8 AUSlRALIAN FIELD ORNITHOLOGY 2003, 20, 8-16 A Population Census of Beach Stone-curlews Esacus neglectus in

D.A. ROHWEDER Conservation "Planning Unit, N.S.W. National Parks & Wildlife Service, Northern Directorate, Locked Bag 914, , N.S.W. 2450

Summary A survey was undertaken to determine the population size and number of potential breeding pairs of Beach Stone-curlews Esacus neglectus in New South Wales. The survey involved foot, canoe and vehicle surveys of 22 sites, from the 1\veed River south to the . This included seven known breeding sites, 13 non-breeding sites, and three sites where the had not been previously recorded. Survey sites included both ocean beaches and estuanes. Sixteen Beach Stone-curlews were recorded during the survey: 13 adults, one fledgling and two chicks. At least one of the chicks fledged after the survey period. At the time of the survey Stone-curlews were incubating single eggs at both the Clarence River and Manning River (Farquhar Inlet). The fate of these e~gs was not known. Stone-curlews were recorded at eight of the 22 sites sampled, all records bern~ at estuarine sites. The results of the study suggest that the population of Beach Stone-curlews m New South Wales has increased over the J?ast decade, although the population remains low. Active management of breeding and potential breeding sites is required if further increases in population are to occur.

Introduction The Beach Stone-curlew Esacus neglectus is distributed throughout South­ East Asia and northern (Marchant & Higgins 1993). In Australia, Stone­ curlews are regularly recorded in coastal areas and on offshore islands from Point Ooates in Western Australia across the Top End of the Northern Territory, and down the east coast to about the Manning River in New South Wales (N.S.W.). There have been only occasional records south of the Manning River, and the species is a vagrant in Victoria (Marchant & Higgins 1993). The N.S.W. population of Stone-curlews is comprised of at the extremity of their distribution. In N.S.W., the Beach Stone-curlew is listed as Endangered on Schedule One of the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 (TSC Act). The primary reasons for this listing include its small population size, and the presence of numerous threatening processes (Smith 1991, Garnett 1993). Despite its apparent rarity in N.S.W. very little is known about its population size or habits. The only available estimate of population size is based on the results of surveys conducted in the 1980s (Smith 1991), when the population was estimated to be about 10 individuals. Published accounts on the status of the N.S.W. population are contradictory. Smith (1991) suggested that the N.S.W. population may have been increasing, whilst Garnett (1993) and Watkins (1993) suggested that it was declining. At a national level the population is reportedly stable (Garnett & Crowley 2000). Because of its listing in the TSC Act, the N.S.W. National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is required to prepare a recovery plan for the Beach Stone-curlew. To assist in the preparation of the recovery plan the NPWS commissioned a study to provide information on the current and historical status of Stone-curlews in N.S.W., with the aim of deriving an estimate of the species' population size in N.S.W. VOL. 20 (1) Population Census of Beach Stone-curlews MARCH2003 in New South Wales 9

Nambucc Heads

LEGEND 0 Histoncal breedmg site PortMacq~ e • Breeding site- this study • Non-breeding site

Figure 1. North coast of New South Wales showing the location of breeding and non­ breeding sites where Beach Stone-curlews were recorded during this study, and the location of historical breeding sites.

Study area and methods The study area extended from the 1\veed River to the Manning River (Figure 1). There are records of Beach Stone-curlews south of this area but most known sites, and all breeding sites, are north of the Manning River.

Swvey timing The population census was conducted from 10 to 22 February 2000, with an additional survey of the Narnbucca River and Deep Creek on 12 March 2000. The survey coincided with the breeding season in N.S.W., which extends from early October through to March (Clancy AUS1RALIAN 10 ROHWEDER FIELD ORNI1HOLOGY

Table 1 Breeding, non-breeding, and additional sites sampled during the Beach Stone-curlew population census of New South Wales conducted in February 2000. Breeding sites Non-breeding sites Additional sites Belongil Creek '!Weed River 10 Mile Beach Oarence River Wooyung Beach River Brunswick River South Ballina Beach Manning River (Harrington) Salty Lagoon Manning River (Farquhar Inlet) Evans River Back Beach WooliRiver Moonee Creek Deep Creek

1986, Marchant & Higgins 1993), although most breeding attempts occur between October and January. Surveying during the breeding season was the only way to determine the breeding status of the population, and provided the best opportunity for an accurate population estimate. Surveys commenced at the end of a spring tidal cycle (new-moon phase) and continued through a neap tidal cycle until the beginning of the next spring tidal cycle (full-moon phase).

Survey design The Atlas of N.S.W Wildlife database (the Atlas) lists 32 sites between the Queensland/ N.S.W border and Forster, on the mid-north coast ofN.S.W, where Beach Stone-curlews have been recorded. Given the short time frame of the survey, it was impossible to survey all of these sites, so priority was given to known breeding sites plus a sub-sample of non-breeding sites (Thble 1). Factors considered in the selection of the 13 non-breeding sites sampled included the regularity that Beach Stone-curlews had been recorded at a site, and the logistics of sampling these sites in conjunction with nearby sites. Preference was given to estuarine habitat, although four beach sites were also sampled (Thble 1). The 1\veed River was considered to be a non­ breeding site because of the long penod since breeding was recorded there and the uncertainty about the exact location of that record. Three additional sites where Beach Stone-curlews had not been recorded previously were also sampled (Thble 1), in case the species may be present, and to gather information on the suitability of habitat at the sites.

Survey methods Surveys commenced in the northern part of the study area, With sites sampled primarily in a north-to-south direction. The timing ofsurveys at each site was dependent on tides. Each of the known breeding sites was visited during both a high- and low-tide period on two non­ consecutive days. The exceptions to this were three sites in the Manning River, which were sampled only once, this being deemed adequate because of assistance provided by local ornithologists (H. & B. Hole). Non-breeding and additional sites were sampled once during either high or low tide. Follow-up surveys at the Nambucca River and Deep Creek were undertaken during high tide. The location of survey sites was determined using grid references provided in the Atlas and the previous experience of the author. At each site, survey effort was concentrated at the specific location of previous records but, if Stone-curlews were not dete.cted there, surveys were expanded to include nearby'habitats. VOL. 20 (1) Population Census of Beach Stone-curlews MARCH2003 in New South Wales 11

Table 2 Summary of the sites sampled, and the timing, duration and method of each survey. nb = non-breeding, br = breeding, none = no record; I = low tide, h = high tide; M = morning (0600-1000h), D =middle of day (1000-1500 h), A= afternoon (1500-1900h), Du =dusk (1900-2030 h); c =canoe, f = foot, v =vehicle.

Location Site Previous Date Tide Tune Duration Method record (day/month) (hr)

'!Weed River LetetiaSpit nb 12/2 l&h M 3 WooyungBeach nb 12/2 I M 2 v Brunswick River Marshalls Creek nb 12/2 h A 3 c Belongil Creek br 12, 22/2 h&l M,A 4 f Richmond River Mobbs Bay nb 11/2 h&l M 2 f South Ballina Beach South Wall nb 11 , 21/2 I D,A 3 v Airforce Beach Salty Lagoon nb 11/2 I D 1 f Evans River nb 11/2 I M 2 f 10 Mile Beach nb 13, 21/2 I M 2 v Woody Head Back Beach nb 13/2 I M 2 f Oarence River Dart Island br 13, 20, 21/2 l&h D,A,Du 4 c&f Rabbit Island none 21/2 h M 1 c Sandon River br 14, 20/2 l&h M,D, Du 5 c&f WooliRiver nb 14, 20/2 l&h M 4 c&f Corindi River br 14,20/2 h M,A 4 c&f MooneeOeek nb 15/2 h D 2 f Bellinger River nb 15/2 I A 3 c&f Deep Creek nb 15, 18/2; 12/3 I A 4.5 f Nambucca River br 15, 17, 18/2; 12/3 h&l D,Du,A 9 c&f Macleay River none 16/2 h D 3 c Hasting; River Pelican Island nb 16/2 I A 3 c&f Gogleys Lagoon none 16/2 I Du 2 f Manning River Harrington br 17/2 I A 1 f Farquhar Inlet br 17/2 h M 4 f Cbarlie'slsland br 17/2 h M 1 f Sites were accessed on foot or by 4-wheel-drive vehicle, or by canoe if they were inaccessible by land (Thble 2). Canoe surveys were generally preferred as they provided greater flexibility, and the opportunity to survey nearby habitats that were separated by water. Using a telescope to scan potential habitat from a distance is not regarded as a suitable sampling method because of the cryptic behaviour of Stone-curlews. This technique was used at on!y three sites, and in conjunction with other methods. Once a site was accessed by canoe, a foot traverse was conducted around the site in an attempt to locate birds. If no Stone-curlews were detected, searches were conducted in suitable habitat within a 1 km radius. During the foot traverses particular attention was given to searching potential shelter sites, such as mangroves and casuarinas that adjoined sandflats. Searches were also conducted for signs of Stone-curlews, such as scats and footprints; although such signs were not regarded as proof that a site was occupied, they did indicate presence. The amount of time spent at each site varied, depending primarily on the extent of available habitat. Foot and canoe traverses were conducted at a slow speed to maximise the chance of detecting birds. Vehicle surveys of ocean beaches were conducted at 30 km/hr, and particular attention was given to searching the base of the foredunes and entrances to small tidal creeks or lagoons, as previous surveys of ocean beaches have recorded Beach Stone­ curlews in these habitats. The information collected at each site included: Weather conditions (cloud cover, wind speed, wind direction, air temperature), Survey method (foot, vehicle or canoe traverse), Number of Beach Stone-curlews present, Breeding status (incubating, chicks, fledglings), Location of initial sighting (shoreline, mangrove fringe, etc.), and Behaviour at first sighting (roosting, preening, alert). AUS1RALIAN 12 ROHWEDER FIELD ORNI1HOLOGY

Table3 Number of adult and juvenile Beach Stone-curlews recorded during the population census conducted in February and March 2000. ** One of the Stone-curlews at Rabbit Island is assumed to be the same individual as recorded at Dart Island.

Location Site Date No. of_individua/s Eggs (day/month) Adults Chicks

Tweed River LetetiaSpit 12,25/2

WooyungBeach 12/2

Brunswick River Man;halls Creek 12/2

Belongil Creek 12, 22/2

Richmond River Mobbs Bay 11, 22/2

South Ba!lina Beach South breakwall 11, 21 /2

Airforce Beach Salty Lagoon 11/2

Evans River 11/2 10 Mile Beach 12, 21/2 Woody Head Back Beach 12/2 Oarence River Dart Island 12, 20,21/2 1 * *

Rabbitlsland 21/2 2**

Sandon River 13,14,20/2

WootiRiver 14,20/2 2

Corindi River 14, 20/2 2

Moonee Creek 15/2

Bellinger River Urunga Island 15/2

Deep Creek 15, 18/2; 12/3 2 Nambucca River 15, 17, !8/2; 12/3 2

Macleay River Shark Island !6/2

Hastings River Pelican Island 16/2

C'.amden Haven River Gogleys Lagoon !6/2

Manning River Harrington 17/2 Farquhar Inlet-Spit 17/2 2 Farquhar Inlet- Island 17/2

Collation of records and review of existing information To obtain further information on sites used by Beach Stone-curlews attempts were made to collect additional records from within N.S.W Attempts were made to obtain records from the N.S.W Studies Group, Birds Australia, and local ornithologists. A request for records was printed in The Tattler, the newsletter of the Australian Wader Studies Group.

Results Population estimate Thirteen adult Beach Stone-curlews, one fledgling, and two chicks were recorded during the survey, giving a minimum population of 16 individuals VOL. 20 (1) Population Census of Beach Stone-curlews MARCH2003 in New South Wales 13

(Table 3). During the survey, one pair was incubating a single egg, at Rabbit Island ( Oarence River), and another pair was incubating a single egg at Farquhar Inlet (Manning River). The egg at Farquhar Inlet hatched on 16 March 2000, and the chick remained alive for 6-8 days before it disappeared (B. Hole pers. comm. ). The fate of the egg at Rabbit Island was undetermined. Evidence of breeding (chicks) was also recorded at the Wooli, Corindi, and Nambucca Rivers (Table 3). The runner at Wooli was estimated to be one month old on 20 February and that at Nambucca approximately 2-3 weeks old on 18 February. Runners were aged using illustrations in Pringle (1987) and Marchant & Higgins (1993). Cu"ent distribution Eleven of the 13 adult Stone-curlews recorded during the survey occurred within a narrow band of sites situated in the central section of the study area, between the Clarence and Nambucca Rivers (Figure 1). The remaining two adults were recorded at the southern limit of the study area at the Manning River. No Stone-curlews were recorded at any of the 10 sites sampled to the north of the Oarence River (Figure 1), at any of the ocean-beach survey sites, or at any of the three sites where the species has not been previously recorded. Historical distribution Examination of historical records identified a number of records additional to those already listed in the Atlas. Discussions with local ornithologists, information from the Birds Australia database, and previous survey reports (e.g. Lawler 1994) provided the greatest number of additional records. The request for information placed in The Tattler proved unsuccessful, producing only two records for sites already known. Table 4 summarises data for each site where Stone-curlews have been recorded. Where several records occur close together only one site has been listed. An example of such a site is the lower Corindi River where Stone-curlews have been recorded at several places. Historical records of the Beach Stone-curlew occur throughout the study area (Table 4). The review identified a small number of records not already in the Atlas database, including some at new sites, and earlier records for sites already listed in the Atlas. New r~cords were obtained for the '!Weed River (Kerosene Inlet, Ukerabagh Island and Tony's Bar), Minnie Water, Wooli River (sandbar), Moonee Creek, Manning River-Harrington and Farquhar Inlet, South Ballina Beach, Airforce Beach (Salty Lagoon) and Bombing Range Beach (Thble 4). New locations at previously documented sites include Freeburn Island in the Clarence River, and Sandon Beach adjacent to the Sandon River. Records pre-dating those in the Atlas were obtained for Wooyung Beach, Dart Island, Wooli River, Corindi River, and Bellinger River. Some records pre­ dated the Atlas records by several years. A record for Wooyung Beach from 1979 pre-dates by 15 years the Atlas record for the same site. The earliest record of Stone-curlews at the Corindi River was 1977, which pre-dates the earliest Atlas record by two years. The additional record identified at the Bellinger River pre­ dates the only Atlas record for that site by five years. The number of records at a location provides some indication of the regularity that the location is used by Stone-curlews, although the frequency of visits by observers strongly influences the number of records. Many records have been made at Red Rock (Corindi River), and Dart and Hickey Islands (Clarence River), with fewer but regular records from sites at the Manning, Nambucca, and AUS1RALIAN 14 ROHWEDER FIELD ORNI1HOLOGY

Table 4 Historical records of Beach Stone-curlews from within the study area. NWSG = N.S.W. Wader Studies Group, DR = David Rohweder, BA = Birds Australia, ATLAS = Atlas of N.S.W. Wildlife, BL = Ben Lewis, BM = Bob Moffatt, PS = Phil Straw, HB = Hank Bower, WL = Wayne Lawler (Lawler 1994), JW = John Westaway, HH = Heather Hole, MM = Michael Murphy, BD = Belinda Dettman (Dettman 1989), WBM = WBM Oceanics (unpublished data), na ;= not available,? = unknown.

Location Site Max. Source ofr ecords No. Period ofrecords count records (month/year of) J90()s 1\veedR.iver Kerosene Inlet 2 NWSG,DR,BA 10/96--10/99 Ukerabagh Island 2 NWSG 1 8, 9/97 Thny'sBar 1 WBM,NWSG 2 10/95, 10/96 Mooball Creek 1 ATLAS 1 9/82 WooyungBeach 1 BA,ATLAS 2 12/79; 10/94 New Brighton Beach 1 ATLAS 1 9/91 Brunswick River Marshalls Creek 1 ATLAS,NWSG 2 12/89; 11/98 Belongil Creek 2 ATLAS 1 10/81 Richmond River North Creek na ATLAS 3 9/83; 9/84; 9/85 Cbickiba Creek 1 ATLAS 1 9/84 Mobbs Bay 1 ATLAS, DR 1 9/86; 9/91;10/95 Mosquito Creek 2 ATLAS 4 12/89; 2, 7, 11/90 lighthouse Beach 2 ATLAS 1 5/90 South Ballina Beach 1 BD,DR 2 12/88; 10/96 Airforce Beach Salty Lagoon 1 BL,BM 2 6/97; 8/99 Evans River Roost 1 ATLAS,BM 3 11/94; 6/99 Sandbar 1 BA 1 11/98 Bombing Range Beach 1 DR 1 11/96 Woody Head 1 ATLAS 1 2/84 Oarence River Oyster Oiannel 2 ATLAS 1 1/82 Dart & Hickey Is 2 ATLAS,BA 43 81-98 (all months) Oyster Oiannel 2 ATIAS 1 2/85 Canal Estate 2 DR 2 3/96 Freeburn island 2 BA,PS 1 10/94; 3/99 Brooms Head Main Beach 1 ATLAS 1 10/92 Sandon River North shore 2 ATLAS 5 5, 9/88; 1, 12/91; 5/92, Main flat 2 ATIAS, DR, 6 7/ 92; 4, 11/94; 8/96; 2/97 NWSG 11/96 Sandon Head 1 ATLAS,BA 4 10/94; 5/98; 10/99 North shore 2 ATLAS 1 11/94 South shore 2 ATLAS 1 11/94 Sandon Beach 1 DR 1 8/96 Station Creek 1 ATLAS 1 8/94 Minnie Water na BA 1 9/99 WooliR.iver 2 ATLAS 1 10/92 Sandbar 2 HB 2 1/2000 Sandbar 2 WL 1 2/92 Corindi River RedRock 4 ATLAS, BA 117 77- 99 (all months) Moonee Creek 1 MM 2 5, 6/96 Sawtell Sawtell Beach 1 ATLAS 1 9/83; 5/89 Bonville Creek 1 ATLAS 1 6/89 Bellinger River Urungalsland 1 ATLAS,WL 2 2/94; 1/99 Hungry Head 1 ATLAS 1 3/99 Deep Creek 2 .Jw,ATLAS 2 5, 11/98 Nambucca River Beilbys Beach 3 ATLAS 7 2, 3, 9, 10, 12/82; 4/87; 7/88 Hastings River Pelican lsland 1 ATLAS 1 8/90 Manning River 2 ATLAS 2 11/91 Harrington Spit 2 HH,BA 4 2, 9' 10, 11/98 2 HH 1 11/98; 11, 12/99 Farquhar Inlet 2 HH 3 1, 10, 12/99 VOL. 20 (1) Population Census of Beach Stone-curlews MARCH2003 in New South Wales 15

Sandon Rivers. Stone-curlews have also been recorded over extended periods at the Richmond and Tweed Rivers (Thble 4). Locations with between two and four records include Wooyung Beach, Brunswick River, South Ballina Beach, Airforce Beach, Evans River, Wooli River, Deep Creek and Bellinger River. Thirteen sites where Stone-curlews were recorded are ocean beaches, whilst the remaining 35 sites occur within estuarine systems. All beach records are of single birds, except for Lighthouse Beach (Ballina) where two birds were recorded in 1990, and Beilbys Beach (Nambucca) where up to three individuals have been recorded. A number of ocean-beach records occur in close proximity to estuarine sites where birds have been recorded. This is the case for New Brighton Beach, Lighthouse Beach, South Ballina Beach, Sandon Beach and Beilbys Beach. The majority of ocean-beach sites have only one record, the exception being Beilbys Beach. Two records were not included in Table 4 because of uncertainty regarding their validity or exact location. The exact locations of some records may also be doubtful. For example, the records from Mosquito Creek on the Richmond River are probably because of incorrect grid references; it is suspected that these records would have been from the nearby Mobbs Bay, rather than Mosquito Creek which has no suitable Stone-curlew habitat.

Discussion The minimum population of Beach Stone-curlews in N.S.W. in February 2000 is estimated at 16 birds, consisting of five breeding pairs, one non-breeding pair at Deep Creek, a single individual at Sandon River, one fledgling at the Corindi River and two chicks that were about one month old. The fate of these chicks was undetermined. The presence of 14 adult (including the fledgling) birds represents a 40% increase in the population of 10 birds estimated by Smith (1991). Fourteen is regarded as the minimum population of Stone-curlews as individuals could have been present at sites that were not sampled, or could have been missed at sites that were sampled. It is also possible that a small number of individuals could have been present in estuaries south of the survey area. There are records of Stone-curlews in Victoria and in the , and the occurrence of Stone-curlews south of the study area cannot be discounted. The regular occurrence of single individuals at several sites between Woody Head and Tweed Heads between 1996 and 1999, the presence of one at the Tweed River for 12 months between 1996 and 1997, and a pair of birds at the same site between October 2000 and March 2001 suggest that more birds may be present in N.S.W than were recorded during the survey. It is possible that Stone­ curlews move between sites in southern Queensland and northern N.S.W. The record of a single Stone-curlew at Sandon River suggests a decline in the number of birds at this site. Two individuals had been recorded regularly at this site until 1994, although only one individual was recorded on two occasions before this survey, once in August 1996 and once in February 1997 (pers. obs.). An unconfirmed record of two birds was made at the Sandon River in March 1999, with one bird sighted and another heard calling (G. Clancy pers. comm.). AUS'I'RALIAN 16 ROHWEDER FIELD ORNI1HOLOGY

The two Stone-curlews recorded at Deep Creek are of interest, since the creek is in close proximity to the Nambucca River, which is also inhabited by a pair. Stone-curlews have been recorded at Deep Creek periodically since November 1998, and may attempt to breed, although no breeding attempts have been recorded there. Their behaviour during the present survey suggested that they were not occupying a territory there, with the birds quickly moving to an additional site if disturbed. This is in contrast with the behaviour displayed at other sites, where pairs remained at a single location, even when approached. During the present survey six pairs of Stone-curlews were recorded, with the possibility of a seventh pair at the Sandon River. The presence of seven pairs of Stone-curlews (including Sandon River) during this study and the more recent occurrence of a pair at the 'Rveed River indicate that up to eight pairs of Stone­ curlews may occur within N.S.W. Despite the small increase in population size identified in this survey, the population of Beach Stone-curlews in N.S.W. remains low, and the fate of individual birds continues to be of significance. Of fundamental importance to maintaining the population of Stone-curlews is the encouragement of birds to breed at additional sites. Although this study identified potential habitat within numerous estuaries in northern N.S.W., much of the available habitat is affected by human visitation and disturbance. Further research is required to identify the important habitat components required by Stone-curlews, and to assess the impact of human disturbance on habitat use and breeding success. In addition, it is recommended that further monitoring be undertaken to assess the population status of Stone-curlews in N.S.W. This should focus on breeding sites and should be supported by active management as deemed necessary.

Acknowledgements The N.S.W. National Parks & Wildlife Service provided funding for this study. Bill Faulkner assisted with the preparation of the report, and Michael Murphy and Ben Lewis commented on a draft of the manuscript. Heather and Brian Hole assisted during the survey of the Manning River. Edward Kleiber, Ben Lewis, Bob Moffatt, Phil Straw, Hank Bower, John Westaway, Heather Hole and Michael Murphy provided unpublished records of Beach Stone-curlews m N.S.W.

References Clancy, G.P. (1986), 'Observations on nesting Beach Thick-knees ( neglectus) at Red Rock, New South Wales', Corella 10, 114-118. Dettman, B. (1989), Shorebirds at Mobbs Bay and South Ballina Beach. Unpubl. report. Garnett, S. (1993), Threatened and Extinct Birds of Australia, RAOU report 82, Royal Australasian Ornithologists Union, Melbourne. Garnett, S.T. & Crowley, G.M. (2000), The Action Plan for Australian Birds 2000, Environment Australia, Canberra. . Lawler, W. (1994), Shorebird Counts on New South Wales North Coast Estuaries. Unpubl. report to New South Wales National Parks & Wildlife Service. Marchant, S. & Higgins, P.J. (Eds) (1993), Handbook of Australian, New Zealand and Antarctic Birds, vol. 2, Oxford University Press, Melbourne. Pringle, J.D. (1987), The Shorebirds of Australia, Angus & Robertson, Sydney. Smith, P. (1991 ), The Biology and Management of (Suborder Charadrii) in New South Wales. Species management report 9, N.S.W. NPWS. Watkins, D. (1993), A National Action Plan for Shorebird Conservation in Australia, Australasian Wader Studies Group, Melbourne. Received 26April2002 •