Update on snipe migration

February 27, 2017

As of February 28, Nozomi has still been hanging around the Jerrabomerra wetlands complex, but moving around regularly, as evidenced by satellite fixes of varying accuracy. Other snipe have been sighted from the bird hides foraging in the wetland, so the conditions are obviously still good to support the birds’ continual fattening before departure. Presumably Nozomi and the other snipe are capitalising on this unusually wet summer season and the presence of water and food still in the wetland, so late in the season.

Unfortunately, we have had no further satellite transmissions from Tsubasa since early last week. We don’t know if this means Tsubasa had started its migration and lost transmission during flight, or transmissions were lost whilst still in Gwydir wetlands.

We now have fingers crossed that Nozomi lives up to her name and safely undertakes her northward migration.