As regular CFZ-watchers will know, for some time Corinna has been doing a column for Animals & Men and a regular segment on On The Track... particularly about out-of-place birds and rare vagrants. There seem to be more and more bird stories from all over the world hitting the news these days so, to make room for them all - and to give them all equal and worthy coverage - she has set up this new blog to cover all things feathery and Fortean.

Thursday 23 June 2016

Tropical birds blown off course to sub-Antarctic Macquarie Island after east coast storms


Two tropical birds have been found on Tasmania's sub-Antarctic Macquarie Island, despite rarely being seen south of New South Wales.

It is believed the sooty terns were blown far off course during large storms that battered Australia's east coast in early June.

Staff at the Macquarie Island research station first noticed two terns flying over the station on June 6, but misty conditions made it impossible to identify the species.

Shortly after, staff found the first bird on a road near weather observation buildings.

Wildlife ranger Marcus Salton was called in to identify the species and give it shelter.

It appeared exhausted but healthy, however it died the next day.

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