| One
of the smallest of the Northern Hemisphere migrants, it breeds close to
the Arctic circle in June-July. Early in our spring, the birds come back
to the wetlands, estuaries and coast in Australia and remain here until
about March. Before they begin the return flight of about 11,000 km, the
birds build up their body weight by as much as 50%, this "fuel"
allowing them to fly long distances without having to stop and feed. When
they do, like all migratory waders, they are subjected to hunting. Protecting
wetlands enroute is vital to their survival. |
