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Magpie geese set for late arrival in Darwin

Magpie geese in Kakadu National Park. [File image]. - ABC

It seems Top End residents are not the only ones confused by this year's unseasonal wet weather.

Wildlife scientists say magpie geese would usually have flown to Darwin, away from the shrinking water supply on the flood plains, by this time of year.

But Keith Saalfeld from the Parks and Wildlife Service says the geese have not yet moved to Darwin because the flood plains are still flushed with water from late rain in April and May.

"What we think has happened is that the magpie geese are actually still out on the flood plains where they normally are during the wet season," he said.

"And they haven't actually moved into the dry season habitat which is the immediate area of Darwin and surrounds."

- ABC

© ABC 2010

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