2008 Swifts Across the Strait is the newsletter of the Swift Collision Recovery Program. The Swift Parrot is an endangered species endemic to South-East . - Prevention Project Natalie Holland, Network Coordinator Swift migrate the longest WWF-Australia distance of any parrot in the world. They leave their breeding grounds It is well recognised that habitat loss in during Autumn to is the major threat to swift parrots – winter on mainland Australia, and both loss of their breeding habitat in return to Tasmania in the Spring. Tasmania, and also their over-wintering habitat on the mainland. However, The yearly variation in migratory there is another threat that arises as movements of this parrot is a result of this habitat loss: as human partly due to variation in flowering development encroaches into nesting and foraging habitat the are and means that a large number being forced into increasing contact of people are needed to keep with human-made structures – often track of its distribution, and to resulting in collisions. collect information on the bird’s habitat requirements. The National Recovery Plan for swift parrots identifies adult and juvenile A National Swift Parrot survey is mortality due to collisions with conducted on the third weekend man-made structures as a threat to Collision death in May and the first weekend in the species. However, there is little Photo by: C. Tzaros information available on the threat, or August each year. Observers from are still gaps in the information. Since the options to minimise it. As a result, Eastern South Australia through to 1987 there have been 173 records of the Threatened Species Network, a Southern look for swift parrot collisions, resulting in 145 program of the Australian Government Swift Parrots in an effort to trace known deaths. In any given year, the and WWF-Australia, has recently the movements of this rare and total number of mortalities can be high, undertaken a project to investigate elusive species. such as the 34 collisions and 23 deaths this issue and potential solutions. The recorded during the 1997 breeding project involved background research season. The recovery plan notes that on the issue of bird collisions both on average, 19 adult birds are recovered within Australia and internationally. each year in Tasmania, with just 4 A workshop was held targeting returned to the wild. It is important to planners, architects and landscape note that the actual number of collision planners to seek their input into related deaths could be much higher design solutions appropriate for the than the number of records that are Australian situation. reported. It is possible to estimate that around 1.5%–2% of the entire swift Scale of the problem parrot breeding population is killed Through compiling records on collisions every year as a result of collisions. It from a range of sources, we have been appears that the collision problem is able to get a clearer picture of the scale not limited to either adults or juveniles, Photo by: Debbie Worland of the collision threat, although there but that both are similarly vulnerable.

contd. on page 2 swifts across the strait • 2008

LURG HILLS SURVEYS Castlemaine golf course replanting contd. from page 1 Dean Ingwersen, Threatened Bird Network Coordinator, Birds Australia Photo by: Dawn Angliss Nature of the problem The Lurg Hills, near Benalla in north- endangered Grey-crowned Babbler, and east , lie on the southern edge the vulnerable Diamond Firetail and The collation of collision records Planting for Swift of the box-ironbark country and are Painted . indicates two main types of collisions, overlooked by the spectacular Bogong However some of the most exciting collisions with windows and with chain- High Plains to the south. Parrot Habitat mesh fences. The key to the issue news relates to species recorded The Castlemaine Golf Club have successfully is that swift parrots (as well as birds What is real, what is reflection? A major landscape-scale habitat breeding in revegetation. White- applied for a Threatened Species Network grant generally) seem unable to recognise Photo by: Stephanie Pfennigwerth restoration effort, the Regent browed Babblers have been recorded through WWF in order to increase swift parrot glass or fences as a solid barrier in their Honeyeater Project, has been underway breeding in planted areas, as have habitat in their area. The area is already a flight path. There are two aspects of for the past 11 years. Western Gerygone. And in areas known site for the birds, as swift parrots have adjacent to revegetation Hooded glass that are particularly problematic; structures should be limited in areas buildings and minimise the risk of Coordinated by Ray Thomas, this been recorded around Castlemaine regularly Robins, Yellow-tufted and reflective glass and transparent glass. that are predictable bird collision swift parrot collisions. community project has increased over the years. Reflective glass can mirror the sky areas, or else designed to facilitate the area and improved the quality Black-chinned Honeyeaters have also It is hoped that by raising awareness of The grant is part of a larger project in which and surrounding vegetation which their visibility to the parrots. Options of habitat for an array of threatened been seen nesting in the past few years. the threat of collisions and the design volunteers have been conducting bird surveys birds perceive a continuation of their to improve visibility include avoiding species in the district - to date over This is a great outcome for the project, habitat. Transparent glass that provides solutions available, we will be able to and a clear indication that plants in the and began tree planting in 2002. Over the next throughways that give false impression 900 hectares of woodland have been five years the volunteers involved in this project an unobstructed view of habitat or reduce the number of swift parrot ground in the right mix leads to more of an unobstructed passageway; angling re-established or restored. In an hope to plant trees indigenous to the region sky on the other side of a building is deaths due to collisions. birds in the bush. Hopefully some windows to reduce reflections of attempt to evaluate the response of which the swift parrot relies on and to also Regent Honeyeaters and Swift Parrots not recognised as a solid barrier by adjacent habitat and the sky; creating A detailed report on the collision issue woodland birds to this revegetation, increase the number of mid and understorey will check the area out soon too! birds. Similarly, wire-mesh fences are “visual noise” through differentiations is currently being finalised, and will be Birds Australia’s Threatened Bird plants. Increasing plant density in these lower impossible to see. of material, texture, colour, opacity available shortly. Network (TBN) and its volunteers have This important work will continue again layers will make the area less attractive to noisy or other features that help fragment For further information, contact conducted bird surveys at 154 sites for this year, with surveys to be conducted miners, which prefer open woodland and who Solutions for minimising the window reflections and reduce overall Natalie Holland, Threatened Species the past three years. on October 4th-5th. have recently overtaken much of the local collision risk transparency; and muting reflections bushland. While noisy miners are native, they Network Coordinator for Victoria In these three years over 120 species To register your interest for 2008 such as by extended rooflines to close are also aggressive and can drive away other There are steps that can be taken at on Phone: 03 9669 1304 have been recorded, with a mix of please contact Dean Ingwersen, off the angle of reflection of the sky. birds. Planting mid and understorey layers also various stages in the planning and or Email: [email protected]. resident and migratory species present. TBN coordinator, on Many of these options are also creates more habitat for smaller woodland birds. design of new buildings as well as Some of the birds recorded include (03) 9347 0757, or via email: relevant to retrofit existing Bearing in mind that there have been some actions to retrofit existing buildings Dusky Woodswallow, White-eared [email protected]. swift parrots injured or killed by collisions with and other structures to minimise the Honeyeater, and Black-faced Cuckoo- TBN is funded by the Australian high mesh fencing, the most recent record from potential risk of swift parrot collisions. shrike. A number of threatened Government’s Natural Heritage Trust. St James Golf Course in September 2007, the The major principle behind minimising Victorian species have also been participants are very carefully planning the areas the risk of collisions for swift parrots recorded in the surveys, including the to be replanted. is to minimise glass reflectivity and The Threatened Species Network Community transparency and create visual noise so Grants have been established to support and that the birds recognise windows and inspire community groups to work on the fences as a barrier in their flight-path. conservation and recovery of threatened species In the planning stage, these potential and ecological communities. The Grants fund solutions include consideration of projects that benefit species or ecological proposed siting of new buildings in the communities that are listed as threatened under the Environmental Protection and landscape, particularly in relation to Conservation Act 1999). potential swift parrot flight paths so as to minimise the proximity of swift More information regarding TSN grants is parrots to structures that could pose a available on the website: http://wwf.org.au/ Swifties feeding on the ground at Castlemaine risk. In the design of the building itself, ourwork/species/tsngrants/ where applications Photo by: Debbie Worland glazing and other potentially hazardous may be downloaded.

Page 2 (left) Lurg Hills Page 3 Photo by: Dean Ingwersen KIDS PAGE

swifts across the strait • 2008

Speedy held his breath, closed his eyes, which wasn’t going to help, and dashed out of the nest The Adventures of Speedy hole flapping furiously! It was early summer and in a hole, high in a blue gum tree in eastern Tasmania circled the tree where said the father parrot “some of these his family was and then birds are single older birds who have lost something was stirring. Four small white eggs were about to hatch! Mother swift parrot wound up the speed! their partners through injury, old age or had been keeping them warm for the last eighteen days or so and now it was time. “Slow down” screamed some other disaster” he thought for a his father, “come here second and then went on to say “there Inside the eggs Speedy, his brother Three days soon passed and by this beautiful bird was dad, with his big red now!!” yelled his mother, used to be many more of us than there Sammy and his two sisters Sally and time all the little babies had broken free face and his little blue cap and all the “You are an idiot” said is today and because the humans are Sarah were wriggling about and of their eggs and were balls of white different shades of green, and his dark Sally and Sarah together. cutting down our blue gum trees there wondering, “just how do we get out of fluff being covered by mum and fed the red shoulder and purple and blue wing “Once more around the is not enough food to support a large here?” Of course it was dark inside the sweet nectar with sometimes a trace feathers and look at his tail! It was thin tree at full speed and population and so some birds don’t eggs but it was warm and they knew it of veggies and insects. “YUK” thought and long and was a sort of red on top then I will land” thought have families.” the tree next door. From this tree they was time to start cutting through the the four babies “just give us the nectar” and grey underneath with the edge Speedy as he lined up the branch he would call out “come on you four, Father continued “life is not easy for us egg to get out, but what they didn’t but mother knows best and to keep feathers of blue. He was handsome. was going to land on. But speed was come over to us, you can do it.” Sally swift parrots and many of us are injured know was - out into what! the little babies trim they needed to eat Mother was almost the same except one thing and stopping was another. thought “ok here we go” and bounced or killed each year when we strike things more than just the sweet nectar. that her colours were a little duller but With his tail fanned to slow him and Speedy moved his little head up and straight over Sammy and Sarah and out made by the humans, they have things she was still beautiful. his wings almost going in reverse he down and could feel his sharp egg As the days passed the white fluff on of the nest hole! She flapped her wings called cars that can travel much faster slammed into the same bunch of leaves tooth slicing through the shell of his the four little birds was changing to a Time passed quickly and soon the very fast and soon could feel herself than us”, “not faster than me” boasted as Sammy had came straight out the egg, it was tiring and he soon had to much thicker grey fluff and this was chicks were beginning to sprout some being thrust forward and upward Speedy, “much faster than you Speedy other side and into the next clump!! stop and rest. But the job was not keeping them warm when mother was feathers of their own. Speedy and toward her parents but no one told her now be quiet and listen” said his father His father flew over to the leaves and over and so he started again and out of the nest hollow gathering food. Sammy could see that their green how to steer and she crashed into the in a very stern voice. “When these cars yelled “where are you, you naughty soon the top of the egg fell free and backs were a little darker than Sally leaves just a little bit along the branch are driving along and some of us birds boy?”, His mother had her wings up want to cross the roadway we get hit he was able to at least get his head He felt something nuzzle him and Sarah’s but at this time little else from them. out. He wriggled and twisted and and this made him feel safe, was different. The days rolled on very to her face and couldn’t bare to look. because we fly too low and the cars don’t finally came out of the other half of quickly and soon all the little birds were Speedy looked out from the nest hole “I’m sorry, I won’t do it again” squeaked see us.” He went on, “The humans also the egg shell. it was mum. able to scramble to the entrance hole and he looked down! The ground was Speedy as he stuck his little red face out build big nests called houses and the whenever they heard mother or father so far away! “what if I fall?” he cried. of the leaves. “How many times have I holes in the sides have something called Something warm and soft was covering Father parrot was never very far away coming. Of course Speedy was first to “you wont” yelled mum “birds don’t fall”, heard that before?”, “there has to be one glass in them and it looks like you can him but he couldn’t see what it was and was also gathering food which he the hole because he was the oldest “and besides” squealed Sarah “you were in every clutch”. Said his mother. Sally fly straight through but you cant because because his eyes were not yet open passed on to mother beak to beak so and biggest but after a few days he was the one who did the most flapping in the thought he should have been called it is solid.” “I remember a cousin of mine and wouldn’t be for another ten days! that she didn’t need to be away from pushed aside by Sally and Sammy and nest”. Speedy held his breath, closed his “Smarty” instead of Speedy. who tried to fly through one of these He felt something nuzzle him and this the babies for too long but as yet he things and nearly broke his neck but Sarah so that everyone got an equal eyes, which wasn’t going to help, and made him feel safe, it was mum. As had not seen or fed his babies. The Swift Parrot family did not move far the humans found him and took him to share of the food. dashed out of the nest hole flapping night passed speedy was feeling hungry! from the nest area for a few days until After about six or seven days father furiously! By the time he opened his a place that looks after injured birds It was a feeling he hadn’t felt before A month soon passed and much Sammy, Sarah and Sally could fly more swift parrot thought “It’s time to see eyes he had missed the tree completely and he was saved, he was one of the because in his egg all his needs for wing flapping was happening in the confidently and Speedy had settled the little chicks and feed them myself,” and was heading towards the !! lucky ones.” food were taken care of but this was nest which was by now very crowded. down and stopped being a show off! and this he did. Father parrot was now He suddenly wasn’t scared any more The father bird thought he might as different. Suddenly there was a beak Whoever got to flap first meant that They then moved a little further up the feeding the four little birds much more and could feel his wings slicing through well tell them of a few other dangers touching his and some sweet nectar the other three had to duck their heads coast where the blossoming trees had than mother who needed some time the air and pulling him forward at a and mentioned electricity wires and was flowing into his mouth, his mother so they didn’t get hit by the whirring more nectar and here they met with to exercise and feed herself as the last frightening speed! wire fences and things that a fast was feeding him and he bobbed his wings. Everybody got their turn and many other families. Most of the other six weeks or so of caring for the eggs parrot at full speed might not see, and head to get more but mother knew soon they all felt they would be strong He could feel his pointy tail and found parents had young birds as well, some and the newly hatched chicks had left then there were storms and of course that a little at a time was best for now. enough when the day came to leave that if he moved it a little to one side he had four like Speedy and his sisters and her tired. THE CROSSING. By the next morning his sister Sally was the nest. turned and to the other side he turned brother and others had three and some also out of her egg and being fed by The little birds eyes were now about the opposite way. If he dipped his right had only two. Some of the other birds The full story is available from They were noticing that mother and mum but Sammy and Sarah were still to open and for the first time they wing he went right and left wing took had no young birds with them and this the author, Bill Boyd email: father would only give them a little rolling about just taking their time! would see mum and dad. What a him left. “This is great” he thought. puzzled Sarah who asked why? “you see” [email protected] food now and would then move to “What is hard about this?” Speedy

Page 4 Page 5 swifts across the strait • 2008

NSW/ACT The Central Coast was certainly the place to see Swift Parrots 2007 Survey Summary during the last mainland season. Special thanks to Alan Introduction: Victoria Morris and his highly organised team of birders who kept us informed of sightings over the season. Birds were recorded A total of 1203 surveys were conducted over on the mainland The majority of Victorian 2007 sightings came from very early in the season both on the Central and North laevopinea in flower during 2007. Of these surveys 1082 were conducted during the Southern, and Rushworth areas. Birds were Coasts, with records of large numbers coming in during Photo by: Belinda Cooke the National Survey weekends. During the National Survey predominately sighted outside the survey period in Southern early April. The latest records for NSW also came from the weekends a total of 590 Swift Parrots were sighted (385 during Victoria as these were the earliest records of the season. It Central Coast, with birds still sighted in the Cessnock region the May weekend and 205 during August). Compared to appears that the majority of the Swift Parrot population into mid-October. In the entire South-west Slopes area there was only a single other years this was a relatively low number despite the fact congregated in Southern Victoria and then flew quickly Figure 3: NSW/ACT Regional Swift Parrot Records 2007 sighting of birds flying overhead in Wagga Wagga. Similarly, in that the number of survey forms received from volunteers was through Central Victoria. The only central locations where Volunteer Surveys the ACT, there were a couple of brief sightings but the birds double the amount from last year. birds were recorded for more extended periods of time were were not hanging around. Conditions in these areas were very 900 250 generally in wetter and more protected areas. dry with very little flowering. A small group of three swift This does not necessarily mean that the numbers of Swift 800 May Survey Weekend August Survey Weekend Parrots are decreasing. During 2007 a large number of Swift The largest flock of Swift Parrots recorded from Vic was in 700 200 parrots were sighted in Griffith in late August, this is the most Other times during the year Parrots were reported outside survey weekend dates. A total the South, near Inverloch where over 70 birds were sighted 600 Total number of surveys western recording for NSW for the season. Interestingly, there 150 of 1749 Swift Parrots were recorded outside the Survey dates. feeding on Swamp Gum/Black Gum (E. ovata) and on lerp 500 is a scattering of earlier recordings surrounding Griffith, from These records are vital as they give a more complete picture from Ribbon Gum (E. viminalis). 400 100 1996 up to 2004. of the comparative numbers and over-wintering locations of 300 No. of Swift Parrots Figure 2: Victorian Regional Swift Parrot Records 2007 No. of Surveys Total the birds. All reports from outside the survey dates are added 200 50 QLD / SA Volunteer Surveys into the database. However, in order to statistically analyse 100 0 The 2007 season saw Swift Parrots in areas of Southern Qld. our results, only the information from the survey weekends is 180 160 0 160 May Survey Weekend 140 ACT A total of 16 birds were reported from Kenmore and nearby included in Figure 1. August Survey Weekend 140 SW Slopes Tablelands NW Slopes Indooroopilly as well as Toowoomba and nearby Helidon. Other times during the year 120 South Coast North Coast 120 Central Coast Western Plains Figure 1: Swift Parrot Recovery Program Volunteer Survey Total number of surveys 100 All sightings were between early May and mid-July. Previous 100 NSW/ACT Regions Central West Slopes Weekend Results 1995-2007 80 sightings in Kenmore and Indooroopilly were recorded in 80 4000 1400 60 June of 2002 and 2004. Previous sightings in Helidon and Other times during the year 60 The largest recorded flock of the season came from Kurri 3500 Toowoomba were during June and July of 2000 and there are No. of Swift Parrots Total number of surveys 1200 40 40 No. of Surveys Total Kurri on the Central Coast. Approximately 200 birds were 3000 also some quite late sightings of August 2000 and September 1000 20 20 seen feeding together on lerp from Grey Gum (E. punctata). 2500 0 0 1998. Most sightings in Queensland over the years are of 800 Swift Parrots had not been seen in such large numbers on the 2000 small flocks of birds. During the 2007 season, the largest flock 600 North coast since 2000. However, some of the 2007 sightings were in Bendigo Western 1500 Maryb’h - Southern of Swift Parrots sighted in Qld was of seven birds. However, DunnollyRushworth St. ArnaudNorth East the same areas or even in the same street trees that the birds 400 East Gippsland during July of 2000 a flock of 30 Swift Parrots were seen. There No. of Swift Parrots 1000 were seen in seven years earlier. The main trees utilised on the 200 Surveys No. of Volunteer Victorian Regions was a single sighting yet to be confirmed for South Australia. 500 Central Coast were Swamp Mahogany (E. robusta). Moving 0 0 1995 1997 1999 2001 2003 2005 2007 Many thanks to the Victorian volunteers, who despite further up the coast, the main flowering Eucalypt used by 2008 Swift Parrot records Years very low bird numbers in general and severe drought Swift Parrots was the Forest Red Gum (E. tereticornis). The very first mainland record of the 2008 season came from conditions, were able to check these areas for Swift Parrots. Numbers recorded on the South Coast were very similar to The most striking thing about the 2007 season was the Laurie O’Connor and Tim Fletcher from Newham. This has It is very useful to know where the birds ‘aren’t’ during last year with 30 Swift Parrots recorded early in the season, similarity of the birds distribution in 2002. In both years the become a regular first stop over for the parrots over the years a season and why. The Victorian surveys did yield some feeding predominately on lerp. Central Coast of NSW has been a hotspot for the species In and it is great to know that they are still appearing there. interesting results with a flock of 47 birds feeding on lerp many respects the climatic conditions of 2002 and 2007 were Otherwise, Swift Parrot sightings away from the coast were Swift Parrots have also been sighted in small numbers in the in regrowth of a forest area burnt in 2006. In a coordinated also very similar. The 2007 conditions across inland Victoria few. There were some interesting sightings in the North suburbs of Melbourne and also in Muckleford. Swift Parrots survey of approximately 40 sites in central Victoria during and NSW were very dry, resulting in very little flowering West and Tablelands area, where swifties were sighted in have also been sighted in early April flying over northern ACT 2007, the only places Garry Cheers sighted Swift Parrots was and some die-back or stress in trees. In central Victoria small numbers moving through Glen Innes and Tamworth near Mount Majura Nature Reserve, where they have been in Illawarra and in Paddys Ranges. During the August survey even the numbers of common birds were noticeably very in late July- early August. Just north of Armidale a group of spotted in the past. Garry saw only two Swift Parrots which were feeding on low. Meanwhile coastal eucalyptus, especially the Swamp approximately 30 birds also fed in flowering Silvertopped flowering Yellow Gum (E. leucoxylon). Thanks for sending in those early records. Some people have Mahogany () had a good flowering season Stringybark (E. laevopinea), which is the first time they have also been touch about the flowering in their area. It seems as and was able to support large numbers of Swifties. The been recorded feeding in this species. though 2008 may be a better flowering year for central Vic average flock size recorded from NSW was 19. In comparison and NSW. the average recorded flock size from Vic was 9. Page 6 Page 7 Bird Counts low in swifts across the strait • 2008 Central Victoria During the surveys and regular bird watching many residents of central Victoria may have noticed a drop in the numbers of ‘common’ bird species. Garry Cheers is employed through the Department of Sustainability and Environment, Victoria and coordinates Swift Parrot Tasmanian Habitat focus recovery work from this State. Garry has been busy monitoring Swift Parrots in several sites across their distribution in Victoria, he has Tree species profile recorded some of his findings for common birds during 2007. breeding season The following observations are of 3 common nectar/insectivorous (Information from Brooker. M., and Kleinig. D., 1993, Field feeding bird species of the Box-Ironbark of Central Victoria. Guide to Eucalyptus: Volume 1 South-eastern Australia, Matt Webb from the Tasmanian Dept. of Water and Primary Observations were during Swift Parrot counts in 2006-2007 between Industries and Janneke Webb from the Tasmanian Conservation Inkata Press, Melbourne.) Photos sourced from: Brooker and Stawell and Chiltern. Trust have been monitoring Swift Parrots in their breeding habitat Kleinig, 1993 and D. Saunders in Tasmania. The breeding monitoring program has been running Previous seasons had been dry with well below average rain fall and the 2007 season was very dry with no eucalypt flowering. In the since 2004. In 2007 the project received additional funds from the Wet-forest nesting habitat, Tasmania Threatened Species Network in order to train a number of keen 2006-2007 season Garry conducted 277 surveys each covering 1ha. Photo by: M. Webb volunteers to assist. Fuscous Honeyeaters, normally a Box Ironbark resident, all but Breeding distribution is restricted to December) for 5 minutes. Swift Parrots visibility. Identifying specific calls made disappeared from sites in 2007. White-plumed Honeyeaters were areas of forest that have sufficient nest were recorded during 122 surveys out by breeding Swift Parrots and chicks in similar numbers as previous years, but were more wide spread, holes and nearby food trees, primarily of a total of 590 surveys. Almost half have become a valuable survey method extending into sites in which they have not been recorded previously. Tasmanian Blue Gum (Eucalyptus of all of these records occurred on sites in these areas. The monitoring program Two hundred and thirty Musk Lorikeets were recorded in 2006 and globulus) and Black Gum (Eucalyptus which had tree hollows. Tree hollow requires a large number of survey sites only 5 in 2007. Yellow-tufted Honeyeaters, another species that I ovata). As flowering events vary from formation is dependent on a tree’s spread throughout the breeding zones considered may have dropped in numbers, didn’t alter as much as year to year, the parrots may not use history, its species and location. It has and the assistance of volunteers is the other three species. the same areas in consecutive years. been estimated that small hollows especially necessary in this large-scale In 2007 Fuscous Honeyeaters were recorded in a number of areas In the four years Matt Webb has been with narrow entrances which would approach. As with mainland surveying, Inland: Yellow Gum outside their normal range, several sightings were south of the doing field work on the Swift Parrot, be suitable for birds such as the Swift it is also important to get information (Eucalyptus leucoxylon) dividing range. few Swift Parrots have returned to Parrot may take about 100 years to on where the birds are not present in Also known as Blue Gum and White Ironbark. Found Figure 1: No. of sites with each bird species present in 2006 and 2007 nesting sites checked previously. form (Mackowski 1984; Menkorst 1984; any given year. and Scotts 1991). Within the Southern in western Victoria south of the Little Desert to During the 2007-2008 breeding season It is possible that with further 80 forests 39 signs of nests and breeding Dartmoor and into south-eastern South Australia. Also 70 White-plumed Honeyeater a large number of Swift Parrots were information that areas of the Southern Fuscous Honeyeater activity were found in old growth forest found in NSW in one locality near Barham. Small to 60 recorded in the Southern forests from Forests could be protected. Ensuring Musk Lorikeet areas. medium sized tree, bark is mostly smooth with a short Huonville down to Southport, an area breeding and foraging habitat for this 50 that had no previous nest records. The vegetation and presence of Endangered bird. stocking of rough bark. White, pink or red flowers during 40 While most of the population appeared flowering Eucalypts was also recorded May to September. 30 No. of Sites No.of to be in this Southern region, Swift at each site. A little under half of the Reference 20 Parrot nesting was also recorded on sites on which Swift Parrots were Mackowski, C.M., 1984, The ontogeny of 10 South , Kelcey Tier near recorded had Eucalyptus in moderate to hollows in Blackbutt (Eucalyptus pilularis) 0 May ‘06 May ‘07 Aug ‘06 Aug ‘07 Devonport and on . heavy flower. Some patches of flowering and its relevance to the management of Black Gum supported flocks of up to Swift Parrots have generally been forests for Possums, Gliders and Timber, 200 birds. Next to Blue Gum, Black Figure 2: Total number of each bird species recorded in 2006 and 2007 considered to be a dry forest species, Possums and Gliders, A.P. Smith and I.D. Gum is the most important source of 1000 however, in the last two breeding Hume (eds.), Australian Mammal Society, nectar for Swift Parrots during their White-plumed Honeyeater seasons the vast majority of the Sydney. pp 553-67. breeding season. Black Gum flowers 800 Fuscous Honeyeater population has been found in wetter Musk Lorikeet from July to October, earlier than Blue Menkhorst, P. W. 1984, Use of Nest Boxes forests. These areas of wet forest 600 Gum which flowers from September by Forest Vertebrates in Gippsland: habitats such as the Southern forests to December. The early flowering of Acceptance, Preference and Demand, and South Bruny Island appear to be 400 Black Gum makes it an important food Australian Wildlife Research, 11, pp 255-264. Birds No.of extremely important, particularly when Coastal: Swamp Mahogany source when the Swift Parrots first 200 flowering is poor in the drier forests. It Scotts, D. J. 1991, Old-growth forests: their (Eucalyptus robusta) arrive back in Tasmania. is necessary to ensure these wet forest ecological characteristics and value to 0 Found in a narrow band along the coast from the 2006 2007 areas are surveyed during breeding Yearly variations in flowering in forest-dependent vertebrate fauna of south- east Australia, Conservation of Australia’s south coast of NSW up into Queensland north of seasons to come. Tasmania creates similar difficulties Ed. note –The absence of swift parrots and regent honeyeaters and the general Forest Fauna, Lunney, D. (ed.), The Royal to surveying for the species as on the Rockhampton. A small to medium sized tree which low numbers of other birds in Victoria was shown in survey results and In order to record the numbers of birds mainland, although surveying for nest Zoological Society of , has rough spongy bark all the way up to the smaller commented on by volunteers: and their habitat use over the large sites in dense wet forest has provided Sydney. pp 147-159. branches. Leaves are a dark glossy green. Flowers are “At the time of the count, the Heathcote area was extremely quiet, not just for Southern forest area, 295 survey sites an even bigger challenge due to swifties (nil) but for all nectarivorus birds – very few honeyeaters anywhere” were set up. Each site was surveyed white and flowering is quite dependable from May to difficulties in accessing areas and poor – John Newman (Highton, Vic). twice (in early November and again in July each year. Page 8 Page 9 swifts across the strait • 2008 Calendar of Events Swifties in Date Event Time Details Organisation Contact 26 April Swift Parrot and 10.00am * Recovery Team: Burnt Habitat Participants at the Moruya workshop on the South Coast of NSW Regent Honeyeater - 4pm Tiffany Mason Garry Cheers Photo by: Bernie Gibson Workshop, Lithgow This is a brief report of the only 2 May Swift Parrot and 10.00am Hosted by North Enquires: Adrian Martins (North Central Regent Honeyeater - 4pm Central CMA CMA) Phone: 03 5440 1851 Swift Parrots that I recorded during Workshop, the 2007 May counts. Swift Parrot and Regent St Arnaud In the Illawarra State Forest 122 3-4 May Tree planting, NSW Capertee Valley, some Regent Honeyeater *Regent Honeyeater Recovery Team: Swift Parrots were recorded Honeyeater Workshops 2007 accommodation and Recovery Team Tiffany Mason foraging on lerp in Yellow Gums camping with a diameter at breast height A number of successful Swift Parrot and Dean Ingwersen, co-ordinator of the 10 May Swift Parrot and 10.00am Swift Parrot *Swift Parrot Recovery Team: Belinda Cooke of less than 10cm. There were also Regent Honeyeater workshops were Threatened Bird Network for Birds Regent Honeyeater - 4pm Recovery Team, 23 Swift Parrots feeding in the conducted over the birds range in 2007. Australia, highlighted the importance Workshop, Regent Honeyeater Windsor Recovery Team Illawarra NCR on lerp on epicormic One day workshops in Inverell and of volunteers in the recovery efforts of growth on Yellow Gums and Yellow Moruya, in NSW, were the first to be threatened birds. A fact emphasised 17-18 May Swift Parrot and Surveys on mainland Swift Parrot *Swift Parrot Recovery Team: Belinda Cooke Box that had been burnt in the Regent Honeyeater Recovery Team, (for NSW, QLD, SA and for general enquires) held in these regions. by members of several bird watching January 2006 Stawell fires. Survey Weekend Regent Honeyeater Garry Cheers (for surveys in VIC) groups present at the event. Participants Recovery Team The following was written by Kathleen Regent Honeyeater Recovery Team Both these sites are Swift Parrot Davies, Threatened Species Officer were treated to an afternoon field Priority sites and I wasn’t expecting 2-3 Aug Swift Parrot and Surveys on mainland Swift Parrot *Swift Parrot Recovery Team: Belinda Cooke with Department of Environment and trip to nearby Lake Inverell to practice to find Swifties in the burnt area Regent Honeyeater Recovery Team, (for NSW, QLD, SA and for general enquires) Climate Change, who organised the completing the all important field for a number of years. Survey Weekend Regent Honeyeater Garry Cheers (for surveys in VIC) Inverell workshop. survey forms associated with these Recovery Team birds, and spent time observing the Regent Honeyeater Recovery Team The Inverell workshop attracted around myriad bird life found at the site. The 2-3 Aug Tree planting, Vic Near Benalla, 2½ hours Community Group Ray Thomas 50 people from the local area as well as workshop planners were impressed by 16-17 Aug from Melbourne, free Phone: 03 5761 1515 from further afield such as Deepwater, 30-31 Aug accommodation, BBQ Email: [email protected] the tremendous amount of enthusiasm 13-14 Sept and bushdance Glen Innes, Bingara, Tenterfield, in the community. Community support Armidale, Emmaville, Bundarra, Ashford, 16-17 Aug Tree planting, NSW Capertee Valley, some Regent Honeyeater *Regent Honeyeater Recovery Team: is vital in efforts to stop the decline of accommodation and Recovery Team Tiffany Mason Delungra and Nullamanna. our valuable species as many exist on or camping The event was very well attended and traverse private land. 4-5 Oct Lurg Bird Surveys Near Benalla, 2½ hours Birds Australia Dean Ingwersen, TBN coordinator well received by the community, the Following this workshop community from Melbourne Phone: 03 9347 0757 Email: [email protected] audience made up of people from interest increased dramatically in efforts all walks of life including farmers, to observe, record species numbers Please start thinking about where you intend to survey during the 2008 survey weekends. If you would like to find out bird watchers, environmentalists, and take on project work such as tree new areas to survey in your local area or places that have not been covered in previous survey efforts, get in touch with government organisations, film makers planting and remnant protection. Local the relevant coordinator for your state. and photographers, nurses, students and schools have increased project work business owners. and Country Energy has taken on the Contact details: The main aim of the workshop was to Regent Honeyeater as a flagship species Swift Parrot Recovery Team: Matt Webb (for Tas and enquires about nesting biology) enlist community support for both the for a major restoration project north of Belinda Cooke (for NSW, QLD, SA and for general enquires) Phone: 03 6233 6952 threatened Regent Honeyeater and Ashford, north west NSW. Swift Parrot Freecall: 1800 66 57 66 Email: [email protected] recordings and sightings have increased Burnt habitat in Illawarra Swift Parrot, help volunteers develop Phone: 02 6298 9733 skills in identification and data and they were sighted in areas previously Photo by: Garry Cheers Email: [email protected] Regent Honeyeater Recovery Team: recording, and highlight the importance not seen in for many years. David Geering / Tiffany Mason of birds in the ecosystem. The Garry Cheers (for surveys in VIC) Within the next six months or so the Freecall: 1800 621 056 Endangered birds were covered in depth, Phone: 03 5461 2970 flowering of Eucalypts in the Northern Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] providing participants with skills on Slopes area should be bountiful identifying the birds by their calls and judging by the amount of budding and sightings through observing their shapes, exceptional rainfall in previous months. markings and colours. Page 11 Page 10 swifts across the strait • 2008

Musk Lorikeets in NSW This season many volunteers in NSW unbelievable numbers in the whole commented on the abundance of Musk Lake Macquarie area..” Lorikeets: - Bill Boyd (Belmont North, NSW) “Lots of Musk Lorikeets here this time. When flying with Rainbow Lorikeets about one third are Musks – easy to pick out. The blossoms are first class this year and still plenty around” Photo by: G. Dabb - Sheila Shipton (Callala Beach, NSW) “The trees in this area are large blackbutts, some over one hundred feet DVD in height… there was no blossom so we are assuming that the food source In late 2007 a documentary of the was lerp. One swift parrot was seen to Swift Parrot was completed. The 6 fly from one tree to another and was minute documentary introduces the immediately chased by a bell miner. Swift Parrot through a commentary There was no calling!! One bird called about its migratory lifestyle and as it flew to another tree but even this the tree species it depends upon. A highlight is the excellent footage call was very soft. It was as though they largely supplied by Geoffrey Dabb. did not want to be found! Less than 200m away next to the road , swamp Swift Parrot and Lorikeet Identification, The DVD may be viewed through the mahogany is in full flower and is hosting internet at http://www.youtube.com/ taken from Simpson and Day (1996) many Musk Lorikeets which are in watch?v=aFVjHe1DMYA. Or go to http://www.youtube.com and type ‘swift parrot’ in the search field. Contributions for bird book A unique form of bird book is in the planning. Titled ‘Birds and People’, the book is a Alternatively you can contact joint project with BirdLife International and the coordinator is asking for contributions Belinda Cooke or Debbie Saunders, from people all over the world. Mainland Swift Parrot Coordinator by email: [email protected] Everyone who contributes will be acknowledged. You can contribute in a number of ways, through stories on any birdy topic you are interested, or through the on-line or phone: 1800 66 57 66 and order forum. The coordinator of this project, Mark Cocker, has also included a list of a copy. particular topics on which they would like contributions. Under the topic list for Australasia, they have included the Swift Parrot. If you would like to contribute or check out this project, have a look at the website: http://www.birdsandpeople.org. To send on stories email Mark Cocker on: Email: [email protected]

Please send all newsletter contributions and Swift Parrot records to the Recovery Team: Swift Parrot Recovery Coordinator, PO Box 2115 Queanbeyan, NSW 2620. Freecall: 1800 66 57 66 Email: [email protected] Special thanks to the Treatened Species Network for supporting the Swift Parrot Recovery Program. Newsletter editor – Belinda Cooke. This newsletter is printed on Australian made, 100% recycled paper.