Hi ssw,
I've spent several hours researching your question, and it was
extremely fascinating! From locating Palmers Island to finding the
most common spelling of the Jabaroo (Jabiru) and then emailing a
resort located in the area.
The reply I received:
"The blacked neck stork (Jabiru) does inhabit this area in small
numbers. I am not aware of any nesting sites and would have to consult
the National Parks Database to see whether any..."
The bottom line is if there are any nests located at Palmers Island
NSW it's likely to be few, because the Black-Necked Jabaroo, is an
endangered species.
Commonly called Jabiru Stork is thought to be an Aboriginal name, but
in fact the name is Portuguese. The nest is a huge structure made of
sticks and they nest at the top of very tall trees with both male and
females taking turns incubating the eggs. The nest is a large
platform of sticks and other vegetation, which is placed in a tall
tree in the vicinity of water.
It has a black head and neck, white wings and red legs.
Pairs will bond for several years, maybe for life. The birds are
secretive and nest in isolated pairs. The two to four eggs are white
and conical and are incubated by both parents. Both also care for the
young.
As for sightings they are rare, and maybe as few as 30 pairs are
located in the state. Listed as endangered under Schedule 2 of the
NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995.
The species is restricted to coastal and near-coastal areas of
northern and eastern Australia. Throughout the monsoonal areas of
northern Australia, the Black-necked Stork is still widespread, but
fewer numbers appear southwards to eastern Australia. In the past the
species was found in South Australia, Victoria and much of New South
Wales, but is now extinct throughout the majority of these areas.
Due to the modification of floodplains for agriculture, human
settlement and mining, the range has been greatly reduced.
The Jabiru is a very large bird - much like a stork that lives in the
wetlands. It is the only stork found in Australia and lives in the
northern part where there is lots of water.
In North Queensland the Jabiru has a nickname - "the policeman-bird" -
because it stands very straight and lives on its own. They are a very
quiet type of bird (typical of storks).
===============================================================================
Scientific name: Ephippiorhychus asiaticus
Size: 112 - 115cm
Status: Locally common
Diet: Main food source is fish but will also eat frogs and rodents.
(I also saw a reference to them eating small snakes)
Habitat: River pools, swamps and tidal
Breeding: Breeds during February and June, two to four eggs are laid
on a large platform
(Jabiru) Black-necked Stork
===============================================================================
Black-necked Stork or Jabiru (An endangered species) Ephippiorhynchus
asiaticus
http://www.dlwc.nsw.gov.au/care/wetlands/facts/paa/birds/stork.html
"General Characteristics:
The only representative of the stork family found in Australia.
Adults have a striking black and white plumage, with deep red legs and
feet.
Females have yellow eyes, while males have dark eyes.
Nest in trees, often up to 25m above the ground.
Breed any time from March until October.
Listed as endangered under Schedule 2 of the NSW Threatened Species
Conservation Act 1995.
Sightings in NSW are uncommon, and it has been suggested that as few
as 30 pairs may remain in the State.
Distribution in NSW: Found along the eastern coast of NSW."
===============================================================================
I found an interesting story regarding a Jabiru colliding with a
powerline and causing blackouts:
http://www.northpower.com.au/wrs/Nthpower.nsf/html/Jabirus.html
"In a recent incident, a Jabiru collided with a powerline causing
blackouts on the main electrical feed to five small towns."
According to Birds Australia (www.birdsaustralia.com.au) the Jabiru
(Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus) is an endangered species in New South
Wales.
[edit]
"To minimise the risk of these large birds colliding with power lines,
NorthPower has attached special 'bird diverters' to wires spanning a
breeding area at Brown's Swamp near Casino in northern NSW.
Jabirus, pelicans and black swans are occasionally killed in such
accidents. Black swans, in particular, are at risk because they often
fly at night.
The diverters draw the Jabiru's attention to powerlines in much the
same way as ribbons draw our attention to wire fences."
[edit]
"About the Jabiru
Although the Jabiru is traditional in Australian literature, it is not
an aboriginal name as is often supposed (the official name for the
species is black-necked stork). Rather it is one given by Brazilian
natives to a similar bird (Jabiru mycteria ) in South America.
They are, however, Australia's only representative of the stork family
and one of the world's largest at up to a metre and a half tall.
Jabirus have a massive bill, long bright red legs and boldly marked
black-and-white plumage - iridescent on the head and neck. They are a
shy and retiring species."
[edit]
"Usually inhabiting shallow wetlands, their long legs allow them to
forage in water up to about half a metre deep where they search for
fish, crustaceans, insects and snakes. They are excellent flyers and
young birds sometimes turn up far outside the species' usual range.
The Jabiru's nest is a huge structure made of sticks and is usually
placed high in a tall and secluded tree. They lay about four eggs in a
clutch with both the male and female taking turns to incubate."
===============================================================================
Australian Bird Sightings 2002
http://www.birdsaustralia.com.au/sightings/sightings2002.html
"Sightings:
Species: Black-necked Stork (Jabiru)
Location: Manning River, Harrington, NSW
Date Seen: 10/05/2002
Other Info: observed two birds feeding for ten minutes identified with
slaters guide and confirmed by morcombes. first sighting in 5 years.
Also seen same weekend at Raymond Terrace wetland nankeen herons, one
adult with poss. up to four juv.
Name: roy wells
colinwells@ozemail.com.au"
===============================================================================
Photos of the Jabaroo:
http://www.view.com.au/watts/3-7.htm
http://www.camacdonald.com/birding/Black-neckedStork(CA).jpg
http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Delphi/2970/jabiru.jpg
http://www.birdwatch-australia.com.au/images/JABIRU.JPG
Image, Photo and Picture of the egg
http://www.austmus.gov.au/factsheets/jabiru.htm
In addtion to being featured on a stamp, the Jabiru is featured on the
Australian coins -
1991 Silver Birds of Australia $10 (reverse side) and the reverse side
of the Piedfort.
http://www.australianstamp.com/Coin-web/feature/nature/jabiru.htm
===============================================================================
Woodenbong Wetland Feasibility Study
http://users.tpg.com.au/users/upriver/woodenbongmanagementplan.htm
halfway down the page:
"The survey in addition to consultation with local people identified
the presence of at least 13 bird species utilising the dam. It should
be noted the survey was only conducted over a very short time frame (1
day) and further fauna surveys are recommended to identify other
indigenous animals or migratory birds which may utilise the area as
the survey may not be a true indication of the number of species
utilising the dam. Table 5 shows birds encountered as well as birds
known to inhabit the dam from local knowledge. It is noted at least
one species known to inhabit the area during different times of the
year is listed under schedule 1 of the threatened species conservation
act of 1995 as endangered, that being the black-necked stork
(Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus)"
[edit]
===============================================================================
From a Message board Nature Conservation Forum
http://www2b.abc.net.au/science/scribblygum-old/posts/topic2539.shtm
(text quoted exactly as written)
"From: mickŪ 18/04/2001 23:25:25
Subject: re: Nature Conservation post id: 2547
technically you are right eric ,but its just not the same for me .
for instance we have jabaroo stalks that have recently become
urbanised ,living on grabage tips and scavenging in the middle of
brissie .
somehow it is just so degrading compared to viewing the birds at
kakadu or somewhere similar.
it was not that long ago that these birds had totally different
habits.
it goes to show how native wildlife can adapt and the possabilities of
many other animals changing habits must not be discounted
===============================================================================
Google search:
Blacknecked Jabaroo
Black necked Jabaroo
Palmers Island NSW
Jabiru
Jabaroo nests
Best regards,
tlspiegel |
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