Heron Island
Biological Calendar
January
Turtle Hatchling
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.
- Average rainfall - 196mm
- Average temperature - min 23.6C max 29.8C
- Average water temperature - min 26.5C max 30.5C
February
Turtle Hatchling
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.
- Average rainfall - 136mm
- Average temperature - min 23.5C max 29.5C
- Average water temperature - min 26.5C max 30.5C
March
Birds Nesting
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.
- Average rainfall - 155.99mm
- Average temperature - min 23.3C max 29.0C
- Average water temperature - min 25.0C max 28.0C
April
Noddy Terns
Most of the Noddies depart the Island. Young Wedge-tail Shearwater birds (Puffinus pacificus) leave their burrows. Adult Shearwaters leave the Island.
- Average rainfall - 79.0mm
- Average temperature - min 21.6C max 27.3C
- Average water temperature - min 23.2C max 27.0C
May
Heron
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.
- Average rainfall - 109.7mm
- Average temperature - min 19.4C max 24.4C
- Average water temperature - min 19.5C max 23.0C
June
Rainbow Fish
Humpback Whales northern migration begins and they are often seen passing through waters around the Island. An average Humpback weighs 40 tonnes and measures 16 metres.
- Average rainfall - 105mm
- Average temperature - min 16.2C max 21.8C
- Average water temperature - min 19.0C max 22.0C
July
Humpback Whale
Humpback Whales frequently sighted in the Capricorn and Bunker region. Reef Herons start building their nests.
- Average rainfall - 90.5mm
- Average temperature - min 16.2C max 21.4C
- Average water temperature - min 18.0C max 23.0C
August
Noddy Terns
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.
- Average rainfall - 46.2mm
- Average temperature - min 14.6C max 26.0C
- Average water temperature - min 20.0C max 23.0C
September
Gantry
Humpback Whales are active. Humpbacks are well known for their breeching habits. 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.
- Average rainfall - 26.1mm
- Average temperature - min 15.8C max 27.0C
- Average water temperature - min 20.0C max 24.0C
October
Herons
Whales now heading south to the Antarctic with their calves. Black Noddies nesting. Wedge-tailed Shearwaters returning to the island to nest. Resident Silver Eyes nesting. Turtle mating may be observed.
- Average rainfall - 43.5mm
- Average temperature - min 16.7C max 29.0C
- Average water temperature - min 20.0C max 26.0C
November
Fish in the Reef
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.
- Average rainfall - 54.1mm
- Average temperature - min 18.5C max 29.0C
- Average water temperature - min 22.0C max 28.5C
N.B. The annual synchronised mass spawning of corals usually occurs during this month. Spawning synchronises 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
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. Average rainfall - 55.8mmAverage temperature - min 22.0C max 29.4CAverage water temperature - min 25.0C max 29.0C
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