Birding  NSW  Newsletter

Page  1birding Newsletternsw
NSW Field Ornithologists Club Inc

April 2014

Issue 262

President’s Report
The   sixth   Grenfell   IBA   survey   is   the   last   weekend   of  March.  The  number  of  participants  has  held  up  well  since  the   surveys   started   in   2011.   Engagement   with   the   local  community   has   been   a   feature   of   this   survey,   and   the  number  of  private  properties  that  the  Club  can  access  for  surveys  has  steadily  increased  over  the  years.  The  Sunday  ELUG ZDON KDV DOVR EHFRPH D ¿[WXUH ZKLFK UHJXODUO\attracts  local  people  interested  in  bird  watching.  
The  Grenfell  survey  is  just  one  of  several  such  activities  that   involves   Club   members.   Over   many   years,   Birding  NSW   has   participated   in   the   annual   Regent   Honeyeater  and   Swift   Parrot   survey   in   the   Capertee   Valley.   Douglas  Bateman  has  been  our  coordinator  for  this,  as  well  as  being  the  coordinator  of  the  tree  planting  that  takes  place  twice  a  year  there.  Douglas  has  decided  to  retire  from  these  roles  at  the  end  of  the  year,  but  he  is  keen  to  mentor  anyone  who  wishes   to   take   over   from   him.   The   duties   can   be   shared  between  several  individuals.  If  you  are  interested  in  helping  the  Club  in  this  way,  email  Douglas  at  douglasbateman@
yahoo.com  or  speak  to  a  member  of  the  Committee.
Hot   and   dry   conditions   have   prevailed   over   the   summer.  
The  Australia  Day  campout  at  Coolah  Tops  National  Park  this  year  was  cancelled  because  of  a  Total  Fire  Ban.  Species  such  as  Pink-­eared  and  Freckled  Ducks  have  been  seen  in  VLJQL¿FDQW QXPEHUV DW YDULRXV ORFDWLRQV DURXQG 6\GQH\lately,  which  is  usually  an  indication  that  water  sources  are  decreasing  inland.  
One   top   bird   watching   spot   is   Pitt   Town   Lagoon,   where  the  National  Parks  and  Wildlife  Service  have  constructed  a   new   bird   hide   in   conjunction   with   the   Cumberland  Bird   Observers   Club   (CBOC).   Elisabeth   and   I   attended  the  opening  ceremony  in  February.  Over  80  people  were  there  to  hear  John  Dengate,  the  Patron  of  the  CBOC,  give  the  speech  and  cut  the  ribbon.  John  has  agreed  to  be  our  Arnold   McGill   Memorial   Lecturer   this   year.   He   will   be  WDONLQJDERXWKRZELUGVÀ\The  Committee  has  decided  to  move  the  Annual  General  0HHWLQJ WR WKH 'HFHPEHU PHHWLQJ SHUPDQHQWO\ DV LW ¿WVwell   with   the   other   major   events   on   the   Birding   NSW  calendar  such  as  the  Arnold  McGill  Memorial  Lecture  and  the  annual  Christmas  party.  
The   next   Bird   Interest   Group   network   (BIGnet)   meeting  will  take  place  on  the  second  weekend  of  April  in  Canberra,  hosted  by  the  Canberra  Ornithologists  Group.  CBOC  has  EHHQWKH¿UVW16:LQGHSHQGHQWFOXEWRVLJQXSWRDI¿OLDWH
status   with   BirdLife  Australia,   and   further   discussion   by  other  clubs  about  this  proposal  will  occur  in  Canberra.
Tom  Karplus
President,  Birding  NSW

New Members

A  warm  welcome  is  extended  to  the  following  new  members:

Jessica  Amos  Glebe  NSW

Terence  Bressington  Nimbin  NSW

Darren  Cade  Rozelle  NSW  Nadja  &  Jen  Hasenauer  Oyster  Bay  NSW

Caroline  Jones  Oatley  NSW

Andrew  &  Barbara  Melville   Wyoming  NSWAroon  O’Brien  Camperdown  NSW

Ida  Rhone  &  Jason  Smart    Waverley  NSWNathan  Tolentino  Eastwood  NSW

Anne  Wark    PRINT  POST  APPROVED  PP100001080

Glebe  NSW

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Birding  NSW  Newsletter

CLUB  ACTIVITIESFIELD  OUTINGS  AND  MEETINGSFIELD  OUTINGS
Bring  a  snack,  lunch  and  a  chair.
NATIONAL  PARK  USE  FEES  Club  Outings  are  sometimes  held  in  National  Parks.  A  valid  day  pass  or  annual  pass  is  necessary  for  46  national  parks  in  NSW  and  that  includes  most  in  the  Sydney  and  Central  Coast  Regions.  The  pass  must  be  displayed  on  your  vehicle  at  all  times  while  you  are  in  the  park.  
TOTAL  FIRE  BANS  Members  are  reminded  that  no  Central  Coast  outings  are  held  on  days  when  Total  Fire  Bans  are  in  force.  For  Sydney  outings  in  times  of  a  Total  Fire  Ban,  check  with  the  outing  leader.  
SECURITY  Members  are  reminded  not  to  leave  anything  of  value  visible  in  unattended  vehicles  while  bird  watching.  
CENTRAL  COAST  OUTINGS  Sydney  Members  should  advise  the  leader  in  advance  if  they  are  coming  to  an  outing  so  that  they  don’t  leave  without  you!  
FEES  AT  CAMPOUTS
A  camping  fee  may  be  applicable  at  some  campsites.  
PETSMembers  are  reminded  that  pets  including  dogs  are  not  allowed  on  any  Club  activity  including  campouts.
HEALTH  AND  SAFETY  :KHQDWWHQGLQJ¿HOGRXWLQJVHQVXUH\RXDUHZHDULQJDSSURSULDWHFORWKLQJLQFOXGLQJZHWZHDWKHUJHDULQLQFOHPHQWZHDWKHUDQG
suitable  footwear.  It  is  advisable  to  bring  a  hat,  sunscreen,  insect  repellent  and  to  carry  water.
3OHDVHVLJQWKHDWWHQGDQFHUHJLVWHUDW¿HOGRXWLQJVDQGDOVRDWWKHPHHWLQJV
If  you  leave  the  outing  early  please  let  the  leader  know  before  you  go.
Participants  attend  at  their  own  risk  and  should  refrain  from  any  behaviour  that  might  put  themselves  or  others  at  risk.  That  includes  DVVHVVLQJZKHWKHUWKH\KDYHDOHYHORI¿WQHVVUHTXLUHGIRUWKHDGYHUWLVHGRXWLQJ,ILQGRXEWFRQWDFWWKHRXWLQJOHDGHUEHIRUHKDQGAPRIL
Tuesday   1   April   Club   Meeting:   The   Mitchell   Theatre,  Level  1,  The  Sydney  Mechanics’  School  of  Arts,  280  Pitt  Street,   Sydney   at   7.30   pm,   ‘Stopping   and   reversing   the  decline  of  Australia’s  birdlife’,  speaker:  Shauna  Chadlowe.
Saturday   5   April   Club   Outing:   Royal   National   Park.  
Meet   8.30   am   at   Wattle   Forest   Picnic  Area   near  Audley.  
Turn  into  Lady  Carrington  Drive  at  Audley,  then  right  over  the   timber   bridge   to   the   western   side   of   the   river.   Turn  left  and  meet  at  the  last  car  park.  Lunch  at  cars.  Leader:  Elisabeth  Karplus  9816  2285;;  0421  665  553Wednesday	
   9	
   April   Central	
   Coast	
   Half-­‐day	
   Outing:  Dog   Trap   Road,   Somersby.   Meet   8.30   am   at   Somersby  Store,  junction  of  Wisemans  Ferry  Road  and  Peats  Ridge  Road,  Somersby.  Lunch  at  cars.  Leader:  Wendy  Gillespie  per  Alan  Morris  02  4334  2776
Saturday   12   April   Club   Outing:   Chiltern   Road   and  various  other  sites  along  the  Northern  Beaches.  Meet  9.00  am  at  the  end  of  Chiltern  Road,  Ingleside.  Lunch  at  cars.  
Leader:  Coleen  Southall  9982  5453  or  0410  549  321Tuesday	
   22	
   April	
   Central	
   Coast	
   Meeting:   Meet   in  the   Progress   Hall   in   Anzac   Street,   Tuggerah   opposite  McDonalds   at   7.30   pm,   ‘Birding   on   Norfolk   Island’,  speaker:  Michael  Scobie.

Anzac   Long   Weekend   Campout   25–27   April:  Backyamma  State  Forest  near  Forbes.  Travel  from  Orange  along  Forbes  Road  to  about  5  kilometres  past  Eugowra  and  then  turn  right  at  the  sign  for  ‘Parkes’.  Travel  another  12  kilometres  past  Eugowra  and  turn  left  into  a  lane.  Head  due  west,  go  through  a  gate  into  the  forest,  over  a  grid  on  top  of  a  hill  and  through  another  gateway.  The  campsite  will  be  on  the  right  about  5  kilometres  from  the  Parkes  road.  
Bring  everything  that  you  need  including  garbage  bags  and  water.  Leader:  Allan  Richards  9660-­8062
Saturday	   26	
   April	
   Central	
   Coast	
   Outing:   Glenola  Reserve,   Bunning   Creek.   Meet   at   8.30   am   opposite   the  Yarramalong   Church,   800   metres   west   of   Yarramalong.  
Lunch  at  cars.  Leader:  Margaret  Pointer  4374  1163
Wednesday	
   30	
   April	
   Midweek	
   Outing:	
   Warriewood	
  Wetlands.	
   Meet   8.00   am   at   Katoa   Close,   Warriewood.  
Lunch  at  cars.  Leader:  Coleen  Southall  9982  5453  or  0410  549  321

MAY
Weekend	
  Central	  Coast	  Campout	
  2–4	
  May.  Wallamba  River   Holiday   Park,   99   Aquatic   Road,   North   Tuncurry  about   14   km   north   of  Tuncurry.  Tel:   6554   3123   or   1800  267  176.  Leader:  Alan  Morris  02  4334  2776

Birding  NSW  Newsletter
Saturday  and  Sunday  3–4  May  Capertee  Valley  Regent  Honeyeater   Project–Tree   Planting:   Volunteers   are  needed  to  plant  trees.  For  more  information  contact  Pixie  DW WKH %LUG/LIH $XVWUDOLD 6\GQH\ 2I¿FH  
southernnsw@birdlife.org.au
Tuesday   6   May   Club   Meeting:   The   Mitchell   Theatre,  Level  1,  The  Sydney  Mechanics’  School  of  Arts,  280  Pitt  Street,  Sydney  at  7.30  pm,  ‘Pictures  of  penguins  and  shags  in  the  South  Atlantic’,  speaker:  Michael  Edwards.
Saturday  10  May  Club  Outing:  Hawkesbury  area.  Meet  at   8.30   am   at   the   car   park   for   Scheyville   National   Park  2I¿FHRII6FKH\YLOOH5RDG/XQFKDWFDUV/HDGHU$OODQ
Richards  9660  8062  or  0432  064  660Wednesday   14   May   Central	
   Coast	
   Half-­‐day	
   Outing:  Jilliby   and   Dooralong.   Meet   at   8.30   am   at   the   junction  of  Hue  Hue  and  Jilliby  Roads,  just  north-­west  of  Wyong.  
Lunch  at  cars.  Leader:  Alan  Morris  02  4334  2776
Saturday   17   May   Club   Outing:   Royal   National   Park.  
Meet   8.30   am   at   Wattle   Forest   Picnic  Area   near  Audley.  
Turn  into  Lady  Carrington  Drive  at  Audley,  then  right  over  the   timber   bridge   to   the   western   side   of   the   river.   Turn  left  and  meet  at  the  last  car  park.  Lunch  at  cars.  Leader:    Coleen  Southall  9982  5453  or  0410  549  321Sunday   18   May   Nestlings’   Outing   combined   with  Cumberland   Bird   Observers   Club:   Warriewood  Wetlands.   A   morning   for   children   from   5–12   years   old  accompanied  by  an  adult.  Meet  9  am  at  Katoa  Close,  off  Garden  Street,  Warriewood.  Bring  a  morning  snack,  drink,  hat  and  sunscreen.  Walk  the  boardwalk  above  the  wetland  where  a  wealth  of  birdlife  awaits.
Contact:  Wendy  Cope  0408  460  200Tuesday	
   27	
   May	   Central	
   Coast	
   Meeting:   Meet   in  the   Progress   Hall   in   Anzac   Street,   Tuggerah   opposite  McDonalds  at  7.30  pm,  ‘Hebridean  Adventure’,  speaker:  Robyn  Price.
Wednesday	
  28	
  May	
  Midweek	
  Outing:	
  Wattle	
  Forest,	  Royal	  National	
  Park.	
  Meet  at  8.30  am  at  the  Wattle  Forest  Picnic  area  near  Audley.  Turn  into  Lady  Carrington  Drive  at  Audley,  then  right  over  the  timber  bridge  to  the  western  side   of   the   river.  Turn   left   and   meet   at   the   last   car   park.  
Lunch  at  cars.  Leader:  Coleen  Southall  9982  5453  or  0410  549  321
Saturday  31  May  Central  Coast  Outing:  Meet  8.30  am  at  Ourimbah  Rest  Area  on  the  M1.  Lunch  at  cars.  Leader:  Christina  Port  02  4340  4767

Page  3
Wednesday   11   June   Central   Coast   Half-­day   Outing:  Woy   Woy   and   Blackwalls   Bay.   Meet   8.30   am   at   Lions  Park,  North  Burge  Road,  Woy  Woy.  Lunch  at  cars.  Leader:  Christina  Port  02  4340  4767
Saturday  14  June  Club  Outing:  Warriewood  Wetlands.  
Meet  at  9.00  am  in  the  picnic  area  at  the  corner  of  Katoa  Close   and   Garden   Street,   Warriewood.   Lunch   at   cars.  
Leader:  Allan  Richards  9660  8062  or  0432  064  660Tuesday   24   June   Central   Coast   meeting:   Meet   in  the   Progress   Hall   in   Anzac   Street,   Tuggerah   opposite  McDonalds   at   7.30   pm,   ‘Birding   in   Myanmar’,   speaker:  Allan  Richards.
Wednesday  25  June  Midweek  Outing:  Windsor  Downs.  
Meet  at  8.30  am  at  the  end  of  Sanctuary  Drive,  Windsor  Downs,   off   Richmond   Rd.   Lunch   at   cars.   Leader:   Carol  Abbott  9980  1201  or  0414  312  538Saturday  28  June  Central  Coast  Outing:  South  Tacoma.  
Meet   at   8.30   am   at   McPherson   Road   Swamp,   corner   of  Gavenlock   and   McPhersons   Roads,   Tuggerah.   Lunch   at  cars.  Leader:  Alan  Morris  02  4334  2776
WANTED:  BIRDING  NSW  REPRESENTATIVE  ON  THE  REGENT  HONEYEATER  TREE  PLANTING  COMMITTEE  AND  ORGANISER  OF  THE  OCTOBER  SURVEYS  OF  THE  REGENT  HONEYEATERS  IN  THE  CAPERTEE  VALLEY
This  is  Douglas  Bateman’s  last  year  and  he  will  be  happy  to  liaise  with  the  new  person  for  as  long  as  they  need  any  assistance  with  the  following  tasks.
TREE  PLANTING  COMMITTEE  REPRESENTATIVE:
Attend  twice-­yearly  meetings  (approx  90  minutes,  with  refreshments)  held  around  March  and  June/July  at  the  Native  Plant  Nursery,  Great  Western  Highway,  Glenbrook  RSSRVLWHWKH7RXULVW,QIRUPDWLRQ2I¿FH
Write  a  notice  giving  dates  and  times  and  the  contact  GHWDLOVRIWKHRUJDQLVHUDW%LUG/LIH6RXWKHUQ16:2I¿FH
Pixie  Maloney  (who  takes  care  of  all  the  registrations,  bookings  and  also  reservations  for  the  buffet  dinner  at  Glen  Alice  Hall)  to  go  to  the  editor  of  the  Birding  NSW  Newsletter  and  the  compiler  of  the  Birding  Bulletin.
Attend  the  May  and  August  tree  plantings.  This  is  not  compulsory  but  is  enjoyable  and  a  brief  report  of  the  weekend  for  the  newsletter  is  appreciated.
So  basically  two  meetings,  two  tree  plantings,  reminders  for  the  newsletter  and  bulletin  and  two  brief  reports.
BIRDING  NSW  OCTOBER  REGENT  HONEYEATER  SURVEY  ORGANISER:

JUNE
Tuesday   3   June   Club   Meeting:   The   Mitchell   Theatre,  Level  1,  The  Sydney  Mechanics’  School  of  Arts,  280  Pitt  Street,  Sydney  at  7.30  pm,  ‘The  Secret  Life  of  Lyrebirds’,  speaker:  Carol  Probets.
Saturday   7   June   Club   Outing:   Mitchell   Park.   Meet   at  DPLQWKH¿UVWSLFQLFDUHDDW0LWFKHOO3DUN0LWFKHOO
Park  Road,  Maraylya.  Leader:  Trevor  Waller  0467  977  508

Book  the  accommodation  at  Brymair  cottage  in  Bogee  off  the  Rhylstone  Road  on  The  Dunville  Loop  Road.  
Contact  by  email  the  list  of  people  who  regularly  attend  the  weekend.
Organise  groups  of  up  to  six  people  for  each  of  the  ten  sites  that  will  be  surveyed  Saturday  and  Sunday  mornings  and  provide  the  survey  sheets  obtained  from  the  BirdLife  
6RXWKHUQ16:2I¿FH

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Birding  NSW  Newsletter

MAY  TALKAPRIL  TALK

Pictures  of  penguins  and  shags  in  the  South  Atlantic
Speaker:  Michael  Edwards

The  Secret  Life  of  Lyrebirds
Speaker:  Carol  Probets

Mike   will   take   us   on   a   short   pictorial   visit   to   the  rookeries   of   Rockhopper,   King,   Gentoo,   Chinstrap,  Magellanic,  Adelie  and  Macaroni  Penguins.
He  will  also  show  us  Blue-­eyed  Shags,  Black-­browed,  Wandering   and   Light-­mantled   Sooty  Albatrosses   and  Southern  Giant-­Petrels  on  South  Georgia  and  the  South  Shetland   Islands   with   occasional   sideways   glances   at  ice.

Barking  Owl20  January  2014
Photo:  John  Taylor

The  Superb  Lyrebird  is  an  iconic  species,  one  of  the  most  loved  and  recognised  birds  in  Australia.  Famous  for  their  spectacular  display  and  vocal  mimicry,  they  live  close  to  our   two   biggest   cities   and   in   some   areas   have   become  quite  habituated  to  people.  Yet  there  is  still  much  we  don’t  know  about  their  behaviour  and  life  history.
In  2010,  Carol  Probets  embarked  on  an  intensive  survey  of   a   population   of   lyrebirds   in   the   Blue   Mountains  throughout   the   course   of   the   breeding   season.   The  results  were  completely  unexpected.  What  she  observed  was   a   social   life,   which   had   never   previously   been  documented,  including  the  regular  gathering  of  males  in  a  communal  display  area.
Carol   is   a   professional   birding   guide   who   has   had   a  strong   interest   in   lyrebirds   for   many   years.   She   will  talk   about   her   experiences   with   the   Superb   Lyrebirds  of  the  Jamison  Valley  and  along  the  way  examine  some  common  lyrebird  myths.

Noisy  Miner

Noisy  Miner  waiting  for  a  bus.  Sent  to  the  editor  by  Jayden,  Manly  High  School  student.

Black-­winged  Stilt
Photo:  Colette  Livermore

A  Barking  Owl  was  sighted  during  a  Club  Outing  to  Warriewood  Wetlands  on  8  June  2013  and  reported  on  Birdline  NSW.  The  next  reported  sighting  of  a  Barking  Owl  was  by  Carol  Abbott  on  2  August  along  the  Narrabeen  Lake  Track  from  Jamieson  Park.  John  discovered  it  at  about  the  same  time  and  has  been  photographing  the  owl  at  various  sites  along  the  Narrabeen  Lake  Track  since  August  2013.

Downy  young  Black-­winged  Stilt–Waterbird  Refuge  Bicentennial  Park.

Birding  NSW  Newsletter

Page  5

Eremaea  eBird  and  Eremaea  Birdlines
Eremaea  eBird  (http://ebird.org/content/australia)  and  Eremaea  Birdlines  (http://www.eremaea.com)  are  free,  community-­based  web  sites  that  support  Australian  birding  and  provide  valuable  information  for  conservation  and  research.

Eremaea  eBird

Eremaea  Birdlines

Eremaea  eBird  is  a  global  wild  bird  atlas.  It  is  the  Australian  portal  for  the  global  eBird  project,  run  by  the  Cornell  Lab  RI 2UQLWKRORJ\ D ODUJH QRQSUR¿W RUJDQL]DWLRQ IRXQGHG
in  1915  and  a  world  leader  in  the  study,  appreciation,  and  conservation  of  birds.  It  is  a  place  where  you  can  keep  all  your  personal  bird  records  and  at  the  same  time  contribute  to   one   of   the   world’s   best   citizen   science   projects.   Your  valuable  records  are  made  freely  available  for  conservation  and  research  projects  in  Australia  and  worldwide.

Eremaea   Birdlines   is   a   birding   web   site   for   reporting  unusual  and  interesting  observations,  such  as  a  sighting  of  a  vagrant,  unusually  high  or  low  numbers,  early  arrivals  or  late  departures,  unusual  habitat  usage  or  unusual  behaviour.  

Eremaea  eBird  is  guided  by  a  steering  committee  formed  under  the  aegis  of  the  Australian  Research  Council  (ARC)  Centre  of  Excellence  for  Environmental  Decisions  (CEED).  
An   editorial   committee   of   researchers   and   experienced  birders  write  and  publish  great  stories  on  a  diverse  range  of  topics  related  to  birding,  atlassing  and  the  application  of  the  data.  Data  quality  is  maintained  by  an  experienced  and  friendly  team  of  local  moderators  who  ensure  that  unusual  records  are  adequately  documented  and  that  sites  conform  to  guidelines.  The  steering  committee,  editorial  team  and  moderators  are  all  volunteers.
The  aims  of  Eremaea  eBird  are  to  promote  atlassing  across  the  country,  to  maintain  a  high  level  of  data  quality,  to  ensure  that  atlas  data  is  used  as  widely  as  possible  for  conservation  and  research,  and  to  report  regularly  on  the  application  of  this  data  to  conservation  and  research  projects.
Eremaea  eBird  is  keen  to  partner  with  clubs  such  as  Birding  NSW   to   gain   the   best   possible   geographic   and   temporal  coverage  of  bird  distribution  across  the  country.  We  are  happy  WRSXEOLVKDUWLFOHVIURPFOXEVDERXW¿HOGDFWLYLWLHVZLWKWKH
aim  being  to  gain  more  members  for  the  club  and  increase  the  number   of   lists   entered   into   Eremaea   eBird.  We   encourage  FOXEVWRWDUJHWXQGHUVXUYH\HGDUHDVZKHQSODQQLQJ¿HOGWULSV
and  to  enter  as  many  lists  as  possible  from  these  excursions.
You  may  enter  lists  for  anywhere  in  the  world  into  Eremaea  eBird.  Each  list  should  be  for  one  site  and  one  day.  A  site  can  be  anywhere  you  go  birding,  such  as  a  local  park,  wetland,  beach,  conservation  reserve  or  random  site  in  the  bush.  You  can  use  existing,  shared  sites,  called  hotspots  in  eBird,  or  you  can  create  your  own  sites,  which  you  can  recommend  as   hotspots.   By   combining   everyone’s   lists,   we   build   up  reliable   and   informative   species   lists   for   each   site   for   all  to   use.   The   eBird   taxonomy   is   a   super-­set   of   Clements  Checklist  of  the  Birds  of  the  World,  with  additional  ‘taxa’  IRU K\EULGV ZLOG GRPHVWLF YDULHWLHV DQG GLI¿FXOW VSHFLHV
groups   (eg   raven   sp).   You   may   use   Australian   common  names  when  entering  lists  for  Australia.

Reports   are   accepted   from   members   of   the   public   and  reviewed  and  published  by  a  local  team  of  moderators.  The  moderators,  all  volunteers,  do  a  great  job  of  ensuring  the  quality  of  the  reports  that  are  published.  Eremaea  Birdlines  is   a   very   popular   web   site   amongst   Australian   birders  with  over  13  000  visitors  each  month,  80%  of  whom  are  regulars.   All   Birdline   reports   are   incorporated   into   the  Birdlife  Australia  Atlas  Project.
Eremaea  Birdlines  is  run  by  Birdlife  Victoria  on  behalf  of  the  Australian  birding  community.  We  are  grateful  for  the  support  of  our  sponsors,  including  Birding  NSW.  Sponsors  are   promoted   on   Eremaea   Birdlines   and   are   given   the  opportunity  of  nominating  moderators.  
Report  prepared  by  Richard  Alcorn,  member  of  Eremaea  eBird  and  Eremaea  Birdlines  steering  committees.

OUTBACK  TRACK  TOURS
EASTER  WITH  THE  BIRDS  2014
7–day  Camping  or  Accommodated  Option
16–22  April  2014
Join   us   for   our   annual   Easter   Birding   Tour.   We   visit  Four   Corners   Station,   a   farm-­stay   near   Nymagee   in   the  Central   West.   Our   hosts   will   be   Ken,  Anita   and   Katelyn  Burcher  who  run  cattle  and  sheep  on  23  000  acres  of  the  rich,   red   soil   of   sweeping   grasslands   and   bush.   There   is  also   the   opportunity   for   some   stargazing   where   the   skies  come   alive–excellent   for   both   novices   and   experienced  stargazers.   Inexperienced   bird   watchers   and   those   who  have   not   camped   before   are   particularly   welcome.   This  tour   is   ideal   to   try   before   booking   on   a   longer   tour.   Our  experienced  birding  leader  for  this  tour  is  Judy  Harrington,  ZKRZLOODVVLVWZLWKLGHQWL¿FDWLRQRIVSHFLHVRIELUGV

Birds  &  Botany  Pilbara  &  Coral  Coast
10-­day  4WD  Camping  Tour
Broome  -­  Perth  30  Aug  -­  8  Sep  2014

Birds  &  Botany  of  South  West  WA
9-­day  4WD  Accommodated  Tour
Perth  -­  Perth  17  -­  25  September  2014

Kangaroo  Island,  the  Coorong  &  Little  Desert  12-­day  4WD  Fully  Accommodated  Tour
Adelaide  -­  Sydney  October  2014
For  further  enquiries  or  bookings,  contact  Outback  Track  Tours  by  phone  or  by  email  at  res@outbacktracktours.com  or  visit  their  website  at  www.outbacktracktours.com

Page  6

Birding  NSW  Newsletter

RUFOUS  SCRUB-­BIRD  MONITORING  Mike  Newman
4  February  2012
The   Rufous   Scrub-­bird   is   a   rare   species   with  a   limited   distribution   in   montane   areas   of  northern  New  South  Wales  and  the  Queensland  Border  Ranges.  It  is  listed  as  vulnerable  under  the  Threatened  Species  Conservation  Act  1995  (NSW).   BirdLife   Australia   nominated   ¿YHImportant   Bird   Areas   (IBA),   which   include  most   of   the   Rufous   Scrub-­bird   population.  
Nomination  involves  an  obligation  to  monitor  the   Scrub-­bird   population   in   an   IBA.   The  Hunter   Bird   Observers   Club   (HBOC)   agreed  to   monitor   the   Barrington   and   Gloucester  Tops  IBA,  at  the  southern  limit  of  the  Scrub-­bird’s   distribution.   BirdLife   Northern   Rivers,  previously   Tweed   Bird   Observers,   made   a  similar   commitment   in   the   Border   Ranges  National   Park,   in   the   most   northern   of   the   Rufous  Scrub-­bird.  Photo:  Allan  Richardson
Scrub-­bird   related   IBAs.   The   two   groups  collaborated  and  used  similar  monitoring  methods.
heard  and  on  rare  wonderful  occasions  seen.  The  transects  are  divided  into  marked  stretches  of  1  km  length  in  which  all  Monitoring   Rufous   Scrub-­birds   depends   on   hearing   their  bird  species  are  recorded  and  submitted  to  BLAs  Birdata  as  calls   because   they   are   skulking,   cryptically   plumaged  500  m  radius  surveys.  At  Gloucester  Tops  many  transects  are  birds,  which  live  in  dense  vegetation  and  are  seldom  seen.  
walking  tracks  in  rugged  wilderness,  sometimes  involving  Fortunately  males  advertise  their  territories  throughout  the  steep  terrain  and  wading  across  the  Gloucester  River.  It  is  year  calling  very  frequently  from  September  to  November  amazing  what  some  people  can  do  with  replacement  knees  and   are   easily   detected.   Simon   Ferrier,   during   his   PhD  and  a  couple  of  sticks!  We  are  a  dedicated  bunch  and  a  beer  study   in   1981   located   Scrub-­bird   territories   by   walking  URXQGWKHFDPS¿UHDWQLJKWKDVDOZD\VEHHQZHOOHDUQHG
along  tracks  and  determining  locations  where  calling  males  were   detected   on   repeat   visits.   Ferrier’s   studies   provided   'XULQJ RXU ¿UVW FDPS WZR PHPEHUV RI WKH 7ZHHG   Bird  ‘benchmark’   results,   which   could   be   used   for   comparison   Observers   joined   us   and   subsequently   replicated   our  purposes   30   years   later   to   determine   whether   the   Scrub-­ approach  in  the  Border  Ranges  National.  Louise  Williams,  a  birds   status   had   changed.   With   this   objective   in   mind   we   HBOC  member  participated  in  2011,  and  the  following  year  designed  a  monitoring  program  which  was  implemented  in   XQGHUWRRNUHODWHG5XIRXV6FUXEELUGPRQLWRULQJLQDOO¿YH
2010  and  has  now  run  for  four  successive  years.
IBAs   supporting   scrub-­bird   populations   as   her   University  At   Gloucester   Tops,   in   the   Barrington   and   Gloucester   Honours  Year  Project.  
Tops   IBA,   we   established   21   km   of   transects   along   roads  If  I  had  prepared  this  account  two  years  ago  the  summary  of  and   walking   trails.   More   than   80%   of   these   transects  WKH ¿QGLQJV ZRXOG KDYH EHHQ YHU\ GLIIHUHQW7KH ¿UVW WZRcorresponded   to   those   monitored   by   Ferrier.  The   off-­track  years   involved   wet   spring   seasons   at   both   the   Gloucester  vegetation  is  virtually  impenetrable;;  so  it  is  very  fortunate  7RSV DQG %RUGHU 5DQJHV VWXG\ DUHDV 'XULQJ WKH ¿UVW WZRthat  scrub-­birds  breed  in  close  proximity  to  tracks.  Ferrier  years  of  monitoring  we  found  lots  of  permanently  occupied  found   it   was   possible   to   detect   calling   birds   up   to   150   m  Rufous   Scrub-­bird   territories   at   both   areas   with   densities  either  side  of  transects.
comparable  to  those  found  by  Simon  Ferrier  30  years  earlier.  
Monitoring   is   primarily   carried   out   during   two   camps   in   This  suggested  that  the  Rufous  Scrub-­bird  was  doing  well.  
spring   when   vocal   advertisement   of   territories   by   male   However,   in   2012   late   winter   and   spring   conditions   were  Rufous   Scrub-­birds   peaks.   Volunteers   are   trained   to   exceptionally  dry  at  both  locations  and  the  number  of  scrub-­recognise   scrub-­bird   calls   using   tapes   and   by   visiting   the   birds  territories  found  was  between  30  and  35%  lower  than  territory   of   the   ‘Munro   Hut   Scrub-­bird’   who   often   calls   in   previous   years.  This   was   a   surprise   and   made   us   revise  almost  incessantly.  Monitoring  predominantly  occurs  in  the   any   thought   that   it   might   not   be   necessary   to   monitor   the  morning  when  observers  are  typically  asked  to  walk  up  to  5   territories   every   year.   At   Gloucester   Tops   in   2013   spring  km  of  transects  recording  the  locations  of  all  the  scrub-­birds   conditions  involved  even  more  extreme  drought  and  a  further  Birding  NSW  Newsletter

Page  7

fall  in  the  number  of  advertised  territories.  Even  the  reliable  Munro   Hut   Scrub-­bird   was   quiet   for   extended   periods.  
However,  at  the  Border  Ranges  spring  conditions  were  more  favourable  and  a  record  number  of  scrub-­bird  territories  were  being  advertised  compared  with  the  previous  three  years.  

to  rainforest.  Ferrier  found  the  territories  there  to  be  evenly  spaced.  However,  during  the  last  15  years  both  our  recent  surveys  and  previous  work  has  indicated  that  the  Scrub-­bird  territories  are  more  clustered,  suggesting  the  habitat  may  be  changing  and  becoming  less  uniform  than  previously.

Our  interpretation  of  these  results  is  that  under  abnormally  dry  conditions  male  scrub-­birds  cease  to  advertise  their  territories.  
Possible  explanations  include  suspension  of  breeding  activity;;  extending  their  home  foraging  range  (typically  2  ha  based  on  Ferrier’s   work);;   moving   to   other   areas   or   even   dying.   The  Border  Ranges  results  in  2012  suggest  an  optimistic  outcome  with  territories  re-­occupied,  presumably  by  breeding  birds,  a  consequence  of  the  return  to  wetter  conditions  locally.

So  while  four  years  of  work  have  provided  valuable  insights  into  the  status  of  the  Rufous  Scrub-­bird  the  results  ask  as  many  questions  as  they  answer.  With  hindsight  we  probably  should  QRW EH VXUSULVHG WR ¿QG WKDW WKH OLIHVW\OHV RI 5XIRXV 6FUXE
birds  are  more  dynamic  than  we  expected;;  we  share  a  chaotic  existence  with  them.  So  more  monitoring  is  needed  in  2014.  
Any  guesses  as  to  what  the  conditions  and  results  will  be?

While  our  results  suggest  that  under  favourable  conditions  Rufous  Scrub-­birds  continue  to  exist  at  similar  population  sizes  to  those  found  by  Ferrier  30  years  ago  this  conclusion  must   be   treated   with   caution.   The   suspension   of   territory  advertisement   during   abnormally   dry   breeding   season  conditions  is  of  concern  with  respect  to  future  uncertainties  associated   with   climate   change.   Recent   estimates   suggest  the   average   life   span   of   breeding   Rufous   Scrub-­birds   is  DURXQG¿YH\HDUV,QZKLFKFDVHDSURORQJHGVHTXHQFHRI
dry  breeding  seasons  with  no  replacement  birds  would  be  disastrous.  Rufous  Scrub-­birds  have  evolved  in  a  landscape  involving  large  swings  in  climate  and  under  dry  conditions  their   range   retreats   to   remnants   of   wetter   habitat   at   high  altitude.  At   Gloucester   Tops   all   transects   monitored   were  above  1100  m,  with  the  maximum  altitude  in  the  area  just  over   1300   m.   So   we   are   drawing   conclusions   based   on  changes   in   Scrub-­birds   living   in   what   is   probably   optimal  habitat  involving  the  core  population  for  which  there  is  little  opportunity   for   further   range   contraction   associated   with  altitudinal   retreat.   Decline   would   be   expected   to   be   more  evident   at   lower   altitude   on   the   edge   of   the   Scrub-­bird’s  GLVWULEXWLRQZKHUHZHKDYHIDLOHGWR¿QGDQ\6FUXEELUGV+RZHYHUQR¿UPFRQFOXVLRQVFDQEHGUDZQEHFDXVHVXUYH\effort   at   lower   altitude   has   been   very   limited   and   there   is  little  base  line  data  for  comparison  purposes.
Although   the   remnant   Rufous   Scrub-­bird   populations  primarily  occur  in  National  Parks  and  Reserves,  which  are  passively  managed,  there  are  concerns  about  the  long-­term  suitability   of   their   habitat.   Ferrier   pointed   out   that   Scrub-­
ELUGVIRUPHUO\EHQH¿WWHGIURPVHOHFWLYHORJJLQJRIUDLQIRUHVW
which  opened  up  the  canopy  and  allowed  the  development  of  dense  understorey  with  a  moist  leaf  litter  substrate,  which  is   essential   to   their   existence.   Louise   Williams’   results  suggest  Ferrier’s  concerns  may  have  substance.  The  Tweed  Bird   Observers   team   are   using   a   different   set   of   transects  from   those   studied   by   Ferrier   which   are   apparently   more  suitable  to  Scrub-­birds.  During  early  2013  Cyclone  Oswald  caused  damage  which  opened  up  the  rainforest  canopy  and  may  have  contributed  to  the  increased  occurrence  of  Scrub-­birds   the   following   spring.  At   Gloucester  Tops   the   Scrub-­birds  are  found  in  areas  of  open  eucalypt  woodland  adjacent  Faye   Hill,  Alan   Stuart   and   I   wish   to   thank   our   volunteer  teams  for  their  dedication.  Our  approach  has  been  to  own  our  results,  undertake  continual  interpretation  and   provide  immediate   feedback   to   participants   and   land   managers   on  our   results.   This   ensures   the   ongoing   engagement   of   all  stakeholders   in   a   project,   which   has   generated   important  conservation  knowledge.  
If  you  want  to  learn  more  about  the  Rufous  Scrub-­bird  and  IBA  monitoring  an  article  in  Wingspan  (2010)  20  (4):  pages  16-­19  by  Cheryl  Gole  and  Mike  Newman  Master  Mockers  of  the  Forest  –  Rufous  Scrub-­birds  describes  the  background  to   the   project.   Papers   on   the   HBOC   website   published   in  The  Whistler  volumes  5  (2011)  and  6  (2012)  provide  details  of  HBOCs  studies  at  the  Gloucester  Tops.  A  paper  by  Mike  Newman,  Alan  Stuart  and  Faye  Hill  to  be  published  early  this   year   in   Australian   Field   Ornithology   will   provide   a  comprehensive  account  of  the  monitoring  by  both  groups  of  volunteers  and  a  comparison  of  the  results  at  the  two  studies  at  extremities  of  the  Rufous  Scrub-­bird’s  range.
Editor’s   Note:   On   the   matter   of   observed   differences  in   bird   calls   in   drought   conditions,   for   those   of   you   who  were  fortunate  enough  to  hear  Hollis  Taylor  speak  at  the  4  February  Club  Meeting  you  will  have  heard  what  she  had  to  say  about  Pied  Butcherbirds  in  drought.
“I  have  been  recording  Pied  Butcherbirds  since  2005.  My  main  study  areas  are  in  and  around  Alice  Springs  and  much  of  E  Queensland  (I  drive  from  Sydney  up  to  Townsville,  cut  over  to  Georgetown,  Croydon,  etc,  through  Charters  Towers  and   then   head   south   a   more   inland   route).   I   record   spring  nocturnal  solo  song  daily  for  two  to  three  months  annually,  and   I   have   noticed   a   steep   decline   in   the   length   of   these  songs  and  the  number  of  days  that  the  solo  songs  are  sung  since   2011.   I   have   not   yet   written   this   up,   but   it   marks   a  worrying  trend.  In  addition,  the  kind  of  data  that  I  get  when  I   record   a   three   to   six-­hour   song   (with   the   motifs   being  recombined  like  snap-­together  beads)  is  quite  different  from  the  data  I  get  from  a  ten  or  twenty-­minute  song  (or  no  song  whatsoever).  It’s  something  I  will  continue  to  monitor  in  my  ¿HOGZRUNWKLVVSULQJ,LQLWLDOO\FDOOHGWKHVHµORQJQRFWXUQDO
solo  songs’,  but  with  the  change  in  length,  I  have  now  opted  to  drop  ‘long’.”  Hollis  Taylor

Page  8Birding  NSW  Newsletter

BIRDLIFE  AUSTRALIA’S  RARITIES  COMMITTEE  (BARC)  CASES  PERTAINING  TO  NSW  DECIDED  IN  2013
742  South  Polar  Skua  off  Sydney  745  Least  Sandpiper  Tuross  Estuary  746  Little  Stint  Tuross  Estuary  749  Temminck’s  Stint  Tuross  Estuary  766  American  Golden  Plover  Boat  Harbour  767  Westland  Petrel  off  Wollongong  768     House  Swift  near  Iluka  785  Barau’s  Petrel  off  Sydney  Roger  McGovern
Secretary  NSW  Ornithological  Records  Appraisal  Committee  20  January  2014

14  April  2012  24  January  2011  5  March  2012  9  April  2012  6  January  2009  15  December  2012  1  January  2013  9  February  2013  Accepted
Not  Accepted
Not  Accepted
Not  Accepted
Accepted
Accepted
Not  Accepted
Accepted

NSW  ORNITHOLOGICAL  RECORDS  APPRAISAL  COMMITTEE  (ORAC)  CASES  DECIDED  IN  2013
OVERVIEWNSW  Ornithological  Records  Appraisal  Committee  reviewed  24  submissions  in  calendar  year  2013  of  which  20  were  accepted  and  four  were  not  accepted.  
Of  the  four  records  not  accepted,  only  one  was  a  case  of  mistaken  identity  and  the  other  three  could  well  have  been  the  species  claimed  but  were  not  supported  ZLWKVXI¿FLHQWHYLGHQFHWRUXOHRXWRWKHUSRVVLELOLWLHVThere  were  two  notable  events  in  2013,  with  one  being  WKHXQSUHFHGHQWHGLQÀX[RI2ULHQWDO3ORYHUVLQWR
NSW  in  September  and  October  –  the  highest  count  was  six  individuals  near  the  third  runway  at  Sydney  Airport.  The  other  big  event  was  the  severe  weather  conditions  along  the  NSW  coast  in  late  January  from  H[&\FORQH2VZDOGZKLFKEURXJKWDKXJHLQÀX[of  northern  seabirds.  In  addition  to  non-­reviewable  species  such  as  Sooty  Terns,  Common  Noddys,  Black  Noddy,  Lesser  Frigatebirds,  Streaked  and  Buller’s  Shearwaters,  submissions  were  received  for  two  Red-­
footed  Boobies,  a  Bridled  Tern  and  a  Great  Frigatebird.  
Perhaps  the  most  notable  bird  of  the  year  was  the  Blue  Petrel  seen  off  Wollongong  on  22  June  2013  becoming  WKH¿UVWFRQ¿UPHGUHFRUGLQ16:VLQFH
Roger  McGovern
Secretary  NSW  Ornithological  Records  Appraisal  Committee

568   Little  Curlew  569   Cotton  Pygmy-­goose  570   Cook’s  Petrel  571   Oriental  Plover  572   Red-­footed  Booby  573   Red-­footed  Booby  574   Pink  Robin  575   Cook’s  Petrel  576   Bridled  Tern  577   Raja  Shelduck  578   Raja  Shelduck  579     Pink  Robin  580   Great  Frigatebird  581   Soft-­plumaged  Petrel  582   Blue  Petrel  583   Soft-­plumaged  Petrel  594   Cotton  Pygmy-­goose  595   Oriental  Plover  596   Oriental  Plover  597   Oriental  Plover  598   Little  Shearwater  599   Oriental  Plover    600   Oriental  Plover  603   Asian  Dowitcher    Ballina  Menindee  off  Port  Stephens  Shoalhaven  Heads  Swansea  South  West  Rocks  Macquarie  NP  off  Sydney  Newcastle  Corindi  Yamba  Morton  NP  S  Broulee  Beach  off  Sydney  off  Wollongong  off  Sydney  near  Kyogle  Wilberforce  Long  Reef    Sydney  Airport  Boodooree  NP    Moruya  Beach  Tuggerah  Comerong  Island  6  April  2012  19  November  2012  18  November  2012  26  January  2013  28  January  2013  29  January  2013  14  February  2013  13  October  2012  30  January  2013  14  April  2013  1  April  2013  24  April  2013  31  January  2013  11  May  2013  22  June  2013  26  October  2012  27  August  2013  27  September  2013  8  October  2013  15  October  2013  28  June  2013  11  October  2013  27  September  2013  16  November  2013  Accepted
Not  Accepted
Accepted
Accepted
Accepted
Accepted
Not  Accepted
Accepted
Accepted
Accepted
Accepted
Not  Accepted
Not  Accepted
Accepted
Accepted
Accepted
Accepted
Accepted
Accepted
Accepted
Accepted
Accepted
Accepted
Accepted

BIRD-­WATCHING  PELAGIC  TRIPS
Sydney  Pelagic  Trips)ROORZLQJRXUVXFFHVVIXO¿UVWWRXURQ)HEUXDU\RIWKLV\HDUWULSVKDYHQRZEHHQVFKHGXOHGIRU6DWXUGD\
12  April,  Sunday  15  June,  Saturday  12  July,  Sunday  10  August,  Saturday  13  September  and  Saturday  11  October.  They  depart  Mosman  Wharf  at  6.45  am  and  Rose  Bay  Public  Wharf  at  7.00  am–return  to  Mosman  will  be  by  4.00  pm.  The  tour  costs  will  be  DQGVHQLRUVVWXGHQWV$VDQLQFHQWLYHIRUUHJXODUVSUHSDUHGWRFRPPLWWRDPLQLPXPRI¿YHWRXUVHDFKVHDVRQZHDUH
RIIHULQJDFRQFHVVLRQDOIDUH<RXSD\XSIURQWIRUWKH¿UVWIRXUWULSVDQGIRUWKHODVWWULS)ROORZLQJWKHVDOHRI+DOLFDWDIWHU\HDUVRIRSHUDWLRQDQG+DO¶VUHWLUHPHQWIURPWKHFKDUWHUEXVLQHVVWKHSHODJLFWULSVDUHEHLQJUXQRQDQRQSUR¿W
cooperative  basis.  We  are  relying  on  your  support  of  these  tours  to  ensure  their  continuation  in  the  long  term.  
Please  contact  Roger  or  Hal  to  make  a  booking.  Roger  McGovern  roglou@bigpond.net.au  or  Hal  Epstein  hepstein@bigpond.
net.au  Wollongong  Pelagic  Trips  depart  on  the  4th  Saturday  of  each  month.  To  make  a  booking  on  a  SOSSA  Wollongong  pelagic  trip,  contact  Lindsay  or  Janice  of  SOSSA  by  phone:  02  4272  4626  or  email:  sossa@tpg.com.au  or  visit  the  website:  www.sossa-­
international.org  <http://www.sossa-­international.org>  Port  Stephens  Pelagic  Trips  are  arranged  sporadically  throughout  the  year,  with  usually  about  ten  trips  including  two  trips  held  in  the  peak  months  of  March,  April  and  October.  Additionally  occasional  trips  out  of  Swansea,  south  of  Newcastle,  are  also  being  organised.  For  enquiries  or  bookings  contact  Mick  Roderick  by  mobile:  0421  761  237  or  email:  mickhhb@yahoo.com.au

Birding  NSW  Newsletter

Page  9REPORT  ON  THE  REGENT  HONEYEATER  SURVEY  IN  THE  CAPERTEE  VALLEY
Douglas  Bateman  October  2013
The   glorious   weather   on   that   weekend   boded   well   for   Regent  +RQH\HDWHU VLJKWLQJV $ JURXS RI  SDUWLFLSDQWV LQFOXGLQJ ¿UVW
timers   and   new   members   of   Birding   NSW   Jodie   and   Richard,   all  had  good  sightings  of  the  Regents.  The  best  sightings  were  at  the  three  most  reliable  sites  along  the  Capertee  River  viz:  Huntingdale  and  Genowlan  Bridge  North  and  South.  Jodie,  with  her  ‘you  beaut’  camera  captured  some  great  shots  of  the  birds,  but  nobody  missed  out  on  seeing  these  elusive  creatures.  In  the  recent  past  Regents  have  been  very  shy  and  secretive  in  their  behaviour  but  this  time  they  were  out  and  about  with  many  displays  of  chasing  and  feeding  of  young.
Regents  were  also  seen  at  other  sites  that  week,  but  by  property  RZQHUVDQGQRWGXULQJWKHVXUYH\V$IWHUWKHVXUYH\VKDG¿QLVKHG
on   Sunday   afternoon,   more   Regents   were   seen   near   Glen   Davis  behind  Oskars  Cottage.  Approximately  20  birds  were  seen  during  the  weekend.
So,  what  happens  during  a  typical  survey?  Accommodation  is  at  Brymair   Station   approximately   20   km   north   of   Glen  Alice   in   a  corrugated  iron  shearers’  cottage  with  four  bedrooms  (two  doubles  and  two  twin,  towels,  linen  and  blankets  provided).  The  fees  for  the   cottage   are   paid   for   by   BirdLife  Australia   who   also   collates  all  the  data  gathered  by  the  participants.  Anyone  wishing  to  camp  or  bring  a  caravan  is  welcome  but  a  small  fee  $10  per  night  for  vans  is  payable  direct  to  the  farm  owners.  There  is  free  camping  at   Glen   Davis   with   free   showers   provided   by   The   Glen   Davis  Progress  Association.  Basic  snack  foods  and  drinks  are  available  on  weekends.
The  kitchen  is  only  slightly  apart  from  the  cottage  but  is  adequate  to  cook  or  reheat  meals  brought  by  participants  who  gather  in  the  lounge/dining   room   to   eat   and   socialise,   often   sharing   food   and  drink.  Some  participants  stay  at  local  cottages  in  the  valley  or  in  accommodation  at  Kandos  or  Rhylstone.  The  lounge  has  a  good  range   of   books   and   CD’s   but   no   TV.   Mobile   reception   ranges  from   patchy   to   none.   Many   people   bring   books   surplus   to   their  requirements  to  exchange  or  build  up  the  cottage  collection.

The  surveys  are  conducted  at  10  sites  in  the  valley,  a  group  averaging  four  surveyors  covers  two  sites  per  day,  which  must  be  completed  by   11   am.   The   length   of   each   survey   averages   between   45   to   60  minutes   depending   on   the   size   of   the   site.   Data   on   the   survey  sheets  concentrates  mainly  on  the  actual  numbers  of  Regents,  other  Honeyeaters  and  smaller  parrots.  All  other  birds  are  noted  only  as  EHLQJSUHVHQW,QIRUPDWLRQDERXWWKHZHDWKHUÀRZHULQJQDWLYHWUHHV
and  mistletoe  is  also  entered.
Then  the  surveyors  have  Saturday  and  Sunday  afternoon  to  pursue  bird  watching  at  leisure  around  the  valley  in  Port  Macquarie  National  Park  and  the  Wollemi  National  Park  downstream  from  Glen  Davis.  
Those  who  have  been  to  the  valley  know  of  its  incredible  beauty  with  sheer  red  sandstone  walls  especially  at  sunset
If  you  have  not  been  to  a  survey  before  and  wish  to  be  put  on  the  email  list  please  contact  me  at  douglasbateman@yahoo.com
I  will  send  out  expressions  of  interest  in  May  and  a  reminder  in  August.
You  may  also  consider  coming  to  the  twice-­yearly  tree  plantings  in  2014,  3-­4  May  and  16-­17  August  where  revegetation  of  farmland  is  carried  out  to  provide  future  habitat  for  Regents.  Accommodation  in  the  valley  cottages  for  tree  planting  is  not  free  but  costs  $40  per  night   per   person   for   two   nights   and   $45   for   one   night.   The   tree  planting  is  held  on  a  Saturday  when  up  to  4000  plants  are  planted  by  up  to  100  participants.  For  the  last  few  years  a  busload  of  volunteers  from   Taronga   Zoo   have   turned   up   to   help.   Planting   is   usually  completed  on  Saturday  but  should  there  be  weather  problems,  the  UHVWLV¿QLVKHGRQ6XQGD\PRUQLQJ7KLVLVDQH[FHOOHQWRFFDVLRQIRU
families  to  be  involved  in  important  ecological  work.
On   Saturday   night   all   participants   are   welcome   to   the   Buffet  SUHFHGHGE\DFKRLFHRIKRWVRXSVDURXQGD¿UHSLWSUHSDUHGE\the  Valley  Residents’  Association  at  Glen  Alice  Hall  at  a  cost  per  person  of  $40.  Bring  your  own  drinks  and  glasses.

Colour-­Banded  Little  Tern  Photographed  at  Pelican  Point
Photo:  Steve  Merrett
On  17  February  2014,  Steve  Merrett,  Birding  NSW  Club  member,  counted  over  100  Little  Terns  roosting  at  Pelican  Point,  Norah  Head  on  the  Central  Coast,  one  of  which  was  colour-­banded  and  he  was  able  to  get  a  photo.  
7KHSKRWRZDVGHVSDWFKHGWR*HRII5RVV:LOGOLIH0DQDJHPHQW2I¿FHU
NPWS  who  was  responsible  for  banding  Little  Terns  at  the  nesting  site  of  a  regular  breeding  colony  in  the  1990s  and  early  2000s  at  Towra  Point,  Botany  Bay.  A  number  of  those  banded  Little  Terns  have  turned  up  on  the  Central  Coast  over  the  years.  Geoff  checked  his  records  and  promptly  replied,  “  The  most  likely  match  is  Red/blue,  Orange/metal,  that  is  the  only  close  combination  in  the  data  set.  This  bird  was  banded  at  Towra  Point  041-­80012  as  an  adult  on  21  February  1994;;  all  of  the  Orange/metals  were  EDQGHGLQ+RZH[FLWLQJLW¶VDPD]LQJKRZORQJWKHÀDJVKDYHODVWHG
on  these  little  guys  and  this  is  close  to  a  longevity  record  for  this  species!”
This  bird  is  now  20  years  old!  Congratulations  to  Steve  for  persevering  to  get  the  attached  photo.  Note  that  the  bird  although  an  adult  is  moulting  into  non-­breeding  plumage.  No  Little  Terns  nested  on  the  Central  Coast  this  summer  season  however  Little  Terns  that  nest  south  of  the  Central  Coast  commence  their  northwards  movement  in  early  February  up  the  Coast,  changing  into  their  non-­breeding  plumage  en  route  to  Japan  and  elsewhere  for  their  winter  holidays.
Alan  MorrisPage  10Birding  NSW  Newsletter

SPENCER  TO  DEVINES  HILL  OLD  GREAT  NORTH  ROAD
30  November  2013  Kaye  PointerGreeted   by   Northern   Mallard,  3DFL¿F %ODFN 'XFN $XVWUDOLDQWood   Duck,   Australian   Pelican,  and  Royal  Spoonbill,  the  day’s  list  was  off  to  a  good  start  at  Spencer  Wharf.  Then  23  gathering  birders  HDJHUO\ ÀRFNHG WR YLHZ D 3DFL¿F
Baza  in  a  Liquid  Amber  tree.  
A   nest   with   a   chick   was   located  in   the   same   tree,   while   two   Pere-­grine  Falcons  and  a  Whistling  Kite  FLUFOHG DERYH 7ZHQW\¿YH ELUG
species   and   some   70   birds   were  counted   for   the   Challenge   Bird  Count  2013  at  Spencer  Village.  
Encouraged   by   the   unusual  sightings   we   drove   to   Breakfast  Creek   and   walked   the   side   road  to   see   a   few   bush   birds   such   as  Red-­browed   Finches,   Rufous  and   Golden   Whistlers,   Laughing  Kookaburra   and   both   Brown   and  Striated  Thornbills.   Further   along  Wisemans  Ferry  Road  at  Muskoka  ZH VWRSSHG WR OHW WUDI¿F SDVV DQGwere   welcomed   by   the   delightful  melody  of  a  Mangrove  Gerygone,  3DFL¿F%D]D3KRWR&KULVWLQD3RUW
while   Bar-­shouldered   Dove,  Crested  Pigeon,  Spotted  Dove  and  Australian   White   Ibis,   were   also   seen.   Common   Myna   the  boundary  of  the  Central  Coast.  We  started  out  in  wet  and  Pied  Currawong  called  to  announce  their  presence.  A   weather   gear   but   the   sunshine   soon   warmed   everyone,  SDVVLQJ(QJOLVKWRXULVWUHSRUWHGVLJKWLQJVRI3DFL¿F%D]D although   the   birds   kept   quiet.   Fortunately   the   Yellow-­at  Mill  Creek,  Dharug  National  Park,  and  Rock  Warbler   tufted  and  Fuscous  Honeyeaters  were  still  busy  foraging.  
at   the   Old   Great   North   Road.   On   arrival   at   Mill   Creek   Many   birders   made   the   downhill   return   journey   for   the  Camping  area,  Wonga  Pigeon,  Cicadabird,  White-­throated   GD\+RZHYHU¿YHGHWHUPLQHGREVHUYHUVZHUHUHZDUGHG
Treecreeper  and  nesting  Olive-­backed  Oriole  were  seen.   for  their  persistence  with  excellent  views  of  Rockwarbler  After  light  refreshment,  a  stroll  to  the  creek  through  the   on   their   return   walk.   The   last   bird   added   to   our   list  camping  area  only  added  two  Superb  Lyrebirds  to  our  bird   before   departing   was   the   Purple   Swamphen   whose   call  list.  While  walking  to  Mill  Creek  Picnic  area  we  noticed   IURPWKHULYHUÀDWVHFKRHGDFURVVWKH9DOOH\2QHOXFN\Noisy  Miner  and  Noisy  Friarbirds  feeding  among  the  old   birder  later  reported  spotting  Buff-­banded  Rail  and  Brush  wattle  grove  near  the  Helipad.  Noisy  Miners  assisted  by   Bronzewing  on  the  return  journey  along  Wisemans  Ferry  revealing  the  perches  of  two  Brush  Cuckoos  calling  but   Road.
hard  to  see  in  the  wattle.  
Only  71  bird  species  were  recorded  for  the  outing  but  395  During   lunch   Eastern   Spinebill,   Australian   King-­Parrot   birds  were  counted  for  the  Challenge  Count.  Thank  you  and   Variegated   Fairy-­wren   were   seen   or   heard.   Luckily   to  all  who  reported  bird  sightings  for  the  day’s  Challenge  the   showers   and   overcast   conditions   kept   the   cicadas’   Count,  much  appreciated  also  was  (driver)  Christina  Port  noise  to  a  distant  hum.  Last  stop  for  the  day  was  an  uphill   and  co-­pilot  Graeme’s  input.  It  was  a  great  day’s  birding  walk   to   Devines   Hill   along   a   section   of   the   Old   Great   ZLWK IULHQGO\ HQWKXVLDVWLF SHRSOH PRVW VDWLV¿HG ZLWKNorth   Road,   just   west   of   Wisemans   Ferry.   We   were   on   several  ticks  added  to  annual  lists.

Birding  NSW  Newsletter

Page  11CHRISTMAS  OUTING  MARDI  AND  CENTRAL  COAST  WETLANDS
14  December  2013  Carole  and  John  Carpenter
The   year   of   the   noisy   cicadas   comes   around   about   every  seven   years   and   this   was   the   year!   They   were   very   noisy  DURXQG WKH KRXVH DQG ZH ZHUH ODWHU WR ¿QG WKHP HDUpiercingly   deafening   at   several   places   along   the   Spotted  Gum  Firetrail.  The  30  early  arrivals  admired  the  Australian  King-­Parrots,  Brown  Cuckoo-­Doves,  Red-­browed  Finches,  Eastern  Yellow  Robin,  Brown  Thornbill  and  of  course  the  Bell  Miner  colony  close  by  the  house.  The  special  surprise  for   the   group   was   two   young   Channel-­billed   Cuckoos  perched   above   the   Pied   Currawong’s   nest   where   they   had  been   raised.   It   was   good   timing   for   the   group   as   the   two  ÀHGJOLQJVKDGµÀRZQWKHFRRS¶E\SP'HVSLWHWKHFLFDGDVon  our  walk  we  found  White-­throated  Treecreeper,  Black-­
faced  Monarch,  Black-­faced  Cuckoo-­shrike,  Variegated  and  Superb  Fairy-­wrens,  Noisy  Friarbirds,  Lewin’s  Honeyeater  and  Grey  Fantail  among  our  list  of  26  species.

ZKHUH ZH ¿UVW FKHFNHG RXW WKH 'DLU\ 6ZDPS DQG IRXQG
White-­necked   Heron,   Black-­winged   Stilts,   Sharp-­tailed  Sandpipers,   with   Nankeen   Kestrels   and   White-­breasted  :RRGVZDOORZV RYHUKHDG 2XU ¿UVW ZDON ZDV DURXQG
Hannans  Shed  along  the  Pioneer  Creek  where  the  best  birds  were  the  Buff-­banded  Rail,  Yellow-­rumped  Thornbills  and  DKLJKÀ\LQJÀRFNRI:KLWHWKURDWHG1HHGOHWDLOV2XUQH[W
ZDONZDVGRZQWRWKH*UHHQÀHHW3DGGRFNZKHUHZHZHUH
hoping   to   see   the   Australian   Owlet-­Nightjar   and   Black  Bittern  seen  the  previous  week.  Alas  we  were  out  of  luck  but  we  did  see  Fan-­tailed  Cuckoo,  Figbird,  a  pair  of  Eastern  Koels  high  in  a  Swamp  Oak  calling  one  to  another,  as  well  as  Brown  Gerygones  and  Striped  Honeyeaters.  As  we  left  the   wetlands   and   drove   under   the   rail   bridge,   an   Azure  .LQJ¿VKHUZDVVHHQRQD  large  steel  beam  and  stayed  long  enough  for  several  cars  of  birders  to  get  good  views.

Morning  tea  was  on  the  home  verandah  where  some  more  birders  joined  us  for  the  rest  of  the  day.  Next  we  drove  to  McPherson/Gavenlock  Road  Swamps  where  we  found  the  usual   ducks   and   cormorants.   We   also   saw   White-­bellied  Sea-­Eagle,   Black-­shouldered   and   Whistling   Kites   and  a   Peregrine   Falcon.   The   Black-­tailed   Native-­hen   made  an   appearance   to   everyone’s   delight.   Freckled   Ducks,  Glossy   Ibis,   Red-­kneed   and   Black-­fronted   Dotterels   and  Royal   Spoonbill   were   all   easy   to   see   as   well   as   about  eight   Latham’s   Snipe,   Golden-­headed   Cisticola,   Tawny  Grassbird,  Australian  Reed-­Warbler,  Dollarbird  and  Sacred  .LQJ¿VKHU.U\VW\QDVDZ'RXEOHEDUUHG)LQFKHV$UHDOO\JUHDWSODFHIRU¿QGLQJELUGV:HWKHQGURYHWRWKHQHZO\named   Central   Coast   Wetlands   (the   Old   Pioneer   Dairy)  Back  home  for  our  BBQ  lunch  after  which  apologies  were  read   out   and   in  Alan’s   absence,   John   Wallace   thanked   an  absent  Robyn  Price  for  all  her  work  on  our  Newsletter,  and  Carole  and  John  for  their  work  and  hospitality.  Thanks  were  also  extended  to  those  people  who  helped  with  outings,  camps  and   presentations   throughout   the   year.   Of   course   we   also  thanked  Alan  Morris  for  the  smooth  running  and  organization  RIRXU&OXE:H¿QLVKHGRXUELUGZDWFKLQJIRUWKHGD\E\VHHLQJDÀ\RYHURID:KLWHEHOOLHG6HD(DJOH:KLWHQDSHG
Honeyeaters,  Olive-­backed  Oriole  and  Mistletoebird  in  the  nearby  Spotted  Gums  with  a  Cicadabird,  the  last  call  of  the  day.  As   the   last   car   left,   a   Wonga   Pigeon   walked   into   the  yard!  Thanks  to  everyone  who  attended  our  Christmas  break-­
XS%%4ZH¿QLVKHGWKHGD\ZLWKVSHFLHVWARRIEWOOD  AND  LONG  REEF  OUTING
11  January  2014  Trevor  Waller
A  long  hot  day  started  at  Katoa  Close  where  a  large  group  of  members,  overseas  travellers  and  visitors  met.  The  walk  along  the  boardwalk  was  a  good  opportunity  to  study  a  few  species   that   provided   us   with   good   close   views.   A   Great  Egret  landed  next  to  us  and  we  could  see  the  facial  features  WKDWFRQ¿UPWKHLGHQWL¿FDWLRQDQGD(XUDVLDQ&RRWSHUFKHG
on  a  log  showed  off  its  lobed  toes.  Other  birds  seen  along  the  boardwalk  were  Lewin’s  Honeyeater,  Red-­browed  Finch  and  Varied  Sittella.  At  the  end  of  the  boardwalk  we  watched  DQDGXOW3DFL¿F%D]DIHHGDMXYHQLOHSHUFKHGLQDWUHH
Across   the   road   on   the   Irrawong   walk   we   found   two  Superb  Lyrebirds  scratching  through  the  leaf  litter.  We  also  saw  Dollarbirds,  an  Australian  Brush-­turkey  and  a  female  Leaden  Flycatcher.

We   had   morning   tea   at   Long   Reef   before   walking   out  along  the  beach  to  the  well  exposed  reef.  Along  the  way  we  watched  two  juvenile  Nankeen  Kestrels  practicing  their  À\LQJ ZLWK VWURQJ ZLQJ ÀDSSLQJ RQ WKH HGJH RI WKH FOLII
face  perch.  The  adult  birds  were  perched  nearby.  Out  on  WKHUHHIZHVDZ5HGQHFNHG6WLQWV3DFL¿F*ROGHQ3ORYHUVand   Ruddy   Turnstones.   There   were   all   four   cormorants  and   Crested   Tern   resting   out   on   the   rocks.   Looking   out  to   sea   we   saw   some   dark   Shearwaters   that   after   much  deliberation   we   decided   were   Short-­tailed   Shearwaters.  
On  the  way  back  to  the  cars  for  a  late  lunch  we  saw  Sooty  Oystercatchers,   a   Grey-­tailed   Tattler   and   a   Black   Swan  swimming  on  the  water.

Page  12Birding  NSW  Newsletter

MIDWEEK  OUTING  TO  SCHEYVILLE  NATIONAL  PARK  AND  LONGNECK  LAGOON
29  January  2014  Carol  Abbott
The  January  midweek  outing  took  place  during  a  typical  January   heatwave   just   after   Australia   Day.   Nine   birders  met  at  Whitmore  Road  with  some  of  the  more  sensible  ones  having  opted  to  stay  indoors.  However,  it  was  a  gathering  of  some  of  the  Club’s  more  experienced  birders.
Bush  in  the  Hawkesbury  was  dry  and  the  day  was  hot  and  clear.  A  Crested  Shrike-­Tit  gave  good  views  to  some  of  the  HDUOLHUDUULYDOVDQGDMXYHQLOH6DFUHG.LQJ¿VKHUSURYLGHG
a  great  opportunity  to  compare  its  plumage  with  its  parent.
A   walk   through   bush   paths   progressively   brought   more  species   into   view.   A   Common   Bronzewing   and   Brown  4XDLO ZHUH ÀXVKHG E\ D VPDOO GDP $ YLVLW WR D ORFDO

cemetery  where  birds  had  been  seen  earlier  in  the  day  bore  little  and  the  group  headed  to  Longneck  Lagoon,  often  a  hot  spot.  
The  mercury  was  rising  to  35  °C  when  the  group  went  to  Scheyville   Park   Headquarters   for   lunch.   Other   than   the  ubiquitous  Striated  Pardalotes,  the  birds  were  being  more  sensible  than  us  humans,  staying  in  the  shade,  out  of  sight.
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very   skilled   and   experienced   eyes   and   ears,   but   that’s  birding.  The  total  was  acceptable  in  the  end  and  it  was  a  good  social  day  out.  

BREAKFAST  WITH  THE  BIRDS:  CENTRAL  COAST  WETLANDS  AND  SOUTH  TACOMA  POINT  1  February  2014  Alan  Morris‘Breakfast   with   the   Birds   ’was   held   at   the   Central   Coast  Wetlands   to   commemorate   World   Wetlands   Day   on   1  February.  This   was   a   joint   arrangement   between   Birding  NSW,  the  Central  Coast  Environment  Network  (CEN)  and  the   Tuggerah   Reserve   Trust.  Around   90   people   attended  and   Club   members   assisted   members   of   the   public,   who  had   come   to   visit   the   wetlands,   observe   and   identify   the  birds  present  in  the  reserve  and  take  part  in  other  activities.  
After  birding  for  an  hour,  breakfast  was  served  in  the  new  Educational   Centre   in   the   Barn   with   its   expansive   view  over   the   Dairy   Swamp.   Then   those   people   interested   in  bird  watching  again  joined  our  members  on  a  birding  walk  in  the  reserve.  
There   was   plenty   to   see   on   the   Dairy   Swamp,   even  though   it   is   fast   drying   up.   Birds   included   both   Red-­
kneed   and   Black-­fronted   Dotterel,   four   Pink-­eared  Ducks,   Little   and   Hoary-­headed   Grebes,   Eastern   Great,  Intermediate,  Cattle  and  Little  Egrets,  as  well  as  White-­necked   Herons.   Channel-­billed   Cuckoos   were   feeding  in   the   Moreton   Bay   Fig   Trees   while   White-­breasted  Woodswallows,   Welcome   Swallows   and   Fairy   Martins  fed  over  the  wetland  and  Swamp  Harriers  and  Whistling  Kites   patrolled   the   skies.  A   Glossy   Ibis   and   six   Banded  Stilts  were  also  present,  together  with  the  usual  ducks  and  ZDWHUELUGV$ZDONDIWHUEUHDNIDVWGRZQWRWKH*UHHQÀHHW
block  added  Tawny  Grassbirds,  Bar-­shouldered  Doves,  a  lone  Nankeen  Night-­Heron,  four  Rufous  Fantails,  Brown  Gerygones,   an   adult   and   a   juvenile   Brush   Cuckoo,   a  juvenile   Fan-­tailed   Cuckoo,   a   juvenile   Shining   Bronze-­
Cuckoo,   Olive-­backed   Orioles,   Variegated   Fairy-­wrens,  Golden  Whistlers  and  Eastern  Yellow  Robins.
We  stayed  at  the  wetlands  for  lunch,  watching  the  skydivers  land   and   the   Tawny   Grassbirds   in   the   adjoining   creek  bed,   before   departing   for   South  Tacoma   Point.  Walking  through   the   Swamp   Oak   Forest   to   the   point,   we   found  Brown   Thornbills,   White-­browed   Scrubwrens,   Grey  Shrike-­thrush   and   Striped   Honeyeaters   with   dependant  young   in   the   bush.   We   also   observed   Australasian  Darters,   Eurasian   Coots,   Australian   Grey   and   Chestnut  Teal   and   various   cormorants   along   Wyong   Creek.   At  South  Tacoma  Point,  we  looked  out  over  Tuggerah  Lakes  and  into  Tuggerah  Bay  where  there  were  about  800  Black  Swan,   90+   Australian   Pelicans,   120+   Australian   Grey  Teal,  Australasian  Darters,  White-­faced  Herons  and  many  cormorants.  As  it  was  very  hot  and  we  had  started  early,  we  decided  to  call  it  a  day  around  2  pm,  having  seen  82  species.  Thank  you  to  all  those  people  who  brought  along  their   telescopes   which   enabled   us   to   share   our   love   of  birds  with  the  other  visitors.

Birding  NSW  Newsletter

Page  13OUTING  TO  COLO  RIVER  AND  SWALLOW  REACH,  EBENEZER
8  February  2014
Elisabeth  Karplus
Philip  Brook,  leader  of  this  outing,  was  surprised  and  very  SOHDVHG WR ¿QG HLJKWHHQ SHRSOH ZDLWLQJ IRU KLP XQGHU WKHbridge   over   the   Colo   River   north   of   Wilberforce   on   what  promised  to  be  a  sunny  but  very  hot  day.  We  walked  along  the  road  with  the  river  to  our  right  and  the  high  sandstone  ridge  on  our  left.  This  walk  was  noted  for  the  quality  of  birds  rather  than  quantity.  Soon  after  leaving  the  picnic  area,  we  came  upon  a  Brush  Turkey  chick  feeding  in  rough  grass  and  unconcerned  by  eighteen  onlookers.  Since  the  young  chicks  are  brown  with  no  obvious  markings,  it  took  us  a  little  time  to  work  out  what  species  we  were  looking  at.  
6KRUWO\DIWHUZDUGVD3HUHJULQH)DOFRQÀHZRIIWKHFOLIIXSULYHUDQGWKHQEDFNWRWKHFOLII7KHUHZDVDQ$]XUH.LQJ¿VKHU
to  look  at  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  river.  Further  on  we  saw  female  Golden  Whistlers,  Eastern  Spinebills,  Lewin’s  Honeyeaters  and  White-­throated  Treecreepers.  
Then  we  were  surprised  to  see  a  pair  of  Gang-­gang  Cockatoos  (announced  by  their  call)  apparently  investigating  holes.  

On   the   way   back   to   the   cars,   a   Rock   Warbler   was   seen  moving  among  the  large  rocks  on  the  ridge.  Finally  there  ZDVD6DFUHG.LQJ¿VKHUEDFNDWWKHSLFQLFDUHD
We  drove  to  Sackville  to  look  at  the  birds  on  a  large  pond  and  among  other  ducks  there  was  a  single  Pink-­eared  Duck.  
We   retreated   somewhat   hastily   when   told   loudly   that   we   Gang-­gang  Cockatoo.  Photo:  Alfred  Schulte
were   trespassing.   Our   next   stop   was  beside  the  historic  church  at  Ebenezer.  
By   now   it   was   very   hot   for   the   walk  through  the  reserve  alongside  the  river  but   we   continued   to   see   good   birds  including   a   family   of   Olive-­backed  Orioles,   a   male   Golden   Whistler,  a   Spotted   Pardalote   and   several  Dollarbirds.   Overhead   there   were  many   White-­throated   Needletails   –  VHYHUDOÀHZORZRYHURXUKHDGVJLYLQJus   good   views   of   their   markings   and  showing  us  how  large  these  swifts  are.  
2XU¿QDOVWRSZDVDW3LWW7RZQ)HUU\Road  just  outside  Wilberforce.  On  the  ponds  we  could  see  several  Pink-­eared  Ducks   while   Red-­rumped   Parrots  were  calling  in  the  trees.  The  last  birds  seen   for   the   day   were   a   European  *ROG¿QFKD)DQWDLOHG&XFNRRDQGD
juvenile   Eastern   Koel.   Thank   you   to  Philip   for   leading   us   through   a   great  day  of  birding.
Brush  Turkey  chick.  Photo:  Alfred  SchultePage  14Birding  NSW  Newsletter

SYDNEY  OLYMPIC  PARK  OUTING
15  February  2014
Judy  Harrington$ZHWVWDUWPD\EHSXWWLQJDIHZRIIEXWWKLQJV¿QHG
up.  Twenty  of  us  met  at  Lake  Belvedere  and  slowly  walked  right  around  the  lake.  Though  in  the  middle  of  a  busy  park,  there  are  always  lots  of  birds  to  see  here.  
All   four   local   cormorants   were   seen   on   the   island,  with  a  lot  of  breeding  action  from  Pied  Cormorants.  
It  always  amuses  me  to  see  the  male  choose  a  suitable  VWLFNDQGWKHQGRDÀ\SDVWDURXQGWKHLVODQGEHIRUH
delivering   it   to   the   waiting   female.  They   greet   one  another  with  posturing  and  head  bobbing  and  if  he  is  lucky  and  the  offering  acceptable,  mating  takes  place.  
It  must  work  as  several  pairs  already  have  eggs  or  young.  There  were  also  several  Australasian  Darter  nests,  with  young  at  various  stages  of  development.  
We   were   all   able   to   get   clear   views   through   my  telescope  and  compare  the  different  cormorants  and  Spotless  Crake  and  Dusky  Moorhen.  Photo:  Jodie  Webber
Australasian   Darters.  A   cryptic   Striated   Heron   was  spotted  and  followed  to  the  island,  where  it  was  not  so  easy   Persicaria   sp   for   insects.  A   few   days   later,   the   water   was  WR ¿QG DJDLQ7KH 5R\DO 6SRRQELOOV KDYH QHVWHG DQG VRPH higher  and  we  would  have  missed  this  wonderful  view.
of  us  watched  a  juvenile  begging  from  its  parent.  Australian  At   the   Waterbird   Refuge   there   were   distant   Sharp-­tailed  :KLWH,ELVKDYHDOVRQHVWHGZLWKMXYHQLOHVDQGDGXOWVORD¿QJ
Sandpipers  and  a  very  distant  Red-­kneed  Dotterel.  However  on  the  island.  One  request  was  for  a  Little  Grassbird  and  some  a   large   number   of   Red-­necked  Avocets   and   Stilts   allowed  managed  to  spot  this  elusive  bird  of  the  reeds,  instead  of  just  us   to   watch   and   compare   their   feeding   strategies.   Large  hearing  it  as  usual.  
numbers   of  Australian   Grey  Teal   were   also   feeding   in   the  A   short   walk   up   the   hill   took   us   to   the   Southern   Water   shallows.   We   returned   via   the   Triangle   Pond,   which   was  Quality  Pond  –  part  of  the  water  recycling  system.  We  all   almost   completely   dry.   However   we   spotted   a   Spangled  managed   to   see   several   Latham’s   Snipe   –   even   if   only   a   Drongo,   which   we   had   seen   earlier,   hawking   for   insects  ÀHHWLQJJOLPSVHDVWKH\ÀXVKHGIURPRQHVLGHWRWKHRWKHU$ with   a   couple   of   Black-­faced   Cuckoo-­shrikes.   Dollarbirds  *ORVV\,ELVÀHZGRZQWRH[SRVHGPXGDVZHZDWFKHG
showed  themselves  clearly  on  upper  branches,  before  also  The  water  levels  make  a  big  difference  to  the  species  seen.   swooping  out  for  prey.  I  was  looking  for  Brown  Goshawks  At  the  Eastern  Water  Quality  Pond  (at  Wentworth  Common)   as  a  pair  had  nested  there  recently.  We  had  a  quick  sighting  WKHZDWHUOHYHOZDVVRORZDVHFWLRQRIPXGÀDWZDVH[SRVHG RIRQHÀ\LQJRYHUKHDG
Two  Spotless  Crakes  put  on  a  wonderful  display,  picking  at  insects  and  giving  a  clear  view  to  everyone.  Two  Australian  Reed-­Warblers,   a   Dusky   Moorhen   and   a   Willie   Wagtail  joined   them   jumping   around   together   and   picking   at   the  After   lunch   I   had   to   leave,   but   others   continued   to   the  Northern  Water  Feature  for  more  searching.  I  have  recorded  the  list  for  the  day  as  63  species,  give  or  take  a  few,  as  not  everyone  saw  them  all.  Not  bad  for  a  busy  park.

SYDNEY  PELAGIC  TRIP  REPORT  15  February  2014
Roger  McGovern
I  am  off  on  a  trip  to  New  Zealand  in  an  hour  from  now  so  no  time  for  a  full  trip  report  –only  a  species  summary.  It  was  a  JUH\UDLQ\GD\IRURXU¿UVWWULSRIDQGGHVSLWHWKHYHU\warm  water  temperature  (23.4  °C  at  the  shelf)  there  was  a  notable  lack  of  the  tropical  species,  which  normally  occur  at  this  time  of  the  year.  The  only  unusual  species  were  two  6RRW\7HUQVDQGRXU¿UVW)HEUXDU\DOEDWURVVLQIRXU\HDUV

in  the  form  of  an  immature  Black-­browed.  The  really  good  news  is  that  our  ‘new’  boat,  the  MV  Zane  Grey  turned  out  to  be  a  fantastic  pelagic  sea  watch  boat  with  lots  of  space,  a   comfortable   ride   and   great   visibility.   I   look   forward   to  some  great  days  out  of  Sydney  during  the  rest  of  the  year.
Bird  List  on  page  15  >Birding  NSW  Newsletter

Page  15

BIRD  LIST  SYDNEY  PELAGIC  TRIP
Note  that  the  number  in  parentheses  represents  the  maximum  number  of  that  species  present  at  one  time.
Little  Penguin  Black-­browed  Albatross  Great-­winged  Petrel  Wedge-­tailed  Shearwater  Short-­tailed  Shearwater  Flesh-­footed  Shearwater  Fluttering  Shearwater  Australasian  Gannet  Silver  Gull  Greater  Crested  Tern  

4  
1  
12  
140  
1  
150  
2  
4  
50  
2  

(3)
(1)  immature(3)  all  gouldi(40)(1)(60)  highest  count  in  a  couple  of  years
(1)
(3)
(30)
(1)

Sooty  Tern  

2  

(2)  

Pomarine  Skua  Arctic  Jaeger  

5  
1  

(2)
(1)

OTHER
Inshore  Bottlenose  Dolphin  Oceanic  Bottlenose  Dolphin  Fur  Seal  (sp)  Shark  (sp)  

6
50
1
1

one  adult  and  one  juvenile

MIDWEEK  OUTING  TO  JAMIESON  PARK,  NARRABEEN  AND  TO  LONG  REEF
26  February  2014
Elisabeth  Karplus
We  really  should  have  started  at  8  am  when  all  the  birds  were  singing  along  the  track.  Thus  I  was  the  only  one  to  see  a  pair  of  Rufous  Fantails.  The  group  of  seven  set  off  on  the  track  along  the  south  side  of  Narrabeen  Lakes  towards  South  Creek  –  a  distance  of  about  2.2  km.  Our  goal  was  to  VHHWKH%DUNLQJ2ZODWWKH¿UVWZRRGHQEULGJH DERXW
km  from  the  parking  area  at  Jamieson  Park).  According  to  the   numerous   walkers   and   cyclists   on   this   path,   this   owl  has   been   present   around   the   bridge   since   August   2013.  
Everyone  was  keen  to  tell  us  about  the  owl.
On  or  beside  the  lakes  we  saw  Australian  Pelicans,  Black  Swans,   Great   Egrets   and   Great,   Pied   and   Little   Pied  Cormorants.   On   the   far   bank   was   a   single  White-­necked  Heron  while  much  closer  was  a  White-­faced  Heron.  Bush  birds   seemed   uncommon   except   for   Eastern   Whipbirds  until   we   came   upon   a   party   of   small   birds   –   Brown   and  Striated   Thornbills,   Brown   Gerygone,   Silvereye,   Eastern  Spinebill   and   a   party   of   Variegated   Fairy-­wrens   with  several  male  birds,  who  were  going  into  eclipse  plumage.  
Eventually   we   reached   the   wooden   bridge   in   an   area   of  SDOPVDQGFDVXDULQD7KHRZOZDVUHODWLYHO\HDV\WR¿QG
perched   in   a   casuarina   beside   the   track   as   he/she   was  calling.  We  spent  ages  looking  at  the  owl  before  walking  a  short  distance  further  towards  South  Creek.  There  was  a  male  Golden  Whistler  in  the  trees  where  Rainbow  Lorikeets  were   investigating   hollows   and   where   several   Sulphur-­crested  Cockatoos  were  perched  in  hollows.  On  the  walk  back   we   saw   Spotted   Pardalotes,   Eastern  Yellow   Robins  and  Lewin’s  Honeyeaters.  During  our  leisurely  lunch,  the  1RLV\ 0LQHUV DOHUWHG XV WR D À\LQJ UDSWRU ± SUREDEO\ DBrown  Goshawk.  John,  Lynda  and  I  were  the  only  ones  to  go  to  Long  Reef.  Alas  the  rock  platform  had  been  invaded  E\ ODUJH QXPEHUV RI VFKRRO FKLOGUHQ :H GLG VHH 3DFL¿F
Golden   Plover,   Red-­necked   Stint,   Crested  Terns,   various  cormorants  and  eventually  a  single  Grey-­tailed  Tattler  but  there  was  no  sign  of  the  family  of  Nankeen  Kestrels.  My  thanks   go   to   John,   who   kindly   carried   the   scope   to   and  from  the  rock  platform.

Black  Swan.  Photo:  Michael  Hanvey

Little  Pied  Cormorant.  Photo:  Michael  Hanvey

Page  16

Birding  NSW  Newsletter

THE  BEST  UNUSUAL  RECORDS  FOR  NEW  SOUTH  WALES,  DECEMBER  2013  -­  FEBRUARY  2014  ALAN  MORRIS,  NIKOLAS  HAASS  &  SIMON  BLANCHFLOWER
Region   Abbreviations:   NC–North   Coast;;   H–Hunter,   CC–Central   Coast;;   S–Sydney   Region;;   I–Illawarra;;   SC–South   Coast;;  NT–Northern   Tablelands;;   CT–Central   Tablelands;;   ST–Southern   Tablelands;;   NS–North-­west   Slopes;;   CS–Central-­west   Slopes;;  SS–South-­west  Slopes;;  NP–North-­west  Plains;;  CP–Central-­west  Plains;;  R–Riverina;;  UW–Upper  Western;;  LW–Lower  Western
Malleefowl  King  Quail  Magpie  Goose  Magpie  Goose  Wandering  Whistling-­Duck  Plumed  Whistling-­Duck  Plumed  Whistling-­Duck  Freckled  Duck  Freckled  Duck  Blue-­billed  Duck  Blue-­billed  Duck  Northern  Mallard  Great  Crested  Grebe  Great  Crested  Grebe  Emerald  Dove  Brush  Bronzewing  Diamond  Dove  Rose-­crowned  Fruit-­Dove  Superb  Fruit-­Dove  Wompoo  Fruit-­Dove  Topknot  Pigeon  White-­throated  Needletail  White-­throated  Needletail  White-­throated  Needletail  Fork-­tailed  Swift  Fork-­tailed  Swift  Fork-­tailed  Swift  White-­throated  Nightjar  Owlet  Nightjar  Black-­browed  Albatross  Black-­browed  Albatross  Shy  Albatross  Buller’s  Albatross  Buller’s  Shearwater  Flesh-­footed  Shearwater  Sooty  Shearwater  Great-­winged  Petrel  Gould’s  Petrel  White-­necked  Petrel  White-­necked  Petrel  White-­tailed  Tropicbird  Red-­tailed  Tropicbird  Lesser  Frigatebird  Black-­necked  Stork  Australasian  Bittern  Australasian  Bittern  Australasian  Bittern  Little  Bittern  Little  Bittern  Black  Bittern  Black  Bittern  Eastern  Osprey  Eastern  Osprey  Eastern  Osprey  3DFL¿F%D]D3DFL¿F%D]D3DFL¿F%D]D3DFL¿F%D]D3DFL¿F%D]D

4  
3  
2  
5  
32  
9  
100+  
34  
45  
AM  
11  
1  
3  
9  
1  
1  
5  
4+  
Im    
1  
11  
300  
50  
1000  
4000+  
40+  
200  
3  
2  
15+  
45  
10  
1  
1  
150  
1  
1  
1  
2  
1  
2  Im  
1  
1  
Im  
4  
3  
1  
1  
1  
1  
1  
2  
2  
2  

1<

$-
$-

11-­12/12/13  08/01-­07/02/14  21/12/13  05/02/14  03/02/14  23/12/13  28/12/13  03/02/14  28/12-­15/02  04/01/14  30/01/14  13/02/14  28/12/13  01/02/14  14/01/14  25/01/14  12/12/13  19/02/14  28/01/14  14/01/14  16/12/13  09/12/13  10/01/14  06/01/14  04/01/14  06/01/14  29/01/14  14-­15/02/14  15/12/13  21/12/13  29/12/13  04/01/14  25/01/14  26/01/14  18/12/13  21/12/13  16/02/14  04/02/14  04  /01/14  05/01  &  05/02  12/01/14  17  &  26/01  15/02/14  15/01/14  14/12-­–24/01  17/11–26/12  02/01/14  28/12/13  25–30/01/14  19/12/13  21/12/13  24/12/13  16/12–22/01  05–16/02/14  


±
±

Nombinee  –  Round  Hill  NRs  Ash  Island  saltmarsh  Finch  Pk  Berkeley  Mehi  River  Moree  Emerald  Dwns  GC  Pt  Macquarie  Dunns  Rd  Maraylya  Terry  Hie  Hie  (5  km  E)  Emerald  Dwns  GC  Pt  Macquarie  McPherson  Rd  Swp  Tuggerah  Hunter  Wtlds  Centre  Sandgate  Old  Cement  Works  Portland  Port  Stephens  (22  km  NW)  New  Quipolly  Dam  Castlereagh  Wetlands  Penrith  Comboyne  Rd  Byabarra  Chiltern  Trail  Ingleside  Round  Hill  NR  Mt  Hope  Woody  Head  Iluka  NR  Dubbo  (15  km  E)  Comboyne  Rd  Byabarra  Broulee  Island  NR  Long  Jetty  Tuggerah  Lake  Deriah  Aboriginal  Area  Narrabri  Khancoban  Grassy  Head  The  Entrance  Channel  Merimbula  Deriah  Abor  Site  Maules  Creek  Shanes  Park    Mistral  Pt  Maroubra  (40  on  04/01)  North  Head  Sydney  Harbour  NP  North  Head  Sydney  Harbour  NP  North  Head  Sydney  Harbour  NP  North  Head  Sydney  Harbour  NP  Warden  Head  Ulladulla  Mistral  Pt  Maroubra  Long  Reef  Marine  Reserve  Mistral  Pt  Maroubra  North  Head  Sydney  Harbour  NP  Mistral  Pt  Maroubra  Port  Stephens  pelagic  North  Head  Sydney  Harbour  NP  South  Ballina  Pambalong  NR  Minmi  Rowes  Lagoon  Collector  Willbriggie  (rice  farms)  West  Byron  STW  Deniliquin  (town)  Berrioye  (25  km  E  Maules  Creek)  Fishermans  Paradise  Conjola  Tomaga  River  Bridge  Tomakin  Sydney  Airport  Merimbula  Ck  Merimbula  Lake  Nepean  River  Penrith  &RPEDGHOOR:HLU0HKL50RUHH
(PX3DLQV/DFKODQ6W%DUDGLQH
1XUUDJLQJ\5HV'RRQVLGH%D\YLHZ QHVWHG 

LW  
H  
I  
NP  
NC  
S  
NP  
NC  
CC  
H  
CT  
H  
NS  
S  
NC  
S  
LW  
NC    
CS  
NC  
SC  
CC  
NP  
ST  
NC  
CC  
SC  
NP  
S  
S  
S  
S  
S  
S  
S  
S  
S  
S    
S  
S  
H  
S  
NC  
H  
ST  
R  
NC  
R  
NP  
I  
SC  
S  
SC  
S  
13
6
13
6
6

Ashwin  Rudder
Alan  Stuart
Michael  Crosland
Curtis  Hayne
Alan  Morris
Barry  Lancaster
Curtis  Hayne
Alan  Morris
Nick  Carson
Jane  Williams
Ted  Wnorowksi
Ben  BrightMichael  Dahlem
Eric  FinleyTim  Morris
Stephen  Mannix
Ashwin  Rudder
Beverly  Morgan
David  Geering  Tim  Morris
Ted  Wnorowski
Christina  Port
Michael  Dahlem
Michael  Ramsay
Allan  Richardson
Alan  Morris
Martin  Edwardson
Michael  Dahlem
Edwin  Vella
David  Mitford
Michael  Ronan
Michael  Ronan
Michael  Ronan
Michael  Ronan
Bob  Rusk
David  Mitford
Tom  Wilson
David  Mitford
Michael  Ronan
Ray  Gobbe
Mick  RoderickMichael  Ronan
Kathy  Wilk
Michael  Rutkowski
Harvey  Perkins
Max  O’Sullivan
Duncan  Fowler
Bernie  O’Keefe
Michael  Dahlem
Ted  Wnorowksi
Ted  Wnorowksi
Nigel  Coghlan
Helenna  Milhailou
Akos  Lumnitzer&XUWLV+D\QH$NRV/XPQLW]HU'DYLG-RKQVWRQ-LP'L[RQ-DFRE6LIH

Birding  NSW  Newsletter
Square-­tailed  Kite  Square-­tailed  Kite  Square-­tailed  Kite  Black  Kite  Black  Kite  Black  Kite  Grey  Goshawk  Grey  Goshawk  (white  morph)  Spotted  Harrier  Spotted  Harrier  Spotted  Harrier  Wedge-­tailed  Eagle  Wedge-­tailed  Eagle  Little  Eagle  Black  Falcon  Black  Falcon  Black  Falcon  Brolga  Brolga  Lewin’s  Rail  Australian  Spotted  Crake  Spotless  Crake  Baillon’s  Crake  Red-­necked  Avocet  Red-­necked  Avocet  Red-­necked  Avocet  Bush  Stone-­curlew  Beach  Stone-­curlew  Beach  Stone-­curlew  Beach  Stone-­curlew  Pied  Oystercatcher  Pied  Oystercatcher  Pied  Oystercatcher  Sooty  Oystercatcher  Sooty  Oystercatcher  Pied  Stilt  Grey  Plover  3DFL¿F*ROGHQ3ORYHU
Oriental  Plover  Double-­banded  Plover  **  Double-­banded  Plover  *  Double-­banded  Plover  *  Lesser  Sand  Plover  Hooded  Plover  Hooded  Plover  Red-­kneed  Dotterel  Red-­kneed  Dotterel  Banded  Lapwing  Banded  Lapwing  Banded  Lapwing    Latham’s  Snipe  Black-­tailed  Godwit  Wood  Sandpiper  Marsh  Sandpiper  Marsh  Sandpiper  Great  Knot  Great  Knot  Curlew  Sandpiper  Curlew  Sandpiper  Sharp-­tailed  Sandpiper  Sharp-­tailed  Sandpiper  Pectoral  Sandpiper  Pectoral  Sandpiper  Sanderling  Sanderling  Broad-­billed  Sandpiper  

1,1  
1  
1  
100  
13  
7  
1  
1  
Im  
1  
2  
2A,J  
2A+J  
1  
1  
1  
1  
22  
270  
2A,J  
5  
5  
1  
400  
22  
100+  
10  
2  
1  
1  
4  
162  
48  
20  
45  
600  
1  

1  
1  
1  
1  
5  
2A,2J  
N3E  
160  
1  
47  
30A,J  
6  
33  
2  
3  
1  
45  
1  
50  
5  
2  
3400+  
70  
1  
1  
1  
1  
4  

Page  1730/12/13  04  &  21/01  12/01/14  22/12/13  06/01/14  11/01/14  23/12/13  30/01/14  22/12/13  24/12/13  04/01/14  04/01/14  13/02/14  29/01/14  21/12/13  22/12/13  26–27/01/14  11/12/13  09/01/14  03/01/14  10–22/12/13  02–16/02/14  18/01/14  10/12/13  20/01–06/02/14  01–12/02/14  February  16/12/13  19/12/13  21/12/13  24/12/13  13/02/14  16/02/14  28/12/13  10/02/14  10/12/13  16/12/13  
20/01-­05/02/14  16/12/13  26/01/14  17/02/14  26/01/14  12/01/14  28/01/14  05/01/14  18/01/14  23/12–14/02  15/01/14  20/01–05/02/14  20/01/14  16/12/13  19/01–09/02  20/12/13  22/12–12/01  25/12/13  15/02/14  20/12/13  28/12/13  10-­22/12/13  12/02/14  16/12/13  14–15/01/14  19/12/13  03/02/14  15/12–17/01  Tumbi  Umbi  &  Bateau  Bay  Bellawongarah  Telfer  Way  Res  Castle  Hill  Scone  Ramornie  (near  Grafton)  Lenaghan  Swp  Minmi  Cheltenham  Railway  Stn  Newington  Armory  SOP  Wagtail  Way  Ash  Island  Ponds  Warden  Head  Ulladulla  Shangri  Rd  Bundanoon  Castlereagh  Rd  Castlereagh  Shoplands  Rd  Annangrove  Petersham  (Fort  St  Boys  HS)  Maraylya  Pk  Maraylya  Scone  Hexham  Swamp  NR  Lake  Cullival  Urana  Gwydir  Watercourse  Moree  McPhersons  Rd  Swp  Tuggerah  Hexham  Swamp  Pitt  Town  Lagoon  Partridge  Ck  Fernbank  Hexham  Swamp  Wamberal  Lagoon    Bicentennial  Pk  Homebush  Tweed  Shire  (4  prs)  (2  DY)  Toradgy  Pt  Moruya  Heads  Dolphin  Pt  Burrill  Lake  Skennars  Head  Ballina  Mill  Ck  Sydney  Airport  Port  Stephens  (HBOC  Count)  Wallis  Lakes  Estuary  Tuncurry  Warden  Head  Ulladulla  Newcastle  Baths  Hexham  Swamp  NR  Malabar  Lgn  Moruya  0DODEDU/JQ0RUX\D
Phoenix  Park  Morpeth  Coila  Ck  Bridge  Moruya  Hexham  Swamp  NR  Pelican  Pt  Wyrrabalong  NP  Hexham  Swamp  NR  Dawsons  Bch  Murramarang  NP  Tura  Beach  Nth  (3rd  nest  attempt)  Fishery  Ck  Hexham  Swamp  Partridge  Ck  Fernbank  Cornwallis  Rd  Windsor  Yarrie  Lake  Rd  Narrabri  Phoenix  Park  Morpeth  Rowes  Lagoon  Collector  Toradgy  Pt  Moruya  Heads  Hexham  Swamp  NR  Wilfords  L  Swp  Ulladulla  Hexham  Swamp  NR  Myall  River  Tea  Gardens  South  Ballina  Wilfords  L  Swp  Ulladulla  Breeza  Cotton  Dam  Hexham  Swp  &  Tomago  NRs  Bicentennial  Pk  Homebush  Coila  Ck  Bridge  Moruya  Hexham  Swamp  NR  Lake  Conjola  NR  Corindi  River  Estuary  Red  Rock  Hexham  Swamp  NR  CC  I      
S  
H  
NC  
H  
S  
S  
H  
I  
I    
S  
S  
S  
S  
H  
H    
SS  
NP  
CC  
H  
S  
NC  
H    
CC  
S  
NC  
SC  
I  
NC  
S  
  
H  
I  
H  
H    
SC  
6&
H  
SC  
H  
CC  
H  
I  
SC  
H  
NC  
S  
NP  
H  
ST  
SC  
H  
I  
H  
H    
NC  
I  
NS  
H  
S  
SC  
H  
I  
NC  
H  

Alan  Morris
Carla  Jackett
Simon  Gorta
Akos  Lumnitzer
  Simon  Clayton
Edwin  Vella
Steve  Edwards
Geoff  Hutchinson
Edwin  Vella
Bob  Rusk
Lorne  Johnson
Akos  Lumnitzer
Daryl  Smedley
Simon  Gorta
Mark  Fuller
Akos  Lumnitzer
Edwin  Vella
Charlie  Webb
Curtis  Hayne
Margaret  PointerMick  RoderickMichael  Ronan
Tim  Morris
Steve  Roderick
Laurie  Smith
Tom  Wilson
Tanya  Fountain
Ted  Wnorowski
Ted  Wnorowski
Tim  Wunch
Nigel  Coghlan
Alan  Stuart
Alan  Morris
Bob  Rusk
Richard  Nickolas
Steve  Roderick
Ted  Wnorowski
7HG:QRURZVNLDan  Williams
Ted  Wnorowski
Edwin  Vella
Steve  Merrett
Edwin  Vella
Jodie  Dunn
L  AllenDan  Williams
Tim  Morris
Keith  Brandwood
Kurtis  Lindsay
Gavin  Ayre
Ted  Wnorowski
Ted  Wnorowski
Henry  Coleman
Ted  Wnorowksi
Edwin  Vella
Simon  Gorta
Stephen  McBride
Ted  Wnorowksi
Michael  Dahlem
Mick  RoderickTom  Wilson
Ted  Wnorowski
Michael  Kearns
Ted  Wnorowski
Russell  Jago
Allan  Richardson

Page  18Buff-­breasted  Sandpiper  Ruff  
Ruff  
Australian  Painted  Snipe  3DLQWHG%XWWRQTXDLOAustralian  Pratincole  Australian  Pratincole  Pomerine  Jaeger  Long-­tailed  Jaeger  3DFL¿F*XOOWhite-­winged  Black  Tern  White-­winged  Black  Tern  Whiskered  Tern  Fairy  Tern  Gull-­billed  Tern  Black-­naped  Tern  Little  Tern  Little  Tern  Sooty  Tern  Common  Noddy  Glossy  Black-­Cockatoo  Glossy  Black-­Cockatoo  Glossy  Black-­Cockatoo  0DMRU0LWFKHOO&RFNDWRR
Cockatiel  Purple-­crowned  Lorikeet  Superb  Parrot  Superb  Parrot  Budgerigar  Turquoise  Parrot  Ground  Parrot  Powerful  Owl  Powerful  Owl  Masked  Owl  Masked  Owl  Barking  Owl  Barking  Owl  Barking  Owl  Sooty  Owl  Sooty  Owl  Grass  Owl  Pheasant  Coucal  Eastern  Koel  Eastern  Koel  Black-­eared  Cuckoo  Pallid  Cuckoo  Brush  Cuckoo  Spotted  Nightjar  Eastern  Bristlebird  Eastern  Bristlebird  Red-­browed  Treecreeper  Red-­browed  Treecreeper  Western  Gerygone  Southern  Whiteface  Regent  Honeyeater  Crimson  Chat  Black  Honeyeater  Black  Honeyeater  Black  Honeyeater  Black  Honeyeater  Black-­chinned  Honeyeater  White-­cheeked  Honeyeater  White-­cheeked  Honeyeater  Little  Friarbird  Blue-­faced  Honeyeater  Noisy  Friarbird  Birding  NSW  Newsletter
1  
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16–27/01/14  10/12–13/02  13/02/14  07–11/01/14  
18/12/13  26/12/13  21/12/13  21/12  &  04/02  
10/12/13  22/12–24/01  15/01/15  07/01/14  18/12/13  09/01/14  12/01/14  12/01/14  12/01/14  05/01/14  11/12/13  04/01/14  18–19/01/14  
20/01/14  03/01/14  28/12–03/01  26/12/13  12/01/14  22/01/14  22/12/13  04/01/14  20/01/14  21/12/13  04/01/14  16–17/01/14  03/01/14  09/02/14  24/12/13  30/12/14  07/02/14  07/01/14  01/01/14  01–05/02/14  15/01/14  18/12/13  02/01/14  12–13/12/13  17/12/13  09/01/14  01/01/14  12/01/14  16/01/14  13/01/14  16/12/13  10/12/13  21/12/13  02/02/14  03/01/14  31/01/14  13/01/14  15/12/13  16/12/13  10/02/14  22/12/13  17/02/14  Hexham  Swamp  NR  Hexham  Swamp  NR  Stockton  Sand  Spit  Bunnings  Wetland  Wallsend  1RPELQQHH15 ROGZKHDW¿HOG Moree  (5  km  NW)  Wilbriggie  (rice  farm)  Mistral  Pt  Maroubra  (40  on  10/02)  Mistral  Pt  Maroubra  'ROSKLQ3W%XUULOO/DNH
Hexham  Swamp  Wagtail  Way  Ash  Island  Ponds  Ashley  (cotton  farm  dams)  Wallagoot  Lake  Merimbula  Moree  (5  km  NW)  Red  Rock  Estuary  Lake  Wollumboola  (nesting)  Lake  Conjola  (nesting)  Port  Stephens  pelagic  Nobbys’s  Head  Newcastle  Kings  Tableland  Blackheath  Bogolong  Hills  Narrandera  Pilliga  Forest  (Annual  Count)  1HULFRQ*ULI¿WKLake  George  Lake  Hume  Weir  Barryrennie  &  Fragar  Rds  Cowra  The  Winery  Binya  SF  Waterfall  Way  Raleigh  Nerriga  Rd  Braidwood  Green  Cape  Ben  Boyd  NP  Megalong  Valley  Tourmaline  St  Pearl  Beach  Murramarang  NP  Durras  Megalong  Valley  Lille  Bch  Cpk  Bouddi  NP  Ringwood  Rd  Goulburn  R  NP  Pearl  Beach  (took  Brush  Turkey)  Jenolan  Caves  Washpool  NP  Cangai  Ash  Island  Mehi  River  Moree  Olive  St  Albury  Clarenza  (BF  Cuckoo-­shrike  host)  Gosling  Ck  Reservoir  Orange  Castlereagh  NR  Scheyville  NP  (X2  barred  morphs)  Round  Hill  NR  Mt  Hope  Whelan’s  Swp  Eden  Bellawongarah  Turon  Gates  Capertee  Pierces  Pass  Blue  Mtns  NP  Western  Sydney  Plds  Abbotsbury  Glen  Alice  Tambo  Ck  Glen  Alice  Belougery  Flt  Warrumbungle  NP  Condobolin  (township)  Goulburn  River  NP  Wollar  Yanga  NP  (Willows  picnic  area)  Nangar  NP  Eugowra  Crown  Station  Rd  Glen  Davis  Womboyn  Lake  Congo  Pt  Moruya  Dean  St  W  Pennant  Hills  Ashgrove  Pl  Bundanoon  Yellowmundee  R  Pk  Winmallee  

H  
H  
H  
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NP  
NC  
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ST  
SS  
CT  
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NC  
I  
SC  
CT  
CC  
I  
CT  
CC  
H  
CC  
CT  
NC    
H  
NP  
SS  
NC  
CT  
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SC  
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Ct  
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CT    
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CP  
CP  
CT  
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CT  
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I  
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Allan  Richardson
Mick  Roderick
Alwyn  Simple
Trevor  Williams-RVKXD%HUJPDUN
Ainslee  Lines
Max  O’Sullivan  David  Mitford
David  Mitford
7HG:QRURZVNL
Mick  Roderick
Edwin  Vella
Curtis  Haynes
Sue  Romane
Ainslee  Lines
Russell  Jago
Jodie  DunnJodie  Dunn
Mick  RoderickDan  Williams
Jon  Elliott
Nella  Smith
David  Johnston
1HLO3DOIUHPDQ
Ted  Wnorowksi
Michael  Ramsay
Jon  ElliottRae  Lister
Gary  Phillips
Ann  Millard
Ted  Wnorowski
Akos  Lumnitzer
Chris  O’Brien
Ted  Wnorowski
Akos  Lumnitzer
Laurie  Smith
Michael  Kearns
Chris  O’Brien
Marc  Anderson
Murray  Lord
  Lorna  MeeCurtis  Hayne
Gerard  O’Neill
Eric  Wheeler
Alistair  Smith
Ted  Wnorowski
Keith  Brandwood
Joshua  Bergmark
Angus  Hartshorn
Carla  Jackett
Carl  Weber
Simon  Gorta
Jim  Dixon
Jenny  Stiles
Joshua  Bergmark
Sue  Brookhouse
Warren  Chad
Michael  Kearns
Jim  AllenDavid  Simpson
Jenny  Stiles
Angus  Hartshorn
Ted  Wnorowski
Steven  Edwards
Lorne  Johnson
Mark  Ley

Birding  NSW  Newsletter
Painted  Honeyeater  Painted  Honeyeater  Painted  Honeyeater  Grey-­crowned  Babbler  White-­browed  Babbler  Spotted  Quail-­thrush  Gilbert’s  Whistler  Ground  Cuckoo-­shrike  Ground  Cuckoo-­shrike  Ground  Cuckoo-­shrike  White-­winged  Triller  White-­winged  Triller  White-­winged  Triller  White-­browed  Woodswallow  White-­browed  Woodswallow  White-­breasted  Woodswallow  Pied  Butcherbird  Little  Raven  Eurasian  Tree  Sparrow  Spangled  Drongo  *  Spangled  Drongo  *  Diamond  Firetail  Diamond  Firetail  Plum-­headed  Finch  Red-­browed  Finch  Chestnut-­breasted  Mannikin  Brown  Songlark  Tawny  Grassbird  Eastern  Yellow  Wagtail  Eastern  Yellow  Wagtail  Green-­headed  Wagtail  

2  
1  
1  
8  
6  
1  
AM  
6  
4  
3  
3  
2  
AF  
6+N  
12+J  
2A+N  1  2  2A2Y  
1  
1  
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10  
4  
10  
10+N  
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9  
1  
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Page  19
16/12  &13/01  10/01/14  04/02/14  01/01/14  10/01/04  22/12/13  03/01/14  15/01/14  31/01/14  14/02/14  22/12/13  11/02/14  10–13/02/14  12/12/13  15/12/13  25/09/13  14/12/13  16/01/14  11/12/13  12/02/14  10/02/14    13/01/14  21/01/14  15/01/14  11/01/14  08/02/14  18/12/13  13/12/13  22/12–12/02  07/01/14  08  &17/01  Coco  Ck  Glen  Davis  Billinudgel  NR  Murwillumbah  Cattai  Wetlands  Coopernook  Levenstrath  Gowan  (40  km  NW  Bathurst)  Saltwater  Camp  Ben  Boyd  NP  Ballyrenie  Rd  Conimbla  NP  Yarrie  Lake  Rd  Narrabri  Oolambeyan  NR  Hay  Eulah  Creek  NE  Narrabri  Hexham  Swamp  NR  Warden  Hd  Ulladulla  CC  Wetlands  Tuggerah  Budderoo  Ft  Budderoo  NP  Yerriyong  Ck  Nowra  Mandeni  North  Tura  Beach  Castlereagh  Warriewood  Wetlands  Willans  Hill  Wagga  Wagga  Bicentennial  Pk  Homebush  Mistral  Pt  Maroubra  Glenlowan  Bridge  Glen  Alice  Whiterocks  Rd  Orange  Queensland  Rd  Wetlands  Casino  Tennyson  St  Campsie  Carole  Ck  Moree  (cotton  farm)  Smith  Rd  Castlereagh  Lake  Cargelligo  STW  Hexham  Swamp  NR  Bunnings  Wetland  Wallsend  Hexham  Swamp  NR  

CT  
NC  
H  
NC  
CT  
SC  
CT  
NP  
R  
NP  
H  
I  
CC  
I  
I  
SC  
1  
S  
SS  
S  
S  
CT    
CT  
NC  
S  
Np  
S  
R  
H  
H  
H  

Ashwin  RudderJan  Olley
Alan  Stuart
Warren  Thompson
Tiffany  Mason
Ted  Wnorowksi
Allison  Elliott
Kurtis  Lindsay
David  Parker
Michael  Dahlem
Mick  Roderick
  Bob  Rusk
Alan  MorrisDavid  Rower
Carla  Jackett
Heather  Mousley
Akos  Lumnitzer
Carl  Weber
Judy  Leitch
Tom  Wilson
David  Mitford
Simon  Gorta
Tiffany  Mason
David  Charley
Barry  Ayres
Curtis  Hayne
Ted  Wnorowksi
Ashwin  Rudder
Edwin  Vella
Trevor  Williams
Mick  Roderick*=First  Return  **  Last  Date  hw=  hit  window  rk  =  road  kill  bc=  beach  cast,  CWBS=  Cowra  Woodland  Bird  Survey
Bold  –  On  the  Review  list  of  the  NSW  Ornithological  Records  Appraisal  Committee  –  submission  required.
(Bird  names  used  and  the  order  in  which  they  occur  are  in  accord  with  ‘Systematics  and  Taxonomy  of  Australian  Birds’2008)
COMMENTThe  summer  has  been  characterised  by  having  a  suite  of  new  rarities  visiting  the  State  and  while  the  Little  Curlews  and  the  Asian  Dowitcher  have  disappeared  there  have  been  new  birds  to  take  their  place  like  Buff-­breasted  Sandpiper  (8thAust  Record  if  accepted),  Ruffs,  Red-­footed  Booby,  Broad-­billed  Sandpiper  and  more  Pectoral  Sandpipers  although  Oriental  Plovers  are  still  being  seen  at  new  sites  and  the  Ruffs  from  Pitt  Town  may  well  have  moved  to  the  Hunter.  The  drought  in  South-­west  Queensland  and  western  NSW  with  the  accompanying  drying  up  of  wetlands  in  the  Paroo,  Bulloo  and  Lake  Eyre  Basin  continues  to  drive  large  numbers  of  Freckled  Ducks,  Australian  Grey  Teal,  Pink-­ears,  Yellow-­billed  Spoonbills,  White-­necked  Herons,  Spotted  Harriers  and  Budgerigars  into  north-­eastern  and  eastern  NSW  with  extraordinary  numbers  of  each  species  being  seen  in  places  not  previously  reported,  however  Black  Kite  records  are  receding.  The  records  of  Eurasian  Tree  Sparrows  are  a  surprise!  The  numbers  of  Freckled  Ducks  continue  to  rise  in  NSW,  other  records  include:  4  Eastlakes  GC  16/12  (S),  8  Tuggerah  STW  28/12  (CC),  2  Old  Quilpolly  Dam,  Breeza  28/12  (NS),  20  Fivebough  Swp  01/01  (R),  2  Bundanoon  STW  05/01  (I),  3  Eastlakes  GC  06/01  (S),  10+  Gwydir  Watercourse  09/01  (NP),  2  Bungendore  STW    &  5  The  Morass,  Lake  Bathurst  20/01  (ST),  20  The  Lawrence  Egret  Colony  28/01  (NC),  3  Tallawarrah  Ash  Ponds  Yallah  05/02  (I),  22  Pitt  Town  Lagoon  16/02  (S);;  Radjah  Shelduck:    same  male  Buladelah  15/02  (H);;  Topknot  Pigeon:  22  Torady  Pt  Moruya  Heads  16/12  (SC);;  More  Fork-­tailed  Swifts  are  being  seen  in  NSW  than  usual  with  other  records  at  2  Long  Reef  GC  12/12,  5  Bay  St  Botany  22/12  (S),  2  Pt  Macquarie  03/01  (NC),  1+  Hawks  Nest  03/01  (H),  20  Katang  NR  Laurieton  04/01,1  Lower  Pappinbarra  07/01  (NC),  20  Terry  Hie  Hie  25/01  (NP),  40+  Salamander  Bay  19/01  (H),  10  Ophir  Rd  Rock  Forest  14/02  (CT),  40  Singleton  Heights  16/02,  10+  Tighes  Hill  16/02,  25+  2  km  N  Aberdeen  16/02  (H),  3  Levenstrath  17/02  (NC)  &  6  Tuncurry  (H),  a  good  spread  of  records  across  the  State;;  Australasian  Bittern:  1  Pitt  Town  Lagoon  30/12  (S)  &  1  Edgeworth  14/02  (H);;  Little  Bittern:  HC  Rocky  Waterholes  Narrandera  12/01  (R);;  Eastern  Ospreys,  the  birds  on  the  Georges  River  at  Illawong,  would  appear  to  be  the  most  southern  nesting  pair  at  present  in  NSW,  other  southern  records  include:  Bawley  Pt  19/12  (I);;  3DFL¿F%D]D1  Twelve  Mile  Tk  Morton  NP  15/12  (I),  1  Castlereagh  NR  18/12  (S),  1  Goodhugh  St  East  Maitland  28/12  (H),  J  Tuggerah  SCA  30/12,  3  Bellawongarah  04-­09/01  (I),  1  Warriewood  Wetlands  13/01  (S),  2  Stringray  Swp  Penrose  SF  19/01  (I),  2  Upper  Mangrove  Ck  08/02  (CC);;  Square-­tailed  Kites  reported  include:  12  Mile  Tk  Morton  NP  15/12  (I),  Potato  Pt  &  Congo  Pt  16/12  (SC),  1  Nowra  18/12  (I),  1  Wallagoot  22/12  &  Kalaru  24/12  (SC),  1  Rothbury  (H),  1  The  Morass,  Lake  Bathurst  20/01  (ST),  1  Bobbin  Head  KCNP  02/02  (S),  Upper  Mangrove  Ck  08/02  (CC),  1  Chapman  Ave  Beecroft  29/02,  2  Mannix  Pk  Ashcroft  14/02  (S)  &  1  Bomaderry  (I);;  Coastal  Spotted  Harriers  remain  in  many  locations  including  singles  at  Kanoona  25/12  &  Panboola  26/12  (SC),  Nth  Richmond  01/01  (S),  The  Morass,  Lake  Bathurst  20/01  (ST),  Deepwater  Pk  Milperra  08/02,  Menangle  11/02  (S);;  Grey  Goshawk:  1  Tomakin  21/12  (In),  1  Irrawong  Res  27/12  (S),  1  Ravensworth  17/02  (H),  1  Lane  Cove  NP  18/02  (S);;  The  surge  in  Black  Falcon  numbers  continues,  other  records  include  2  Lake  George  20/01  (ST),  1  Toogong  Rd  Cranbury  20/01  (CT),  1  Castlereagh  07/02  (S);;  Lewin’s  Rail:  Eastlakes  GC  30/12,  27/01  &  14/02  (S),  2  Queensland  Rd  Swp  Casino  08/02  (NC);;  Baillon’s  Crake:  4  Rowe’s  Lgn  Collector  20/01  (ST),  4  Pitt  Town  Lagoon  02/02  (S);;    Australian  Spotted  Crake:    Eastlakes  GC  30/12,  2  Pitt  Town  Lagoon  02  &  16/02  (S);;  Spotless  Crake:  HC  Shanes  Pk  15/12  (S),  1  Tomakin  21/12  (I),  Eastlakes  GC  30/12  (S)  &  14/02  (BH),  2  Rowe’s  Lgn  Collector  20/01  (ST),  HC  Queensland  Rd  Swp  Casino  08/02  (NC);;  Hooded  Plover:  1  Lake  Conjola  entrance  19/12,  chicks  at  Cormorant  Bch  Bawley  Pt,  Manyana  Bch  &  Berrara  Bch  12/01  (I);;  Common  Greenshank:  1  McCraken  Rd  Dam,  Leeton  01/01  (R);;  Marsh  Sandpiper:  1  Gwydir  Watercourse  09/01  (NP),  2  Chittaway  Pt  12/02  (CC);;  Glossy  Black-­Cockatoo:  6  Potato  Pt  Moruya  16/12  (SC),  4  Jamieson  Pk  Narrabeen  Lakes  11/02,  10  Smiths  Creek  03/02  (S);;  Other  inland  Eastern  Koel  records  include:  1  Moree  GC,  Moree  West  27/12  &  Terry  Hie  Hie  28/12  (NP),  1  Lake  Hume  Weir,  Albury  03/01  (SS);;  There  are  more  Powerful  Owl  records  HC  Umina  Bch  16/12  (CC),  Terry  Ck  Parklands  16/12  (S),  HC  Wallagoot  &  Nethercote  27/12  &  13/01  (SC),  HC  Lower  Pappinbarra  05  &  22/01  (NC),  Lovers  Jump  Ck  Turramurra  26/01    &  St  Ives  31/01  (S);;  Barking  Owl:  1  Glenlowan  Bridge  Glen  Alice  11/01  (CT),  Jamieson  Pk  Narrabeen  Lake  11-­16/02  (S);;  Sooty  Owl:  1  Murramarrang  NP  21/12  (I),  1  Mt  Elliott,  Rumbalara  Res  30/12  (CC),  HC  RAAF  Base  Glenbrook  07/01  &  seen  27/01  (S);;  Other  Black  Honeyeater  records  include:  2  Opperman  Way,  Bathurst  12/12  CT),  5  Combadello  Weir,  Mehi  River  Moree  18/12  (NP),  1  Parkes  11/02,  2  Pinecliffe,  Molong  14/02  (CS),8  Fivebrough  Swp  01/01  (R);;  Painted  Honeyeater:  2WKHUUHSRUWVLQFOXGHROGZKHDW¿HOG1RPELQQLH15 /: 7KH:LQHU\%LQ\D6) 5 *OHQORZDQ%ULGJH*OHQ$OLFH &7 
2  NW  Scone  18/01  (H),  2  Whittakers  Lgn  Moree  15/02  (NP),  also  a  good  spread  of  records;;  Other  new  arrival  Spangled  Drongos:  2  Eastlakes  GC  14/02,  Penrith  16/02  &  Jamieson  Pk  Narrabeen  Lakes  16/02  (S).  Good  Birding!

Page  20

Birding  NSW  Newsletter

BIRDING  NSW  DIRECTORY
Postal  address:
Birding  NSW,  PO  Box  Q277,
QVB  Post  Shop,  NSW  1230  Email:  info@birdingnsw.org.au  Website:  www.birdingnsw.org.au

Sydney  Club  Meetings:
7KH&OXEPHHWVRQWKH¿UVW7XHVGD\RIWKH
month,   February   to   December   at   7.30   pm  on   Level   1,   Sydney   Mechanics   School   of  Arts,   280   Pitt   Street,   Sydney.   There   is   an  illustrated   talk   followed   by   Club   business  and   unusual   sighting   reports.   Visitors   are  welcome.

Central  Coast  Club  Meetings
Meetings  are  held  on  the  fourth  Tuesday  of  the  month  at  Anzac  Street,  Tuggerah  at  7.30  pm.  Convenor:  Alan  Morris  4334  2776

Annual  membership  fee:Single  adult  $35.00
Family  $40.00
Junior  (under  18  years)  $15.00  Fees   are   due   on   1   October.   Membership  includes  subscription  to  the  Newsletter  and  the  Club’s  Annual  Bird  Report.

Email  for  Club  Activities:
activities@birdingnsw.org.au

Newsletter  contributions:
Email  articles,  trip  reports  etc  to  newsletter@birdingnsw.org.au

JUNE  Newsletter  Deadline:
24  April  2014
Newsletter  advertising  rates,  and  bookings  contact  Rae  Lister:  Email:  newsletter@birdingnsw.org.au

CLUB  COMMITTEE  PRESIDENT:    Dr  Tom  Karplus  9816  2285  VICE-­PRESIDENT:    Judith  Nancarrow
9958  1891

SECRETARY:  Vacant

TREASURER:      Leigh  Hall9449  8370

PUBLIC  OFFICER:      Dick  Dallimore  9953  7562

MEMBERS  SECRETARY:    Adrian  Nieuwenhuizen  8920  2935

NEWSLETTER  EDITOR:    Rae  Lister9982  1924

ACTIVITIES  OFFICER:    Allan  Richards  9660  8062  SPEAKERS  COORDINATOR:   Graham  Walters    9534  3039
RECORDS  OFFICER:      Alan  K.  Morris  4334  2776

CONSERVATION  SUBCOMMITTEE:      Judith  Nancarrow
Chair  9958  1891
Barry  &  Carlotta  Payne
Carol  Bye

PUBLICITY  OFFICER:  VacantWEBSITE  COORDINATOR:    Peter  Diegutis
04  0535  4450

CLUB  EMAIL  MANAGER:  Marlene  Henderson

CLUB  OFFICERS
BIRDING  BULLETIN:    Keith  Morris  &Elisabeth  Karplus

SALES  TABLE,  STOCK  &  ASSETS:

Coleen  Southall

RHERP  PROGRAM:  Douglas  Bateman

NAME  TAGS  &    HAT/LAPEL  BADGES:

Norma  Ikin

Visit  Birdline  NSW  online:
www.eremaea.com
This  site  is  for  the  reporting  of  rare  or  unusual  birds  outside  their  normal  range,  unusually  high  or  low  numbers,  early  or  late  arrivals  or  departures  for  migrant  species  and  interesting  behaviour  or  unusual  habitat  usage.
  Visit  Eremaea  eBird  online:
ebird.org/content/Australia
This  site  is  for  keeping  your  personal  bird  records  and  in  doing  so  contribute  to  the  world’s  largest  bird  atlassing  project.