Birds SA Newsletter No 226 May 2013

Birds SA is the operating name of The South Australian Ornithological Association Inc. c/- South Australian Museum, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA 5000

The Aims of the Association are: To promote the conservation of Australian birds and their habitats. To encourage interest in, and develop knowledge of the birds of South Australia. To record the results of research in regard to all aspects of bird life. To maintain a public fund called the “Birds SA Conservation Fund” for the specific purpose of supporting the Association’s environmental objectives. PRINT POST APPROVED PP532699/00009 Bird Families Gordon Pateman took all these photographs — Details p18

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2 Birds SA Newsletter, May 2013 CONTENTS SAOA COMMITTEE 2013 – 2014 President’s Letter ……..….……..………..….…4 President David Paton 8344 8891 Birds SA Notes & News ……………………….5 Vice President John Hatch 8362 2820 Miscellaneous Items ………………….….…….7 Vice President Vacant Giving Them Wings ……………………….…..8 Secretary Brian Blaylock 8370 3349 Treasurer Brian Walker 8263 3433 Past and Future Meetings ...…………..…..……9 Assistant Secretary Kate Buckley 8261 7197 Past Excursions ...…………….…...... …....10 Journal Editor Merilyn Browne 8339 6839 Future Excursions …………………...….....….12 Newsletter Editor Cynthia Pyle 8264 5778 Bird Records …………..……….….…...... ….13 Field Program Coordinator Lynton Huxley 7009 5038 Rare Birds Current Review List ………..….…15 Bird Record Secretary Graham Carpenter 8297 5463 From the Library ………………….……….…17 Membership Officer Vacant Members’ Photographs……….……….……...19 Member John Spiers 8333 0272 CENTRE INSERT Member Lou Bartley-Clements 0418858037 SAOA HISTORICAL SERIES NUMBER 44, Member Robert Rowland 83881790 Member Vacant JOHN SUTTON, Part 1 Member Vacant

DIARY Following is a list of Birds SA activities for the next few FURTHER USEFUL CONTACTS months. Further details of all these activities are given later in Librarian Karen Donkin 0402123960 the newsletter. Image Librarian John Spiers 8333 0272 email [email protected] June 2 Sunday Excursion to Swan Reach CP Campout Organiser Graham Bate 8270 3041 June 15 Saturday Excursion to Porter Scrub CP June 20 Thursday Excursion to Charleston CP RELATED ASSOCIATIONS June 28 Friday General Meeting BirdLife Southeast SA June 30 Sunday Excursion to Lowan CP Convenor, — Bob Green [email protected] 8725 0549 IBA Coordinator/Newsletter Editor — Bryan Haywood  [email protected] 8726 8112 July 13 Saturday Excursion to Brown’s Rd. Monarto Fleurieu Birdwatchers Contact Person Judith Dyer 8555 2736 July 18 Thursday Excursion to Horsnell Gully CP Email [email protected] July 26 Friday General Meeting WEBSITE birdssa.asn.au July 28 Sunday Excursion to Ridley CP  2013 SAOA SUBSCRIPTIONS Aug 10 Saturday Excursion to Kenneth Stirling CP etc. Single membership $50 Family/household membership $60 Aug 15 Thursday Excursion to Onkaparinga Single concession* $45 Aug 30 Friday General Meeting Family/household concession* $55 Student members (full-time students under 25 years) $10  *Pensioners and people experiencing financial hardship can obtain Sept 1 Sunday Excursion to Narrinyeri Hills concessions. Apply in writing to the Treasurer, Birds SA. Sept 14 Saturday Excursion to Laratinga Wetlands ABN 76 339 976 789

Cover photo: White-tailed Tropic Bird, photographed by Kay ADVERTISING IN THE Birds SA Parkin on Chrstmas Island February 2013 NEWSLETTER General meetings are held in the Hawker Centre at the Waite SAOA relies on the integrity of advertisers for the quality and nature of their products and services. We cannot guarantee them. Advertising Institute, Waite Road, Urrbrae at 7.45pm. Doors open at is charged as follows: $1.00 per line, up to $20.00 per quarter page and 7.00pm. 10c per inserted leaflet (single sheet). The committee reserves the right to lower or waive these fees. Committee meetings are held at the above venue on the second Monday of each month, starting at 7.30pm. COPY DEADLINE Copy for the August Newsletter is due by the July General Meeting Donations to the Birds SA Conservation Fund are tax- (July 26). Contributions, ‘Word’ format preferred, can be recorded on deductible a CD, emailed to either of my email addresses, or typed/handwritten neatly.

New Members • [email protected] We welcome 12 new members who have recently joined the [email protected] Association. Their names are listed on p16. •

Printed by Abbott Printers and Stationer

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President’s Letter There have been some recent I have grown up and spent most of when numbers get low. Birds SA changes to the Birds SA Committee. my life in South Australia. A could and should do more to I have taken over as President from grandfather and mother, both having document changes in our birds. As a Jeremy Robertson who has been in also served terms as President of this general rule bird watchers and Birds the position for 5 years. This is Association, nurtured my interests in SA tend to rejoice and celebrate the simply a case of one busy academic birds and natural history. During my unusual species that are detected at from an ivory tower being replaced watch, ongoing declines in sites while common or abundant by another. Expect little change. distributions and abundances of birds species tend to be ignored. Common Jeremy will still be actively involved in South Australia stand out. This and abundant species today are giving presentations and serving on was a period in which there was tomorrow’s declining species. the Journal Sub Committee amongst limited additional vegetation Birds SA members are on the whole other contributions, and we wish him clearance. Declines in birds were also bird watchers. Bird watchers tend to well as he will now have go to a handful of places more time for different where they can see a good pursuits. The real work for A grandfather and range of birds, with the Birds SA, however, is done chance of seeing unusual or by the Secretary, the mother, both having also atypical species. For Treasurer, one or more Vice example lots of people go Presidents and several sub- served terms as to Laratinga wetlands near Committees inter alia. President of this Mt Barker, Greenfields The other major change to wetlands and Barker Inlet the Management Committee Association, nurtured or to the planted woodlands and the running of Birds SA off Browns Rd at Monarto, affairs is that Trevor Cowie my interests in birds and but not to places in has stepped down after natural history. between. This results in a several decades serving as lot of information from a the Field Program Co- few sites and virtually ordinator. During that time Trevor prominent during my grandfather’s nothing from anywhere else, and has overseen a substantial growth in and mother’s watches, largely certainly not from places that the numbers of Birds SA field trips. associated with vegetation clearance. traditionally support few birds. As a Such has been the growth that a sub I am passionate about the need to consequence Birds SA does not have Committee may now be needed to do take action to prevent ongoing a good sense of how bird populations the work that Trevor did with declines. That the birds are still have changed and are changing aplomb. That Birds SA saw fit to declining despite cessation of broad across parts of South Australia, and honour his services with Honorary scale vegetation clearance in this we certainly do not have the data to Life Membership is a fitting tribute state around 1980 suggests that it is support changes in distribution and that acknowledges Trevor’s no longer sufficient to simply protect abundance. If we are not adequately significant contribution. and manage what habitat remains. informed and aware, then we cannot To a large extent the wellbeing and There is now a growing and urgent expect anyone else to be. Many of us, future of associations like Birds SA need to re-establish habitats to however, are aware that there are depend on having an active prevent a host of local extinctions. In species that are declining and others Committee that manages the my forbears’ times, the Regent that are increasing but we have been Association on behalf of its Honeyeater and Spotted Quail-thrush and continue to be very poor at members. I note with concern, could still be found in the local Mt capturing these changes, let alone however, that the same small band of Lofty Ranges but not now. Other trying to turn them around. Part of people continue to serve and manage species are now queuing to join the reason for this (and it is true the Association with limited new them. There is still time to take throughout the 114 years of the blood joining the Committee. A action but time is running out. Association) is that we document the vibrant Association not only needs While the majority of species show unusual and not the usual. I would strong membership but also a bevy of declines, a few species have shown like to see the Association become members willing to be responsible or are showing dramatic increases. much more effective in capturing the for running the business of the Members of Birds SA are involved in usual while dwelling a little less on Association. The current some of the monitoring programs the unusual. Management Committee still has that have been established to detect To an extent, repeating the Bird Atlas some vacancies. Please consider some of the changes, but detecting if of the Adelaide region aims to start offering your services. species are declining is often difficult doing this. The study region includes

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President’s Letter(cont)/Birds SA Notes & News Kangaroo Island, the Fleurieu Association Secretary Brian Blaylock are not dismissed or discarded but Peninsula, the Mt Lofty Ranges and ex officio. are retained as unconfirmed reports. adjacent plains, and stretches to just The distributional function is Last year 2012 was a less active one beyond Port Wakefield (in the NW) relatively informal, with Bird Record for SARC, partly because of the to just beyond Morgan (in the NE) Secretary Graham Carpenter absence overseas of individual and to just beyond Salt Creek (in the checking for unexpected committee members but the resulting SE). To date some 2,500 lists of birds distributional records and, when backlog is being addressed and 13 have been collected, containing appropriate, obtaining corroborative submissions have been considered around 40,000 records of birds. information from observers. Sources already in the first quarter of 2013. While this is a great start, many of of records are many with at least Accepted records include two for these lists are from repeated visits to three web sites now providing reports Eastern Grass Owl, and others for the same site or come from urban or from S.A. Other sub-committee Rose Robin, Mottled Petrel, Black- peri-urban locations. Furthermore, members monitor the sites for bellied Storm Petrel, Gould's Petrel, the lists are strongly skewed to a few important records but we do Great Shearwater, Light-mantled key sites, such as Laratinga, favoured encourage members to submit their Albatross and Buff-breasted by bird watchers; while many parts unusual or unexpected records to Sandpiper. A tropicbird sighting has of the study region remain poorly Graham directly. Some records been recorded as a probable Red- covered. This is particularly true for require a broader approach to vetting, tailed Tropicbird. the area north and east of Para Wirra such as unusual distributional reports Andrew Black out to the Murray River and beyond. submitted to Birdlife Australia's Maps showing the poorly covered ongoing atlas. In addition we are CONSERVATION SUB- areas will be available on the web doing our best to ensure that bird lists COMMITTEE site soon, if they are not already included in the Association's e- The Dry Creek Salt Fields available. I am always happy to enlist newsletter and other publications are The Conservation Sub-committee has additional people to help collect as reliable as possible. Although started to look seriously at the issue information for the atlas. If you are generally incomplete, such lists of the future of the Dry Creek Salt interested please contact me by email invariably lengthen over time. Fields. It seems clear that production ([email protected]) with SARC was set up along similar lines of salt and soda is no longer a postal address for despatching to those for the national (Birdlife economically viable in Australia and some cards and some more detailed Australia) Rarity Committee BARC that manufacture will cease in South instructions on how to fill the cards. but while BARC deals with true Australia, as it has already done in David Paton national rarities our general criterion Victoria. We have not been able to is to review reports of any bird with discover any definite timetable but it BIRDS SA NOTES & NEWS an average annual report rate in S.A. seems clear that closure may be only of 1.5 per year, or fewer. The list is a few months away, or at most, Please will you advise any changes shown on our web site and can be a couple of years. When this occurs it to your name, address, email address found on pages 15 and 16. We will not be feasible to maintain the or telephone number via email to encourage submissions, using the Salt Fields as they are given the cost [email protected]. Rare Bird Record Report form of pumping water through the system Alternatively, ‘phone the Treasurer downloadable from the web site, but and the cost of even a few staff to using the number on page 3. can accept them less formally physically maintain the . An through an approach to any member article in the most recent issue of SOUTH AUSTRALIAN RARITY of the sub-committee who will assist Australian Birdlife on the Moolap AND DISTRIBTION SUB- in preparing a formal submission. (pages 16-17) gives a COMMITTEE Naturally not all reports result in foretaste of what is likely to then Following receipt of the 2012 Annual acceptance and it might appear happen. Although decommissioned Report from the pre-existing Vetting intimidating for some to subject their in 2007 the Moolap wetlands have and Rare Birds Subcommittees the observations to such scrutiny. We continued to be an important feeding Management Committee approved have all experienced this feeling and roosting site for migratory their formal amalgamation as the when making a claim before a shorebirds but are now threatened by South Australian Rarity and sceptical authority figure, for residential development. Distribution Subcommittee example when being asked to In South Australia the threat of (SARDS). Its members are those complete an Unusual Record Report development has already started even who have constituted the Birds SA Form (URRF) for one of Birdlife though the Salt Fields are still Rare Bird Committee (SARC), Colin Australia's bird atlases. Such functioning. A plan to build 10,000 Rogers (Secretary), Graham scepticism translates into an homes on the Dry Creek Saltpans Carpenter, John Fennell, John Hatch, appreciation that the record is was unveiled in the electronic Lynn Pedler and Andrew Black potentially an important one and the newspaper Adelaide Now on 15th (chair); also included is the feeling fades over time. It is also March, 2013. See the link below: important to know that these records

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Birds SA Notes & News (cont) http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/plan • What will the impact be on the areas as possible, at least in the -to-build-10000-homes-on-dry- other wetlands around Barkers Fleurieu Peninsula and we therefor creek-salt-pans/story-e6frea6u- inlet? invite you to join Council Watch! 1226597893759 We regard the Salt Fields as top of What we would like you to do is The saltpans’ owner, Ridley the list on bird conservation issues in quite simple: Corporation, is apparently in talks South Australia at the present. • locate the important areas for with the State Government about Fortunately the economic downturn birds in your council area. building the homes on land west of has slowed developments down and • undertake to visit these areas Salisbury Highway and Port we need to use the breathing space about once every three months Wakefield Rd. This is a revision of this gives us as well as we can. Input and look for any significant an earlier plan that was shelved in from everyone is required. Hopefully changes in an area or its 2008 called “Venice of the South”. the State government will see the surrounds. The area involved here is 980 madness of engaging in large-scale hectares. Ridley also leases many development on a coast subject to • undertake to keep tabs on any hectares to the north from the Land rising sea levels where it will be a developments occurring in your Management Corporation. When salt challenge to simply maintain existing council area that might affect the production ceases, the fate of that infrastructure. important areas you have land is uncertain. The sub-committee John Spiers located. This involves visiting is attempting to find out what, if any, the Council website on a regular plans there might be. Unfortunately Council Watch basis and reading the agenda and we have to bear in mind that the S.A. The Conservation sub-committee of minutes of Council meetings. If state government is cash strapped Birds SA is charged with doing what there is significant development and pro-development. If we are to it can to protect our native birds. there is usually a detailed plan have any impact on what happens we Whenever we hear of a development attached which may include an need to become involved in the that could, or would, affect their “Environmental Impact planning process as soon as possible. habitat we try and investigate the Statement”. In addition, there Does any member know whether situation and make representations to there are often requests for a there have been any studies into the the relevant authority. For us to be public submission and a cut-off use of the saltpans by the birds? We effective we need to hear of any date for receiving that need to know species and numbers proposed actions as early as possible. submission. If you know, or but we also need to understand other It takes time to investigate a situation could get to know, people within things such as: properly and time to prepare an the Council they are also valuable sources of information. • how much nutritional input is appropriate response. We believe that obtained from the sea and it is very important to get our facts • Inform the sub-committee of and how much from the straight and to develop a firm but anything that may be significant saltpans themselves, courteous response. Submissions that by contacting me (John Spiers: • where exactly they roost, show ignorance of the situation or by e-mail at • differences between species, are impolite are not likely to carry [email protected] or • where they might move to if the much weight. There is also always a phone (83330272). Salt Fields are developed, cut-off date for delivering Note that we are not wanting to • the minimum area that will need submissions and the time given is always be negative and oppose to be set aside to provide always short. everything. We believe it is also very adequate protection for the In a few Council areas we have a important to let Councils know that population of birds now using the number of enthusiastic people who we appreciate any of their actions Salt Fields, provide us with an early warning of that are good for the environment. • the fate of the pans if water is not impending changes in their Council It works best if there are two to three pumped into them — would they area. These are people such as Kevin people working together in an area. If dry out, be invaded by Williams and Bob Snell of Mt. you are interested please let me know , revert to saltbush? Barker Council, Dr. Rachel Westcott your Council area and the contact • how much (numbers, proportion, and Emilis Prelgauskas of Murray details of at least one member of species) of the total migrant bird Bridge Council, Kate Buckley of your group. population using St. Vincent Gulf Mallala Council and Bob Huxtable of We look forward to hearing from use the area currently designated Ecowatch from Kangaroo Island. you. for housing. Their input has been most useful and John Spiers • will they be able to re-locate if all has enabled us to get a number of Birds SA Conservation Sub- this land is developed? submissions off in good time. We committee. would now like to extend this network to cover as many Council

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Miscellaneous Items David Robertson supplied the A red-tail known as Chocolate then With more than 270 species sighted following article, from The Weekend caught Pale Male’s eye. In 1995 they here the Ramble is often described as Australian of July 23-24 2011. are believed to have had chicks the best birdspotting venue in the US. together, but a few months later At various times of the year the BIRDS OF A FEATHER Chocolate was found dead; she had Ramble is home to birds such as been killed in a collision. downy woodpeckers, tufted titmice, Skyscrapers make ideal eyries for Within months Pale Male was kingbirds, grey catbirds flycatchers hawks in New York City sighted with a new red-tail. In March and cedar waxwings. 1996, this bird was confirmed as I've been in the Ramble less than 10 I first see him on Fifth Avenue. First Love; she’d made her way back minutes and already I’ve seen elms Twelve floors up and perched after release from the rehabilitation heavy with bright yellow warblers precariously on an ornate ledge centre. However, the reunion only and oak branches swaying under the overlooking New York's Central lasted until the end of 1997, when weight of boisterous eastern Park, he looks as if he's about to First Love ate poisoned pigeon and bluebirds. jump. Right foot first, he shuffles died. Just out of the Ramble, down by the forward and leaps into the air. Then came a new lady hawk, Blue. waterside there are green herons, But he doesn't fall. Whisky-and- Chicks followed but her motherhood snowy white egrets and all sorts of cream coloured wings stretch out in a was short-lived. By the summer of ducks and waders. span of almost 1.5m as he circles 2001 Blue was missing believed Beneath the waters of Turtle over the park. This is Pale Male, a dead. The next year, Lola appeared are native snapping turtles that, when wild red-tail hawk that for two on the scene. After disappearing Lola hungry enough will bite at small decades has nested and raised more was presumed dead last year. dogs and consume ducklings and than 20 offspring in the heart of New Now with a mate referred to as either goslings with bone-crunching relish. York City. Ginger or Lima, Pale Male is a father Squirrels and woodchucks hiding in Before the arrival of Pale Male — so again. The family’s goings-on in the Ramble meet similar fates from called because of his unusually pale their twiggy residence can be seen merlins and kestrels. colouring — city nesting by a red-tail from the model boat lake in Central Just like Manhattan, Central Park had never been witnessed. Park. Here, just by glancing up, never sleeps. The bird's 90kg nest was built on the visitors and New Yorkers alike have After dark bats stretch their wings windowsills of apartments that sell watched the couple bring up their and raccoons sift through the for more than $US15 million, and it's chicks. undergrowth, while above three types little wonder Pale Male has become Other typical sightings include of owls patrol the night sky, eyes uptown New York's top feathered novice hawks taking first flights and shining, talons ready. celebrity. parents bringing back fast-food treats If I could fly with Pale Male over The hawk's penthouse perch, his in the form of small birds, squirrels Manhattan, Central Park, which string of nestmates and wild lifestyle and rodents makes up 6% of the island, would have been the subject of many US Much of the hawks’ kill comes on look like a green in the middle newspaper columns, television the Ramble, 13ha of ragged of an otherwise grey granite shows, feature-length documentaries woodland and glades midway up cityscape. I’d see, too, how the and best sellers. His most intimate Central Park. skyscrapers and apartment blocks moments are played out openly for Following Pale Male’s flight path, I below form a circle around the park, all to observe, as though he were a decide to head for the Ramble. their concrete arms keeping reality show contestant. Leaving the lake behind, I walk west Manhattan's original wild child safe And there's much to observe for 15 minutes until I am surrounded and sound from the ways of the big regarding Pale Male's other halves. by the thousands of trees that make bad city. Involving a string of beautiful red- the Ramble a mini-wilderness. Sarah Evans tales, Pale Male's love life reads like Instead of honking horns I hear an avian soap opera featuring the birdsong. Fresh air replaces exhaust disappearances, deaths and fumes and people-packed footpaths reappearances of its female give way to feathered residents protagonist. flitting through trees. In 1992, Pale Male's first romance It’s so busy and full of life, it’s as if was with a bird the public dubbed I've left the city and entered a natural First Love. Less than a year into their metropolis where tens of thousands relationship, an injury saw First Love of trees serve as woody skyscrapers, moved from the park to a their branches al fresco apartments rehabilitation centre. for a fantastic diversity of bird life.

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MIGRATORY BIRDS, CITIZEN human activity on ecosystems before Many of the young are able to find SCIENCE AND SCIENTIFIC doing anything. They are unlikely to their own food only days after CERTAINTY (& support the typically costly actions to hatching in the far north, and a few UNCERTAINTY) avoid impacts until they have strong weeks later, most fly south HOW CERTAIN DO WE NEED evidence (even though this flies in independently with no help from TO BE BEFORE WE DO the face of the Precautionary their parents or other experienced SOMETHING? Principle, see box). guides. Multiple lines of evidence are telling Unfortunately, such evidence can be Most fatten up before they leave, in us that many species of migratory difficult and expensive to deliver. some cases to over 80% above their birds are in crisis. It’s a global Resources are scarce, and there has typical weight. They put on up to 5% problem crossing multiple national been under-investment in data weight gain per day in just a couple borders and there are no easy collection for the past several of weeks. These birds depart on their solutions. It’s also a problem that decades. The unfolding evidence of migrations looking like over-inflated needs to be addressed quickly yet our large declines in migratory footballs with wings, and yet some political leaders have largely shorebirds exemplifies a rare long- are known to fly up to 12,000 km for consigned it to the too-hard basket. term data set collected by volunteers over eight days non-stop across the One of the reasons for this is a desire that shows just how much Pacific. Gauging favourable winds, for scientific certainty before action information is needed to deliver using the sky as a map and engaging is taken. strong evidence. a variety of little understood built-in Demanding certainty navigation systems, they literally The profile of science has risen navigate their way across the dramatically in policy making in It is important that globe. And yet the length of their recent years. Whether it’s climate governments act now migration makes them vulnerable change mitigation, the Murray if any critical staging post along Darling Basin Plan or the based on the best the way is under threat. appropriateness of super-trawlers available evidence, and Damaging developments fishing our territorial waters, all that the lack of certainty Most migratory shorebirds feed in are talked about in terms of the non-breeding season on whether the science is certain. But around some parts of invertebrates living under the mud what happens when government the shorebird story not and sand. On their northern demands certainty in the science migrations these birds must stop at before acting, but won’t fund the be used as an excuse least once at habitats rich in food studies to provide that certainty? for inaction. to fatten up again. One of the most And when it comes to endangered important and widely used areas to species, not acting can lead to stop and refuel is in East Asia’s irreversible loss. Yellow Sea. Migratory shorebirds are a point in Remarkable journeys There is growing evidence that the case. Many groups of migratory Many shorebirds make remarkable critical refuelling habitats in the shorebirds appear to be showing journeys around the planet, at times Yellow Sea are declining rapidly. In widespread decline. Recent research coming together in clouds of birds fact many decision makers in these on migratory birds and shorebirds in that defy human comprehension. And areas view intertidal habitats as an Japan and around Australia indicate it’s not just one or two closely related easy place to reclaim cheap land that some species appear to have species that make these journeys. from the sea for other uses, declined by anywhere from 30% to Migratory shorebirds that visit the something that has been witnessed in 80% in the past 15 to 30 years. coasts and wetlands of Australia are the past in many wetlands of When faced with potential very diverse. They come from Australia. The increasing popularity biodiversity losses such as those in breeding areas in the Arctic tundra, of these kinds of developments over shorebirds, decision makers often the steppes of central Asia, or large the past few decades can easily be require high levels of certainty meadows found within boreal forests. seen from space. Consider the two regarding any negative impacts of satellite images of Bohai Bay (the

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Giving them Wings (cont)/Past and Future Meetings

The Changing Coastline of Bohai Bay, China, 1975 to 2010 innermost gulf of the Yellow Sea) in growing ecological imbalances in the PAST GENERAL MEETINGS China taken in 1975 and 2010. Arctic, to large-scale degradation at FRIDAY JANUARY 25 Evidence of declines in migratory inland non-breeding wetlands in Greg Kerr introduced the speaker for shorebirds, combined with the Australia, such as the Coorong. As the evening Dr David Robertson to enormous loss of refuelling habitats, work continues I’m hopeful that the talk on the birds of Sri Lanka. David is sparking conservation planning web of causes of declines in and his wife, Minnie went to Sri efforts throughout the flyway (the migratory shorebird populations can Lanka with the Singapore Natural name given to these migratory be untangled so that sufficient and History Society from the 2nd to the routes). The evidence is even compelling evidence can be delivered 14th of March 2012 with the group convincing some of the most regarding what is needed, and where, and from the 15th of March to the 3rd skeptical decision makers of to reduce impacts to these birds. of April by themselves. David said declines. Unfortunately, many It is striking though that had it not that Sri Lanka was about 430km long shorebird conservation advocates been for the long term efforts of by 240km wide and contains 426 believe action may come far too late, volunteers (such as the Australasian bird species. The human population if at all. Wader Studies Group) we would is about 20 million mostly Sinhalese Citizens and shorebirds have no idea of the problem or its (74%), Tamils (18%) and Muslims It’s been noted in many places that scale, and still less hope of beginning (9%). The northern part of the citizen science focused on birds, to formulate solutions. Which begs country has only recently been which are relatively easy to monitor, the question: What about all those opened up to tourism since the may provide a barometer of the level species, including other migratory cessation of the war. David showed of threat associated with increasing shorebird species, that have not been photographs of the following birds - human activity on the planet. I monitored by an army of volunteers House Crow, Blue Magpie, believe monitoring migratory for over 30 years? We know almost Chestnut-backed Owlet, Spot-winged shorebirds is a particularly valuable nothing about some of these species. Thrush, Yellow-fronted Barbet, activity in this respect. Indeed, What if the canaries we have enough Orange-billed Babbler, Brown- without the efforts of hundreds of data to look at seriously, and which capped Babbler, Hanging Parrot, volunteers who have dedicated we know are in trouble, are among Painted Francolin, Jungle Fowl, themselves to monitoring these birds the hardiest birds in the mine? Small Barbet, Changeable Hawk across Australia and Japan for Robert Clemens (EDG, University Eagle, Crested Drongo, Green decades, we would have little idea of Queensland) Pigeon, Paradise Flycatcher, Brown- that they appear to be in trouble. headed Flycatcher, Indian Pitta, Further work in this area, harnessing Published in Decision Point #67 - Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher, White- the combined observations of March 2013 bellied Sea Eagle, Painted Stork, citizens from multiple locations, is Lesser Whistling Duck, Asian determining the scale of declines http://decision-point.com.au Openbill, Little Grebe, Brown- across migratory shorebird species. headed Gull, Red-wattled Lapwing, It’s helping us identify other factors Indian Pond Heron, Whiskered Tern, aside from habitat loss in East Asia Yellow-billed Babbler, Orange-billed that may be reducing populations. Babbler, Swallow, Little Green Bee- The threats to migratory shorebirds eater, Blue Rock Thrush, White-eye, span a variety of interconnected Paddyfield Pipit and a cardboard box habitats across the globe, from for House Sparrows to nest in. He

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Past and Future Meetings (cont)/Past Excursions also showed some photographs of the He concluded that although there is PAST EXCURSIONS countryside and the effects of the war uncertainty about prion taxonomy it in Sri Lanka. is possible to photograph examples EASTER CAMPOUT of all six species identified in Mary Seymour CP, Lower SE, FRIDAY FEBRUARY 22 HANZAB in South Australian waters 28/03 to 2/04/2013. John Hatch introduced the speaker However, this does not establish the We returned to a favourite area after for the evening Colin Rogers. Colin’s scientific basis of the six species or six years away and the trifecta of topic was “Identification of prions that they have been correctly Mary Seymour, Big Heath and Bool from digital photographs taken at sea allocated to species! Lagoon was again a winning in South Australian waters”. combination. The strong wind that Colin stated that most authorities e.g. FUTURE GENERAL MEETINGS greeted the Thursday arrivals died HANZAB, Christidis & Boles, IOC away at dusk and the calls of Owlet- identify six species within two General meetings are held in the nightjars, Barking Owls and a groups. The “Fairy” group comprises Charles Hawker building of the Boobook were heard in the night. the Fulmar and Fairy Prion and the Waite Institute on Waite Road Friday’s dawn walkers saw the local “Whale-birds” contain Slender- Urrbrae on the last Friday of every Southern Emu-wrens while the pair billed, Antarctic, Salvin’s and Broad- month except December, public of Painted Button-quail (seen on the billed Prion. holidays or prior to a long weekend. park access road the previous Identifying each species: The doors are opened at 7pm and evening) continued to show • The first step is the width of the meetingsd stard at 7.45pm.. themselves occasionally. black tail spot (not really a band) Jack and Pat Bourne (Bool locals and • All four species of whale-bird have FRIDAY JUNE 28 long term Birds SA members) had a narrow black tail spot with two or Reece Pedler. Will talk on previously warned me that the area three grey outer tail feathers. 'Investigating Banded Stilt had just had an extremely dry spring • Both Fairy and Fulmar Prions have movements and ecology using and summer. There was a chance that a broad black tail spot and only the satellite telemetry.' birds might be a bit scarce. However, outer tail feather is grey (Very topical with the imminent there were plenty of birds to be seen • Other plumage features mentioned closure of the Salt Fields) and we attracted some autumn rain. in field guides e.g. facial pattern, The first light showers came through although useful, are not diagnostic FRIDAY JULY 26 on Friday afternoon, after Jack Actual identification of the six Mid-winter Members Night. Bourne had led a convoy up to Little species rests on the bill structure. I have two or three offers of speakers Bool. He surprised us with a view of Three key dimensions play a already, but the more the better. If standing water, thousands of prominent role in identification – you have a ten to fifteen minute talk, shelducks, many other water birds length of bill, width of bill and depth slide show etc., please contact me and over one hundred beautiful of bill. However John Cox in his before the end of June and I will put brolgas. We stopped in at the 1980 paper Some remarks on the together a set of offerings. These Bourne’s Bird Museum on the way breeding distribution and taxonomy meetings have been most enjoyable back to camp. If you have not been of the prions (Procellariidae: in the past and it is up to you, all there for a while, I can tell you that Pachyptila) (Records of the South members, to think about doing the collection of mounted birds has Australian Museum, Volume 18) something. grown and grown. found that the bill dimensions of A supper of delicious soups will be Saturday started with an early walk adjacent species do not form disjoint provided before the meeting. along the park’s southern boundary, sets. where the Restless Flycatchers Therefore not all species can be FRIDAY AUGUST 30 displayed for us. The Friday arrivals identified, even in the hand! There is Mike Moore will talk about 'Ogyris were then taken to Little Bool for an overlap in bill length and width Butterflies in South Australia.' their share of the Brolgas, spoonbills between some species This topic is a little out of the and other water birds. By noon the So what can be done? ordinary, but these are a colourful rain had set in, and it continued on While acknowledging that we cannot and beautiful group of rather rare, and off until early evening. A very identify every prion at sea or even in dry country butterflies that are well cosy happy hour was held under a the hand, we can identify the bill represented in South Australia. They tarpaulin shelter. structure of the six species listed in fly, are sometimes eaten by birds and The next morning an early light the literature for some birds live in familiar habitat. Mike is a ground mist cleared into a mild and photographed in South Australian bird- watcher as well. sunny Easter Sunday. At 7:30 we waters Let's enjoy something a little drove to Big Heath CP and birded Colin showed diagrams of the bill different! along the Woodland Walk and the structure and distribution of each Red Gum track. A few species and then photographs of each people then drove the park boundary one taken off Port MacDonnell. track while the main group returned

10 Birds SA Newsletter, May 2013

Past Excursions (cont) to camp for a bacon, egg and pancake Mount Lofty Botanic Gardens - Sandpipers were nowhere to be seen late brunch. Congratulations to Bert Eurilla CP and had presumably already departed May and his band of brothers for 13 April for the north. Other species included another wonderful Easter cook-up. In Eighteen people arrived at the a few Red-necked Avocet, many the mid-afternoon we were visited by gardens expecting the gates to open Red-kneed Dotterel, and both Black- Bill and Robyn Moorhouse whose at 8:30am for a 9:00am walk; but winged and Banded Stilts, both male family own Cowarry, the property found that the gates only open at that and female Darters (flying overhead), just south of Mary Seymour CP. time on weekdays. At weekends and and Black-tailed Native-hen. A They reported that the Barking Owls holidays gates open at 10:00am. sighting of Spotted Crake by a were in their usual tree just past the Several people left but finally a couple of late leavers was a nice homestead and invited the camp gardener arrived to start work, asked surprise. In all 58 species were along for a viewing. We’d been if we were waiting to get in and counted. hearing the owls each night, but now kindly opened the gates for us at Martyn Price we had a great look at these imposing 9:30am. Highlights of the day were birds. The experts took photos. Many three Bassian Thrushes, one of which Bullock Hill thanks to the Moorhouses for sat in a tree and allowed photos. A 11 May returning on Sunday, as their first male Scarlet Robin in a yellow- Eleven members met at the attempt at ‘owling’ had been rained leaved autumn tree was a lovely Ashbourne Oval before driving to the off the day before. sight. Also seen were Eastern entrance of the Bullock Hill While some walked Mary Seymour Spinebills, Grey Fantails, Sulphur- Conservation Park on Haines Rd. again on Monday morning, another crested Cockatoos, three Laughing Although the weather was overcast group decided to revisit Little Bool. Kookaburras, plus the usual birds — with a light wind, the morning was Others were inspired by the stories of Red-browed Finches, Grey mild with lots of bird activity, as quail and Blue-winged Parrots that Currawongs, White-browed everyone walked along Haines Rd. A the Big Heath boundary drivers had Scrubwrens, Adelaide Rosellas, total of 41 species were observed brought back the day before. At least Brown Thornbills, White-throated with a lot of New Holland 22 Brown Quails, 40 Blue-winged Treecreepers and the usual Honeyeater activity in the blossom Parrots and 2 Button-quails were waterbirds, including, both on gum trees throughout the walk. seen by those who drove the rutted 5 Australian and Hoary-headed Grebes, Brown-headed, White-plumed, and hours around Big Heath. They also Australian Wood Ducks, Pacific Yellow-faced Honeyeaters were also saw an Emu-wren and Beautiful Black Ducks, Eurasian Coots, Dusky present. Firetails. We thought Bert and Dru Moorhens and Black Swans. In all 37 Other interesting species included may have been lost in Big Heath, but species were counted. Purple-crowned Lorikeet, Southern they drove into camp just as the Enid Pascoe Whiteface, Crested Shrike-tit and clock struck happy hour. We should Mistletoebird. have known! Greenfields Wetlands - Dry Creek Peter Gower Tuesday greeted us with a dawn 18 April shower, then a fine day followed as A mild day saw 19 members gather Mt George most people packed and left before for a leisurely walk around the 16 May lunchtime. The roads on departure wetlands. The water level in the pond Along with our regulars we were were similar to the arrival — huge closest to the parking area was too joined by several newcomers and flocks of Red Wattlebirds flying in high to observe any crakes while the their children. Although the day and out of the adjacent vineyards. pond near the hide was almost dry. began with periods of sun and shade, We had 22 campers and listed 71 Very early in the walk we were by late morning the increasing cloud bird species at Mary Seymour. Big greeted by overhead views of a Little resulted in a continuous downpour, Heath yielded 59 species and Little Eagle and a Black Falcon, two lasting for about 20 minutes. Bool, 52. Much is owed to Jack and unusual sightings for this area. Other However, it was during this Pat Bourne for their advice, their rare sights were Freckled and Pink- downpour that we experienced the local knowledge and for joining in at eared Ducks, which are becoming greatest bird activity, allowing us to our happy hours. more common of late. A single have views of Golden Whistler, Graham Bate female Musk Duck was also spotted. Scarlet Robin, White-throated Near the hide we were able to get Treecreeper and Grey Fantail, as they close to several hundred, late frolicked in the rain. Although, for departing, Red-necked Stints, many the most part it was a quiet day, of which were showing breeding sightings also included Red plumage. A careful study failed to Wattlebird, Crescent and White- turn up any Little Stints amongst naped Honeyeater, Superb Fairy- them. Sharp-tailed, and Wood wren and a large group of White-

Birds SA Newsletter, May 2013 11

Past Excursions (cont)/Future Excursions browed Scrubwrens. A pair of Sunday June 30: Lowan CP (MM) Sunday September 1: Narrinyeri Rainbow Lorikeets would frequently (130km) Hills (MLR) (72km) This site is part zip past overhead. At the golf course Travel to Mannum. Cross the river of the Monarto Forest old growth dam we observed a single Pacific on the ferry and follow the road to area. Birds SA has been given access Black Duck, a Dusky Moorhen and a Purnong. Approximately 29km along to record sightings on the owners’ couple of Eurasian Coots. No raptors this road is a crossroad, the left turn behalf as well as for ourselves. We or the usual Yellow-tailed Black being to Bowhill. We meet at this will meet at 8.30am pulling off as Cockatoos were seen or heard but in crossroad at 8.30am. Then we will much as possible along the road side, the car park the Sulphur-crested head south for about 13km, turning as no actual car park exists. To get Cockatoos were their usual raucous left at a multiple road junction. After there starting from the South selves, occasionally joined by the lunch we may return via Glenburr Monarto cross roads on the (old) odd Galah, Crimson Rosella or road. Princes Highway, travel towards Rainbow Lorikeet. In all, 27 species Murray Bridge for approx 5km. Turn were recorded. Saturday July 13: Browns Road, left into Maurice Rd. Less than 2km Martyn Price Monarto (MLR) (60km) along this road you will note that you Meet at 8.30am at Browns Road, are beside a railway line. FUTURE EXCURSIONS Monarto, just off the old Murray Approximately 2km further from Bridge Road. Leave the SE Freeway there, on the right, is where this site Convener: Lynton Huxley at the Callington exit. Drive through starts. If you miss the entry point you Email: [email protected] Callington and turn right onto the old will see a lot of commercial Tel: 08 7009 5038 Murray Bridge road. The junction is buildings on your left. The entrance on the left at the top of the hill. is not obvious unless you are on foot. Note: Lists of species recorded at the locations visited can be reviewed at Thursday July 18: Horsnell Gully Saturday September 14: www.birdpedia.com CP (MLR) (12km) Laratinga Wetlands (Mt. Barker) Meet at 8.30am. Travel up the Old (MLR) (34km) Sunday June 2: Swan Reach CP Norton Summit Road and turn right Meet at 8.30am in the dirt car park (MM) (113km) The park is situated into Horsnell Gully Road. This leads on Bald Hills Rd, a little to the West approx 16km east of Sedan on the to a quarry gate just before which, on of the original parking area. road to Swan Reach. Meet at the the right, is a track leading into the entrance into the park, which is on park. October Long Weekend Campout the right opposite the road into Thursday, October 3 to Monday, Yookamurra, at 8.30am. Sunday July 28: Ridley CP (MM) October 7 (126km) Antro Woolshed, Bimbowrie Saturday June 15: Porter Scrub Head towards Swan Reach via Conservation Park CP (MLR) (44km) Sedan, turning right towards Bimbowrie, is about 30km from From Lobethal take the road to Mannum at the ETSA substation Olary on the way to Broken Hill. Gumeracha. As you climb the hill (just prior to where the road starts Ian Falkenberg wants us to look with the brick kilns on the left, look dipping down to the river). Travel for Plains Wanderers and Grass for and take a right hand turn into along this road for about 5km. Meet Wrens. Schubert road, which comes up at 8.30am at the northern end of the More details will be provided in the quickly at the top of the hill as the CP, which starts on the right. next newsletter. main road bears to the left. Take the Brian Blaylock first turn left into Lihou Rd. This Saturday August 10: Kenneth comes to a cross road with the left Stirling/Wotton Scrub CP & Mt hand turn being the continuation of George CP (MLR) (27km) Lihou road. When the road reaches a Meet at 8.30am. Take the SE sharp right turn the park is actually Freeway leaving it at the Bridgewater directly in front of you. Meet at the exit. Turn left towards Carey Gully, gate in the corner at 8.30am. travel about 3km and turn right into Gum Flat Road. Travel about 1.6km Thursday June 20: Charleston CP to gate 2 on the right. We will move (MLR) (38km) to Mt George for Lunch. Meet at 8.30am by the tennis courts in Newman Road, Charleston. We Thursday August 15: Onkaparinga will move on to the CP from meeting Wetlands (MLR) (32km) point. Meet at 8.30am at Port Noarlunga Oval Car Park off Britain Drive.

12 Birds SA Newsletter, May 2013

Bird Records Collated by Graham Carpenter Blue-billed Duck 50, 27/3/2013. Bluff, Encounter Bay, Records included here are of species 300, 5/2/2013. Murray's Lagoon, KI. MLR. listed as rarely observed or In deeper water with coots and Musk Dennis, T. unrecorded in the regions listed in Duck. 6, 27/3/2013. Murray Bridge, MM. the Field List of the Birds of South Baxter, C. Hampel, T. Australia. Also included are Several, 13/4/2013. Jamestown, N of, interesting breeding or ecological Freckled Duck LN. notes, new records for a well-known Several reports of good numbers Carpenter, G. locality or first of the season reports from southern regions. of migratory species. 2, 4/2/2013. Inman Valley, Mt Alma Australasian Darter Please send all reports to the Bird Rd, MLR. 1, 23/2/2013. Chapman River mouth, Records Secretary at Cutten, D. KI. [email protected] or 40, 18/2/2013. Morella Wetland, Salt Brittain, R. & Diment, J. phone 8297 5463. Creek, SE. 1, 25/2/2013. Western River mouth, Note that the list includes reports of Pedler, L. & R. KI. rare or vagrant species to South 100s, 26/2/2013.Tolderol, MM. Brittain, R. & Diment, J. Australia that may yet to have been Peek, P. 5, 25/3/2013. St Kilda Salt Fields, submitted or formally accepted by 190, 16/4/2013. Lake Harry, NE. AP. the Birds SA Rarities Committee Pedler, L. & R. Lloyd, R. (SARC). Members are encouraged to 12, 17/4/2013. Hindmarsh Island, submit records of rare and vagrant Goolwa Channel, MM. Australian White Ibis species in SA to the Committee (refer Brooker, W. 20-25, 4/3/2013. South Parklands, to list of species and information on Peacock Rd, AP. the website). Great Crested Grebe Balfour, P. 1, 30/1/2013. Port Macdonnell, See note in last NL regarding Brown Quail Riddoch Bay, SE. increased numbers around Adelaide. Additional reports including from YP Campbell, J. and KI: This species is occasionally reported Spotted Harrier 4, 17/2/2013. Salt Creek mouth, from sheltered coastal waters. 1, 25/2/2013. Emu Bay, KI. Coorong, SE Brittain, R. & Diment, J. Pedler, L. & R. Spotted Nightjar Rarely reported from KI. 3, 4/3/2013. Mac's Beach, YP. 4, 2/7/2012 and 1, 20/4/2013. Jack, T. Koolunga, 7km NE, LN. First Square-tailed Kite 1, 14/3/2013. Little Dip CP, SE. records from this locality. 1, 2/2/2013. Cobbler Creek RP, AP. Green, B. & T. Pedler, L. & R. Steeles, C. 7, 15/3/2013. Bay of Shoals, Shoal 1, 3/2/2013. Altona Landcare Bay Winery, KI. Fork-tailed Swift Reserve, MLR. Baxter, C. Widely reported but in low numbers Steeles, C. Group, 8/4/2013. Inman River, MLR. in Feb and March. Edward Smith 150, 17/2/2013. Emu Bay, 20 km N, Black Kite 1, 18/4/2013. Port Augusta Arid KI. Flying low over sea. 1, 4/3/2013. Fullarton, AP. Low Lands Botanic Gardens, NW. Dennis, S. overhead. Langdon, P. 50, 24/2/2013. Murray Mouth, MM. Horton, P. Doecke, N. Magpie Goose 300, 11/3/2013. Waitpinga Beach, Brolga 3000, 28/1/2013. Bool Lagoon, SE. MLR. 17, 13/4/2013. Clayton HS, 2km S, Bourne, J. & P. Stracey, K. NE. These are presumably progeny of 50, 12/3/2013. Kingscote, KI. Bannister, J. birds released there in the 1980s Baxter, C. (See Harper, M. 1990 SA 30, 12/3/2013. Beachport, SE. Buff-banded Rail Ornithologist 31:44-47). Birds SE 2, 5/4/2013. American River, KI. Several, 27/3/2013. Black Forest, Feeding on beds of low samphire Cape Barren Goose AP. exposed at low tide. 14, 2/2/2013. Port Macdonnell, Pick's Carpenter, G. Baxter, C. Swamp, SE. 30, 27/3/2013. Milang, Kindaruar Green, B. & Moore, L. Rd, MM. Doecke, N.

Birds SA Newsletter, May 2013 13

Bird Records (cont) 1, 14/4/2013. Thorndon Park Photographs provided. First record 12, 17/2/2013. Reservoir, AP. from KI. Edward Smith Hatch, J. 4 to 5, 25/3/2013. St Kilda saltfields, group, 18/2/2013 AP. Stokes, M. Spotless Crake Lloyd, R. 5, 24/2/2013. 1, 14/2/2013. Millicent, Lake Fennell, J. McIntyre, SE. Fairy Tern 17, 11/3/2013. Koolunga, 7km NE, Boyle, S. & Pounsett, R. 60, 13/2/2013. Coorong, Cattle LN. First record for locality. Surprisingly few records from SE. Island, MM. Nesting on small islet. Pedler, L. & R. Syson, W. White-fronted Honeyeater Banded Stilt Elegant Parrot 1 adult, 1/4/2013. Waitpinga Cliffs, 11, 17/1/2013. Semaphore Beach, 43, 14/2/2013. Waitpinga Cliffs, MLR. At bird bath. AP. MLR. Steele-Collins, E. Carpenter, L. Steele-Collins, E. Honeyeaters from the drier regions 12000, 16/4/2013. Lake Harry, NE. 2, 21/3/2013. Edilillie, 2km W, EP. sometimes disperse into the MLR in Pedler, L. & R. Carpenter, G. autumn.

Double-banded Plover Rock Parrot Crested Shrike-tit 1, 22/3/2013. Aldinga, Snapper 22, 17/2/2013. Hindmarsh Island, S 2, 23/2/2013. Mount Barker Creek, Point, MLR. side Sugars boat ramp, MM. Hartley, MM. Lush, F. & Reed, A. Brooker, W. Ashton, R. 17, 24/4/2013. Black Point, YP. 27, 19/3/2013. Kingscote, tidal 1, 14/4/2013. Mount Pleasant Tiller, M. et al. swimming pool, KI. township, MLR. Baxter, C. Nye, G. Pacific Golden Plover 54, 17/2/2013. Hindmarsh Island, Regent Parrot Olive-backed Oriole Sugars boat ramp, MM. 12, 4/4/2013. Sutherland, 1km E, 1, 7/4/2013. Quorn township, FR. Brooker, W. LN. Collis, M. Sparks, K. A sub-adult bird photographed at Banded Lapwing Further west than usually reported. garden bird bath. First report for the 84, 16/2/2013. Coorong, Long Point, region. Powerful Owl MM. 1, 26/1/2013. Snow Gum Forest Pied Butcherbird Burns, A. Reserve, SE. 1, 13/4/2013. Murray Bridge, MM. Large numbers at coastal wetlands Farnes, R. Hampel, T. are usually associated with hot days. See Haywood, B. 2010 SA See Eckert, J. 2006 SA Ornithologist Ornithologist 36:1-8 for details on 35:52-56 for discussion of species’ Australian Painted Snipe reports in SA. spread down the Murray valley. 1, 10/1/2013. Millicent, Lake McIntyre, SE. White-browed Scrubwren Forest Raven Jones, A. 1, 23/4/2013. Kensington Gardens, 1, 3/4/2013. Morella Wetland, Salt AP. Found dead in garden, forwarded Creek, SE. Pectoral Sandpiper to SA Museum. Pedler, L. & R. 1, 5/2/2013. Murray's Lagoon, Beer, A. & P. Identified by deep, hoarse, call and western shore, KI. heavy bill. Well north of previous Baxter, C. Weebill reports to about 10 km N Kingston. 4 + old nest, 1/4/2013. Port Augusta Terek Sandpiper Arid Lands Botanic Gardens, NW. White-backed Swallow 1, 9/3/2013. Goolwa Channel, near Langdon, P. 2, 23/2/2013. Mount Barker Creek, Rushy Is, MM. Recently found and evidently Hartley, MM. Brooker, W. breeding at this site. Ashton, R. 4, 2/3/2013. Chinaman's Wells, YP. White-winged Black Tern Pied Honeyeater Jack, T. & Treloar, K. 3 uncoloured, 29/1 to 6/2/2013. Rush A group reported by several Surprisingly few previous records for observers at Mannum Waterfalls Lagoon, KI. Whiskered Terns also YP. Reserve, MM, in February. present. 8, 16/2/2013. Baxter, C. Stracey, K.

14 Birds SA Newsletter, May 2013

Rare Birds Current Review List, February 2013 Phasianidae: Puffinus gravis (O'Reilly, 1818) – Pedionomidae: Excalfactoria chinensis (Linnaeus, Great Shearwater Pedionomus torquatus (Gould, 1840) 1766) – King Quail Puffinus puffinus (Brünnich, 1764) – – Plains–wanderer Manx Shearwater Anatidae: Puffinus assimilis (Gould, 1838) – Scolopacidae: Dendrocygna arcuata (Horsfield, Little Shearwater Limnodromus griseus (J.F.Gmelin, 1824) – Wandering Whistling Duck 1789) – Short–billed Dowitcher Tadorna radjah (Lesson, 1828) – Hydrobatidae Limosa haemastica (Linnaeus, 1758) Rajah Shelduck Fregretta tropica (Gould, 1844) – – Hudsonian Godwit Anas clypeata Linnaeus, 1758 – Black–bellied Storm Petrel Numenius minutus Gould, 1841 – Northern Shoveler Oceanodroma leucorhoa (Vieillot, Little Curlew Anas querquedula Linnaeus, 1758 – 1818) – Leach’s Storm Petrel Tringa totanus (Linnaeus, 1758) – Garganey Common Redshank Pelecanoididae: Tringa flavipes (J.F. Gmelin, 1789) – Spheniscidae: Pelecanoides georgicus Murphy & Lesser Yellowlegs Aptenodytes patagonicus J.F. Miller, Harper, 1916 – South Georgia Calidris minuta (Leisler, 1812) – 1778 – King Penguin Diving Petrel Little Stint Eudyptes pachyrhynchus G.R. Gray, Calidris fuscicollis (Vieillot, 1819) – 1845 – Fiordland Penguin Phaethontidae: White–rumped Sandpiper Eudyptes robustus G.R. Gray, 1845 – Phaëthon rubricauda Boddaert, 1783 Calidris bairdii (Coues, 1861) – Snares Penguin – Red–tailed Tropicbird Baird's Sandpiper Eudyptes sclateri Buller, 1888 – Limicola falcinellus (Pontoppidan, Erect–crested Penguin Ciconiidae: 1763) – Broad–billed Sandpiper Eudyptes moseleyi Mathews and Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus (Latham, Tryngites subruficollis (Vieillot, Iredale, 1921 – Northern Rockhopper 1790) – Black–necked Stork 1819) – Buff–breasted Sandpiper Penguin Phalaropus fulicarius (Linnaeus, Eudyptes chrysolophus (Brandt, Ardeidae: 1758) – Red Phalarope 1837) – Macaroni Penguin Ixobrychus dubius Matthews, 1912 – Australian Little Bittern Glareolidae: Diomedeidae: Egretta picata (Gould, 1845) – Pied Glareola maldivarum J.R. Forster, Phoebetria palpebrata (J.R. Forster, Heron 1795 – Oriental Pratincole 1785) – Light–mantled Albatross Fregatidae: Laridae: Procellariidae Fregata ariel (G.R. Gray, 1845) – Leucophaeus pipixcan (Wagler, Thalassoica antarctica (J.F. Gmelin, Lesser Frigatebird 1831) – Franklin's Gull 1789) – Antarctic Petrel Xema sabini (Sabine, 1819) – Pagodroma nivea (G. Forster, 1777) Accipitridae: Sabine's Gull – Snow Petrel Lophoictinia isura (Gould, 1838) – Onychoprion anaethetus (Scopoli, Halobaena caerulea (J.F. Gmelin, Square–tailed Kite (only if outside 1786) – Bridled Tern 1789) – Blue Petrel MLR) Onychoprion fuscatus (Linnaeus, Pachyptila vittata (G. Forster, 1777) Accipiter novaehollandiae (J.F. 1766) – Sooty Tern – Broad–billed Prion Gmelin, 1788) – Grey Goshawk Sterna paradisaea Pontoppidan, Pachyptila salvini (Mathews, 1912) – 1763 – Arctic Tern Salvin's Prion Turnicidae: Sterna vittata J.F. Gmelin, 1789 – Pachyptila desolata (J.F. Gmelin, Turnix pyrrhothorax (Gould, 1841) – Antarctic Tern 1789) – Antarctic Prion Red–chested Buttonquail Aphrodroma brevirostris (Lesson, Stercorcariidae: 1831) – Kerguelen Petrel Charadriidae: Stercorcarius maccormicki H. Pterodroma inexpectata (J.R. Pluvialis dominica (Statius Müller, Saunders, 1893 – South Polar Skua Forster, 1844) – Mottled Petrel 1776) – American Golden Plover Pterodroma leucoptera (Gould, Charadrius hiaticula Linnaeus, 1758 Columbidae: 1844) – Gould's Petrel – Common Ringed Plover Ptilinopus regina Swainson, 1825 – Pterodroma cookii (G.R. Gray, 1843) Charadrius dubius Scopoli, 1786 – Rose–crowned Fruit Dove – Cook’s Petrel Little Ringed Plover Procellaria cinerea J.F. Gmelin, Cacatuidae: 1789 – Grey Petrel Jacanidae: Callocephalon fimbriatum (J. Grant, Procellaria westlandica Falla, 1946 Irediparra gallinacea (Temminck, 1803) – Gang–gang Cockatoo (only – Westland Petrel 1828) – Comb–crested Jacana if outside KI) Puffinus pacificus (J.F. Gmelin, 1789) – Wedge-tailed Shearwater

Birds SA Newsletter, May 2013 15

Rare Birds Current Review List, Feb 2013 (cont) Psittacidae: Cinclosomatidae: Locustellidae: Psitteuteles versicolor (Lear, 1831) – Cinclosoma punctatum (Shaw, 1795) Eremiornis carteri North, 1900 – Varied Lorikeet – Spotted Quailthrush Spinifexbird Aprosmictus erythropterus (J.F. Cinclosoma marginatum Sharpe, Estrildidae: Gmelin, 1788) – Red–winged Parrot 1883 – Western Quailthrush Neochmia modesta Gould, 1837 – Polytelis alexandrae Gould, 1863 – Plum–headed Finch Princess Parrot Campephagidae: Lathamus discolor (Shaw, 1790) – Lalage tenuirostris (Jardine, 1831) – Motacillidae: Swift Parrot Common Cicadabird Motacilla tschutschensis J.F. Gmelin, Neophema chrysogaster (Latham, 1789 – Eastern Yellow Wagtail 1790) – Orange–bellied Parrot Dicruridae: Motacilla citreola Pallas, 1776 – Pezoporus wallicus (Kerr, 1792) – Dicrurus bracteatus Gould, 1843 – Citrine Wagtail Eastern Ground Parrot Spangled Drongo Motacilla cinerea Tunstall, 1771 – Pezoporus occidentalis (Gould, Grey Wagtail 1861) – Night Parrot Rhipiduridae: Rhipidura rufifrons (Latham, 1801) – Cuculidae: Rufous Fantail Plus any species not included in the Eudynamys orientalis (Linnaeus, Field List of the Birds of South 1766) – Pacific Koel Monarchidae: Australia (2008) Scythrops novaehollandiae Latham, Myiagra rubecula (Latham, 1801) – 1790 – Channel–billed Cuckoo Leaden Flycatcher Cacomantis variolosus (Vigors & Monarcha melanopsis (Vieillot, Horsfield, 1827) – Brush Cuckoo 1818) – Black–faced Monarch Cuculus optatus Gould, 1845 – Oriental Cuckoo Petroicidae: Petroica rosea (Gould, 1840) – Rose Tytonidae: Robin Tyto novaehollandiae (Stephens, Petroica rodinogaster (Drapiez, 1826) – Masked Owl 1819) – Pink Robin Tyto longimembris (Jerdon, 1839) – Eastern Grass Owl Hirundinidae: Hirundo rustica Linnaeus, 1758 – Caprimulgidae: Barn Swallow Eurostopodus mystacalis (Temminck, 1826) – White-throated Nightjar

Apodidae: Apus nipalensis (Hodgson, 1837) – House Swift NEW MEMBERS We welcome the following new members, who have joined the Association in the past Ptilonorhynchidae: few months: Chlamydera maculata (Gould, 1837) – Spotted Bowerbird Lesley Rosenthal & Berry van Vuuren MAWSON LAKES

Meliphagidae: Steve James & Jacqui Clare Johnson GLANDORE Conopophila whitei (North, 1910) Edward Patrick Smith SHEIDOW PARK – Grey Honeyeater Grantiella picta (Gould, 1838) – John & Suzanne Glover MYRTLE BANK Painted Honeyeater Rose Slade GUMERACHA Philemon corniculatus (Latham, 1790) – Noisy Friarbird Chris Cannizzaro MORPHETT VALE Epthianura crocea Castelnau & Leslie John Woods E.P. Ramsay, 1877 – Yellow UNLEY Chat Kate Gregson PROSPECT

Pomatostomidae: If your name has inadvertently been omitted from this list, please contact our Pomatostomus temporalis treasurer. His telephone number is on p2. (Vigors & Horsfield, 1827) – Grey–crowned Babbler

16 Birds SA Newsletter, May 2013 From the Library

598.299423 GOW Gower, Peter Fleurieu birds: what to see and where to see them Stepney, South Australia: Axiom, 2012

This is a field and location guide for the birds seen on the Fleurieu Peninsula. It contains hundreds of photographs showing birds in their habitats and notes about each species, as well as descriptions of 42 parks and reserves where birds can be seen. This guide is a wonderful reference and is beautifully produced.

598.91 TEN Tennant, Alan On the wing: to the edge of the earth with the Peregrine Falcon London: Secker and Warburg, 2005 In this extraordinary journey, Alan Tennant recounts his attempt to track the transcontinental migration of the majestic Peregrine Falcon — an investigation no one before him had ever taken to such lengths. He travelled from the windswept flats of the Texas barrier islands to the Arctic and then south again into the Caribbean.

DVD 45 Bowerbird: playboy of the Australian rainforest. Produced by Partridge Films. Canungra, Queensland: O'Reilly's Green Mountain Store.

This fascinating glimpse into the private life of the amazing Satin Bowerbird was filmed entirely in the rainforest surrounding O'Reilly's Rainforest Guesthouse in Queensland.

DVD 46 Albert lyrebird: Prince of the Rainforest. Photography by Glen Trelfo; script by Peter O'Reilly Snr. and Glen Trelfo. Canungra, Qld: O'Reilly's Rainforest Guesthouse.

Glen Trelfo, a brilliant naturalist and photographer, has been on the trail of the elusive Albert lyrebird for many years. He has captured for the first time on film the dance and display, song and mimicry of this shy and mysterious bird.

17 Birds SA Newsletter, May 2013 From the Library (cont)

DVD 47 Life on the Edge of the Eucalypt Forest. Photography by Glen Trelfo; script by Peter O'Reilly Snr. Canungra, Queensland: O'Reilly's Rainforest Guesthouse, (200?)

This documentary features the retreating eucalypts and the distinctive wildlife that live there. Some exquisitely beautiful, some rare and endangered, on the sunny side of the divide in the Eucalypt Forest" -- Cover.

KIT Spyder2express: monitor calibrator

Spyder2express monitor calibrator adjusts the colour on your monitor so your photos appear more accurately. Easy-to-use right out of the box, this award winning proven technology helps you calibrate your monitor. The before and after viewing feature lets you compare your display with and without calibration.

Details of Members’ Photographs

No: Species Photographer Location Date 1 Wood Duck Gordon Pateman Around Adelaide 22/01/2013 2 Black Swan Gordon Pateman Around Adelaide 17/12/12 3 Eurasian Coot Gordon Pateman Around Adelaide 21/12/2007 4 Pacific Black Duck Gordon Pateman Around Adelaide 18/10/2007 5 Emu Gordon Pateman Around Adelaide 10/10/2012 6 Magpie-lark Gordon Pateman Around Adelaide 11/11/2012 7 Willie Wagtail Gordon Pateman Around Adelaide 27/9/2007 8 Eastern Yellow Robin Helga Kieskamp Mary Seymour CP Easter 2013 9 Barking Owl Helga Kieskamp Mary Seymour CP Easter 2013 10 Restless Flycatcher Helga Kieskamp Mary Seymour CP Easter 2013 11 Southern Emu-wren Helga Kieskamp Mary Seymour CP Easter 2013 12 Great Egret Peter McKenzie Greenfields Wetlands April 2013 13 White-breasted Water Hen Margie Tiller Cocos Island March 2013 14 Red-necked Avocet Peter McKenzie Greenfields Wetlands April 2013 15 Pelican Greg Blackman Port Vincent 18/5/2012 16 Royal Penguin Margie Tiller Macquarie Island 14/12/2012

18 Birds SA Newsletter, May 2013 Photographs from the Easter Campout Taken by Helga Kieskamp, March 28 to April 2: Mary Seymour CP, SE. Details on p18

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19 Birds SA Newsletter, May 2013 A Miscellany of Water Birds Details on p18

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20 Birds SA Newsletter, May 2013