twenty-four species of land birds have been recorded on thevenard island. in addition, there are up to 31 species of migratory birds occurring in the mackerel islands area, including kestrels, quails, godwits, plovers, sandpipers and harriers. some birds migrate from remote northern hemisphere locations as far as siberia, and are protected by international treaties. seabirds, such as terns and shearwaters, nest from october to january.