a couple of curlew species during migration and it's always a treat.
ReplyDeleteThose are beautiful amazing birds. We are into butterflies and in one of our trips some birders joined us in our rented van. In reaching the place we separated as they keep looking up while we were normally looking down, hahaha. That is the joke when we were together again in the lunch table.
ReplyDelete