Grey-Tailed Tattler –

GREY-TAILED TATTLERS ARE MIGRATORY BIRDS THAT VISIT OUR SHORES IN SPRINGTIME AND STAY TILL EARLY AUTUMN. THEY ARE COMMON IN THE PUMICESTONE PASSAGE BUT NOT SO COMMON ON BRIBIE ISLAND. THEY CAN BE SEEN SOMETIMES AT THE KAKADU ROOST. THE BEST PLACE TO SEE THEM IS AT THE TOORBUL ROOST. I SAW TWO LARGISH FLOCKS THERE IN LATE APRIL AND PHOTOGRAPHED THEM IN THEIR BREEDING PLUMAGE AS THEY WERE MAKING THEIR WAY TO SIBERIA TO NEST.

They are medium sized waders 24-27 cm in length and weighing 98-140g. They are stocky birds with grey backs, white bellies and dark underwings. During breeding their breasts and sides become heavily patterned with dark

BY: Marj Webber

Tringa Brevibes

wavy chevrons as in the photograph. Legs are short and yellow. Bills are straight with pale yellowy bases and dark tips. They have a white streak extending to behind the eye. Wandering Tattlers are similar and are quite difficult to distinguish apart but have shorter white streaks above the eyes and are slightly larger and darker.

Each year they travel from Siberia where they breed, to Australia, Pacific Islands, New Zealand and Asian countries, arriving in our warmer months about late August. Many remain in the area while others continue their journey south. During these months they can be found in most coastal areas of Australia but are less common in the south. At high tide they gather in flocks, roosting on sandy beaches and among the mangroves. They will sometimes roost in the branches of the mangrove trees. Often, they choose to roost with other shorebird flocks. On migration north in late April they fly the East

Asian, Australasian migration route to Siberia then back again after breeding, feeding along the way. In the photo you can see they are nice and fat ready for their long trek. Food is obtained by foraging, finding prey by sight or probing in the sand, in coastal pools, on mudflats, sandy beaches and sometimes amongst the rocks. Worms, invertebrates, crustaceans and sometimes small fish are their favoured food.

Breeding takes place beginning in late May when most birds arrive in Siberia and finishes in July when the parents begin their long migration south. Nests are shallow depressions among the stones in riverbeds, in the mountains. Both parents share in the nurturing of the young. Young Tattlers leave Siberia about a month after their parents. It always amazes me how they know when to fly, and where to fly, and end up where they want to go without any prior training by their parents.

Other names are “Siberian Tattlers” or “Polynesian Tattlers”.

The Australian population is estimated at about 36 000 birds and an estimated 400 000 Tattlers use the East Asian-Australasian flyway twice a year.

The Tattlers’ English name derives from the birds tattling, as it is thought that they are the first to warn other birds of imminent danger.

Quite a lot of data has been obtained from birds that have had their legs tagged. Some birds were tagged with geolocators which gave information on migration and breeding areas.

Many Tattlers lose their lives during their long migration. Predators, hunting by humans, wetland development and pollution are some of the difficulties they encounter on the way. Even so, some Grey-tailed Tattlers have been known to reach at least 12 years. Their conservation now is near threatened, with their population decreasing.

If you’re a cat owner, you know just how much love and attention these furry friends need. From snuggles on the couch to playtime with their favourite toys, cats provide us with endless joy and companionship. But with so much information out there about cat care, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. So, let’s dive in and learn how to be the best cat parent you can be.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR CAT’S BEHAVIOUR

One of the most important things you can do as a cat owner is to understand your cat’s behaviour. Cats are complex creatures, and their behaviour can be influenced by a variety of factors, including their breed, age, and environment. By learning to read your cat’s body language and vocalizations, you can better understand their needs and wants. For example, a cat with flattened ears and dilated pupils is likely feeling scared or threatened, while a cat with an arched back and puffed-up fur is feeling defensive. Another key aspect of cat behaviour is their instinctual need to scratch. Cats scratch to mark their territory, stretch their muscles, and maintain their claws. Providing your cat with a scratching post or pad is essential to preventing damage to your furniture and keeping your cat happy. When choosing a scratching post, look for one that is tall enough for your cat to fully stretch out, sturdy enough to withstand vigorous scratching, and covered in a material that your cat enjoys, such as sisal rope or corrugated cardboard.

FEEDING YOUR CAT: WHAT TO FEED & HOW MUCH

Feeding your cat, a balanced and nutritious diet is essential to their overall health and well-being. Cats are obligate carnivores, which means they require a diet rich in animal protein to thrive. When choosing a cat food, look for one that lists a highquality source of animal protein as the first ingredient, such as chicken, turkey, or fish. Avoid cat foods that contain fillers , by-products, or artificial preservatives, as these can be harmfu l to your cat’s health.

Providing Exercise and Mental Stimulation for Your Cat

Cats are natural hunters and need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. Providing your cat with toys, scratching posts, and climbing structures can help them get