Susie Islet

John & Shirley Tongue write: We were out for a days drive and birding on Thursday (16th Feb). As we headed out towards Sorell, we stopped for the obligatory look along the edges of Orielton Lagoon, and were amazed at the number of birds on Susie Islet ( the tiny islet out in the lagoon on the North side of the Midway Point-Sorell Causeway). On closer inspection, not only were we surprised at the number of birds, but by the variety of species, on such a tiny speck of land. There were Silver and Kelp Gulls, Great, Black-faced, Little Black and Little Pied Cormorants, Pelicans, Crested Terns, Chestnut Teal, and Pied Oystercatchers. There were also Great-crested Grebes and Musk Duck working the waters close by. We didn't spot the oft-noted Royal Spoonbill, however. We were left wondering whether there are many spots around Tassie with a higher species density. The accompanying pic. doesn't show any particular bird to best advantage, but does give some idea of the cluster.

[ Worth keeping an eye out for the occasional Pied Cormorant here too--a rarity in Tasmania ed.]