Page 1

Birding NSW Newsletter

birding Newsletternsw
NSW Field Ornithologists Club Inc
Issue 269

June 2015

President’s Report
In the last report, I mentioned that the Australia Day longweekend campout was marred by the “odd shower”. The
Easter long weekend campout was characterised by rain, withthe odd bright patch, although the weather improved as theweekend progressed. Most of us got our tents up and down
without rain. We were very fortunate to have the use of a hallby the camp, which had electricity, a working fridge and two
flush toilets, and was above all dry! Thanks to Max Harrisand Lori Warren for leading this campout, and for giving us
access to some private properties with good birds. A report ofthis activity is in the current issue of the newsletter.
The other Birding NSW activity over Easter was the Outback
Track Tour trip led by Judy Harrington to Cabramurra (abreezy location south of Tumut). This went very well, with91 species being recorded for the weekend.
The next campout will be at Spring Forest near Cowra over
the June long weekend. This is always rewarding from thebirding point of view, although slightly chilly at night.
The Grenfell IBA survey weekend went very well. We had
29 surveyors and 7 teams. We covered 29 sites, of which
12 were on private properties. Most teams saw groups ofSuperb Parrots. One hundred and thirty-eight species havebeen recorded since the surveys started in 2011. A
report of the survey is also included in this issue ofthe newsletter.

A summary of Ian’s talk is also on the club website.
The NSW Bird Atlassers grew out of the first RAOU Atlas
program, which ran from 1977 to 1981. At the time, this wasconceived as a one-off event. Dick Cooper (as the regionalorganiser for this Atlas for eastern NSW) was approached
to continue the Atlas project in New South Wales, and heaccepted the challenge. Since then, six million records ofbird observations of over 535 species have been recorded ina systematic way covering New South Wales and the ACT.
Ted Nixon, our new Conservation Chair, attended the April
BIGnet meeting which was hosted by the Blue Mountains
Bird Observers in the Megalong Valley. He said that there
was valuable dialogue between conservation officers at thismeeting.
I note that Golo Maurer has been appointed as part-time
national co-ordinator of IBA activities, a position funded
by BirdLife Australia. The co-ordination of NSW IBA
reporting activity continues, led by Elisabeth Karplus andTony Dymond, Vice-President of the Cumberland Bird
Observers Club.
Tom Karplus
President, Birding NSW

Michael Edwards, who co-ordinates our bird
database activity, has agreed to record theGrenfell survey records into a database, which
will complement our existing database of theCentennial Park surveys.
Laura Rayner was our March speaker. She gavea very interesting talk about her PhD thesis on
the value of long-term data collection, using
information from the Canberra Ornithologists
Group database. A summary of her talk is now on
the club website.
In April, Ian McAllan spoke to us about the history
of Volume 1, An Atlas of the Birds of NSW and
the ACT, a database of bird sightings since 1981.
PRINT
APPROVED
PP100001080
There will be
twoPOST
more
volumespublished in time.

Is this a World First? Three species ofOystercatcher in the one shot!!! See page 17

Page 2

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 andthat includes most in the Sydney and Central Coast Regions. The pass must be displayed on your vehicle at all times while you arein 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 timesof 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.
PETS
Members are reminded that pets including dogs are not allowed on any Club activity including campouts.

HEALTH AND SAFETY
When attending field outings ensure you are wearing appropriate clothing, including wet weather gear in inclement weather, andsuitable footwear. It is advisable to bring a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent and to carry water.
Please sign the attendance register at field outings and also at the meetings.
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
assessing whether they have a level of fitness required for the advertised outing. If in doubt contact the outing leader beforehand.

JUNE
Tuesday 2 June Club Meeting: The Mitchell Theatre,
Level 1, The Sydney Mechanics’ School of Arts, 280 Pitt
Street, Sydney at 7.30 pm, “Birding Downunder SubAntarctic Islands of New Zealand and Macquarie Island- 2014”. Speaker: Trevor Waller.
Saturday 6 June Club Outing: Warriewood Wetlands.
Meet at 9.00 am in the picnic area at the corner of Katoa
Close and Garden Street, Warriewood. Easy walking alonglevel trails and boardwalks. Lunch at cars. Leader: Russell
Beardmore 9400 9782; mobile 0404 023 223.
Long Weekend Campout 6-8 June: Private property,“Spring Forest” near Cowra. Immediately after crossing thebridge over the Lachlan River at Cowra, take the first left-handturn to Boorowa. After travelling 21.9 kms towards Boorowa,
turn right into a sealed road signposted to Koorawatha. After
2.8 kms take the right-turn into Sutherland Road. After about
100 metres, you cross a small bridge. Veer to the right (do nottake the road to the left) and the gate to the campsite will be on
your left between 1 and 2 kms from the bridge. Go through thegate and the campsite will be next to the trees on the opposite

side of the cleared paddock. Take care if wet, there may beboggy patches. Please note that the gate to the campsite islocked and access will not be available until Friday afternoon
6 June. Bring everything that you need including water andgarbage bags. Motels and other accommodation are available
in Cowra about 27 kms from the campsite. Leader: Allan
Richards 9660 8062; mobile 0432 064 660.
Wednesday 10 June Central Coast Half-day Outing:South Tacoma, Central Coast Wetlands and Tuggerah. Meetat 8.30 am at McPherson Road Swamp, Gavenlock Road,
Tuggerah. Lunch at cars. Leader: Alan Morris 0418 269 482.
Saturday 13 June Club Outing: Forest Trail, Royal
National Park. Meet at 9.00 am at the carpark at the southern(Waterfall) end of Lady Carrington Drive. Carry morningtea; late lunch at cars. NB: park entry fee is applicable.
Leader: Allan Richards 9660 8062; mobile 0432 064 660.
Tuesday 23 June Central Coast Meeting: Meet in
the Progress Hall in Anzac Street, Tuggerah opposite
McDonalds at 7.30 pm, “Namibia, Okavango and Kruger
NP”. Speaker: Michael Scobie.

Page 3

Birding NSW Newsletter
Wednesday 24 June - Wattle Forest. Royal National Park,
Audley. Meet at 9.00 am at the Wattle Forest Picnic Area
near Audley. Turn into Lady Carrington Drive at Audley,then right over the timber bridge on the western side of
the river. Turn left and meet at the last Car Park. Second
meeting time at 10.00 am at Wattle Forest Picnic Area.
Lunch at cars. Gradient: Easy with bush tracks. Leader:
Judy Clark 0413 550 899.
Saturday 27 June Central Coast Outing: Kincumba
Mountain and Katandra. Meet at 8.30 am at Kincumba
Mountain Reserve Carpark, Kincumba. Leader: Doug
Hocking 4369 2770.

JULY
Tuesday 7 July Club Meeting: The Mitchell Theatre,
Level 1, The Sydney Mechanics’ School of Arts, 280 Pitt
Street, Sydney at 7.30 pm. “Bird Watching in Myanmar”.
Speaker: Allan Richards.
Wednesday 8 July Central Coast Half-day Outing:
Coastal Lagoons near Wamberal-Cochrone. Meet at 8.30
am at Remembrance Drive, Wamberal. Lunch at cars.
Leader: Michael Scobie 4382 4460.

Tuesday 4 August Club Meeting: The Mitchell Theatre,
Level 1, The Sydney Mechanics’ School of Arts, 280 Pitt
Street, Sydney at 7.30 pm. “Birding safari in East Africa”.
Speaker: Mike Kuhl.
Saturday 8 August Club Outing: Shanes Park area. Meetat 8.30 am in the car park in Peter van Hasselt Park off
Resolution Avenue, Willmot. A vast array of birdlife canbe found in the remnants of bushland in this area. Lunch atcars. Leaders: Mark Fuller 9832 2183 or mobile 0424 440
140 and Edwin Vella mobile 0402 067 619.
Wednesday 12 August Central Coast Half-day Outing:
Dubbo Gully. Meet at 8.30 am at the corner of Waratah
Road and Wisemans Ferry Road, Mangrove Mountain.
Leader: Margaret Pointer 4374 1163.
Saturday 15 August Club Outing: Chiltern Track, Kuring-gai Chase National Park, Ingleside. Meet at 9.00 am at
the end of Chiltern Road, off Mona Vale Road, Ingleside.
Lunch at cars. Gradient: Easy walking along bush tracks.
Leader: Coleen Southall: 9982 5453; 0410 549 321.
Tuesday 25 August Central Coast Meeting: Meet in the
Progress Hall in Anzac Street, Tuggerah opposite McDonalds
at 7.30 pm, “Costa Rica Birding”. Speaker: Alan Rogers.

Saturday 11 July Club Outing: Scheyville area. Meetat 9.00 am at the corner of Pitt Town Dural Road andWhitmore Road, Scheyville. Easy walking along trails.
Lunch at cars. Leader: Elisabeth Karplus 9816 2285;
mobile 0421 665 553.

Saturday 29 August Central Coast Outing:
Quorrobolong. Meet at 8.30 am at the Shell Service Station,
Freemans Drive, Freemans Waterhole, take the Cessnock
exit of the M1 when coming from Sydney. Leader: Alan
Morris 4334 2776; mobile 0418 269 482.

Saturday 18 July Club Outing: Royal National Park.
Meet at 9.00 am in the southern-most (top) car park at
Wattamolla in the Royal National Park. Please take care
not to leave anything of value in view in your vehicle.
Lunch at cars: Leader: Allan Richards 9660 8062; mobile
0432 064 660.

Sunday 30 August Nestlings (5 to 12 years) Outing:
Bicentennial Park in Sydney Olympic Park 9-11am. Meetat 9am in the car park at the Waterview Convention Centre
in Bicentennial Park. Bring morning snack, drink, hat andsunscreen. Contact Wendy Cope email nestlings@cboc.
org.au or 0408 460 200.

Tuesday 28 July Central Coast Meeting: Meet in
the Progress Hall in Anzac Street, Tuggerah opposite
McDonalds at 7.30 pm, “Sub-Antarctic Islands of Australia
and New Zealand’’. Speaker: Trevor Waller.
Wednesday 29 July Mid-week Outing: Chiltern Track,Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, Ingleside. Meet at 9.00
am at the end of Chiltern Road, off Mona Vale Road,
Ingleside. Second meeting time at 10.00 a.m. at the end of
Chiltern Road, off Mona Vale Road, Ingleside. Lunch atcars. Gradient : Easy walking along bush tracks. Leader:
Coleen Southall: 9982 5453; mobile 0410 549 321.

AUGUST
Saturday 1 August Central Coast Outing: Strickland
State Forest. Meet at 8.30 am at Upper Picnic Area,
Strickland State Forest, Mangrove Road, Narara. Lunch atcars. Leader: Andrew Melville 4328 1005.

New Members

A warm welcome is extended to thefollowing new members:
Stephen Ambrose

Ryde

Annie Burns

Davidson

Gerald Casimatis

Sylvania

Claudia Chambers

CoogeeDilini De Soyza andBahnu LokubalasuriyaHornsbyIan Jones

Croydon

Tatiana Kalishenko and Rodrigo Sobarzo

Ryde

Patrice Newell

Gundy

Page 4

Birding NSW Newsletter

IBAs IN DANGER
The state of Australia’s Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas
Summary (with permission) by Elisabeth Karplus of the report by Samantha Vine and Guy Dutson
for BirdLife Australia, which was presented at the World Parks Congress in Sydney in 2014.

•

Globally threatened species: a threshold number of one ormore globally threatened species is/are present.

•

Congregatory species: more than 1% of the world’s populationof a congregational species (usually waterbirds) is present.

“In Danger”. Another 157 of Australia’s IBAs are rated as under“High Threat”. Of the 14 IBAs rated as “Very High” or “In Danger” in 2014, only one (Norfolk Island) was at such a high threat
level in 2008 with the other 13 considered at “Medium Threat”(12) or “Low Threat” (1). Among the specific threats to these
14 IBAs are inappropriate fire regimens (9 IBAs), agriculture (2IBAs), inadequate water (1 IBA), invasive alien species (1 IBA)
and development (1 IBA). Four of the five IBAs, rated as “In Danger” and discussed below, include national parks.

•

Endemic species: the IBAs include sites for restricted-range
species with global ranges of < 50,000 km2.

Threat:IBA:

Synopsis
BirdLife Australia has identified 314 Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBAs) in Australia. The designation of an IBA is basedon one or more of three criteria:

BirdLife International developed a method to score the threats to
IBAs as well as the condition of IBAs and the conservation actionsin IBAs. Each threat such as fire, agriculture and development arescored on a scale of 0-3 each for timing (whether threat is occurring now or in the future), scope (area of IBA involved) and severity (rapidity of deterioration). The sum of these scores is used tocategorise the worst threat for each IBA as Low (0-2), Medium(3-5), High (6-7) or Very High (8-9).
BirdLife Australia has designated 14 IBAs in Australia as under athreat level of “Very High”. BirdLife International invited its partners to nominate up to five IBAs considered to be at the highest
risk of losing their key biodiversity assets. Information on these
IBAs “In Danger” were presented at the World Parks Congress in
Sydney in November 2014. I have summarised information about
these IBAs below.
Introduction
BirdLife International has designated over 12,000 sites worldwide
as Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBAs). Fewer than 40%of these sites are formally protected and monitoring has revealed
that even in protected areas like national parks, birds are in danger. BirdLife International has now launched the IBAs in danger
campaign to identify IBAs at severe risk. BirdLife Australia has
identified 14 of the 314 Australian IBAs to be under a threat level
rated as “Very High”. Of these, five IBAs have been designated as

Invasive alien species
Norfolk Island (Norfolk Island Green Parrot)

The Critically Endangered Norfolk Island Green Parrot is threatened by competition for nest sites from the introduced Crimson
Rosella and by predation by cats and rats. By the 1980s only four
breeding pairs remained on Norfolk Island. Restoration of nest
sites and control of predators allowed the population to increase
to about 160 individuals by 2001 so the bird’s conservation status was downgraded from Critically Endangered to Endangered.
However monitoring of the population ceased and a study in 2013
found only 11 breeding-aged females. Once again with improved
monitoring and the installation of predator-resistant nest sites, parrot numbers are increasing but ongoing resources for monitoringand management are required to maintain control of the threats.
BirdLife Australia is calling on the Australian Government to implement priority actions to recover the Norfolk Island Green Parrot including establishing a separate population of these birds on
a predator-free Phillip Island, which is part of the Norfolk Island
National Park.
Threat:
IBAs:

Inappropriate fire regimens
Murray-Sunset, Hattah and Annuello IBA (Mallee
Emuwren)
Boodjamulla IBA (Carpentarian Grasswren)
Two IBAs are “In Danger” because of inappropriate fire regimens.
The Mallee areas of south-eastern Australia provide habitat for anumber of globally threatened birds including Malleefowl, Blackeared Miner, Mallee Emuwren, Red-lored Whistler and the eastern

TWO REMINDERS

Dear Birding NSW Members

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED PLEASE!

I am the volunteer Volunteer Co-Ordinator at the Discovery Centre in
Newington Armory, Sydney Olympic Park.

The next Important Bird Area (IBA) Survey
weekend around Grenfell will be held on
September 25-27 2015. If you would like totake part in the survey or hear more about it,
please contact Elisabeth Karplus emhodson@
exemail.com.au or Allan Richards Activities@
birdingnsw.org.au
The next Regent Honeyeater Recovery
Programme bird survey weekend organised byBirding NSW will be held on October 2-5 2015.
If you would like to take part in this survey,
please contact Elisabeth Karplus as above.
More information on both these activities will
be in the August edition of the Newsletter.

I would be grateful if you would mention in your next newsletter that weare always looking for more volunteers at the Centre. We are open on theweekends, 10.00 am till 4.00 pm. The last Sunday of the month we have afree guided bird walk that starts at the Visitors Information building (next to thebicycle hire building) opposite the river in Jamieson Street.
I look forward to hearing from you.
My contact number is 4739 1839 if anyone would like to talk to me regarding
volunteering.
Kind regards,
Debbie Harris
I have spent days at the BADC on weekends and it can be very rewarding. As
well as visitors, there is splendid viewing of the White-bellied Sea-Eagles on
EagleCam from May to October, and the library is excellent. Editor.

Page 5

Birding NSW Newsletter
subspecies of Western Whipbird and Regent Parrot. These species
depend on Mallee that has not been burnt for at least 15 years.
Mallee Emuwrens are now confined to the Murray-Sunset, Hattah
and Annuello IBA in Victoria following very extensive wildfiresin Ngarkat and Billiatt Conservation Parks in South Australia. Following the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires in Victoria, the state
government adopted a policy of burning 5% of public land annually. This policy risks the extinction of the Mallee Emuwren if
unburnt Mallee is arbitrarily burnt to achieve the 5% target.
The Carpentarian Grasswren is restricted to spinifex grassland,
which has not been burnt for at least four years. Only three remaining populations are known in the Wollogorang, Boodjamulla
and Buckley River IBAs. Following large fires in 2011 and 2012,
the area of suitable habitat has fallen from a nine year averageof 79% to 39% and no grasswrens were identified in Boodjamulla IBA. BirdLife Australia is advocating with the Victorian andQueensland Governments to move towards more sustainable burning practices such as smaller early dry season burning when fires
are less intense to leave unburned patches where birds can takerefuge and repopulate after fire. BirdLife Australia is also callingon the Australian Government to have “Fires regimens that cause
biodiversity decline” listed as a Key Threatening Process under
the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act.
Threat:
IBA:

Unsustainable agricultural practices
Patho Plains and Riverina Plains IBAs
(Plains-wanderer)
The Plains-wanderer in the Patho Plains and Riverina Plains IBAs
is threatened by current agricultural practices. Replacement of
native grasslands with introduced pasture or crops has destroyed
much Plains-wanderer habitat. For example over 20,000 hectaresof native grassland was replaced by cereal crops in the Riverina
between 1998 and 2001. In addition recently high rainfall has
increased the density of grassland habitat and Plains-wanderer
numbers have dropped dramatically indicating that to maintainsuitable habitat, light grazing is required in low rainfall periods
with more grazing required in high rainfall periods. Land managers on private land need incentives while those in national parks

need resources to control grazing to maintain suitable habitat for
Plains-wanderers. BirdLife Australia is advocating with state governments to provide staff to assist local land managers to manage
habitat for Plains-wanderers.
Threat: Industrial Development
IBA
Lower Hunter Valley IBA (Regent Honeyeater)
The Lower Hunter Valley IBA is “In Danger” because important
habitat for the Regent Honeyeater in the Tomalpin Woodlands
has been zoned for industrial development as part of the Hunter
Economic Zone. While Regent Honeyeaters occur in other IBAs,
these woodlands have recently been the most important breedingareas for this bird. In 2007-08, young birds fledged from about 20
nests in this area. The Lower Hunter Valley IBA is also a significant site for the endangered Swift Parrot and it supports breeding
populations of several threatened woodland birds. BirdLife Australia is calling on the NSW Government to gazette this area as aprotected area.
Good news stories
Macquarie Island IBA was declared free of rabbits, rats and micein April 2014 and there is now recovery of vegetation and increasing numbers of breeding pairs of Grey Petrels, Blue Petrels andSoft-plumaged Petrels. Management strategies (fencing, monitoring of nests, temporary beach signage and pest and animal control)
to reduce the impact of recreational activities in IBAs designatedfor the Hooded Plovers and Fairy Terns have been effective in allowing these species to breed.
Response to the Report

Speaker: Allan Richards

I am grateful to Samantha Vine for providing information about the
response to this report. The Australian Government has announced$300,000 worth of funding for rat control on Norfolk Island and has
committed $100,000 to do preparatory work to establish an insurance population of Mallee Emuwrens. In Queensland, the Threatened Species Staff have prepared a nomination for the Carpentarian
Grasswren to increase its threat level under state legislation while
Samantha Vine is preparing the nomination under the EPBC Act.
Meanwhile Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service are burning
small parts of Boodjamulla to protect any grasswrens there. BirdLife Australia is working with the Victorian and South Australian
governments to address priorities in the existing Mallee Threatened
Bird Conservation Action Plan. Mick Roderick is raising awarenessof the importance of the Lower Hunter IBA to local communities
while BirdLife Australia’s CEO, Paul Sullivan, is meeting with Federal and State Ministers and Senior Government officials to push
the findings and recommendations of the “IBAs in Danger Report”.

Club Meeting Tuesday 7th July

Conclusions

BIRDWATCHING IN
MYANMARIn February 2013, eight members of our club
travelled to Myanmar for a 12 day bird watching tour.
The tour was organised through Thiri Htin Hla ofWildbird Adventures Travel and Tours and we wereguided by Gideon, a senior guide with the company.
We visited areas around Yangon, Bagan, Mt Victoria,
Heho, Lake Inle, Kalaw and Yay Aye Kan Reservoir.
We heard or saw over 300 species of birds but wealso enjoyed the scenery and some great food. The
talk will include photos of historic buildings, sceneryand people as well as some of the birds that we saw.

Monitoring of birds in IBAs is essential if we are to learn whether
IBAs are being adequately managed. The IBAs were identified
as “In Danger” because of the monitoring of these sites by localgroups. Many IBAs in Australia do not yet have systematic monitoring in place so we do not know whether they are in danger. Representatives of Birding NSW, Cumberland Bird Observers Cluband BirdLife Southern NSW are gathering information on the current status of the 45 IBAs in NSW from land managers and local
bird groups. Meanwhile Birding NSW will continue to monitor
the Grenfell area in the South West Slopes IBA as our contribution
to the IBA process.
For more information and to see the Report discussed in this article, go to http://birdlife.org.au/ibas-in-danger.

Page 6

Birding NSW Newsletter

VALE TREVOR QUESTED
12th November 1948 - 11th February 2015
Trevor packed a lot of living into his 66 years. A boy fromthe Western Suburbs of Sydney, he initially had an interestin botany which quickly developed into an intense interestin birds after a trip to the Macquarie Marshes in 1976. He
extended this interest by coming to Coonabarabran thenext year to attend the Warrumbungle Spring Walkabout,especially the Birding and Wildlflower Sessions , andthat is where Alan Morris first met him, as he was leading
the bird walks. Trevor had a passion about seeing birds,
photographing birds and using the latest technology torecord his sightings and photographs.
Everybody was captivated by Trevor’s infectious
enthusiasm. Every bird, no matter how common had a
special beauty to him. It was impossible not to be carriedalong. This enthusiasm made him a natural for leading
bird outings so he was always in demand as a leader andhe willingly undertook such activities. He described his
camper trailer that enabled him to spend time in the bushin relative comfort, as “heaven on a stick”.
Trevor was a very active member of both Birding NSW
and the Cumberland Bird Observers Club (CBOC),
leading numerous field trips and giving fascinatingpresentations of his trips, accompanied of course, by
his stunning photographs. Allan Benson met him at
the CBOC and thus began a long friendship between
Trevor, Alan and Allan, which continued to the end. In
recent times we have both stayed with Trevor and hehas taken us birding around Bundaberg.
There was a memorable pelagic off Wollongong in July
1999 where both Soft-plumaged Petrel and Southern
Fulmar were seen. The Southern Fulmar was seen justoff shore and Trevor danced around in delight trying toring Tony Palliser on his mobile. Tony was on a Sydney
pelagic and had never seen the Southern Fulmar. “Thisis what birding is about- seeing a new bird and giving it
to your mates” said Trevor.
Trevor ran a successful plumbing business in Sydney
and it seemed he used the profits to fund his birding trips.
Over the years he travelled to 24 countries including
India, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Ecuador, USA, Canada andTurkey. He amassed a lifetime list of 4069 species
which is roughly half the bird species in world, indeed
a remarkable achievement by anybody’s standards
After moving to Bundaberg in 2006, he was elected
President of the Bundaberg branch of the BOCA in 2007
where he continued to make a significant contribution

Trevor Quested receiving a BirdLife Australia BOCA DistinguishedService Award. Photo: Bill Moorhead

to the local birding community being editor of thelocal newsletter and leading outings and camp-outs. In
recognition of leadership, initiative and management in
the field of bird watching and conservation of birdlife
over a period of 37 years, Trevor was awarded the Bird
Observation Conservation Australia DistinguishedService Award by BirdLife Australia in 2012.
Trevor was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease inlate 2011. Initially, he was not expected to live beyond
Christmas 2012 but he battled on courageously and withgreat humour with considerable assistance from his
wife, Annie. Despite his travails, he continued to gain
enormous pleasure from sitting on his back verandah,
watching and listening to the comings and goings of thevarious bird species like Bush Stone-curlews and Pied
Butcherbirds, in his back yard.
Trevor will be remembered very fondly and greatly
missed by all who had the honour and privilege ofknowing him.
The birding community sends its sincere condolences
to his wife Annie and his daughters Narelle and Jenny
and their families. Trevor’s photographic skills live on
through his daughters’ excellent expertise in this area.
Allan Benson and Alan MorrisPage 7

Birding NSW Newsletter

VOLUNTEERS OF ALL AGES CAME TO CAPERTEEVALLEY TO PLANT OVER 3800 TREES“It’s fun, it helps birds, and it’s better than sitting at home watching TV!” said Noah, 9Words and photos by Madeleine Murray
The first weekend in May! It was that time of year again,
when about 100 volunteers come to the Capertee Valley andplant over 3000 trees to help save the Regent Honeyeater.
Or so they hope.
A lot of work goes into this project, a labour of love to try
to save the endangered Regent Honeyeater, whose habitat
has been destroyed by years of clearing in the valley. Oncethese spectacular black-and-yellow birds used to darken thesky in the thousands as they flew over. Now there are only
about 500.
Work begins months before the bi-annual plantings. Forester
Dick Turner from Lapstone visits the valley often, meets
locals who want trees planted on their land, and chooses asite. He checks out the soil, and designs the mix of trees forthe planting. About a month before, a tractor goes throughand rips the soil in neat rows.
Turner and some locals gather seeds from around the chosensite. The Lithgow Community Nursery, and valley couple
Kerry Cooke and Dominique della Libera grow the seedlings
for about six months. When they are ready to be planted,
volunteers from the Land Rovers Owners Club collect themin trailers and bring them to the site, along with stakes andguards.
The Capertee Valley Regent Honeyeater Recovery Projectis funded by the Federal Government, through the Central
Tablelands Local Land Services. Volunteers have planted over
11,500 trees in the valley since the project started in 1993.
On Friday, 1 May, volunteers including two teachers and 15
students from Greystanes High School in Western Sydneylaid out the plants about five metres apart and at 8am on
Saturday morning, despite intermittent rain and ominous but

Forester and planting designer Dick Turner and Kate Horsburgh, Bird
Keeper at Taronga Zoo

picturesque dark clouds, dozens of volunteers arrived, readyfor a hard day’s work.
This year, there were only 61 volunteers (besides Taronga
Zoo), and some of them were either a bit old or a bit young
for the task of planting and watering 3810 trees in a day.
Luckily at 7am in Sydney, 38 staff and youth volunteers
from Taronga Zoo were boarding their bus for the fourhour ride to the valley. Dedicated zoo staff and enthusiastic
teenage volunteers called YATZ (Youth at the Zoo) havebeen coming to these plantings since 2011 – a welcome
injection of young, fit workers.
The site was an area along Glen Alice Road, sloping gently
down to the river, and the soil was lovely soft loam. A
welcome change from some years where the soil has been
heavy clay studded with rocks, and the fields full ofburrs and Cobblers’ Pegs.
As usual, Turner had chosen the trees based onwhat once grew on the site, before it was cleared for
cattle. There was Yellow Box, Mugga Ironbark – themost nectar-producing tree – Blakely’s Red Gum,
Hill-oak – loved by Glossy Black-Cockatoos, plus
an assortment of wattles and other shrubs for theunderstorey.
Two enthusiastic children were busily banging away
at clods of earth with little trowels.
“We’re trying to plant some trees,” said Ophelie
Bellerose, 6.

Tim Sturt from the LROC drives between the rows while two volunteers run
behind the truck watering the plants“We need a bigger shovel,” Harvey Read, 4,interjected. “I like coming here because I get to plant.

Page 8I’ve never planted in a long time. That’s it! And I’m four!”Beside them, Noah Bellerose, 9, was making a bit moreprogress with a triangular-shaped tool.
“It’s my second time,” he said. “I’m putting a plant in the
ground. It’s fun, it helps birds, and it’s better than sitting at
home watching TV!”
Around 11, the Taronga Zoo group arrived in the bus – awelcome sight – and immediately set to work digging andplanting. Taronga Zoo has a deep commitment to the Regent
Honeyeater: the Bird Department, headed by Michael
Shiels, runs a successful captive breeding program. As
the global human population grows and habitats dwindle,
many animals are being driven to extinction. In response,zoos around the world are breeding animals in captivity.
Taronga Zoo has 18 captive breeding programs, ranging
from Corroboree Frogs to Asian Elephants.
Last month, the Bird Department and some lucky Zoovolunteers, brought 77 Regent Honeyeaters to the Mount
Pilot National Park near Chiltern in northern Victoria,
and released them. This must have been a very moving
experience for everyone, including the staff who havebred these birds in special aviaries filled with everything abreeding bird might want, even hand-gathered spider webs.
Kate Horsburgh, Bird Keeper, said,“It’s really amazing to have two years’ worth of work in yourheart, going out into the forest and watching these birds flyout. And they flew straight up from the tents into the trees.
I get to see it from start to finish. They call and they court,
the female goes down to nest, I get to see the chicks fledge,
then grow up and get released. The aviaries have flowering
trees, but the staff supplements their diet with live insects. I
bring in mealworms, tubs full of live crickets, maggots, fly
pupae,” said Horsburgh. “It’s just delightful the things I getto handle sometimes! The parents are very good, extremely
attentive. One older, breeding male used to be able to carry
six mealworms. He would lay them flat across his beak, flythem back to the nest and pop them in the chick’s mouth.”Tamara Williams, a YATZ mentor, went to the Regent
Honeyeater release in 2013:“We were one of the first groups of YATZ – going down
there to release the birds, teaching the local schools about
conservation efforts they can do in their own backyard. It
was such a rewarding, life-changing experience. Ever sincethen, my passion for birds has grown and grown.”
Ryan Adamson, 15, has been to every Honeyeater releaseand every tree planting since the zoo started attending.
“It’s actually rather impressive when you think about it
because I think I’m the only one that has, which is awesome,”
he said enthusiastically. “I love being able to do what I want
to do when I’m older, like conservation work. I want to be
an Australian Mammal Conservator, doing stuff in Australia
and maybe overseas as well if I get the opportunity. I’mhoping to do Cert II and III in captive animals at the zoo.”

Birding NSW Newsletter
As the day wore on, the rain came and went in soft bursts,
but no one really seemed to mind. Herb Myskle from
Rylstone filled up the 1000L tanks and 500L water-bladders
for the LROC vehicles, which then drove along between therows with a volunteer running along each side watering theplants. This is a crucial part of the process.
Besides doing the logistics, transporting the seedlings intrailers from nursery to site, the LROC also supplies walkietalkies, vehicles, drivers, trailers and water containers. Nine
LROC members with six vehicles came all the way from
Newcastle, Central Coast, and Sydney. The club has been
indispensable to the project for the past 20 years. These
people care about the environment, contrary to the popular
image of 4WDers tearing up sand dunes and crashing
through the bush in roaring convoys.
Tim Sturt, from LROC, took a short break from driving
one of the watering vehicles to explain his motivation for
coming: “I’m very interested in the environment. I do a
lot of environmental work through my job as a packaging
technologist. I design and develop packaging for foodindustries.
“I think regenerating the valley is a good cause. It’s anaturally beautiful area and it has been cleared of trees over
the years. And beyond all that, it’s good fun. We always
meet very interesting people.”
Uldis Clarson, infrastructure consultant, brought his partner
Arianna Cowling up for the weekend. Undaunted by therain, they had camped by the river which sounded bothadventurous and romantic.
“It’s a beautiful part of the world,” said Clarson, “and it’s
great to be part of making it more attractive and help restore
some landscape and habitat. It’s Arianna’s first time up here,
I just wanted to show her how beautiful it is.”Huw Evans of Blackheath brought his son Charlie, 3. Evans
works for Local Land Services, which has been helping
fund this project for a couple of years.
“I try and get here with the family and show the kids what I
do for a job,” Evans said.
Jadon Walsh, 16, is famous among YATZ for his deep bird
knowledge.
“I started about two years ago,” he said. “It’s a great hobby. I
learned mainly through going out in the field, bird watching,
and talking to lots of people. I’m pretty happy and positivethat something is getting done for the Regent Honeyeater –that there is still hope for them.”
On Sunday, the legendary Dick Turner led an excellent
outing to several private properties in the valley.
The next planting is August 14-15. There has been a rather
poor turn-out from Birding NSW for this very important
project, which is also a lot of fun. It’s a chance to spend timein the spectacular valley, and to meet bird lovers from allwalks of life, including the Taronga Zoo Regent Honeyeater
Captive Breeding team.

#

Birding NSW Newsletter

Birding NSW Observation records survey.

Page 924/03/2015

BIRDING
NSW
Birding
NSW OBSERVATION
Observation records survey.
24/03/2015
birdingThis
is a short questionnaire toBirding
establishhow
the membersof Birding
NSW record their 24/03/2015
NSW
Observation
records
survey.
nsw
RECORDSSURVEYobservations.
recorded observations
used
to assist
conservationof birdThis isUltimately,a short questionnaire
to establishcan
howbethemembers
ofinBirding
NSW record
theirThis is a shortquestionnairetoestablishhowthemembersofBirding
NSW
recordtheirhabitats.
observations. Ultimately, recorded observations can be used to assist in conservation of birdobservations.
Ultimately, recorded observations can be used to assist in conservation of bird
habitats.
It
would
be
useful
if you could enter your answers on this sheet and return it to the Conservation
habitats.
Officer, Birding
NSW,
PO BoxQ277,
Queen
Victoria
Building,onSYDNEY
NSW1230
It would be useful
if you
could
enter
your answers
this sheet
andreturn it to the Conservation
It would Officer,
be useful
if
you
could
enter
your
answers
on
this
sheet
and
returnit
the1230
Conservation
Birding NSW, PO Box Q277, Queen Victoria Building, SYDNEY to
NSWAlternatively,
scan
your
completedsurvey
and
email
it
to
Editor@birdingnsw.org.au.
The
Officer, Birding NSW, PO Box Q277, Queen Victoria Building, SYDNEY NSW 1230
Conservation
Officer isscan
awayyourfor acompleted
while. You
couldandalsoemailjust email
your responses in the text ofthe
Alternatively,
surveyit to Editor@birdingnsw.org.au.
The
Alternatively,
scan
your
completedsurvey
and
email
it
to
Editor@birdingnsw.org.au.
Theemail. Conservation Officer is away for a while. You could also just email your responses in the text of theConservation
email.Officer is away for a while. You could also just email your responses in the text of the1.
Do
you make or keep a record of the birds you see on any outing?
email.
Yes / No
(If NO thenfinished.
You orare welcome
send any comments
you wishyou
to make.)
1. youDohaveyoumakekeep atorecordof the birds
see on any outing?
1. Do you make or keep a record of the birds you see on any outing?
Yes / NoNO then you have finished. You are welcome to send any comments you wish to make.)If YES, do(Ifyou
recordYes/
No(If NO then you have finished. You are welcome to send any comments you wish to make.)If YES, do you record
a. dospecies
Y/N
If YES,
you recordb. abundance(count)Y/N Y/Na. species
a. thespeciesc.
behaviourof the(count)bird(s)Y/N Y/Nb. abundanceb. theabundanced.
habitatY/N Y/Nc. the(count)behaviour of the bird(s)c. evidence
the behaviourof the bird(s)e.
of breeding
Y/N Y/Nd. thehabitatd. the habitat
Y/N Y/Ne. evidence of breedinge. report
evidence
ofsightings?
breeding If NO, proceed to question 5; if YES, tick all that Yapply/N
2. Do you
your
2. TO
Do you report your sightings? If NO, proceed to question 5; if YES, tick all that apply
2. Do youyoursightings? If NO, proceed to question 5; if YES, tick all that apply
a. report
NSW Bird
Atlassers
TO
TO a. NSW
b. Eremaea(eBird)Bird Atlassers
a. birdata
NSWb.BirdEremaea
Atlassers(eBird)
c.
b. Cumberland
Eremaea(eBird)d.
Bird Observers Clubc. birdatac.
birdatae. another(please specify). . . . . . . . . Club.....................
d. Cumberland
Bird. Observers
d. Cumberland
Bird
ObserversClube. another (please specify) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
e.
another(please specify). .your. . . . sightings. . . . . . . . and. . . .observations?
.............
3. Do you use any softwareto record
Y/N
If No3.proceed
touse
Q5 any software to record your sightings and observations?
Do you
3. If
DoYes,
youdo
use
any
softwareY/N
use
a to toIfyou
NoproceedQ5record your sightings and observations?
If Noa.proceed
dedicated
softwareY/N
If Yes,todoQ5
you
use a package such as found in electronic field guides
If Yes,youa.usededicateda such as
b. dospreadsheet,
Excel package such as found in electronic field guides
Y/N
softwarea.
dedicated
softwarepackage
such
as
found
in
electronic
Y/N
field
guidesc. databasesuch as MSAccess,or Open Accessb. spreadsheet,such asdb
Excel
b. specialised
spreadsheet,such such
as
Excel
Y/N
d.
birding
databasesuch as Birding
Database?
c. databaseas MSAccess,db or Open
Accessc. databasesuch as MSAccess,db or Open
AccessY/Nd. specialised
birding databasesuch
as Birding Database?
d. specialised birding database such as Birding Database?
Y/N

Y/N

Y/N
Y/N
Y/N
Y/N

4. Would you be willing to enter data you have into a database nominated by the club by
yourself?
N club by
4. Would
you be willing to enter data you have into a database nominated Yby/the
4. or,
Wouldyou
be willingto enterdata youintoora databasenominated by the club
if someone
fromclub offeredto have
help you
do it for you?
Y / byN Y / N
yourself? theyourself or,? if someone from the club offered to help you or do it for you?
Y / N Y / Nor,ifsomeone
from
the
club
offered
to
help
you
or
do
it
for
you?
Y / wish.
N
5. Thank you for your time. You may add any comments here and over the page if you
5. Thank you for your time. You may add any comments here and over the page if you wish.
5. Thank you for your time. You may add any comments here and over the page if you wish.
Return completed questionnaires to Birding NSW, PO Box Q277, QVB. SYDNEY NSW 1230
Return completed questionnaires to Birding NSW, PO Box Q277, QVB. SYDNEY NSW 1230
Return completed questionnaires to Birding NSW, PO Box Q277, QVB. SYDNEY NSW 1230

Birding
NSWrecords
is interested
what thatrecordsof theirsightings.
The lastfortwo
keeping
simpleof theinbirds
we birdwatchers
see could be.keep
First,
in makingit possible
guest
speakers(LauraRayner
in
March
and
Ian
McAllanin
April)
made
it
clear
how
usefulresearch that traces decline or increase in bird populations (see Laura Rayner’s talk on
keepingbirds
simpleof thethat towecontributesee could be.
First,
in making itofpossible
woodlandin records
the ACT)
andbirds
secondto thecompilation
lasting forPage
10
Birding
NSW
researchthat
tracesdeclineorincreaseinbird
populations
(see
Laura
Rayner’s
on Newsletter
records. Our observations, when collected and collated can be invaluable for talkresearchandwoodland
birds
in
the
ACT)
and
secondtocontributetothecompilationoflasting
conservation
efforts.
BIRDINGNSW RECORDING AND REPORTING SIGHTINGS
records. Our observations, when collected and collated can be invaluable for research andconservation
efforts.
Birding
NSW is interested
in what records birdwatchers keep of their sightings. The last two guest speakers (Laura Rayner

Birding NSW does not have a clear picture of what records its members keep or what they doin March and Ian McAllan in April) made it clear how useful keeping simple records of the birds that we see could be. First,
with
them.
To help
furtherthisa clear
importantgroundwork
for conservation,pleasecompletein makingit possibleforresearchthat traces
declineor increase
bird populations(see Laura
Rayner’s
talkthey
on woodland
Birding
NSW
does
not have
pictureof whatinrecords
its members
keepor what
dothe
short
help
usthe
improve
datacollection
andbirdswithinsurvey
thethem.
ACT)overleaf.
andtowillcontributetocompilationof lasting
records.
Ourretention.
observations,collected
Tosecond
help Itfurther
this important
groundworkforconservation,please whencompletethe andcollated
cansurvey
be invaluable
for researchand conservation
short
overleaf.
It will help
us improveefforts.
data collection and retention.

The
surveywillnottakemorethanofawhat
minuteoritstwo
to complete.
Birding
NSW doeshavenoa clearpicturerecords
members
keep or what they do with them. To help further
this important
groundwork
complete
theto
short
survey overleaf. It will help us improve data
The survey
will takefornoconservation,
more thanpleasea minute
or twocomplete.
collection
andretention.
Full results and discussion of the survey will be published in the newsletter and on the

The survey
will
take
no discussion
morereturns
than a minuteor
twotowillcomplete.
Full results
andofare:
the55
surveybeand
publishedin the newsletterand on mostly
thewebsite.
Preliminary
members
one non-member
responded,withinwebsite.
Preliminary
returnsare:55
members
andone
non-member
responded,mostlywithinaFullday
or
two
of
the
emailednotice;ofthose45
recordspecies,
28
abundanceand28
evidence
results and discussion of the survey will be published in the newsletter and on the website. Preliminary returns are: 55
a dayandor onetwoofthe emailed
notice;ofthose
45a record
species,
28 abundance
2845evidence
members
responded,withinday
or twoof the emailed
notice; ofand
thoserecord species,
ofbreeding;
11non-member
recordhabitatand 9mostly
make
note
of behaviour;
28 abundance
and 28of breeding;
9 make note of behaviour;of breeding;
11evidence
record habitat
and11
9 record
make habitat
note ofand
behaviour;

25
25
20 20
15 15
10 10
5 5
0 0

Records
Recordsare
arelogged
loggedat
atNo.
No.Mbrs
Mbrs

Please join those who have already responded and complete the survey overleaf, clip it out or copy and mail it. The survey
is also posted on the website on the Conservation page. You do not need a password and your completed survey can be
Please
join
those
who
havealreadyalreadyresponded
responded andand complete
clipclip
it outor or
submitted
immediately.
Gotowww.birdingnsw.org.au
Please
join
those
who
have
completethe
thesurvey
surveyoverleaf,
overleaf,
it outcopy and mail it. The survey is also posted on the website on the Conservation page. You do
copy
and mail it. The survey is also posted on the website on the Conservation page. You donotneed
a password
andandyour completed
surveycansubmitted
immediately. Go toIfyou
areadoing
it with aandpenfeel free
to writecan
yourbecomments
here:
not needpassword
yourposting,completedsurveybesubmitted
immediately. Go towww.birdingnsw.org.au
www.birdingnsw.org.au
If you are doing it with a pen and posting, feel free to write your comments here:

If you are doing it with a pen and posting, feel free to write your comments here:

Page 11

Birding NSW Newsletter

BIRDING NSW’S IMPORTANT BIRD AND BIODIVERSITY
AREA SURVEY AROUND GRENFELL
28 March 2015
Elisabeth Karplus
Twenty-nine surveyors took part in theeighth bird survey around Grenfell today.
We welcomed three surveyors from
Grenfell. We were very pleased to havefour Cowra Woodland surveyors joinus. Several people were not able to takepart in the survey this March because of
the NSW election. I would like to thankPaul Johnstone, David Winterbottom, Jill
Molan, Coleen Southall, Richard Webber
and Russell Beardmore for leading survey
groups. This weekend we added six new
species to those birds listed for the survey
sites. David’s group saw a flock of 60
White-backed Swallows in Warraderry
State Forest. David has surveyed in
Warraderry for many years and he had not
Surveyors at Company Dam, Grenfell. Photograph courtesy of The Grenfell Record
recorded this species there before. There Surveyors at Company Dam, Grenfell. Photograph courtesy of The Grenfell Record
were also Tree Martins recorded in Warraderry. Jill’s group before. Diamond Firetails were seen on three survey sites
saw two immature White-bellied Sea-Eagles flying over during the survey time and on a fourth site but outside theWeddin State Forest. There were four Pink-eared Ducks survey time. Rainbow Lorikeets are spreading through theas well as 26 Plumed Whistling-Ducks at the Sewage Grenfell area and for the first time were observed on one
Treatment Works. We have now recorded 138 species of the survey sites (Abbot’s Lane). On the 29 survey sites
on the surveys, and important species in other areas. Of (12 on private properties), the number of species observed
our target birds, Superb Parrots were seen at six survey during surveys ranged from zero to 27. Richard’s groupsites and at five other places during the weekend. We saw found 27 species at Abbot’s Lane including nine Superb
14 Superb Parrots at the survey site on Heather Lamb’s Parrots and 150 Little Corellas. In Bimbi State Forest,
property. She had not seen Superb Parrots on her property Coleen’s group recorded 22 species at the dam site. This

Speckled Warbler. Photograph by Paul Johnstone

Inland Thornbill. Photograph by Paul JohnstonePage 12Birding NSW Newsletter

Crested Shrike-tit. Photograph by Jodi Webber

Chestnut-rumped Thornbill. Photograph by Jodi Webber

was an impressive improvement on previous surveys andis probably due to the removal of cattle from around thedam. Birds seen included 11 Southern Whitefaces, 15
Jacky Winters, seven Diamond Firetails and two Hooded
Robins. Of the declining woodland species, we saw Hooded
Robins at three sites, Speckled Warblers at three sites andGrey-crowned Babblers at five sites, but once again we did
not see any Brown Treecreepers. Jill’s group saw a single
Turquoise Parrot in Weddin State Forest.

previous evening – no luck! There were however large
numbers of Little Friarbirds and several Blue Bonnets
and Superb Parrots around. We thank Mikla and Wayne
for their hospitality. Finally on Sunday morning we went
birding at Company Dam. After a slow start, we founda spot with much bird activity and Richard recorded 32
species.

Twenty eight people dined on Friday evening at the
Railway Hotel – a good opportunity for people to meetothers in their survey groups. Once again Mikla andWayne hosted us at their home for a barbecue on Saturday
evening. Everyone got there early in the hope of seeing
the two Ground Cuckoo-shrikes which had flown over the

The next IBA survey (see Reminders on page 4) willtake place on 26 September 2015. We hope that ourexisting volunteers and new volunteers will take part in
the next survey. In particular we hope that more people
from Grenfell will join us on the surveys. Please contact
Allan Richards (activities@birdingnsw.org.au) or me(emhodson@exemail.com.au) if you are not already on ourcontact list and would like details of the next survey.

SCHEYVILLE NATIONAL PARK
14 February 2015
Trevor Waller
When we arrived at Scheyville National Park this morning
an amazing thing greeted us. The entry gates were closed
and locked. There were no signs to say the park wasclosed so we walked in. Along the way we found Noisy
Friarbird, Willie Wagtail and heard Weebill calling. When
we reached the offices of the park we saw Rainbow Beeeater flying around and perched on the wires overhead. A
Nankeen Kestrel was using the water tower as a perch, andRed-browed Finches were using the low bushes as cover.
Further along the track we had good views of a juvenile
Mistletoebird. By now the ranger had arrived and opened
the gates, so we drove up to the buildings for morning tea.
Our next location was Pitt Town Lagoon and thefabulous hide. On the way down to the hide we found a

female Eastern Koel in a tree, before it flew off. On the
lagoon we saw all the usual water birds to be found there,
including Royal and Yellow-billed Spoonbill, Pink-eared
Duck and Chestnut-breasted Mannikin. There was anadult White-bellied Sea-Eagle perched in a tree on oneof the islands in the lagoon, and a Whistling Kite sailed
over the hide.
We had lunch at Mitchell Park before going for a walk.
During lunch we were treated to a display from three
Wedge-tailed Eagles, and a Satin Bowerbird flew acrossthe bridge over the little creek. Along the track we saw
Olive-backed Oriole, Sacred Kingfisher and Crested
Shrike-tit. I enjoyed the day birding and I hope everyone
who attended did as well.

Birding NSW Newsletter

Page 13

CAMP-OUT AT ULLADULLA
13-15 March 2015
Leader: Alan Morris
The March Camp-out at Ulladulla proved to
be an outstanding success with 125 species
being seen by 31 participants. Althoughmostly residents from the Central Coast, we
also had nine people from Sydney, three fromthe Blue Mountains, two local residents andtwo (the Nicholsons) from Devon, UK. The
Ulladulla Headland Caravan Park turned out
to be an ideal place to hold a bird camp, in that
it is close to the business section of the town,
yet has its own bushland areas. It is close to
the sea-coast, has an ideal camp kitchen for
happy hours and meals, comfortable cabins
and interested caravan park managers.
The weather was kind to us and although astrong southerly change came through on the
Saturday evening bringing rain and a change Hooded Plover at Lake Conjola. Photo by M Scobieof plans for our outings on the Sunday, it alsobrought seabirds close to the shore so that we had great views eight Australian King-Parrots and a White-headed Pigeon.
Finally we moved off to the entrance of the lake where on theof albatross, shearwaters and jaegers along the sea-cliffs.
sandflats we counted 52 Red-capped and six Double-banded
During the camp, some of the members of the local Plovers, one Eastern Curlew, two Bar-tailed Godwits, four
Ulladulla-Milton Bird Club who helped in the planning Australian Pied Oystercatchers and 12+ Red-necked Stints,
stages, joined us on our outings, in particular Michael and on the ocean sandbar, an adult Hooded Plover with a
Jefferis led a Geological Walk on the Saturday morning, large chick, and a White-bellied Sea-Eagle. That afternoon
Bob Rusk assisted us to find birds at Burrill Lake on the we visited Narrawallee Inlet, where the waders were two
Friday and Warden Head on the Sunday, while Margaret Whimbrels and three Australian Pied Oystercatchers, andHarmon was our guide at Yatte Yattah NR and Meroo NP a Striated Heron and a Sacred Kingfisher were the otheron the Sunday. We really appreciated their skills, interest good birds. We then finished the day with a walk throughand support throughout the weekend and we give them a big the Garrad Reserve, further up in Narrawallee Inlet. The
thanks for their efforts.
best birds here were Scarlet and New Holland Honeyeaters,
The Headland Caravan Park as mentioned before, was a great a Shining Bronze-Cuckoo, Striated and Brown Thornbills,
birding site and we saw 35 species within the caravan park and some walkers that we met had seen Glossy Blackor from the site looking over the rock shelves and sea, and Cockatoos but we dipped on them! We finished the day withthese birds included Peregrine Falcon, Eastern Reef-Egret, 98 species and did our birdcall, and evening meals in the
Sooty Oystercatcher, White-throated Needletail, Leaden camp kitchen.
Flycatcher, Grey Goshawk and White-bellied Sea-Eagle.

Friday was a sunny day and we spent the morning at Lake
Conjola, first up at the western end near Murrays Road andFishermans Paradise and then later at the mouth of Lake
Conjola. With prior permission from the landowner, webirded along Murrays Road amongst the river flats meadowsand riparian vegetation along the creek where we saw Jacky
Winters, Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoo, White-necked
Heron, Australasian Pipits, Yellow-rumped Thornbills,
Yellow-faced and Lewin’s Honeyeaters, Grey Teal andGolden Whistlers. We had morning tea at the Fishermans
Paradise boat ramp, where we saw two Wedge-tailed
Eagles, Brown-headed Honeyeaters, Straw-necked Ibis,

Saturday morning found some of us heading for Burrill
Lake, while eight people, led by local and fossil expert
Mike Jefferis, went on the Geological Walk around theforeshore of Ulladullla Harbour, which is famous for its
fossils. The Geological walkers then rejoined the maingroup at Burrill Lake at morning tea. Meanwhile down
at Burrill Lake, in the foreshore reserve, east of the mainroad and south of the bridge, where we were joined by
local MUBC member Bob Rusk, there was much to see
including three Buff-banded Rails at the edges of thereeds, Royal Spoonbills, Little Egret, Chestnut and Grey
Teal, Australian King-Parrots, Australasian Figbirds,
Sooty Oystercatchers on the rocks, Eastern Spinebill, SatinPage 14
Bowerbirds and Grey Shrike-thrush. After morning tea
we headed south to Lake Tabourie estuary where another
Hooded Plover plus chick had been reported. We dippedon the Hooded Plovers but did see Eastern Great Egret,more Sooty Oystercatchers, Yellow-faced Honeyeaters,
Eastern Yellow Robin and other bush birds. Our last stop
for the morning was at Burrill Lake West where we saw
Australian Pied Oystercatchers, Black Swans, another
Eastern Great Egret and Crimson Rosellas.
Our afternoon outing was to Wilfords Lane Swamp, which issouth west of Milton and set in the rolling pasturelands of the
Milton area. This freshwater swamp had attracted 22 Blackwinged Stilts, two White-necked Herons, Black Swans, 80+
Grey Teal, Cattle, Eastern Great and Intermediate Egrets,
Australian Pelicans and a number of raptors including a
White-bellied Sea-Eagle, Nankeen Kestrel, Swamp Harrier
and we all great views of an Australian Hobby. From here
we visited the Milton Rainforest Reserve located behindthe High School, and even though it was mid-afternoon
when all the birds could be expected to be quiet, we did
manage to see Golden Whistlers, Silvereyes, Eastern Yellow
Robins and Lewin’s Honeyeaters. Our final stop was atthe Warden Head Lighthouse where we saw a flock of 38
Sooty Oystercatchers, two Shy Albatrosses, eight Blackbrowed Albatrosses and Eastern Reef-Egret and two Whitebellied Sea-Eagles. By the end of the day we had seen 108
species for the two days and we all enjoyed a night out at theUlladulla Bowling Club.
Sunday was overcast and windy, it had rained overnight
and there was a strong southerly blowing so it was decided
to start the morning with a short visit to Warden Head andhere we were well rewarded with Australasian Gannets,
Wedge-tailed and Short-tailed Shearwaters, 12+ Arctic

Birding NSW Newsletter
Jaegers, 2+ Pomerine Jaegers, more Black-browed, Shy
and Yellow-nosed Albatrosses while a Buller’s Albatross
was photographed by Carol Abbott. We checked out the
Wildflower Reserve in west Ulladulla but only added Whitethroated Treecreeper to our list in this basically Blackbutt
Forest site. We took morning tea in Mick Ryan Reservein Milton, and managed to see Common Blackbirds,
Galahs, Common Myna, Willie Wagtails and some of ourgroup saw House Sparrows (the only ones for the trip)
at a nearby bakery. Our final morning stop was the Yatte
Yattah Nature Reserve near Conjola, where we were led by
local Margaret Harmon. This is a delightful area of Forest
Redgum woodland with some rainforest, and here we saw
18 Topknot Pigeons, Brown Gerygones, Jacky Winter,
Olive-backed Oriole, Scarlet Honeyeater, Striated Thornbill
and Little Eagle, while Superb Lyrebirds were heard callingin the forest.
The afternoon saw us go down to Meroo National Park,
south of Ulladulla, where we walked into Meroo Lake.
This is an area of Spotted Gum forest and coastal scrubs
and dunes and here we saw Crescent, White-naped, Whitecheeked and Scarlet Honeyeaters, more White-bellied SeaEagles, a Rufous Whistler, White-browed and Large-billed
Scrubwrens, Striated and Brown Thornbills, another Blackbrowed Albatross and a number of cormorants. This finished
our trip and we returned as happy campers to the caravanpark for happy hour and a communal tea in the camp kitchen.
At the birdcall, we found that we had seen 125 species andwe all agreed that it was a great autumn camp. Our thanks
are extended to the local MUD Birdwatchers Margaret, Bob
and Mike who showed us around, Ken Tyquin who allowed
us access to his land, and to all our members who helped
make this a successful camp.

MID-WEEK OUTING TO SCHEYVILLE NATIONAL PARKAND PITT TOWN LAGOON
25 March 2015
Elisabeth Karplus
We met at the headquarters of Scheyville National Park.
Our walk before morning tea took us past the silo, wherealas there was no Eastern Barn Owl, and then throughthe woodland and back to the parking area. The Musk
Lorikeets, which I had seen during the recce five days
earlier, were absent from the trees beside the silo and I
could no longer see any blossom. In the open country there
were Golden-headed Cisticolas perched on the fence. In
the woodland we found a Crested Shrike-tit as well as
Yellow-faced and White-plumed Honeyeaters and Noisy
Friarbirds. An Eastern Yellow Robin, Yellow Thornbills
and Red-browed Finches were easily seen unlike a
Rufous Whistler. Carol found some Varied Sittellas but

the Speckled Warblers, I had seen feeding on the track on
the recce, were not seen again. We all had close views ofa Peaceful Dove as it fed in the grass. We had morning
tea near the parking area and watched several Rainbow
Bee-eaters hawking for insects. Interestingly these birds
were absent when we lunched later in the same place.
After morning tea we walked to the small dam and thenalong the edge of the woodland. There we found a Fantailed Cuckoo followed by a heavily striped juvenile
cuckoo. We were tempted by the lack of eye-ring to callthis a Brush Cuckoo. However Carol analysed her photos
carefully when she got home and we reluctantly agreed
that the cuckoo was a juvenile Fan-tailed Cuckoo. ThenPage 15

Birding NSW Newsletter
Leo and Diann found an Australian Owlet-nightjar, which
had just flown in. Alas it was very difficult for shorter
people to find and the bird flew before others saw it.
After lunch we visited Pitt Town Lagoon, where Pectoral
Sandpipers had been seen. We reached the location to finda suitably sized sandpiper facing away from us. However
the bird flew before we could look for the characteristic

markings on its breast. From the bird hide, we saw many
Pink-eared Ducks and the single Pied Cormorant, which
had been seen there by Keith Brandwood. There wereseveral raptors seen including a White-bellied Sea-Eagle
and a Swamp Harrier. Finally we were pleased to see asmall group of Chestnut-breasted Mannikins. Diann listed
77 birds for the day.

EASTER CAMP-OUT TO INGELBA NEAR WALCHA
2-7 April 2015
Elisabeth Karplus
Fifteen people braved thethreatening weather conditions
to attend this camp-out. It was
hosted by Max Harris andLori Warren and was held at
Ingelba, which is 28 kilometres
south of Walcha on the road to
Niangala. Max and Lori live
in Walcha, and through theircontacts we had access to thecommunity hall at Ingelba
and also to several private
properties. This was the thirdclub camp-out to this area, withthe previous ones being in 2005
and 2010. We camped in thefenced paddock surrounding
the community hall and were
woken each morning by thecalls of Grey Butcherbirds andEastern Rosellas. Since we hadrain from Friday evening till Turquoise Parrot. Photograph by Paul Johnstone
Saturday lunch time, we were
extremely pleased to use the hall’s facilities (flush toilets, Eagle flying over the dam. On a private property several
a fridge, and lights). In fact most people re-located their of us had brief views of a Platypus. Allan and Roz had“kitchens” to the hall for the weekend while Barbara, after a better views of a Platypus on the Macdonald River near
very wet night in her tent, built herself a cubby house in the to our campsite.
hall using some gyprock sheets and so was warm and dry
On Sunday we made a long trip west to Weabonga, northfor the weekend. We made two visits to Aberbaldie Nature
to Limbri and then home via Woolbrook and Walcha.
Reserve, where there were Scarlet Robins and several
We travelled through beautiful farming country (mainly
honeyeater species including White-naped, Brown-headed
cattle and sheep) with many patches of woodland. Nearand Yellow-faced Honeyeaters. Gabrielle learnt how to
Weabonga we walked along Swamp Oak Creek before
bird from under an umbrella to keep her binoculars dry.
morning tea. The first sighting was of an Azure Kingfisher,
Before the rain on Friday, we all visited a large Koala which was well seen by everyone. Many photographs
perched high in a gum tree. The Koala had been found were taken, but in very poor light. Along the creek thereby Nigel and Maria on their way to the camp site. On were Scarlet Robins, Jacky Winters, Double-barred
Saturday afternoon we went to a large dam, where there Finches, Red-browed Firetails (aka Finches), Yellowwere Yellow-billed and Royal Spoonbills, Hoary-headed rumped and Brown Thornbills and some were lucky to
and Australasian Grebes as well as Black-fronted and see a Diamond Firetail and a White-throated Gerygone.
Red-kneed Dotterels. Later we saw a White-bellied Sea-

Page 16

Birding NSW Newsletter
At Limbri we visited Cockburn River Campground – avery scruffy place, but it was full of birds. First there wasa White-bellied Cuckoo-shrike, followed by an Olivebacked Oriole, a pair of Diamond Firetails, a Spinycheeked Honeyeater and a pair of Brown Treecreepers. As
we watched the treecreepers, a pair of Turquoise Parrots
flew in, fed on some seeds and then flew up into a nearby
tree. Again lots of photographs, but in much better light.
Finally many had great views of a pair of Little Lorikeets
investigating a nest hole. In Walcha there was a single male
Musk Duck on the reservoir and many Pink-eared Ducks,
Australasian Shovelers and a single Plumed WhistlingDuck at the Water Treatment Plant which some of thegroup visited on Sunday.

Azure Kingfisher. Photograph by Paul Johnstone

On Monday Max took us to some wet sclerophyll forest –we knew it was a wet forest because Allan got a leech! In
this forest of very tall trees, we had views of Red-browed
Treecreepers and Scarlet Honeyeaters as well as otherhoneyeaters, a Scarlet Robin and many Eastern Spinebills.
After lunch we re-visited the Water Treatment Plant inWalcha and added Freckled Duck to the list. Finally wevisited Apsley Falls in the Oxley Wild Rivers National Park,
where the best sighting was of a female Leaden Flycatcher.
We saw 119 species between us over the weekend. I would
like to thank Max and Lori for organising our visit andtaking us around all weekend.

MT PENANG HALF-DAY OUTING
8 April 2015
Christina PortA windy start to the day as 11 birders met at the visitors’
centre at Kariong. We set off and were soon amongst a groupof bush birds with Grey Fantails flitting around, Golden
Whistler, Eastern Yellow Robin, Yellow Thornbills andlots of Red-browed Finch. In the distance we could hear a
Pied Butcherbird which we soon found. Spotted Pardalotes
called and were finally seen. The Rainbow Lorikeets andSulphur-crested Cockatoos and Red Wattlebirds raced in
the strong winds.
As we moved towards the lake we had Australian Wood
Ducks, Australasian Grebe and Eurasian Coot. The
cockatoos were in force with many Sulphur-crested
Cockatoos, Little Corella, Long-billed Corellas and Galah
all feeding around the oval.
A White-necked Heron was near the Lotus gardens andflew to the back of the Dam. Also seen Northern Mallard,
Pacific Black Ducks and a White-faced Heron. Largegroups of Straw-necked Ibis were flying in the distance.
The top dam added Dusky Moorhen, Hardhead and Whitefaced Heron to our list.

We then went for a walk around the outskirts of Mt Penang
and groups of Silvereyes were seen flying, Lewin’s
Honeyeater, Black-faced Cuckoo-shrikes and a calling
White-browed Treecreeper were added to our list. As weheaded back groups of Eastern Rosellas were seen feeding,
Noisy Friarbirds and Satin Bowerbirds gave fleetingviews. A lone Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo was seen in
the distance.
Morning tea was very welcome before we headed into the
Mt Penang Gardens. The birds seemed a little quiet in thewind but the plants kept many happy. The Satin Bowerbird
bower was empty although he had an impressive blue
collection. The Superb Fairy-wrens hopped around, andhere were more Red-browed Firetails which were joined
by Red-whiskered Bulbul. A Common Blackbird wasseen flying away and some Little Wattlebirds too. Out theback two Tree Martins flew with the Welcome Swallows.
Our last new bird of the day was a Little Pied Cormorantover looking the dam. We then had lunch. 52 bird species
were seen today. Thanks everyone for a very enjoyable
outing.

Birding NSW Newsletter

Page 17SYDNEY PELAGIC TRIP REPORT
11 April 2015
Roger McGovern
After last month’s trip when we had a record breaking 42
passengers on board, this month was very different with only
a disappointing number of 13 enthusiastic birders heading out
on the MV Avalon. However, all those who were on the boat
today agreed that it was one of the best Sydney pelagics in along time. This was not only because of the number of rarities(although there were a couple of good ones) but also because
we had good numbers of birds around the boat for the entire
trip and the weather conditions were absolutely perfect. There
had been very strong southerlies blowing for the past few days
with seas up to five or six metres but it settled down during thecourse of Friday and we went out in light winds to encountera lot of very hungry birds. There were many highlights on the
day and the main rarities seen were a beautiful Grey Ternlet
which flew around the boat at very close quarters for several
minutes and a White-chinned Petrel which came in and fed
on our berley right next to the boat. The diversity (six species)and number of albatross was notable particularly for an April
trip. Good numbers of Wilson’s Storm-Petrel was also afeature of the day and the overall species count of 20 was very
good. To finish off the trip in grand style, the South Island Pied
Oystercatcher which has been in Sydney Harbour for several
weeks was rediscovered on the rocks of Shark Island and wasphotographed together with an Australian Pied Oystercatcher
and a Sooty Oystercatcher in the same shot – with only elevenoystercatcher species in the world, it is likely that this was thefirst ever photograph of three oystercatcher species together.

We departed Sydney Heads in misty rain at 7.25am andheaded out towards Brown’s Mountain in seas of 0.5m on topof a 1.5 to 2.0m swell – very comfortable conditions for the
Avalon which is an excellent seagoing boat. There were lightwinds of less than 10 knots from the south and, within about
30 minutes or so, the rain stopped and the skies cleared to alovely sunny autumn day. We arrived at Brown’s Mountainat around 9.45am and drifted for some time with a goodberley slick and then did a slow motor into deeper water tothe east, stopping again for another drift. We departed theshelf at around 12.45pm and arrived back at Rose Bay at
3.30pm after an extended look at the oystercatchers on Shark
Island. Water temperature during the trip was around 21.5
degrees C and with the benign sea conditions there were nocases of sea sickness on board.
We departed from Rose Bay at 7.10am and spent a few
minutes searching unsuccessfully for the South Island Pied
Oystercatcher on the shores of Shark Island. The weather
was dull and drizzly as we went out through the Heads andthe following Silver Gulls were soon joined behind ourberley trail by several Wedge-tailed Shearwaters, and the odd
juvenile and mature Australasian Gannet and Greater Crested
Tern flew past. The weather quickly improved to a pleasantsunny day and two Pomarine Jaegers were seen before thefirst of many Black-browed Albatross and Shy Albatross (allof the NZ ssp steadi) joined the feeding flock behind the boat.
Surprisingly, there were no Hutton’s or Fluttering Shearwaters

Left to right: South Island Pied Oystercatcher (note very long bill), Sooty Oystercatcher and Australian Pied Oystercatcher. Photo Steve Hey.

Page 18

Birding NSW Newsletterin their usual inshore habitat but Flesh-footed Shearwaters put
in an early appearance and albatross numbers continued toincrease. There were brief views of Short-tailed Shearwaters
passing by, and then the first Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross ofthe day joined our berley trail followed shortly by a beautiful
Buller’s Albatross. All the birds appeared extremely hungry
and, once they had joined the berley trail, they generally
stayed with the boat for a long time. Our only cetaceans of
the day were a pod of about 30 Pantropical Spotted Dolphins
which were too busy hunting to come and ride on our bow
wave. As we began to get closer to Brown’s Mountain, thefirst of many Wilson’s Storm-Petrels put in an appearance
and a lovely adult Campbell Albatross, which stayed with theboat until we were well on our way back to Sydney, was alifer for several people on board. We started our berley drift
at Brown’s Mountain and were soon seeing a few Providence
Petrels, two more Buller’s Albatross, and an Antipodean
Albatross (ssp gibsoni) along with a large throng of Blackbrowed, Shy, Yellow-nosed Albatross and the lone Campbell
Albatross. A distant prion had been seen earlier – too far away
to identify, but another (or perhaps the same?) bird appearedat closer range and was identified as a Fairy Prion.
With no new species appearing for a while, we decided totake a slow motor eastwards into deeper water and, as we
went up our slick, we came across a flock of around 30
Wilson’s Storm-Petrels, one of the larger aggregations that
we have seen for a while. After travelling about four nautical
miles there was great excitement as a Grey Ternlet wassighted coming close to the boat. All of my Grey Ternlet
sightings off Sydney previously (perhaps six in the last 20
years) have involved fairly distant birds and brief sights
but this bird delighted everyone by flying around the boat
several times at close range giving magnificent views andphotographic opportunities. While we watching the Grey
Ternlet, a Procellaria flew in which was soon revealed to be a
White-chinned Petrel when the bill structure and colour was
clearly seen. This bird was also very obliging in that it settled
on the water next to the boat to feed which gave everyone thechance to examine its structural details. Although no Greatwinged Petrels had been seen at Brown’s, several came in to
the boat and fed at this deeper water location, a phenomenon
that we have noted on some previous trips.
The trip back to Sydney was marked with flocks of birds
following the boat but with no new species appearing until,
about five nautical miles off the Heads, a dark morph Arctic
Jaeger was seen at some height harassing some Silver Gulls
becoming our 20th species for the day. Only one flutteringtype shearwater was seen on the way in but was too distantto call as to species. For some on board, the real highlightof the day occurred as we again motored slowly past Shark
Island looking for the elusive SIPO. As we approached thesouthern tip of the island, three oystercatchers were seen on
the rocks and, as we got closer they revealed themselves tobe the South Island Pied Oystercatcher, an Australian Pied
Oystercatcher and a Sooty Oystercatcher all close enough toeach other to be captured in a single photograph! There wasgreat jubilation amongst the group particularly by some who
had previously searched unsuccessfully for the SIPO and forwhom it was a life bird! It was a great finish to a terrific day
on the water and it was a pity that more birders were not there
for the experience!
Our thanks to the crew of the Avalon (George and Eddie)
for their help and interest during the trip – we will be using
this boat for our trips this year until at least October. Thanks
also to Steve Hey for the attached photos of the Grey Ternlet,
White-chinned Petrel and the oystercatchers.

BIRD LIST SYDNEY PELAGIC TRIP
(Note that the numbers in parentheses represent the approximate maximum number of that species in view at one time)
Antipodean Albatross
Black-browed Albatross
Campbell Albatross
Shy Albatross

1 subspecies gibsoni
38
(28)
1
11
(4) all ssp steadi or ‘White-

Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross
Buller’s Albatross
Fairy Prion
Great-winged Petrel
Providence Petrel
WHITE-CHINNED PETREL
Wedge-tailed Shearwater
Short-tailed Shearwater
Flesh-footed Shearwater
Wilson’s Storm-Petrel

10
3
1
6
8
1
50
2
20
40

		

(4)
(2)

capped Albatross’(2) all ssp gouldi
(2)
(35)
(8)
(30)

Australasian Gannet
GREY TERNLET(aka Grey Noddy)
Silver Gull
Greater Crested Tern
Pomarine Jaeger
Arctic (Parasitic) Jaeger

9

(3)

1
120
20
4
1

(70)
(7)
(2)

OTHER
Pantropical Spotted Dolphin
30Southern Eagle Ray
Southern Ocean Sunfish
Flying fish
Marlin sp
White-faced Heron about 6NM off the heads flying south

The next Sydney pelagic trip is scheduled for Saturday 13 June, 2015 departing from Mosman at 6.45am and from Rose Bay
at 7.00am. Please book early to assist our planning and to avoid missing a spot – the MV Avalon carries a maximum numberof 23 so places are a little limited. All details of our trips and contact details are in the website at http://www.sydneypelagics.
info and you can also find us on Facebook as well as post photos: https://www.facebook.com/sydneypelagics

Page 19

Birding NSW Newsletter

CHAIN OF PONDS AND EBENEZER
12 AprilPhilip Brook
A beautiful cool autumn day greeted the eight stalwarts
who gathered at the Stannix Park Reserve on Saturday 12
April. The initial walk was south along the Chain of Ponds
Creek with a Common Bronzewing taking off noisily.
Strange distant bird calls caused us to move in anticipation
further than we intended only to be met by the view of alarge aviary on the opposite bank. The birds calling remaina mystery! Restless Flycatchers and a female Rose Robinwere sighted on our way back to the cars. A short drive
to Ebenezer Church and a stroll along the Hawkesbury
at Swallow Reach allowed us to find a Rose Robin, Barshouldered Dove, a cruising Brown Goshawk and a groupof twittering Varied Sittellas. After lunch by the old church,
we moved to the pond at Madeleine Place at Sackville but
the Latham’s Snipe was missing. In its place were several

Pink-eared Ducks and a Wedge-tailed Eagle soaring in the
distance, so we were not disappointed.
On the way back to the ponds on Pitt Town Ferry Road,a short stop to look for Glossy Black-Cockatoos, seen
the previous day, proved unsuccessful. Our four keen
photographers were pleased to find a trio of an Australian
Pelican and both species of spoonbill perched beside asmall pond and later at Pitt Town Ferry Road a second
bonus produced six species aligned on a submerged fence– three species of cormorant, a Little Egret, an Australian
Pelican and a Yellow-billed Spoonbill, all within a metre
or so of each other.
Good weather, good company and a total of 67 birds forthe day sent us all happily home.

UNUSUAL REPORTS FOR NEW SOUTH WALES, FEBRUARY-MAY 2015
ALAN MORRIS
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. Other abbreviations
used include A – adult, F – female, M –male, DY – dependant young. Im – immature, J – juvenile, N – nest, RA - rest area, rk – roadkill, hw – hit window, ba – blown ashore, bc – beachcast, hc – heard calling and pr – pair.
Australian Brush-Turkey
Brown Quail
Magpie Goose
Magpie Goose
Magpie Goose
Plumed Whistling-Duck
Plumed Whistling-Duck
Freckled Duck
Freckled Duck
Freckled Duck
Blue-billed Duck
Australian Shelduck
Australian Shelduck
Radjah Shelduck
Australasian Shoveler
Great Crested Grebe
Emerald Dove
Diamond Dove
Diamond Dove
Diamond Dove
Wompoo Fruit-Dove
White-throatd Needletail **White-throatd Needletail **Fork-tailed Swift
Fork-tailed Swift

1
1
400
2,N,Y
7
8,16
23
6
6
6
4
2
27
1
350+
4
1
1
1
1
3
190
40+
1
9

20/3/15
12/3/15
1/3-23/4/15
26/2-30/3
24/4/15
22/2 & 29/3
6/4/1527/3/15
8/4/15
26/4-3/5
8/4/15
10-15/3/15
2-13/4/15
16/4/15
20/3/15
25-26/4/15
22/3/15
31/12/14
3/4/15
18/4/15
24/2/15
1/4/15
2/4/1528/2/15
23/3/15Grose Valley, Junct Rock BMNP
Balls Head Reserve, Waverton
Gwydir River Wetlnds NR Moree
Old STW, Port Macquarie
Jabiru-Geenbingeni Wtl Casino
Richmond Lowlands, 100 on 28/4
Taronga Zoo, Mosman
Cowra STW
Lithgow STW
McPherson Rd Swp Tuggerah
Lithgow STW
Hexham Swamp NR
Fivebough Swamp, Leeeton
Myall River Bulahdelah
Big Pond, Ash Island Ponds
Fairy Hill Wetland Casino
Yallah Bay Rd Tallawarra
Hazelbrook
Durridgerie SCA Ulan
Private garden Orange
Tallawudjah Ck Glenreagh
Wentworth Falls
Bundanoon & Exeter
Bundanoon
Churinga HSD Wilcannia

CT
S
NP
NC
NC
S
S
CT
CT
CC
CT
H
R
H
H
NC
I
CT
H
CT
NC
CT
I
I
UW

Libby Raines
Judy Clarke
Curtis Hayne
Tim Morris
June Harris
Greg McLachlan
Barton Tait
Bob Rusk
Max Breckenridge
Andrew Robinson
Max Breckenridge
Mick Roderick
Anthony Katon
Cameron Ward
Mick Roderick
Paul Johnstone
Paul Lynch
Carol Probets
Per Mick Roderick
Neville Schrader
Peter KnockMark Ley
Lorne Johnson
Lorne Johnson
Leigh Schmidt

Page 20
Fork-tailed Swift
Fork-tailed SwiftWhite-tailed Tropicbird
Red-tailed Tropicbird
Red-tailed Tropicbird
Wilson’s Storm-Petrel
White-faced Storm-Petrel
White-bellied Storm-Petrel
White-bellied Storm-Petrel
White-bellied Storm-Petrel
Antipodean Albatross
Shy Albatross
Campbell’s Albatross *Campbell’s Albatross*
Indian Yellow-nd Albatross
Buller’s Albatross *Buller’s Albatross
Buller’s Albatross
Fairy Prion *Fairy Prion *Fairy Prion *Tahiti Petrel
Black Petrel
White-chinned Petrel
Buller’s Shearwater
Buller’s Shearwater
Flesh-footed Shearwater
Streaked Shearwater
Streaked Shearwater
Hutton’s Shearwater
Mottled Petrel
Collared Petrel
Kermadec Petrel
Kermadec Petrel
Kermadec Petrel
Gould’s Petrel
Herald Petrel
White-necked Petrel
Red-footed Booby
Brown Booby
Brown Booby
Black-necked Stork
Black-necked Stork
Black-necked Stork
Eastern Reef-Egret
Black Bittern
Eastern Osprey
Eastern Osprey
Eastern Osprey
Eastern Osprey
Pacific Baza
Pacific Baza
Pacific Baza
Square-tailed Kite
Square-tailed Kite

Birding NSW Newsletter
4
6
2
2
1
3
1+
3
30
3
1
5
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
3
15
1
1
1
2
2
30
3
3
1bc
1bc
1
1
1
5
3
1
1
1
1
Im
A+2J
2
2+J
1
1
2+2J
2+J
1
1
12
2
11
1
1

20/3/15
12/4/15
15/3/15
18/3/15
20/3/15
2/5/15
21/4/15
18/3/15
23/3/15
24/3/15
26/2/15
5/3/1522/3/15
28/3/15
28/3/15
15/3/15
28/3/15
11/4/15
20/4/15
21/4/15
22/4/15
18/3/15
26/2/15
20/4/15
262/1531/3/15
15/3/15
24/2/15
3/3/15
7/3/1525/2/15
18/3/15
18/3/15
22/3/15
24/3/15
21/4/15
22/3/15
18/3/15
18/3/15
21/3/15
22/3/15
29/3/15
1/4/15
14/4/15
19/4/15
14/3/15
Jan-MarJan-Mar5/3/15
14/4/15
3/3/15
7/4/15
19/3/15
1/4/15
1/4/15

Lady Carrington Dve Royal NP
Euligal SF Kennebri
Malabar Hill Lord Howe Island
Britannia Seamount, E Tweed Hd
Warden Head, Ulladulla
Ballina Light House
Queens Wharf Newcastle HbrBritannia Seamount, E Tweed Hd
Lord Howe Is off Admiralty Is.
Balls Pyramid
Port Stephens pelagic
Mistral Pt Maroubra
Eden pelagic
Wollongong pelagic
Wollongong pelagic
Mistral Pt Maroubra
Wollongong pelagic
Sydney pelagic
Mistral Pt North, Maroubra
Newcastle Hbr nr Stockton Bridg
Kurnell Peninsular
Britannia Seamount, E Tweed Hd
Port Stephens pelagic
Sydney pelagic
Port Stephens pelagic
Port Stephens pelagic
Mistral Pt Maroubra
Mistral Pt Maroubra, 1 on 21/3
Port Stephens pelagic
Boatharbour, Kurnell
Bherwerre Bch, Booderee NP
Britannia Seamount, E Tweed Hd
Britannia Seamount, E Tweed Hd
Eden pelagic
Balls Pyramid
Newcastle Hbr nr Stockton Bridg
Eden pelagic
Britannia Seamount, E Tweed Hd
Britannia Seamount, E Tweed Hd
Mstral Point, Maroubra
Potato Point, Moruya
Hat Head Rd South West Rocks
Hexham NR
Mombah Pt Rd Bulahdelah
Avalon Beach
Mullet Ck Warriewood
Fledged 2J at Erina Depot
Fledged 1+J Kincumber STW
Willinga Lake, Bawley Point
Werai nr Moss Vale
Lawrence
Marana Rd Springfield
Rosebank
Nth Bateau Bay & Killarney Vale
Scheyville NP, Scheyville

S
NP
LH
NC
I
NC
H
NC
LH
LH
H
S
SC
I
I
S
I
S
S
H
S
NC
H
S
H
H
S
S
H
S
I
NC
NC
SC
LH
H
SC
NC
NC
S
SC
NC
H
H
S
S
CC
CC
I
I
NC
CC
NC
CC
S

Lorand Szucs
Max Breckenridge
Ian Hutton
Nikolas Haass
Bob Rusk
Gus Daly
Mick Roderick
Nikolas Haass
Allan Benson
Michael Scobie
Mick RoderickDavid Mitford
Sandra Henderson
Robert Hynson
Robert Hynson
David Mitford
Robert Hynson
Dion Hobcroft
David Mitford
Ian Benson
Rob Hynson
Nikolas Haass
Mick RoderickDion Hobcroft
Mick Roderick
Mick RoderickDavid Mitford
David Mitford
Mick Roderick
Stephen Gilmour
Martin Schulz
Nikolas Haass
Nikolas Haass
Sandra Henderson
Allan Benson
Ian Benson
Sandra Henderson
Nikolas Haass
Nikolas HaassDavid Mitford
Roger Williams
Clive Meadows
Joshua AllenDan Barnet
Jayden Walsh
Elisabeth Karplus
Warren Brown
Adam Nesbitt
Margaret Hamon
Lorne Johnson
Bill Shillam
Nick Carson
Phil Murray
Alan Morris
Keith Brandwood

Page 21

Birding NSW Newsletter
Square-tailed Kite
Black Kite
Black Kite
Spotted Harrier
Spotted HarrierBlack Falcon
Black Falcon
Black Falcon
Australian Hobby
BrolgaLewin’s Rail
Spotless Crake
Spotless Crake
Spotted Crake
Sth Is. Pied Oystercatcher
Sooty Oystercatcher
Sooty Oystercatcher
Bush Stone-curlew
Bush Stone-curlew
Beach Stone-curlew
Hooded Plover
Hooded Plover
Latham’s Snipe **Black-tailed Godwit
Black-tailed Godwit
Wood Sandpiper **Wood Sandpiper **Wood Sandpiper **Common Sandpiper **Wandering Tattler **Wandering Tattler **Pectoral Sandpiper **Pectoral Sandpiper **White-rumped Sandpiper
White-rumped Sandpiper
Pomarine Jaeger **Pomarine Jaeger **Arctic Jaeger **Long-tailed Jaeger
Long-tailed Jaeger **Kelp Gull
Kelp Gull
White Tern
White Tern
White Tern
Grey Ternlet
Common Noddy
Common Noddy
Common Noddy
Common Noddy
Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo
Glossy Black-Cockatoo
Glossy Black-Cockatoo
Glossy Black-Cockatoo
Glossy Black-Cockatoo

1
1,1
18+
1
4
1
2
2
1
8
1
1
2
2
1
31
1
1
hc
1
A+J
A+J
6
40
1
1
3
1
1
5
1
3
1
1
1
25
2+
12+
75
9
J
AA+J
1
1
1
1
Im
Im
2
1
2
5
8
8
6+

6/4/1519 & 25/4
24-26/4/15
13/3/15
25-26/4/15
15/2/15
24/4/15
29/4/15
22/4/15
2-14/4/15
12/4/15
20/2/15
8/4/15
8/4/15
2/3-21/4
14/3/15
15/4/15
March 15
8/4/1527/3/15
12/3/15
13/3/15
29/3/15
28/2/15
22/3/15
26/3/15
2/4/15
8/4/15
18/4/15
16 & 30/3
26/3/15
15-18/3/15
8/4/1523-26/2/15
19-25 /3/15
5/3/15
14/3/15
13-29/3/15
2/2/15
15/3/15
21/3/15
10/4/15
13/3/15
14/3/15
22/4/15
11/4/15
23/2/15
28/2/15
4/3/1522/4/15
4/4/1524/2/15
3/3/15
19/3/15
29/3 & 20/4

Bobbin Head Rd Nth Turramurra
North Richmond, South Windsor
With 5km of Casino
Bunnerong Rd MatravilleCasino, 7 km radius
Cowra North
Jabiru-Geeneebinga Wtld Casino
Lismore STW
Fort St HS Petersham
Fivebough Wetlands, Leeton
Lions Park, Burrill Lake
Pucca Bucca Wetland Mudgee
Fivebough Wetlands, Leeton
Fivebough Wetlands, Leeton
Shark Is,ChowderBay,Balmoral
Warden Hd, Ulladulla, 35 on 20/3
Flying pass Katoomba Falls
Woodstock nr Cowra
Careel Bay, Avalon
Urunga Boardwalk
Lake Conjola estuary
Lake Tabourie entrance
Eastlakes Golf Course
Ash Island Ponds
Lord Howe Island Airport
Pitt Town Lagoon
Emigrant Ck Bruxner Hy Casino
Fivebough Swp Leeton
Burns Pt West Ballina
Flat Rock Ballina
Soldiers Point, Norah head
Pitt Town Lagoon, 2 on 22/3
Fivebough Swp Leeton
Lake Wollumboola
Shoalhaven Heads
Mistral Pt Maroubra, 30 on 15/3
Warden Head Ulladulla
Warden Head Ulladulla
Mistral Pt Maroubra
Mistral Pt MaroubraLong Reef Aquatic Reserve
Coogee BeachDied, Wybong Rd Castlerock
Sydney pelagic
Kurnell Peninsular
29 km E of Sydney
Pelican Pt Norah head
Nobbys Rocks, Newcastle
Tacking Pt Light Pt Macquarie
Kurnell PeninsularDarling R. Gunderbooka NP
Tallawudjah Ck Glenreagh
Western Plains Zoo, Dubbo
Artakoot Res South West Rocks
Racecourse Bch Ulladulla

S
S
NC
S
NC
CT
NC
NC
S
R
I
CT
R
R
S
I
CT
CT
S
NC
I
I
S
H
LH
S
NC
R
NC
NC
CC
S
R
I
I
S
I
I
S
S
S
S
H
S
S
S
CC
H
NC
S
UW
NC
CS
NC
I

Tom Wilson
Lindsey Muller
Alan MorrisDavid Mitford
Alan Morris
Cowra Surveys
Alan Morris
June Harris
Simon Gorta
Anthony Katon
Charles Dove
Mari Leary
Max O’Sullivan
Max O’Sullivan
Joshua Bergmark
Bob Rusk
Lindsey GreyPer Neil Coutanche
Gwen McDonald
Michael Dahlem
Alan Morris
Carol Abbott
David Mitford
Alan Morris
Mike Kuhl
Keith Brandwood
Steve McBride
Max O’Sullivan
Steve McBride
Steve McBride
Christina Port
Nigel Coghlan
Max O’Sullivan
Jon Spicer-BellLachlan HallDavid Mitford
Alan Morris
Bob Rusk
David Mitford
David Mitford
Jenny Stiles
Chris Gregory
Tas Willis
Roger McGovern
Rob Hynson
Dion Hobcroft
Andrew Robinson
Mick Roderick
Clive Meadows
Rob Hynson
Andrew O’BrienPeter KnockAndrew O’Brien
Greg Roberts
Bob Rusk

Page 22Gang-gang Cockatoo
Gang-gang Cockatoo
Long-billed Corella
Little Lorikeet
Superb Parrot
Turquoise Parrot
Turquoise Parrot
Turquoise Parrot
Bourke’s Parrot
Swift Parrot *Swift Parrot *Swift Parrot *Swift Parrot *Budgerigar
Ground Parrot
Channel-billed Cuckoo **Eastern Koel **Eastern Koel **Eastern Koel **Pallid Cuckoo **Oriental Cuckoo
Black-eared Cuckoo
Powerful Owl
Powerful Owl
Powerful Owl
Barking Owl
Masked Owl
Sooty Owl
Red-backed Kingfisher
Red-backed Kingfisher
Rainbow Bee-eater **Noisy Pitta
Albert’s Lyrebird
Red-browed Treecreeper
White-browed Treecreeper
Red-backed Fairy-wren
Southern Emu-wren
Chestnut-rumped Heathwren
Chestnut-rumped Heathwren
Fuscous Honeyeater
Bell Miner
Regent Honeyeater
Regent Honeyeater
Orange Chat
Brown Honeyeater
Brown Honeyeater
Crescent HoneyeaterBlack-chinned HoneyeaterBlack-chinned HoneyeaterBlack-chinned Honeyeater
Blue-faced Honeyeater
Blue-faced Honeyeater
Little Friarbird
Spotted Quail-thrush
Spotted Quail-thrush

Birding NSW Newsletter
10
40
4,2J
10
101
8
6
3+J
3
4
2
6
5
16
2
1
J
hc
AM
Im
1
1
2
2
2
hc
1rk
2
1
1
30
1
2
2
4
4
3
1
1
6+
3
2
2
AM
2
5
2
2
2
2
3
Im
5
3
1

22-26/2/15
17/3/15
23/3/15
18/4/15
14-15/2/15
14/2/15
30/3/15
10/4/15
21/3/15
22-27/4/15
28/4/15
3/5/15
5/5/15
15/3/15
19/3/15
7/4/15
21/3/15
21/3/15
4/4/15
9/4/15
20/3/15
3/4/15
10/3-1/4
12/3/15
24/4/15
15/3/15
23/4/15
22/3/15
15/2/15
4/4/15
15/3/15
18/4/15
23/4/15
8/4/1528/3/15
25/2/15
9/4/15
15/2/15
12/4/15
4/4/1515-22/4/15`19/4/15
1-5/5/15
22/3/15
29/3/15
31/3/15
26/3-8/4
14/2/15
15/2/15
15/2/15
15/2/15
6/4/1520-27/3/15
5/2/15
8/4/15

Amber Park HSD Kulnura
Bloom Hill Rd O’Connell
South Cowra Sports Ground
Penshurst St Willoughby
21 sites in Cowra Shire
Spring Forest HSD Koorawatha
WambelongCk WarrumbungleNP
Warrumbungles NP Visitor Centre
Churinga HSD Wilcannia
Ainslie & Mt. Ainslie NR, ACT
Martindale TSR 7 km N Corowa
Livingstone NP, Wagga Wagga
Murray St Bateau Bay
Borah Creek TSR Barraba
Hyams Bch Rd Jervis Bay
Centennial Park, Sydney
Gorokan
Bobbin Hd Rd Nth Turramurra
MascotEulah Ck Narrabri
Tallawadjah Res Glenreagh
Durridgerie SCA Ulan
Seen & HC Murray St Bateau Bay
Sailors Bay Tk CastlecragMilner Cres Wollstonecraft
Borah Creek TSR Barraba
Whiporie
Springfield nr Rumbalara Res.
Koorawatha NR Koorawatha
Yandra Tk Gunderbooka NP
Eulah Creek, Narrabri
Private property, Martcham
Murray Scrub NR Afterlee
Lady Carrington Dve Royal NP
Churinga HSD Wilcannia
BooralFortress Tk Mt Hay Rd BMNP
Warrapendi HSD Bumbaldry
Mitchell Park, Cattai
Gingham Gap, Goobang NP
Irrawong & Warriewood Wtlands
Wollondilly RBurragorang Valley
Princeton Nurseries, Mount White
Churinga HSD Wilcannia
Eastlakes Gold Course
Pipi Pt Davistown
McKell Ave Royal NP
Iambi HSD Morongola
Bumbaldry
Warrapendi HSD Bumbaldry
Guildford
Budgewoi Caravan Park
Churinga HSD Wilcannia
Cataract Dam
8 km N Capertee

CC
CT
CT
S
CT
CT
CP
CP
UW
ST
SS
SS
CC
NT
I
S
CC
S
S
NP
NC
H
CC
S
S
NT
NC
CC
CT
UW
NP
CC
NC
S
UW
H
CT
CT
S
CP
S
I
CC
UW
S
CC
S
CT
CT
CT
S
CC
UW
S
CT

Nick Carson
Tiffany Mason
Neville Schraeder
Simon Gorta
Cowra Surveys
Cowra Surveys
Marc Anderson
Max Breckenridge
Leigh Schmidt
Steve Holliday
Chris Tzaros
Nella Smith
Alan Morris
Ted Wnorowski
Max O’Sullivan
Marie Lister
Stephen Ward
Tom Wilson
David Mitford
Michael Dahlem
Peter Knock
Per Mick Roderick
Alan MorrisDavid Potter
Lindy Jones
Ted Wnorowski
Alan Morris
Nick Carson
Cowra Surveys
Andrew O’Brien
Michael Dahlem
James Panetta
Rowena Wallace
Dion Hobcroft
Leigh Schmidt
Paul ShelleyMark Hocking
Cowra Surveys
Simon Blanchflower
Birdline
Jayden WalshMartin Schulz
Greg Miles
Leigh Schmidt
David Mitford
Alan Morris
Marc Anderson
CWBS
CWBS
CWBS
Andrew Patrick
Steve Merrett
Leigh Schmidt
Ashwin Rudder
Max Breckenridge

Page 23

Birding NSW Newsletter
Chestnut-breast Quail-thrush
White-bellied C’shrike
Ground Cuckoo-shrike
White-winged Triller
Masked Woodswallow
Little Woodswallow
Little Woodswallow
Leaden Flycatcher **Spangled Drongo
Pied Butcherbird
Paradise Riflebird
Paradise Riflebird
Flame Robin
Scarlet Robin
Rose Robin
Rose Robin *Hooded Robin
Hooded Robin
Plum-headed Finch
Plum-headed Finch
Diamond FiretailDiamond Firetail
Chestnut-breasted Mannikin
Chestnut-breasted Mannikin
White-backed Swallow

AF
1
8
1
5
12
15
1
1
2
AM
3
2
2
1
3
AF
2M
6
10
10+
2
12
60
2

5/4/15
19/3/15
17/4/15
31/3/15
1/3/1530/3/15
12/4/15
2/4/1525/4/15
16/4/15
25/4/15
26/4/15
14/2/15
15/2/15
14/2/15
2/4/1522/3/15
22/3/15
23/4/15
24/4/15
27/3/15
30/3/15
3/4/1522/4/15
15/2/15

Gunderbooka NP Bourke
Catholic School Terrigal
Eulah Ck Narrabri
Pipi Pt Davistown
Pambalong NR
Coxs Rd Pilliga Forest
Euligal Sf Kennebri
Old Tollgates, Cowan
Deep Creek Res Narrabeen
Pistol Range, Scheyville NP
Murray Scrub Lkt Afterlee
Sheepstation Ck Border Rnge NP
North Cowra Hills
Koorawatha NR Koorawatha
Spring Forest HSD Koorawatha
Royal NP
Churinga HSD Wilcannia
Yaminbah Ck Pilliga NR
Eulah Ck Narrabri
Casino STW
Daisy Hill TSR 50 kmE Armidale
Canyon Cp, Warrumbungles NP
Tallawarra Ash Ponds
Jabiru-Geenbingeni Wtl Casino
Bumbaldry Cemetery

UW
CC
NP
CC
H
NP
NP
S
S
S
NC
NC
CT
CT
CT
S
UW
CP
NP
NC
NT
CP
I
NC
CT

Andrew O’Brien
Nick Carson
Michael Dahlem
Alan Morris
Allan Richardson
Marc Anderson
Max Breckenridge
Paul Burcher
Gabrielle Rees
Paul Burcher
Diana Hogan
John Rawson
CWBS
CWBS
CWBS
Lorand Szucs
Leigh Schmidt
David Johnstone
Michael Dahlem
Alan Morris
Richard Jordan
Marc Anderson
Paul Lynch
John Rawson
CWBS*=First Return; ** Last Date; 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
Christidis L and W Boles ‘Systematics and Taxonomy of Australian Birds’2008)
COMMENT
Autumn has been very wet in all coastal regions and also on the Tablelands and the wet weather appears to have sent the migrants back north earlier
than usual. In the past two months (Mar-April) the highlight has been the White-rumped Sandpiper at Lake Wollumboola where it has been
content to stay from 4 January to 23 February and then relocated back to Shoalhaven Heads 19/3, last seen 25/3/15! The other rarity has been theSouth Island Pied Oystercatcher being seen since 1/3 to 21/4, at Shark Island, Chowder Bay and other localities in Sydney Harbour. Freckled
Ducks continue to occupy a number of sites in eastern NSW, other reports include: 1 Moorebank 25/2-2/3 (S); Wandering Whistling-Duck: 7
Hunter WC, Shortlands 1/4 (H); White-faced Storm-Petrel: The current population for the NSW offshore Islands is now estimated to be 1690
prs, compared to a minimum of 10,570 pairs 40 years ago (CBOC Newsl. Apr 2015); The number of seabirds like Buller’s Albatross continue toincrease, other records include 1 Eden pelagic 20/3 (SC) & 1 Wattamolla 9/4 (S) and the numbers of Streaked Shearwaters similarly viz 2 North
Head 22/2 (S) & 1 Eden Pelagic 22/3 (SC); Black Bittern: F Deepwater Pk Milperra 27/2 (S); Eastern Osprey: See that two pairs of Ospreys
nested successfully for the first time on the Central Coast at Erina & Kincumber, both sites managed by Gosford City Council (CC),1 Deepwater
Pk Milperra 1/3 (S), 1 Tallawarra Forshore 4/3 (I); Other records of Pacific Baza include: 1 Greggs Rd Kurrajong 12/3, 1 Sun Valley, 25/3 (S);Square-tailed Kites have also been reported from Mt Riverview 2/3 & 30/3 (S), Springwood 20/3 (CT), 1 Riverside Pk Chipping Norton 4/3, Nth
Turramurra 6/4, Kooringal Ave Thornleigh 11/4 (S), there are more and more records each year!; Other single coastal Black Kites were at Colo Vale
10/3 (S), Forresters Bch 6/4, Wyong 28/4 (CC) and there were 8 at Lismore STW 29/4 (NC); A Brown Goshawk at Centennial Park on 7/4 (S), wasunusual; Black Falcon: David Charley reported in litt. 1/5/15 that there are 4 resident pairs in the Richmond Valley (NC); Black-tailed Nativehen: The bird at Lake Wallace is still present 19/4 (CT); Pied Oystercatcher: On the South Coast (Wollongong to Batemans Bay) 22 prs nested
29 times, laid 58 eggs, hatched 36 chicks, fledged 21 young, this being a marked improvement in numbers of pairs and numbers fledged (Shorebird
Recovery Newsl.); The Sooty Oystercatcher seen flying past Katoomba Falls was observed at a time of heavy storms around Sydney and it can
only be assumed that the bird was forced inland by the storms. 0n the South Coast (Wollongong to Batemans Bay) 27 prs nested 25 times, laid 42
eggs, hatched 8 chicks, but fledged no young, this being a disappointing year for this Region. (Shorebird Recovery Newsl.); Hooded Plover: 0n
the South Coast (Wollongong to Batemans Bay) 14 prs nested 26 times, laid 64 eggs, hatched 12 chicks, fledged 6 young, this being an increase in
numbers of pairs and numbers fledged (Shorebird Recovery Newsl.); Little Tern: In 2024/15, on the South Coast (Shoalhaven Heads to Batemans
Bay) Little Terns only nested at Shoalhaven Heads, Lake Wollumboola & Lake Conjola, there were 183 prs, 251 nests, 548 eggs laid, 122 chicks
hatched but only 29 chicks fledged, a bad year for Little Terns in that region (Shorebird Recovery Newsl.); Glossy Black-Cockatoo: During March
there were 15 reports of 25 birds in total at 13 sites in the Blue Mtns (CT), other records are 2 Wairo Bch 21/2 (I), 2 Eulah Ck Narrabri 5/3 (NP), 2
Berowra Valley Pk Hornsby Heights 30/3 (S), 6 Long Beach, Batemans Bay 5/4 (SC); Turquoise Parrot: 2 Warrapendi HSD Bumbaldry 14/2 (CT)& 12 The Aloes, Pilliga SF 12/4 (NP); Other Powerful Owls HC include 1 Field of Mars Res Ryde 17/3, 1 Russell St Wollstonecraft 25/3 (S), 1
Steyne Rd Saratoga 13/4 (CC), during March, there were 7 reports of Powerful Owls heard and or seen in the Blue Mountains (CT): Eastern Grass
Owl: During 2014, 5 birds were found in rice fields at Colleambally by M.Herring 27/1-10/2/14, the data is recorded here so that it is not lost ®.
Happily Regent Honeyeaters have been recorded at 5 sites in the past two months including 1 Highfiled HSD Mt Adrah 10/3 (H), Crown Station
Rd Glen Davis 18/3 & 9/4 (CT) & Mt Rogers Reserve ACT 6/4 (ST). Good Birding!

Page 24

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:
The Club meets on the first Tuesday of themonth, February to December at 7.30 pm
on Level 1, Sydney Mechanics School ofArts, 280 Pitt Street, Sydney. There is an
illustrated talk followed by Club businessand unusual sighting reports. Visitors arewelcome.

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

Annual membership fees:
Single adult $35.00
Family $40.00

Junior (under 18 years) $15.00

Fees are due on 1 October.
Membership includes subscription to theNewsletter.

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

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

AUGUST Newsletter Deadline:
Monday 6 July 2015
Newsletter advertising rates, and bookings
contact Ian Bailey:
Email: newsletter@birdingnsw.org.au

CLUB COMMITTEEPRESIDENT:Dr Tom Karplus
9816 2285
SECRETARY:
Nominations invited
TREASURER:
Leigh Hall9449 8370
PUBLIC OFFICER:
Dick Dallimore
9953 7562
MEMBERS SECRETARY:
Adrian Nieuwenhuizen
8920 2935
NEWSLETTER EDITOR:
Ian Bailey
9821 4284
NEWSLETTER SUBEDITOR: Mandy Wilson
9440 1604
ACTIVITIES OFFICER:
Allan Richards
9660 8062
SPEAKERS COORDINATOR: Graham Walters
9534 3039
RECORDS OFFICER:
Alan K. Morris4334 2776
CONSERVATION
Ted Nixon
SUBCOMMITTEE:
9460 8224
Ian Bailey, Chris King, Lindy Jones and Tom Wilson
PUBLICITY OFFICER:
Nominations welcome
WEBSITE COORDINATOR: Michael Edwards
0418 416 247
CLUB EMAIL MANAGER:
Marlene Henderson

CLUB OFFICERS
BIRDING BULLETIN:
TREE PLANTINGCAPERTEE RHERP:
CAPERTEE REGENTHE SURVEYS:SALES TABLE,
STOCK & ASSETS:
NAME TAGS &HAT/LAPEL BADGES:

Keith Morris &Elisabeth Karplus
Madeleine Murray
Elisabeth Karplus
Coleen Southall
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 orlate arrivals or departures for migrant species and interesting
behaviour or unusual habitat usage.
 isit Eremaea eBird online:Vebird.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.