Water Birds Mating In The Desert: When do Banded Stilts return to the coast

The banded stilts return home, leaving behind eggshells. Despite 20% of eggs not hatching, most hatchlings survive due to a lack of predators. As the birds leave, water levels drop and salinity rises, impacting brine shrimp. These shrimp adapt by producing eggs with hard casings to endure dormancy. The area becomes barren, awaiting future rains. Cyclone Bobby and subsequent rains lead to a successful breeding season for the stilts, showcasing their adaptation to the unpredictable Australian Outback.

What factors contribute to the successful breeding season of the banded stilts?

In what ways have the banded stilts adapted to the unpredictability of their environment?