The following information is a calendar of biological events throughout a 12 month period on Heron Island.
January
Heron Island's bird life is very active. This month is the peak breeding season for sea birds, particularly Black
Noddies, Mutton Birds and Reef Herons.
Pisonia grandis have sticky seeds falling from the trees.
Female Turtles are laying eggs on the beach and turtle hatchlings can be seen making their way to the sea.
February
Wedge tailed Shearwater Mutton Bird chicks hatching - Island birdlife remains active.
Female Turtles are still laying eggs and hatchlings continue to emerge from the nests.
March
Migratory types of birds, such as the Ruddy Turn-stone and Eastern Golden Plover depart the Island. Some show breeding plumage as they return to their Arctic nesting grounds.
Birds still nesting, include the Buffbanded Rail and the Black Noddy.
Female turtles are at the end of the nesting season.
April
Most of the Noddies depart the Island. Young Wedge-tail Shearwater birds
(Puffinus pacificus) leave their burrows. Adult Shearwaters leave the Island.
May
The last of the turtle hatchlings can be seen emerging from their nests.
Young Wedge-tailed Shearwaters are still learning to fly and should leave the Island by the end of the month.
June
Humpback Whales northern migration begins and they are often seen passing through waters around the Island.
July
Humpback Whales frequently sighted in the Capricorn and Bunker region.
Reef Herons start building their nests.
August
A month warming up to spring, more general activity on the reef and the Island.
Towards the end of the month the Black Noddies begin returning.
Good Humpback Whale sightings.
September
Humpback Whales active.
Black Noddies are now returning to the Island will commence nesting.
Turtle mating may be seen.
Northern Hemisphere migratory birds, such as Ruddy Turnstones and Eastern Golden Plovers arrive back on the Island.
October
Whales now heading south to the Antarctic with their calves.
Resident Silver Eyes and Black Noddies nesting.
Wedge-tailed Shearwaters returning to the island to nest.
Turtle mating may be observed.
November
Turtle egg laying begins.
Wedge-tailed Shearwaters can be seen digging and repairing nesting burrows. It is the start of their breeding season.
Black Noddies eggs can be seen in the nest.
The annual synchronized mass spawning of corals usually occurs during this month. Spawning
synchronizes with the lunar month and dates vary, usually 3-4 days after the full moon. If corals do not spawn in this month, they will in December.
December
Bird life is extremely active. Numerous Black Noddy chicks can be seen. Wedge-tail Shearwaters are laying eggs in their burrows.
Turtles are laying eggs and hatchlings emerging from the sand.
Coral spawning may occur. |