TRIP REPORT: EASTERN AUSTRALIA, TOP TO BOTTOM

DATES: 12-29 OCTOBER 2011

GUIDE AND PHOTOS: NICK LESEBERG

During the weeks leading up to this trip, I was sweating; with loads of rain falling throughout Australia this year, conditions had been set for an epic breeding season. Birds that rely on these conditions to breed further inland before pushing to the coast for spring, had been thin on the ground last year, but this year reports had already started trickling in as early as August of all manner of unusual species being sighted along the east coast. As the trip got closer and the reports kept coming in, I was starting to worry. Would the birds hang around until we got there?

I needn’t have worried! This tour turned into one of those brilliant trips where the birds keep popping up in front of you. Right from our first afternoon in Cairns through to our finish in Tasmania, we were adding piles of new birds each day, including some of Australia’s most spectacular species. The list of favourites was long, but in the end got narrowed down to three fantastic birds. The winner by a nose was Noisy Pitta, a bird we see each year, but which rarely puts on a show like it did on this trip. Instead of fleeting glimpses of this shy jewel of the rainforest, we got walk-away views as a bird sat and preened in the ‘scope for a good ten minutes. The runners-up were Plains-wanderer, and one of my personal favourites, the gorgeous little Splendid Fairywren, while honourable mentions went to the dashing male Victoria’s Riflebird, an immaculate pair of Inland You know it has been a good tour when the Southern Cassowary doesn’t even make the Dotterels, the gaudy Rainbow Lorikeet, shortlist for bird of the trip! and a fantastic Pink Robin. In short, it was an incredible trip! www.tropicalbirding.com Page 1 of 43

Day 1: Wednesday, 12 th October 2011 – Arrival in Cairns.

One of the great things about this trip, and one of aspects which makes it both a challenge and a joy to guide, is the sheer number of birds that can be seen. There is no down time on an Australia trip, and right from the get-go you need to be out trying to add birds to your list. There are birds you see on the first day that you may not see again, and our first afternoon in Cairns was no different.

We decided to start at the Cairns Botanical Gardens with a walk through to Centenary Lakes, and the list got off to a healthy start. The first bird seen on getting out of the bus was a dashing Barred Cuckoo-Shrike , and within minutes we’d added Little Bronze-Cuckoo and Green Oriole . I was very happy with the start! Moving through the gardens we picked up our first megapodes, a new family for most, with both Orange-footed Scrubfowl and Australian Brush-Turkey .

Continuing through the gardens we picked up the ubiquitous Willie-wagtail , including one bird on a nest, and as Rainbow Bee-eaters floated overhead, a Buff-banded Rail was spotted bathing on the opposite side of the lake. Everyone was keen to pick up a few honeyeaters, a family that reaches their greatest diversity in Australia, and we had soon found Helmeted Friarbird , Brown-backed , Yellow , Dusky and Brown Honeyeaters . Meanwhile, a Brush Cuckoo called from the canopy but wouldn’t move into the open, while a menacing Black Butcherbird showed off its impressive bill.

We eventually dragged ourselves away from the gardens to our next stop, Cattana Wetlands. Here our target was the beautiful little Crimson Finch , and we didn’t have to search long before turning up a small party of these adorable birds.

The Rainbow Bee -eater is quite common A White-browed Crake played games with us throughout eastern Australia during the before eventually giving good views as it foraged southern spring. along a muddy edge, while out on the lake Green Pygmy-Geese chugged around like rubber ducks. Finally, much to a few people’s relief, we were all able to get close views of a striking male Olive-backed Sunbird before he whizzed off.

Leaving the wetlands it was off to Cairns Esplanade, one of Australia’s premier sites for waders. There are other birds here too, and we picked up Varied Honeyeater , Torresian www.tropicalbirding.com Page 2 of 43

Imperial-Pigeon and Collared Kingfisher before eventually getting the ‘scope onto the waders. It was a low tide so the birds were very spread out, but we were able to find a good selection including Terek , Sharp-tailed and Curlew Sandpiper , Gray-tailed Tattler , Great and Red Knot , Red-necked Stint , Bar-tailed and Black-tailed Godwits , plus Whimbrel and Far Eastern Curlew . Whew! On that note we called it a day, with nearly 75 species in just a few hours a good way to start the trip.

Day 2: Thursday, 13 th October 2011 – Michaelmas Cay and Kuranda.

This morning we would be boarding a boat for our trip out to Michaelmas Cay and the Great Barrier Reef, but first we made a stop in a suburban park to watch the noisy antics of a Spectacled Flying-fox colony. After making it to the wharf and boarding our boat, the trip out to the cay was relatively uneventful with just a couple of new birds, including an Osprey sitting on a navigation beacon as we passed nearby.

Approaching Michaelmas Cay, a low, sandy island barely a few hundred yards long and not even one hundred yards across, we could already see thousands of seabirds both sitting on the sand, and wheeling around in the blue sky. A quick look revealed mostly noddies, terns and even a few majestic frigatebirds soaring gracefully overhead. We picked up a couple of Red-footed Boobies before jumping in the little tender that took us to shore, where we were soon surrounded by a cacophony of breeding Sooty Terns , Brown Noddies and a few Brown Boobies .

There were several Brown Boobies on the island, including a couple with chicks. www.tropicalbirding.com Page 3 of 43

While the boobies were obvious, we had to watch carefully before we picked up a couple of Black-naped Terns which were mostly resting on the other side of the island. Great and lesser was a theme, with both Greater and Lesser Crested Terns resting on the beach, while Great and Lesser Frigatebirds were identified overhead. Jumping back in the tender and cruising around the island allowed us find a couple of Roseate Terns and a white-morph Pacific Reef-Heron to round out our list for the cay.

We boarded our main boat again, enjoying a delicious buffet style lunch as we cruised over to Hastings Reef, our next destination. Here a pair of Bridled Terns greeted us from the very buoy we would tie up to, while a few Little Terns were resting on a nearby boat. The next couple of hours were spent enjoying one of the most amazing natural wonders of the world, the Great Barrier Reef. Whether snorkelling or going for a trundle in the glass-bottomed boat, the reef is a sight to behold, with fish and coral of all different shapes and sizes, in a kaleidoscope of colour. It is sometimes hard to know where to look, as the angelfish, parrotfish and clownfish all dart around below the surface.

Blue -faced Angelfish. No, I haven’t made a I think we fo und Nemo - a Great Barrier mistake in photoshop, it really is that blue! Reef Anemonefish. With our retinas burning from the explosion of colour below the water, we pulled up anchor and returned to Cairns, where you could be excused for thinking our long day was over. Not quite. A phone call from Sue Gregory at Cassowary House had us roaring up to Kuranda, where we were hoping to connect with that incredible bird on the front page of this report – Southern Cassowary. The birds had not been as reliable this year as in the past, with the male away on eggs, and the female only visiting occasionally. She had arrived this afternoon though, and knowing we were on our way, Sue had given us a courtesy call to say we should hurry up! We weren’t disappointed. After a nervous 30 minutes of driving, wondering if the bird would stay around, we hurried to the front veranda and rejoiced as we all came face-to- face with an immense female Southern Cassowary . As usual she was completely unperturbed by our presence, and we spent a good half-hour enjoying this prehistoric, reptilian-looking bird, surely one of Australia’s best. With broad smiles we finally headed off for dinner and a couple of celebratory beers.

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Day 3: Friday, 14 th October 2011 – Cassowary House, Kuranda to Red Mill House, Daintree.

Today was a big day of birding, and it got off to a cracking start as we made our way along Black Mountain Rd, near Cassowary House. One of the first birds we saw was a beautiful Gray Goshawk , which although nesting over the road, still proved to be quite shy. Moving down the road we started to pick up some of the more common rainforest species, with Spectacled Monarch and Rufous Fantail soon on the list, while a Satin Flycatcher was seen briefly, and our first Victoria’s Riflebirds were found feeding quietly in a fruiting tree. A pair of Wompoo Fruit-Doves had everyone digging deep into their sack of superlatives, and a Double-eyed Fig-Parrot was found investigating a small hollow. Birds didn’t hog all the limelight though, and we added a couple of very pretty butterflies to our list, including the stunning blue Ulysses Swallowtail , and Australia’s largest, the Cairns Birdwing .

After a good start to the morning we went back up to the house, where Sue had prepared the obligatory morning feast. The birds kept coming, as we shared our breakfast table with more riflebirds, Spotted Catbirds , Macleay’s Honeyeaters and even a curious Australian Brush-Turkey , while down below Musky Rat- Kangaroos (a tiny relative of the much larger kangaroos we are familiar with) and an Emerald Dove foraged in the garden. Much to our excitement, they were soon joined again by the female cassowary, capping off a fantastic morning in the mid-altitude rainforest of the Wet Tropics.

We eventually dragged ourselves away from Cassowary House and travelled further inland across the Atherton Tableland trying to find some new birds. First cab off the rank was a Another visit from the local Southern delightful little White-browed Robin , then it was Cassowary was welcome. You can’t see off through Mareeba to Lake Mitchell. From the too much of this bird. causeway across the lake we were able to pick up many waterbirds, including a shy Latham’s Snipe , a pair of stately Brolgas , Magpie Geese and Black-necked Stork , Australia’s only representative from that family.

Continuing on to Julatten we made a couple of stops, finding a stunning Yellow-breasted Boatbill , Scarlet Honeyeater , and the forever dopey Northern Fantail - it looks like the other fantails, but behaves like it forgot to have its morning coffee. We also picked up a few more honeyeaters, including White-throated and Blue-faced . With the day heating up, we decided to head down off the tableland and towards the coast, before turning north to www.tropicalbirding.com Page 5 of 43

Daintree Village. We made one stop on the way, picking up a distant Beach Stone-Curlew , before finally pulling in to Red Mill House. After a long day we were happy to relax on the veranda and enjoy the hospitality of Andrew and Trish, who not only looked after us, but got us a Little Kingfisher which came to the pond in their backyard.

Day 4: Saturday, 15 th October 2011 – Daintree River to Mareeba.

One of the highlights of the Wet Tropics section of this trip is always the early morning Daintree River cruise. The birding started before we even left Red Mill House, as a very obliging Superb Fruit-Dove was found sitting quietly in the yard. We made our way down to the jetty, and boarded our boat before heading off. Unfortunately this time because of tides we were forced to head downstream, meaning we would miss Black Bittern and Great-billed Heron, but we made up for it with some other beauties.

Shortly after leaving the dock we had our first of many Shining Flycatchers , including one pair tending a nest. Australian Swiftlets were common overhead, and as we cruised down the river we picked up a crisp adult Rufous Night-Heron , sitting quietly among some mangrove roots.

Moving down a narrow passage there were quite a few Large-billed Gerygones , many in the process of building their hanging nests, while our guide Mick took us to a knothole where after a few minutes waiting we got great views of a pair of Double- eyed Fig-Parrots in the process of nest-excavating. Mick then skilfully manoeuvred the boat on the narrow tributary, allowing as to focus on a small plump bird sitting quietly in the canopy; it was an absolutely cracking Rose-crowned Fruit-Dove . Back on the main river we hit a spot for Mangrove Robin , with most of us getting a brief view as the bird flew across the river, followed soon after by a gorgeous Azure Kingfisher , which allowed close We found a couple of these cute little approach. Azure Kingfishers as we cruised the

river. We made our way slowly back to the jetty without adding anything new except a Striated Heron , then all too soon our trip was over and it was back to Red Mill for a breakfast feast. Following breakfast Andrew took us out to a spot he knew about, and armed with some up- to-the-minute gen from one of his local spies, we started searching for an early arrival. After 20 minutes without luck, we finally heard the call, and minutes later were rewarded with ‘scope views of one of Australia’s more spectacular birds, a Buff-breasted Paradise- www.tropicalbirding.com Page 6 of 43

Kingfisher . An annual migrant from Papua New Guinea, this bird had literally arrived that morning. We were the first people to report seeing this bird in Australia this year, so many thanks to Andrew for his work! The morning’s birding wasn’t over though, as we heard but didn’t see Noisy Pitta , then picked up our first Bush Thick-knees for the trip. With more help from Andrew’s spies we were soon watching a nesting Papuan Frogmouth , after which we called it a morning and headed back to Red Mill.

With a long morning already behind us, we had a short break to enjoy the last of Andrew and Trish’s company before I had to herd everyone back to the bus, explaining that as much as we would like to we couldn’t spend the next two weeks at Red Mill House. It is a hard place to leave! We returned south, stopping at a small wetland to get a few waders including Pacific Golden-Plover and Marsh Sandpiper , then it was An incubating Papuan Frogmouth we found thanks to back up onto the tableland and Andrew from Red Mill House. into the teeth of some gathering storm clouds.

We made a stop at an area of dry open woodland, and were rewarded with a few new birds, including Lemon-bellied Flycatcher and Blue-winged Kookaburra . Some high-pitched calls alerted us to a group of small secretive birds working their way towards us, and after remaining frustratingly hidden, they eventually popped out into the open, giving us great views of a beautiful male Lovely Fairywren . These fantastic birds had a few people going gooey, and one person was already declaring it bird of the trip! I didn’t disagree; not a guide’s favourite, this little bird can be tough to find, but it’s easy to see why it’s a popular favourite. Fortunately we had seen it just in time, as right at that moment the heavens chose to open, sending us all running back to the van. It was late on a long day, so we chose that moment to call it quits and head home for a well earned beer.

Day 5: Sunday, 16 th October 2011 – Mount Lewis and southern Atherton Tableland.

Top of everyone’s wanted list in the Wet Tropics are the highland rainforest endemics, so this morning we set out for Mount Lewis, where we would do our best to track them all down. We weren’t disappointed, and ended up enjoying a fantastic morning at this great birding spot.

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We had barely gone halfway up the mountain, when a couple of Chowchillas scurried off the road, sending us flying out of the van for better looks. Unfortunately they didn’t hang around, but it proved to be a fortuitous stop, as a very vocal Fernwren started calling nearby, and was easily brought in by a poor imitation of his call. Still, they are a shy bird and rather than sit up, he continued to stay close to the ground. Most of us got reasonable looks eventually, but it was tough. Back in the van we continued up the mountain, soon stopping again for more Chowchillas . These ones were much more obliging, and using the van as a makeshift hide, we got very close looks at a family party of these charismatic birds, foraging actively in the leaf litter.

On arrival at the top of the mountain, we barely moved twenty metres after getting out of the van, with all the birds coming to us. We had soon picked up Atherton Scrubwren , Mountain Thornbill , Bridled Honeyeater , and a dashing male Golden Whistler , while Shining Bronze-Cuckoos called nearby, Yellow-throated Scrubwrens foraged in the undergrowth and a party of Red-browed Firetails moved through the long grass. A large bird in the canopy soon turned into a Tooth-billed Catbird , another Wet Tropics endemic, while moving into the forest allowed us to find Bower’s Shrike-Thrush , another Fernwren , and several very confiding Gray-headed Robins.

With all our targets in the bag, we headed back down the mountain and birded a couple of sites around Julatten. We found two new mammals for the trip, with a very friendly Red- legged Pademelon allowing close approach, while a less-friendly Agile Wallaby was seen bounding away across a field. Bird-wise the highlight was definitely a Barking Owl , which after flushing from its day roost, perched up and gave us prolonged views through the ‘scope. With things heating up, we decided to finish for the morning and have a break before our afternoon session.

The afternoon saw us travelling south, to bird a few spots at the southern end of the Atherton Tableland. Our first quick stop produced a Cotton Pygmy-Goose , while our second stop was looking over a ploughed field, where hundreds of graceful Sarus Cranes were striding about. After a short search we got a few Australian Pratincoles hawking over some more fields, before moving on to The Curtain Fig. Worth a look for the impressive fig tree alone, we found some good birds too, with a few Topknot Pigeons showing well, before a delightful Pied Monarch came in and foraged at eye-level.

One of my favourite endemics from the Wet Tropics, Pied Monarch. www.tropicalbirding.com Page 8 of 43

Dragging ourselves away we continued on to Hastie’s Swamp where we sifted through thousands of waterbirds to find a few good ones, including Australasian Grebe , another Buff-banded Rail , several Comb-crested Jacanas , hundreds of Purple Swamphens , and our first Pacific Heron . With the day over we turned for home, but had one last surprise as we approached Mareeba. A flock of majestic Red-tailed Black-Cockatoos flew overhead, and as we stopped to have a look, realised we were in the middle of a huge group of these birds. Surrounded by a cacophony of mournful wails as the birds prepared to roost for the night we enjoyed fantastic views of a fantastic bird, a great way to finish the day.

We saw a large flock of these majestic Red-tailed Black-Cockatoos coming in to roost on the outskirts of Mareeba. The first two birds with solid red tail panels are males, while the third bird, with yellow and orange barring on the tail panel is a female. Day 6: Monday, 17 th October 2011 – Hurricane Rd to Longlands Gap.

We would be birding some open savannah woodlands this morning, so an early start was necessary to make sure we got our birding in before the sun was too high, and conditions too hot. On arriving at our spot conditions were perfect, with a light breeze and plenty of birds. We quickly added Pale-headed Rosella and a dashing Red-winged Parrot to our list, while a pair of enormous Channel-billed Cuckoos chased each other around, and a Blue- winged Kookaburra sat quietly at the top of a dead snag.

Moving on we came across a party of Apostlebirds , before finding Weebill , Australia’s smallest bird. This was followed by fleeting glimpses for some of a Brown Quail . A pair of www.tropicalbirding.com Page 9 of 43 boisterous Gray-crowned Babblers showed well, while a small flock of Varied Sitellas remained frustratingly distant. By this time things were starting to heat up, but as we moved along the road a bird perched at the top of a tree piqued our interest. It was a kingfisher, and in this dry country there were a couple of possibilities. Jumping out of the van, I confirmed ‘ Red-backed Kingfisher !’ just as it flew off. A couple of minutes later though and it had returned, giving everyone great views of our ninth and last possible species of kingfisher for the trip. While we were watching it though, some movement caught our eye, and before we knew it, right in front of us was a charm of adorable Black-throated Finches , a rare bird, and one I was very happy to get on the list!

Having seen all our targets, we returned to Mount Carbine, where a stop at the local caravan park produced a couple more special birds for us. A cryptic Tawny Frogmouth was found sitting on its nest, with a fluffy white chick poking its head out, while nearby a Great Bowerbird was busy fending off rivals from his elaborate avenue of sticks and twigs. After watching the antics of the bowerbirds for a while we made our final stop for A Tawny Frogmouth with its tiny chick poking out for some the morning along the sun. These guys are always a crowd favourite. famous Maryfarms Road, where after only five minutes of searching we had found three stately Australian Bustards to top off our morning’s efforts.

Our day was far from over though. After a break for lunch we were on our way south again to Mount Hypipamee, where we would be searching for perhaps the most beautiful Wet Tropics endemic, the stunning Golden Bowerbird. The bowerbirds had been late getting started on their bowers this year, and after finding the elaborate construction, we weren’t sure how long we might have to wait to see the star of the show. Incredibly it was only five minutes before some movement down slope caught our eyes, and before we knew it, a dazzling male Golden Bowerbird was in the ‘scope, much to the crowd’s delight!

Coming to the end of our Wet Tropics foray, we only had a couple of birds left to find, but still a few mammals we could add to the list, so we made for Granite Gorge. The first here was easy, as within minutes of getting out of the van we were surrounded by some friendly www.tropicalbirding.com Page 10 of 43 little Mareeba Rock-Wallabies, all eager for a handout. Searching a little further afield produced plenty of Double-barred Finches , and after a bit of worry on the guide’s part, a very tame group of Squatter Pigeons .

Leaving Granite Gorge we had one more mammal tick to find before dinner, so it was back to Yungaburra, where we watched over a small pond and waited for dusk to settle. We weren’t disappointed, as we strained our eyes in the near darkness before a very cute little Platypus came swimming by, half duck, half beaver, spending a good five minutes foraging right in front of us.

Our day wasn’t over though, as we stopped for dinner in Yungaburra before returning to Longlands Gap for some spotlighting. Our target was Lumholtz’s Tree-Kangaroo, which we unfortunately dipped on, but did get several good consolation prizes, with Green and Lemuroid Ringtail Possums , plus several Common Brushtail Possums , along with a Northern Leaf-tailed Gecko . By this time it was late, so we called it quits and We found this Green Ringtail Possum during our returned to Mareeba after a long evening spotlighting at Longlands Gap. but successful day.

Day 7: Tuesday, 18 th October 2011 – Mareeba to Cairns.

We were lucky to have seen most of the birds we needed, as this morning greeted us with torrential rain, and the prospect it would continue for the rest of the day. We packed up the van and got on our way towards Cairns, making a detour past Lake Tinaroo where using a brief gap in the weather, we picked up a White-cheeked Honeyeater along with a few other goodies, like Dollarbird and Red-backed Fairywren . The rain soon started again, so we jumped back in the van and left the tableland, returning to Cairns. We found this White -cheeked Honeyeater feeding on grevillea flowers near Lake Tinaroo. www.tropicalbirding.com Page 11 of 43

With few options in the rain we decided to head for the Esplanade, where some shelters allowed us to watch the waders still feeding on the rising tide. We were able to pick up a couple of new birds, including both Greater and Lesser Sand-Plovers , while Caspian and Common Terns rested on a nearby sandbar. As the heavy rain continued we decided to call an early lunch, in the hope that the afternoon would give us an opportunity to get back out.

The rain didn’t abate, but we headed out anyway, finding ourselves back at Cattana Wetlands. It was a fruitful stop, as we picked up Nutmeg Mannikin , Chestnut-breasted Munia and Tawny Grassbird in light drizzle, but with the rain picking up again, our time birding was limited. As it turned out that would be it for the day for most of us. A short trip in light drizzle to Centenary Lakes picked up Little Kingfisher for someone who had missed it earlier, but otherwise the Wet Tropics section of the trip was over, after a very successful week.

Day 8: Wednesday, 19 th October 2011 – Cairns to O’Reilly’s, Lamington National Park.

We were up early (are you ever up late on a birding trip?) and on our way to the airport, where we caught our flight south to Brisbane. After getting our gear together and heading off, our first stop was an area of mangroves not far from the airport. Within minutes we had one of our target species hopping around right in front of us, a surprisingly friendly Mangrove Honeyeater . Unfortunately our next goal was not as forthcoming, and it took twenty minutes of frustrating cat-and-mouse before we all finally got views of a very shy Mangrove Gerygone . Striped Honeyeater was next on the list, along with Chestnut Teal before we moved off.

Stopping at a small area of rainforest we picked up a couple more new birds for the list, with the highlight being Crested Shrike-tit , before pressing on to our lunch stop. A short wander after lunch produced White- throated Gerygone and a small party of Variegated Fairywrens , a gorgeous bird and new for everyone. As the afternoon was getting on, we decided to move off to O’Reilly’s, where we would still be able to get some birding in before dark. Always a good bird to see, Crested Shrike -tit. www.tropicalbirding.com Page 12 of 43

When climbing up to O’Reilly’s, you often come across Whiptail Wallabies feeding in the grassy woodlands on the lower slopes.

On the way up the mountain we made a couple of stops for some mammal ticks, scoring Red-necked Wallaby and Whiptail (Pretty-faced) Wallaby by the roadside, while a short stop in some eucalypt woodland landed us a few new birds also, with Australian King-Parrot and Striated Thornbill showing well. Continuing up to O’Reilly’s we had barely left the van before being swamped by friendly Crimson Rosellas and Regent Bowerbirds . Satin Bowerbird wasn’t far behind, with both female and male birds on hand to say hello, while a plump Wonga Pigeon strutted around the picnic areas.

After checking-in we had a delicious dinner before heading out for some night birding. We didn’t have to go far before finding a Southern Boobook calling from the top of a chimney on the building we were staying in. Shortly after, the shrill descending whistle of a Sooty Owl had us straining our ears, but unfortunately it wouldn’t call again. We moved back down the mountain, trying a few spots for Marbled The stunning Regent Bowerbird is always on hand to greet new www.tropicalbirding.com arrivals at O’Reilly’s. Page 13 of 43

Frogmouth, but unfortunately didn’t get so much as a peep, although as a consolation prize we did find that most huggable of Australian mammals, a Koala , feasting on eucalypt leaves high in a tree. We also found several Common Ringtail Possums , and a Southern Leaf-tailed Gecko to keep us interested. With no luck on the frogmouth though, and having had an early start, it was off to bed with a big day ahead tomorrow.

Day 9: Thursday, 20 th October 2011 – Lamington National Park.

Having got a taste for what was on offer yesterday evening, we were all very keen to get out this morning and see what was around. We weren’t disappointed. Setting off down the Border Track, we were greeted by Yellow-throated and White-browed Scrubwrens , before a party of three Australian Logrunners put on quite a show as they bounced across the trail then foraged in the leaf litter nearby; their ‘be-kweek, be-kweek’ calls seemed to follow us Yellow -throated Scrubwrens are common up at all morning. A Rose Robin was O’Reilly’s, and very friendly as well, often foraging typically difficult to see high up in the around your feet. canopy, but after some effort we all managed reasonable views.

Continuing along the trail we picked up a few more common birds such as Brown Gerygone and Golden Whistler , while an Albert’s Lyrebird called from the valley far below. Unfortunately the cool weather seemed to keep the lyrebirds at lower elevations until quite late this year, so we never actually saw one. A Black-faced Monarch was found fairly low in the canopy, and after hearing it calling incessantly all morning, we finally got reasonable views of a Noisy Pitta which perched up long enough for us all to get a quick look.

We returned to the lodge for the delicious breakfast, before heading out again to try and track down a few stragglers. An Australian Owlet-Nightjar was a welcome addition to the list, snuggling down in his cosy hollow right beside the track, while Paradise Riflebirds called but couldn’t be seen. After some effort we finally found a vocal Green Catbird – they sound much more like cats than their American namesakes. The usually shy Eastern Whipbird showed well eventually, and we were even lucky enough to www.tropicalbirding.comAustralian Owlet -Nightjar. Page 14 of 43 watch a male sitting in the open beside the trail, giving his whipcrack call. Watching the effort he puts in, there is no wonder it is such an impressive sound.

The highlight of the morning though, and as it would turn out the entire trip, was about to come. We had already seen Noisy Pitta, but when a couple of birds started calling at each other from both sides of the trail, we were caught in the middle of this duel with every reason to try and get another look; after all, this is one of Australia’s most beautiful birds, it is just difficult to see well. After an apprehensive few minutes, our efforts were rewarded when an absolutely stunning Noisy Pitta flew up and perched, right in the open, not thirty yards from us. I hurriedly set up the ‘scope, and we were treated to an unbelievable ten minutes of crippling views of this incredible bird, calling loudly, first with its yellow breast and red vent facing us, then after it turned around, its emerald green back and sky blue shoulder patches. Almost like it was performing on a catwalk, it was quite literally jaw- dropping stuff.

After a break for lunch, which we were forced to share with some very inquisitive Crimson Rosellas , we decided to leave the rainforest for some open woodland species. It was a productive afternoon, with Red-browed Treecreeper showing well followed by Buff- rumped Thornbill and White-naped Honeyeater . We managed to get average views of a Spotted Pardalote high in the canopy, and on the return trip a small party of White- headed Pigeons were found feeding low in the forest.

After another delicious dinner we decided to try our hand at the frogmouth one more time, and as we met at the car, were again serenaded The Crimson Rosellas might be cute, but by the Southern Boobook calling from the top when trying to steal your lunch they of his chimney. Heading down slope, we don’t take no for an answer! stopped at a likely spot and within minutes had a male Marbled Frogmouth giving his gobbling call from right above our heads. We quickly got him in the spotlight, everyone had good views and then it was off to bed after a long day – I wish night birding was always that easy!

Day 10: Friday, 21 st October 2011 – Lamington National Park to Sydney.

With only two birds missing off our list, we set off early to try and track them down. We had only been in the rainforest for about ten minutes, when the distinctive rasping call of a Paradise Riflebird was heard, of course back where we had come from. Cautiously retracing www.tropicalbirding.com Page 15 of 43 our steps, the bird called again, this time from very close by. Manoeuvring carefully, we caught a glimpse of the jet black male sitting on his display post, and after everyone had quietly got into position, we were able to spend a brilliant ten minutes watching this delightful bird-of-paradise preen and practice his display, his blue-green gorget glinting in the early morning sun.

All too soon it was time for breakfast, then we had to pack up our gear and get on our way back to Brisbane. We took some time on the way down to look for our final bird which we eventually saw ducking across the road, a Russet-tailed Thrush . We jumped out to try and get a better view but it was very uncooperative, and we had to settle for fleeting glimpses. After getting to the bottom of the hill we called in at a Bell Miner colony, where we saw a couple of these dapper little honeyeaters, while listening to their melodic bell-like calls. It was then on to a much less melodic, and Flying -fox colonies are raucous, smelly places, much more unruly colony of both Black but watching their antics is amusing. This is a and Gray-headed Flying-foxes . Gray-headed Flying-fox.

Moving into Brisbane we called in at a wetland near the airport, and managed to add a couple of good birds to our list. An enormous Channel-billed Cuckoo was found feeding quietly in a fig tree, while a secretive Spotless Crake was spotted feeding quietly along the edge of a pond. A Rufous-tailed Bush-hen was heard but refused to show itself, while at another wetland the only addition was an Australian Reed- This enormous Channel -billed Cuckoo allowed close Warbler . On that note our time in approach as it fed quietly in a fig tree. Queensland had come to an end and it was off to the airport for our flight to Sydney. We arrived late and went straight to the hotel, where we rested up for our assault on New South Wales.

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Day 11: Saturday, 22 nd October 2011 – Royal National Park to Barren Grounds.

The six days spent in New South Wales on the Eastern Australia trip is undoubtedly the ‘high-octane’ section of the tour. With so many birds, so little time to find them and long distances to travel in between, it can be a challenge to guide. Still, it’s where I grew up, so with the ‘home ground’ advantage I was looking forward to getting stuck in.

Our first morning was spent in Royal National Park, Australia’s oldest national park, and set right on the doorstep of our largest city. Our first port-of-call was an area of low heathland, where we would be looking for some more honeyeaters to add to our list. We were immediately greeted by a few New Holland Honeyeaters , a common bird down this way, but not our main target. After a little searching we soon found that, with a shy Tawny- crowned Honeyeater sitting up for most of the group. A couple of Little Wattlebirds flew past briefly, while the mournful down-slurred whistle of a Horsfield’s Bronze-Cuckoo alerted us to one of these sharp little cuckoos. A party of Southern Emuwrens was very unobliging, so after getting the couple of us who had missed the Tawny-crowned Honeyeater onto a second one, we moved off to Lady Carrington Drive.

We spent a good three hours wandering along this road on a beautiful morning, and picked up plenty of good birds on the way. Within minutes a quiet cracking sound caught our attention, and we were surprised to find a pair of immense Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoos feeding quietly in a banksia tree only metres from the trail. These were some of the best views I’ve ever had of these brilliant birds. Continuing up the track we soon found a cute little Eastern Spinebill , while White-throated Treecreepers and a Crested Shrike-tit foraged among the loose bark of the eucalypts. The plaintive trill of a Fan-tailed Cuckoo echoed through the valley, while a party of Striated Thornbills chattered as they moved overhead.

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Finally, as we turned around to return to the van, some movement caught our eye, and a couple of us were lucky enough to catch a female Superb Lyrebird scurrying behind some rocks. Moving away to a better vantage point, we waited patiently and were rewarded with great views of one of Australia’s most-wanted birds, as she came out and foraged in the open. Elated, we wandered slowly back to the car, getting nice looks at a Dollarbird hawking for insects over the river on the way.

Leaving Royal National Park behind we went south for about an hour, stopping at Bass Point, a rocky peninsula that juts out into the Pacific Ocean. Here we enjoyed a picnic lunch in beautiful sunshine, and while staring out at the water were treated to the fantastic sight of a mother Humpback Whale and her small (relatively!) calf, lolling about in the calm water only fifty yards from the shore. After lunch we While having lunch, we watched this went out onto the rock platform to see if we Humpback Whale and her calf loafing in could pick up any seabirds. The calm conditions the shallow water just off Bass Point. weren’t great for seawatching, but we were able to find a few Wedge-tailed and Short- tailed Shearwaters , while occasional parties of Fluttering Shearwaters fluttered by. A pair of Sooty Oystercatchers also paid a visit, resting on the rock platform in front of us, and making it a worthwhile stop.

Leaving Bass Point, we checked in to our accommodation at Jamberoo, before continuing up onto the coastal plateau above us, and here we spent the last couple of daylight hours at Barren Grounds, trying to get a head start on tomorrow. We managed to track down the sometimes shy Pilotbird , eventually getting very close views, while we heard Eastern Bristlebird but couldn’t see it. We finished off the evening straining our ears to hear the gentle call of one of Australia’s shiest birds, the Ground Parrot , floating across the heath.

Day 12: Sunday, 23 rd October 2011 – Barren Grounds to Lake Cargelligo.

We were back up at Barren Grounds for the crack of dawn, where we were able to hear more Ground Parrots calling as the sun rose, while Eastern Bristlebirds were also very vocal. After a bit of effort we managed to track down one of the bristlebirds, but it was typically shy, and we only got fleeting glimpses. Fortunately this morning the Southern Emuwrens were much more obliging, and after a bit of effort we all got great views of a small party of these most fragile little birds. The rest of the morning was spent trying to track down Chestnut-rumped Heathwren, unsuccessfully, although we did pick up a very beautiful Beautiful Firetail for our efforts.

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Leaving Barren Grounds behind we started our long drive west. We were striking deep into the heart of New South Wales today, but the pay-off for time spent in the van, would be a whole host of new birds. The most obvious of these are the parrots, with a dazzling Eastern Rosella being one of the first we found. Red-rumped Parrots weren’t far behind, and we also lucked on an appropriately named pastel-pink Pink Cockatoo , one of my favourite Australian birds. A small party of Cockatiels was a good find, the familiar cage-bird that is so much more graceful when seen slicing across the blue sky of the outback, while we also managed to find a trio of Blue Bonnets at a roadside stop. While watching the Blue Bonnets, a pair of immature Spotted Harriers cruised behind us, and a Black Falcon was another prize raptor added to the list during the drive.

After arriving in Lake Cargelligo we quickly unloaded our bags, before piling back into the van and making straight for the sewage works. Here we had an absolute bonanza of waterbirds, including a most incredible sight, with Spotless , Baillon’s and Australian Crakes , practically in the same binocular view! Black- tailed Native-hens were also in town, along with Red-kneed Dotterels , while Whiskered Terns We had great views of this Spotless Crake, only coursed overhead. metres in front of us. We had to drag ourselves away from the sewage works to make it out to Nombinnie Nature Reserve for dusk. On the way we picked up our first pair of that iconic Australian bird, the Emu, running away for dear life as they always seem to be. A few Common Bronzewings were flushed off the side of the road, and we eventually picked up about four of these striking pigeons, drinking from a small waterhole, the afternoon sun reflecting off the shimmering blue and green patches on their wings.

After enjoying dinner while the sun set peacefully over the mallee, we didn’t have to wait long to hear the maniacal cackle of our quarry for the evening, Spotted Nightjar . After a bit of searching we soon had one of these graceful masters of the air swooping and scything over our heads, showing We found this little Beaded Gecko scurrying the white windows in its wings. across the road after dark. www.tropicalbirding.com Page 19 of 43

Boarding the van to begin the trip home, we made one more stop, this time for a little Beaded Gecko as it ran across the road.

Day 13: Monday, 24 th October 2011 – Nombinnie Nature Reserve to Leeton.

Nombinnie Nature Reserve is one of my favourite places to go birding in Australia, but unfortunately today it was not at its best. I was worried when we were up before daybreak to already warm temperatures, and noticed as we headed out that the wind was already starting to pick up. We arrived in the mallee at the perfect time, just before the sun breaks the horizon, but unfortunately it was already hot and very windy, the worst possible conditions for birding. Still there wasn’t much that could be done, so we knuckled down to do our best.

Charging off into the mallee it didn’t take us long to pick up a couple of new honeyeaters, with White-fronted and White-eared Honeyeaters eventually showing. After a bit of effort we managed to get killer views of the brilliant Splendid Fairywren , much better views than we got last year, and good enough to see it voted equal second best bird of the trip. This is a ranking I completely understand; I am always flabbergasted when people are anything less than euphoric about this stunning blue gem. Moving on, Southern Scrub-Robin gave us the run around before showing well, but unfortunately neither Crested Bellbird nor Shy Heathwren could be tempted to show themselves, and we had to be satisfied with heard only records for both.

Overhead we picked up several mixed flocks of White-browed and Masked Woodswallows , a sure sign that the country is in good condition, while back down in the mallee a young Gilbert’s Whistler responded well to some pishing. We eventually picked up a couple of Yellow-plumed Honeyeaters , there were quite a few Chestnut-rumped Thornbills around, and a Gray-fronted Honeyeater was a very good get. A piercing high- pitched call had us chasing a Chestnut Quail-Thrush , but in the conditions he They might look fairly plain, but I think these was very difficult to find and while most Chestnut-rumped Thornbills are cute. of us saw him, a couple unfortunately missed out. It was tough work, but eventually we had picked up nearly everything that was likely, so we decided to ship out, and continue south.

The morning wasn’t quite over though, as we made a stop on our way back to Lake Cargelligo, when a flash of orange bolted across the road. Heart in mouth I searched the top www.tropicalbirding.com Page 20 of 43 of some nearby bushes, before shouting ‘ Orange Chat !’ when I finally picked up a cracking orange male of this tough bird. The bird moved to a fence line and was joined by a couple more, before another bird came, this time with a flash of red. ‘ Crimson Chat !’. It was a great experience to have both these spectacular little birds side-by-side.

Before leaving Lake Cargelligo we made another quick visit to the sewage works, where we saw all the crakes again, and added White-fronted Chat and Little Grassbird to our list. On our way to Leeton a couple of roadside stops added Hooded Robin and the dashing Red-capped Robin to our list, while a raptor floating low over the canopy had us jumping out to admire a Square-tailed Kite . A trio of Wedge-tailed Eagles , Australia’s largest raptor, was seen soaring over a ridge, and our good run continued as we picked up an Australian Hobby perched in a tree near Leeton, feasting on some poor unfortunate passerine.

We got great views of this After arriving in Leeton we made a trip out to Fivebough male Red-capped Robin beside Swamp, and here we picked up a few more waterbirds to the road near Lake Cargelligo. add to our list. Australian Shelducks loafed on the banks of the swamp, while out on the open water a Musk Duck challenged us by repeatedly diving just as I got the ‘scope on him. Dainty Red-capped Plovers foraged along the shoreline, and we also picked up our final target for the day when a Swamp Harrier was seen gliding low over the marsh. So, our long and challenging day came to an end, but our efforts hadn’t been in vain. We had added some fantastic birds to the list, and there was the prospect of more tomorrow.

Day 14: Tuesday, 25 th October 2011 – Binya State Forest to Hay.

It seems we had paid our dues yesterday, because our morning at Binya State Forest was fantastic. Cooler overnight temperatures meant the birds were very active, and we scoffed breakfast with the calls of Spiny-cheeked Honeyeaters echoing around us. After setting out, it was only minutes before we heard then saw our prize quarry for the morning, the delightful Painted Honeyeater . Our run of luck continued, as we soon picked up a small flock of absolutely gorgeous Mulga Parrots , while the mournful whistle of a Black-eared Cuckoo was easily imitated, the bird arriving to sit right in front of us.

The good luck continued as a pair of White-browed We found several Mallee Babblers passed through, while a rather bedraggled but Ringnecks at Binya. www.tropicalbirding.com Page 21 of 43 curious Emu came up to investigate. Red-capped Robins were common, as were Spiny- cheeked Honeyeaters , their melodic calls carrying through the cypress forest. A Mistletoebird low down in some shrubs gave us extended looks at this dapper bird, while a Singing Honeyeater was eventually found feeding on some mistletoe flowers. We got our best views of Mallee Ringneck for the trip, finally managed to chase down a Speckled Warbler , and finished up with a pair of Southern Whitefaces , our final target for the morning.

Leaving Binya behind, we had time for a morning tea break in Griffith, before making our way south towards Hay. As we passed through Darlington Point we made a quick stop for some Long-billed Corellas , a bird at the northern limit of their range, while a trio of Superb Parrots streaked across the road, giving poor views. There wasn’t much else of interest until we arrived in Hay, where we took the opportunity to prepare for our long night, with an early lunch and a siesta.

Moving down to Booroorban late in the afternoon, we met our local guide for the afternoon, Phil Maher, and what an afternoon it was. Phil laid the birds on with a trowel! Within minutes we had a Little Eagle passing low overhead, while we watched a Spotted Harrier float by shortly after. A pair of elegant White-backed Swallows cavorted on the breeze to the cheers of the crowd, Long -billed Corella at Darlington Point. but this would just be an appetiser.

Moving out to an isolated swamp, we picked up a couple of majestic ‘Big Reds’, or Red Kangaroos on the way, before jumping out at the swamp and cautiously approaching the edge. It took some searching, but Phil eventually spied our target, the extremely rare and very difficult to find Australian Painted-snipe , an absolute mega-bird. To top it off, we also had several very cute White-winged Fairywrens , while Black-shouldered Kites perched in the trees above, preparing to roost for the night as the sun went down in a blaze of red light.

With dark upon us we had a quick break for dinner, before moving on to our main course for the evening. Splitting up into a couple of four-wheel-drives, we drove out onto the grassy plains (picking up a few ghostly Barn Owls in the process) in search of one of Australia’s and indeed the world’s most enigmatic birds. It was a nervous hour of searching before the www.tropicalbirding.com Page 22 of 43 shout went out over the radio. We were all soon watching a tiny male Plains-wanderer , nervous in the spotlight, but putting on a good show nonetheless as we all soaked up this fantastic little gem.

This Banded Lapwing sat quietly as we approached with the spotlight. With Plains-wanderer in the bag, we still had some birds to get. Moving to another paddock Phil had another tick for us, this time a Banded Lapwing which sat tight in the spotlight as we approached closely. A Fat-tailed Dunnart was also spotted and eventually tracked down to a small tussock; although they look innocent and mouse-like, these little mammals are actually ferocious (for their size) carnivorous marsupials.

Phil soon found us another inland specialty, and one that had only recently returned to the area after a wet year last year, a pair of very attractive Inland Dotterels . Completely unperturbed by our presence, these birds were the perfect photographic subject, as you can see. We picked up another Plains-wanderer , this time a gorgeous female, but our last bird for the night was a complete surprise. Roosting on the bare ground, in the middle of a paddock with not a tree in sight, was a bright green Budgerigar ! In his thirty years of guiding, Phil had never seen this, so you know it was unusual. On that note we called it quits, after an extremely successful evening - a big thanks to Phil for helping us out.

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Inland Dotterel, one of many fantastic birds we saw on the Hay plains with Phil Maher.

Day 15: Wednesday, 26 th October 2011 – Hay to Lithgow.

After our efforts last night we deserved a little sleep-in, so we weren’t up until about 7:30am, enjoying a relaxed breakfast before loading up the van and getting on our way back towards Sydney. We would spend most of the day driving, but still managed a couple of stops along the way, and picked up some good birds for our efforts.

Gum Swamp near Forbes was very productive, with the highlight being three Freckled Ducks , Australia’s rarest, resting quietly on a distant log. A smart male Blue-billed Duck cruised by briefly, and after thinking he had given us the slip, we managed to get good looks at this very nice bird. Also out on the water were many Pink-eared Ducks , several with ducklings in tow, as well as a handful of Hoary-headed Grebes . We also spotted a Peregrine Falcon , sitting high in a dead tree making short work of an unfortunate Rock Dove which had met an untimely end.

After lunch we pressed on to an area of open woodland near Forbes, where we flushed a small party of gorgeous little Turquoise Parrots off the road. Frantically jumping out of the car to try and find them it seemed we would be frustrated in our efforts, until we spied a female sitting quietly in a cypress. She was pretty, but we really wanted the male, and a few seconds later he arrived, perching in the open and giving us prolonged views of his yellow breast, sky blue face, emerald green wings and chestnut shoulder patches – a very pretty

www.tropicalbirding.com Page 24 of 43 bird. We picked up one more parrot for the day, this time a small flock of the aptly named Superb Parrot , which showed well, including a couple of charming males.

That was the end of our birding for the day, but as we arrived in Lithgow we added another mammal to our list, when we spotted a Short-beaked Echidna waddling across the road. Along with Platypus, these are the only other mammals in the world which lay eggs, and we were very lucky to have an opportunity to see one of these porcupine-like creatures at close range. Road-weary we were happy to flop into bed that night, before our final day in New South Wales.

Day 16: Thursday, 27 th October 2011 – Capertee Valley to Hobart.

Our final morning in New South Wales was to be spent in the Capertee Valley, where we were hoping to clean up on those last few species we were missing. Our first ticks for the day were actually mammals, as we spotted a couple of Euros , a species of stocky kangaroo, bounding away across a field. The first birding stop produced a couple of new honeyeaters, with Fuscous being seen, and Black-chinned Honeyeater heard, while a Black (Swamp) Wallaby crossing the road was another mammal tick.

Moving on, we made another stop at a large area of flowering eucalypts, where throngs of White-browed and Masked Woodswallows were drowning out the calls of all the other birds. Amidst the cacophony of woodswallows we managed to pick up a couple of Little Lorikeets inspecting a nest hollow, and a Restless Flycatcher also showed well. Moving on to another spot we landed a nice Diamond Firetail , but unfortunately our search for Regent Honeyeater came up short, as we couldn’t locate any of these rare birds.

Still, we had a couple more birds up our sleeve, and at our last couple of stops we picked up three good ones, with brief flyover views of four Plum-headed Finches , followed by good looks at a party of Black-chinned Honeyeaters . Our final stop in the valley got us one last bird, this time a pair of bright Yellow-tufted Honeyeaters .

Leaving the Capertee Valley we returned to Lithgow where we loaded up for the trip to Sydney before making a couple of final stops. In cold and wet weather we went up to Hassan’s Walls above Lithgow, where within minutes of leaving the van we had a gorgeous male Scarlet Robin , followed by a Satin Flycatcher . It was pleasing to get everyone views of this bird which only a couple of us had seen fleetingly earlier in the trip, but generally, the weather seemed to keep most of the birds quiet. We did hear a male Superb Lyrebird calling from a gully below the trail, but only a couple of us got brief looks as he scurried across a clearing before disappearing from view. We A male Scarlet Robin www.tropicalbirding.com Page 25 of 43 moved on to our lunch stop where we got our last new bird for New South Wales, a Great- crested Grebe , then it was time to get on the road to Sydney, where we caught our late evening flight to Hobart.

Day 17: Friday, 28 th October 2011 – Bruny Island.

One of the great things about the Eastern Australia trip (and one of the things which makes it tough for the guide!), is that right up to the end of the tour you are adding birds. In Tasmania things certainly end with a bang, so to make the most of it we were up early and on our way out to Peter Murrell Reserve, where we would get started on the twelve Tasmanian endemics we needed for our list.

Before even getting out of the van we had our first endemic, as a pair of Tasmanian Native- hens scurried off the track, then a pair of Dusky Woodswallows followed by a couple of Striated Pardalotes joined the list. These were not the pardalotes we needed though, but we only had to wait a couple of minutes before one, then two of Tasmania’s rarest endemic arrived and foraged above our head, Forty-spotted Pardalote . Leaving them behind we soon added Yellow Wattlebird , Yellow-throated and Black-headed Honeyeater to the list, bringing our list of endemics to five. At this point a shower of rain sent us scrambling for shelter, so after a quick breakfast we decided to move on to Bruny Island, getting Green Rosella on the way.

Waiting for the ferry across to Bruny we scored Black-faced Cormorant and Kelp Gull , while at our first stop on the island we found Pied Oystercatchers and a small party of Blue- winged Parrots . Continuing south to Adventure Bay we made a short stop at the The Neck where we got our first Pacific Gull , before heading up Coolangatta Road for some forest birds. Our first stop was very productive, with Strong-billed Honeyeater within minutes, as well as Scarlet Robin , Olive Whistler and a Tasmanian Thornbill . Moving further up the road we eventually got good views of Crescent Honeyeater and Tasmanian Scrubwren (our ninth endemic), before searching for and eventually finding our prize bird of the It took some work, but we eventually got nice views of this male Pink Robin. morning, a very cute male Pink Robin .

Driving into Adventure Bay for lunch we lucked on a very nice Beautiful Firetail feeding beside the road, before taking a break. After recharging the batteries we pushed out for the afternoon and our luck held, with a pair of cooperative Hooded Plovers showing well on the www.tropicalbirding.com Page 26 of 43 beach, soon joined by three very young chicks, still with legs too big for their tiny bodies. Driving south to Cape Bruny we flushed a Brush Bronzewing from the side of the road, before arriving at the cape and enjoying some spectacular views of the Southern Ocean – next stop, Antarctica! We also got our tenth and final endemic for the day, a party of four Dusky Robins which were very friendly.

By this time it was getting late, so we had to press back to the north of the island to catch our return ferry. A brief stop for another Brush Bronzewing beside the road failed to find it, although or next stop at The Neck was more productive, with a small party of Little Penguins spotted gathering beyond the breakers before coming in for the night. They were our last new bird for the day, as we returned to Hobart for a well- earned beer at the end of another They aren’t Australia’s most spectacular bird, but successful day. these endearing Dusky Robins are one of twelve species endemic to Tasmania.

Day 18: Saturday, 29 th October 2011 – Hobart to Eaglehawk Neck.

We were disappointed to see the rain bucketing down on our last morning of the tour, but with plenty of birds still to get, we had no choice but to get out amongst it. We went south to the Tinderbox Peninsula for our first stop, where after a short wait in the van we were able to jump out as the rain abated momentarily. We made the most of the break, soon finding a Pallid Cuckoo which came in to our whistled imitation of its call. A pair of Blue- winged Parrots foraged quietly on the grass, while a female Flame Robin was actively feeding around us and another Beautiful Firetail was spotted nearby. As the rain started again we hopped back in the van, and decided to head north for Eaglehawk Neck.

After leaving Hobart, our first quick stop was at the airport for some Musk Lorikeets, feeding quietly low down in some flowering eucalypts. We then continued north for an hour or so before arriving at Eaglehawk Neck, and stopping by an open field. It took some searching, but we managed to pick up a pair of Cape Barren Geese , then it was off to The Blowhole for some seawatching. At first there didn’t appear to be much happening, but after setting up the ‘scopes, the number of birds out over the water was astounding. There were literally tens of thousands of Short-tailed Shearwaters passing in the distance (with I’m sure a few Sootys among them), interspersed with the occasional albatross. As we www.tropicalbirding.com Page 27 of 43 watched vigilantly, a few even came close enough to identify, with White-capped Albatross the most common. A Northern Giant-Petrel made a couple of passes, then the highlight of the seawatch came by, a Buller’s Albatross which made one close pass.

After finishing up the seawatch we had fish and chips for lunch, before getting on our way back to Hobart. There were still a few birds we needed, and although the weather was deteriorating we were keen to press on, so it was up Mt Wellington. In pouring rain we moved into the forest and not before we were drenched, managed to find a pair of Scrubtits , our eleventh Tasmanian endemic. Moving back out to a shelter near the car, we were a forlorn looking bunch, but soon perked up when our twelfth and final endemic, a pair of raucous Black Currawongs flew past. We decided to brave the cold and wet conditions and continue up the mountain, We saw the aptly named Beautiful Firetail but it wasn’t surprising that our target, three times on this trip, including on our last Striated Fieldwren, was not as daft as we day at the Tinderbox Peninsula. were, and refused to show himself in the cold, wet and windy conditions. With just a couple of possibilities left, we returned to the Tinderbox Peninsula hoping to luck on some Swift Parrots. Unfortunately these birds had been scarce around Hobart so far this year, but we did get a consolation prize, and our last new bird for the list, a pair of Gray Currawongs .

So, our epic trip came to a close. It was a jam-packed eighteen days and we ended up recording an impressive 434 species. Amazingly everyone on the trip got most of these, with everyone only missing a few birds at most from the total list. As always we had missed a couple of hoped for species, but we had more than made up for that with some bonus birds, like Australian Painted-snipe and Inland Dotterel. It was the conditions over the past year that had done it for us, with plenty of rain meaning many species had had good breeding seasons, irrupting throughout the country and giving us the opportunity to see them.

It is likely these conditions will hangover into next year, so if you are thinking about a trip to Australia, now would be the time to do it. Prior to this trip we had done a short tour around the Top End of Australia as well, which combined with the list from this trip, would have resulted in a total list of nearly 500 species in less than a month. That is a very respectable percentage of Australia’s total list, so if you’re thinking about it, now is the time to take the plunge! www.tropicalbirding.com Page 28 of 43

BIRD LIST

This list includes all the bird species that were recorded by at least one member of the group. Taxonomy and nomenclature closely follow the latest Clements updates. Parentheses denote an alternate name used by some checklists.

Total: 434 species, including six heard only (H).

CASSOWARIES: Casuariidae 1. Southern Cassowary Casuarius casuarius

EMU: Dromaiidae 2. Emu Dromaius novaehollandiae

DUCKS, GEESE AND SWANS: Anatidae 3. Magpie Goose Anseranas semipalmata 4. Plumed Whistling-Duck Dendrocygna eytoni 5. Wandering Whistling-Duck Dendrocygna arcuata 6. Cape Barren Goose Cereopsis novaehollandiae 7. Freckled Duck Stictonetta naevosa 8. Black Swan Cygnus atratus 9. Australian Shelduck Tadorna tadornoides 10. Radjah Shelduck Tadorna radjah 11. Green Pygmy-goose Nettapus pulchellus 12. Cotton Pygmy-goose Nettapus coromandelianus 13. Maned Duck Chenonetta jubata 14. Mallard Anas platyrhynchos 15. Pacific Black Duck Anas superciliosa 16. Australian Shoveler Anas rhynchotis 17. Gray Teal Anas gracilis 18. Chestnut Teal Anas castanea 19. Pink-eared Duck Malacorhynchus membranaceus 20. White-eyed Duck Aythya australis 21. Blue-billed Duck Oxyura australis 22. Musk Duck Biziura lobata

MEGAPODES: Megapodiidae 23. Australian Brush-Turkey Alectura lathami 24. Orange-footed Scrubfowl Megapodius reinwardt

PHEASANTS, GROUSE AND ALLIES: Phasianidae 25. Stubble Quail Coturnix pectoralis 26. Brown Quail Coturnix ypsilophora

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GREBES: Podicipedidae 27. Australasian Grebe Tachybaptus novaehollandiae 28. Hoary-headed Grebe Poliocephalus poliocephalus 29. Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus

PENGUINS: Spheniscidae 30. Little (Fairy) Penguin Eudyptula minor

ALBATROSSES: Diomedeidae 31. Buller’s Albatross Thalassarche bulleri 32. White-capped (Shy) Albatross Thalassarche cauta

SHEARWATERS AND PETRELS: Procellariidae 33. Northern Giant-Petrel Macronectes halli 34. Wedge-tailed Shearwater Puffinus pacificus 35. Short-tailed Shearwater Puffinus tenuirostris 36. Fluttering Shearwater Puffinus gavial

STORKS: Ciconiidae 37. Black-necked Stork Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus

FRIGATEBIRDS: Fregatidae 38. Great Frigatebird Fregata minor 39. Lesser Frigatebird Fregata ariel

BOOBIES AND GANNETS: Sulidae 40. Brown Booby Sula leucogaster 41. Red-footed Booby Sula sula 42. Australasian Gannet Morus serrator

CORMORANTS AND SHAGS: Phalacrocoracidae 43. Little Black Cormorant Phalacrocorax sulcirostris 44. Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo 45. Black-faced Cormorant Phalacrocorax fuscescens 46. Little Pied Cormorant Phalacrocorax melanoleucos

ANHINGAS: Anhingidae 47. Australasian Darter Anhinga novaehollandiae

PELICANS: Pelecanidae 48. Australian Pelican Pelecanus conspicillatus

HERONS, EGRETS AND BITTERNS: Ardeidae 49. Pacific Heron Ardea pacifica 50. Great Egret Ardea alba 51. Intermediate Egret Egretta intermedia 52. White-faced Heron Egretta novaehollandiae www.tropicalbirding.com Page 30 of 43

53. Little Egret Egretta garzetta 54. Pacific Reef-Heron Egretta sacra 55. Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis 56. Striated Heron Butorides striata 57. Rufous Night-Heron Nycticorax caledonicus

IBIS AND SPOONBILLS: Threskiornithidae 58. Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus 59. Australian Ibis Threskiornis molucca 60. Straw-necked Ibis Threskiornis spinicollis 61. Royal Spoonbill Platalea regia 62. Yellow-billed Spoonbill Platalea flavipes

OSPREY: Pandionidae 63. Osprey Pandion haliaetus

HAWKS, EAGLES AND KITES: Accipitridae 64. Pacific Baza Aviceda subcristata 65. Square-tailed Kite Lophoictinia isura 66. Australian Kite Elanus axillaris 67. Black Kite Milvus migrans 68. Whistling Kite Haliastur sphenurus 69. Brahminy Kite Haliastur indus 70. White-bellied Sea-Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster 71. Swamp Harrier Circus approximans 72. Spotted Harrier Circus assimilis 73. Gray Goshawk Accipiter novaehollandiae 74. Brown Goshawk Accipiter fasciatus 75. Collared Sparrowhawk Accipiter cirrocephalus 76. Wedge-tailed Eagle Aquila audax 77. Little Eagle Aquila morphnoides

FALCONS AND CARACARAS: Falconidae 78. Australian Kestrel Falco cenchroides 79. Australian Hobby Falco longipennis 80. Brown Falcon Falco berigora 81. Black Falcon Falco subniger 82. Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus

RAILS, GALLINULES AND COOTS: Rallidae 83. Buff-banded Rail Gallirallus phillippensis 84. Lewin’s Rail Lewinia pectoralis 85. Rufous-tailed Bush-hen (H) Amaurornis moluccana 86. Baillon’s Crake Porzana pusilla 87. Australian Crake Porzana fluminea 88. Spotless Crake Porzana tabuensis 89. White-browed Crake Porzana cinerea www.tropicalbirding.com Page 31 of 43

90. Purple Swamphen Porphyrio porphyrio 91. Dusky Moorhen Gallinula tenebrosa 92. Black-tailed Native-hen Gallinula ventralis 93. Tasmanian Native-hen Gallinula mortierii 94. Eurasian Coot Fulica atra

BUSTARDS: Otididae 95. Australian Bustard Ardeotis australis

CRANES: Gruidae 96. Sarus Crane Grus antigone 97. Brolga Grus rubicunda

THICK-KNEES: Burhinidae 98. Bush Thick-knee Burhinus grallarius 99. Beach Thick-knee Burhinus magnirostris

PLOVERS AND LAPWINGS: Charadriidae 100. Banded Lapwing Vanellus tricolor 101. Masked Lapwing Vanellus miles 102. Red-kneed Dotterel Erythrogonys cinctus 103. Pacific Golden-Plover Pluvialis fulva 104. Lesser Sand-Plover Charadrius mongolus 105. Greater Sand-Plover Charadrius leschenaultii 106. Red-capped Plover Charadrius ruficapillus 107. Hooded Plover Thinornis cucullatus 108. Black-fronted Dotterel Elseyornis melanops 109. Inland Dotterel Peltohyas australis

OYSTERCATCHERS: Haematopodidae 110. Pied Oystercatcher Haematopus longirostris 111. Sooty Oystercatcher Haematopus fuliginosus

STILTS AND AVOCETS: Recurvirostridae 112. Pied Stilt Himantopus leucocephalus 113. Red-necked Avocet Recurvirostra novaehollandiae

JACANAS: Jacanidae 114. Comb-crested Jacana Irediparra gallinacea

SANDPIPERS AND ALLIES: Scolopacidae 115. Terek Sandpiper Xenus cinereus 116. Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos 117. Gray-tailed Tattler Tringa brevipes 118. Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia 119. Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis 120. Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus www.tropicalbirding.com Page 32 of 43

121. Far Eastern Curlew Numenius madagascariensis 122. Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa 123. Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica 124. Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres 125. Great Knot Calidris tenuirostris 126. Red Knot Calidris canutus 127. Red-necked Stint Calidris ruficollis 128. Sharp-tailed Sandpiper Calidris acuminata 129. Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea 130. Latham’s Snipe Gallinago hardwickii

PRATINCOLES AND COURSERS: Glareolidae 131. Australian Pratincole Stiltia isabella

PLAINS-WANDERER: Pedionomidae 132. Plains-wanderer Pedionomus torquatus

PAINTED-SNIPES: Rostratulidae 133. Australian Painted-snipe Rostratula australis

GULLS, TERNS AND SKIMMERS: Laridae 134. Silver Gull Larus novaehollandiae 135. Pacific Gull Larus pacificus 136. Kelp Gull Larus dominicanus 137. Brown Noddy Anous stolidus 138. Sooty Tern Onychoprion fuscatus 139. Bridled Tern Onychoprion anaethetus 140. Little Tern Sternula albifrons 141. Gull-billed Tern Gelochelidon nilotica 142. Caspian Tern Hydroprogne caspia 143. Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybrida 144. Roseate Tern Sterna dougallii 145. Black-naped Tern Sterna sumatrana 146. Common Tern Sterna hirundo 147. Great Crested Tern Thalasseus bergii 148. Lesser Crested Tern Thalasseus bengalensis

PIGEONS AND DOVES: Columbidae 149. Rock Pigeon Columba livia 150. White-headed Pigeon Columba leucomela 151. Spotted Dove Streptopelia chinensis 152. Brown Cuckoo-Dove Macropygia phasianella 153. Emerald Dove Chalcophaps indica 154. Common Bronzewing Phaps chalcoptera 155. Brush Bronzewing Phaps elegans 156. Crested Pigeon Geophaps lophotes 157. Squatter Pigeon Geophaps scripta www.tropicalbirding.com Page 33 of 43

158. Wonga Pigeon Leucosarcia melanoleuca 159. Peaceful Dove Geopelia placida 160. Bar-shouldered Dove Geopelia humeralis 161. Wompoo Fruit-Dove Ptilinopus magnificus 162. Superb Fruit-Dove Ptilinopus superbus 163. Rose-crowned Fruit-Dove Ptilinopus regina 164. Torresian Imperial-Pigeon Ducula spilorrhoa 165. Topknot Pigeon Lopholaimus antarcticus

COCKATOOS: Cacatuidae 166. Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo Calyptorhynchus banksii 167. Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoo Calyptorhynchus funereus 168. Pink Cockatoo Cacatua leadbeateri 169. Galah Eolophus roseicapilla 170. Long-billed Corella Cacatua tenuirostris 171. Little Corella Cacatua sanguinea 172. Sulphur-crested Cockatoo Cacatua galerita 173. Cockatiel Nymphicus hollandicus

PARROTS: Psittacidae 174. Rainbow Lorikeet Trichoglossus haematodus 175. Scaly-breasted Lorikeet Trichoglossus chlorolepidotus 176. Musk Lorikeet Glossopsitta concinna 177. Little Lorikeet Glossopsitta pusilla 178. Double-eyed Fig-Parrot Cyclopsitta diophthalma 179. Mallee Ringneck Barnardius barnardi 180. Green Rosella Platycercus caledonicus 181. Crimson Rosella Platycercus elegans 182. Eastern Rosella Platycercus eximius 183. Pale-headed Rosella Platycercus adscitus 184. Red-rumped Parrot Psephotus haematonotus 185. Mulga Parrot Psephotus varius 186. Bluebonnet Northiella haematogaster 187. Blue-winged Parrot Neophema chrysostoma 188. Turquoise Parrot Neophema pulchella 189. Budgerigar Melopsittacus undulatus 190. Ground Parrot (H) Pezoporus wallicus 191. Australian King-Parrot Alisterus scapularis 192. Red-winged Parrot Aprosmictus erythropterus 193. Superb Parrot Polytelis swainsonii

CUCKOOS: Cuculidae 194. Pallid Cuckoo Cuculus pallidus 195. Brush Cuckoo Cacomantis variolosus 196. Fan-tailed Cuckoo Cacomantis flabelliformis 197. Black-eared Cuckoo Chrysococcyx osculans 198. Horsfield's Bronze-Cuckoo Chrysococcyx basalis www.tropicalbirding.com Page 34 of 43

199. Shining Bronze-Cuckoo Chrysococcyx lucidus 200. Little Bronze-Cuckoo Chrysococcyx minutillus 201. Australian Koel Eudynamys cyanocephalus 202. Channel-billed Cuckoo Scythrops novaehollandiae 203. Pheasant Coucal Centropus phasianinus

BARN-OWLS: Tytonidae 204. Sooty-Owl (H) Tyto tenebricosa 205. Barn Owl Tyto alba

OWLS: Strigidae 206. Barking Owl Ninox connivens 207. Southern Boobook Ninox boobook

OWLET-NIGHTJARS: Aegothelidae 208. Australian Owlet-Nightjar Aegotheles cristatus

FROGMOUTHS: Podargidae 209. Tawny Frogmouth Podargus strigoides 210. Marbled Frogmouth Podargus ocellatus 211. Papuan Frogmouth Podargus papuensis

NIGHTJARS AND ALLIES: Caprimulgidae 212. Spotted Nightjar Eurostopodus argus

SWIFTS: Apodidae 213. Australian Swiftlet Aerodramus terraereginae

KINGFISHERS: Alcedinidae 214. Azure Kingfisher Alcedo azurea 215. Little Kingfisher Alcedo pusilla 216. Laughing Kookaburra Dacelo novaeguineae 217. Blue-winged Kookaburra Dacelo leachii 218. Forest Kingfisher Todiramphus macleayii 219. Red-backed Kingfisher Todiramphus pyrrhopygius 220. Collared Kingfisher Todiramphus chloris 221. Sacred Kingfisher Todiramphus sanctus 222. Buff-breasted Paradise-Kingfisher Tanysiptera sylvia

BEE-EATERS: Meropidae 223. Rainbow Bee-eater Merops ornatus

ROLLERS: Coraciidae 224. Dollarbird Eurystomus orientalis

PITTAS: Pittidae 225. Noisy Pitta Pitta versicolor www.tropicalbirding.com Page 35 of 43

LYREBIRDS: Menuridae 226. Albert's Lyrebird (H) Menura alberti 227. Superb Lyrebird Menura novaehollandiae

BOWERBIRDS: Ptilonorhynchidae 228. Spotted Catbird Ailuroedus melanotis 229. Green Catbird Ailuroedus crassirostris 230. Tooth-billed Catbird Ailuroedus dentirostris 231. Golden Bowerbird Prionodura newtoniana 232. Regent Bowerbird Sericulus chrysocephalus 233. Satin Bowerbird Ptilonorhynchus violaceus 234. Great Bowerbird Chlamydera nuchalis

AUSTRALASIAN TREECREEPERS: Climacteridae 235. White-throated Treecreeper Cormobates leucophaea 236. Red-browed Treecreeper Climacteris erythrops 237. Brown Treecreeper Climacteris picumnus

FAIRYWRENS: Maluridae 238. Red-backed Fairywren Malurus melanocephalus 239. White-winged Fairywren Malurus leucopterus 240. Superb Fairywren Malurus cyaneus 241. Splendid Fairywren Malurus splendens 242. Variegated Fairywren Malurus lamberti 243. Lovely Fairywren Malurus amabilis 244. Southern Emuwren Stipiturus malachurus

HONEYEATERS: Meliphagidae 245. Eastern Spinebill Acanthorhynchus tenuirostris 246. Graceful Honeyeater Meliphaga gracilis 247. Yellow-spotted Honeyeater Meliphaga notata 248. Lewin's Honeyeater Meliphaga lewinii 249. Bridled Honeyeater Lichenostomus frenatus 250. Yellow-faced Honeyeater Lichenostomus chrysops 251. Varied Honeyeater Lichenostomus versicolor 252. Mangrove Honeyeater Lichenostomus fasciogularis 253. Singing Honeyeater Lichenostomus virescens 254. Yellow Honeyeater Lichenostomus flavus 255. White-eared Honeyeater Lichenostomus leucotis 256. Yellow-throated Honeyeater Lichenostomus flavicollis 257. Yellow-tufted Honeyeater Lichenostomus melanops 258. Fuscous Honeyeater Lichenostomus fuscus 259. Gray-fronted Honeyeater Lichenostomus plumulus 260. Yellow-plumed Honeyeater Lichenostomus ornatus 261. White-plumed Honeyeater Lichenostomus penicillatus 262. White-fronted Honeyeater Purnella albifrons 263. Bell Miner Manorina melanophrys www.tropicalbirding.com Page 36 of 43

264. Noisy Miner Manorina melanocephala 265. Yellow-throated Miner Manorina flavigula 266. Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater Acanthagenys rufogularis 267. Red Wattlebird Anthochaera carunculata 268. Little Wattlebird Anthochaera chrysoptera 269. Yellow Wattlebird Anthochaera paradoxa 270. Brown-backed Honeyeater Ramsayornis modestus 271. Crimson Chat Epthianura tricolor 272. Orange Chat Epthianura aurifrons 273. White-fronted Chat Epthianura albifrons 274. Dusky Myzomela Myzomela obscura 275. Scarlet Myzomela Myzomela sanguinolenta 276. Tawny-crowned Honeyeater Phylidonyris melanops 277. Brown Honeyeater Lichmera indistincta 278. Crescent Honeyeater Phylidonyris pyrrhopterus 279. New Holland Honeyeater Phylidonyris novaehollandiae 280. White-cheeked Honeyeater Phylidonyris niger 281. White-naped Honeyeater Melithreptus lunatus 282. Black-headed Honeyeater Melithreptus affinis 283. White-throated Honeyeater Melithreptus albogularis 284. Black-chinned Honeyeater Melithreptus gularis 285. Strong-billed Honeyeater Melithreptus validirostris 286. Brown-headed Honeyeater Melithreptus brevirostris 287. Blue-faced Honeyeater Entomyzon cyanotis 288. Little Friarbird Philemon citreogularis 289. Helmeted Friarbird Philemon buceroides 290. Noisy Friarbird Philemon corniculatus 291. Macleay's Honeyeater Xanthotis macleayanus 292. Striped Honeyeater Plectorhyncha lanceolata 293. Painted Honeyeater Grantiella picta

BRISTLEBIRDS: Dasyornithidae 294. Eastern Bristlebird Dasyornis brachypterus

PARDALOTES: Pardalotidae 295. Spotted Pardalote Pardalotus punctatus 296. Forty-spotted Pardalote Pardalotus quadragintus 297. Striated Pardalote Pardalotus striatus

THORNBILLS AND ALLIES: Acanthizidae 298. Pilotbird Pycnoptilus floccosus 299. Fernwren Oreoscopus gutturalis 300. Yellow-throated Scrubwren Sericornis citreogularis 301. White-browed Scrubwren Sericornis frontalis 302. Tasmanian Scrubwren Sericornis humilis 303. Atherton Scrubwren Sericornis keri 304. Large-billed Scrubwren Sericornis magnirostra www.tropicalbirding.com Page 37 of 43

305. Scrubtit Acanthornis magna 306. Speckled Warbler Pyrrholaemus sagittatus 307. Shy Heathwren (H) Hylacola cauta 308. Buff-rumped Thornbill Acanthiza reguloides 309. Mountain Thornbill Acanthiza katherina 310. Brown Thornbill Acanthiza pusilla 311. Tasmanian Thornbill Acanthiza ewingii 312. Inland Thornbill Acanthiza apicalis 313. Yellow-rumped Thornbill Acanthiza chrysorrhoa 314. Chestnut-rumped Thornbill Acanthiza uropygialis 315. Yellow Thornbill Acanthiza nana 316. Striated Thornbill Acanthiza lineata 317. Weebill Smicrornis brevirostris 318. Fairy Gerygone Gerygone palpebrosa 319. White-throated Gerygone Gerygone olivacea 320. Large-billed Gerygone Gerygone magnirostris 321. Brown Gerygone Gerygone mouki 322. Western Gerygone Gerygone fusca 323. Mangrove Gerygone Gerygone levigaster 324. Southern Whiteface Aphelocephala leucopsis

PSEUDO-BABBLERS: Pomatostomidae 325. Gray-crowned Babbler Pomatostomus temporalis 326. White-browed Babbler Pomatostomus superciliosus

LOGRUNNERS: Orthonychidae 327. Australian Logrunner Orthonyx temminckii 328. Chowchilla Orthonyx spaldingii

WHIPBIRDS AND WEDGEBILLS: Psophodidae 329. Eastern Whipbird Psophodes olivaceus

QUAIL-THRUSHES AND JEWEL-BABBLERS: Cinclosomatidae 330. Chestnut Quail-thrush Cinclosoma castanotum

BOATBILLS: Machaerirhynchidae 331. Yellow-breasted Boatbill Machaerirhynchus flaviventer

WOODSWALLOWS: Artamidae 332. White-breasted Woodswallow Artamus leucorynchus 333. Masked Woodswallow Artamus personatus 334. White-browed Woodswallow Artamus superciliosus 335. Black-faced Woodswallow Artamus cinereus 336. Dusky Woodswallow Artamus cyanopterus

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BELLMAGPIES AND ALLIES: Cracticidae 337. Gray Butcherbird Cracticus torquatus 338. Pied Butcherbird Cracticus nigrogularis 339. Black Butcherbird Cracticus quoyi 340. Australasian Magpie Gymnorhina tibicen 341. Pied Currawong Strepera graculina 342. Black Currawong Strepera fuliginosa 343. Gray Currawong Strepera versicolour

CUCKOO-SHRIKES: Campephagidae 344. Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike Coracina novaehollandiae 345. Barred Cuckoo-shrike Coracina lineata 346. White-bellied Cuckoo-shrike Coracina papuensis 347. Cicadabird Coracina tenuirostris 348. White-winged Triller Lalage tricolor 349. Varied Triller Lalage leucomela

SITELLAS: Neosittidae 350. Varied Sittella Neositta chrysoptera

WHISTLERS AND ALLIES: Pachycephalidae 351. Crested Shrike-tit Falcunculus frontatus 352. Crested Bellbird (H) Oreoica gutturalis 353. Olive Whistler Pachycephala olivacea 354. Gilbert's Whistler Pachycephala inornata 355. Gray Whistler Pachycephala simplex 356. Golden Whistler Pachycephala pectoralis 357. Rufous Whistler Pachycephala rufiventris 358. Rufous Shrike-Thrush Colluricincla megarhyncha 359. Bower's Shrike-Thrush Colluricincla boweri 360. Gray Shrike-Thrush Colluricincla harmonica

OLD WORLD ORIOLES: Oriolidae 361. Olive-backed Oriole Oriolus sagittatus 362. Green Oriole Oriolus flavocinctus 363. Australian Figbird Sphecotheres vieilloti

DRONGOS: Dicruridae 364. Spangled Drongo Dicrurus bracteatus

FANTAILS: Rhipiduridae 365. Northern Fantail Rhipidura rufiventris 366. Willie-wagtail Rhipidura leucophrys 367. Gray Fantail Rhipidura albiscapa 368. Rufous Fantail Rhipidura rufifrons

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MONARCH-FLYCATCHERS: Monarchidae 369. Black-faced Monarch Monarcha melanopsis 370. Spectacled Monarch Monarcha trivirgatus 371. Pied Monarch Arses kaupi 372. Magpie-lark Grallina cyanoleuca 373. Leaden Flycatcher Myiagra rubecula 374. Satin Flycatcher Myiagra cyanoleuca 375. Restless Flycatcher Myiagra inquieta 376. Shining Flycatcher Myiagra alecto

CROWS, JAYS AND MAGPIES: Corvidae 377. Torresian Crow Corvus orru 378. Australian Raven Corvus coronoides 379. Little Raven Corvus mellori 380. Forest Raven Corvus tasmanicus

WHITE-WINGED CHOUGH AND APOSTLEBIRD: Corcoracidae 381. White-winged Chough Corcorax melanorhamphos 382. Apostlebird Struthidea cinerea

BIRDS-OF-PARADISE: Paradisaeidae 383. Paradise Riflebird Ptiloris paradiseus 384. Victoria's Riflebird Ptiloris victoriae

AUSTRALASIAN ROBINS: Petroicidae 385. Jacky-winter Microeca fascinans 386. Lemon-bellied Flycatcher Microeca flavigaster 387. Scarlet Robin Petroica multicolor 388. Red-capped Robin Petroica goodenovii 389. Flame Robin Petroica phoenicea 390. Rose Robin Petroica rosea 391. Pink Robin Petroica rodinogaster 392. Hooded Robin Melanodryas cucullata 393. Dusky Robin Melanodryas vittata 394. Pale-yellow Robin Tregellasia capito 395. Eastern Yellow Robin Eopsaltria australis 396. Mangrove Robin Eopsaltria pulverulenta 397. White-browed Robin Poecilodryas superciliosa 398. Gray-headed Robin Heteromyias albispecularis 399. Southern Scrub-Robin Drymodes brunneopygia

LARKS: Alaudidae 400. Australasian Bushlark Mirafra javanica 401. Sky Lark Alauda arvensis

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SWALLOWS: Hirundinidae 402. Welcome Swallow Hirundo neoxena 403. Fairy Martin Petrochelidon ariel 404. Tree Martin Petrochelidon nigricans 405. White-backed Swallow Cheramoeca leucosterna

BULBULS: Pycnonotidae 406. Red-whiskered Bulbul Pycnonotus jocosus

REED-WARBLERS AND ALLIES: Acrocephalidae 407. Australian Reed-Warbler Acrocephalus australis

GRASSBIRDS AND ALLIES: Megaluridae 408. Tawny Grassbird Megalurus timoriensis 409. Little Grassbird Megalurus gramineus 410. Brown Songlark Cincloramphus cruralis 411. Rufous Songlark Cincloramphus mathewsi

CISTICOLAS AND ALLIES: Cisticolidae 412. Golden-headed Cisticola Cisticola exilis

THRUSHES: Turdidae 413. Olive-tailed Thrush Zoothera lunulata 414. Russet-tailed Thrush Zoothera heinei 415. Eurasian Blackbird Turdus merula

WHITE-EYES: Zosteropidae 416. Silver-eye Zosterops lateralis

STARLINGS: Sturnidae 417. Metallic Starling Aplonis metallica 418. Common Myna Acridotheres tristis 419. European Starling Sturnus vulgaris

FLOWERPECKERS: Dicaeidae 420. Mistletoebird Dicaeum hirundinaceum

SUNBIRDS AND SPIDERHUNTERS: Nectariniidae 421. Olive-backed Sunbird Cinnyris jugularis

WAGTAILS AND PIPITS: Motacillidae 422. Australasian Pipit Anthus novaeseelandiae

SISKINS, CROSSBILLS AND ALLIES: Fringillidae 423. European Greenfinch Chloris chloris 424. European Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis

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OLD WORLD SPARROWS: Passeridae 425. House Sparrow Passer domesticus

WAXBILLS AND ALLIES: Estrildidae 426. Beautiful Firetail Stagonopleura bella 427. Diamond Firetail Stagonopleura guttata 428. Red-browed Firetail Neochmia temporalis 429. Crimson Finch Neochmia phaeton 430. Plum-headed Finch Neochmia modesta 431. Double-barred Finch Taeniopygia bichenovii 432. Black-throated Finch Poephila cincta 433. Nutmeg Mannikin Lonchura punctulata 434. Chestnut-breasted Munia Lonchura castaneothorax

MAMMAL LIST 1. Short-beaked Echidna Tachyglossus aculeatus 2. Platypus Ornithorhynchus anatinus 3. Northern Brown Bandicoot Isoodon macrourus 4. Fat-tailed Dunnart Sminthopsis crassicaudata 5. Koala Phasocolarctos cinereus 6. Common Brushtail Possum Trichosurus vulpecula 7. Lemuroid Ringtail Possum Hemibelideus lemuroides 8. Common Ringtail Possum Pseudocheirus peregrinus 9. Green Ringtail Possum Pseudochirops archeri 10. Musky Rat-kangaroo Hypsiprymnodon moschatus 11. Agile Wallaby Macropus agilis 12. Whiptail Wallaby Macropus parryi 13. Eastern Gray Kangaroo Macropus giganteus 14. Western Gray Kangaroo Macropus fuliginosus 15. Red Kangaroo Macropus rufus 16. Euro Macropus robustus 17. Red-necked Wallaby Macropus rufogriseus 18. Black (Swamp) Wallaby Wallabia bicolour 19. Mareeba Rock-Wallaby Petrogale Mareeba 20. Red-legged Pademelon Thylogale stigmatica 21. Red-necked Pademelon Thylogale thetis 22. Black Flying-fox Pteropus alecto 23. Spectacled Flying-fox Pteropus conspicillatus 24. Gray-headed Flying-fox Pteropus poliocephalus 25. Red Fox Vulpes vulpes 26. Humpback Whale Megaptera navaeangliae 27. Bottlenose Dolphin Tursiops truncatus 28. European Hare Lepus europaeus 29. European Rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus www.tropicalbirding.com Page 42 of 43

REPTILE LIST 1. Green Turtle Chelonia mydas 2. Macquarie Turtle Emydura macquarii 3. Beaded Gecko Lucasium damaeum 4. Northern Leaf-tailed Gecko Saltuarius cornutus 5. Southern Leaf-tailed Gecko Saltuarius swaini 6. Eastern Water Skink Eulamprus quoyii 7. Shingleback Tiliqua rugosa 8. Eastern Blue-tongue Tiliqua scincoides 9. Boyd’s Forest Dragon Hypsilurus boydii 10. Water Dragon Physignathus lesueurii 11. Common Bearded Dragon Pogona barbata 12. Sand Goanna Varanus gouldii 13. Spotted Tree Monitor Varanus scalaris 14. Brown Tree Snake Boiga irregularis 15. Green Tree Snake Dendrelaphis punctulata

FROG LIST 1. Peron’s Tree Frog Litoria peronii 2. Roth’s Tree Frog Litoria rothii 3. Green Tree Frog Litoria caerulea 4. Northern Dwarf Tree Frog Litoria bicolour 5. White-lipped Tree Frog Litoria infrafrenata 6. Spotted Grass Frog Limnodynastes tasmaniensis

BUTTERFLY LIST 1. Blue Triangle Graphium sarpedon 2. Orchard Swallowtail Papilio aegeus 3. Ulysses Swallowtail Papilio ulysses 4. Chequered Swallowtail Papilio demoleus 5. Clearwing Swallowtail Cressida cressida 6. Cairns Birdwing Ornithoptera euphorion 7. Lemon Migrant Catopsilia pomona 8. Caper White Belenois java 9. Varied Sword-Grass Brown Tisiphone abeona 10. Bordered Rustic Cupha prosope 11. Varied Eggfly Hypolimnas bolina 12. Blue Argus Junonia orithya 13. White-banded Plane Phaedyma shepherdi 14. Common Crow Euploea core 15. Monarch Danaus plexippus

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