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Home , Acanthizidae, Anatidae, Australasian pipit, Australasian shoveler, Black currawong, Brush bronzewing

GRAND : EXTENSION

OCTOBER 21–28, 2019

Black © Max Breckenridge

LEADERS: MAX BRECKENRIDGE & KEVIN ZIMMER LIST COMPILED BY: MAX BRECKENRIDGE

VICTOR EMANUEL NATURE TOURS, INC. 2525 WALLINGWOOD DRIVE, SUITE 1003 AUSTIN, TEXAS 78746 WWW.VENTBIRD.COM We enjoyed wonderful weather, cuisine, accommodation and, most important, birding during our week- long extension to the beautiful isle of Tasmania. This tour really serves to round out the excellent four weeks spent on the mainland. The pace is more relaxed and the birding typically straightforward, provided the weather is kind! Unfortunately, strong winds during our time in meant that we could not make the trip by small aircraft to Southwest Tasmania and .

Our small party arrived in Launceston on a perfect sunny day, and we were soon wandering the boardwalks of the Tamar Island . Despite being more than 25 km from the coast, the Tamar River is very much tidal here, attracting a good variety of . Little Grassbirds were piping away, and showing briefly, while stately Great Egrets, White-faced Herons, and Royal Spoonbills showed well. European Goldfinches and Gray Fantails flitted overhead, and hundreds of mostly loafed on the mudflats, alongside smaller numbers of Gray Teal, Australian , and Australasian . Tamar also gave us our first of 12 Tasmanian endemics – the , creeping warily along the water’s edge. After a wonderful round of chowder back in Launceston, we began on our way west towards Loongana. Before we got too far, we scanned some fields around Hadspen and soon had our first Cape Barren Geese. We pulled into the secluded Mountain Valley cabins with plenty of daylight left and a male singing his heart out. Our wonderful hosts, Len and Pat, showed us to our well-appointed rooms in a truly magical setting by a running river and with snow-capped mountains overhead. Before the main show that evening, we wandered around the grounds and adjoining forest scoring quickly with two male Pink Robins behaving wonderfully. We ticked along our endemics with Black-headed , , and showing well. After a wonderful home-cooked meal, we retired to our rooms and waited for the star of the show to arrive. After several false starts with hungry Pademelons and Brush-tailed Possums, a Tasmanian Devil eventually showed itself! We had great views as two different snuck in to feed on some well-placed chicken legs. Some of us were lucky enough to glimpse a Tiger that made a brief appearance.

A of Cape Barren Geese (L) in fields near Hadspen, and a very cute male Pink Robin (R) at Mountain Valley © M Breckenridge.

A morning wander around the grounds allowed for more views of male Flame and Scarlet robins, Shining Bronze-, and the addition of a striking Yellow-throated Honeyeater. Brush Bronzewings called away from concealed perches in the canopy. Departing Mountain Valley for took us along some steep back roads where an incidental stop yielded some good birding. A single Dusky Robin, one of the island’s scarcer endemics, shot across the road and was soon followed by a couple of begging youngsters giving great views. As we were watching the robins, an Olive Whistler sounded from the undergrowth, and soon we were enjoying uncharacteristically good views of this skulking songster. Onto Cradle Mountain where the tall wet forests give way to alpine grassland with scattered shrubs and

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 2 Tasmania Extension, 2019 eucalypts. A hulking graced us with its presence at lunch – a which does very well for itself around the lodges at Cradle Mountain. Not to be forgotten, the mammals, which Tasmania is so well known for, soon put in a performance – with a wonderfully bold Echidna found scouring the garden beds right outside the lodge. Not far away, a Common Wombat also fed unconcernedly on the grass outside of reception. Later in the afternoon we enjoyed some quality birding along the Enchanted Walk where a pair of put on a good show, Crescent came down from the canopy, and an awesome Yellow Wattlebird was located by its coughing/choking calls. Lake Lea was beautiful but fairly birdless until a bit of trawling with the tape excited a into view! For what may be a streaky, brown bird, we marveled at the amazing views he gave as he sang from the top of a bush just feet away for many minutes.

A somewhat oblivious Echidna (L) at Cradle Mountain Lodge, and a territorial Striated Fieldwren (R) from the alpine grasslands surrounding Lake Lea © M Breckenridge.

We enjoyed a very pleasant day along the coast between Ulverstone and Burnie, visiting a variety of sites. Our first stop was the Tasmanian Arboretum where we enjoyed a birdy walk around the grounds, with the highlight being a pair of shy Spotless Crakes. The lake at the arboretum is well known for its resident Platypus, and they did not disappoint, with at least three individuals in view at once on the glassy surface. Along the coast near Ulverstone we found our first Pacific , dwarfing the nearby Silver Gulls, as well as both Pied and Sooty oystercatchers. At Picnic Point, we could see Black-faced out on the rocks, with Red-capped Plovers allowing much closer views. Fern Glade Reserve proved to be a magical spot, with highlights being White-bellied Sea-Eagle, Golden Whistlers, and several Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoos. A spot of sea watching at Burnie was worthwhile with great views of several White- capped just offshore, Australasian Gannet, and Great Crested . After a fantastic dinner a short walk away, and once darkness had fallen, we were treated to close looks at 20 Little as they made their way ashore for the evening.

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 3 Tasmania Extension, 2019

A ridiculous Yellow Wattlebird (L) posing, and a Swift (R) pausing briefly while feeding, on Bruny Is © M Breckenridge.

After a beautiful sunrise over below Cradle Mountain, we began the drive south to Hobart. On the outskirts of Hobart we stopped in at Gould’s Lagoon on the south bank of the Derwent River. We had a nice array of waterfowl, highlighted by good looks at up to 30 Freckled . In the trees nearby, a pair of Musk Lorikeets could be seen arguing with several Eastern over the rights to a nest hollow. Our four-night stay in Hobart featured fantastic local cuisine and very comfortable accommodation overlooking Salamanca Wharf and the Derwent River.

We enjoyed a great, if somewhat blustery day on . After disembarking the car ferry onto Bruny, it was just a short drive to an area of preserved forest where we soon locked onto our main target – a Forty-spotted ! Just a little further down the road we came across a small flock of critically endangered Swift actively feeding in flowering eucalypts and investigating nest hollows. We couldn’t have asked for a better start to the day! Heading towards South Bruny, we spent some time along the Cape Queen Elizabeth Track where we enjoyed close looks at Fan-tailed and Pallid , as well as more Yellow Wattlebirds and yet another Echidna. After an excellent lunch at Hotel Bruny, we crossed the forested center of the island and found our last Tasmanian endemic in the form of several Strong- billed Honeyeaters in an area of tall forest. Scouring the beaches around Adventure Bay, we eventually struck gold with lovely, close looks at a dashing Hooded Plover on the white sands.

Today we did a circuit of several birding sites in the vicinity of Hobart. Starting at Fern Glade below Mount Wellington, it was fairly quiet before we had some nice looks at a number of Tasmanian Scrubwrens. Nearby Waterworks Reserve finally gave us the desired views of Gray Currawong after several flybys. Dodging some rain, we headed north to near Sorrell. Musk Ducks and Great Crested were scoped, as well as an uncommon Little Egret. At a different point on the shoreline we got excellent looks at several Eurasian Skylarks, a White-fronted Chat, and some distant Far Eastern Curlews before we beat a hasty retreat as it started to hail! In the afternoon we chased up a recent report of Blue-winged Parrots and were pleasantly surprised to find a small flock feeding in a seemingly non-descript patch of weeds. They were quite flighty, but after a few flushed views, we eventually got great looks at a perched male. That evening we completed a short bout of spotlighting near Hobart where Tasmanian Pademelons and Red-necked Wallabies proved abundant, and we found a single Tawny .

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 4 Tasmania Extension, 2019

A delightful Bassian Thrush preying on unsuspecting worms on South Bruny © M Breckenridge.

Our final day in Tasmania was spent again on picturesque Bruny Island. We visited some of the same places from our previous trip, and some new ones. Highlights of the day were definitely the rugged views at Cape Bruny looking south towards the Southern Ocean, and walkaway views of a beautiful Bassian Thrush at nearby Jetty Beach. It was a wonderful, relaxed end to a memorable week on Australia’s southern outpost.

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 5 Tasmania Extension, 2019

Dove Lake and Cradle Mountain at sunrise – just one example of the beautiful scenery we enjoyed in Tasmania © M Breckenridge.

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 6 Tasmania Extension, 2019 ITINERARY

Date Locations Monday 21 st Oct AM: MEL-LCS, Tamar Island PM: Hadspen, Mountain Valley Tuesday 22 nd Oct AM: Mountain Valley PM: Cradle Mountain, Lake Lea Wednesday 23 rd Oct AM: Cradle Mountain, Tasmanian Arboretum PM: Ulverstone, Fern Glade Reserve, Burnie Thursday 24 th Oct AM: Cradle Mountain PM: Oatlands – ; Gould’s Lagoon, Hobart Friday 25 th Oct AM: Bruny Island – Apollo Bay, Cape Queen Elizabeth Track, Alonnah PM: Bruny Island – Mavista, Adventure Bay Saturday 26 th Oct AM: Fern Glade Track, Waterworks Reserve, Sorrell – Orielton Lagoon PM: Murphy’s Flat Wetlands, Gould’s Lagoon, Waterworks Reserve (spotlighting) Sunday 27 th Oct AM: Bruny Island – Cape Bruny, Jetty Beach PM: Bruny Island – Alonnah, Adventure Bay, Apollo Bay Monday 28 th Oct AM: HOB-SYD

TOP FIVE BIRDS OF THE TRIP (ranked): 1. BASSIAN THRUSH (13) 2. PINK ROBIN (10) 3. STRIATED FIELDWREN (6) 4. = (5) 5. =HOODED PLOVER (5) 6. BLACK CURRAWONG (4)

KEY • H – Heard only • L – Leader only • I – Introduced • E – Species is endemic to Australia • e – Species is endemic to Australasia (Australia, , New Guinea, Oceania)

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 7 Tasmania Extension, 2019 BIRDS Species total: 115 Heard only: 0 Leader only: 2

DUCKS, GEESE & WATERFOWL ( ) Cape Barren E (Cereopsis novaehollandiae ) – Great looks at tens in fields in the vicinity of Hadspen on two separate occasions. At least one pair with goslings. Freckled E (Stictonetta naevosa ) – At least 30 birds seen closely at Gould’s Lagoon on both visits. Once a vagrant to Tasmania, now a regular resident at this site. Black e (Cygnus atratus ) – Hundreds/tens seen most days, many with cygnets of varying ages. E (Tadorna tadornoides ) – Tens seen at Tamar Island Wetlands and in fields near Hadspen on our first day. Singles seen on several other occasions. Maned Duck E ( jubata ) – Tens/singles seen every day, usually by farm dams rather than wetlands. Australian [Australasian] Shoveler e ( rhynchotis ) – Singles at Tamar Island Wetlands, and close views of tens at Gould’s Lagoon on both visits. ( superciliosa ) – Tens/singles seen every day. I (Anas platyrhynchos ) – Some ‘clean-looking’ drakes observed at Lake Dulverton and Gould’s Lagoon, but this species’ status in Australia is contentious due to inbreeding with Pacific Black Ducks and domestic . [Australian] Gray Teal e (Anas gracilis ) – Tens distinguished from Chestnut Teal at Tamar Island Wetlands, and at Gould’s Lagoon on both visits. Chestnut Teal E (Anas castanea ) – Hundreds at Tamar Island Wetlands, single/tens seen most other days often at saline wetlands. e ( australis ) – Singles at Lake Dulverton, and tens at Gould’s Lagoon on both visits. E ( lobate ) – Tens on Orielton Lagoon and a couple seen along the Derwent River.

GREBES ( Podicipedidae ) Hoary-headed e ( poliocephalus ) – Singles at Lake Lea, Lake Dulverton and Orielton Lagoon. ( cristatus ) – Up to 20 birds seen distantly on Orielton Lagoon. Birds in Australasia retain breeding year-round.

Freckled Ducks (L) and a male Chestnut Teal (R) at Gould’s Lagoon © M Breckenridge.

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 8 Tasmania Extension, 2019 PIGEONS & DOVES ( ) Spotted Dove I (Streptopelia chinensis ) – A couple seen while driving into Hobart. E ( calcoptera ) – Brief views of a single from the car while driving to Cape Bruny. Brush Bronzewing E (Phaps elegans ) – Frustrating flight views on several occasions, and hidden individuals calling from tall eucalypts, made up the entirety of our encounters with this species in Tasmania. Encountered at Mountain Valley and on Bruny Is.

CUCKOOS ( Cuculidae ) Shining Bronze-Cuckoo e ( lucidus ) – Common and vocal during our time in Tasmania. Seen at Mountain Valley and on Bruny Is, heard most other days. Pallid Cuckoo (Cacomantis pallidus ) – Great looks at several vocal birds on both visits to Bruny Is. One heard at the Tasmanian Arboretum. Fan-tailed Cuckoo e (Cacomantis flabelliformis ) – Singles seen at Cradle Mountain and on Bruny Is, heard on several other occasions.

FROGMOUTHS ( Podargidae ) E ( strigoides ) – Single observed while spotlighting at Waterworks Reserve in Hobart.

RAILS, GALLINULES & ( Rallidae ) Tasmanian Nativehen TE ( [Gallinula ] mortierii ) – Common and conspicuous, tens seen every day, some with fluffy black chicks. Eurasian (Fulica atra ) – Tens at the Tasmanian Arboretum, Lake Dulverton and Orielton Lagoon. (Porphyrio melanotus ) – Tens at Tamar Island Wetlands, a single at the Tasmanian Arboretum and Lake Dulverton, and several individuals at Gould’s Lagoon on both visits. Spotless Crake (Zapornia tabuensis ) – Quick, but close views of two vocal birds at the main lake in the Tasmanian Arboretum.

OYSTERCATCHERS ( Haematopodidae ) Pied Oystercatcher (Haematopus longirostris ) – Singles observed at Ulverstone and tens on Bruny Is. Sooty Oystercatcher E (Haematopus fuliginosus ) – Singles observed at Ulverstone and on Bruny Is.

PLOVERS & LAPWINGS ( Charadriidae ) Pacific Golden-Plover ( Pluvialis fulva ) – Eight birds observed clearly in flight at Orielton Lagoon. Masked Lapwing e (Vanellus miles ) – Tens/singles seen every day, wherever green grass was available. Red-capped Plover (Charadrius ruficapillus ) – Singles at a lagoon on Bruny Is, and close looks at Orielton Lagoon. Hooded Plover E (Thinornis cucullatus ) – We had wonderful close looks at an adult on the white sand beach at Adventure Bay on Bruny Is. Views of this enigmatic shorebird are typically distant and sandblown! Black-fronted Dotterel e (Elseyornis melanops ) – A pair at Tamar Island Wetlands were our only sighting of this species in Tasmania.

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 9 Tasmania Extension, 2019

The endemic Hooded Plover (L) from Adventure Bay on Bruny Is and an Australian Pelican (R) at Gould’s Lagoon © M Breckenridge.

SANDPIPERS & ALLIES ( Scolopacidae ) Far Eastern Curlew (Numenius madagascariensis ) – Five birds observed at Orielton Lagoon. Red-necked Stint (Calidris ruficollis ) – A flock seen distantly in flight at Orielton Lagoon.

GULLS, & SKIMMERS ( Laridae ) Silver e (Chroicocephalus novaehollandiae ) – Tens/hundreds seen most days. Pacific Gull E (Larus pacificus ) – Tens observed around Burnie, and singles on Bruny Is and around Hobart. Kelp Gull ( Larus dominicanus ) – The common dark-mantled gull around Hobart, with hundreds seen at Waterworks Reserve and Orielton Lagoon. Great Crested Tern (Thalasseus bergii ) – Singles seen offshore of Burnie and Bruny Is.

PENGUINS ( Spheniscidae ) Little e (Eudyptula minor ) – At least 20 birds seen after dark as they returned to their burrows from a day of fishing at Burnie.

ALBATROSSES ( Diomedeidae ) White-capped [Shy] Albatross ( Thalassarche cauta ) – At least eight birds seen offshore of Burnie, including several very close to shore feeding on the water.

BOOBIES & GANNETS ( Sulidae ) Australasian Gannet e (Morus serrator ) – Tens seen offshore from Burnie, and a single on Bruny Is.

CORMORANTS & SHAGS ( Phalacrocoracidae ) Little Pied (Microcarbo melanoleucos ) – Single at the Tasmanian Arboretum, and several at Orielton Lagoon. (Phalacrocorax carbo ) – Singles at several sites around Hobart/Bruny Is. Little Black Cormorant (Phalacrocorax sulcirostris ) – Tens observed on several occasions. Black-faced Cormorant [Shag] E (Phalacrocorax fuscescens ) – Tens at two different colonies on the north coast gave distant views, singles seen closer around Hobart.

PELICANS ( Pelecanidae ) Australian Pelican (Pelecanus conspicillatus ) – Single at Burnie, and several at Gould’s Lagoon on both visits.

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 10 Tasmania Extension, 2019 HERONS, EGRETS & BITTERNS ( Ardeidae ) Great Egret (Ardea alba ) – Singles at Tamar Island Wetlands and Gould’s Lagoon. White-faced Heron (Egretta novaehollandiae ) – Singles at Tamar Island Wetlands, Ulverstone and Bruny Is. Little Egret (Egretta garzetta ) – Single observed distantly at Orielton Lagoon, one of the few regular sites for this species in Tasmania. [Eastern] (Bubulcus ibis [coromandus ]) – Singles seen in fields on two days while driving around northern Tasmania.

IBISES & SPOONBILLS ( Threskiornithidae ) Royal Spoonbill (Platalea regia ) – A trio near the carpark at Tamar Island Wetlands were our only encounter of this scarce species in Tasmania.

A Tasmanian Nativehen (L) at Mountain Valley, and an Australian Shelduck (R) sunning at the Tasmanian Arboretum © M Breckenridge.

HAWKS, EAGLES & KITES ( Accipitridae ) Wedge-tailed Eagle e (Aquila audax fleayi ) – Single seen distantly at Tamar Island Wetlands, and a close pair near Cradle Mountain. Swamp Harrier e (Circus approximans ) – Singles seen most days in the lowlands. Good views at Tamar Island Wetlands and Gould’s Lagoon. Brown Goshawk (Accipiter fasciatus ) – Individuals seen in flight at Mountain Valley and Fern Glade Reserve near Burnie. Collared Sparrowhawk Le (Accipiter cirrocephalus ) – Single seen as it was flushed up from a stream at Cradle Mountain before perching briefly and disappearing. White-bellied Sea-Eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster ) – Singles seen at Fern Glade Reserve along the Emu River, and around Bruny Is/Hobart.

KINGFISHERS ( Alcedinidae ) Laughing Kookaburra IE (Dacelo novaeguineae ) – Introduced from the mainland. Singles seen every day. Typically observed from the car while driving through open country.

FALCONS & CARACARAS ( Falconidae ) Brown Falcon e (Falco berigora ) – Singles seen most days. Peregrine Falcon L (Falco peregrinus ) – Single seen in flight at Lake Dulverton.

COCKATOOS ( Cacatuidae )

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 11 Tasmania Extension, 2019 Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoo E (Calyptorhynchus funereus xanthanota ) – Heard only on several occasions before we had good views of a trio at Fern Glade Reserve near Burnie. A flock of 18 were seen the following day Lake Dulverton. Galah E (Eolophus roseicapilla ) – Singles/pairs seen most days. Long-billed Corella IE (Cacatua tenuirostris ) – Introduced from the mainland. A pair seen clearly from the car at Orielton Lagoon. Sulphur-crested Cockatoo E (Cacatua galerita ) – Singles/tens seen in fields and forest in northern Tasmania.

OLD WORLD PARROTS ( ) Blue-winged Parrot E (Neophema chrysostoma ) – A tricky species to encounter on Tasmania before they settle down to breed in summer. After no luck on Bruny Is, we followed up a report north of Hobart along the Derwent River and were treated to good views of a single in a patch of weeds with about six others. Swift Parrot E (Lathamus discolor ) – Found quickly on Bruny Is along Apollo Bay Road. Now a critically endangered species, so it was comforting to see up to 12 birds feeding in flowering eucalypts and inspecting hollows in a reserved area of forest. Green TE (Platycercus caledonicus ) – Singles seen every day. Often inconspicuous, but good views of individuals feeding unconcernedly on Bruny Is. Eastern Rosella E (Platycercus eximius diemenensis ) – Singles seen at Gould’s Lagoon on both visits. Musk Lorikeet E (Glossopsitta concinna didimus ) – Pair observed tussling with Eastern Rosellas over nesting hollow rites at Gould’s Lagoon.

A Blue-winged Parrot (L) from north of Hobart, and an endemic Black-headed Honeyeater (R) on Bruny Is © M Breckenridge.

FAIRYWRENS ( Maluridae ) E (Malurus cyaneus ) – The only fairywren in Tasmania. Common around Mountain Valley, and tens/singles seen most other days.

HONEYEATERS ( Meliphagidae ) Eastern Spinebill E (Acanthorhynchus tenuirostris dubius ) – Heard at Mountain Valley, and several seen at Fern Glade Reserve near Burnie. E (Manorina melanocephala leachi ) – Thankfully uncommon on Tasmania. A party of 6- 8 birds seen at Gould’s Lagoon on both visits. Little [Brush] Wattlebird E (Anthochaera chrysoptera tasmanica ) – Brief views on several days, more

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 12 Tasmania Extension, 2019 often heard than seen. Yellow Wattlebird TE (Anthochaera paradoxa ) – Australia’s largest honeyeater that gives meaning to the name ‘wattlebird’. Seen most days, usually located by its loud coughing/choking call. White-fronted Chat E (Epthianura albifrons ) – A couple observed in saltmarsh along the north edge of Orielton Lagoon. E (Phylidonyris pyrrhopterus ) – Another striking honeyeater, at home in tall mountain forests. Heard regularly around Cradle Mountain and seen well on a couple of occasions near the lodge. New Holland Honeyeater E (Phylidonyris novaehollandiae canescens ) – Singles seen most days, with good numbers observed on Bruny Is. Yellow-throated Honeyeater TE (Nesoptilotis flavicollis ) – Singles of this large, boldly-patterned Tasmanian endemic seen most days. More often heard than seen. Black-headed Honeyeater TE (Melithreptus affinis ) – Singles/pairs seen most days, typically located by their high-pitched calls coming from eucalypts. Seen low down on several occasions. Strong-billed Honeyeater TE (Melithreptus validirostris ) – Small party found at the start of the Mavista trail on Bruny Is giving fair views. A single seen briefly the following day at Waterworks Reserve in Hobart.

PARDALOTES E (Pardalotidae ) Spotted Pardalote E (Pardalotus punctatus ) – Singles heard and seen on Bruny Is and around Hobart. Forty-spotted Pardalote TE (Pardalotus quadragintus ) – Single bird found in the first ten minutes of our time on Bruny Is! Not seen or heard again during our time on the island. Striated Pardalote E (Pardalotus s. striatus ) – The common pardalote in Tasmania. Singles/tens heard and seen most days.

THORNBILLS & ALLIES ( ) Tasmanian Scrubwren TE ( humilis ) – A denizen of wetter forests, we saw several on our first afternoon at Mountain Valley. We also had good numbers along the Fern Glade Track in Hobart. TE (Acanthornis magna ) – One of Tasmanian’s tricker endemics, we had close looks at a pair along the Enchanted Walk at Cradle Mountain one afternoon. Striated Fieldwren E ( fuliginosus diemenensis ) – Despite being a small brown, streaky bird, we had an unforgettable experience with a single obnoxious male calling his heart out from grassland beside the alpine Lake Lea. E ( pusilla diemenensis ) – Singles/pairs seen most days, occasionally in close proximity to Tasmanian Thornbills. Tasmanian Thornbill TE (Acanthiza ewingii ) – Distinguished from Brown Thornbill by song, reduced streaking on the breast and plainer cap. Several seen around Mountain Valley and Hobart. Yellow-rumped Thornbill E (Acanthiza chrysorrhoa ) – Singles seen on both visits to Bruny Is.

WOODSWALLOWS ( ) Dusky E (Artamus cyanopterus ) – The only woodswallow found in Tasmania. Seen most days, with good numbers observed hawking over fields on Bruny Is.

BELLMAGPIES & ALLIES e (Cracticidae ) Gray E (Cracticus torquatus ) – Great looks at a duetting pair at the Tasmanian Arboretum. Heard only on several occasions.

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 13 Tasmania Extension, 2019 ( Gymnorhina tibicen hypoleuca ) – ‘White-backed’ individuals seen every day when travelling through more open country. Black Currawong TE (Strepera fuliginosa ) – A hulking beast, with a wonderfully obtrusive call that is emphatic of the Tasmanian high country. Several seen closely on most days, especially around Cradle Mountain.

Gray Currawong E (Strepera versicolor ) [‘Clinking Currawong’ ( Strepera v. arguta )] – A shy species, seen poorly on two occasions before we were allowed good views of a couple feeding in eucalypts at Waterworks Reserve in Hobart. The name ‘clinking’ comes from this ssp’s distinctive ringing call. The Tasmanian ssp, like several other mainland ssp of Gray Currawong, are not in fact gray, but black.

CUCKOOSHRIKES ( Campephagidae ) Black-faced Cuckooshrike ( Coracina n. novaehollandiae ) – Singles/pairs seen on most days, usually in flight.

WHISTLERS & ALLIES ( ) Gray Shrikethrush e (Colluricincla harmonica strigata ) – Singles/pairs heard/seen every day. Olive Whistler E (Pachycephala olivacea apatates ) – Incidental, but great looks at a calling bird during a roadside stop en route to Cradle Mountain. Two secretive birds seen briefly at Jetty Beach on Bruny Is. Golden Whistler E (Pachycephala pectoralis glaucura ) – Heard on several days, with good views of territorial males at Fern Glade Reserve near Burnie.

FANTAILS ( Rhipiduridae ) Gray Fantail e (Rhipidura a. albiscapa ) – A hyperactive bundle of fluff with a big fanned tail and a sweet song. Singles seen most days, anywhere with forest.

CROWS, JAYS & MAGPIES ( ) E (Corvus tasmanicus ) – The only corvid in Tasmania - making life very easy! Tens/singles seen every day.

A Tasmanian Scrubwren (L) and a blazing Flame Robin (R) from Mountain Valley © M Breckenridge.

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 14 Tasmania Extension, 2019 AUSTRALASIAN ROBINS e (Petroicidae ) Scarlet Robin E (Petroica boodang leggii ) – Several males seen at Mountain Valley during our morning walk. Pairs noted on both visits to Bruny Is. Flame Robin E (Petroica phoenicea ) – Great looks at multiple calling males around Mountain Valley. Several seen on Bruny Is on our second visit, including around the lighthouse at Cape Bruny. Pink Robin E (Petroica r. rodinogaster ) – Unexpectedly fantastic looks at two territorial males on our first afternoon near the Mountain Valley cabins. A female seen and another heard around Hobart. Dusky Robin TE (Melanodryas vittata ) – Incidental views of an adult with two immatures at a roadside stop en route to Cradle Mountain. Several individuals seen on both visits to Bruny Is.

LARKS ( Alaudidae ) Eurasian Skylark I (Alauda arvensis ) – Heard occasionally, but distantly, over fields. Good views had of several birds on fences and doing low display flights at Orielton Lagoon.

SWALLOWS ( Hirundinidae ) Welcome Swallow e (Hirundo neoxena ) – Tens/singles seen every day. Tree Martin ( Petrochelidon [Hirundo ] n. nigricans ) – Tens observed over fields and nesting on Bruny Is and around Hobart.

GRASSBIRDS & ALLIES ( Locustellidae ) Little Grassbird e (Megalurus g. gramineus ) – Very vocal in the waterside reedbeds at Tamar Island Wetlands, with several birds eventually allowing short views.

WHITE-EYES, YUHINAS & ALLIES ( Zosteropidae ) Silver-eye e (Zosterops l. lateralis ) – Tens seen/heard most days. The migratory Tasmanian ssp lateralis is notably different from mainland ssp due to its rich brown flanks.

THRUSHES & ALLIES ( Turdidae ) Bassian Thrush E (Zoothera lunulata ) – Wonderful views of a confiding bird feeding in the campground at Jetty Beach on Bruny Is. One was seen poorly as it flushed off the road at Mountain Valley on the second day of the trip. Eurasian Blackbird I (Turdus merula ) – Tens/singles seen every day.

STARLINGS ( Sturnidae ) European Starling I (Sturnus vulgaris ) – Hundreds/tens seen every day.

WAGTAILS & PIPTS ( ) Australasian e (Anthus novaeseelandiae ) [‘Australian Pipit’ ( Anthus n. australis )] – At least one individual seen every day.

FINCHES, EUPHONIAS & ALLIES ( Fringillidae ) European Greenfinch I (Chloris chloris ) – Brief views of a few birds around Launceston. European Goldfinch I (Carduelis carduelis ) – Tens/singles seen most days.

OLD WORLD SPARROWS ( Passeridae ) House Sparrow I (Passer domesticus ) – Tens/singles seen every day, usually near human habitation.

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 15 Tasmania Extension, 2019 MAMMALS

PLATYPUS E (Ornithorhynchidae ) Platypus E (Ornithorhynchus anatinus ) – Great looks at three individuals showing well on the lake at the Tasmanian Arboretum – possibly one of the easiest places to view this iconic monotreme in Tasmania.

ECHIDNAS e (Tachyglossidae ) Short-beaked Echidna E (Tachyglossus aculeatus ) – Great views of four separate individuals during the trip. One particularly confiding individual was found right next to Cradle Mountain Lodge. Echidnas in Tasmania are much furrier/less spined than animals on the mainland.

CARNIVOROUS MARSUPIALS e (Dasyuridae ) Tiger Quoll E (Dasyurus maculatus ) – One individual seen briefly by some as it came into feed on scraps around 11:00 PM while staying at Mountain Valley. Tasmanian Devil TE (Sarcophilus harrisii ) – Two different individuals came into view as they fed on scraps around 11:30 PM and 2:00 AM while staying at Mountain Valley. Devils have decreased in numbers here, but they are very reliably seen, although they can come in any time after dark and don’t always hang around.

A friendly Common Wombat right outside Cradle Mountain Lodge one morning © M Breckenridge.

WOMBATS E (Vombatidae ) Common Wombat E (Vombatus ursinus ) – Multiple individuals encountered in the alpine grass/shrubland around Cradle Mountain. Most very confiding, and of varying shades of brown.

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 16 Tasmania Extension, 2019

BRUSHTAIL POSSUMS ( Phalangeridae ) Common Brushtail Possum E (Trichosurus vulpecula ) – Singles around the Mountain Valley cabins at night, including two individuals with young clutching onto their backs. Singles seen while spotlighting at Waterworks Reserve. Tasmanian individuals of this widespread possum are larger and more rufous than the classic mainland form.

KANGAROOS e (Macropodidae ) Red-necked [Bennett’s] Wallaby E (Macropus rufogriseus ) – Singles seen around Cradle Mountain. At least 35 individuals spotlit at Waterworks Reserve in Hobart. Tasmanian [Red-bellied] Pademelon TE (Thylogale billardierii ) – Abundant around the cabins at Mountain Valley. Tens seen at night around Cradle Mountain and while spotlighting at Waterworks Reserve in Hobart.

RABBITS ( Leporidae ) European Rabbit I (Oryctolagus cuniculus ) – Singles in fields in northern Tasmania.

MICE, RATS & RELATIVES (Muridae ) Water Rat [Rakali] e (Hydromys chrysogaster ) – Good views in the spotlight of an individual scouring the rocks at Burnie while waiting for the Little Penguins.

REPTILES

SKINKS ( Scincidae ) Blotched Blue-Tongue Lizard E (Tiliqua nigrolutea ) – One seen crossing the road near Hadspen, we stopped quickly, but somehow it eluded us in the roadside grass.

Classic Tassie views near Loongana © M Breckenridge.

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 17 Tasmania Extension, 2019