THE EFFECT OF DROUGHT-BREAKING RAIN ON THE RE-ESTABLISHMENT OF EGRET COLONIES IN NORTH COASTAL NEW SOUTH WALES
| Posted: |
11/08/2021 |
| Author(s): |
D. J. Geering |
The re-establishment of five breeding colonies of egrets on the north coast of New South Wales
was monitored over a period during which drought-breaking rain fell. Colonisation was affected by the
water level of the colony site prior to this rainfall event. Dry sites were not colonised until flooding of
the site occurred whilst those with water were only colonised by Cattle Egrets. Great, Intermediate
and Little Egrets commenced nesting in significant numbers only after this rainfall event. Where nesting
of all four species commenced at the same time, Cattle Egrets were able to respond more quickly and
were more synchronised. Availability of water seemed to be the major limiting factor for Cattle Egrets
but the case is less certain for the other egret species.
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