The BLSH Flyer

The BLSH flyer

Volume 9 Number 3, August 2020

Silvereye by Erna Llenore

Bell Miner Photo by Nigel Hartley Contents

From the President ...... Page 2 Outing-3 June 2020 & Bird survey update 8 July 2020, Tugalong National Park ... Pages 3-4 Outing-Bargo River, Picton Weir Firetrail, 21 June 2020...... Page 5 Outing-Starlights Trail, Nattai N.P. 1 July 2020 ...... Pages 5-6 Conservation Officer’s Report, July 2020 ...... Page 7 The Long Paddock Project Update ...... Pages 8-9 Outing to ‘Simon’s Site’ to Remember a Committee Member and Friend ...... Pages 9-10 Pictures and Sounds from a Lyrebird Nest ...... Pages 10-12 Galapagos Islands ...... Pages 12-14 Narriearra—from private property to proposed National Park ...... Pages 15-16 Fairy-wren Discussions...... Pages 17-18 Bird Tales ...... Pages 18-20 Book Review ...... Page 20 New Members ...... Page 20 Glossy Black-Cockatoo ID Project—Central Corridor ...... Page 21 Worth a Look ...... Page 22 Members’ Photography...... Pages 23-4

August 2020

From the President Nigel Hartley 22/07/20

COVID-19 continues to dominate our lives in the Southern Highlands, though there have been some green shoots of activity over the last three months, including within BirdLife Southern Highlands. We have managed to hold two Committee meetings since April, the first partly by zoom, and the most recent, earlier this month, in person. We have also recommenced bird outings, the first formal outing being to Tugalong Station National Park near Canyonleigh in early June. We were restricted to ten members but since then the limits have increased to 20. Our Program Manager, Peter Madvig, has recently updated the program for the rest of the year and we hope you are able to join at least one outing. Despite the challenges from Coronavirus, I drove with my wife Caroline recently down the Turpentine Road through Nerriga and Sassafras to the South

Coast. The devastation from our bushfires was plain to see and quite heartbreaking. We were reminded of the grim toll that the fires took of our wildlife, and the im- portance of trying to un- derstand the impacts on our birds. With this in mind one of our key focuses is to en- courage and support bird surveys of burnt areas. Some of our members have “adopted” burnt areas and are building a database of the situation on the ground. We are now encouraging all members to consider do- ing regular surveys of affected areas in the South- ern Highlands, via the Birdata survey platform. Our evening meetings in East Bowral remain on hold whilst we all navi- gate through the varied social restrictions we are working with. We will let you know as soon as this changes. In the meantime stay safe and well, and continue to look after our wonderful birdlife. Information from https://theconversation.com/click-through-the-tragic-stories-of -119-species-still-struggling-after-black-summer-in-this-interactive-and-how-to- help-131025

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Outing—3 June 2020 and bird survey update 8 July 2020,Tugalong Station National Park. Leader’s report by Nigel Hartley Nine members met near Sutton Forest to convoy into Tugalong Station National Park, which is about a 30 minutes drive up Canyonleigh Road and at the end of Tugalong Road. Tugalong Station was purchased as a new National Park in February 2019. It was previously a cattle property and was used as a recreational dirt bike and horse riding area. This outing was significant as it was our first formal bird outing since the March lockdown following the spread of COVID-19. We were limited to ten members due to social distancing limits and sadly a number of members missed out. Those who were present enjoyed a sparkling morning. The park is at least 3,600 hectares in area and comprises a part of Wollondilly River Nature Re- serve and Bangadilly National Park. At this stage there is no access to the public whilst some infra- structure is being developed. However NSW Na- tional Parks has asked us to do regular bird surveys to develop a better understanding of the bird populations. Our relationship with NSW National Parks has developed to the extent that we were allowed to take a group of members to the Park (on 3 June). We certainly hope we can repeat this on numerous occasions in the future. On our outing we had a relatively short list of 19 It was not all about birds, and Ian and Sandy reliably species, but these did include a Fan-tailed Cuckoo informed us that a remnant machine was a Cliff and which gave us all good views and was an addition Bunting chaff cutter. Photo by Sandy Berry to our Tugalong list. Although everyone at our outing was pleased to have a good walk, at our latest survey we were given permission to take a four wheel drive along the ridge road to the west and south-west of the old station.

Lookout over Wingecarribee River by Nigel Hartley

This allowed us more birding time and also the opportunity to visit a fabulous lookout overlooking the Wingecarribee River. The birding highlight of the latest survey was udoubtedly two male Glossy Black-Cockatoos, but a pair of Wedge-tailed Eagles soaring over the Glossy Black-Cockatoo by Nigel Hartley

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Wollondilly, and at least 120 Little Ravens over the old station, were also memorable. Our overall list for Tugalong after three surveys now stands at 56 species. Bird species for 3 June, 2020 Fan-tailed Cuckoo 1, Wedge-tailed Eagle 1, Crimson Rosella 2, Superb Lyrebird 1, White-throated Treecreeper 1, Noisy Miner 1, Red Wattlebird 1, White-eared Honeyeater 1, White-browed Scrubwren 1, Brown Thornbill 3, Yellow-rumped Thornbill 4, Australian Magpie 7, Grey Shrike-thrush 1, Olive- backed Oriole 2, Willie Wagtail 1, Australian Raven 2, Little Raven 12, Welcome Swallow 3, Common Starling 15.

View looking south toward Wollondilly River by Peter Madvig

At the beginning of the walk by Peter Madvig

Members social distancing by Sue Hawick

Peter Madvig and Nigel Hartley by Sue Hawick

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Outing– Bargo River, Picton Weir Firetrail, 21 June 2020. Report by leader Jennie Wiles, photos by Alan Edwards The day was forecast to be inclement but fortunately the rain did hold off. The conditions for photographers were quite challenging however with the bright grey skies. The eight of us enjoyed the flat walk along Bargo River and were able to see the extent of the De- cember 19 fire and the amount of regrowth. I have been surveying every month since April to document the birdlife since the fire. On this occasion we saw 30 species. Initially during my surveys the ever present Yellow-tufted Honeyeater was absent after the fire but it was exciting to see that it had returned on our visit. Unfortunately on this outing the Rockwarbler was Wandering through an unburnt section of the firetrail. not seen but I can report that it too has been recorded since the fire. There were probably two birding highlights for the members – the Spotted Parda- lotes that kept us entertained entering a nest hollow in the dirt bank at the edge of the trail and the Variegated Fairy-wren family seen across the river.

Species List https://birdata.birdlife.org.au/survey? id=3152850&h=c58e92ca Pacific Black Duck 2, Australian Wood Duck 8, Peaceful Dove 2, Little Corella 2, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo 4, Crimson Rosella, Superb Lyrebird 1, White-throated Treecreeper 3, Variegated Fairy- wren 5, Superb Fairy-wren 5, Brown-headed Honeyeater, White-naped Honeyeater, Eastern Spinebill 1, Lewin’s Honeyeater 1, Yellow-faced Honeyeater 5, Yellow-tufted Honeyeater 4, Spot- Spotted Pardalote nest ted Pardalote 5, Yellow Thornbill 2, Striated Thornbill 9, Brown Thornbill 4, Black-faced Cuck- oo-shrike 3, Golden Whistler 1, Grey Shrike-thrush 1, Grey Fantail 1, Australian Raven 3, Eastern Yel- low Robin 3, Red-browed Finch 3, Double-barred Finch 3, Silvereye 2. Outing-Starlights Trail, Nattai N.P., 1 July 2020 Report by organiser Jennie Wiles This walk is at the end of about a 6.5km drive along a dirt road but this didn’t deter the seven of us who were present. It was a sunny and cool start but we did warm up gradually as we climbed up the hill. All that remains of the sign by Jennie The beginning section of this walk in Nattai National Park hasn’t Wiles been terribly badly burnt. The adjoining property was not impacted and that gave us a mixed environment for bird watching. One side of the track was burnt, the other not.

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The birds took a little while to wake up but there is a section where we overlook a gully and this was quite ‘birdy’, both on the approach and the return. It was close by here that keen-eyed Louise spotted a Striated Thornbill couple busy at a nest. This took out attention for some time. We had morning tea on the edge of the track

Brown Thornbill by Alan Edwards before continuing farther up the hill where it is badly impacted by fire. The Spotted Quail-thrush, seen previously here

White-throated Treecreeper by Linda Hoelle Striated Thornbill by Alan Edwards on a BLSH walk, was not seen today. They have not been seen on any of the burnt area monthly surveys I have conducted here since the beginning of March. Hopefully, they will return soon. There were however 26 species recorded. The most dominant were the Spotted Pardalotes whose penetrat- ing couple of musical notes accompanied us throughout the walk. The other bird which created interest was the White-naped Honeyeater. It could be frequently heard but as it is so small and inhabits the tree tops it took a lot of looking to find it. Bird species https://birdata.birdlife.org.au/my-data#surveyID=3160126 Australian Wood Duck 2, Australasian Grebe 3,Laughing Kookaburra 3, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo 2, Crimson Rosella 5, Superb Lyrebird 1, White-throated Treecreeper 2, Brown-headed Honeyeater 3, White-naped Honeyeater 6, Eastern Spinebill 1, Lewin’s Honeyeater 1, Little Wattlebird 1, Red Wat- tlebird 2, Yellow-faced Honeyeater 6, Noisy Miner 6, Spotted Pardalote 6, Striated Pardalote 1, Brown Thornbill 2, Golden Whistler 1, Grey Shrike-thrush 1, Australian Magpie 2, Grey Fantail 1, Magpie-lark 1, Welcome Swallow 2, Raven species 2.

Some of the burnt landscape by Linda Hoelle Morning tea along the trail by Jennie Wiles August 2020 6

Conservation Officer’s Report July 2020 Christine Kelly The Latham’s Snipe (Gallinago hardwickii) is in trouble. These birds known to use the higher regions along the East Coast of Australia as their summer resting place appear to have been affected by our recent drought and severe bushfires. Figures that have recently been released by Japanese researchers indicate a decrease by as much as 40% of birds returning to the breeding grounds in Japan. Our regular surveys at the Southern Highlands Botanic Gardens is now more critical than ever. The dates for the surveys for 2020/21 have been set September 26, November 21 and January 23. Please mark these dates in your diary. All members are welcome, no prior experience required, and the surveys will be conducted with COVID safety in mind. Professor Graeme Samuels has recently released his interim report into the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act. His finding is that the Act as it presently is administered is ineffec- tive. It does not provide sufficient protection and conservation over issues that are important to our nation. He found that the process for assessing and approving developments is slow, complex and expensive. He recommended that simplifying the process will make it easier to obtain approvals by agriculture and developers but environment groups say this is likely to weaken important protections for threatened species, habitat and World Heritage areas by devolving authority to the States and Territories. Professor Samuels proposed that an independent regulator be established to monitor EPBC orders but this has been rejected by the Minister, Sussan Ley. In a recent webinar with BirdLife Australia (BLA) the impact of 2019/2020 fires on the Australian landscape was discussed. BLA has submitted various ap- plications for special funding, some in conjunction with Latrobe University, under the Wildlife and Habi- tat Bushfire Recovery Program established by the Federal Government. Focussing on Kangaroo Island following the fires the statistics were very disturbing. Over half the island was burnt during the 2019/20 fires totalling over 210,000 ha. 15 bird species endemic to Kangaroo Island lost between 30% -80% of their habitat. The Beautiful Firetail as an example lost between 50-60% of its habitat. BLA has identified five key areas of reform that need to be addressed prior to the next fire season. These include: 1. Introduction of national standards for strategic bushfire management plans, to protect life, property and wildlife. 2. A national rapid response plan for biodiversity emergencies. 3. Increase national firefighting aircraft. As the fire seasons extends in the northern hemisphere the availability to access additional aircraft for the southern hemisphere fire season gets harder. 4. Adequate funding for better institutional arrangements for projects supporting eco-systems recovery and resilience. 5. Take immediate action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. BirdLife Australia in its submission to the Royal Commission on National Natural Disaster Arrange- ments, “Speaking for Native Birds”, identified the precarious position of many of our endemic birds are in since European settlement. Fires have contributed to the extinction of at least five Australian bird species and currently 50 other bird species are threatened. The Australian Government Wildlife and Threatened Species Bushfire Recovery Expert Panel identified severe impacts from the 2019/2020 fires on birds, pushing already threatened species even closer to extinction. The Superb Lyrebird and Gang-Gang Cockatoo, previously thought to be secure, now require urgent and immediate measures to aid their recovery.

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The Long Paddock Project Update Report by Project Officer, Col Kohlhagen A small team of BLSH volunteers has continued to help build up Birdata records across a group of TSRs north of the Goulburn-Crookwell Road. Members will recall that in the May 2019 edition of ‘The Flyer’ there was a comprehensive outline of the background to this project together with some notes exploring the historic context of Travelling Stock Reserves [TSRs] and their conservation value. Eight TSRs have been added to the project and the first round of counts for 2020 has been complet- ed. These counts were planned for autumn but had to be pushed back into early winter due to COVID -19 restrictions. This delay may eventually see a reduction in the total visits across the project during 2020. Graham and Christine Kelly, Erna Llenore, Jennie Wiles, Kris Gow, Peter Madvig and Neil Tribe all signed on for the latest counts. Their support is greatly appreciated. The TSRs vary in size from four to 40 hectares and while some do not host a wide range of, nor a particularly unusual set of, woodland species, each survey makes a valuable contribution to the broad data-mosaic being developed. Some of the original TSRs in the project have been converted into Shared Birdata Sites and may not be visited this year by a BLSH team. The next round of counts is planned for late October and/or early November.

No: TSR Name: Counts: Species:

1 Tarlo 7 22 2 Chatsbury 7 26 3 Cowpers Creek 6 38 4 Old Showground 7 32 5 Curraweela 7 42 6 Eel Hole 7 25 7 Commissioners Creek 6 52 8 Redbank 6 25 9 Laggan 7 37 10 Golspie 7 30 11 Yorkdale 2 12 12 Middle Arm 2 8 13 Roslyn 2 19 14 McAlister 2 9 15 Kingsdale 2 22 16 Cotta Walla 2 10 17 Broken Bridge 2 13 18 Woodhouselee 2 15

Location of TSRs and their Bird Lists. In addition to the bird records, Kristine Gow has been applying her knowledge of native plants and taking special note of interesting species seen at each TSR, especially any that provide a food source for birds. We plan to eventually compile a detailed description of the vegetation found at each TSR. The majority of sites are eucalypt woodlands with varying degrees of open grasslands and some areas of thick understorey. Sadly, in some cases, the understorey consists of introduced feral species. Many species attract insects which in turn attract birds.

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Already several interesting food plants have been identified across the project area including some uncommon species. Dogwood, Jacksonia scoparia, a plant found only near Tarago and Goulburn is one of these. Hopefully, increased rainfall in coming months may lead to additional plants being identified during the spring bird counts.

From Left: Spreading Wattle, Australian Bindweed and Narrow-leaved Geebung Images by Kristine Gow We have been in contact with FOG, the ACT-based Friends of Grasslands group, and we are using their excellent publication ‘Woodland Flora’. This valuable field guide can be obtained by contacting Sarah Sharp at [email protected] Members who would like a copy of the BLSH ‘Long Paddock Project Guideline Manual’ which includes all the survey results, or who would like to be added to the list of members who are advised when the next round of counts is to be undertaken, should contact me at [email protected]

Outing to “Simon’s Site” to Remember a Com- mittee Member and Friend. Report by Col Kohlhagen In May 2019, BLSH lost a valued committee member and BirdLife advocate when Simon Robinson passed away. Simon had joined our group in 2009, a short time after it was formed, and came onto the Management Committee three years later, becoming our Conservation Officer the following year. It was an honour to be invited by his family to represent BLSH and speak at his Memorial Service and I was able to share memories of his vast store of avian knowledge, his readiness to share this knowledge, his considerable contribution to the development of our group and above all else, his friendship. We spent a considerable amount of time birdwatching together locally and as far afield as the Flinders Ranges. The last occasion we birded together as a team was in early April, only a few days before his health took a drastic turn for the worse. This field trip was on a private property at Sutton Forest where we had commenced regular seasonal bird counts in 2015. The property boasted a large perma- nent wetland, and several hectares of farmland on parts of which native trees and shrubs have been planted. Simon’s death triggered a search for a practical and appropriate way to honour his memory. With the blessing of Simon’s wife, Sally, and the owners of the property, Kim and Peter Martin, the Birdata Records for this property were extracted from Simon’s personal Birdata Account which is no longer active. This enabled the creation of a discreet Birdata Record for the property to be managed by BLSH, and to be known as Simon’s Site , carrying the password, 23may2019. Quarterly embedded Birdata surveys are conducted in February, May, August and November. Using the Birdata computer-based recording system, two records can be created simultaneously. Unfortu- nately, this type of record cannot be created on Birdata’s popular Mobile Phone App. The birds count-

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ed inside the Red Polygon [Wetland] create a Two Hectare-20 Minute Search Record while the birds counted inside the Orange Circle are recorded as a 500 Metre Area Search. A maximum of 20 minutes is spent surveying the central wetland while sightings before, during and after this part of the bird count make up the 500metre area search record. A small team of BLSH members who had worked closely with Simon has continued to undertake these seasonal bird counts, and on the exact date of his passing, the Management Committee participated in an initial BLSH group outing at the site. It is hoped that BLSH will continue to conduct bird counts at this property well into the future, and with the owner’s agreement, a visit to this site might occasionally become part of the BLSH Annual Outing Program, open to all members. Thus far, the bird list for this property stands at over 70, with an eclectic mix of waterbirds, wad- ers and woodland birds. This first group visit on 23 May revealed the following species: Black Swan, Australian Wood Duck, Purple Swamphen, Embedded Birdata Bird Count at Simon’s Site Masked Lapwing, Crimson Rosella, Noisy Miner, Striated Thornbill, Brown Thornbill, Grey Fantail, Australian Magpie, Pied Currawong, Grey Butcher- bird, Little Raven, Magpie-lark, Superb Fairy-wren, Satin Bowerbird, Common Blackbird, Laughing

Kookaburra and very fittingly, Simon’s favourite bird, the Eastern Rosella. Pictures and Sounds from a Lyrebird Nest. By Michael and Sarah Guppy. (Note– ethical birding guidelines have been followed in conducting this study. Editor) We found the nest on 16 June, 2020. It is about 3m high, in the fork of a spotted gum, supported by the tree and an orchid, probably Cymbidium suave. When we initially inspected it we didn’t think it was finished, as there was very little lining inside, and no egg. But we put a camera up the same day to see what was going on. Because the nest is on a track used by trail bikes during the weekend we taped off the track at both ends. We put up a sign asking them to avoid the track for the time being as there was a Superb Lyrebird nest on it. To their credit, they have avoid- ed the track up until now. We are impressed! Nothing happened until 8 July, when the bird flew off as we went to check the camera. There was an egg in the nest. Some leaf movement after a trigger on 6 July suggests that the bird might have visited the nest that day, and laid the egg. But that is only a guess. Since 8 July we have been getting regular pictures each day and night and can make several com- Camera on the nest

August 2020 10 ments about her behaviour, as of 18 July. 1.We have only caught her coming onto the nest twice, and she probably comes onto the nest at

Bird entering the nest least three times every 24 hours. There are some unexplained triggers, but these are not accompanied by moving leaves or fronds of the orchid, which are very sensitive to any sort of disturbance. So somehow she comes onto the nest very quickly, without triggering the camera. This of course is cru- cial in terms of concealing the existence of a nest. 2. We catch her coming off the nest in the morning, often, between 0630 and 0700, as she slowly comes out of the hole before taking off. But we have only once caught some blurred tail feathers as

Bird leaving the nest she actually leaves the nest. We rarely see her leaving the nest during the day. So coming and going is an extremely fast business. 3. Most of the pictures are of her moving inside the nest, at night. So she is rotating the egg, or

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Bird inside the nest Sound recorder in a plastic bag on top of the nest. simply rearranging her position, or getting her tail more comfortable, which must be curled up along the roof of the nest. 4. She is probably on the nest during all the hours of darkness, but during the day she seems to frequently be off the nest, especially between 0730 and 1400. We now have a sound recorder on the nest as well. This may tell us when she comes and goes, we may be able to hear the sound of her rotating the egg (bill on eggshell), and we should hear any vocalisations that occur when she is on the nest. These vocalisations could be her ‘talking to herself’, or might be her communicating with the chick while it is still in the egg; this is known to occur in other bird species.

Galapagos Islands By Nigel Hartley People often ask us, if there was one place you would return to, where would it be, and although my heart is in Africa, it would be very hard to go past the Galapagos Islands. The Islands are a natural- ists paradise, backed up to a laser-like focus on sustainability. Where else in the world can you observe penguins in the mangroves, swim and snorkel with marine iguanas, and observe Darwin’s inspiration for his theory of evolution? The good ship Cachalote We visited Galapagos, a province of Ecuador approximately 1,000 kms west of the mainland of South America, in August 2013. There are two classic trips around Galapagos, both by boat, first a circum- navigation of the main islands, including Santa Cruz, and Isabela, and second an exploration of the satellite islands. Our choice was the more standard visit to the main islands, and our choice of vessel was a schooner called Cachalote which took only 16 guests, a great number for this exploration. Before we even left the airport we were observ- ing “Darwin’s finches” in the rafters of the arrival lounge, though with binoculars and cameras packed they remained a mystery for the time being. Our first port of call was Santa Cruz island, and here the focus was the Galapagos Giant Tortoise, of which there are about 12 species remaining. Lonesome George who lived to be at least 100, was not from Santa Cruz, but was very much in our minds when we spotted these lumbering gi- ants. The good ship Cachalote

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After a brief visit to Sombrero China Island, where we visited a fish market complete with very much alive pelicans, lava gulls, and sea lions, we found our way to Isabela, which we spent the next 4 days circumnavigating. Our guide was rather shocked when we found Woodpecker Finches eating guavas. These finches are famous for using tools to get into their favourite seeds but with the introduction of guava to the island they were able to enjoy their food without any help from twigs.

Woodpecker Finch feeding on guavas Seeing Galapagos Penguins in the mangrove area was unique. We enjoyed magnificent snorkelling several times a day, and although the water was quite chilly this was soon forgotten as we swam with sea lions, marine iguanas, pelicans and even penguins. Later on in the trip we saw our first Large-billed Ground Finch. This was one of the rarer of the 17 endemic species of “Darwin’s Finches” that are all endemic to the Galapagos, though many are limited to the outer islands which were not in our itinerary.

Wedge-rumped Storm Petrel

Large-billed Ground Finch

As well as the endemic land birds we enjoyed great views of the seabirds around the islands, including Eliot’s and Wedge-rumped Storm petrels, Galapagos Petrels and Galapagos Shearwaters. One of the best known birds of the Galapagos is the Flightless Cormorant, and we found these off a small island called Fernandina off the west coast of Isabela. Flightless Cormorant

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As we moved past Isabela to James Island, one of the highlights of the whole trip was a sighting of a pod of Orcas, surrounded by a myriad of seabirds including many Magnificent Frigatebirds.

As the trip neared its conclusion we sailed to North Seymour Island, where an early morning visit drew a treasure trove of special birds.

Greater Frigatebird Swallow-tailed Gull

Greater Frigatebirds were stretching in the early morning mist, and in the same area we saw Swallow- tailed Gulls, the world’s only nocturnal gull, which preys on squid for its evening feeds. Finally, and not for the first time on the trip, we had wonderful views of Blue-footed Boo- bies before we left the island to catch our flight from Baltra Is- land, replete from one of the most stunning holidays ever.

Blue-footed Boobies

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NARRIEARRA – from private property to proposed National Park. By Peter Madvig Many of you will have seen recently on the ABC and elsewhere, that our State Govern- ment have purchased the huge private property, Narriearra Station, covering more than 150,000 hectares up in the NW of the state, and will designate it as a National Park. Like me, no doubt you are delighted with this pro- spect for such an outback property. Howev- er, I have actually been there! But first, allow me to quote from the ABC: - “It’s the vast embodi- ment of outback beauty and heartbreak – a sweeping western NSW cattle station that is, by turns, arid no-man’s land and lush waterbird haven, home to ancient indigenous artefacts, the ghostly trail of Burke and Wills and now, the nation’s new- est national park. ….The area is home to 25 threatened species and valuable wetlands. ‘It can be very good and then it can be vile’….’nature wasn’t always kind’, said Bill O’Connor, 84, owner of Nar- riearra station…. With nearby Sturt National Park, Narriearra will create a conservation area close to half a million hectares…. – it sits in the north-west corner of the state, with the dog-proof fence of the NSW- Queensland border forming its northern boundary.” So, in late August and into September, 2008, I was fortunate enough to accompany two friends up to this area. Apart from exciting scenery to be seen, we were of course targeting various bird species. We travelled from Sydney to Nyngan to Bourke, spending the first night in a cabin at Kidman’s Camp in North Bourke. Next day we travelled east to west through Wanarring and to Sturt N.P. East, staying a couple of nights at the wonderful Mount Wood Homestead, available from the Sturt N.P. office. The honeyeaters on the way, feasting on flowering Eremophila, included Black and Pied, and to name just some of the other birds seen en route: Spotted Bowerbird, Emu, Mallee Ringneck, Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo, Blue Bonnet, Wedge- tailed Eagle, Chestnut-crowned Babbler, Red- capped Robin, Southern Whiteface, Crested Bell- bird, Crimson Chat, and Banded Plover with chicks. Next day’s outing into Sturt N.P. gave us three roo species, Grey/Red/ Euro. Lunch was on the Gibber- plain with views of flat-topped hills called ‘Jump

Pied Honeyeater

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ups’, and we had a great look at a male, Gibber-

bird. Good to compare against Orange Chats, also seen on the trip. A Grey Falcon didn’t hang about when we flushed it around a bend. The Cinnamon Quail-thrush are to die for, and Red- backed Kingfishers not scarce. Heavy showers overnight had us concerned for our trip on the Narriearra Station tracks, which our 4WD handled ok, picking up lots of mud – but owner Bill O’Connor gave us a very kind welcome! We proceeded up to the Adelaide Gate section on the dog-fence, camping just below and close to a Lignum ‘swamp’ – where we hoped to find our #1 target species, the elusive Grey Grasswren! Walking about after camp was established and the next day, we did however Gibberbird enjoy my first Redthroat (a male was singing his heart out)! White-winged Fairywrens and Chirruping Wedgebills, more Pied Honeyeaters, Orange Chats, Cockatiels, three species of woodswallow, Black and Singing Honeyeaters, all enjoyable – but alas, no Grasswren! We eventually made for Tibooburra and a motel, with an ale enjoyed at ‘the local’. Up to Cameron Corner, where NSW/SA/QLD all meet. Along the road into SA, which went up and

Dog Fence Peter in Tibooburra with the replica of Sturt’s whaler boat down, the red sand dunes were like enormous, parallel waves, covered in Spinifex and Cane grass. Having a long antenna on your car with a pennant atop to warn other vehicles of your approach on the narrow, rollercoaster type road is a must! We were passed by lots of vehicles heading for the Birdsville Races! Zebra Finches here, and the lovely, White-backed Swallows showed well. Fascinating exploring the dunes, to which we returned the following day, eventually driving all the way to Merti Merti, climbing up onto the large dune situated here, seeing Australian Pratincole on the way. Up here we were rewarded by sightings of darting, Eyrean Grasswrens! On our last morning, spent again in Sturt N.P., we encountered a pair of Budgerigar, and surprisingly, a super flock of Blue-winged Parrots – shows how far north they migrate! Our next night was spent in the Opal town of White Cliffs. On our way from Wilcannia to Cobar, we passed a mob of 400+ Red- tailed Cockatoos feeding in a paddock…quite a site! Cobar had a self-service carwash, where we were finally able to rid the car of all the mud, using pressure hoses. Overnight Nyngan, then home. Stats: 3.450km trip, 106 birds for me, 5 lifers.

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Fairy-wren Discussions Photo by Trevor Vale

Following a request from Trevor Vale to help identify the photo he took of a fairy-wren a discussion resulted that I thought would be of interest. If these two very experienced birders can’t agree on an identification what hope have the rest of us! (I have checked with each of the parties involved that their responses may be printed.) Editor. Trevor- Grateful for an identification of a Fairy-wren (image attached). The upright blue tail and some blue colouration on the wings would suggest a non-breeding male or an Eastern Australian variation of the Splendid Fairy-wren. The literature is a little confusing and it may just be a good looking Su- perb Fairy-wren. The photo was taken near the Pejar Dam outside Goulburn. Peter Madvig- In my humble opinion….the most eastern form of the Splendid FW wouldn’t come this far East, and they are Mallee and Mulga birds…. Round Hill/Nombinee near Lake Cargelligo the clos- est. Blue tail like that and dark lores points to Variegated FW, either in eclipse or probably a female! What a super photo, by the way! Peter Dewey- Can’t resist the temptation to add my six penny worth. Firstly a great image. Its geography limits the discussion to superb or variegated and I will plumb for superb. Based on the white collar, the deep blue of the under tail and the white tips and the lack of a well defined total eyering. I will opine an eclipse male Superb Fairy wren. He later added two further points. The eye ring on the VFW is stressed in many guide books and one thing I did not mention as it was not really applicable on the photo is that the VFW has a much longer tail than the SFW.

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Photo by Erna Llenore Another discussion also involving Peter Dewey arose after Erna Llenore sent him this photo. Edi- tor Erna- This one gets the ‘weirdest sighting of the day’ award. It seems to be a Superb Fairy-wren with NO tail. We watched this little guy for quite some time and we’re both 100% confident that he DID NOT HAVE A TAIL! What’s the story? Would they shed all their tail feathers at once? Has he had a nasty accident? What’s your theory? Peter- He is not weird. He is a Superb Fairy-wren going into adult male plumage and has lost his tail feathers as part of the deal and these will grow to magnificent prominence over the next ten days. It is common for all tail flight or tail feathers to moult at once, particularly in waterbirds but in many other species as well

Bird Tales Brown Quail by Jim Luck

Many years ago I had a Labrador who would always go on point whenever there was a quail around. We startled one walking in the paddock, so trusting the dog to let me know when we were close I focused the camera to about three metres away and held the camera against my chest and walked toward where the bird landed. When the bird flushed I turned towards it and pressed the trigger. The fact that the bird is in the frame and is in focus is just chance but it is still one of my favourite photos.

There's no hiding from a thermal imaging camera by Julie Sheppard NPA Macarthur has recently used grant funding to purchase a thermal imaging camera, mainly to find and track our local koalas. The camera is a handheld thermal camera and cost just over $3,000 not nearly as good as the photographs taken from really expensive drones which cost at least $40,000 but it will pick up animals such as sugar gliders, koalas etc. Results so far have been excellent, with the camera showing up even tiny thornbills asleep in low shrubs.

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Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoo visitor by Linda Hoelle Early on a frosty July morning, I heard the screech of a Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoo. It sounded close, so I grabbed my camera and headed outside to see where it might be. Upon opening the door, a male black cocky and I were staring at each other! Oops! He was perched on top of a banksia about 5 metres away in our garden. I slowly closed the door and raced to a win- dow. Yes-s-s, he was still there and calling soft- ly. Within minutes his mate arrived. This was the fifth time since early April that a pair of Yellow- tailed Black-cockies had come into our garden to feed on the old cones of two banksias and the new flowers of a nearby protea. The previous visit was early June, so we were not expecting them back. Most of the old banksia cones are defi- nitely gone now, but there are a few protea buds left!

Double-barred Finches by Jennie Wiles These finches have become my favourite bird. They are so charismatic with such distinctive calls. During the drought of 2019 some Double-barred Finches started to visit my birdbath. I had seen them previously down the road but I presume all available natural sources of water had dried up. Af- ter the December 2020 fires I started putting out seed for the finches which was quickly consumed by them. In fact they seem to have an insatiable appetite. In February 2019 the finches bred at my place. At first a family of six was seen but the next day there were nine at the birdbath. This year there have been a number of attempts at breeding. Two nests were built in a standard rose but these attempts were discontinued. In April they built a nest in a tea-tree in the front garden. By 12 April there were baby noises coming from the nest. From where I have a cuppa on the verandah I could watch their comings and goings. Again this nesting attempt seemed unsuccessful unfortunately, although by April 19 there The latest young Double-barred Finch with duller, browner were 11 Double-barred Finches in the tones and less distinct bands. backyard. They hadn’t finished yet though. Directly beside the first nest another was constructed. These two nests have seen birds coming and going at various times over the last few months. It was hard to keep track of what was going on. On 3 July I saw 2 young being fed. On 13 July there were 12 at the bird bath. It seems that if I continue feeding they continue breeding! Despite these two nests now looking quite decrepit the finches are seen gathering there still each day. Any one got any ideas why?

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South Island Oystercatcher Written by Jennie Wiles, photos by Nigel Hartley Nigel contacted me to see if I was heading down to the south coast because he had just been down to Broulee for a day drive to photograph the vagrant South Island Oystercatcher. Nigel found it just where it had been reported, took his photos, had a cup of coffee at Mossy Cafe and drove home. As it

happened I was visiting the area a day or two later. I returned on five occasions, at different times of day, different tides and slightly different locations. No luck. Obviously I don’t have the twitcher’s gene like Nigel. Book Review Birds of Mayakoba Reviewed by Sue Hawick Birds of Mayakoba was published for Earth Day 2014 and features the spectacular photography of James Batt. The book was left behind after a BirdLife South- ern Highlands meeting so I took it home for safe keeping and what a jewel. While an overseas birding trip is not on the horizon, reading about excellent birding spots is a great activity in isolation. Mayakoba is a resort on the Yucatan peninsula of Mexico. From the inception the development was to be sustainable and environmentally friendly so along- side architects and engineers were biologists. It co- vers a square mile and has varied habitats from beach to dunes and mangroves and jungle with wide expanses of water. The boats are electrically powered and sit well with the unwritten contract between people and the wildlife: “If we are quiet and do not disturb them, they will go about their lives permitting us to observe them in a way that is almost unique.” The book is being shared around members so we can dream of one day taking a birding trip to Mexi- co. The cover features a Northern Jacana and the photographs are of over 60 birds.

New Members We welcome the following people who have joined recently- Peter Henderson Elizabeth Atkin

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Glossy Black-Cockatoo ID Project – Central Corridor By Erna Llenore and Linda Hoelle on behalf of the Glossy ID team No doubt you’ll be relieved to know that coronavirus has not stopped the Glossy Black-Cockatoo ID project! The team has been continuing to beaver away, applying their meticulous forensic skills to this challenging task. The Great Western Wildlife Corridor has been divided into three sections for the project: North: Bullio South: Windellama Us: All the rest! (aka Central Corridor). Some numbers from the Central Corridor so far: 46 - flossies (our affectionate name for female glossies) have been photographed in our region since the project began early last year. 29 - of those have good, clear photos of both sides. You may remember that female glossies have individual face and neck markings. Unfortunately these are not symmetrical, so we need both sides to be truly confident of an individual ID. 12 - the age of our youngest contributor. 2 - the number of glossies we can account for with each flossy photo. Flossies are always accompanied by a male, so we get two for the price of one! 1 flossy, Winifred, has been photographed in Mittagong and then in Penrose two months later. 1 gal, Quiggy (beloved of the paparazzi) has been photographed on six separate occasions! 9 members of Birdlife Southern Highlands have contributed photographs – thank you all! 30 – the number of sightings with photos reported by members of BLSH. 1 flossy, Sunset, was photographed by Jennie Wiles at her home the day before the bushfire went through her property. To our great relief Sunset was photographed by another photographer only a few days later. Phew! Reporting sightings: The numbers above reflect sightings with accom- panying photographs. However the team are keen to hear about ALL sightings, with or without photographs. Glossies have recently been reported in Penrose, Colo Vale and on Gibbergunyah. We’d love some more photos of these and other birds, so please get out there and find some more for us! We have it on good authority that there’s very little coronavirus in the bush To report sightings simply google Glossies in the Mist. The webpage comes up immediately. You can load a photo with your report, but if you have multiple photos contact our team at: [email protected] to arrange uploading. Sunset photo by Jennie Wiles Thank you

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Worth a Look 1.BirdLife Australia Birding at Home live video series https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=- s3FWhdH5Bs&list=PLphngmnfixZ5ACQKueHgukWvg3W9mHk3t&index=1 Titles include Episode 1- Backyard Birding for Beginners with Sean Dooley Episode 2- Parrots in your backyard with Dean Ingwersen Episode 3– Cool Birds of the Top End with Amanda Lilleyman Episode 4– Creating Bird Friendly Gardens with Dr Holly Parsons Episode 5– Migratory Shorebirds connect our world with Milly Formby Episode 6- Noises in the Night presented by Dr Beth Mott Episode 7– Birds of Bruny Island and Tasmania presented by Cat Davidson Episode 8– The Lyrebird Project by Sean Dooley Episode 9– Black-Cockatoos of SE Australia with Daniella Teixeira Episode 10– Floating Roost Trials with Chris Purnell

2. A Crow named 007 - Intelligence of animals - BBC Episode 2 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=23S8PatR9Cg

3. Threatened Bitterns flock to Riverina rice fields - Website - Local Land Services https://www.lls.nsw.gov.au/regions/riverina/latest-news-and-newsletters/r- news/2020/threatened-bitterns-flock-to-riverina-rice-fields

4. World Albatross Day 2020 - In case you missed it

https://www.birdlife.org/worldwide/news/world- albatross-day-2020-case-you-missed-it? utm_source=BirdLife+International+News+Notifications&utm_campaign=9f348d796 4-Summary_news_notification&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_4122f13b8a- 9f348d7964-133920281&mc_cid=9f348d7964&mc_eid=d56ed66f98

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Members’ Photography

This edition’s theme is ‘anything goes’. OR Paddy Donkin has also made a suggestion of a photo taken of ‘the most difficult bird to photograph’. The next is ‘funny face’ or any photo you would like to share.

Red-backed Fairy-wren at Carnarvon Gorge N.P. by Australian Bustard on the road out of Carnarvon Linda Brookes Gorge by Linda Brookes

Little Wattlebird by Alan Edwards

Both show the numerous nests in derelict towers on the Nullarbor Plain. A Nankeen Kestrel flew into the lower nest on the tower in the second image. I took both photos from the Indian Pacific. By Linda Hoelle

Varied Sittella-first seen on 1 January,1985, first photographed 20 June 2020…over 35 years! by Nigel Hartley

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Pallid Cuckoo by Nigel Hartley

A Little Grassbird taken amongst the Samphire in the Peel area of WA. Very elusive but quite common by Pad- dy Donkin.

Striated Heron, consolation prize for not seeing the South Island Oystercatcher by Jennie Wiles

Newsletter contributions BLSH Committee If you would like to contribute an article to the newsletter, please contact Jennie President Nigel Hartley Wiles at [email protected] Liaison Officer Conservation Officer Christine Kelly Articles can be on any aspect of birding, Program Peter Madvig or issue related to birding, that may interest other members. Photos, in jpeg for- Treasurer Nigel Hartley mat, are also very welcome. Minutes Sue Hawick Newsletter & Website Jennie Wiles If you’d like your images to go to the Im- Project Officer Col Kohlhagen age Library for BLSH use, please email [email protected] Committee support Helen Saville Jenny Murray The deadline for the next issue is Val Cooper October 20 2020 Birdata Records Sandy Berry Support Roles- Membership Erna Llenore Image Library Helen Erskine