MARCH,1979 29

BIRDS OF THE SOUTHERN AND WESTERN LAKE EYRE DRAINAGE F. J. BADMAN Received August, 1978

The area under discussion extends north-west Following exceptional rainfall it may reach The from Marree to the Northern Territory border Macumba and eventually flow into Lake Eyre. and lies on both sides of the Marree-Alice Since the 1974 flood, dense scrub of eucalypts, Springs railway line. It extends north-east from acacias and Whitewood Atalaya hemiglauca has Marree as far as Lake Killamperpunna on grown along the course of The Finke, north of Cooper Creek, west to the Stuart Range and Alka Seltzer Bore. Honey,eaters and pardalotes south as far as Farina (see map). This region abound in this scrub. Thi~ is the only large area lies over the south-west comer of the Great of dense scrub in this region. Artesian Basin and there are numerous per­ Lake Eyre was filled following exceptionally manent waters at bores and natural springs. heavy rainfall in Queensland and South Many of the bores flow into drains, swamps and Australia during 1973-4. Very large numbers of lagoons, providing areas of dense vegetation birds were present on the lake as late as Novem­ (especially Cumbungi; Typha spp.) and large ber 1977, but these had completely disappeared areas of water. These provide suitable habitat by February 1978. This was probably due to an for many species of waterfowl and water-loving increase in the salinity of the water, causing the birds. Station dams also provide a semi-perm­ death of the fish in the lake, rather than to a anent source of water. After rain there are lack of water. In February 1978 water in the numerous swamps and waterholes which provide lake still stretched to the horizon, though more additional habitat for aquatic and semi-aquatic than one km of mud separated it from the species. shore. Lake Harry was also filled in 1973-4. The mean annual rainfall is under 150 mm Birds were still abundant there in October 1977 and is highly unreliable. During the period though the remaining water was very shallow: under review - the year 1977 and the first four The freshwater lakes of Cooper Creek were months of 1978 - rainfall was below average, filled towards the end of 1976 and Lake and most of the country (especially in the Killamperpunna was also partly refilled in 1977. south) was in poor shape. Rainfall recorded at These lakes contained large volumes of water Marree for 1977 was 78 rnm, with a further 13 ~nd many birds were present during my visit~ mm to April 30, 1978. At William Creek it was In October and November 1977. about 75 mm for 1977 and almost nothing for Vegetation on the plains is usually sparse. the first four months of 1978, 'and for Oodn~­ After rain ephemerals and grasses are common datta 9~ mm and.s:ven mm. Isolated heavy with th~ hardier saltbush Atriplex spp. and storms In the WIlham Creek area during ~hagcd!a spp. remaining throughout the drier October and November 1977 produced falls of ~p times. Tree growth is mainly restricted to the to 75 mm; and 65 mm fell at Wangianna watercourses. Coolibah Eucalyptus microtheca is In January 1978. Increased bird numbers were common and Red Gum E. camaldulensis is evident in both areas following the rain. found along several watercourses west of Marree Almost the whole of the region drains into ar;d, more co:nmonly, north of William Creek. Lake Eyre. All watercourses are usually dry Gidgea. Ac.acza. cambagei is found throughout, apart from isolated waterholes 'and soaks: and Mineritchie A. cyperophylla is found along Cooper Creek, to the east of Lake Eyre, stony creeks to the north of Oodnadatta carnes more water from central Queensland A:acias.are widespread, especially in the sandie; than from South Australia. The northern and SOlIs, WIth a few stands of Mulga A. aneura, western part of the area is drained by the most!y nort~ of Oodnadatta. Samphire Sali­ St.evenson, Hamilton, Alberga and Macumba cortua spp. IS common around the edges of salt RIVers, The Neales, Peake Creek and numerous lakes. and mound springs. Lignum Muehlen­ smaller creeks. Frome Creek flows into Lake beckia cunninghamii and Tea-tree Melaleuca Eyre ~rom the Flinders Ranges to the south. spp. are found along several watercourses. The FInke floods out along the western edge of The majority of the region consists of undul­ the Simpson Desert to the north of Lake Eyre. ating gibber plains and areas of ~andy soils, 30 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN ORNITHOLOGIST, 28

often with long, parallel ~unes. Low-lying, often Little has. been published concerning the avi­ marshy, country is associated with the line of f.auna of this area, and for this reason I should mound-springs that run from Marree west to I k h Cd' 1 e to pre~ent t es.e observations at this early owar Springs, then north-west as far as da.te. The information presented here is insuf- Dalhousie. The highest hills are the Peake- fi.clent to give a clear picture of either distribu­ Denison Range, north of William Creek which t re.ach a heiQ"ht. of 410 m at Mt, Margaret'. Other' Ion or s~atu~; yet it is hoped that it may provide ~ ~ome guidelines for other workers in this area hIgh ground .1S found in the Willouran Range, in the future. My own work in this area is west of Farina (325 m), the Stuart Range continuing. (under 240 m), and scattered mostly flat- Many of the aquatic and semi-aquatic species topped, hills mainly north of Oodnadatta seen may have dispersed from Lake Eyre and (under 300 m). the many other lakes that were filled in 1974. The north-east of the area consists of the Whether they will re~~n in, or return to (in parallel sand ridges of the Simpson Desert. The the case of seasonal visitors) the area remains dunes lie in a north-north-west to south-south- to be seen and is a .subject for further. study. east direction, and are covered with Canegrass Several of the Passeriformes were not recorded Zygochloa paradoxa, acacias and other shrubs. south of. William Creek, even though quite Porcupine Grass Triodia basedotoii is common common in the north of the region. Whether or in the inter-dunal corridors. not t~ese species will be present in this area followlllg better seasons is also a matter for This paper deals with my personal records for furt~er study. Also of interest is the large pro­ 1977 and the first four months of 1978. Some portion ~f raptors seen on each of my three visits earlier records, and some records for May and to Purm Bore. Of 50 species recorded in this June 1978 are also included where these increase locality on my visit during March 1978, eight the range of a species. I have lived in this area were birds of prey. Similar ratios were noted continuously since July 1976. During this time on my two earlier visits. This is a much higher I made several visits to different parts of the proportion than for the rest of the area. area. The principal of these are as follows: Following good general rains of from 50-100 1977: 3-12 March, Algebuckinna to Ocdna- mm throughout the whole of the area during datta, Mt. Willoughby, Todmorden and Nil- June and July 1978, I visited Cooper Creek pinna; April 6-11, Algebuc1dnna to Dalhousie and Lake Hope from 10-16 July. Some of the Springs, Abminga and Hamilton Stn.; May more interesting observations are also recorded 15-22, Algebuckinna to Dalhousie Springs, here, including two species not previously seen Purni Bore and Macumba Stn.; July by me in the area. 22-31, Mt, Dutton to Dalhousie, Purni Bore and I should like to take this opportunity to bring Abminga; October 3-10, William 0reek to to notice the presence of the feral cat and the Marree and Cooper Creek; November 12-13, Red Fox in the Simpson Desert. Several cats Marree to Cooper Creek; December 16-22; were seen by me up to 100 km east of Purni Marree to Nilpinna and Algebuckinna; 1978: Bore and a Red Fox was seen 45 km east of the January 29-February 3, Wangianna to William bore. All seemed to be in exceptionally good Creek, Warrina and the country east to Lake condition, especially the cats. Eyre; March 5-9, Marrec to Lake Eyre South; In the following list of birds, details are given March 23-April 2, Wangianna to Oodnadatta, of date recorded) numbers and habitat. Some Macumba, Simpson Desert, Mt, Dare, Abminga very common species are not listed individually, and Hamilton Stn, For the first eight months of but the location where they were seen is given, 1977 I was living at Algebuckinna and Mt. except where they were present throughout the Dutton, moving to William Creek and Coward whole area. Springs in August and to Wangianna in October The classification of birds follows that of A 1977. I remained at Wangianna until April Field List of the Birds of South Australia S.A. 1978. Om. Ass. (forthcoming revised ed.), MARCH,1979 31

ANNOTATED LIST OF SPECIES RECORDED EMU Dromaius novaehollandiae east of Mt. Dare H.S., along The Finke, on Not a common species, although it was found March 29. throughout the region, sometimes in large GREAT CRESTED GREBE Podiceps cristatus groups. Found in all types of country, particu­ Condon (1969) gave Eurelia as the locality larly savannah. of the northernmost record of this species in 1977: two at Mt. Dutton on February 11; South Australia. Cox and Pedler (1977) two at One Tree Bore and three at Red Motor recorded it at Lake Harry in 1976. This species Car Swamp, Nilpinna, on March 8; two at was recorded by me at Cooper Creek on Ambutchera Creek, Mt. Dare Stn., on May 18; November 12, 1977, when one bird was seen up­ two at Farina on June 23; four 2 km north of stream from the Birdsville Track ferry crossing. Alka Seltzer Bore, Mt. Dare Stn., on July 26 ­ It was with a flock of Hoary-headed Grebes these birds walked right into our camp on The and hundreds of ducks and was observed 100 Finke; seven at Whylies Well, Hamilton Stn., m away with 8 x 40 binoculars. It was identi­ on July 28; two at the Marree-Ooodnadatta fied by its larger size, white chest, chestnut ruff road crossing of Peake Creek on August 10; and black crests: Next day I saw six more birds five in sandhills five km south of Stuart Creek of this species at Lake Killalpaninna. H.S. on August 28; one at Umbum Bore, Peake During my trip to Lake Hope in July 1978 I Stn., on August 27; one in sandhills at Irra­ recorded this species from Lake Killalpaninna patana on September 9; one at The Bubbler upstream along Cooper Creek 'as far as Lake spring, near Coward Springs on September 18; Appadare, and at Lake Hope; one at Lake three near Stuart Creek H.S. on September 23; Warrawarrinna, three at a large waterhole 16 five near Curdimurka, two at Clayton 'and 12 at km upstream, 'and four at a large waterhole a Lake Killamperpunna on October 6; 10 at Lake further 19 km upstream, on July 12; three at Kopperamanna on October 7; five 10 km west Lake Hope on July'13; three at Lake Appadare of Lake Harry, 34 birds 23 km west of Lake on July 14; one at a large lake at 28° 24'S., Harry, 10 birds 31 km west of Lake Harry, and 1390 E, one at the Birdsville Track ferry cross­ two at Crows Nest Bore, Muloorina, on October ing and one at Lake Kopperamanna on July 15; 9; one at the Marree-Oodnadatta road crossing three at Lake Killalpaninna on July 16. of Margaret Creek on November 5; 89 along the Kopperamanna Bore drain on November HOARY-HEADED GREBE 13; three at Kennebery W.H., Muloorina, on Poliocephalus poliocephalus December 2; eight at Wirriaranna Dam, The This species is more 'common than the follow­ Neales, on December 20. ing species. Though it sometimes shares the habitat of the latter, it is more often seen on 1978: two at Kennebery W.H. on January 16 brackish waters and sometimes in quite large and 17; one 12 km south-east of Tarlton Knob, flocks. Witchelina Stn., on January 28; two at Midway Dam and two near Armistice Bore, Anna Creek 1977: four at Nilpinna on March 3; one at Stn., on January 30; two at Nancys Bore, Anna the waterhole four km south-west of Opossum Creek Stn., on January 31; two at Umbum Bore, Mt, Dare Stn., on April 9 and 10' two at Bore, Peake Stn., on February 1; four 3 km Algebuckinna on June 26; one at R;d Lake south of Bulldog Creek Bore and five 3 km Dam, Stuart Creek Stn., on September 27; 10­ south of Murra Murrana Bore, Peake Stn., on plus at Cooper Creek, upstream from 'the Birds­ February 2; up to 50 feeding on green Mitchell ville Track ferry crossing, on October 7, and Grass Astrebla spp. at Wangianna from Feb­ many hundreds at the same place and down­ ruary 1 to the end of March. The first three stream to Lake Killamperpunna on November birds were seen seven days after good rain fell' 12-13; one at Pedourie Dam, Stuart Creek Stn., eight at the Marree-Oodnadatta road crossing on December 16; 11 at Regs Dam and 16 at of Davenport Creek on February 17; six 4 km Patsys Darn, Nilpinna on December 17· four west of Venable Bore, and three at Beatrice at a claypan containing shallow fresh 'water Bore, Finniss Springs Stn., on March 6; two 5 five km south of Algebuckinna on December 20; km east of Finniss Springs H.S. on March 7; 50-plus at Tardetakarinna W.H. and two 10 one at Cooranna Bore, eight 2 km to the north, km upstream along The Neales on December one at Crows Nest Bore and three at Frome 21. Creek, Muloorina, on March 8; two 27 km 1978: two at Kennebery W.H., Muloorina, on north-west of Everglades Bore and two 66 km January 24; one at the dam four km south-east 32 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN ORNITHOLOGIST, 28 of Tarlton Knob, Witchelina Stn., and seven at four at ~eresford, four at Irrapatana Dam, Cooranna Bore, Muloorina, on January 28; two at MIdway Dam and three at Skylark Dam, 120-plus at Crows Nest Bore, and three on the Anna Creek Stn., on January 30; one 'at Julies dam three km to the south Muloorina on Dam and one at Nilpinna on February 2' four January 29; one at Yard W.H., 24 at B~res­ at Frome Creek, Muloorina on March 9'· two ford" 35 at Irrapatana Dam, 45-plus at Midway at Nilpinna and two at Aigebuckinna on March Dam, 10 at Toongamoona Dam and 15 at Sky­ 23; two at Eringa on March 30; one at the lark Dam, Anna Creek Stn., on January 30; up waterhole 14 km north of Hamilton H.S. and to 15, at Fat Bullock Swamp, Cooinchinna Dam !hree .at Alge~uckinna on March 31; lO-pIus, and Number One Dam, Anna Creek Stn., and including one Immature bird, at Warrawaroona Number Two Dam, Peake Stn., on January 31; W.H., near The Peake ruins, on April 1. up to 20 at Up and Down Dam Teemurrina W.H., Pyraka Dam, Wildhorse D~ and Blanket W.H., Peake Stn., on February 1; up to 10 at AUSTRALIAN PELICAN McLeans Bore on !,eake Stn. and Jimboys Dam, Pelecanus conspicillatus Watts Bank, Juhes Dam and Nilpinna on This species was very common on many lakes February 2; 14-plus at Regs Dam, Nilpinna, in the region during 1977. Towards the end of and c.lO at Rocky Dam, Anna Creek Stn., on 1977 many of these birds dispersed outside this February 3; one at Finniss Springs H.S. Dam on region, while many more moved to Cooper March 5; 11 at Venable Bore, Finniss Springs Creek and a few to smaller waterhoies. Stn., on March 6; lO-plus at Crows Nest Bore, 1976: 200 at Watts Bank, Nilpinna, on and c.50 at Frome Creek, Muloorina on March December 12 and c.2000 on December 19. 8; lO-plus at Nilpinna, 12 at Peake Creek, 1977: 40-plus at Algebuckinna on February downstream from the Marree-Oodnadatta road 13 and c.200 on March 29 - these birds were crossing, and several at Algebuckinna on March not on the main waterhole, but on a smaller 23; one at Oolgawa W.H., Macumba Stn., on brackish waterhole about two km upstream; March 24; five at Purni Bore on March 25 and eight at Eaglehawk Dam, The Neales, on Feb­ 28; one at Eringa on March 30; 190-plus at ruary 15; 13 at Watts Bank on March 9; 3000­ Warrawaroona W.H., near the Peake ruins, on plus at Lake Eyre, east of William Creek, on April 1. August 26 and 27 and cADDO on October 3; one at Nunns Bore on September 9 and 22 on AUSTRALASIAN GREBE the following day; 14 at Welcome Bore, Stuart Tachybaptus novaehollandiae Creek Stn., on September 26 and eight on Sep­ A fairly common species that is to be found tember 30; nine at Albies Dam, Stuart Creek in many fresh or slightly brackish waters. Stn., and one at Curdimurka on September 27 Usually seen in pairs or small groups. _ all these birds were seen away from water; 1977: six at Algebuckinna on February 13; c.lOOO at Lake Harry and c.lOOO at Cooper two at Smithfield W.H., The Neales, on Feb­ Creek on October 6; 32 at Crows Nest Bore, ruary 15; several at Watts Bank, Nilpinna, on Muloorina, on October 9; one landed in our March 9; several at Nilpinna H.S. Dam on camp at the dog fence west of Wangianna on March 11; one at the waterhole four km south­ November 1 - this bird was in a very dis­ west of Opossum Bore, Mt. Dare Stn., on April tressed condition and remained at the camp for 9; several at a waterhole in Ambutchera Creek, several hours before flying away; several in the Mt. Dare Stn., on May 17; 15 at Campoven town of Marree on November 2; five at Morris Dam, Stuart Creek Stn., on August 28, 12 on Bore, Finniss Springs Stn., on November 4; October 10 and four on December 16; six at c.4000 standing on a sandbank at Lake Killam­ Red Lake Dam, Stuart Creek Stn., on Septem­ perpunna on November 12; three at Old Nil­ ber 27; IS-plus at Cooper Creek, upstream from pinna and 14 near the Marree-Oodnadatta road the Birdsville Track ferry crossing, on October crossing of Peake Creek on December 18; four 7 and lO-pius on November 12; four at Yard at Algebuckinna W.R. on December 20; six at W.H., Stuart Creek Stn., and two at Nilpinna the Neales, five km downstream from Wirriar­ anna Dam and six at Tardetakarinna W.H. on on December 17. 1978: two at the dam four km south-east of December 21. Tarlton Knob, Witchelina Stn., on January 28; 1978: three at Blanket W.H., The Neales, on one at Cooranna Bore, Muloorina, on January February 1; 11 at Frome Creek, Muloorina, on 29; eight and five young at Yard W.H. (see March 8; one flew over Wangianna on March notes under Grey Falcon Falco hypoleucos), 12; 28 at Warrawaroona W.H. Peake Creek, on MARCH, 1979 west of Opossum Bore, Mt. Dare Stn., on April April 1; two dead Pelicans were seen i~ the 10; two at Lake Eyre, east of William Creek, dried up mud pit at the abar;doned .site of on August 26 and one on October 4; two at Macumba Number One oil-well m the Simpson Beresford on August 28 and c.15 on September Desert on March 26, 1978. This site was cl~sed 16' 100-plus at Welcome Bore, Stuart Creek down in October or November 1977, a e tur: St~., on September 26; one at Albies Dam, when this species was leaving Lake Eyre in large numbers, so I think it likely that these Stuart Creek Stn., on September 27; 10 at Angas Bore, Stuart Creek Stn., on October 1; two birds were from Lake Eyre; c.80 flew over up to 1000 at Cooper Creek on October 7 and our camp at Lake Eyre South on June 24. 8', c.1000 at Lake Harry on October 8; c.30 at Crows Nest Bore Muloorina, on October 9; DARTER Anhinga melanogaster nine at Morris Bore, Finniss. Springs Stn., on Favours larger waterholes and lakes, especially November 4; two at Lake Killarnperpunna on when they are surrounded by large trees. November 12' several at Lake Kopperananna 1977: three pairs and one immature bird at on November 13; two at Callanna Railway Dam Alzebuckinna W.H. during February; two at on December 2; one at Margaret Creek, near S~ithfield W.H., The Neales, on February 15 Mt. Hamilton ruins, on December 16. and March 13; one at Kathleen Creek, Tod­ 1978: three at Beresford, one at Irrapatana morden, on March 6; one at the Coolibah-lined Dam and one at Toongamoona Dam, Anna waterhole four km south-west of Opossum Bore, Creek Stn., on January 30; one at Number Two Mt. Dare Stn., on April 10; several at The Dam Peake Stn., on january 31; 19 at Up 'and Macumba near Macumba H.S., on May 21; Dow~ Dam, one at Teemu:rina W.H., one at one at Dalhousie Springs on July 23 - in Tea­ Blanket W.H., one at Sandhill W.H., and one at trees overhanging a large mound spring; two at Umbum Bore, Peake Stn., on February 1; one Eringa on July 27; one at Beresford on August at Jimboys Dam, Nilpinna, on February 2; one 28' one 3 km west of Old Billa Kalina on Sep­ at Coward Springs on February 3; one at the te~ber 26' 100-plus at Cooper Creek on dam nine km south of Crows Nest Bore, Mul­ October 6 ~d three at Lake Killamperpunna oorina on March 8; two at Frome Creek, Mul­ and c.lOO at Lake Kopperamanna on Novem­ oorina, on March 9; nine at Purni Bore on ber 12 - these were seen singly and in pairs March 25; c.15 at Warrawaroona W.H., Peake along the edge of the water and around the Creek, on April 1. margins of the lakes. Most birds seen were up­ Many 'thousands were seen along Cooper stream from the Birdsville Track crossing in Creek and at Lake Hope during July 1978. An October, but had moved downstream to Lake accurate estimate of the numbers seen was im­ Kopperamanna by November; c.50 at Lake possible as P. ca.rbo was seen on all large water­ Killalpaninna on November 13; one at Tarde­ holes and lakes, and also flying overhead along takarinna W.H., The Neales, on December 21. the river and between the lakes, usually at dawn 1978: one at Algebuckinna on March 23 and and dusk. three on March 31; two at Oolgawa W.H., Macumba Stn., on March 24; two at Eringa on PIED CORMORANT March 30; one at Antikoolirrinna W.H., Hamil­ Phalacrocorax varius ton Stn., on March 31; two pairs at Warrawa­ This is the least common of the cormorants in roona W.H., Peake Creek, on April 1. this area. It was only seen at large waterholes and lakes, except at Up and Down Dam which GREAT CORMORANT is a small dam on Peake Stn. near Lake Eyre. Phalacrocorax carbo 1977: one at Federal on July 27; 100-plus Liable to be found on any area of water, this at Lake Eyre, east of William Creek, on species was recorded at a station dam less than August 27; four at Lake Kopperamanna on 12 hours after the darn was filled by a local November 12; one at Algebuckinna on Decem­ thunderstorm. Usually found at large, tree-lined ber 20. _ waterholes and lakes where it can find an 1978: eight at Up and Down Dam, two at adequate supply of fish. Teemurrina W.H., and one at Blanket W.H., 1977: two at Nunns Bore on January 1; 10­ Peake Stn., on February 1; two at Frome Creek, plus at Algebuckinna on February 8; two at Muloorina, on March 8; c.l0 at Warrawaroona Smithfield W.H., The Neales, on February 15; W.H., Peake Creek, on April 1. one at The Neales, near Ooodnadatta, on This was the commonest cormorant along March 4; two at the waterhole four km south- Cooper Creek and at Lake Hope in July 1978. 84 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN ORNITHOLOGIST, 28 co~ments The same on numbers apply as for 10; one at Coward Springs on September 16 P. carko and It was often seen with this species. and four on Septemher 24; c.lO at Welcome The birds I saw along Cooper Creek probably Bore, Stuart Creek Stn., and four 3 km west of came from Lake Eyre. Old Billa Kalina on September 26; four at Welcome Bore on September 30; three at Angas LITtLE BLACK CORMORANT Bore, Stuart Creek Stn., on October 1; up to Phalacrocora» sulcirostris 100 at Cooper Creek on October 6 and Novem­ Not as common as P. carbo, It was found at ber 12; five at Lake Harry on October 9· four most types of water, usually where there were at Morris Bore, Finniss Springs Stn., on'Nov­ trees for roosting. ember 4; one at Yard W.H., Stuart Creek Stn., 1977: 30-plus at Algebuckinna throughout on December 16; one at Old Nilpinna on Dec­ F.ebruary; one at Warrangaranna Bore, Nil­ ember 18; one 5 km downstream from Wirriar­ pmna, on March 9; lO-plus at the waterhole anna Dam, and two at Tardetakarinna W.H., four km south-west of Opossum Bore, Mt. Dare The Neales, on December 21. Stn., on April 4 and July 27; nine at Eringa on 1978: one at McEwens Bore, Stuart Creek July 27; laO-plus at Lake Eyre, east of William Stn., and one at Beresford on January 30· three Creek, on August 26 and October 3; c.lO flew at Teemurrina W.H., one at Blanket W.H. and over Irrapatana just after sunrise on September eight at McLeans Bore, Peake Stn., on February 10; one at McEwens Bore, Stuart Creek Stn., 1; one at Coward Springs on February 3; one on October 1; laO-plus at Cooper Creek on at Morris Bore, Finniss Springs Stn., on March October 6 and up to 100 on November 12; one 6; two at Frome Creek, Muloorina, on March at Lake Harry on October 9; one at Morris 8; one at Algebuckinna on March 23 and two Bore, Finniss Springs Stn., on November 4. on March 31; one at Oolgawa W.H., Macumba 1978: one at The Bubbler, near Coward Stn., on March 24; one at Peake Creek near Springs, and 10 at Welcome Bore, Stuart Creek the Railway. bridge and. several downstream at Stn., on January 29; one at Yard W.H., Stuart Warrawaroona W.H. on April 1. Creek Stn., on January 30; two at Up and P. melanoleucos was not recorded anywhere Down Dam and 30-plus at Teemurrina W.H., along Cooper Creek during July 1978. Peake Stn., on February 1; two at McLeans Bore, Peake Stn., and one at Nilpinna on Feb­ PACIFIC HERON Ardea pacifica ruary 2; lOO-plus at Warrawaroona W.H., Usually seen singly or in pairs where there Peake Creek, on April l. are large trees near water. Not as common as P. sulcirostris was seen in very small numbers A. nouaehollandiae. along Cooper Creek during July, 1978, usually 1977: two at Algebuckinna on February 8; with other cormorants. The largest group seen one at Jimboys Dam, Nilpinna, on March 12; was one flock of c.30 birds. two at The Stevenson near Hamilton Bore on April 7 and one on July 23; one at Eringa on LITTLE PIED CORMORANT April 11 and three on July 28; two at Federal Phalacrocorax melanoleucos on July 27; one at Watchamacallit Dam, Anna The most widespread of the four cormorants Creek Stn. on August 27; one at Coward found in this region, it was found at quite small Springs on September 16 and two on September areas of water. It is both solitary and gregarious. 24; one at Welcome Bore, Stuart Creek Stn., on 1977: several at Nunns Bore on January 1 and September 26; one at McEwens Bore, Stuart five on September 10; one at Algebuckinna on Creek Stn., on September 30; four at Nancys February 8, several on March 8 and four on Bore, Anna Creek Stn., on October 4; one near June 26; several at Smithfield W.E., The the Birdsville Track ferry crossing of Cooper Neales, on February 15 and March 13, and one Creek on October 7; 30-plus at a swamp along on December 20; two at Peake Creek, down­ the Kopperamanna Bore drain on October 8; stream from the Marree-Oodnadatta road one at Lake Harry and five at Crows Nest Bore, crossing, on March 8; two at Hamilton Bore on Muloorina, on October 9; one at Morris Bore, April 7; one at The Macumba, near Macumba Einniss Springs Stn., on November 4; two at H.S., on May 21; two at Dalhousie Springs on Lake Kopperamanna on November 12. July 23; 20-plus at Federal on July 27; four at 1978: one'at Sandhill W.H., Peake Stn., on Whylies Well, The Stevenson, on July 28; 36 at February 1; one at McLeans Bore, Peake Stn., Lake Eyre, east of William Creek, on August 27 on February 2; one at Peake Creek, near the and three on October 4; c.300 flew over Irra­ railway bridge on March 23 and April 1; three patana with c.10 P. sulclrostris on September at Oolgawa W.H., Macumba Stn., on March MARCH, 1919 35

24; two at Antikoolirrinna W.H., Hamilton Stn., Finniss Creek, one at Morris Bore on Finniss on March 31. Springs Stn., three at Crows Nest Bore and five' at Frome Creek, Muloorina, seven at Peake WHITE-FACED HERON Creek, three at Algebuckinna, two at The Ardea nouaehollandiae Macumba near Macumba H.S., one at the dam A common species, it was found throughout 22 km north of Macumba H.S., two at Oolgawa the region wherever there was water, especially W.H., two at Purni Bore, one 15 km south-west at swamps. of l'1t .. Dare H.S., two at Eringa, two at Anti­ kcolirrinna W.H. and two 14 km north of 1977: c.lO at Algebuckinna during February Hamilton H.S. during March; two near the rail­ and one in December; one at The Neales near way bridge at Peake Creek, three downstream Oodnadatta, one at Welbourn Hill, six near the at Warrawaroona W.H. and one at Coward Marree-Oodnadatta road crossing of Peake Springs during April. Creek and several at Smithfield W.H., The One was seen at Kopperamanna Bore on July Neales, during March; four at Hamilton Bore, 16, 1978 and this was the only bird of this 12 at Eringa and two at Coward Springs during species seen in the vicinity of Cooper Creek April; four at Ambutchera Creek on Mt. Dare during July. Stn. and one at Purni Bore in May; two at Margaret Creek near Curdimurka, two at Coward Springs and four at Algebuckinna dur­ GREAT EGRET Egretta. alba ing June; several at Hamilton Bore and c.lO at Always seen near water, both fresh and Eringa in July; two at Lake Eyre, one at brackish. Sometimes away from any trees. Coward Springs and 10 at Welcome Bore on 1977: one at Algebuckinna on February 8 and Stuart Creek Stn. during August; two at 13 and December 20; one at Federal on July Coward Springs, one at Nunns Bore, two at The 27; one at a small waterhole near Bitchera Well, Bubbler, three at Welcome Bore, two 3 km west Hamilton Stn., on July 30; one at Coward of Old Billa Kalina and four at McEwens Bore Springs on September 24; one at McEwens during September; two at Nancys Bore on Anna Bore, Stuart Creek Stn., on September 30; Creek Stn., up to 50 at Lake Harry, c.100 at seven at Lake Eyre, east of William Creek, on Cooper Creek and three at Crows Nest Bore on October 3; c.lOO at Cooper Creek on October Muloorina during October; c.10 at Morris Bore 6-7; 100-plus at Lake Harry on October 8; one on Finniss Springs Stn., c.lOO at Lake Killam­ at Crows Nest Bore, Muloorina, on October 9; perpunna and 10 upstream from the Birdsville one at Morris Bore, Finniss Springs Stn., on Track ferry crossing of Cooper Creek during November 4; lO-plus at Lake Killamperpunna November; one at Kennebery W.H. on Mul­ on November 12 - many of these in breeding oorina, one at Gregory Creek, two at The Bub­ plumage. bler and one at Old Nilpinna during December. 1978: one at Cooranna Bore, Muloorina, on 1978: two at Welcome Springs on Callanna January 29; one at McLeans Bore, Peake Stn., Stn., one at Frome Creek near Marree; 10 at on February 1; one at Coward Springs on Feb­ Cooranna Bore and one at Kennebery W.H. on ruary 3; two at Frome Creek, Muloorina on Muloorina, one at the dam four km south-east March 8; two at Oolgawa W.H., Macumba of Tarlton Knob on Witchelina Stn., three at Stn., on March 24; one at Antikoolirrinna the Marree-Oodnadatta road crossing of Finniss W.H., Hamilton Stn., and one at Algebuckinna Creek, one at Margaret Creek near Curdi­ on March 31; one at Warrawaroona W.H. near murka, five at McEwens Bore, two at Irrapa­ The Peake ruins, on April 1. tan a Dam, 65 at Crows Nest Bore and 46 at Cooranna Bore on January 29, lO-plus at Fat LITTLE EGRET Egretta garzeita. Bullock Swamp and four at Nancys Bore on One at Lake Killamperpunna on October 8, Anna Creek Stn., during January; three at 1977 and one at the same place on November Nunns Bore and one at Up and Down Dam, 12, 1977. The second sighting was approxi­ two at Teemurrina W.H., one at Blanket W.H., mately 500 m from where it was first seen. On one at Number Three Bore, one at Sandhill both occasions it was seen in association with W.H., two at McLeans Bore, and one at Bull­ Great Egrets E. alba and was recognisable by dog Creek Bore on Peake Stn., two at Coward its much smaller size (slightly more than half Springs, one at Margaret Creek and one at the size of E. alba), black bill and yellow face. Davenport Creek during February; one at Fin­ Legs were black. Nuptial plumes were not niss Springs H.S. Dam, tW9 at Venable Bore, present. It was also seen within one metre of a one at the Marree-Oodnadatta road crossing of White-faced Heron and was seen to be smaller 86 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN ORNITHOLOGIST, 28

than this bird. I have had previous field exper­ STRAW-NECKED IBIS ience of E. garzetta at Lake Callabonna on Threskiornis spinicollis August 31, 1977 when two birds of this species While it was slightly more common than were identified by Joan Paton, Ian May, et aI. T. aethiopica, this species was also uncommon. In South Australia, not previously reported It was found in the same habitat as the preced­ north of the Port Wakefield district at the head ing species. of Gulf St. Vincent (S. A. Parker, pers. comm.). 1977: two at Lake Killamperpunna on October 8 and c.lO on November 12; one at Crows Nest Bore, Muloorina, on October 9; RUFOUS NIGHT HERON one at Morris Bore, Finniss Springs Stn., on Nycticorax caledonicus November 4. Apparently uncommon in this area, this species was only seen at three localities. On two occasions it was flushed from Palm trees ROYAL SPOONBILL Platalea regia Phoenix sp., and at the other location it was Apparently uncommon and usually seen always seen in the leafiest trees available. singly, often in association with the following Two birds at Algebuckinna throughout Feb­ species. It showed a preference for large swamps ruary 1977, always seen in Coolibahs; 15 and lakes. P. regia was much less common than flushed from Palm trees at Dalhousie Springs the Yellow-billed Spoonbill Platalea fiavipes. on the evening of July 23, 1977 and the same This is the opposite to the situation noted to the number were also seen next morning; one im­ east of Lake Eyre by Cornish and Ellis (1974) mature flushed from a Palm tree at Crows Nest and by Cox and Pedler (1977), and to the Bore, Muloorina, on the evening of October 9, north, in the Alice Springs area, by Rix (1970). 1977, and also seen next morning. 1977: one at Nunns Bore on January 1; one at Algebuckinna on February 13; one at Coward Springs and one at McEwens Bore, GLOSSY IBIS Plegadis falcinellus Stuart Creek Stn., on September 30; one at This was the commonest ibis in the region Lake Kopperamanna on November 12; six at during the period under review. It was usually Lake Killalpaninna on November 13. seen in small groups at large swamps, and also 1978: one at Coward Springs on February 3 at smaller areas of water after rain. and one on April 2; one at Oolgawa W.H., 1977: 10 at Lake Kopperamanna on October Macumba Stn., on March 24. 8 and four. on November 12; one at Koppera­ manna Bore on November 12; 13 at Gregory Creek overflow on December 8 - following YELLOW-BILLED SPOONBILL rain; four at The Bubbler and five at Welcome Platalea fiavipes Bore, Stuart Creek Stn., on December 16; four Much more common than the preceding at Old Nilpinna on December 18. species in this area. Seen on smaller areas of 1978: one at Cooranna Bore, Muloorina, on water than P. regia and also observed on several January 18 and 29; 19 at Crows Nest Bore, occasions where there were no trees. Muloorina, on January 29; two at McEwens 1977: two at Nunns Bore on January 1; 10­ Bore, Stuart Creek Stn., on January 31; seven plus at Algebuckinna on February 8 and 13 and at Coward Springs on February 3. one on December 20; two at The Stevenson, near Hamilton Bore, on April 7; one at The Hamilton, near Pedirka, on July 23; one at SACRED IBIS Threskiornis aethiopica This species was seen on only four occasions Lake Eyre, east of William Creek, on August 27; one at Coward Springs on September 24 during the period covered by this paper. and five on September 30; c.lO at Welcome 1977: one at Cooper Creek, near the Birds­ Bore, Stuart Creek Stn., and two at Margaret ville Track ferry crossing, on October 7; one at Creek, three km south-west of Old Billa Kalina, Lake Kopperamanna on November 13 - seen on September 26; two at Nancys Bore, Anna feeding in shallow water at the edge of the Creek Stn., on October 4; up to 100 along lake. Cooper Creek, between the Birdsville Track 1978: one at Coward Springs on February 3 ferry crossing and Lake Kopperamanna, on - feeding in shallow water in the swamp sur­ October 6 and November 12; two at Lake rounding the artesian bore; one at a large Harry on October 8; 10-plus at Crows Nest waterhole along Cooper Creek, 32 km down­ Bore, Muloorina, on October 9; one at Daven­ stream from Lake Appadare, on July 12. port Springs, Finniss Springs Stn., on Novem- MARCH, 1919

ber 3; six at Morris Bore, Finniss Springs Stn., cloud had lifted and there was intermittent sun­ on November 4; one at Charles Angas Bore, light, and visibility was good. Freckles were seen Finniss Springs Stn., on November 5; two at on one bird whilst swimming and on several Old Nilpinna on December 18; one at Tarde­ more whilst feeding by up-ending. Underparts takarinna W.H., The Neales, on December 21. and undertail were light brown, freckled with 1978: five at Crows Nest Bore, Muloorina, on white. Throat was very dark brown. In flight January 29 and two on April 8; one at these birds showed no speculum, the entire McEwens Bore, Stuart Creek Stn., on January underwing surface appearing dark. Flight was 30; one at McLeans Bore, Peake Stn., on Feb­ very low, often only one metre or less above the ruary 1· three at Watts Bank, Nilpinna on Feb­ water. Other groups of four and 11 Freckled ruary 2; two at Morris Bore, Finniss Springs Ducks were seen that afternoon 'along the Stn., on March 6; two at Muloorina on March channel leading into Lake Hope. Most were 8; two at Oolgawa W.H., Macumba Stn., on seen in association with other ducks, and as March 24; one at Antikoolirrinna W.H. and close as 100 m. Two were seen on Lake Appa­ two at a small waterhole 14 km north of Hamil­ dare, 18 km north of Lake Hope, on July 14, ton H.S., on March 31; three at Warrawaroona this time in bright sunlight. W.H., near The Peake ruins, on April 1; one at Coward Springs on April 2. AUSTRALIAN SHELDUCK T adorna tadornoides BLACK SWAN Cygnus atratus Often seen on fairly small areas of water, Occurred in large numbers on the larger lakes especially at swamps along bore drains. and was sometimes encountered in pairs or 1977: seven at Watts Bank and four at Old small groups on very small areas of water. Nilpinna on March 9; eight at Nunns Bore on 1977: two on the bore drain at Old Nilpinna April 17, five on August 28, two on September on March 9; seven at a large waterhole at 5, five on September 9 and 11, and five on Ambutchera Creek, Mt. Dare Stn., on May 17; December 1.7; one at Ambutchera Creek, Mt. 10 at Nunns Bore on June 24; two at Alge­ Dare Stn., on May 17; two at Algebuckinna on buckinna on June 26; two at Welcome Bore, June 26; two at Federal on J uly 27; a pair at Stuart Creek Stn., on August 28 and September Umbum Bore, Peake Stn., on August 27; two 26 and four on September 30; up to 1000 along at Welcome Bore, Stuart Creek Stn., on August Cooper Creek, between the Birdsville Track 28 and September 26 and one on October 1. ferry crossing and Lake Kopperamanna, on October 6-7; 100-plusat Lake Harry on 1978: four at Davenport Creek, Finniss October 8; lOG-plus at Lake Killamperpunna Springs Stn., on January 24 - in a pool of on November 12. water on the main road, following rain; one at Crows Nest Bore, Muloorina, on January 29.; 1978: three at Cooranna Bore, Muloorina, on two at Welcome Bore, two at McEwens Bore, January 29; one at Frome Creek, Muloorina, Stuart Creek Stn., and two at Midway Dam, on March 9; 10 at Nilpinna H.S. Dam on Anna Creek Stn., on January 30; two at Wild­ March 10 (N. Wood) and March 23; three at horse Dam, Peake Stn., on February 1; seven Warrawaroona W.H., Peake Creek, on April 1. at Morris Bore, Finniss Springs Stn., on March 6; a pair at Peake Creek, near the railway FRECKLED DUCK Stictonetta naevosa bridge, on April 1; three at Nunns Bore and Frith (1977) regarded the Freckled Duck as one at Coward Springs on April 2; four at a one of the rarer waterfowl of the world. My lake on Cooper Creek, 12 km downstream from only records are from Lake Hope and Lake Lake Appadare on July 12. Appadare on July 13-14, 1978. Two birds of this species were seen at Lake Hope on the morning PACIFIC BLACK DUCK Anas superciliosa of July 13. They were recognised by their dark Quite common in small numbers. Often to be colour, pointed head and saddle-shaped bill. found on very small areas of water with dense The day was overcast and the freckles could vegetation along bore drains, and is present not be seen. They were seen with other ducks somewhere in the area at all times. at a range of 250 ill with 8 x ' 40 binoculars. 1977: 40-plus at Algebuckinna throughout Later that afternoon I saw two Freckled Ducks February and one on December 20; up to 10 at in the same place, and about half an hour later Smithfield W.H., The Neales, during February I saw five birds one km to the north, in the and March; up to 10 at Peake Creek, near the channel at the northern end of the lake. These railway bridge, on March 8; c.IO at The Steven­ birds were seen 150 m away in good light. The son, near Hamilton Bore, on April 7 and two on 38 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN ORNITHOLOGIST, 28

May 16; lO-plus at Dalhousie Springs on April 1976: more than 1000 at Watts Bank, Nil­ 7-8 and July 23; c.lO at Coward Springs on pinna, during December. April 17 and September 5 and two on Septem­ 1977: 100-plus at Algebuckinna during Feb­ ber 16 and 24; one at Pumi Bore on May 19; ruary and March and one on June 26; 20-plus up to 10 at Nunns Bore on June 24; c.1O at Eringa on July 27; two at Campoven Dam, on a dam near Welboum Hill H.S. on March 5; 20-plus at Nilpinna on March 11; c.lO and Stuart Creek Stn., on August 28 and one on October 9; c.1O at Welcome Bore, Stuart Creek a pair with eight young at Federal on April 8; Stn., on September 26 and up to 100 on Sep­ two at Pumi Bore on May 19 and four on July tember 30; five at McEwens Bore, Stuart Creek 24; IOO-plus at Nunns Bore on June 24, four Stn., on September 30; 100-plus at Cooper on August 28, and 20-plus during September; Creek on October 6-7 and several hundreds on 20-plus at The Stevenson, near Hamilton Bore, November 12-13; two at Morris Bore, Finniss on July 23; two at Eringa on July 28; 500-plus Springs Stn., on November 4; c.1O at Crows at Lake Eyre, east of William Creek, on August Nest Bore, Muloorina, on November 9; one at 27 and three on October 3; 44 at Welcome Bore, Stuart Creek Stn., on August 28 and Pedourie Dam, Stuart Creek Stn., on December c.lOOO on September 26 and 30; three at Camp­ 16; 10-plus at Yumma Yumma Bank, Nilpinna, oven Dam Stuart Creek Stn., on August 28 on December 17. and two od October 10; four at Coward Springs 1978: two at Welcome Springs, Finniss on September 16 and nine on September 24; Springs Stn., on January 17 and 19; five at three at Albies Dam, Stuart Creek Stn., on Cooranna Bore, Muloorina, on January 18; one September 17; 50-plus three km south-west of at the dam four km south-east of Tarlton Knob, Old Billa Kalina on September 26; two at Red Witchelina Stn., on January 28; two at Crows Lake Dam, Stuart Creek Stn., on September 27 ; Nest Bore, Muloorina, on January 29, and up to four at McEwens Bore, Stuart Creek Stn., on 10 on March 8; one at Welcome Bore and four September 30; 200-plus at Angas Bore, Stuart at McEwens Bore, Stuart Creek Stn. and two at Creek Stn., on October 1; 100-plus at Cooper Skylark Dam, Anna Creek Stn., on January 30; Creek on October 6-7 and several thousands on five at Fat Bullock Swamp, Anna Creek Stn., November 12; several thousands at Lake Harry on January 31; about five at Teemurrina w.n., on October 8; up to 100 at Crows Nest Bore, four at Wildhorse Dam, four at Blanket W.H. Muloorina on October 9; four at Charles and two at Number Three Bore, Peake Stn., Angas Bor~ and 200-plus at Morr~s Bore, Finniss on February 1; five at McLeans Bore, Peake Springs Stn., on November 4; eight 2 km east Stn., and one at Jimboys Dam, 20-plus at Watts of Kennebery W.H., Muloorina, on December Bank and one at Julies Dam, Nilpinna, on Feb­ 2; two at Gregory Creek and three at Pedourie ruary 2; 10-plus at Coward Springs on February Dam, Stuart Creek Stn., on December 16; 100­ 3' five at Venable Bore and seven at Morns plus at Yumma Yumma Bank, one at Regs Dam B~re, Finniss Springs Stn.,. on March 6; up to and 10 at Patsys Dam, Nilpinna, on December 10 at Frome Creek, Muloorina, on March 8; two 17; five at a claypan con~aining shallow wat.er at Nilpinna on March 23; four at Algebuckinna five km south at Algebuckmna and two at WIr­ on March 23 and eight on March 31; three at riaranna Dam, Peake Stn., on December 20; The Macumba north of Macumba H.S., one at 100-plus at Tardetakarinna W.H., The Neales, the dam 22 km north of Macumba, six at the on December 21. dam 23 km south-south-west of Oolgawa W.H. and two at Oolgawa W.H. on March 2~; 20­ 1978: two at a bore near Marree on January plus at Purni Bore on March 25 and 28; mne at 9; nine at Welcome Springs, Callanna Stn., on a waterhole 15 km south-west of Mt, Dare H.S. January 17 and five on January 19; 25 at Coor­ and one at Eringa on March 30; one at Anti­ anna Bore Muloorina, on January 18; two on koolirrinna W.H. and six at the waterhole 14 January 28 and c.SO on January 29; six at Ken­ km north of Hamilton H.S. on March 31; 30­ nebery W.H., Muloorina, on January 24; three plus at Warrawaroona W.H., Peake Creek, on at the dam four km south-east of Tarlton Knob, April 1. Witchelina Stn., on January 28; lOO-plus at Crows Nest Bore, Muloorina, one at Margaret GREY TEAL Anas gibberijrons Creek and seven at The Bubbler, Stuart Creek A very common species which was seen Stn., on January 29; 200-plus at Welcome Bore wherever there was open water, at any time of and McEwens Bore, 35 at Yard W.H., Stuart year. It will sometimes move into an area, often Creek Stn., eight at Beresford, 100-plus at in large numbers, within hours of a local fall of Nunns Bore and c.20 at Irrapatana Dam on rain. January 30; following good local rains in the MARCH,1979 39

William Creek district towards the end of 1977, Anna Creek Stn., and 63 at Number Two Dam, all dams and waterholes were filled and from Peake Stn., on January 31; six at Up and Down two to 300 of this species were seen at every Dam, 10 at Pyraka Dam, five at Wildhorse dam and waterhole visited from January 30­ Dam, six at Blanket W.H. and one at Sandhill February 3; seven at Davenport Springs and W.H., Peake Stn., on February 1; two at Jim­ four at Finniss Springs H.S. Dam on March 5; boys Dam, 4-00-plus ·at Watts Bank, c.50 at 90 at Venable Bore, nine at Charles Angas Bore Julies Dam and 100-plus at Nilpinna H.S. Dam and 200-plus at Morris Bore, Finniss Springs on February 2; c.20 at Regs Dam, Nilpinna and Stn., on March 6; c.10 at Cooranna Bore and two at Irrapatana Dam on February 3; up to c.lOO at Crows Nest Bore and Frome Creek, 10 at Crows Nest Bore, and four at Frome Muloorina, on March 8; c.100 at Nilpinna on Creek, Muloorina on March 8; c.IO at Nilpinna March 23; two at The Macumba and one at on March 23; three at the waterhole 14- km Oolgawa W.H., Macumba Stn., on March 24-; north of Hamilton H.S. on March 31; many c.50 at Purni Bore on March 25 and 28; two at hundreds along Cooper Creek and at Lake Eringa on March 30; seven at Antikoolirrinna Hope, July 10-16. W.H. on March 31; two at Peake Creek near the railway bridge and two near The Peake ruins on April 1; 10 at Nunns Bore on April 2. HARDHEAD Aythya australis Not often seen during 1977, except along Cooper Creek where it was the most common of CHESTNUT TEAL Anas castanea all aquatic species during October. By Novem­ One male seen at very close range, with the ber these birds had dispersed, and probably preceding species, three km south-west of Old accounted for the many individuals and small Billa Kalina on September 26, 1977; five males flocks seen during the early part of 1978. at Crows Nest Bore, Muloorina, on January 29, 1977: one male at Dalhousie Springs from 1978. April 7-10 and on July 24-; many thousands at Cooper Creek on October 6-7 and up to 100 on November 12-13; lO-plus at Yumma Yumma PINK-EARED DUCK Bank, Nilpinna, on December 17; 50 at Alge­ Malacorhynchus membranaceus buckinna on December 20; one at The Neales, This species is highly nomadic and will three km upstream from Tardetakarinna W.H., appear in an area in quite large numbers fol­ on December 21. lowing rain. It was not seen at all from April to September, 1977, but was present in the 1978: two at Crows Nest Bore, Muloorina, on William Creek district at many station dams January 29 and five on March 8; a pair at and waterholes during the early part of 1978. Yard W.H., six at Irrapatana Dam, one at Apparently shows a preference for open water. Beresford and three at Midway Dam, Anna Creek Stn., on January 30; four at Cooinch­ 1976: c.lOOO at Watts Bank, Nilpinna, on inna Dam, Anna Creek Stn., and one at Num­ December 19. ber Two Dam, Peake Stn., on January 31; one 1977: one at Algebuckinna on February 8; at Blanket W.H., The Neales, on February 1; several hundreds at Watts Bank on March 9; two at Frome Creek, Muloorina, on March 9; 100-plus at Cooper Creek on October 6-7 and one at Nilpinna on March 23; one at Purni c.lOO on November 12; two at the Gregory Bore on March 25 and 28; four at Warrawa­ Creek Overflow on December 8; two at Beres­ roona W.H., Peake Creek, on April 1; many ford and six at Patsys Dam, Nilpinna, on Dec­ hundreds along Cooper Creek and at Lake ember 17; two at a claypan containing shallow Hope, July 10-16. water five km south of Algebuckinna on Decem­ ber 20; lOa-plus at Tardetakarinna W.H. and two 3 km upstream along The Neales on Dec­ MANED DUCK Chenonetta jubata ember 21. Fairly common in small flocks throughout the 1978: seven at Crows Nest Bore and two at area. Following rain it Was seen on areas of the dam nine km to the south, on Muloorina water as small as roadside puddles. Stn., on January 29; 20 at Yard W.H., Stuart 1977: lO-plus at Algebuckinna during Feb- Creek Stn., two at Beresford, four at a claypan . ruary; several at Smithfield W.H., The Neales, near Irrapatana, c.lOO at Midway Dam and 10 on February 15, two on March 13 and up ,to at Toongamoona Dam, Anna Creek Stn., on 100 on December 20; c.lO on a dam near Cop­ January 30; three at Skylark Dam, c.lO at Fat per Hill on March 5; 20-plus at The Stevenson, Bullock Swamp and four at Number One Dam, near Hamilton Bore, on April 7; 20-plus at 40 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN ORNITHOLOGIST, 28

Eringa on April 11 and c.lO on July 28; several large lake two km to the west on July 15; one at a waterhole in Ambutchera Creek, Mt. Dare male at Lake Killalpaninna on July 16. Stn.,: on May 17; 20-plus at Dalhousie Springs on July 23; one at Campoven Dam, BLACK-SHOULDERED KITE Stuart Creek Stn., on August 28; five at Wel­ Elanus notatus come Bore, Stuart Creek Stn., on September 5; Only three birds of this species were seen, all one at Lake Kopperamanna on October 7; two during 1977; one at the Marree-Oodnadatta feeding on swampy ground at Emerald Spring, road crossing of Peake Creek on January 12, Stuart Creek Stn., on November 5; up to 100 at and one 5 km to the east on January 18; Cooper Creek on November 12; two on a road­ one at Sandy Creek, 13 km north-east of side puddle two km east of Kennebery W.H., Marree, on December 12. Muloorina, on December 2; four at Yard W.H., Stuart Creek Stn., on December 16; four at LETTER-WINGED KITE Elanus scriptus Rocky Dam, Anna Creek Stn., on December 17. About 25 near -the Marree-Oodnadatta road 1978: five near Marree, at the overflow of a crossing of Peake Creek on January 9-21, 1977, stock bore, on january 7; four on a roadside and 15 on March 13, 1977. Although E. notatus puddle at Davenport Creek, Finniss Springs was observed nearby, the two species were Stn., 'on January 24; 15 at Cooranna Bore, not seen together. E. scriptus was always seen Muloorina, on January 29 and two on March in a flock, while E. notatus was always seen 8; five at Welcome Bore, Stuart Creek Stn., five alone. at Irrapatana Dam and 13 at Midway Dam, The Long-haired Rat Rattus villosissimus was Anna Creek Stn., on January 30; two at Fat apparently absent from the western Lake Eyre Bullock Swamp, Anna Creek Stn., on January Basin during 1977-8. This may explain the lack 31; two at Blanket W.H., The Neales, on Feb­ of sightings of this species compared to its ruary); 20 at Jimboys Dam, c.50 at Watts relative abundance in 1975 (Cox and Pedler, Bank, 40-plus at Julies Dam and 30 at Nilpinna 1977). H.S. Dam on February 2; eight at Nilpinna and four at Algebuckinna on March 23; one at BLACK KITE Milvus migrans Purni Bore on March 25; one at the dam six km Usually seen near towns and station home­ east of Abminga land lO-plus at Eringa on steads, with only a few individuals present at March 30; two at Antikoolirrinna W.H., Hamil­ other locations. Away from settlements it shows ton Stn., on March 31. a preference for watercourses with large trees. More -than 10 were always present at Marree. BLUE-BILLED DUCK Oxyura australis 1977: up to 10 at Algebuckinna during Feb­ Apparently uncommon in this area. A pair ruary and March, and at least two on June 26; was seen at Algebuckinna on January 24, 1977; one at Warrangarranna Bore, Nilpinna, on one male at the large waterhole at Cooper March 9; one at Hamilton Bore on April 6; Creek, 32 km downstream from Lake Appadare, several .at Eringa on March 11; one at Purni on July 15, 1978 - the blue bill, brown back Bore on May 18; one over the Spring Creek and black head were clearly seen from \a range flood plain, Mt, Dare Stn., on May 20; one at of less than 100 m. It was reluctant to fly and Ambutchera Creek, Mt. Dare Stn., on July 24; was not seen to do so. It escaped by diving and several at Abminga RS., on July 27; one at swimming underwater for up to "100 m at a Peake Creek, near the Marree-Oodnadatta road time. crossing, on August 10; four 5 km west of Wil­ liam Creek, along a Coolibah-lined watercourse, on August 20; one at Beresford and one at MUSK DUCK Bizuria lobata This species was seldom seen, except along Campoven Dam, Stuart Creek Stn., on August 28; three over sandhills two km south of Irra­ Cooper Creek in July 1978. patana on September 11; two at Curdimurka 1977: two at Algebuckinna on January 24, on October 3: four at Cooper Creek, upstream one on February 13 and one on April 3; two at from the Birdsville Track ferry crossing, on Lake Kopperamanna on October 7 and one October 6, and two on November 12; one at our male on November 13. camp at the dog fence, 27 km west of Marree, 1978: one female at Lake Hope on July 13; on November 3. one male at Lake Appadare on July 14; two 1978: one at Beresford on january 30; two males and one female at Cooper Creek, at a over sandhills at Fat Bullock Swamp, Anna small lake at 28° 23'S, 139" 02'E, and c.15 at a Creek Stn., on January 31; one at Frome Creek, MARCH,1979 41

Muloorina, on March 9; three at Purni Bore on at least one at Frome Creek, Muloorina, on March 28; two at Eringa on March 31. March 8' eight at the railway crossing of Peake Creek on'March 23 and 10 on April 1; one or BLACK-BREASTED KITE more at Algebuckinna and four at The H amirostra melanostemon Macumba, north of Macumba H.S., on March The country north of Oodnadatta, between 23; one over sandhills six km west of Purni Bore the Central Australian railway and the Simpson on March 25; one 13 km north of Everglades Desert, would appear to be a st~onghol.d of this Bore, Mt. Dare Stn., on March 29; one 15 km species. It was seen on every visit to this area. south-west of Mt. Dare H.S. and two or more at 1977: one dark-phase bird in Coolibahs at Eringa on March 30; two at Antikoolirrinna The Alberga, near the Oodnadatta-Mount W.H., Hamilton Stn., on March 31; two near Sarah road, on May 16; one light-phase bird The Peake ruins on April 1. over sandhills at Alka Seltzer Bore on May 19; one dark-phase bird over gibber plains 25 km BROWN GOSHAWK Accipiter [asciatus south of Nilpinna on June 29; one dark-phase Apparently uncommon in this region. Most bird over sandhills eight km south of Pedirka on July 23; one light-phase bird over sandhills sightings were in trees near water. two km north-east of Alka Seltzer Bore on July 1977: one in Coolibahs by a waterhole in 26; one over Coolibahs at Kopperamanna Bore Ambutchera Creek, Mt. Dare Stn., on May 17. on November 13. 1978: one sub-adult in Coolibahs near the 1978: one 'over gibber plains at Crows Nest bore 'at Edwards Creek R.S. on February 26; Bore, Muloorina, on january 29; one dark­ one flushed from Coolibahs along a dry, sandy phase bird seen to fly from the edge of the creek, 13 km north of Oolgawa W.H., water a:t Number One Dam, Anna Creek Stn., Macumba Stn., on March 24; one in Red Gums 'in mid-afternoon on January 31; one over sand­ at Antikoolirrinna W.H., Hamilton Stn., on hills six km west of Purni Bore on March 25. March 31.

WHISTLING KITE Haliastur sphenurus COLLARED SPARROWHAWK This fairly common species shows a preference Accipiter cirrhocephalus for watercourses with large trees. Apparently even less common than A. 1977: up to 10 at Algebuckinna during Feb­ [asciatus. Both sightings were in trees near ruary, several on June 26 and one on Decem­ water. ber 20; one at Eaglehawk Dam, The Neales, on 1977: one small male seen at close range in March 1; one at Welbourn Hill on March 5; Cooliba:hs at Evelyn Creek, near Copper Hill, one a:t Coongra Creek, Todmorden, on March on March 4. 6; several near the Marree-Oodnadatta Toad 1978: one in Coolibahs at McLeans Bore, crossing of Peake Creek on March 8; one at Peake Stn., on February 1. Smithfield W.H., The Neales, on March 13; one at Hamilton Bore on April 6; two at Eringa on April 7 and four plus on July 27; one at Curdi­ LITTLE EAGLE Hieraaetus morphnoldes murka on April 17; one at the Oodnadatta-Mt, A fairly common, solitary, species, found in Sarah road crossing of The Alberga on May 16; woodlands 'and along tree-lined watercourses two at Dalhousie Springs on May 17; several at It was seen throughout the region. Nilpinna on June 29; one at Mt, Sarah R.S. on 1976: a pair with a nest containing eggs, five July 23; two 3 km south of Alka Seltzer Bore, metres up in a Red Gum, at Warrina on Dec­ Mt, Dare Stn., on July 25; two at Warrina on ember 10. August 14; two 5 km west of William Creek on 1977: one at Welbourn Hill on March 5; one August 20; one at Beresford on August 28; one downstream from the railway bridge over Peake 20 km south-west of Old Billa Kalina on Sep­ Creek on March 8 - over Coolibah woodland tember 26; one at Lake Eyre, east of William bordering the creek; one at Gregory Creek on Creek, on October 4; 10-plus at Cooper Creek April 17; one a:t Purni Bore on July 24; three on October 6 and two upstream from the Birds­ single birds between Ambutchera Creek and ville Track ferry crossing on November 12; one Alka Seltzer Bore, Mt. Dare Stn., on July 26 ­ at Lake Harry on October 8; one at Morris over open woodland; one at Eringa on July 27; Bore, Finniss Springs Stn., on November 4. one 5 km north-west of William Creek on 1978: one a:t Fat Bullock Swamp and one at August 26 - over sandhills and a Coolibah­ Nancys Bore, Anna Creek Stn., on January 31; lined watercourse; one at Irrapatana on Sep- 42 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN ORNITHOLOGIST, 28

tember 11; one at Yard W.H., Stuart Creek Tarlton Knob on Witchelina Stn., four km Stn., on December 17. south of Cooranna Bore on Muloorina 16 km 1978: one at McEwens Bore, Stuart Creek north-east of Midway Dam on Anna Creek Stn., Stn., on January 30; one at Nancys Bore, Anna and two km north-east of William Creek during Creek Stn., on January 31 - over a eucalypt­ Janu~ry; two perched on posts of the dog fence lined watercourse; one .at Blanket W.H., The at mght at Crows Nest Bore, Muloorina, on Ne~les, on February 1 - sitting in an old nest January 28; six at a sheep carcass six km south eatmg a rabbit; one over William Creek on of Cooranna Bore on January 29; one or two February 27. at Up and Down Dam, McLeans Bore, and Bulldog Creek Bore on Peake Stn., Wangianna, WEDGE-TAILED EAGLE Aquila audax 16 km south of Marree, Margaret Creek and Common throughout the area in open Davenport Creek in February; one or two at country. Often seen singly or in pairs perched Davenport Springs, Morris Bore, 12 km west of on telephone poles along the Central Australian Finniss Springs H.S., Wangianna, Cooranna railway line. Old nests were seen in trees less Bore, Crows Nest Bore and Frome Creek at than three metres tall. One old nest found in the Muloorina, and Marree, Eringa, Purni Bore, Simpson Desert was only one metre above the and 70 km to the east, Macumba Number One ground in a dead bush. No taller trees were oil well, and 20 km to the south-south-east and present in this area. 43 km and 46 km to the east-south-east, during March; seven at a dead kangaroo, 10 km east 1977: two at Algebuckinna during February of Kennebery W.H., Muloorina, on March 14; and March and two on December 20; two at one at The Peake ruins on April 1; at least Ockenden Creek, Allandale, on February 11; three groups of about six birds each feeding on two at Eaglehawk Dam, The Neales, on March dead kangaroos west of Marree on June 4. 1 and 13; five at Wintinna on March 5; two at Edwards Creek R.S. on March 10; one at SPOTTED HARRIER Circus assimilis Hamilton Bore, The Stevenson, on April 7 and This species is more common north of Peake two 3 km to the east on May 17; two at Coward Creek than in the south of the region. It is Springs and several along the railway line be­ usually seen over open plains and also near tween Strangw:ays Springs and Gregory Creek water. during April; two over the Spring Creek flood 1976: one over sandhills at Boorthanna on plain, 40 km east of Dalhousie Springs, and one November 11. at Fountain Bore, Allandale, during May; one at Gregory Creek and two :at Beresford in June; 1977: one flew over the end of the waterhole, single birds at Mt. Dutton, Pedirka and Brush about one m above the water, at Algebuckinna W.H., on Hamilton Stn., during July; a pair on February 10, and also seen over Coolibahs with a nest containing one egg four metres up in along the creek the following day; one over a eucalypt, two km north of Alka Seltzer Bore, grassland 12 km north of Eringa on April 11; Mt. Dare Stn., on July 25; two at Peake Creek one over a gibber plain 10 km east of Hamilton and five km west of William Creek, and one at Bore on May 17; two over the Spring Creek Irrapatana Dam during August; two 5 km north flood plain, 30 km east of Dalhousie Springs, of Nunns Bore, and 10 km south-east of Stuart on May 19 and one on July 26; one over the Creek H.S. and a single bird 20 km south-west lagoon at Purni Bore on July 24; one over of Old Billa Kalina in September; single birds sandhills near Stuart Creek H.S. on August at The Bubbler on Stuart Creek Stn., and seven 28, and one in the same area on September 22. km south of William Creek, up to four at 1978: two 7 km west of Purni Bore, over Cooper Creek, three 30 km west of Lake Harry, sandhills, on March 25; one hunting over a and one 5 km east of Crows Nest Bore during swamp at the bore near the Peake Telegraph October; one 5 km south of Marree, one at Station ruins on April 1. Lake Killamperpunna and two at Callanna Railway Dam during November; two at Farina, MARSH HARRIER Circus aeruginosus Beresford and seven km north-west of William An uncommon species in this area. It was Creek and one at Julies Dam, Nilpinna, in only seen at swamps near artesian bores or December. mound springs. 1978: single birds or pairs seen at Wangianna 1977: one seen over the swamp at Welcome (almost daily), Callanna H.S., Davenport Bore, Stuart Creek Stn., on September 26. Springs on Finniss Springs Stn., Rischbieth 1978: one flushed from a patch of dense reeds Creek on Callanna Stn., 11 km south-east of in a dry part of the swamp at Coward Springs 43 MARCH,1979 on February 3; one immature in reeds. at Crows miles in mid-afternoon. No kill was made and I Nest Bore, Muloorina, on March 8; one at am uncertain if one was attempted. This bird Finniss Swamp, near the Marree-Oodnadatta was' heard before it was seen, and it .dived ~y road on April 19. All. birds seen had extensive towards the lapwings at great speed. posi­ white rumps. tion was about 200 m from the lapwings, and about 30 m above them, on a cliff overlooking BLACK FALCON Falco' sub niger the creek. A good view of the falcon was This apparently uncommon species was obtained as it returned and circled around me usually seen in the north of the region. twice at a distance of less than 30 m. In flight 1977:' one in a Coolibah at Smithfield W.H., upperparts were pale grey with primaries The Neales, on January 22, and one on Decem­ darker. Below it was a paler grey. A second ber 20; one perched in a dead tree at Wirriar­ sighting of this species was. a single bird at anna Dam, The Neales, on March 13; one 10 Yard W.H., Stuart Creek Stn., on December 16, km south of Dalhousie Springs on May 17 ­ 1977. This bird was observed as it flew low over perched on a rocky outcrop. Coolibahs surrounding the waterhole just before 1978: one perched on a telephone pole, three sunset. Four pairs of Australasian Grebes were km east of Wangianna, on February 8; one at present at this waterhole and at least three Morris Bore, Finniss Springs Stn., on March 6; pairs bred there. One pair was seen with two one at Purni Bore on March 25. young and two pairs with one young each. The small numbers of young seen may have been PEREGRINE FALCON Falco p.eregrinus due to the predations of the Grey Falcon. One seen at close range in Athel Pines Tamarix aph/ylla at Coward Springs on April BROWN FALCON Falco berigora 17, 1977. First observed 50 m away through A very common species, particularly north of 12 x 50 binoculars; it allowed an approach \0 Oodnadatta. Favours open country and dead within 20 m and was watched for more than trees and was often seen perched on telephone 10 minutes at this range. Noted to be bluish­ poles. grey above with black cap and cheeks, breast 1977: single birds seen at Algebuckinna, was off-white with lower breast and abdomen Eaglehawk Dam and along the edge of The barred black. Legs, cere and orbit were yellow. Neales, Copper Hill, near Old Nilpinna, Hamil­ Bill was blue-grey. Seen at noon on a clear, fine ton Bore on The Stevenson, Coward Springs day. and Gregory Creek from February-April; 20­ One at Lake Killalpaninna on November 13, plus, singly or in pairs, between Eringa and the 1977. Observed perched in a dead eucalypt Northern Territory border near Charlotte 100 m away, and also flying over the lake. Waters, on April 10-11, and several between Eringa and Abminga on July 27; several around AUSTRALIAN HOBBY Falco longipennis Alka Seltzer and Purni Bores on May 18 and This species was seen only once in 1976 and July 24; one at Alberga R.S. and one at Mt. once in 1977, but several sightings were made Sarah R.S. in May; one at Gregory Creek and in 1978. Usually seen in trees near water. one at Coward Springs in June; one at the 1976: one in Coolibahs at Edwards Creek Oodnadatta-Mt. Sarah road crossing of the R.S. on December 13. Alberga, and two near Mt. Sarah H.S. on July 1977: one flying over a gibber plain near 22-23; one at Warrina, one at Welcome Bore Algebuckinna on March 30. on Stuart Creek Stn., three 5 km west of 1978: one hunting over the swamp at Crows William Creek and five in sandhills near Stuart Nest Bore, Muloorina, on January 29; one in Creek H.S. during August; single birds at Coolibahs at Sandhill W.H., Peake Stn., on Coward Springs and near Stuart Creek H.S. February 1; one at Nunns Bore on February 3; and two 10 km south of Stuart Creek H.S. in one in Red Gums at Finniss Springs H.S. on September; one 10 km south of William Creek, March 5; one 15 km south-west of Mt. Dare two at Cannuwaukaninna Bore and single birds H.S. on March 30; one at Algebuckinna on 20 km west of Lake Harry and 15 km west of March 31; one at Cooper Creek, 12 km down­ Crows Nest Bore, Muloorina, in October; one stream from Lake Appadare, on July 12. at Margaret Creek and one at Lake Killamper­ punna in November; single birds at 10 km GREY FALCON Falco hypoleucos north-west of William Creek, Cootchiebarcoola One at Ambutchera Creek, Mt. Dare Stn., on Bore on Allandale, and near Wirriaranna Dam May 17, 1977. This bird was obs~rved stooping on The Neales, and two at Duff Creek during at a flock of 13 Masked Lapwings Vanellus December. 44 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN ORNITHOLOGIST, 28

1978: single birds at Wangianna, Kennebery ville Track crossing of Cooper Creek in Novem­ W.H., Callanna Railway Dam, Rischbieth Well ber; one at Callanna Railway Dam, one at on Witchelina Stn., Margaret Creek, McEwens Farina, one at The Bubbler on Stuart Creek, Bore on Stuart Creek Stn., 22 km east of two at Reekes Dam on Nilpinna, one at Alge­ William Creek, Nancys Bore on Anna Creek buckinna and one near Wirriaranna Dam on Stn., and 18 km north-east of Number Two The Neales during December. Dam on Peake Stn., during January; single 1978: one at Wangianna, one seen many birds at Teemurrina W.H. on Umbum Creek, times near Kennebery W.H., two near Flat Hill 14 km west of Blanket W.H. on The Neales, on Witchelina Stn., four at Rischbieth Creek on Umbum Bore, Bulldog Creek on Peake Stn., Callanna Stn., several around Wangianna, and Warrina, Jimboys Dam on Nilpinna, Angas single birds at Davenport Creek, Cooranna Bore Bore on Stuart Creek Stn., Nunns Bore, three and Crows Nest Bore on Muloorina, Margaret km east of Wangianna, Alberrie Creek R.S., and Creek, Welcome Bore on Stuart Creek Stn., two at Coward Springs during February; single Beresford, 15 km and 21 km east of William birds at Margaret Creek, on a rocky hill 10 km Creek, 14 km north-east of -William Creek, six east of Finniss Springs H.S., four km south of km north-east of Number Two Dam on Peake Peake Creek, Algebuckinna, Macumba H.S. and Stn., and two at Nancys Bore and Skylark Dam 13 krn, 16 kill and 31 km to the north, six km, on Anna Creek Stn., during January; single 10 km and 42 km north of Oolgawa W.H. on birds at 13 km west of Blanket W.H. on The Macumba Stn., at Purni Bore and 23 birds, Neales, Umbum Bore and seven km to the west comprising individuals and pairs, in the Simpson and Bulldog Creek Bore on Peake Stn, Rocky Desert up to 120 km east of Pumi Bore (these Dam, Kangaroo Dam and Nunns Bore on Anna were counted on the outward journey only), 14 Creek Stn., four at Coward Springs, several km north of Hamilton H.S., 16 km east of around Wangianna, one at Alberrie Creek R.S. Abminga and at Algebuckinna during March; and one at Deviation Creek, 25 km south of one at Peake Creek on April 1. Marree, during February; five between th~ d?g fence and Alberrie Creek R.S., two near Finniss Springs H.S. and three more along Deep Creek, AUSTRALIAN KESTREL Falco cenchroides several around Wangianna and between Ken­ The most common of the birds of prey in this nebery W.H. and Crows Nest Bore on Muloo­ area. It was seen throughout the open country rina two between Oodnadatta and Macumba and also in light timber. H.S:, six individuals seen between Macumba 1977: three at Algebuckinna, one 10 km to and Pumi Bore, and 13 indivduals seen around the south and one at Eaglehawk Dam on The Alka Seltzer and Pumi Bores) and up to 120 Neales in February; two at Copper Hill and km east in the Simpson Desert, one at Ever­ single birds at Eaglehawk Dam, Peake Creek glades Bore and one 21 km and two 32 km, to and Coongra Creek on Todmorden d,:ring the north-west along The Finke, one 60 km east March; single birds at Hamilton Bore; ErlllES:a, of Mt. Dare H.S., one 16 km east of Abminga Coward Springs and Gregory Creek III AP:ll; and one 16 km to the south, one at Eringa and two at the Oodnadatta-Mt, Sarah road crossmg one 22 km to the south, and one 14 km north of The Alberga, one at Hamilton Bore and of Hamilton H.S., during March; one at The several around Pumi and Alka Seltzer Bores Peake ruins on April 1. during May; one at Farina and two at Gregory F. cenchroides was not recorded anywhere Creek in June' one near Mt. Sarah H.S. and along Cooper Creek during July 1978. several at Alka Seltzer and Pumi Bores, be­ tween Abminga and Eringa, and alon~ .the Alberga, during July; .one 5 km west of WIlham BROWN QUAIL Coturnix australis Creek two at Warrmaand Gregory Creek, A bird which I believe to be of this species and 'three at Beresford during August; was seen at Peake Creek, 500 m downstream one at Gregory Creek Overflow, two at from the railway bridge, on January 11, 1977. McEwens Bore, up to five near Coward The following description is taken from my field Springs, and six between Stuart Creek H.S. and notes' larze dark brown quail, back mottled Curdimurka'" during September; three at dark~r br~~ or black, underparts paler with McEwens Bore, one at Midway Dam on Anna faint bars, back faintly striped with white, eye Creek Stn., one at Lake Harry and c.lO at red-brown, bill dark brown, legs yellow. The Cooper Creek during October; one in Marree, bird rose almost underfoot and landed about one at Old Finniss Springs H.S., one at 30 m away. I approached to within 10 m be~ore CaHanna Railway Dam, and two at the Birds- it rose again. This bird tended to stand upright 45 MARCH, 1979 and run into cover. Habitat was thick dry grass Bore, Muloorina, on October 9; c.lO at Emerald and herbage in eucalypt scrub along the creek Spring, Stuart Creek Stn., on November 5; at bank. It was observed for 2-3 minutes through least two at Cootchiebarcoola Bore, Allandale, 6 x 30 binocluars. Time was late evening, the on December 20. day was fine and clear and visibility excellent. 1978: two at Cooranna Bore, Muloorina, on During February 1975 I saw a similiar bird January 18 and about five on March 8; 13 were about 45 km upstream, in the vicinity of Joys seen feeding in the open at Nunns Bore on Dam on. Peake Creek. January 13 and February 3, at least eight on The previous northernmost record of this February 27 and at least six on April 2; at least species in South Australia is that of McGilp two at a seismic bore hole two km west of (1923 :238), who reported it as a visitor in good months a few birds were seen, then, in Novem­ seasons to clover flats and swamps in the Lake McLeans Bore, Peake Stn., on February 2; at Frome district. least three at Coward Springs on February 3 and April 2; one at Purni Bore on March 28. BUFF-BANDED RAIL Rallus phillippensis Two young, which I believe to be of this One at Nunns Bore, in dense reeds, on Sep­ species, were seen with other Australian Crakes tember 9 and 10, 1977. This bird was observed at Nunns Bore on September 5-13. They were through 8 x 40 binoculars on both occasions all black and very fluffy in appearance, about while crossing a small clearing in the reeds, one third the size of .the adult birds. Consider­ about 20 m away. My field notes give the fol­ able destruction to the habitat at Nunns Bore lowing description; upperparts brownish, breast occurred during the latter part of 1977, because and abdomen barred black and white with a large numbers of cattle watered there. Early in cinnamon band across the breast, white stripe 1978 a fire destroyed more of the reeds. During above eye, legs and bill brown. Condon this period Australian crakes were often (1969:42) gives Port Augusta as the northern­ observed for long periods feeding in shallow most locality for this species in South Australia. water among reeds and short grass. At times Parker (1970) listed records from Alice Springs. they approached as close as five metres to my Cox and Pedler (1977) recorded one bird near position. New Kalamurina, and suggested that this indivi­ Condon (1969-42) gave Lake Frome as the dual may have been present owing to recent .most northerly S.A. record of this species, Parker heavy rains in the area. Seasonal conditions at (1969) lists records from Alice Springs. Cox and the time of my sighting were very dry. I spent Pedler (1977) recorded three birds in dense approximately an hour each day at Nunns Bore reeds at Kopperamanna Bore (where it is un­ for more than a week around the time of these likely that this species will be found at present sightings, but the bird was not seen again. as the reeds 'there had been completely destroyed by fire at the time of my visits in 1977, and AUSTRALIAN CRAKE Porzana fluminea were just beginning ,to grow again in July 1978). This species is fairly common and widespread The presence of P. fluminea at Emerald between Marree and Oodnadatta, and was also Spring was brought to my notice by Mr. N. seen at Purni Bore. It favours dense reeds at Wood (pers. comm), From his description I sus­ artesian bores and mound springs, and is usually pected the presence of this species, which a later very secretive, except at Nunns Bore, where it visit confirrned. This species has been present was often seen feeding in the open, and took and has bred at Emerald Spring for at least 30 little notice of my presence. years (N. Wood, pers. comm.), and so was 1976: at least two at South Well, Nilpinna, present in this area long before the heavy rains on December 20. of 1974-5. The lack of previous reports of P. 1977: at least one at Nunns Bore on January I, fluminea is probably a reflection on the lack of at least three on April 17, at least four on June work done in this area. 24; at least six on August 28, up to 11 seen almost daily between September 5 and 13, and SPOTLESS CRAKE Porzana iabuensis one on December 17; at least two at South Well Not as common as the 'preceding species, on March 9 and at least one on December 19; though it shares the same habitat, and the two at least four at The Bubbler, near Coward species were often present in 'the same patch of Springs, on September 14; four at Coward reeds. Springs on September 16 and two on September 1977: two at Cootchiebarcoola Bore, Allan­ 24; one at McEwens Bore, Stuart Creek Stn., dale, on March 17 and three on March 20; one on September 30; at least one at Crows Nest at Nunns Bore on April 17, June 24, September 46 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN ORNITHOLOGIST, 28

5, three on September 9, and two on September Patsys Dam and 25 at Cindys Dam, Nilpinna, 10, 11 and 12; one at McEwens Bore, Stuart on December 17; up to 100 at Watts Bank, Creek Stn., on September 30; one at South Nilpinna, on December 18. Well, Nilpinna, on December 19. Cox and 1978: 13 at Cooranna Bore, Muloorina, on Pedler (1977) noted this species at Frome Creek January 18 and one on January 28; 15-plus at near Muloorina, and at Mt. Gason Bore. Kennebery W.H., Muloorina, on January 24 BLACK-TAILED NATIVE-HEN and six on January 29; one at CalIanna Rail­ Gallinula ventralis way Dam on January 26; five at the dam five This species was not recorded at all between krn south-east of Tarlton Knob, Witchelina Stn., February and August 1977. For the next two on January 28; two at Davenport Creek, Finniss Springs Stn., and two at The Bubbler, Stuart months a few birds were seen, then, in Novem­ ber and December 1977, irruptions of Native­ Creek Stn., on January 29; 20-plus at McEwens Bore and two at Yard W.H. on Stuart Creek Hens occurred along Cooper Creek, Peake Stn., and 16 at Midway Dam and six at Toon­ Creek and The Neales. Floodwater in Cooper gamoona Dam, Anna Creek Stn., on January Creek reached Lake Killamperpunna during 30; one at Cooinchinna Dam, Anna Creek Stn., October 1977, and Native-Hens may have fol­ and one at Number Two Dam, Peake Stn., on lowed the flood downstream from Queensland. January 31; four at Blanket W.H. and more Floods also occurred in both Peake Creek and than 100 at Umbum Bore, Peake Stn., on Feb­ The Neales during November 1977 following ruary 1; c.15 at BulIdog Creek Bore, Peake St~., heavy local rain. These latter birds had dis­ and 20-plus at Watts Bank, 150-plus at JulIes persed before my next visit to the area in March Dam and 50-plus at Nilpinna H.S. Dam on 1978, when only a few of this species were seen. February 2; c.150 at Coward Springs on Feb­ The only evidence of breeding was at Lake ruary 3· one at Crows Nest Bore, Muloorina, on KiIlamperpunna on November 12, 1977, where March '8; c.20 at Nilpinna on March 23; five several immature birds were seen. at Purni Bore on March 25 and 28; c.If at 1977: up to 10 at Algebuckinna on January Antikoolirrinna W.H., Hamilton Stn., and seven 22 and one on February 6; two at Nunns Bore at Algebuckinna on March 31; three at Warra­ on September 9 and one on September 12; two waroona W.H., near The Peake ruins, on April at The Bubbler, Stuart Creek Stn., on Septem­ 1; seven at Nunns Bore and lO-plus at Coward ber 14; two at McEwens Bore, Stuart Creek Springs on April 2. Stn., on September 30; up to 100 at Cooper Creek on October 6-7 and many thousands on DUSKY MOORHEN Gallinula tenebrosa November 12-13. These birds were dispersed Apparently uncommon, it was seen on areas around the sandy shores of the lakes and the of open water surrounded by dense reeds at bore main channel, down which water was still drains and mound springs throughout the area. flowing. This was by far the most ~o.mmon species present during my November visit; 10­ 1977: three at Dalhousie Springs on April plus at Crows Nest Bore, Muloorina and seven 8-9 and one on July 23; two at Nunns Bore on at Campoven Dam, Stuart Creek Stn., on June 24 (including one immature) and one on October 9' one at a bore near Marree on Nov­ September 5; one at Coward Springs on August ember 30; 10 at Callanna Railway Dam on 28. December 2 - one day after the dam was 1978: six-plus at Frome Creek, Muloorina, on partially filled by 25 mm of rain in the area; March 9; at least one at Purni Bore on March lO-plus at Gregory Creek Overflow on Decem­ 25. ber 8 and c.50 on December 16; two at Mar­ ozaret Creek, near Mt. Hamilton ruins, on Dec- ember 16; many thousands along Peake Creek, PURPLE SWAMPHEN Porphyrio porphyria from Gracies Dam on Nilpinna to the Marree­ This species is apparently fairly common Oodnadatta road crossing, from December 17­ throughout the area, especialIy in the Coward 21; up to 1000 at Algebuckinna and many Springs district. It keeps t<;, dense .reeds at thousands downstream along The Neales as far artesian bores and mound sprIngs and IS usualIy as Tardetakarinna W.H. on December 20-21. very wary. Much of this area was still under water and the 1977: two-plus at Nunns Bore on January 1 whole was covered with green grasses, including and June 6, and about five from September 5­ Nut Grass Cyperus gymnocaulos and Button 14' one at Cootchiebarcoola Bore, Allandale, Grass Dactyloctenium radulans. Native-Hens onMarch 20;" one at Purni Bore on May 19; at were evenly distributed throughout; one at least one at Fountain Bore, Allandale, on May MARCH,1979 47

~1' two at Coward Springs on August 28 and at amanna Bore on October 7; three at Crows le~st five on September 5 and 24; 10 at Nest Bore on October 10; two at Morris Bore McEwens Bore Stuart Creek Stn., on Septem­ on November 4; two at Lake Killamperpunna ber 30; one orrnore at Emerald Spring, Stuart on November 12; two at The Bubbler on Dec­ Creek Stn., on November 5; ember 16. 1978: at least one at McEwens Bore on 1978: two at The Bubbler on January 29; January 30; at least one at the seismic bore three at Crows Nest Bore on January 29 and holes two km west of McLeans Bore, Peake four on March 8; two at Dulkaninna on Stn., on February 2; 12 at Coward Springs January 29 (B. Dillon). on February 3; at least three at. Frome 9reek, Mr. N. Wood (pers. cornm.) stated that C. Muloorina on March 8 (including one Imma­ rubicundus has bred regularly at Morris Bore ture)' at least three at Purni Bore on March for many years, but never more thar: two birds 25 a~d 28; three at Coward Springs on April have remained there after the breedmg season. 2. AUSTRALIAN BUSTARD Ardeotis australis COOT Fulica aira This is an uncommon species and apparently Single birds and small groups of this species declining. It was seen in grassland 'an~ lightly were seen at several places throughout the timbered country and also among sandhills, The region, with many thousands present at Cooper only relative concentration of A. australis was Creek. The large flocks were seen on large areas along The Finke, in an area almost inaccessible of open water, but smaller groups were seen on to man. any type of water. 1977: five at Algebuckinna on January 22; 1977: one at Algebuckinna on February 13 two at Ockenden Creek, Allandale, on February and three on December 20; one 8 km west of 12; one at Crows Nest. Bore, Muloorina, on Dalhousie Springs, on a bore drain', on July 26; October 10; one at Curdimurka on October 15. one at Red Lake Dam, Stuart Creek Stn., on 1978: one at Skylark Dam, Anna Creek Stn., September 27; c.1000 at Cooper Creek, up­ on January 31 - seen drinking at the dam just stream from Lake Killamperpunna, on October after daybreak; one at the dog fence, west of 6; c.1000 at Lake Kopperamanna on October Marree, on February 17; two 30 km north of 7; one at Campoven Dam, Stuart Creek Stn., Oolgawa W.H., Macumba Stn., on March 24; on October 10; many thousands at Cooper one 57 km north of Oolgawa W.H. on March Creek on November 12; one at Joys Dam, 25; one in sandhills 43 km and two 70 km east Nilpinna, on December 19. of Purni Bore on March 26; four in a clearing 1978: one at Crows Nest Bore, Muloorina, on in thick scrub five km north of Oasis Bore, Mt. January 29; one at Beresford on January 30; Dare Stn., on March 28; one 32 km north-west one at Teemurrina W.H. and one at Blanket of Everglades Bore, Mt. Dare Stn., on March W.H., Peake Stn., on February 1; two at Nil­ 29. pinna on February 2 and four on March 23; 10-plus at Frome Creek, Muloorina, on March 8; two at Algebuckinna on March 23; four at BUSH STONE-CURLEW Purni Bore on March 25; two at Antikoolir­ Burhinus magnirostris rinna W.H., Hamilton Stn., on March 31; 30­ A single record of two birds on a stony ridge plus at Warrawaroona W.H., Peake Creek, on at the edge of a sandhill, five km south of April 1. . Nunns Bore, on September 25, 1976. These F. atra was seen in small flocks of 10-100 birds allowed an approach to within 10 m birds along Cooper Creek and at Lake Hope before the first flew off. The remaining bird was during July 1978. squatting with head and neck stretched along the ground and I was able to approach within BROLGA Crus rubicundus one metre before it took to the wing. Mr. N. This species was seen as far south as Dulk­ Wood (pers. comm.) told me that this species .aninna, Crows Nest Bore on Muloorina, Morris was formerly quite common between Stuart Bore on Finniss Springs Stn., and The Bubbler Creek H.S. and Andamooka and could often be near Coward Springs. It favours bore drains and heard calling at night in good seasons. It is now swamps where sedges are to be found. several years since he has seen or heard it there. 1977: 16 at Ambutchera Creek, Mt. Dare Despite many nights spent camped out through­ Stn., on May 17 and 10 on July 23; two at out the whole area, I have never heard this Dalhousie Springs on July 23; two at Kopper- species calling. 48 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN ORNITHOLOGIST, 28

MASKED LAPWING The Neales at Smithfield W.H. on December Vanellus miles novaehollandiae and 20. Vanellus miles miles. ~t These will be fully covered by a paper at 1978: three Cooranna Bore, Muloorina, on present in perparation (Badman and Parker January 18, SIX on January 28, and four on forthcoming). ' March 8; four at The Bubbler, Stuart Creek Stn., on January 29; several at Welcome Bore and two at McEwens Bore, Stuart Creek Stn., BANDED LAPWING Van.ellus tricolor and two at Midway Dam, Anna Creek Stn., on This species was not seen in the area until January 30; five at a swamp five km north-east December 1977. It favours grassland and was of Number Two Dam, Peake Stn., on January also seen at station dams. 31; at least three at Umbum Bore, Peake Stn., 1977: three at Kangaroo Dam, Anna Creek on February 1; two at McLeans Bore and one Stn., on December 17. at Bulldog Creek Bore; Peake Stn., on February 1978: two at Wangianna on January 25 and 2; six at Coward Springs on February 3 and 12 more five km east of Wangianna on January April 2; two at Nunns Bore on February 27 and 28. These 14 birds remained in the Wangianna two on April 2; two at Venable Bore and two at district until M-arch 20. The first two to arrive Morris Bore, Finniss Springs Stn., on March 6; did not appear to associate with the others. The seven at Crows Nest Bore and two at Frome later arrivals appeared to be juveniles, though Creek, Muloorina, on March 8; and one at I was never able to approach them closely Nilpinna on March 23; five at Purni Bore on enough to be sure of this. The first pair were March 25 and four on March 28. usually to be seen close to our camp and were often heard calling at night. No evidence of RED-CAPPED PLOVER nesting was found, although seasonal conditions Charadrius ruficapillus were excellent in this area at the time. The first This species was quite common on the mar­ birds arrived only two days after 65 mm of rain gins of salt lakes and near springs and artesian was recorded at W-angianna; two at Watts bores. Large numbers were also seen at Watts Bank, Nilpinna, on February 2; pair with two Bank on Nilpinna Station, which is a freshwater young at Priscilla Springs, Stuart Creek Stn., habitat, and small numbers at several station on June 23 - rain fell in the area the follow­ dams, also freshwater habitats. ing day and these birds were not seen again, 1976: c.30 at Watts Bank on December 19; even though the young birds were unable to fly. c.20 at Old Nilpinna on December 20. 1977: four at Old Nilpinna on March 8; 15 RED-KNEED PLOVER Charadrius cinctus at Nunns Bore on April 17, 25-plus on June 24, Very few records before September 1977. and 20-plus on August 28 and from September Found at the edges of freshwater swamps and 5-13: 11O-plus at Lake Eyre, east of William lagoons and also along bore drains. Creek, on August 27-28 and 100-plus on 1977: .two at Nunns Bore on January 1, and October 3; four at The Bubbler, Stuart Creek one on April 17; two at Algebuckinna on Feb­ Stn., on September 14, c.50 on September 17­ ruary 8 and 14; four at Eaglehawk Dam, The 24, and one on December 16; several at Coward Neales, on February 22; two at Coward Springs Springs on September 16 and 24; c.20 at Wel­ on June 24, six on August 28, and c.lO through­ come Bore, Stuart Creek Stn., from September out September; up to four at The Bubbler, 26-30; up to 100 at Lake Harry on October 8; Stuart Creek Stn., during September, and one 10-plus at Crows Nest Bore, Muloorina, on on December 16; several at Welcome Bore, October 9; 30-plus at Davenport Springs, Fin­ Stuart Creek Stn., on September 26 and 30; six niss Springs Stn., from October 20-30 and 20­ at McEwens Bore, Stuart Creek Stn., on Sep­ plus on November 1; one at Charles Angas tember 30; three along the Kopperamanna Bore Bore, and 10 at Morris Bore, Finniss Springs drain on October 7; one upstream from the Stn., on November 4; one 2 km east of Kenne­ Birdsville Track ferry crossing of Cooper Creek, bery W.H., on a salt flat after rain, on Decem­ one at Lake Kopperamanna, and 10 along the ber 2; 20-plus at Warrangaranna Bore, Nil. Kopperamanna Bore drain on November 12; 10 pinna, on December 18, including one partial at Lake Killalpaninna on November 13; c.50 at albino. This bird was completely white, except a temporary swamp, filled by recent local rain, for some brown patches on the tail and black in the Old Nilpinna Horse Paddock on Decem­ legs and bill. This individual was observed feed­ ber 17; one immature at Allandale Swamp, ing with a flock of normally coloured C. rufi­ Nilpinna, on December 18; at least three along capillus and later it was noticed away from the 49 MARCH, i979 Campoven Dam, Stuart Creek Stn., on.August flock feeding on its own; 10-plus at Tardeta­ kari~na 28' two at Margaret Creek, near Curdlmurka, W.H., The Neales, on December 21. on'September 5; c.10 at The Bubbler, Stuart 1978: six at Welcome Springs, CaIlanna Stn., Creek Stn., on September 14-24; two at on January 17 and five on January 19 and 24; McEwens Bore, Stuart Creek Stn., on Septem­ one at Cooranna Bore, Muloorina, on January ber 30; five or more at Angas Bore, Stuart 18 and four on January 28; 25-plus at Daven­ Creek Stn., on October 1; two at Nancys Bore, port Springs, Finniss Springs Stn., on January Anna Creek Stn., on October 4; two at Lake 24; eight at The Bubbler, Stuart Creek Stn., on Harry one at Cannuwaukaninna Bore and up January 29; 40-plus at Welcome Bore, Stuart to 100 along Cooper Creek on October 6; Creek Stn., c.26 at Nunns Bore and seven at several at Crows Nest Bore, Muloorina, on Armistice Bore, Anna Creek Stn., on January October 9' three at Davenport Springs, Finniss 30' two at Midway Dam, Anna Creek Stn., on St~., J~uary Springs on October 30, and eight on Nov­ 31; one at Teemurrina W.H., Peake ember 1; c.lO at Charles Angas Bore and several Stn., on February 1, five at Bulldog Creek Bore, at Morris Bore, Finniss Springs Stn., on Novem­ Peake Stn., and 70-plus at Watts Bank, and ber 4; three at Emerald Spring, Stuart Creek two at Julies Dam, Nilpinna, on February 2; Stn., on November 5; two at Lake Koppera­ two at Regs Dam, Nilpinna on February 3; one manna on November 13; two at Frome Creek. on a gibber plain, five km east o~ Alberrie Creek Marree, on. November 30; one 2 km east of R.S., on February 18; at least eight at Venable Kennebery W.H., and two at Callanna Railway Bore two at Beatrice Bore, one at the Marree­ Dam on December two at Gregory Creek Oodnadatta road crossing of Finniss Creek, five­ 2; and two at Margaret Creek, near the Mt. Ham­ plus at Charles Angas Bore and c.20 at Morris Bore all on Finniss Springs Stn., on March 6; ilton H.S. ruins, on December 16; three at Cindys Dam, Nilpinna on December 17; one at 30-plus at Crows Nest Bore, and two on a gibber plain near Lake Eyre South, Muloorina, on Wirriaranna Dam, The Neales, on December March 8; two at Frome Creek, Muloorina, on 20. March 9; one at Nilpinna H.S. DaI?- on March 1978: five, including two immatures, at Wel­ 23; 20-plus at Nunns Bore on Apnl 1; c.lO at come Springs, Callanna Stn., on January 17-24; a small lake on Cooper Creek, 12 km down­ two at a bore near Marree on January 9; five stream from Lake Appadare, on July 12 and at Cooranna Bore, Muloorina, on January 18, two 30 km downstream on July 15; two at 12 on January 28, and four on March 8; four Kopperamanna Bore on July 16. at Kennebery W.H., Muloorina and one at Davenport Springs, Finniss Springs Stn., on BLACK-FRONTED PLOVER January 24; 'two at Callanna Railway Dam on Charadrius melanops January 26; two at the dam four km south-east A common and widespread species. Found of Tarlton Knob, Witchelina Stn., on January wherever pools of fresh or brackish water occur, 28; one at Crows Nest Bore, Muloorina, 'and one with a preference for fresh water. at The Bubbler, Stuart Creek Stn., on January 1977: 10-plus at Nunns Bore on January 1, 29; four at Welcome Bore and five at McEwens 16 on June 24, 24 on August 28, and up to 36 Bore, Stuart Creek Stn., and c.20 at Nunns on September 5-13; several at Algebuckinna on Bore on January 30; two at Midway Dam, February B, two on June 26 and one on Decem­ two at Nancys Bore, Anna Creek Stn., and one ber 20; six at Smithfield W.H., The Neales, on at Number Two Dam, Peake Stn., on January February 15 and several on March 13; two at 31; five at Teemurrina W.H., one at Blanket Evelyn Creek, near Copper Hill H.S., on March W.H., one at Number Three Bore, one at 4; several at Peake Creek, near the railway Sandhill W.H., six at Umbum Bore and one at bridge, on March 8; two at Cootchiebarcoola McLeans Bore, Peake Stn., on February 1; two Bore, Allandale, on March 20; two at Dalhousie at George Creek Bore, 10 at Bulldog Creek Bore Springs on April 6; several at Eringa on April and one at a spring nine km to the north on 11, and four on July 27; several at Coward Peake Stn., one at Watts Bank, nine at Julies Springs on April 17, June 24, September 5, and Dam and three at Nilpinna H.S. Dam on Feb­ on September 16-24; two at Hamilton Bore, ruary 2; two immatures at Regs Dam, Nilpinna, The Stevenson, on May 16; several at Purni one at Angas Bore, Stuart Creek Stn., and one Bore on May 18 and July 24; two at a water­ at Coward Springs on February 3; four at hole three km east of Pedirka on July 23; 10 at Venable Bore, two at the Marree-Oodnadatta Welcople Bore, Stuart Creek Stn., on August road crossing of Finniss Creek, three at Charles 28, and c.lO on September 26 and 30; two at Angas Bore and five or more at "Morris Bore, 50 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN ORNITHOLOGIST, 28

Finniss Springs Stn., on March 6; two at Crows September 26; several at McEwens Bore, Stuart Nest Bore and at least eight at Muloorina on Creek Stn., on September 30; 30 at Angas Bore, March 8; two at Frome Creek, Marree, on Stuart Creek Stn., on October 1; two at Nancys March 9; two at Nilpinna and one at Alge­ Bore, Anna Creek Stn., on October 4; up to buckinna on March 23; three at The Macumba, 100 at Crows Nest Bore, Muloorina, on October north of Macumba H.S. and two at Oolgawa 9; 20-plus at Morris Bore, Finniss Springs Stn. W.H. on March 24; three at Purni Bore on on November 4; one at Cooper Creek, upstream March 25, and two on March 28; two a:t from the Birdsville Track ferry crossing, on Eringa on March 30; two at Antikoolirrinna November 12; five 2 km east of Kennebery W.H. and two at the waterhole 14 km north of W.H., Muloorina, after rain, on December 2; Hamilton H.S., on March 31; four at Peake two at Gregory Creek on December 16; 20-plus Creek, near the railway bridge, and four near at Yumma Yumma Bank, Nilpinna, on Decem­ The Peake ruins on April 1; several at Nunns ber 17; 36 at Tardetakarinna W.H., and three Bore, and at least one at Coward Springs on 3 km west along The Neales on December 21. April 2. 1978: two at Welcome Springs, Callanna Stn., on January 17; seven, including three im­ INLAND DOTTEREL Peltohyas australis matures, at Cooranna Bore, Muloorina, on This apparently uncommon species was found January 18, 12, including three immatures, on in grassland and on gibber plains, especially January 28, and six on March 8; c.50 at Crows near water. Nest Bore, Muloorina, on January 29, and 22 1976: c.15 about 10 km east of Badmans on March 8; three at Margaret Creek and 21 Dam, Nilpinna, on November 11 -.these bir?s at The Bubbler, Stuart Creek Stn., on January were seen just after sunset on a gibber plam 29; 400-plus at Welcome Bore, 40-plus at near a cIaypan containing shallow 'water and McEwens Bore, four at Yard W.H., Stuart dense canegrass. Creek Stn., c.lOO at Nunns Bore, two at Irrapa­ 1977: one 3 km north of Opossum Bore, Mt. tana Dam, 10 at Midway Dam and one at Sky­ Dare Stn., on April 9 - in dry Mitchell Grass lark Dam, Anna Creek Stn., on January 30; one at Cooinchinna Dam and four at Nancys Bore, on a gibber plain, away from water. Anna Creek Stn., and one at a swamp six km 1978: one 5 km south of Wangianna on north-east of Number Two Dam, Peake Stn., January 25 - this bird was seen in Mitchell on January 31; two Up and Down Dam, one at Grass on a gibber plain after sunset. Several Teemurrina W.H., one at Blanket W.H., three later visits to this location failed to find further at Number Three Bore and five, including two evidence of this species. immatures, at Umbum Bore, Peake Stn., on February L: two at McLeans Bore and two at BLACK-WINGED STILT Bulldog Cr~ek Bore, Peake Stn., two at Jim­ Himantopus himantopus boys Dam and 20-plus at Watts Bank, Nilpinna, Common. throughout the area. Found on February 2; three at Regs Dam, Nilpinna, wherever there is fresh water, though generally IS-plus at Angas Bore, Stuart Creek Stn., and avoiding large lakes. two at Coward Springs on February 3; 12 at 1977: up to 50 at Algebuckinna during Feb­ Venable Bore, five at Charles Angas Bore and ruary and March and two on December 20; 25-plus at Morris Bore, Finniss Springs Stn., three at Warrangarranna Bore, Nilpinna, on on March 6; 15, ineIuding six immatures, at March 8; two at Coward Springs on April 17, Frome Creek, Muloorina, on March 8; two at 20-plus on September 5, and up to 40 on Sep­ Nilpinna three at Peake Creek near the Marree­ tember 16-24; several at Ambutchera <;:lreek, Oodnadatta road crossing and one at Alge­ Mt. Dare Stn., on May 17; three at Purni Bore buckinna on March 23; 15, including two im­ on May 18, and 10 on July 24; three at Nunns matures at Purni Bore on March 25 and 28; Bore on June 24, 90 on August 28, and up to two at Peake Creek near the road crossing and 30 on September 5-13; several at Federal on two near The Peake ruins on April 1; one at July 27; two at Umbum Bore, Peake Stn., on Nunns Bore and c.20 at Coward Springs on August 26; c.1000 at Welcome Bore, Stuart April 2. Creek Stn., on August 28, and 1000-plus on September 26 and 30 - this i~ a large, shallow swamp, with emergent vegetation; c.10 at The BANDED STILT Bubbler, Stuart Creek Stn., on September 14, Cladorhynchus leucocephalus c.30 on September 17 and 24, and up to .100 on Generally uncommon, though individuals may December 16; c.20 at Old Billa Kalma on turn up anywhere there is water. 51

1977: two at Purni Bore with, Black-winged GREENSHANK Tringa nebularia Stilts on the afternoon of May 1lr- next morn­ Not seen until September 1977, after which ing this species was absent, though the Black­ it was often seen at the edges of salt and fresh­ winged Stilts remained; lOa-plus at Lake Eyre, water lakes and pools. east of William Creek, on August 26 with Red­ 1977: four at The Bubbler, Stuart Creek Stn., necked Avocets; one at Lake Harry on October on September 17 and 24: one at Coward 8. Springs on September 24; three at McEwens 1978: one at Cooranna Bore, Muloorina, on Bore, Stuart Creek Stn., on October 1; up to 15 January 29; two at Nunns Bore on February 3; at Lake Eyre, east of William Creek, on October two at Margaret Creek, near Curdimurka, on 4; 20-plus at Lake Killamperpunna on October June 2, and four about two km downstream the 7, and 50-plus at Cooper Creek on November following morning. 12-13; one at Morris Bore, Finniss Springs Stn., on November 4; one at Nunns Bore on Decem­ RED-NECKED AVOCET ber 17; one at Old Nilpinna on December 18; Recurvirostra novaehollandiae four at the Marree-Oodnadatta road crossing of Fairly common throughout the area and was Peake Creek on December 19; four at Wirriar­ present in large numbers at Lake Eyre. anna Dam, The Neales, on December 20; four 1976: several at Watts Bank, Nilpinna on at Smithfield W.H., The Neales, on December December 19. 21. 1977: 20-plus at Nunns Bore on January I, 1978: one at Cooranna Bore, Muloorina, on two on August 28, and 20-plus on December January 28; at least three 'at Crows Nest Bore 17; several at Watts Bank on January 2; c.700 and three at the dam eight km to the south, on at Lake Eyre, east of William Creek, on August Muloorina Stn., one at Margaret Creek, near 26, and 2000-plus on August 27; 40-plus at Curdimurka and one at The Bubbler, Stuart Yumma Yumma Bank, Nilpinna, on December Creek Stn., on January 29; two at Welcome 17. Bore and one at McEwens Bore on Stuart Creek 1978: one at Welcome Bore, Stuart Creek Stn., and one at Nunns Bore on January 30; one at Nancys Bore, Anna Creek Stn., on Jan­ Stn., on January 30; c.l00 at Nunns Bore on uary 31; three at Teemurrina W.H., on Umbum January 30 and February 3, one on February 27 and two on April 2; six at Fat Bullock Swamp, Creek, and two at Blanket W.H., The Neales, on February 1; two at Bulldog Creek Bore, Anna Creek Stn., on January 31; three at Jim­ Pea~e boys Dam and c.20 at Watts Bank Nilpinna on Stn., on February 2; two at Coward Spnngs on February 3; one at the Marree-Ood­ February 2; three at Margaret Cr~ek, near Cur­ nadatta road crossing of Finniss Creek on Feb­ dimurka, on February 3; three at Venable Bore ruary 27; two at Venable Bore, Finniss Springs Finniss Springs Stn., on March 6; four at Crows Stn., on March 6; four near the Marree-Oodna­ ~est Bore and three at Frome Creek, Muloor­ ma, on March 8; one near Peake Creek railway datta road crossing of Peake Creek on March bridge on March 23; c.20 at Cooper Creek, 12 23 and one on April 1; two at Algebuckinna on km downstream from Lake Appadare, on July March 23; two at Oolgawa W.H., Macumba 12, and 11 at the large lake 30 km further Stn., on March 24; one at Warrawaroona W.H., downstream on July 15; two at Lake Hope on Peake Creek, on April 1. July 13. MARSH SANDPIPER Tringa stagnatilis WOOD SANDPIPER Tringa glareola One at Lake Killamperpunna on November Although fairly common in the Coward 12, 1977. Seen in association with Greenshanks Springs d~s~rict from August to April, this Little Egret and Great Egrets. It was chased seasonal VISItor was rare elsewhere. It favours by a Greenshank on two occasions when it shallow water at the edges of swamps. approached within one metre, but was ignored Two were seen at Nunns Bore on January 1 by both species of egret. In appearance it was four on April 17, two on August 28, two on similar to a Greenshank, but was only about September 5, four on September 9, one on Sep­ two-thirds the size and the bill was thin and tember 13, 1977 and one on February 3 1978' straight. I have previous field experience of this one at Old Nilpinna on March 8 1977" two at species at. Lake Callabonna on August 31, 1977; The Bubbler on September 14 :md 17 1977­ one at Nunns B.ore on January 30, 1978 and one one at Coward Springs on September 24, 1977: at Coward Spnngs on February 3, 1978. These one on February 3 and one on April 4, 1978; two records are probably of the same bird, as it two at McEwens Bore on January 30, 1978. was not at Nunns Bore on the latter date. On I 52 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN ORNITHOLOGIST, 28

both occasions I was again able to compare its October 8; 13 at Crows Nest Bore Muloorina size with that of a Greenshank. It does not seem on October 9; c.15 at Morris Bore Finnis~ to be as wary as the Greenshank. Habitat on all Springs Stn., on November 4; three at Charles occasions was shallow water at the edge of a Angas Bore, Finniss Springs Stn., on November lake or lagoon. 5; 20-plus at Warrangarranna Bore, Nilpinna, on December 17; lO-plus along The Neales, SNIPE Gallinago sp. three km north-west of Tardetakarinna W.H., A bird of this genus was seen at Cooranna on December 21. Bore, Muloorina, on. January 28 and 29, 1978. 1978: 15 at Crows Nest Bore, Muloorina, on It was flushed from dense, low (0.3 m) green, January 29, and seven on March 8; three at grassy vegetation at the edge of the bore drain. -.r:he Bubbler, Stuart Creek Stn., on January 29; When flushed it gave a loud call, 'krek', and eight at Welcome Bore and three at McEwens flew with a low, erratic, weaving flight. It Bore, Stuart Creek Stn., and 140-plus at Nunns landed about 100 m away, ran into cover and Bore on January 30; three at Number Three squatted. The back was variegated black and Bore and one at Umbum Bore, Peake Stn., on brown, breast light brown, abdomen greyish­ February 1; one at McLeans Bore, Peake Stn., white; there was a dark band on the 'fump and on February 2; 20-plus at Angas Bore, Stuart the bill was brown, straight and very long. Legs Creek Stn., and four at Coward Springs on and tail were short. This bird was about the size February 3; 100-plus at Nunns Bore on Feb­ of a Greenshank, but with a much squatter ruary 27; two at Oolgawa W.H., Macumba appearance. When flushed again it gave another Stn., on March 24. loud call 'krek' and flew into dense saltbush where I was unable to find it. It was flushed RED-NECKED STINT Calidris ruficollis from the same place on the following morning, This apparently uncommon species was found but on this occasion it flew into dense saltbush at the margins of all types of waters. and was lost to sight. On the first occasion it 1977: one at Ambutchera Creek, Mt. Dare was seen just before sunset, light conditions were Stn., on May 17; 29 at Lake Eyre, east of good and it was observed through 8 x 40 bino­ William Creek, on August 26, and up to 100 culars. Up to 65 mm of 'fain had fallen in this on October 4; three at Nunns Bore on Septem­ area five days previously. ber 12; two at Charles Angas Bore, Finniss Condon (1975) gives Clare, Orroroo and Springs Stn., on November 5. Mannahill as the northern range limit of G. 1978: nine at Crows Nest Bore, Muloorina, hardwickii in South Australia. G. megala is rare on March 8; four at Margaret Creek, near Our­ in Australia, with most records coming from the dimurka, on April 24. north of the continent (MacDonald, 1973). Slater (1970) gives records of G. megala from CURLEW SANDPIPER Calidris ferruginea the north coast of Australia only. Not seen within the area covered by this paper. A single bird was observed at a dam on SHARP-TAILED SANDPIPER Roxby Downs, at approximately 30° 36's, Calidris acuminata 136° 44'E, on September 27, 1977. My field After August 1977 this species became quite notes give the following description: sandpiper common. It was found on muddy and sandy with a white rump and white median stripe in margins of lakes, bore drains and mound wing, grey-brown back, not noticeably scalloped; springs, sometimes in very large numbers. white face, breast and abdomen; distinct white 1977: one at Peake Creek, downstream from line over eye and dark line through eye; sides the railway bridge, from January 14-20; one' of neck faintly streaked with grey (very pale); at Algebuckinna from February 13-20; 13 at small red-brown patches on breast and flanks;' Nunns Bore on August 28, and two on Septem­ outer wing feathers dark brown (very noticeably ber 12 and 13; five at The Bubbler, Stuart darker than rest of wing) ; medium to long bill, Creek Stn., on September 17, and up to 100 on slightly downcurved at the tip; legs and bill December 16; one at Coward Springs on Sep­ black, eyes brown; slightly larger than Black­ tember 24; 12 at Mcliwens Bore, Stuart Creek fronted Dotterel; dark tip to tail and feet extend Stn., on October 1: 100-plus at Lake Eyre, east· slightly behind tail in flight. This bird was of William Creek, on October 3, and c.lOOO easily approached to within 30 m and was feeding in a flock 300 m inland from the edge. viewed with 8 x 40 binoculars. It was a very of the lake on October 4; up to 1000 at Lake, active feeder in the mud at the edge of the Killamperpunna on October 7, and c.250 all' dam. Its flight was direct and low over the November 12; up to 1000 at Lake Harry on water (2-5 m). Call was a piping 'chirr', • To be concluded ill next issue MARCH,1979 53 APPENDIX Gazetteer of South Australian and Northern Territory localities mentioned in the text. 26°08'5 134051'E Coward Springs Railway Siding 290 24'S, 1360 49'E Abminga Railway Siding 0 Alberga Railway Siding 27011'5' 1350 26'E Crows Nest Bore, Muloorina 29 23'S, 1370 46'E Alberga, The 270 08'5' 135 0 20'E Curdirnurka Railway Siding 290 29'S, 1370 05'E Alberrie Creek 290 31'S' 1370 32'E Alberrie Creek Railway Siding 290 38'S' 1370 32'E Dalhousie Springs 26°31'5, 1350 28'E Albies Darn, Stuart Creek Stn. 290 34'S; 1370 04'E Davenport Creek, Algebuckinna Waterhole, Finniss Springs Stn. 290 38'S, 1370 34'E The Neales 270 53'S 1350 49'E Davenport Springs, Alka Seltzer Bore, Mt. Dare Stn. 26018'S' 136001'E Einniss Springs Stn, 29°40'5, 1370 35'E Alice Springs, N.T. 23042'5' 1330 52'E Deep Creek, Allandale, cattle station 270 38'S: 1350 35'E Finniss Springs Stn. 290 44'S, 1370 28'E Allandale Swamp, Nilpinna, Deviation Creek, approx, 28020'5, 1350 38'E Mundowdna Stn. 290 50'S, 1380"10'E Ambutchera Creek, Mt. Dare Stn. 260 28'S 1350 37'E Douglas Creek, Anna Creek Stn. 28046'5, 1360 25'E Adamooka Opal Field 300 29'S: 1370 13'E Duff Creek, Nilpinna 28032'5, 1350 51'E Angas Bore, Stuart Creek Stn. 29°17'5 1360 44'E Dugglers Well, Anna Creek, cattle station 28 0 54'S' 136010'E Hamilton Stn., approx, 260 25'S, 1340 28'E Ann Creek Railway Siding 280 50'S' 1360 06'E Dulkaninna, cattle station 290 01'S, 1380 28'E Antikoolirdnna Waterhole, ' Hamilton Stn. 26027'5, 1340 52'E Eaglehawk Dam, Peake Stn. 27() 52'S, 1350 53'E Armistice Bore, Anna Creek Stn. 280 50'S, 1360 42'E Edward Creek 28°16'5, 1350 47'E Edwards Creek Railway Siding 28020'5, 1350 51'E Emerald Spring, Badmans Dam, Nilpinna 280 38'S 1350 40'E 023'5, Beatrice Bore, Finniss Springs Stn. 290 38'S' 1370 22'E Stuart Creek Stn. 29 1370 04'E Beresford Railway Siding 29014'5' 1360 39'E Eringa, outstation of Hamilton Stn. and Waterhole 260 17'5, 1340 43'E Birdsville Track Ferry Crossing of ' 017'5, Cooper Creek 280 34'S 1380 48'E Ernabella 26 1320 08'F Bitchera Waterhole, ' Etadunna, cattle station 280 43'S, 1380 38'E Hamilton Stn. 260 35'S, 1340 32'E Eurelia 320 33'S, 1380 34'E Bitchera Well, Hamilton Stn, 26°42'5, 1340 27'E Evelyn Creek, Copper Hill Stn. 270 57'S, 1340 15'E Blanket Waterhole, The Neales 28014'5, 136030'E Everard Ranges 27006'S, 1320 26'E Bloods Creek Bore, Mt. Dare Stn. 26°16'5, 1350 05'E Everglades Bore, Mt, Dare Stn. 260 09'5, 1350 57'E Boorthanna Railway Siding Farina 300 04'5, 1380 17'E (abandoned) . 28037'5, 1350 53'E Fat Bullock Swamp, Bopeechee Railway Siding 290 36'S, 1370 23'E Anna Creek Stn. 28 050'5, 1360 23'E Box: Creek, Nilpinna 28°45'5, 1350 58'E Federal (ruins) 26018'5, 135011'E Breakfast Time Bore, 035'5, 020'E Finke, N.T. 25 1340 34'E Anna Creek Stn. 28°53'5, 136 Finke River 260 05'5, 1350 54'E Breakfast Time Creek Finniss Creek 290 37'S, 1370 27'E Anna Creek Stn. ' 280 52'S, 1360 18'E Einniss Springs, cattle station 29045'E, 1370 31'E Brush Waterhole, Hamilton Stn. 260 32'S, 1340 27'E Finniss Swamp 29035'5, 1370 25'E Bubbler Spring, The, Flat Hill, Witchelina Stn. 29047'5, 1370 45'E Stuart Creek Stn, 290 27'S, 1360 51'E Flinders Ranges 300 40'S 1380 55'E Bulldog Creek Bore, Peake Stn, 280 19'5, 1360 07'E Fountain Bore, Allandale 270 47'S: 1350 38'E Bugapoorinna Swamp, Nilpinr:a 280 20'S, 1350 47'E Frome Creek 290 25'S, 1380 OO'E Callanna Railway Dam 29038'5, 1370 55'E Gate Waterhole, Nilpinna 28012'S, 1350 28'E Call anna, sheep station 29043'5, 1370 54'E George Creek Bore, Peake Stn. 28030'5, 1360 12'E Campoven Dam, Grac!es Dam, Nilpinna, approx, 280 21'S, 1350 11'E Stuart Creek Stn. 29043'5, 1370 IO'E Granite Downs 260 56'S, 1330 30'E Cannuwaukaninna Bore Gregory Creek 290 34'S, 137020'E Birdsville Track ' 28048'5, 1380 33'E Gregory Creek Overflow 29 0 34'S, 1370 19'E Charles Angas Bore, Finniss Springs Stn, 29 0 30'S, 1370 32'E Hamilton Bore 26 039'5, 1350 18'E Charlotte Waters, N.T. 250 55'S, 1340 56'E Hamilton, cattle station 260 43'S, 1350 04'E Cindys Dam, Nilpinna 280 31'S, 1350 56'E Hamilton, The 26044'5, 1350 OO'E Clayton, cattle station 29017'5, 1380 23'E Hermit Hill, Finniss Springs Stn. 290 35'S, 1370 26'E Clare 33050'5, 1380 37'E Hurdle Creek Dam, Nilpinna 280 13'5, 1350 30'E Cooinchinna Dam, Anna Creek Stn. 28049'5, 1360 26'E Irrapatana Dam 290 01'5, 136030'E Coolibah Yard, Peake Stn. 28 015'5, 1360 38'E 009'5, Jimboys Dam, Nil pinna 280 15'5, 1350 46'E Coongra Creek, Todmorden 27 1340 17'E Joys Dam, Nilpinna 280 11'S, 135020'E Cooper Creek 280 27'S 1370 45'E Julies Dam, Nilpinna 28027'5, 135050'E Cooran.na Bore, Muloorina 29031'5; 1370 47'E Cootchleb:::rcoola Bore, Allandale 27059'5, 1350 45'E Kangaroo Dam, Anna Creek Stn. 280 49'S 136010'E Cootanoorma WaterhoJe, Kathleen Creek, Todmorden 27018'5' 1350 02'E Peake Creek 28010'S, 1350 18'E Kennebery Creek, CaHanna Stn. 290 40'S: 1370 47'E Copper Hill, sheep station 270 57'S, 1340 19'E Kennebery Waterhole, Muloorina 290 38'S, 1370 47'E 54 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN ORNITHOLOGIST, 28

Kingoonyah 300 55'S, 1350 19'E Kopperamanna Bore, Old Billa Kalina (ruins) and bore 030'E BirdsviHe Track 28038'S, 1380 45'E 29° 27'S, 136 Old Fiuniss Springs (ruins) 29° 34'S, 1370 27'E Old Nilpinna (ruins) Lake Appadare 28013'S 139 0 12'E 28° 13'S, 1350 41'E Lake Cal1abonna 0 One Tree Bore, Nilpinna 280 11'5, 1350 32'E 290 40'S: 140 OrE Oodnadatta Lake EYre 27° 57'S, 137 0 03'E 27° 33'S, 135 0 27'E Lake Eyre South Oolgawa Waterhole, 290 15'S, 1370 23'E Macumba Stn. Lake Frome 300 40'S, 1390 50'E 260 47'S, 1350 53'E Lake Harry Opossum Bore, Mr. Dare Stn. 260 22'S, 1350 19'E 290 25'S, 138 0 19'E Orroroo Lake Hope 280 23'S, 1390 17'E 320 44'S, 138 0 37'E Lake Killalpaninna 280 35'S, 1380 33'E Paddys Yard, Hamilton Stn. 260 25'S, 1340 51'E Lake Killamperpunna 280 35'S, 1380 45'E Paradise Creek, about 40 km Lake Kopperamanna 280 35'S, 1380 40'E south of Marree 290 56'S, 1380 15'E Lake Warrawarrinna 280 32'S, 1380 50'E Parakylia, sheep station 300 24'S, 1360 24'E Levi Spring, Peake Stn, 280 23'S, 136009'E Patsys Dam, Nilpinna Ludgates Well, Hamilton Stn, 260 25'S, 1340 54'E Peake cattle station ~~g ~i:~; i~g~ gg:~ Peake Creek 28Q02'S, 1350 45'E Macumba, cattle station 270 15'S, 1350 39'E Peake-Denison Ranges 030'5, Macumba No.1 Oil Well, 28 1360 05'E Q Peake Telegraph Station in the Simpson Desert 26° 15'S, 136 57'E (ruins) Macumba Railway Siding Pedirka Railway Siding ~~~ ~~:~; i~g~ fi:~ (abandoned) 270 05'S, 1350 25'E Pedourie Dam, 0 Macumba, The 27 06'S, 136Q10'E Stuart Creek Stn, approx. 290 36'S, 1360 51'E Makari Airstrip, Port Augusta 320 30'S, 1370 46'E in the Simpson Desert 26018'S 1350 26'E Priscilla Springs, Mannahill Railway Siding 320 26'S: 1390 59'E Stuart Creek Stn, 290 33'S, 1370 13'E Maralinga 300 10'S, 1310 35'E Purni' Bore, just inside the Margaret Creek, western edge of the Simpson Stuart Creek Stn. 29029'5, 1360 52'E Desert 26017'5, 1360 06'E Margare~ Mount 28029'5, 136004'E Pyraka Dam, Peake Stn. 280 18'S, 1360 44'E Margaret Railway Siding 29026'5; 1360 56'E Marree 29039'5, 138004'E Red Lake Dam, McEwens Bore, Stuart Creek Stn, approx, 300 10'S, 1360 51'E Stuart Creek Stn. approx, 290 23'S, 1360 32'E Red Motor Car Swamp, McLeans Bore, Nilpinna, approx. 280 l1'S, 1350 42'E Peake Stn., approx. 280 27'S, 1360 17'E Reekes Dam, Nilpinna, Melon Creek, Peake Stn. approx, 280 17'S, 1360 04'E approx. 280 30'S, 1350 47'E Midway Dam, Anna Creek Stn. 280 53'S, 1360 84'E Regs Dam, Nilpinna 280 47'S, 1350 59'E Moorityanna Soak 260 52'S, 133001'E Rischbieth Creek, Callanna Stu. 290 46'S, 1370 44'E Morris Bore, Rischbieth Well, Finniss Springs Stn, 290 28'S 1310 34'E Witchelina Stn. 290 <19'S, 1370 45'E 004'S: Rocky Dam, Anna Creek Stn, 28045'5, 11 3043:EE Mount Dare, cattle station 26 1350 15'E . 024'5, 0° Mount Davies 260 10'S 1290 08'E Rosella Dam, Nilpinna 28 33 56 Mount Dutton Railway Siding 270 49'S; 1350 43'E Roxby Downs, sheep station 300 42'S, 1360 46'E Mount Gason Bore, Sandhill Waterhole, Peake Stn. 28021'5, 1360 28'E Birdsville Track 270 19'5, 1380 45'E Sandy Creek, north-east of Mount Hamilton (ruins), Marree on the Birdsville Stuart Creek Stn. 290 29'S 1360 54'E Track 290 34'S, 138 0 09'E Mount Lindsay 27002'S; 1290 53'E Screechowl Creek, Mount Rebecca Railway Siding 260 47'S, 1350 19'E Finniss Springs Stn. 29038'5, 1370 21'E Mount Sarah, cattle station 260 55'S 1350 15'E Siam, sheep station 320 33'S, 1360 43'E Mount Sarah Railway Siding 260 56'S; 1350 21'E Simpson Desert 260 30'S, 136030'E Mount Willoughby 210 58'S, 1340 09'E Skylark Dam, Muloorina, sheep station 290 14'S 1310 54'E Anna Creek Stn, 280 44'S, 1360 49'E Murra Murrana Bore, Peake Stn. 280 13'S: 1350 57'E Smithfield Waterhole, The Neales 270 54'S, 1350 59'E Nancys Bore, Anna Creek Stu. 28042'S, 1360 32'E South Well, Nilpinna 280 18'S, 135Nonning 320 31'S, 1360 29'E Stuart Creek, cattle station 290 42'S, 1370 02'E North Creek, Allandale 270 42'S, 135 0 37'E Stuart Creek 290 32'S, 137004'E Number One Dam, Stuart Range 28047'5, 1340 32'E Anna Creek Stn. 280 39'S, 1360 34'E Sunny Creek, Anna Creek and Number Three Bore, Peake Stns, 280 31'S, 1360 37'E Peake Stu. approx 280 18'S 136 0 31'E Number Two Dam, Peake Stn. 280 36'S; 1360 39'E Tardetakarinna Waterhole, Nunns Bore, Anna Creek Stn. 290 04'S, 1360 31'E The Neales, near the junction with Peake Creek 28001'S, 1360 09'E Oasis Bore, Mt. Dare Stn. 260 13'S 135 0 58'E Tarlton Knob (mine), Ockenden Creek, Allandale 270 47'S; 135 0 46'E Witchelina Stn. 290 53'S, 1370 49'E MARCH, 1979 55

Teemurrina Waterhole, Welbourn Hill 27021'S, 134005'E Peake Stn. 28024'S 1360 43'E Welcome Bore, Todmorden, . cattle station 27008'S: 1340 45'E Stuart Creek Stn. 29 0 21'S, 136 0 38'E Toongamoona Dam, Welcome Springs, Anna Creek Stn. 280 53'S, 1360 37'E Callanna Stn. 290 4-0'S, 1370 50'E Whyllies Well Dam, Umbum Bore, Peake Stn, 280 27'S 1360 24'E 0 0 0 Hamilton Stn. 26 20'S 134 26'E Umbum Creek, Peake Stn, 280 29'S: 136 25'E Wildhorse Dam, Peake Stn. 28019'S: 1360 39'E Up and Down Dam, Peake Stn, 28027'S, 1360 42'E William Creek Railway Siding and Hotel 280 55'S 1360 20'E Venable Bore, 0 0 Finniss Springs Stn, 290 40'S 1370 22'E WiIIouran Range 29 50'S, 137 58'E Victory Well, Eyerard Ranges 270 03'S, 1320 31'E WillyallaIIinna Creek, Anna Creek Stn. 28043'S 1350 59'E Wangianna Railway Siding 290 39'S 1370 42'E Wilu Wiluru 260 34'S' 1300 29'E Wangianna Spring 29040'S' 1370 43'E Wintinna 27043'S: 1340 07'E Wanta pella Swamp 270 02'S: 1330 29'E Wire Creek Bore, Warrangarranna Bore, Macumba Stn, 270 15'S, 1350 29'E Nilpinna 280 25'S, 1350 39'E Wire Creek Railway Siding Warrawaroona Waterhole, (abandoned) 270 15'S 1350 26'E Peake Stn. 280 03'S 1350 55'E Wirriaranna Dam, Peake Stn. 270 58'S' 1360 03'E Warrina Railway Siding 28012'S: 135050'E Wirrinjinnie Creek, Allandale 270 57'S' 1350 48'E Warriner Creek 290 08'S, 1360 31'E Witchelina, cattle station 300 01'S' 1380 03'E Watchamacallit Dam, WondiIIinna (ruins) 270 49'S: 1350 39'E Anna Creek Stn. 28041'S 136011'E Watts Bank, Nilpinna 280 23'S: 1350 43'E Yard Waterhole, Waukatanna Waterhole, Stuart Creek Stn, 290 17'S, 1360 37'E Cooper Creek 280 04'S, 1390 16'E Yumma Yumma Bank, Weedina Waterhole, Nilpinna 280 30'S, 1350 37'E Nilpinna 280 37'S, 135 0 46'E

REFERENOES Condon, H. T. 1969. A Handlist of the Birds of South Parker, S. A. 1970. Critical Notes on the Status of Some Australia. 3rd ed, S.A. Orn, Ass. Northern Territory Birds. S. Aust. Om. 25: 115-125. Condon, H. T. 1975. Checklist of the Birds of Australia ­ Parker, S. A. 1972. Remarks on Distribution and Taxonomy Part 1. Non-Passer'ines, R.A.O.U. of the Grass-wrens Amytornis textilis, modestus and purnelli, Emu. 72: 157-166. Cornish, D. M. and Ellis, R. 1974. Birds of the Mulligan Parker, S. A., May, I. A. and Head, W. 1978. Some Obser­ River and Adjacent Simpson Desert Area. S. Aust. Om. vations on the Eyrean Grasswren Amytornis goyderi 26: 164-165. (Gould, 187'5). Records of the S.A. Museum. 17: 361-371. Cox, d. B. and Pedler, L. P, 1977. Birds Recorded During Paton, d. B., 1975. Birds of .the Gawler Ranges. S. Aust. Three Visits Ito the Far North-East of South Australia. Orn, 26: 180-193. S. Aust, Ora. 27: 231-250. Reid, N. and Cox, d. B. 1978. The Status of Satin and Eckert, d. 1975. Range of the Bourke Parrot. S. Aust. Om. Leaden Flycatchers in South Australia, with a note on 27: 18-19. female plumages. S. Aust, Om. 27: 277-9. Rix, C. E., 1970. Birds of the Northern Territory. S. Aust. Frith, H. d. 1977. Waterfowl in Australia. Reed. Orn, 25: 147-190. Lendon, A. 1968. The Distribution of the Australian Shurcliff, K. S., 1977. Myiagra Flycatcher in the Everard Psittaclnes. S. Austo Om. 25: 3-17. Ranges. S. Aust. Om. 27: 224. MacDonald, d. D. 1973. Birds of Australia. Reed. Slater, P., 1970. A Field Guide to Australian Birds. 1. Rigby. May, I. A. 1977. Recent Re-discovery of the Eyrean Grass­ wren. Emu. 77: 230-231. Slater, P., 1974. A Field Guide to Australian Birds. 2. Rigby. McGilp, d. Neil. 1923. Birds of Lake Frome District, South Storr, G. M., 1973. List of Queensland birds. Spec. Pubis. Australia. Emu. 22: 237-243; 274-287. West Aust, Mus. 5. Parker, S. A. 1969 New and Interesting Distribution White, S.A., 1915. Scientific Notes on an Expedition into Records of Central'Aus.tralian Birds. S. Aust. Orn. 25: the North-Western Regions of South Australia. Trans. of 59-71. the Royal Soc. of S.A. 39: 707-766.

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