Migration of Banded Stilts from Australia

There was a recent article in the media, including the New Scientist and the Times about the migration of the Banded Stilt, which seems to migrate very fast at short notice.

The recent interest has been triggered by work done at Deakin University in Victoria Australia by Reece Pedler. Banded Stilts normally live on the coast but when the rains come inland they cause huge salt lakes to occur. The Banded Stilts respond to this very fast in order to feed on the brine shrimps that hatch in these lakes. This triggers the breeding season for these birds.

Here is a link to an Australian media report: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-02-21/banded-stilts-migrate-to-kalgoolie-after-heavy-rain/5275542

Please see the link below that covers Pedler’s work and explains his methodology etc: http://rsbl.royalsocietypublishing.org/content/10/10/20140547

Please note that other commentators have queried whether the Stilts could actually fly 2200 kms in 2.5 days.

Pedler admits that it is a mystery as to how the birds know when to set out.

Richard Nissen
Editor