Mornington Peninsula Birdlife

Volume 9 Number 4 December 2020

Juvenile Powerful Owls, found at Main Ridge by Steven Castan, photographed by Greg Holland

CONVENORS REPORT in the Mornington Peninsula Region. Well it has been a very trying year for all and we look Open to all age and experience levels. Share news, sightings, forward to 2021 with the hope of a better year and a return information and anecdotes about birds in the Mornington to normalcy. The 2021 outings program has been Peninsula. Rare sightings encouraged. Also record them in promulgated with the hope of February resumption so we eBird or Birdata. should be polishing our binoculars and practising our bird observing skills. One thing that is good about 2020 is the Steven Castan, moderator extraordinary interest shown in our beautiful birds by the general public. I have received numerous requests for our book and our poster as well as many phone calls asking information on the birds in their neighbourhood and a Contents considerable amount of press coverage. 1. Branch news Christmas is approaching and it will probably be a different 3. Habitat for wildlife celebration this year and unfortunately our get together has had to be cancelled. On behalf of all committee members we 4. Outings wish one and all a very happy and healthy Christmas and a 5. Orange-bellied Parrot release update Covid free New Year. 6. Eastern Treatment Plant wetland surveys Max Burrows 7. Spring is here

8. Identifying a beach-washed albatross MORNINGTON PENINSULA BIRDERS FACEBOOK 9. Rajasthan birds https://www.facebook.com/groups/637478273841289/?ref=share 10. Sights and sounds at Carranya A Facebook Group for members to share photos, sightings, information and discussion about wild birds seen and heard 11. Observations Branch news

MEMBER PROFILE

Jane Burke Lives at Sorrento How I started birding When I was eight or nine, I joined the Gould League at school. The League was part of the curriculum. In those days, Crosbie Morrison had a hugely popular weekly nature column in the Sun newspaper. We kids used to catch a train to Wattle Park which seemed like a huge wilderness. A friend’s father showed us how to find orchids and other wildflowers, and how to shake a gum tree to wake up the possums within. My mother bought me Neville Cayley's What Bird is That and it was my bible. I still have it, hidden inside are bookmark Australian bird postcards. My mother mailed them when she was travelling with my dad. Favourite birding spots on the Peninsula: Of course my favourite birding hangout is my garden. After In my garden. the unusually wet autumn the native grass lawn is knee high and still bearing some seed. Families of Superb Fairy-wrens and Red-browed Finches are everywhere. The banksias are NEIGHBOUR flowering and the wattlebirds and New Holland Honeyeaters continually fight over territory. Three grey heads gaze down at a fourth. Our long-time neighbour has died. My mother is buried at Tyabb Cemetery and when I visit He lies across a wheelie bin, there are Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoos calling in the pines. his eye looks up as though Mud Islands is an interesting group of islands of diverse he can still see us. ecosystems, including salt marsh and lagoons. When Port Steve rang with the news Phillip Bay is quiet and the tide is full we bring our boat so I joined him and his wife to share our loss. among hundreds of terns, Black Swans, pelicans, gulls and Wearing gloves, Steve spreads the wings ibis. Thousands of eggs and bird skeletons litter the and a couple of early ants run out. shoreline. There's a small inlet to Swan Bay near Queenscliff that is now closed, but a few years ago we spent the night We see lines of pale spots among there and in the morning were amazed to see hundreds of soft greys and browns. Patterns that were invisible Fairy Terns and fledglings on the sand bar nearby. when he roosted in the forks of trees when he looked down on us. A memorable birding moment: My special birding moment At the base of his wings was when my niece married a Frenchman in a 14th century are two lines of softest down. fortress in Ile de Ré, an island on the Atlantic coast. Before Are they for warmth, the wedding, the guests spent days riding bicycles through or to muffle stealthy wingbeats? the saltpans and cornfields. On the banks of the salt pans Both? various waders were nesting, apparently oblivious to passing The ends of his tail feathers are a little frayed, traffic. So close to an avocet nest, I could see the eggs as we But Tawny Frogmouth does not do him justice. rode past. There were gulls, plovers, herons, terns, cormorants, oystercatchers (huîtrier), an amazing diversity of He has spent his life being invisible to most, birds completely accustomed to regular disturbance. So we’re not sure how many years he lived among us, given that Birding ambition: Before I pop my clogs, I want to catch a he had no fixed address, glimpse of the pair of Powerful Owls that call from our worked nights rooftop on a winter’s night. and his skill at camouflage. Other interests: I am interested in the relationship of the But the deep oom-oom calls nesting sites of Hooded Plovers and dune vegetation - the between him and his mate have change over the last forty years or so to foredune softened our city nights for ages. topography, from gently sloping berms to steep, undercut, What will his mate do now? eroding foredunes. This affects wave action and dune We never think building - ask any surfer. There is lots of published scientific to look up to see if she is watching. evidence that the replacement of Hairy Spinifex Spinifex sericeus by introduced European coastal grasses Ammophila Tenderly Steve gathers him up arenaria Marram Grass and its compatriot Thinopyrum And carries him to his garden for proper burial. junceiforme Sea Wheat Grass has permanently changed the No plastic shroud in a wheelie bin profile of foredunes and I suspect this change has diminished For this old man. the availability of stable nesting sites for Hoodies. Gillian Barnett, Dromana

2 Mornington Peninsula Birdlife Habitat for wildlife

Remarkable finds On a walk around the proposed quarry site at Dromana last night, 22 October, apart from the Fan-tailed Cuckoo and Striated Pardalote colony I had two remarkable finds. A pair of Scarlet Robins; I haven't seen them in this area for nine years. Also on the wall of the quarry I photographed this Green Comb Spider Orchid which I am told is on the Victorian advisory list of threatened Species. I am not an orchid expert so stand to be corrected. Mark Lethlean, Red Hill

What is collecting pittosporum fruit?

I am concerned that in some of our bushland areas we have Scarlet Robin, female; spider orchid. Photos by Mark Lethlean a significant Black Rat infestation that is going unnoticed. It maybe a double-edged sword; the rat population is being maintained by the Sweet Pittosporum while at the same time the rats are spreading the seed of the pittosporum. In the denser areas of pittosporum infestation in some of our bushland I have noticed piles of the pittosporum fruit on the ground as photographed. It looks as if it is the inner sticky seed rather than the actual fruit that is being eaten- but that is open to debate. I have noticed the problem particularly in the wetter areas of gullies and high density pittosporum where there is some low-level understorey cover. Looking at images from our Landcare motion cameras I was surprised by the numbers of rats that came up on the images; granted, in some cases, it may be the same one multiple times. I even have images of them climbing the pittosporum. I am thinking they collect the fruit and bring it Sweet Pittosporum fruit cache. Photo by Mark Lethlean back to these distinctive piles. I am no expert in small mammals and especially pixelated night images. I was initially thinking they were Black Rats from the length of their tails and for more certainty on these images asked Mal Legg, and his thoughts on the caches. Mal responded: “Over the years I have observed Common Blackbirds collect and cache Sweet Pittosporum berries in piles at the base of the pittosporum and when times are tough or when they open up they eat the contents within. It appears that the Black Rats (pictured in your photos unfortunately) are taking advantage of the blackbirds habits and raiding there cached stashes. Both the blackbird and Black Rat are obviously spreading the pittosporum seed Black Rat captured on a Landcare motion camera. through their scats and causing a significant spread of this weed pest. The cached berry piles will also be allowing the Black Rat to survive and prosper in areas that they usually If it is Black Rats then the fruit is helping maintain the don’t. So this is a significant find and a real worry.” population through winter while the rats themselves are contributing to the dispersal of seeds. They would also be It seemed an unusual practice for birds as they would predating many other species, especially the nests of reptiles normally just eat the fruit directly from the trees. However and birds both on the ground and in hollows. Mal felt that blackbirds were caching it- which apart from ravens and butcherbirds is an unusual behaviour for birds. So I don’t need to tell you the how severe the impact of rats will although I am fairly sure that rats are consuming the fruit, be on our bird populations. I’m not sure if it is rats rather than birds that are caching it. Mark Lethlean, Red Hill

Newsletter contributions Contacting BirdLife Mornington Peninsula Thanks for the great articles and photos. President Max Burrows; 9789 0224 Deadline for March edition: 8 February 2021. 21 Moorhen Cres, Carrum Downs, Vic 3201 Earlier articles appreciated. [email protected] Val Ford, 5981 1445, [email protected] www.birdlife.org.au/locations/birdlife-mornington-peninsula

December 2020 3 Outings

EVERYBODY’S WELCOME 1. Wear name tag (write emergency contact name and phone number on the reverse side) Outings are held on the second Wednesday and third Sunday 2. Wear suitable footwear i.e. closed shoes or boots of the month, except in January, and are cancelled on total 3. For areas where snakes are likely, wear gaiters fire ban days. 4. Always carry items you may need e.g. water, snacks, personal first aid kit, hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, your Newcomers, beginners and visitors are welcome and name and residential address and, if you have one, a mobile members will help you with the birds. Binoculars for casual phone with battery charged use are available on every outing. Bring lunch (optional) and 5. Remain with the group at all times and advise leader or a folding chair for bird call and chat. whip if you intend to leave before the walk ends. To ensure the health and safety of everyone at outings, For more information about an outing contact David participants need to take responsibility for their personal Ap-Thomas on 0429939036 or the leader listed. safety. To assist with this, the Committee provides the following guidelines. David Ap-Thomas, Outings Coordinator

Date Time Locality Meeting place and other information Leader Phone

Wed 10 Feb 9.00 Flinders Beach Meet 9am at first car park, Mushroom Reef viewing platform. Enter via Golf Penny Johns 0419366507 Links Road through golf course. Mel 261 K10. An easy walk on made tracks.

Sun 21 Feb 9.00 Edithvale Wetlands Meet 9am at car park at the Edithvale Wetlands hide, Springvale Road between Jacqui Sheppard 0407724318 Nepean Highway and Wells Road. Mel 93 D8. A flat walk through grass.

Wed 10 Mar 9.00 Cranbourne Botanic Meet 9am at Stringybark picnic area. Enter via Ballarto Road off South Max Burrows 0429947893 Gardens Gippsland Highway. Mel 133 K10. An easy walk on made tracks.

Sun 21 Mar 9.00 Baldrys Crossing Meet 9am at car park on Baldry Road where Main Creek crosses road. David Ap-Thomas 0429939036 Mel 254 G6. On formed undulating tracks.

Wed 14 April 9.00 Mordialloc Wetlands, Meet 9am in Observation Court. Access off Springvale Road at traffic lights into Neil Shelley 0438557178 Waterways Estate the Waterways Boulevard then left at Waterside Drive over bridge then left into Observation Court. Mel 93 F4. Walk on formed tracks.

Sun 18 April 10.00 Balbirooroo Wetlands, Meet 10am at car park. Entrance off Frankston/Flinders Road into Civic Court at David Ap-Thomas 0429939036 Balnarring primary school. Mel 193 D6. On flat formed tracks.

Wed 12 May 10.00 AGM TBA

Sun 16 May 10.00 Tyabb Bushland Meet 10.00am at reserve entrance. Take Baxter/Tooradin Road to South Keith Caldecott 0407534243 Reserve Boundary Road and turn right into Woods Road to road's end. Mel 140 B8. Outing flat on formed tracks.

Wed 9 June 10.00 J.A.Babbington Park, Meet 10am at Corner of Marine Parade and Thornhill Street opposite Hastings Max Burrows 0429947893 Hastings football ground. Mel 154 J8. On boardwalk and formed track.

Sun 20 June 10.00 Pindara Estate Bushland Meet 10am at reserve entrance. Enter off Frankston/Cranbourne Road into Max Burrows 0429947893 Reserve, Langwarrin Pindara Boulevard (opposite Langwarrin Hotel) and proceed to Crenada Close. Entrance at head of close. Mel 103 G3. On formed tracks.

Wed 14 July 10.00 Braeside Park, Braeside Meet 10am at car park off Governor Road near corner of Springvale Road. Keith Caldecott 0407534243 Mel 93 F2. On formed tracks.

Sun 18 July 10.00 Devilbend Natural Meet 10am in car park in Hodgins Road off Derril Road. Mel 153 B9. Neil Shelley 0438557178 Features Reserve, On formed tracks. Tuerong

Wed 11 Aug 10.00 Langwarrin Flora and Meet 10.00am at car park off McClelland Drive south of North Road intersection. Max Burrows 0429947893 Fauna Reserve Mel 103 D10. On formed tracks.

Sun 15 Aug 10.00 Little Boggy Creek, Meet 10am in Granite Drive off Quarry Road. Street parking at reserve Max Burrows 0429947893 Langwarrin entrance. Mel 136 B1. On formed tracks.

Wed 8 Sept 10.00 Gordon Rolfe Reserve, Meet 10am at gate in Yaringa Road off Whitneys Road from either Bungower or Keith Caldecott 0407534243 Somerville Pikes Roads. Mel 149 J8. On formed tracks.

Sun 19 Sept 10.00 Blind Bight Coastal Meet 10am at car park opp. Fishermans Drive in Blind Bight Rd. accessed from Susan Clark 59757409 Reserve Baxter/Tooradin Rd. and then off Warneet Rd. Mel 143 C10. On formed tracks.

Wed 13 Oct 9.00 Tootgarook Wetland Meet at 9am at Boneo Park Equestrian Centre. David Ap-Thomas 0429939036

Sun 17 Oct 10.00 Frankston Reservoir Note: later start time. Meet at car park in reserve. Neil Shelley 0438557178

Wed 10 Nov 9.00 Duells Road Property Meet 9am at property gate. David Ap-Thomas 0429939036

Sun 21 Nov 9.00 WTP TBA

Sun 28 Nov Christmas TBA

Wed 8 Dec 9.00 Main Ridge F & F Res Meet 9am at gate to reserve on Mornington Flinders Road. David Ap-Thomas 0429939036

4 Mornington Peninsula Birdlife Orange-bellied Parrot mainland release trial program 2020

FOUR WEEK UPDATE – 22 MAY 2020

It’s now been just over five weeks since the first Orange- bellied Parrots (OBPs) were released at two sites for the 2020 Mainland Release Trial. Since the last update two weeks ago, we have been monitoring birds regularly and collecting data on their movement patterns, habitat use, foraging behaviours and social groupings. We have also been on the lookout for any wild OBPs arriving from Tasmania. The north Western Port Bay release The second group was released at north Western Port Bay and consisted of 13 captive-bred birds from Moonlit Sanctuary. The flock of OBPs at this release site received re- call training whilst in the aviary, leading up to their release. The aim of this conservation training was to: instil site fidelity in the birds so that they would remain in the area post- Two of the juveniles that are being regularly seen, wearing transmitters release, and; to encourage the birds to return to the aviary and foraging on Beaded Glasswort in Western Port Bay. post-release upon them hearing an auditory cue (produced Photo by Ashley Herrod by a whistle), to enable monitoring of their presence and visual health. The training produced strong re-call behaviour in the birds while they were in the aviary leading up to the release day. The recall training was performed three times per day up until 10 days prior to release, at which point we then introduced local wild food: this saw a lag in the birds’ response time to the recall. Following this we amended our training plan for the remainder of the birds’ time in the release aviary, to adapt to their new response, which once again resulted in the desired recall response returning. On the afternoon of the day of their release, the re-call training was carried out as per usual, however the birds did not respond by returning to the aviary. The delivery of the auditory cue was continued for a further seven days post- release, with no change in the birds’ response, and they chose to remain wherever they were (for some birds this was foraging out in the salt marsh adjacent to the release site). Six birds from the release group have been seen in the last fortnight consisting of two hand-raised birds (both wearing Radio tracking OBPs in Western Port Bay. Photo by Blaire Bunter transmitters), and four parent-raised birds (three wearing transmitters). Of the remaining six birds that have not been seen or detected in the last fortnight (remembering that one evening the two species were observed flying to a roost site of the original 13 birds was recaptured due to an attack by a together in the mangroves. Grey Butcherbird), two are hand-raised birds and four are parent-raised birds; and this includes three birds not wearing At both The Spit Nature Conservation Reserve and Northern transmitters making them difficult to search for, two wearing Western Port sites, survey efforts are expanding to look for radio transmitters and one wearing a satellite tag. Signals the missing individuals as well as more wild birds and collect from the satellite tag have not been detected in the last two information on the behaviours, food and habitat selection of weeks. We will be using a new receiver to search for these the wild and released birds. We are also trialling the use tags on the ground. drones to perform radio tracking, which may greatly increase search efficiency and improve our chances of detecting One parent-raised bird has been visiting the OBPs in the missing birds. breeding facility at Moonlit Sanctuary, while also being detected out in the saltmarsh in Western Port Bay, We are encouraging all public sightings of OBPs in the presumably where she is foraging. The other five have been release areas to be reported to seen regularly in saltmarsh habitat as a single group, or two [email protected]. However, we ask separate groups of two and three birds. community members to remember to limit their out-of-home activities to whatever is permitted in their area with the The birds at this site are still primarily eating Beaded Covid-19 restrictions active at the time. Glasswort but have been occupying a greater number of sites within the saltmarsh, which appears to be coinciding with Update: Unfortunately COVID put a stop to us doing surveys fine-scale changes to the lushness of the Beaded Glasswort throughout winter and we didn’t see the birds after the end (senescing in some areas while remaining green and lush in of May. others). Blue-winged Parrots Neophema chrysostoma have Ashley Herrod, Avian Threatened Species Program been observed in the area, often with the OBPs, and on one Coordinator, Moonlit Sanctuary

December 2020 5 Eastern Treatment Plant Wetland surveys

BLUE-WINGED PARROTS AT BANYAN 15 September 2020: Fifty-nine species (twenty-four wetland- dependent, three raptors and thirty-two non-wetland species) were logged here today. Highlights included late departing Little Eagle, Common Bronzewing and Flame Robin and the arrival of summer visitors in the form of Whiskered Terns, Australian Reed-Warblers, Dusky Woodswallows and Horsfield’s Bronze-Cuckoos. 20 October 2020: Forty-five species (eighteen wetland- dependent and raptors and twenty-seven non-wetland species) were logged here today. Highlights included a pair of Blue-winged Parrots on the Paddock. It is unusual to see this species here so late in the spring. A Little Eagle, at PARCS and Banyan, relentlessly attacked by magpies.

WARBLERS AT BOGGY CREEK 15 September 2020: Twenty-seven bird species of which eleven were wetland dependent, one raptor and fifteen non- wetland dependant were logged here today. Highlights were the large numbers of the three wetland warblers, i.e. Golden- headed Cisticolas (18), Australian Reed-Warblers (11) and Little Grassbirds (9), as well as the return of Fairy Martins (8 being seen). 20 October 2020: Twenty-seven species of bird were logged here today of which nine were wetland dependent and three were raptors. No significant highlights. Yellow-rumped Thornbill were recorded ay PARCS and Banyan. This bird is a juvenile. Photos by Andrew Silcocks

LITTLE EAGLE AT PARCS WETLAND 15 September 2020: Thirty-one bird species of which nine were wetland dependent, five raptor and seventeen non- wetland dependant were logged here today. Highlights were the large numbers of raptors, including a Little Eagle. Waterbirds were in low numbers; however two Australia Spotted Crakes were reported.

GREY CURRAWONG AT SERPENTINE 20 October 2020: Twenty-nine species of birds were logged here today of which nine were wetland dependant or raptors. Wetland species were scarce. The highlight was the first ever European Goldfinch; one of thirty-two at Banyan. Photo by Mike Carter Grey Currawong for the ETP. Also Yellow-tailed Black- Cockatoos were calling on the Golf Course to the north just across Thompson Road, a rare bird on the ETP. Fairy Martins have newly fledged young and Black-fronted Dotterels are nesting.

LATHAM’S SNIPE BACK AT ETP 25 October 2020: Seventy-three bird species were logged here today of which thirty-five were wetland dependant, (seven were shorebirds), four were raptors and thirty-four were non-wetland dependant. Highlights were 36 Sharp- tailed Sandpipers, four Bar-tailed Godwits, a Common Sandpiper, and Fairy Martins have returned to the their usual colony on the utility building where there are 77 active nests. Australasian Grebe nest building at the ETP. Photo by Alison Kuiter

3 November 2020: Seventy-four bird species were logged here today of which thirty-nine were wetland dependant, Snipe, a Whiskered Tern and the first Nankeen Night-Heron (seven were shorebirds), five were raptors and thirty were seen here by the survey team since March 2015. non-wetland dependant. Among the highlights were 207 Mike Carter, Mornington and Andrew Silcocks, BirdLife Sharp-tailed Sandpipers, 4 Bar-tailed Godwits, 4 Latham’s Australia

6 Mornington Peninsula Birdlife Birding at Balbirooroo and Coolart

SPRING IS HERE

Balbirooroo There are still plenty of Eastern Yellow Robins around but I haven’t found the young birds seen on a previous visit near the nest. I did see a lovely brown juvenile a couple of days ago, but didn’t have the camera ready to get a picture. The Cape Barren Geese are still wandering around the paddocks, though I could only count three goslings last time I saw them and they have been a long way away. The Black Swans and their two cygnets still show themselves at times, though they have plenty of places to hide as Brian Thomas has noticed. Australasian Shovelers. There have been three Australian Shelduck chicks on the large dam. I only saw them on one occasion but hope they will show again. And there are Hardhead on both the Balbirooroo lake and the large dam that seem to be paired, pairs of Pacific Black Duck, and several Chestnut Teal looking to investigate some of the nesting boxes. On reviewing the pictures of the shelduck chicks, I found blurry images of a Raven with an egg on the bank in the background. It was being buzzed by a Willie Wagtail, though the egg was clearly not a Willie Wagtail egg – much too big. Finally, Brian told me there were Fairy Martins flying into and out of the drainage pipe of the large dam. I found them next time I went but unfortunately that pipe is on the far side of Black Swan with cygnets. the lake so I can only make out the white rump on my attempts at photos! Coolart Spring has definitely arrived at Coolart! The activity on the Lagoon this morning was wonderful – and the hide is open. Ranger Eileen saw pieces of egg shell around the Lagoon and there were no Australian White Ibis in sight about a week ago. She thought they had all been scared off and breeding was off again this year. However, when we went down a couple of days later, there were quite a few ibis back on both the small log platform and on the big Melaleuca covered Pink-eared Ducks. island, but at that time, we could not get to the hide. Today, from the hide, it was clear that the ibis are breeding again. There are some quite mature juveniles. I suspect that the birds, including the juveniles old enough to fly, were scared away for a day or two and have now returned. The younger birds and eggs were destroyed, but the adults are now back sitting on nests and mating (no pics taken of the action!). I know it’s now getting late, but there is a chance of another brood. On last week’s visit, as well as the ibis, we found an obliging female Golden Whistler and a Tawny Frogmouth. They Hoary-headed and Australasian Grebes. weren’t there today, or we couldn’t find them. The main action today was on the Lagoon. Lots of variety of ducks; Pacific Black with chicks, teal, Australasian Shoveler, Pink-eared, and Blue-bill. Also Black Swans with four cygnets, Hoary-headed and Australasian Grebe, Eurasian Coot, etc. And lots of mating activity, particularly between one pair of Pink-eared Ducks. The other two less usual birds today were a White-necked Heron on the lower wetlands and a small group of Crimson Rosellas on the track leading out to Balnarring Beach Road. Peter Gower, Balnarring Blue-billed Duck. Photos by Peter Gower

December 2020 7 Shy Albatross on Birdrock Beach

IDENTIFYING A BEACH-WASHED ALBATROSS On 27 August I received an email from Tom Hiney with photos by Sue Styles of a beach-washed albatross found on Birdrock beach Mt Martha, which I forwarded to Mike Carter for identification, who responded: “The bird is definitely an Albatross and due to the mainly white underwing with a black border just visible, probably a Yellow-nosed. As such it would be an infrequent visitor to Port Phillip Bay but regular in Bass Strait in winter especially during inclement weather as we are currently experiencing. Shy AKA White-capped and Black-browed Albatrosses would Beach-washed albatross on Birdrock Beach. Photo by Sue Stoyles be more expected in the Bay but all three would be regular in Bass Strait beyond The Heads. If anyone really wants to be sure about the ID then I suggest someone retrieves it, shakes the sand off, places on a hard surface and photographs the dorsal and ventral aspects with the wings open. You may need someone or two to hold it for you. Could it be a Shy Albatross? It could be a Shy Albatross but I couldn’t be sure. I think the basic bill colour too dark for a Shy Albatross. Bill colours of seabirds fade with death. The pattern of yellow on the mandibular unguis is quite a good match for an older immature Yellow-nosed Albatross as shown bottom left on page 49 of The Australian Bird Guide. The cheeks are quite grey and that would fit Shy Albatross but Atlantic Yellow-nosed (rare but has occurred in Victoria) also has grey cheeks as do some male Indian Yellow-nosed, which is why it would be nice to have better images of the carcass. Don’t Indian Yellow-nosed have black beaks, striking yellow on top and pink tips? Not all birds - only full adults. Juveniles have dark bills with no yellow and the amount of yellow increases with maturity. Age at which adult bill pattern achieved was not known in 1996 when the Australasian Handbook was published but if similar to Shy Albatross probably 4-5 years.” Then an email with four photos arrived from Charlie Clark; the fourth showing the underwing. “These are more useful photos and include one that shows the underwing. I am now prepared to call it a Shy Albatross Thalassarche cauta but am unsure as to whether it’s the Photos by Charlie Clarke nominate subspecies that breeds in Australia or the New Zealand breeding subspecies steadi called White-capped Thus we can’t say for sure as to which ‘species’ it was. But it Albatross. That is using the taxonomy proposed by the IOC was definitely either a Shy or a White-capped Albatross! (International Ornithological Congress) which is the system Don’t blame me – blame the taxonomists.” followed by the CSIRO’s ‘The Australian Bird Guide’. Some Mike’s identification tips: taxonomies such as BirdLife International, consider this to be a distinct species. Both taxa are equally likely. If we had an Identifying albatrosses: Look at the better field guides in image looking down at the base of the bill we could know for particular Menkhorst et al., ‘The Australian Bird Guide’ certain. My reason for suspecting that it could be a White- published by CSIRO. capped is the darkness of the grey on the lores, the area on What to do having found a derelict beach-washed bird: If the face between the base of the bill and the eye. In this wet, try to dry it and knock or brush the sand off. Place it on individual it is very dark suggesting steadi which locally a darkish background such as the tarmac of a carpark in a would be a significant record. What do you think, Jeff, Rohan, shaded place. The glare in the images in this case made it and Andrew? difficult to see colours. Photograph the head and bill at close Rohan Clarke responded: Not sure I would be confident range laterally and from above. Photograph the whole calling it a steadi vs a cauta. It has a dusky ridge to the bill carcass from all aspects, dorsally, laterally and ventrally with tip (maxillary unguis) that I think is more than shadow...so wings open. You may need help to do this or rocks to hold being near-adult as opposed to full adult makes it difficult. the wings open. Thus as this club and this magazine operates under the Thanks Mike auspices of BirdLife, I feel obligated to follow their taxonomy. Val Ford, Capel Sound

8 Mornington Peninsula Birdlife Birding in India

RAJASTHAN BIRDS

In the last week of September and two weeks into October of 2019 I travelled with my wife and seven other family and friends to India for a three week experience of a lifetime. We landed in Delhi where we spent several days before boarding a bus to tour out into the desert region of Rajasthan. The weather was ideal, warm and sunny with daytime temperatures from 30 to 35 degrees which was a welcome change from the cold conditions of Melbourne. Delhi air was very close and pollution was thick. The trip headed west out to Jaisalmer then south through Jodhpur to Udaipur then returning north via Jaipur, Agra and finally back to Delhi. The tour included several forts and several Havelis (former mansions) together with local shops, visits to artisans farms, camel and horse studs, Guda Bishnoi Lake about 25 kilometres from Jodhpur and the Keoladeo Bird Sanctuary Painted Stork. and National Park 50 kilometres from Agra and of course the Taj Mahal. Most of the tour was through the rural environment of Rajasthan and there were plenty of birds to be seen. However like home there is the regular species that occur at every stop. All along the way where possible I was photographing or recording sightings of birds. The Sixty-eight birds that I either photographed or sighted were: Asian Koel, Asian Openbill, Bank Myna, Black Drongo, Black Kite, Black Redstart, Black-crowned Night Heron, Black-headed Ibis, Black- winged Kite, Black-winged Stilt, Blue-tail Bee Eater, Brahminy Starling, Bronze-winged Jacana, Brown-headed Barbet, Cattle Egret, Common Moorhen, Common Myna, Common Tailorbird, Darter, Egyptian Vulture, Eurasian Collared Dove, Eurasian Marsh Harrier, Great Egret, Great White Pelican, Grey Francolin (partridge), Grey-headed Swamphen, House Crow, House Sparrow, Indian Cormorant, Indian peafowl, Indian peafowl hen, Indian Pond Heron, Indian Roller, Indian Silverbill, Intermediate Egret, Jungle Babbler, Jungle Crow, Large Cuckooshrike, Large Grey Babbler, White-throated Kingfisher; Spotted Owlet. Laughing Dove, Lesser Whistling Duck, Little Cormorant, Little Grebe, Little Green Bee-eater, Little Swift, Oriental Magpie Robin, Painted Stork, Pied Bushchat, Pied Starling, Purple Heron, Spotted Owlet, White-bellied Drongo, White-breasted Waterhen, White-browed wagtail, White-eared Bulbul, White-throated Kingfisher, Wired-tailed Swallow, Grey Heron, Red- Wattled Lapwing, Rock Pigeon, Rose-ringed Parakeet, Rufous Treepie, Demoiselle Crane, Purple Sunbird, Red Junglefowl, Red-collared Dove, Red-headed Vulture, Red-vented Bulbul.

Graeme Rigg, Somerville

Brahminy Starling.

Indian Roller. While I was able to get a photo of the Indian Roller it was the bird in flight that caught my eye at the Dunlod Horse Stud. Photo from the internet Red - wattled Lapwing. Photos by Graeme Rigg

December 2020 9 Sights and sounds at Carranya

POWERFUL OWLS

Wander out after sunset or before sunrise and listen carefully. With a bit of luck a "whooo-hoo" will pierce the silence. Relatives of the boobooks, powerful owl wingspans of up to 1.4 m makes them our largest owl species and the only Australian bird capable of carrying more than their bodyweight in flight. Medium-sized mammals such as ring- tailed possums or gliders make up the bulk of their diet, but they will utilise a wide range of species if needed. They have been observed to take koalas and there are even reports of powerful owls eating cats! In areas deficient with mammals, they will supplement their diet with birds and insects. Powerful owls are spread across SE Australia, but are listed as vulnerable in Victoria, largely due to loss of habitat. They are particularly vulnerable to loss of the tree hollows that are essential for both their breeding and the species that form their main prey. Interestingly, they are not averse to living in cities provided there is sufficient habitat. This is their time of year for courtship and the best time for listening, as powerful owls call regularly to reassure each other and strengthen their bond. Powerful Owl at Carranya. Photo by Sarah Holland Their range is large, being typically 1,000-1,500 Ha in good habitat, and as much as 5,000 Ha in areas of scattered bush. Their calls also can carry up to 2 km, which means that if you weather in July seems to have kicked off an early nesting can hear them, it is probably the same pair every night. instinct. Our maggies have been seen rushing back and forth At Carranya, I am hearing one or two on roughly 30% of the with nesting material hanging from their beaks, and there nights, calling from when I am up to just before dawn. We are now at least two active nests in our area. are on the edge of Greens Bush, so that is likely a large part The nesting male and female pairs have begun quietly of their range. warbling back and forth to each other in the wee hours of Another way of noting their presence is to scan the ground the morning. The return of these strange sounds dragged me under mature trees for scats, which may be in the form of out of slumber on a couple of nights. The first time I huge white splashes (not unlike a can of whitewash has been wandered out into a balmy night. A bright moon hung low in dropped), or messy turds full of hair and bone. the western sky as a magpie nesting in a driveway tree quietly warbled away - to be occasionally answered by I rarely see the powerful owls, but one day our ever-vigilant another on a different nest in an old swamp gum at the edge noisy miners were having a field day harassing a bird in one of the farm. of the gum trees. Over I went, camera in hand, to see what the commotion was about. Ducking under the low-hanging The combination of moonlight, frogs clamouring in the branches, I looked up straight into an evil-looking pair of distance, and warbling magpies was quite delightful. I cannot eyes with outstretched wings. I never did get a decent provide the full audiovisual experiencing, but here is a picture, but the sight of that huge bird lumbering past recording of typical early-morning calls. Scroll down to through the branches sure got the adrenalin flowing! XC218068b and hit the play button. Listen also for the distinctive 'whoo whoo' of a powerful owl and the guttural If you do find or hear a powerful owl, please record the grunts of an eastern grey kangaroo - sounds that also occurrence to the Birdlife Australia Powerful Owl Project, regularly echo through the dark on the Peninsula. which is trying to assess their presence in the vicinity of major cities such as Melbourne. Magpie calls are not just pretty, they apparently relay a lot of information. Warning calls can to tell others what the threat is, for example an eagle or a goanna. There are territorial calls, squabbling calls, joint tribal calls, and calls WARBLES IN THE NIGHT that mimic a wide range of other sounds such as other birds and even local sounds like a chopping axe. Some magpies Notice something different in the neighbourhood? The even develop distinctive additions to songs that identify magpies are warbling. No, not the dawn chorus, nor the them as individuals. And when mum and dad are talking the tribal gathering at random times during the day, nor the kids go quiet! evening statement of territory. Night-time warbles have been And of course there is the call that designates the greatest of disturbing the still of the moonlit night for a couple of weeks them all - "carn the pies". now. Greg Holland, Main Ridge Around Carranya, magpies normally start nesting in early August, with mama sitting on the eggs for a couple of weeks Articles first published in Mornington Peninsula Landcare until the chicks hatch. This year, the unusual stretch of good Network Newsletters, June and August 2020

10 Mornington Peninsula BirdLife Observations

INTERESTING SIGHTINGS Please report your sightings to Val Ford: 5981 1445 or [email protected] Report White-throated Needletail and Fork- tailed Swift sightings to Val Ford and Mike Tarburton [email protected]

Date Species Location Comments Observer

5.7.20 Australasian Darter (1, m) Rosebud At wetland at end of Henry Wilson Drive. Marianne Punshon

15.8.20 Sacred Kingfisher (1) Hastings At Warringine Wetlands. Michael Mann

17.8.20 Pink Robin (1,f) Somerville At Gordon Rolfe Reserve. Keith Caldecott

22.8.20 Yellow-tail’d Black-Cock’too (22) Mt Eliza Flew along the beach heading down the peninsula. David Ap-Thomas

23.8.20 Australian King Parrot (2, m&f) Mt Martha In Balcombe Creek Reserve. Michael Duyvestyn

24.8.20 Australian King Parrot (2, juv) Mt Eliza Two juveniles in a tree in Glen Shian Lane. Judy Smart

24.8.20 Australian King Parrot (2, m&f) Frankston South In our backyard. Gordon Munro

29.8.20 Australian King Parrot (2, m&f) Main Ridge On my balcony; they come every Saturday. Steven Castan

2.9.20 Cattle Egret (9) Mt Eliza In paddock with cattle beside Kunyung Road. David Ap-Thomas

4.9.20 Dusky Woodswallow (15) Hastings In Warringine Wetlands. Michael Mann

6.9.20 White-bellied Sea-Eagle (1) Safety Beach Flew over our place. Andris Niedra

7.9.20 Nankeen Night-Heron (4) Capel Sound Roosting in a stand of cypress trees at the Village Glen. Val Ford

11.9.20 Rose Robin (1, f) Mornington Flew into a window at my house. Erin Nicholls

14.9.20 Yellow-tail’d Black-Cock’too (30) Mt Martha At least 30 flew over us at Lorikeet Reserve this morning. David Ap-Thomas

18.9.20 Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoo (4) Mornington In pine trees beside Coles Supermarket. Mike Carter

19.9.20 Pallid Cuckoo (1) Langwarrin In Hafey Way; calling. Max Burrows

23.9.20 Hardhead (3) Mt Martha All nesting on the Mount Martha Golf Course dam. Jock Macmillan Australasian Grebe (2) Grey Teal (2)

23.9.20 Dusky Woodswallow (3) Coolart, Somers Geoff Hall

25.9.20 Pallid Cuckoo (1) Somerville At Gordon Rolfe Reserve. Keith Caldecott

27.9.20 Sacred Kingfisher (1) Tyabb At Clifford Drive Bushland Reserve. Adam Dixon

27.9.20 Rufous Whistler (2, m&f) Mt Eliza At Moorooduc Quarry Flora & Fauna Reserve. Lynn Murdoch

29.10.20 European Goldfinch (2) The Briars, Mt Martha Landed briefly then flew to the larger island in main wetland. Sue Brabender

30.9.20 Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo (1) Bittern David Ap-Thomas

2.10.20 Crested Shrike-tit (2) Main Ridge On my property. Steven Castan

3.10.20 Rufous Whistler (3) Tuerong Woodlands Road, Devilbend Natural Features Reserve. Andrew Browne

6.10.20 Eastern Koel (1) Frankston South Back at its usual location. Tanya Hattingh

9.10.20 Grey Currawong (1) Langwarrin In Hafey Way. Max Burrows Wedge-tailed Eagle (1) Overhead in Romina Drive.

12.10.20 Scarlet Robin (1) Rosebud Heard near McLarens Dam in Arthurs Seat State Park. Steven Castan

13.10.20 Blue-faced Honeyeater (1) Mt Martha In our backyard near Sunshine Reserve. Peta Donaldson

14.10.20 Gang Gang Cockatoo (1) Langwarrin Heard in Potts Road. Bev Burrows

14.10.20 Sacred Kingfisher (1) Mt Eliza Along Sturio Parade. David Ap -Thomas Sooty Oystercatcher (1) Flew along the shore, the second I have seen during lockdown. Eastern Koel (1) Calling near our house. Our first for the season.

15.10.20 Australian King Parrot (2, m&f) Safety Beach In a street behind our place. P Hearn & A Niedra

16.10.20 Satin Flycatcher (2,m&f) Main Ridge On my property. Steven Castan

17.10.20 Yellow-tail’d Black-Cock’too (22) Capel Sound Flew over my villa at Village Glen Retirement Village. Celia Browne

19.10.20 Eastern Koel (1) Mt Martha Heard in Norfolk Island Pine, corner of Craigie Rd & Esplanade. Susan Clark

22.10.20 Shy Albatross (1) Somers Beach-washed on Somers Beach. Geoff Hall

22.10.20 Scarlet Robin (2, m&f) Dromana On site of proposed quarry. Mark Lethlean

22.10.20 Olive-backed Oriole (1) Tuerong At Devilbend Reserve; chased by Red Wattlebird. Sue Brabender

22.10.20 Eastern Koel (1) Mt Eliza Earimil Reserve; flying around Granya Grove. Terry Gourley

23.10.20 Olive-backed Oriole (1) Langwarrin At Langwarrin Flora and Fauna Reserve. Keith Caldecott

25.10.20 White-necked Heron (4) Coolart Together on lower wetland. Lynn Murdoch

26.10.20 Satin Flycatcher (1, m) Red Hill At Holmes Road Reserve. Mark Lethlean

December 2020 11 Observations

27.10.20 Orange-bellied Parrot (1) Near Warneet Ron Ricketts

27.10.20 Rufous Fantail (1) Red Hill At Holmes Road Reserve. Mark Lethlean

27.10.20 European Greenfinch Main Ridge In our street. Steven Castan

30.10.20 Scarlet Honeyeater (~20) Dromana Feeding in mistletoe at proposed quarry site. Mark Lethlean

1.11.20 Powerful Owls (2, juvs) Main Ridge Two recently fledged owls photographed. Steven Castan

2.11.20 White-bellied Sea-Eagle Boneo Circling above Two Bays Walking Track in Greens Bush. Cath Cousland

3.11.20 Olive-backed Oriole (1) Tuerong Near Bittern Reservoir car park. Sue Brabender Scarlet Honeyeater (2, m&f) Crib Point Feeding in mistletoe alongside The Esplanade.

3.11.20 Eastern Koel (1) Mornington In the Dava Estate area; as usual for the past 3 years. K & J Humphreys

5.11.20 Common Sandpiper (1) Somers On the beach where Merricks Creek enters Western Port Bay. Mark Lethlean

7.11.20 Scarlet Honeyeater (2) Main Ridge At Main Ridge Flora & Fauna Reserve. Steven Castan Rufous Fantail (1) Satin Flycatcher (1)

7.11.20 Yellow-tail’d Black-Cock’too (20) Safety Beach Adults and young feeding in sheoaks. Pam Hearn Yellow-rumped Thornbill (3) Swamp Harrier (1) Black-shouldered Kite (1)

14.11.20 Blue-faced Honeyeater (2) Mt Martha In front garden in Sherwood Crescent. John Rosenbrock

Orange-bellied Parrot Out on the morning walk near Warneet on 27 October I spooked a parrot on the side of the track without getting a pic; lucky on the way back I managed a couple of pics. First thought was Blue-winged Parrot but thinking it was strange for it to be by itself. When looking at the pics on the computer and seeing the tags and orange belly I’m thinking it’s good for Orange-bellied Parrot, one of the captive bred birds that didn't make the journey? Ron Ricketts, Posted on Victorian Birders Facebook and confirmed as an Orange-bellied Parrot.

Orange-bellied Parrot near Warneet. Photos by Ron Ricketts Dangling Eastern Rosella 29 September, walking along Esplanade Mt. Martha, a movement caught my eye on the balcony of a two-storey house. In the ceiling a small LED light had come adrift and was hanging by its wire. Gripping on to the dangling light was an Eastern Rosella, taking a great interest in the round hole left by the light-fitting. I’ve looked several times since, but no bird. Susan Clark, Mornington

Rose Robin A friend sent me photos yesterday, 11 September, in the hope I would/could identify the bird. She lives in Bowman Drive Mornington and the bird had flown into her window. (Was chased there, it seems.) Rose Robin recovering after collision with window at Mornington. I'm not familiar with small birds at all, though was excited to Photo by Erin Nicholls research possibilities. After consultation with a few books and the internet, I'm thinking it's a female adult Rose Robin. What do you think? record for the Peninsula but probably an annual visitor. They Susie Field, Mt Martha might even breed here in wet gullies. I’ve seen the species at the Moorooduc Quarry at Mt Eliza but it isn’t a bird I know Susie is right; it is an adult female Rose Robin. It may have well. been on the move from its winter quarters to breeding grounds in the high country, this being springtime. A nice Mike Carter, Mornington

12 Mornington Peninsula Birdlife Observations

Birding on the Otago peninsula December 2019 The tour bus picked us up from our accommodation at 3pm then we travelled down the Otago Harbour towards Taiaroa Head. The trip was organised by Elm Wildlife Tours, an excellent provider of small group tours. Birds seen on the way included South Island Pied Oystercatchers, Variable Oystercatchers (black phase), Black-winged Stilts and White-faced Herons. Variable Oystercatcher (black phase), South Island Pied Oystercatcher. Arriving at the Royal Albatross Centre near the Taiaroa Head, we noticed how busy the centre carpark was with various groups of people coming and going yet they didn’t seem to disturb the Red-billed Gulls (similar to our Silver Gulls) breeding adjacent to the carpark with eggs and chicks in plain view. Inside the centre we were given a presentation and film regarding the life cycle of the Northern Royal Albatross. Our guide then took us down to the viewing area – a building with large windows overlooking the breeding colony. Approximately thirty to thirty-five pairs breed here, the world’s only mainland colony. What a sight to see these Wounded seal. Photos by Rod Wilson magnificent birds with a three metre wingspan and weighing up to 9kilograms gracefully gliding above the headland. The eggs are laid October to December and the young fledge about eleven months later. After leaving the Albatross Centre we wound our way through farmland to cliffs overlooking a magnificent beach some distance below. A long winding walking track landed us on the beach; we then trudged up the beach to a bird hide, observing a pair of nesting Variable Oystercatchers and a seal bearing wounds obviously from fighting at a nearby breeding colony. Shortly after with the sun starting to sink low, a solitary Yellow-eyed Penguin appeared through the surf and slowly waddled up the beach and into the vegetation. The penguin appeared to be oblivious of the watchers, determined to reach its nest. Satisfied to see this beautiful bird with its large feet, we Yellow-eyed Penguin. Photo by Trish Wilson slowly climbed up the cliff and headed back to Dunedin. Another brilliant day of birding, in New Zealand. Rod Wilson, Somerville

Yellow or Green Rosella? I think the bird in the photo is a Yellow Rosella as the intensity of black in the wing area is much more than photos of the Green Rosella. Also the original check list of our “Birds of the Mornington Peninsula” pamphlet listed Yellow Rosella which is obviously a vagrant or more likely an aviary escapee. Max Burrows, Langwarrin It’s a ‘Yellow Rosella’, i.e. a Crimson Rosella Platycercus elegans of the subspecies flaveolus. As seen in the photo it Yellow Rosella photo published in the September 2020 newsletter. differs from Green Rosella by having a ‘scaly’ back pattern produced by broad yellow edges to blackish feathers of the back and wings. In Green Rosellas these feathers are dark forests along the Murray River and its tributaries. Whilst a and almost uniform in colour. bird at Somerville is likely an aviary escapee, I wouldn’t Green Rosellas are restricted to Tasmania with populations think a wild bird to be totally impossible. on Flinders and King Islands in Bass Strait. Yellow Rosellas Mike Carter, Mornington are resident in northern Victoria where they inhabit red gum

December 2020 13 Observations

The Great Hornbill In early April 2015 I spent several days in Khao Yai National Park in Thailand. Khao Yai NP has an area of 2160 sq kms and is only 122km NE of Bangkok (a 2½ hour drive). I love hiking and exploring in the jungles of Asia. On this trip I had many wonderful wildlife sightings and experiences. One that will always stand out for me is seeing the Great Hornbill (Buceros bicornis). On re-entering the National Park early one morning with my guide, he pulled over pointing out two very bored looking photographers sitting at the edge of the road, cameras with long lenses attached to tripods in front of them. We stopped here, the guide explaining these men had been sitting here for almost three days waiting for the male Great Hornbill to arrive to feed his mate. The rainforest tree of interest was extremely tall and straight, with clinging vines attached to Great Hornbill, Khao Yai National Park. Photos by Sue Brabender the trunk.

Way up high was the hollow where the female was enclosed, the entrance made smaller with dung and pellets of mud, We have had some interesting Masked Lapwing activity on leaving only a narrow window. We could clearly see it from our dam. We kept a diary! the roadside and had only been there for perhaps five 2/3 Sept: Two birds on the pier most of the day. minutes when we heard “whoosh whoosh whoosh”, the loud 4 Sept: Circle of bird droppings which we took to be a nest, wingbeats of this magnificent species, announcing the arrival with one lapwing on it periodically. of the male, (it is believed the wingbeats can be heard over 5 Sept: Two large speckled eggs seen. One bird periodically 800 metres away). He flew straight to the hollow entrance, on nest. clinging to the tree trunk. No mean feat for this large bird, 6 Sept: Birds on nest most of the day, swapping over. In the 95-130 cm long, wingspan of 150cm and weighing up to 3kg. afternoon, they were more off than on. 7 Sept: Three eggs now! One bird on and off nest with other We watched for 10 minutes as the male, with its head to the bird nearby. side, slowly and deliberately, regurgitated one fruit at a time, 8 Sept: One bird on nest all day. likely small figs, beak clacking as he worked the small fruits 9 Sept: At dawn, nest destroyed and no evidence of eggs. to beak’s end. He would then poke the end of his huge beak Both birds were around the pier. Fox visitation? The nest into the hollow to pass the fruit to his mate. Once feeding WAS very exposed for all to see both from land and sky! was completed he flew into an adjacent tree where he sat for 10 Sept: Ventured down to get a close look. No evidence of a short time before flying away. eggs. Both birds were on our property but not on the pier. Figs comprise a major part of the diet but the species also Other birds have resumed roosting on the pier. Previously take eggs, amphibians, reptiles, insects, mammals and small they had been frightened away by the lapwings. All our birds. They can live for over 35 years, possibly up to 50 and observations were with a spotting scope from at least 150m are generally monogamous. Clutch size is 1-2 eggs with an away. Even when we approached the scope, the birds incubation of 25-40 days. For 6-8 weeks the male feeds the noticed us and screeched! Did we frighten them from that female. She does not emerge until she has moulted and distance? It was unfortunately too far away to get any grown fresh feathers and the young are also feathered. decent photos. What amazing birds. This was one of my ‘David Other current sightings that are keeping us amused are a Attenborough’ moments. Little could I imagine the adventure pair of blackbirds who have made a nest under the eaves that awaited me as I continued on to Nepal. and have two chicks, and a swallow nest in the pump shed Sue Brabender, Mornington with five eggs! The Purple Swamphens are very much in evidence, three of them chasing around. Our wetland is very full so they won’t be able to nest on it at present as the Red Hill observations reeds are mainly under water. I also spotted a wattlebird chasing a blue tongue lizard across the driveway. I guess the Being here full time has allowed us to observe the daily lizard was close to a nest. changes on the property which is something we haven’t ever done - always looking further afield. I have seed out on our deck periodically. Most days a pair of Australian King Parrots comes to feed. They are very tame My first comment is from a trip to Coolart on 16 September. and follow me around, to the watching line and up to the (We cycled there from Balnarring as part of our exercise). vegie garden. They find a high perch and just squark! When From the hide (which no longer, sadly, has any information the king parrots are not around, Crimson Rosellas feed on on the white boards) we observed two pairs of Pink-eared the seed but are much more skittish. We also have visits Ducks, one pair showing interest in a nesting box, a Blue- from the occasional Sulphur-crested Cockatoo. billed Duck and a family of Chestnut Teal with eight fluffy Roger has just reported that he saw a Purple Swamphen on ducklings. In addition there was the usual squabble of ibis some of which were on nests with eggs. There were also the wetland doing what looked like arranging reeds into a nest. More on that anon! several pairs of grebes - probably Australasian. En route to the wetland, we had a great view of a Shining Bronze-Cuckoo Hannah Stuart-Andrews, Red Hill high up in a tree, piping out for all the world to hear.

14 Mornington Peninsula Birdlife Observations

Scarlet Robins in Greens Bush We are lucky our 5km radius includes a chunk of Greens Bush. We also have acreage to walk around, so we are feeling blessed in these hard times. Lots of cockies, rosellas, thrushes, magpies, wedgies, galahs, ducks, Eastern Yellow Robins, Yellow-faced and Crescent Honeyeaters and several others to keep us busy, although those yellow-faced and crescents just don’t want to come down for a decent pic. Spotted two Scarlet Robins yesterday, 9 August, and fed the information into Birdata. I believe they are rarer to see around here and used to be resident. I had walked the same area twice recently Limestone Road to Greens Road in Greens Bush and not seen them. Male Scarlet Robin in Greens Bush, same bird different light conditions Photos by Steve Castan Steve Castan, Main Ridge

Nesting in our backyard Galahs are nesting in the Tasmanian blue gum in our backyard. They have found a small hole in the trunk and have enlarged it considerably - around the base of the tree is a pile of the wood they have dug out. The tree is 50 years old, first time we have seen any bird nesting there. Judy Smart, Mt Eliza

Striated Pardalote displaying Galah in Tasmanian blue gum hollow. Photo by Judy Smart Within my 5km limit is the old Hillview Quarry - the fight to prevent the reopening of this mine is another story. But for years I have been photographing the colony of Striated Pardalotes that nest within their burrows in the upper wall. This wing-and-tail display is a common behaviour seen around nesting colonies of Striated Pardalotes across the continent. Whether it is a warning display to me or a territorial display to other Striated Pardalotes I'm unsure. The birds began preparing their nests only in the last couple of weeks. Mark Lethlean, Red Hill HANZAB: “The Wing-and-tail Display is associated with nesting behaviour. As the Striated Pardalote sexes are very difficult to tell apart, it is not known whether the male or the female or both sexes are displaying. The display may involve quivering the wings, or fanning them by alternately opening Striated Pardalote at old Hillview Quarry. Photo by Mark Lethlean and folding them.”

Australian King Parrots in our garden A male and a female Australian King Parrot were in our back garden in Maberley Crescent, Frankston South on 24 August. We don’t often see king parrots; they are definitely a couple but have no idea if/where they are nesting. They didn’t return the next day, so may have been passing through. They both look in fine breeding colours and condition, they did chase off the Crested Pigeon and bronzewings that tend to sit on the shed roof and graze on the seed. We normally have a fair number of breeding lorikeets, Eastern Rosella, Noisy Miner and Common Myna as well as Red Wattlebird and Grey Butcherbirds coming to the garden. We also get flocks of Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoos.

Gordon Munro, Frankston South Australian King Parrots at Frankston South. Photo by Gordon Munro

December 2020 15 Observations

Striated Pardalote at nest tree Susan, I and our partners went for a limited wander up to The Briars. Birds seen or heard were White-eared and Yellow-faced Honeyeater, Fan-tailed Cuckoo (heard), Tawny Frogmouth (usual place), Straw-necked Ibis, Purple Swamphen, and two Australian King Parrots (male and female) flying around eventually landing in coffee shop grounds. A Shining-Bronze Cuckoo was heard. The highlight was two Striated Pardalotes with a nest in a tree in the road leading up to homestead. A Black-shouldered Kite was hovering over paddocks near home and European Skylarks are often seen. Pam Hearn, Safety Beach Striated Pardalote outside entry to nest. Photo by Pam Hearn At Warringine Wetlands Walking in the foggy Warringine Wetlands this morning, 15 August, I heard my first Sacred Kingfisher for many months. I assume they have come back to the wetlands to breed. I saw one a little later and got a photo. Yesterday, 31 August, I heard one from my garden so I went to the back of the garden overlooking the wetlands and heard it in the nearby bushes. I then heard a second one call but with a slightly different tone which I thought could have been a female? Then I heard a third one calling with the same tone as the first. I could not see any of the kingfishers and by the time I went and got the camera they had gone! Sacred Kingfisher and White-fronted Chat at Warringine Wetlands. The previous week I photographed a Horsfield's Bronze- Photos by Michael Mann Cuckoo and a pair of White-fronted Chats in the Warringine Wetlands, I had not seen them for a while. It shows what an important drought resource this place is to Michael Mann, Hastings enable a lot of birds to survive until these times of plenty return. Whilst I was not surveying the area, just enjoying the

outing, the Australian Reed-Warblers were constantly calling, Birds make you laugh giving a lift to my spirits, but I saw NO coots, only two swans (with six cygnets), a Musk Duck, a few cormorants The pair of Little Ravens that own our back garden now have and a solitary Black-fronted Dotterel on the shoreline with a junior, not long out of the nest. Junior is trying out single White-faced Heron. everything and has discovered the saucers of water. On the bush-bird side of things, there were plenty (well Yesterday he was fascinated with the water and practiced nearly thirty species), and virtually all calling at some stage having a bath without actually getting wet. Today he had a which made for great birding. The notable thing for me bath this morning and seemed to enjoy it. This afternoon he though was the lack of honeyeaters. Aside from two is standing on the saucer again when he decided he had an wattlebird species, there were a handful of Yellow-faced itch in the middle of his back. In attempting to get it with his Honeyeaters and a single Brown-headed Honeyeater. This beak he actually tumbled base over apex off the saucer bird was feeding on a large mistletoe and it meticulously about 2 ft on to the grass. Undaunted he hopped back up on covered every flower on the plant and then proceeded to the saucer. inspect the bark for insects on the host tree. It stayed in that David Ap-Thomas, Mt Eliza tree for over ten minutes that I was watching it. This had two messages for me. It was reminder of how important mistletoe is as a food source for the birds, due to the constant presence of flowers. But it was also concerning to 5km breakout visit me as my experience with this species has them in small On my first outing beyond the 5km zone I went for a walk parties as a rule. This bird called continuously but I neither around Bittern Reservoir. How good was it to be listening to heard nor saw another one. Why was it alone? Had it missed and looking at birds in the bush again! the exodus made by others? Hopefully, it will join up with others at some stage. Two things that stood out to me were the lack of waterbirds on the reservoir and on Devilbend when I went there Roger Richards, who does the regular monitoring at afterwards. This may seem disappointing at first, but my Devilbend, informed me that the 3500 coots present in June take was to be pleased as it reflected the great season we had all left sometime between then and now, presumably to have been having. This has led to plenty of other water fresher waterbodies. around for the coots, ducks and grebes to spread out to. Rog Standen, Mt Eliza

16 Mornington Peninsula Birdlife Observations

Leucistic Noisy Miner I had the absolute pleasure of observing and photographing this leucistic Noisy Miner on 6 September. He was in Mt Eliza, off Tower Road. At first I was wondering why the bird hadn't been mobbed for his standout colour. But after studying his behaviour, even for just a few minutes, it became very obvious that he is just as gregarious (and aggressive!) as his regular coloured counterparts. Very territorial - chasing off other miners; though he does seem to be paired with a miner mate. They were feeding and interacting together quite socially. Update, September 16: I can now confirm there are (at least) two leucistic miners in that area. It took me a while to work it out and even longer to get them both in a photo Leucistic Noisy Miner at Mt Eliza. together. One is lighter than the other. Neither appeared to be hanging out with a mate when I returned today. But the fact that there are two, and one is lighter than the other, increases my suspicion that one is paired with a standard issue miner. (Who may even be nesting, by now.) Opposite is a photo of both together. It's in the face of the lightest that the contrast between the two leucistics stands out the most. Susie Field, Mt Eliza

Sanderling on Seaford Beach A larger bird, a Sanderling, was observed with a group of Red-necked Stints on Seaford Beach. They are rare in the Two leucistic Noisy Miners. Photos by Susie Field Bay except on Mud Islands and uncommon there. Seen most years I would expect on the ocean beaches of the Peninsula but nice to see anywhere locally. Another exciting find. Mike Carter, Mornington Nice visitor locally, probably on way to Flinders or other local ocean beach. The photo shows why it is called Calidris Alba, very white, plus the sturdy bill and most importantly, no small hind toe, showing smooth heal very clearly in image captured mid stride. David Stabb, Frankston

Pied Oystercatchers return to Rosebud

These Pied Oystercatchers have been absent for a while and Sanderling and Red-necked Stint on Seaford Beach. Photo by Alison Kuiter it was nice to see them back on Rosebud beach the other day. One is banded and flagged but the other seems not to be. I went to the jetty today, 27 August, stacks of people, and dogs. And it was wild. Too far away for my camera lens was a flock of Little Black Cormorants accompanied by gulls all who appeared to be fishing. Before stage 4 lockdown I visited Bittern Reservoir and there was a noticeable absence of birds: a distant swan, two distant ducks of some kind, one nervous White-faced Heron on the tower, a magpie calling somewhere, two Masked Lapwings going crook at something on the far side and in the thermals a drifting raptor. No coots and the Hoary-headed Grebes (little grey chaps) that used to be there have been absent for a considerable time. Pied Oystercatchers on Rosebud Beach; White-faced Heron Marnie Fitzsimons, Rosebud at Bittern Reservoir. Photos by Marnie Fitzsimons

December 2020 17 Observations

Common Sandpiper On 5 November at the creek mouth at Somers/Balnarring I was fencing our first Hooded Plover nest with Geoff Hall and photographed this feeding Common Sandpiper. Geoff said he hadn't noticed a Common Sandpiper at this location until October 2018. At that time he checked with Brian at Coolart and it hadn't been recorded there since 2009. Since 2018 they've been quite regular visitors to the creek estuary. Mark Lethlean, Red Hill Common Sandpiper at Balnarring. Photo by Mark Lethlean Wattlebirds loving our plants Our pair of Red Wattlebirds is seen every day feeding on our spectacular plant. They also love the purple Emu Bush we have as well. I also witnessed a smaller, paler wattlebird visit this tree; it first sat on the fence, shaking its wings, and making the ‘baby noise’ we had heard in the tree where we thought there was a nest (we couldn’t find it). This bird then flew to the bottom of the feeding plant, where the adult was also feeding at the top. The adult flew down a couple of times and harassed the young one, pecking at it. This was ignored by the youngster the first couple of times, and then it flew off. I thought it was rather strange behavior at the time. The youngster has only been seen one other time to date, sitting on the fence. I am also amused by the ‘huff’ sound the adult makes as he visits each flower. Interesting stuff to watch, when there is not much else to do! Red Wattlebird feeding on our spectacular plant. Photo by Pam Hearn Pam Hearn, Safety Beach

Water, water, water Coolart is looking remarkable with the Lower Wetland filling rapidly as well as the overflowing Lagoon and lots of water in the Upper Wetland. There are even teal and a Little Pied Cormorant outside the Antechinus Hide. However the Tawny Frogmouth near the Antechinus Hide that we saw on a previous visit was not seen. On the Lagoon the ibis are still trying to breed. The week before, 19 October, when we did a survey with Val and David, there was an egg in each of two nests on the small log island. Yesterday one of those nests was empty but there was still a bird sitting on the other nest while several birds were either fiddling with their nests or trying to mate. There were also several birds in the Melaleucas. Little Pied Cormorant outside the Antechinus Hide. Photo by Peter Gower Also on the Lagoon there are lots of young teal. We didn’t find the Pink-eared Ducks or the Shoveler with overflow pipe of the dam next to Balbirooroo. They were the broken wing yesterday, though the Blue-bill Ducks landing on the ground (presumably collecting mud but too were around. There were also no Black Swans to be seen far off to see exactly what they were doing) and then flying yesterday though we’ve seen them on previous visits. around and disappearing up the pipe and then reappearing There are plenty of places to hide, of course. again after a few minutes. Peter Gower, Balnarring This is the first nesting I have seen in this area for many years (but that might not be saying a lot). I remember them nesting in a road culvert on Stanley's Road, Balnarring and Sandy Point Road, Balnarring. Unfortunately I don't think I Nesting Fairy Martins wrote those observations down anywhere but will check my Balbirooroo Wetlands was glorious this 9 September records just in case I did, but it was probably 20years ago morning, lots of birds singing and lots of activity. I'm guessing. At least four Fairy Martins appear to be nesting in the Brian Thomas, Balnarring

18 Mornington Peninsula Birdlife Observations

Migrants, visitors and permanents Rufous Whistler: I saw the first ones arrive on 24 September and have seen them in droves since then. Rufous Fantail: Saw my first for the season on 27 October in the Holmes Road Reserve, Red Hill. Satin Flycatcher: Saw my first for the season on 25 October, male and female. Steve Castan recorded them a week earlier at Main Ridge. Scarlet Honeyeater: I was sent a photo of one in the site of the proposed quarry on 29 October. I have since seen a number of them there. Scarlet Honeyeater, one of 20 seen at proposed quarry site. Ruddy Turnstone: Photographed a Ruddy Turnstone at St Andrews beach with orange flag UJW over blue. It was flagged at Flinders in March 2019 and then at King Island; Penny Johns suspects that St Andrews beach is just a stopover on its way to Kangaroo Island. Scarlet Robin: I found and photographed a male and female in the proposed quarry site. I last saw them there 9 years ago. Eastern Shrike-tit: I have seen them this year at Main Ridge Conservation Reserve, Holmes Road Reserve and Kangerong Reserve on numerous visits so are a lot more common than I had thought. Fan-tailed Cuckoos and Shining-bronze Cuckoos: have been incredibly active but as yet I haven’t seen any young being fed. Ruddy Turnstone, orange flag UJW over blue at St Andrews beach. Photos by Mark Lethlean Mark Lethlean, Red Hill

It appeared freshly killed with the neck chewed and the Brightening a Covid-19 lockdown day chest plucked to expose pink and meaty flesh. We debated what had killed it, theories of - cat unlikely in our dog I retired one year ago and following working indoors for most patrolled zone in daylight, age - why the trauma. of my career my plan was to reinvigorate favourite outdoor activities and central to these would be birding. After losing My husband decided to dispose of the bird in the bush over bird knowledge I had gained since beginning birding in my the road and wasted no time in getting the job done. On his 20’s due to the demands of life and little time, I wanted to return we stood inside at the window overlooking the garden upskill again. At every opportunity I have attended local when my eye was caught by movement. There on the frame BirdLife walks, joined surveys online and in the field. The of our hammock was a raptor! arrival of Covid 19 in early 2020 halted much of my plans. My mind was wildly computing seeing the bird, trying to Luckily the native plantings in the garden have attracted speak to let my husband know and working out which raptor many birds and so the backyard has become a private bird it was - I was speechless with wonder. Believing the bird to hide and haven where I often have coffee watching the antics be a Brown Goshawk which we have had visit the garden of resident Eastern Spinebills just a metre away. Nearby previously we watched as it hopped down to the ground and bushland influences the birds in our area on the Mornington across to where its kill should have been only to discover Peninsula. Our block is standard size on the edge of suburbia nothing there. Infuriatingly it had been disposed of in too and comfortably houses two working dogs, my husband and timely a manner! me. Surreptitiously the bird hopped up into the Lilly Pilly. The Replanting the garden with indigenous flora complements the dead dove was retrieved by my husband but we did not have exotic quota established when we arrived here. The stand out a return visit from its killer. is a large Lilly Pilly which may be a Queensland rainforest On regaining my wits I checked the Australian Bird Guide, native. It is a favourite haunt of various species both feral Menkhorst et al, and realised that this garden visitor was too and native including Common Myna, Australian King Parrot, small for a Brown Goshawk and actually a male Collared Eastern Rosella and recently a refugee from the Victorian Sparrowhawk due to its size. This bird was slightly smaller fires - a White-headed Pigeon - exposed by the raucous than an Australian Magpie. chirping of a family of Brown Thornbills. If anything can brighten a Covid 19 lockdown day for an avid Lockdown birding does not inspire hope of new and novel birder it is the brief apparition of an exquisite petite hawk bird sightings but a couple of weeks ago our domain hosted sighted in the backyard. Despite no photo evidence the just such an occurrence. Late in the day my husband, dogs memory is fixed in my mind. and I sat for a last cuppa on our back deck. He noticed a dead Spotted Dove under the Lilly Pilly. Lynn Murdoch

December 2020 19 Observations

Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo at Bittern This photo of a male Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo was taken today, 30 September, by a member of my bowls club who was delivering hardware. He says it just appeared when he stopped his truck for a coffee break on the roadside near Bittern. When I first saw the photo I was not sure if it was a Glossy or a Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo so emailed Mike Carter. David Ap-Thomas, Mt Eliza Extraordinary that this should come up when Glossy Black Cockatoos are in our area because I’d say that this from Bittern is a Red-tailed Black Cockatoo! It is a male. Even though we can’t see all of it, the tail in this individual is proportionately longer than in a Glossy. The head is black rather than brown as it is in our Glossy’s. It has a longer crest. The bill appears weaker. So the question is, is it from the population in western Victoria or an escapee. Most likely the latter. Bill shape is a useful discriminator of subspecies but it will need someone with more expertise with the species than I. Using HANZAB I might guess that it is of the race macrorhynchus from northern central Australia and therefore unquestionably an escapee. Andrew Isles sought an opinion from Joe Forshaw. He agreed that it is a Red-tailed Black Cockatoo. He thinks almost certainly of the race samueli, the most common subspecies kept in captivity.

What a strange time it has been for Black Cockatoos on the Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo at Bittern Peninsula, what with the Glossy’s, this Red-tailed and the Yellow-tailed in my Coles car park. Mike Carter, Mornington

Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoos at Coles On 18 September 2020 Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoos were adjacent the car park of the Coles Supermarket less than one kilometre from my home in Mornington. I’d not seen them there before but have nearby on some occasions. Initially there were four birds but two disappeared leaving a pair of adult birds. They were feeding on the cones of what I think was an Aleppo Pine Pinus halepensis but I’m no botanist. It’s a solitary specimen, a very large dome shaped tree with numerous large cones. Little Corellas were also there much to the annoyance of a pair of Magpie-larks. When quietly feeding they were remarkably obscure. Magpie-lark annoyed with presence of Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoos. Mike Carter, Mornington Photo by Mike Carter

20 Mornington Peninsula Birdlife