Ashmore Reef for the birds

When HMAS Fremantle (LCDR Matt Brown, RAN) recently sailed for an Op Relex/Cranbury patrol, the ship’s regular navigator was replaced by Canberra-based reservist and Customs Officer, LCDR Alastair Smith.

While some sailors may not see too much to write home about when visiting Ashmore Reef, its natural history makes it a much sought after destination for naturalists.

As a keen amateur ornithologist, LCDR Smith was looking forward to the opportunity to contribute to our understanding of the bird life of the three islands that comprise the Reef.

LCDR Smith made three important observations.

A juvenile Eurasian (Northern) Hobby was the first of these birds. This species was previously reported from nearby seas in 1997 and possibly from Christmas Island.

A House Swift was also seen and photographed and this sighting is just the third record for this species in Australia. The final interesting sighting was the Pale White-eye, a small finch sized bird.

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