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Newsletter of BirdLife Northern Volume 10 Number 1 March 2021

Fan-tailed Cuckoo.

Image courtesy of Dominic Chaplin www.pinecreekpictures.com.au

BirdLife Northern Queensland

In this issue…

Nordmann’s Greenshank – the Mega by Peter Valentine …… page 5 Learn all about the Nordmann’s Greenshank and the sighting of this by Adrian Walsh on Cairns Esplanade, January 1st. What a start to the year!

Threatened Coastal Project Round-up by Amanda Freeman and Paul Fisk ………. page 9 Read the latest on the synchronised wader counts at the Cairns Esplanade, Barron River mouth and Machan’s Beach, and the monitoring of Beach Stone-curlews for

breeding activity.

Conservation Conservation Matters by Peter Valentine ………. page 11 Matters BirdLife Northern Queensland’s Conservation Coordinator, Peter Valentine reminds us of the importance of science-based conservation, and discusses local actions to

protect our foreshores, the importance of responsible dog ownership and much more.

A push to save Golden-shouldered on Artemis by Dr Steve Murphy ………… page 13 Endangered Golden-shouldered numbers are falling, but it is still possible to bring this iconic bird back from the brink of extinction. Read this article to learn more, and to find out about how you can help.

The Graham Harrington Research Scholarship 2020 Awardee by Gary Wilson ………… page 16 Northern Masked Owl will be under the spotlight in future editions of Contact Call as we learn more about the research of the 2020 Graham Harrington Research

Scholarship awardee, Nigel Jackett.

Recent literature about north Queensland birds by Don Franklin …… page 18 Cranes on the Tablelands, the role of birds in revegetation of pasture land, bowerbirds eating flowers, nest predators of Golden-shouldered Parrots, and monarch hybrids…. read all about the latest research findings in this all-embracing compilation.

Why isn’t revegetation move-in ready for Grey-headed Robins? by Amanda Freeman ………. page 21 Amanda’s fascinating study provides insights that could be applied by revegetation practitioners.

Also Twitching memories by Lindsay Bowerbird Project Update by Dominic News from Mount Isa by Rex Fisher ……………… page 7 Chaplin ……………. page 20 Whitehead ………. page 24 Economic values of birding by Gary Carpentarian and Kalkadoon 2021 Activities ………. page 28 Wilson ……………. page 8 Grasswrens Update by Kath Shurcliff ………………. page 23

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On the 16 & 17th From the Convenor February this year, I had the I hope you have all had a good start to 2021. privilege of attending the NQ The whole of north Queensland has been abuzz since Threatened January 1st with the identification and stopover of our esteemed visitor, ‘Nordy,’ the Nordmann’s Greenshank Symposium in on Cairns Esplanade. The sighting of this endangered Cairns, with wader has prompted a flurry of social media and Amanda visitors from across Australia, and a few articles in this Freeman, Ray At the NQ Threatened Species Symposium, newsletter as well (see pages 5 – 6, plus more). Pierce and Simon from left Simon Kennedy, Ceri Pearce, Nordy’s visit highlights the importance of the Cairns Kennedy. Amanda Freeman, Mike Anthony (North mudflats as a feeding ground for threatened migratory Organised by Queensland Naturalists) and Ray Pierce. waders. We wish Nordy all the best as he prepares for Terrain NRM as his perilous 9,000km flight from Cairns to Russian part of the NQ NRM Alliance, in partnership with Cape breeding grounds. York Natural Resource Management and Northern Gulf Our BNQ Facebook page is going from strength to Resource Management Group, as well as the strength with 1800 followers. It’s a great place to stay Threatened Species Recovery Hub, the event attracted up to date with recent bird sightings. Not only is Nordy around 150 scientists, conservationists, members and still being seen on the Esplanade (Facebook March 12, supporters. image by Adrian Walsh), I note that our leucistic Pale- The symposium provided a unique opportunity to meet Yellow Robin at the Curtin Figtree near is people working to conserve threatened species and also still being sighted (last seen Feb 28). Our ecological communities across northern Queensland. Facebook page is also a great place to get help to Experts such as Stephen Garnett, Peter Latch, Martine identify a problematic bird photo, or to be enthralled Maron, Rochelle Stevens and Indigenous traditional by the stunning bird images that are shared. I owners from across the north including Barry Hunter, commend our Facebook page creator and moderator, Michael Morta and Gudju Gudju, freely shared their Doug Herrington for the incredible energy he puts into valuable knowledge. The aim of the symposium was to managing the page and inspiring our vibrant social provide us with the knowledge and skills to form new media family. You may have noticed that we have alliances and threatened species recovery teams. recently reviewed and confirmed our Facebook rules of BirdLife Northern Queensland is a proud member of engagement (see page 27 for details). I think you will the Cassowary Recovery Team (thanks to our agree, these rules will enable a safe place to share our representative Helen Larson), and is also a supporter passion for North Queensland birds on Facebook, while of the North Queensland Naturalist Group managed also minimising the overall workload. If you haven’t Queensland Gouldian Finch Study, led by Ray Pierce. joined us already, check out our Facebook page and Our other threatened species projects include join our social media community. grasswrens, migratory waders and Beach Stone- Your committee has developed a great program for the curlews (see page 9) amongst others. Watch this first half of 2021 (please see page 28 for details). We space, there may be new BirdLife Northern Queensland are still at the mercy of COVID-19, but it is with a lot projects and collaborations on threatened species and more confidence that we continue to schedule their conservation in 2021. meetings and activities. Our main limiting factor is As our Annual General Meeting (AGM) rapidly having enough people to organise events, so please approaches (see page 4), I would like to take this don’t be shy, give us a call and volunteer. opportunity to personally thank all the committee Our BirdLife Northern Queensland website, expertly members and volunteers who have made 2020 and the managed by Mikey Kudo (also the Cairns Area beginning of 2021 a success. A special thank you to Coordinator) is a great place to visit to stay up to date Wayne Young who has said he will be retiring from the with our activities calendar, as well as find other committee this year. If you would like to nominate for relevant information. Check it out at any position or just to be part of the BNQ committee in http://birdlifenq.org 2021, please do send your nominations to our Secretary, Renee Cassels via email at Congratulations to Nigel Jackett, a PhD candidate at [email protected] University of Queensland who has been awarded the 2020 Graham Harrington Research Scholarship for his In conclusion, I would like to thank you all, for your research on the Northern Masked Owl (see page 16). contributions, enthusiasm, and interest in helping us to Details of the 2021 Graham Harrington Research understand and protect our northern Queensland bird Scholarship are currently being advsertised. life. I look forward to seeing you at the AGM, and at our other activities in 2021.

March 2021 3 BirdLife Northern Queensland

2021 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING & COMMITTEE NOMINATIONS

AND A GREAT DAY OUT!

SATURDAY, 20 MARCH

We look forward to seeing you there!

Centenary Lakes, Greenslopes Street, Edge Hill

8 am Meet at Zhanjiang Friendship Garden, Centenary Lakes, Greenslopes Street, Edge Hill for a morning bird walk in Centenary Lakes including local flora with Gary Wilson and Mikey Kudo. 10:30 am We’ll have morning tea at Centenary Lakes (BYO morning tea). Cominos House, 27 Greenslopes Street, Edge Hill

12 noon Please join us for a BBQ lunch at Cominos House (BBQ provided).

1 pm Stay for a very special guest presentation by Terry Carmichael from the Wet Tropics Management Authority. Terry’s talk will focus on the intrinsic values of our World Heritage listed Wet Tropics Rainforest and its bird life, and the soon to be released Action Plan for Australian Birds (by Stephen Garnett) and its implications for birds in the Wet Tropics region. 1:40 pm And then join us for the 2021 BirdLife Northern Queensland Annual General Meeting We have COVID planning in place so do RSVP prior to the event, and let us know of any dietary intolerances (for the BBQ lunch). RSVP to Wayne Young Email: [email protected]

BirdLife Northern Queensland Committee

Convenor Ceri Pearce Email: [email protected] Phone: 0488131581

Secretary and Communications Renee Cassels Email: [email protected] Coordinator Treasurer Lindsay Fisher Email : [email protected] Cairns Area Coordinator and Website Mikey Kudo Email: [email protected] Phone: 0402343610 Manager

Cape York Area Coordinator and Kath Shurcliff Email [email protected] Phone: 07 4069 6595 Grasswren Survey Coordinator Cassowary Coast Area Coordinator Sandra Christensen Email: [email protected] Phone: 0448 845 842 Tablelands Area Coordinator Graham Harrington Email: [email protected]

Stickybeak Coordinator Golo Maurer Email: [email protected]

Project Technical Support Ray Pierce Email: [email protected]

Conservation Coordinator Peter Valentine Email: [email protected] Phone: 07 40966171

Committee member Wayne Young Email: [email protected]

Committee member and Birds in Pippy Cannon Phone 0438645293 Schools Coordinator

Committee member and Assistant Gary Wilson Email: [email protected] Newsletter Editor

Newsletter Editor Ceri Pearce Email: [email protected] Phone: 0488131581

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there is no recovery plan in place. Its close relative, Nordmann’s the Common Greenshank, is of least concern for conservation and has an estimated global population of Greenshank between 440,000 and 1.5 million; a very different scenario. – the Cairns Mega

Peter Valentine

In 1835 Alexander von Nordmann, the Finnish biologist, described an interesting wader that breeds in Eastern Russia. It is now known as Tringa guttifer with an English common name of Spotted Greenshank or Nordmann's Greenshank. It is considered critically endangered with less than 1,000 individuals left. Normally its non-breeding range is south and southeast Asia – along the Asian coast (Korea, China, Thailand) and along the Malaysian Peninsula into western Indonesia, the closest records to Australia being the south coast of the island of Java. An additional 1600 km of flying would get a Greenshank to Roebuck Bay and 80 Mile Beach where there have This photograph of Nordmann’s Greenshank in breeding previously been a few sightings. There are a few eBird showing the distinctive spots that give it the records at 80 Mile Beach from late 2020. However, alternative English common name (photo taken in Schaste there has been no previous record of Nordmann’s Bay, Russia by Vladimir Pronkevich, from the BirdLife Macaulay Library ML253637011). Greenshank in Queensland, or any eastern state. But early on New Year’s morning 2021 that all changed But even in non-breeding plumage it is relatively easy when local birder Adrian Walsh sighting one on the to separate the two species, providing they can be Cairns Esplanade at 7.00 am. This sighting is a further seen next to each other. Seen in isolation it is not easy 4,000 km from the nearest Indonesian record and an to recognize, and it is clear that many people would additional 2500 km from 80 Mile Beach in the have overlooked the bird on the Cairns mudflats had it northwest of WA. Whichever way this bird travelled, not been for the excellent identification and reporting it’s a long overflight! by local BirdLife member Adrian Walsh. Many people owe Adrian a big shout out, first for his accurate What’s special about Nordmann’s Greenshank one identification of the Nordmann’s Greenshank on the might ask? First it is a severely threatened species. first of January, and then for posting the sighting According to the IUCN in 2016 this species is listed as immediately on eBird so that others quickly became Endangered “because it has a very small population aware of its presence on the Cairns mudflats. which is declining as a result of the development of coastal wetlands throughout its range, principally for industry, infrastructure projects and aquaculture.” Preliminary analyses of survey data collected at its breeding sites in Russia have provided evidence that the species' population is indeed undergoing a very rapid decline; clarification of these results may lead to a review of its threat status in the near future. The estimate of population size is between 600 and 1300 mature adults (as of 2016) and declining. Over-grazing by reindeer in its breeding grounds is an issue (more protected areas are needed in the Russian breeding grounds). But local hunting for food is also an issue, both in the breeding grounds and in the flyway sites (in Korea and China) critical for feeding on the way south and north. The oil industry in Russia and industrial development along the flyway (reclamation) adds significant threats Adrian Walsh with the camera that helped him identify the Nordmann’s Greenshank. Image AW. to the species. All the known threats are ongoing and

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it is? And perhaps, whether there have been other Nordmann’s that turned up on our northern shores without being identified. It highlights the great value of birders who regularly survey their patches and pay careful attention to details. In the comparison photo below the key differences in non-breeding plumage stand out. Nordmann’s lacks the dark streaks on the head, has a thicker bill that is bicoloured with a slight upturn, has shorter legs with a yellowish hue, and lacks the tiny black dots in the white edges to its wing feathers. The Common Greenshank shows clear black streaks on its head, has a straight and finer bill, longer more greenish legs and shows tiny black dots in the white edges of the wing feathers. Not shown here, but in flight the underside of Nordmann’s wing is white where the Common Greenshank has dark streaked underwing plumage. It Part of the gathering crowd of birders on New Years Day is wonderful to report that many members of BirdLife looking for Nordy. Image AW). Northern Queensland branch were able to see this The birder networks being what they are, by early vagrant, indeed on more than one occasion there was afternoon on New Year’s Day there were lots of birders almost a quorum for a Committee meeting! Other along the Cairns Esplanade scanning the mudflats. birders travelled from an even greater distance to appreciate this rare opportunity. Over the next few days the sightings continued and the Nordmann’s Greenshank was frequently seen in On reflection, this amazing and ongoing event further company with a Common Greenshank, a particularly highlights the significance of the Cairns foreshore and useful association as it enabled clarity to be developed mudflats for international birds and also for enabling about the features that distinguished each. In people to get good views of normally flighty waders. conversations with Adrian Walsh it became clear that The Branch has been working with Council to make although he knew the bird was “different” it was when sure these values are well understood and reinforced a Common Greenshank moved close to the by Council actions. Nordmann’s that his tentative identification could be Thanks to Branch member Paul Fisk and his team for confirmed. This scenario raises an interesting question the good efforts aimed at protecting these brilliant … how many people may have seen this bird but mudflats and the wonderful birds to be found there. mistakenly dismissed it as a Common Greenshank, or even another species of wader rather than the “mega” When we wave goodbye to the waders in April 2021, I wonder whether Nordy will be one of them, and whether it will return next year? Based on the evidence to date, it has been capturing plenty of food here so perhaps a return is possible. Thanks to Adrian Walsh for discussions about his original sightings and for two photos.

The Nordmann’s Greenshank (left) and the Common Greenshank (right) on the Cairns mudflats. Image: Peter Valentine.

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Slaty-backed Gull. Twitching memories Cooktown, February 2008. Image: K. Fisher. Lindsay Fisher

Having Nordmann’s Greenshank on the Cairns Esplanade this January has been a great experience and there have been birders galore traipsing up and down looking for it and calling each other on their mobile phones. This made me recall the previous four twitching events in our area. In April 1987 we had moved from Darwin to Cairns and were enjoying the challenges of shorebird identification on the Esplanade where we spent quite a bit of time. John Crowhurst was employed by the Mulgrave Shire Council (now the Cairns City Council) as a gardener on the Esplanade and, as he was an enthusiastic birder, that enabled him to keep a close watch on the It stayed around until early April and there was a shorebirds. constant stream of birders driving up to see it. I never On a Sunday morning in December 1987 we received a saw it as the morning we decided to drive up the phone call from John to say he had a strange gull on monsoon had set in and when we got to the first major the mudflats and could we come and have a look. By river crossing and found water lapping at the edge of the time we got there he had consulted his copy of the road we decided to turn around. We were due to Harrison’s Seabirds and decided it may be a first year fly to New Zealand a few days later and didn’t want to Laughing Gull, which would be a first record for be stuck in Cooktown! Keith had already been the day Australia! Photos were taken, from memory probably before, so l dipped which compensated for the fact that using an Olympus OM2n with a 70-210mm lens, and Keith had missed the Isabelline Wheatear by one day the print film taken to a one-hour processing lab. as he had been up Cape York! The next step was to post the photos by mail to our February 2nd 2011 saw Cyclone Yasi devastate the far friend and birder - extraordinaire John McKean who north Queensand coast, but it also brought with it was living in Townsville. The next day he had received another first bird for Australia. Close to Malanda, a the photos and phoned us to say it was certainly a flower farmer had been watching a strange thrush hop Laughing Gull and was on his way to Cairns. Meanwhile around his orchard. He called in local birder Alan more phone calls were made to people like Mike Carter Gillanders who worked out it was an Eyebrowed in Melbourne and the grapevine started to work. This Thrush. This bird breeds in Siberia and winters in gull stayed on the Esplanade for almost two years and south-east Asia, so must have got caught up in the in April 1988 was joined by another one, which stayed huge cyclonic system and made Malanda it’s home for until October 1989. two weeks. Again a flurry of birders arrived to tick a new species, but being a skulky thrush and having The next big event was in 2002 when some Canadian monsoonal conditions made it hard for some and there birdwatchers staying at Kingfisher Park Birdwatcher’s were quite a few dips! We were in Julatten and our Lodge in Julatten, found an Isabelline Wheatear at Mt road was flooded for quite a few days before we Carbine. This was quite extraordinary as it was a bird eventually got to Malanda and saw the bird. that normally migrated from breeding grounds in Central Asia to Africa, so had made a huge navigation I wonder what our next twitch will be? error much to the delight of Australian birders. It was Eyebrowed Thrush. present from the 15 - 25 November making itself at Malanda, February 2011. home in a dusty cow paddock near the side of the Image: K. Fisher. main road. The next twitch was mid February 2008 and another gull, this time in Cooktown. Apparently the council workers had been watching it for a week or so while having their lunch break on the foreshore (probably feeding it chips!) and eventually the harbour master was alerted that there was a strange gull around. No- one was sure what it was and it took a world-wide effort by email to eventually decide it was a first year

Slaty-backed Gull.

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non-governmental conservation organisation in order Economic values of to have viewed the terns. These results suggest that birdwatchers highly value vagrant birdwatching and birding conservation campaign potential should be explored in future long-staying vagrant bird occurrences. Gary Wilson

The presence of a Nordmann’s Greenshank on the Cairns Esplanade and the influx of people visiting to view it has stimulated local discussion on the economic value of birding to our local economy. Golo Maurer has brought our attention to the following report. It is now a few years old but the figures speak for themselves. BIRDING IN THE UNITED STATES: A DEMOGRAPHIC AND ECONOMIC ANALYSIS Addendum to the 2011 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation Report 2011-1 These tourists spent >US$10,000 in 2019 to see a This report presented information on the participation nesting Spoonbill Sandpiper in Meinypil’gyno, Far and expenditure patterns of 47 million birders in 2011. Eastern Russia. Image: G W Wilson. Trip-related and equipment-related expenditures associated with birding generated nearly $107 billion in total industry output, 666,000 jobs, and $13 billion in local, state, and federal tax revenue. This impact was distributed across local, state, and national economies. The report can be viewed at: https://www.fws.gov/southeast/pdf/report/birding-in- the-united-states-a-demographic-and-economic- analysis.pdf and here is another report, this time from Australia BIRDS ARE VALUABLE: THE CASE OF VAGRANTS Speaking of keeping a watch out…..the following sign at Smithfield suggest someone knows Corey T. Callaghan, Ian Benson, Richard E. Major, John M. something about birds. Martin, Thomas Longden & Richard T. Kingsford (2020)Birds are valuable: the case of vagrants, Journal of Ecotourism 19:1, 82-92, DOI: 10.1080/14724049.2019.1614010 ABSTRACT Biodiversity values need to be appropriately quantified and thence incorporated in future land development decisions. We assessed the economic and conservation-fundraising potential of vagrant Aleutian Terns in New South Wales, Australia. We found that an estimated 375–581 birdwatchers travelled far (580 ± 522 km [mean ± SD]) and reacted quickly (22% of visits were within the first week and 47% within the first two weeks) to see Aleutian Terns in an area where they had never been seen. We estimated that the total expenditure of these birdwatchers ranged from ∼ This is one of several signs relating to illegal dumping, $199,000–$363,000 AUD and we further estimated featuring birds with acute eyesight, that are currently that birdwatchers would have been cumulatively willing in use around Cairns. to donate upwards of $30,000 AUD to a

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There are at least two possible reasons for this Threatened Coastal dramatic decline in numbers; the cessation of migratory movement south and the dispersal of Birds Project Round-up shorebirds into surrounding wetlands with the onset of the wet season. Amanda Freeman and Paul Fisk The notion that peak numbers in the southern 12 February 2021 migration period are primarily transient migratory flocks is supported by data showing highly variable Though the Nordmann’s Greenshank has numbers over a short period of time. There are also understandably stolen the show at the Cairns occasional specific records indicating movement in and Esplanade this summer, other threatened shorebirds out of Trinity Inlet such as a significant increase in have not gone unnoticed. Volunteers have completed Red-necked Stints between the 14 and 15 of synchronised wader counts encompassing the November (approx. 190 to 250 birds). Esplanade, Barron River mouth and Machan’s Beach, Dispersal into surrounding wetlands after the heavy and Beach Stone-curlew surveys have continued to rain over Christmas is indicated by monitoring at the gather information about numbers, distribution and Barr Creek salt pan. At this time of year, heavy rainfall breeding in the Cairns area and further afield. and frequent king tides dramatically change the productivity of high inter-tidal salt marshes and salt SHOREBIRDS pans. Samphire plants and other flora will flower and set seed, there is an increase in insects, and inter-tidal Data on shorebirds in Trinity Inlet continues to come in benthic fauna move into these areas. with the major effort focused on the coastline between Machan’s Beach and the Esplanade. The inter-tidal Prior to the Christmas rainfall (11 December) there flats along this section of coast are where the majority were no migratory shorebirds recorded at Barr Creek. of shorebirds are concentrated, and the synchronised However, after the Christmas rainfall had flooded the counts here provide an accurate measure of salt pan and adjoining wetlands in the Barron River populations that move through Trinity Inlet. delta, this changed so that by 13 January approx. 125 shorebirds were recorded there. The majority were These synchronised counts began in August with the Sharp-tailed Sandpipers and smaller numbers of first arrivals from breeding grounds in the Arctic and Common Greenshanks and Pacific Golden Plovers. we have managed to complete monthly counts since then. A major outcome wanted from our project is to encourage volunteer, citizen-science, input of The overall pattern in numbers across the six months scientifically useful data into public databases. The since August, shows a steady increase over August- difference between an interesting observation and September (approx. 600 to 800), then numbers useful data is methodology and all it requires is some stabilised at approximately 830-850 from late additional information on how, when and where the September to November. Numbers then rose again to observation is recorded. For example, Brian Lee has peak in December (approx. 1,000 birds). This was conducted dawn counts of Pacific Golden Plovers at a followed by a sharp decline in numbers in mid-January salt marsh over the last three years. He does it at the 2021 when the total number of birds was same time, same place, and applies the same approximately 450. methods. The result is a valuable and unique set of data on this species. This is what our synchronised counts do and we would like to encourage others to consider something similar. Perhaps you could do consistent counts of Bar-tailed Godwits or another species? Perhaps you have a special place you regularly visit and record shorebirds? If a consistent methodology is applied, these records can be input into the relevant database, and you will have made a valuable contribution to our understanding of the birds involved.

Red-necked Stints, Red-capped Plovers and sand plovers at Casuarina Point, south side of the Barron river mouth during a synchronised count in December, 2020.

March 2021 9 BirdLife Northern Queensland

BEACH STONE-CURLEWS

The focus over the past few months has been on searching for nests and monitoring Beach Stone-curlew breeding attempts. This has involved looking for Beach Stone-curlews in known breeding locations and watching for any behavioural cues that suggest nesting. Where nesting is suspected, a minimal amount of time is spent checking for an active Beach Stone-curlew nest while being watchful for any other shorebird nests which are very well camouflaged. We had been aware, from previous records of either nests or juvenile birds, of successful breeding within the last few years, at several mainland locations in the region. These include Cairns airport, the Barron River mouth, and Yule Point in our main study area and Beach Stone-curlew at the Tingira Street site (immature bird other locations further afield. Project team members is on the left and the adult is on the right). and other volunteers have been strategically searching these locations for signs of Beach Stone-curlews breeding this season. At some of these sites, pairs In other heartening sightings, Gary and Robyn Wilson have nested this season with nests recorded from were finally rewarded with a Beach Stone-curlew on September to December 2020. Unfortunately, they the bank of Moon River at Halfmoon Bay; the first seen haven’t had much success. since they began regular surveys of the area for this In September, Paul Fisk found a Beach Stone-curlew project. In the late 1990s, a nest was reported in the nest on the south side of the Barron River mouth, near same area, but the site was later found trampled with where Dawul Wuru rangers saw a chick in 2019. A few the marker post removed. Though sightings are rare, it days later the egg had gone. It’s only guesswork, but seems Beach Stone-curlews may be holding on, numerous goanna tracks hinted that the egg could tenuously, in the Yorkey’s Knob/Trinity Park area. have been predated. A more detailed account of the project and the results The Cairns airport pair, that successfully raised a chick of investigations into shorebirds and Beach Stone- last season, nested again on the same spot in curlews will be presented at the Wave the Waders December. Interestingly, Paul has observed this pair’s Good-bye event on the 7th of March. We look forward year-old offspring seeming to help with the breeding to seeing you there. attempt. The three birds were regularly at the nest together and, on one occasion, one was observed on the nest, while another came in to change over and the third "ran at" Paul in defence. Sadly, the pair’s new chick, hatched at the end of December, was no longer there when the nest site was checked after early January’s heavy rain event. A surprising piece of news, however, has been the regular sighting of a well-grown juvenile Beach Stone- curlew with two adults at the Ports North dredge material placement area adjacent to the public boat ramp at Tingira St, Cairns. Norton Gill last recorded a family group in this area, which had been a regular Beach Stone-curlew breeding site, in early 2019 amidst concerns for the areas’ bird life once dredge spoil dumping began. Amanda Freeman first spotted this current group of two adults and a juvenile in early December 2020, loafing under sparse vegetation on the dump site. Where they nested, we don’t know. Given the propensity of these birds to stick with their traditional nest sites, we presume it was close by.

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It is sometimes difficult to get Local Governments to Conservation Matters appreciate the great value of wildlife including many bird species for their local communities. While national Peter Valentine and state laws are essential, it is often local government that can make the difference. For Residents of Australia have fared better than most example, it is local government that can make a huge other people across the world during the harsh difference in controlling domestic dogs in sensitive experiences of the COVID - 19 pandemic in the past 12 habitat and local government has the responsibility to months. One primary reason for that has been the implement State law on dog management. There are dominance of science in decision-making across the sadly too many breaches of the law, especially nation and the respect for science among most of the inconsiderate owners who allow their dogs off-leash population, despite the occasional outburst of non- (illegal except on private property or in designated scientific blabber from the usual sources. Science is areas). This has had adverse effects on shorebirds, for also a great partner in wildlife conservation and example Beach Stone-curlew on the Esplanade, where BirdLife, as an organisation, is strongly committed to dogs must always be on a leash. science-based conservation. Indeed, our organisation often leads the way in developing such programs. Members of BirdLife can access a range of bird-related science on our National BirdLife website, including free access to two excellent science journals, Australian Field Ornithology (AFO) and the journal Emu – Austral Ornithology. Branch members might be interested in the latest edition of AFO as it includes three papers authored by Branch members, notably a major summary paper on the BirdLife Northern Queensland crane surveys authored by Elinor Scambler, Graham Harrington and other members and another two crane papers on the incidence of three egg clutches and on Brolga feeding on the eggs of grebes. In the same edition, there are two book reviews by Branch member Cliff Frith and another paper on the occurrence of Masked Owls in northeastern Queensland. The lead author for this paper is Nigel Jackett who is the 2020 recipient of the BirdLife Northern Queensland Graham Harrington research scholarship and who is now working on his PhD on this species. In addition to the journals, members can also access a wide range of policy documents that reveal the key conservation matters being pursued by BirdLife Australia on behalf of our own bird species. A good example is the Migratory Shorebird Conservation Action Plan. In that we discover that there are many threatened species in the East Asian-Australasian Flyway within which many northern hemisphere breeding shorebirds fly to Australia for our summer. Critically endangered species under the Australian EPBC Act are the Eastern Curlew, Great Knot and the

Curlew Sandpiper, and we are fortunate to be able to Example of a Cairns Regional Council sign regarding dog see these on the fantastic Cairns mudflats. Birders can management. This sign is located in the car park at Trinity also obtain excellent views of many other threatened Park Beach, a Beach Stone-curlew survey site. Image: G W species on the Cairns mudflats. Wilson There is hope that this will remain the case following a I applaud the Cairns Regional Council for promoting BirdLife Northern Queensland project to work with responsible dog ownership and the State Laws in a Cairns Regional Council to better protect the habitat series of television adverts recently. The impact of qualities of these mudflats. Thanks to Paul Fisk for uncontrolled dogs on Cassowaries is well known and leading this work. yet that problem remains. As BirdLife Northern Queensland members, we need to be increasing our vigilance on such matters and promoting better

March 2021 11 BirdLife Northern Queensland commitment from our local governments. Many of our From the editors major issues for conservation are global and we depend on National and State Governments to take the Sally Sheldon has brought our attention to a wonderful actions necessary to address these issues. Climate quote from the back of David Attenborough's new change is a good example. But without local action (2020) book: "A Life on Our Planet; my witness much of the big picture leadership will be fruitless. statement and a vision for the future". Everybody has a role to play. Some of our Branch Sally commented ‘Any chance you would pass it on? activities provide excellent support to these big picture It’s too important to only be on the back of his book!’ issues by providing local monitoring programs. We agree, so here it is.

We share Earth with the living world – the most remarkable life- supporting system imaginable, constructed over billions of years. The planet’s stability has wavered just as its biodiversity has declined – the two things are bound together. To restore stability to our planet, therefore, we must restore its

Dogs off-leash in the On-Leash Only Area at Trinity Park biodiversity, the very thing we have Beach. Image: G W Wilson removed. It is the only way out of this crisis that we ourselves have To return to the question of science and conservation, created. it is clear that our Branch members are taking leading roles in developing local science-based projects that We must rewild the world. will contribute to conservation of many species. Across these many projects, including grasswrens, finches, shorebirds, bowerbirds, waders and cranes, there are opportunities for members to participate and support. Sir David has been more forthright on conservation But we also need members to appreciate and promote and climate change matters of late – he has the the work of science in helping conservation, and to wisdom of years and the status to make meaningful support such evidence-based arguments in the various comment on these pressing issues – now the challenge local community discussions. In recent times, there is to get the appropriate response. seems to have been an increased opportunity for ill- informed opinion to be given equal weight in some political forums as is given to well considered evidence-based science. While much of this speaks to the poor quality of media in Australia and declining journalistic standards, the role of social media can sometimes be quite negative. As well-informed BirdLife members, we can all help improve the standards of such discussions in our respective communities. Part of the responsibility of being a member of BirdLife Australia is to advance the appreciation of birds in our community and to promote the actions required to protect them.

Contact us

BirdLife Northern Queensland

Email: [email protected]

12 Contact Call Volume 10 Number 1 Contact Call

A push to save Golden- shouldered Parrots on Artemis Dr Steve Murphy

Many birdwatchers, both in Australia and internationally, will know Artemis as being the best place to see Golden-shouldered Parrots in the wild. For a long time, the parrot population on Artemis has been considered secure – immune from the threats that were operating elsewhere, which lead to the species’ dramatic disappearance from places like Silver Plains, near Coen. There, in the 1920s, bird collector William An exquisite male Golden-shouldered Parrot perched on top McLennan observed some areas where almost every of his termite mound nest. All indications point to this species termite mound (in which the birds nest) bore traces of disappearing from Artemis if aggressive conservation management is not carried out. Image: Martin Willis the birds. www.martinwillisphotographs.com.au By the 1950s, Golden-shouldered Parrots had disappeared from around Coen. When pioneering WHAT’S GOING ON AND WHAT TO parrot researchers Stephen Garnett and Gay Crowley visited the area some 40 years later, they saw thick DO ABOUT IT? woodlands where McLennan saw grasslands. When Sue and I revisited some old vegetation Something was seriously wrong. monitoring plots last year, we were confronted with After spending the last two years working with Artemis the same symptoms that plagued habitats around owners Tom and Sue Shephard, it is now crystal clear Coen: the grasslands and open woodlands had been that the population on Artemis is headed down the taken over by shrubs and small trees. The same path as the Coen population. Most of the areas accompanying photo shows the seriousness of the where Sue, Gay and Stephen studied the parrots 25 problem. To see more comparison photos, go to our years ago have now been abandoned. Sue recently website: 20 years of change on Artemis. estimated that the population could be as low as 50 The leading theory about why woodland thickening is a birds, and most seem to be reliant on supplementary problem for Golden-shouldered Parrots relates to feeding. predation. It is thought that ambush predators – such as butcherbirds and feral cats – have done well out of thickening: they are now more common and/or they hunt more effectively. Consequently, parrots at all stages of their life cycle are now faced with an unnaturally high level of predation pressure. Exacerbating this is the loss of Black-faced Woodswallows – another open country species that used to perform an important predator sentry function for parrots as they fed on the ground. Our aim is simple: to secure and restore Golden-shouldered Parrots on Artemis. To do this, we need to enhance the quality of the habitat where the parrots still occur on the southern parts of Artemis. We also need to restore areas that are now abandoned. We will do this using Urgent action is required on Artemis to ensure that future generations combinations of physical clearing, have the opportunity to see flocks of Golden-shouldered Parrots like this specialised herbicides and the judicious one. Image: Martin Willis www.martinwillisphotographs.com.au use of high intensity fire.

March 2021 13 BirdLife Northern Queensland

The same photo monitoring site 20 years apart. By 2020 shrubs had invaded and the parrots had moved away or were killed. We are restoring areas like this on Artemis so that parrots can use them again. Image: Artemis Nature Fund

CONSERVATION THROUGH For feral cats, we are using a similar approach: using GPS tracking to observe what they do before and after KNOWLEDGE restoration. It’s possible that restoration might actually Our work is centred around applying the most efficient encourage cats into areas. If this happens, we need to management actions to save Golden-shouldered know about it. And before you think these cats are Parrots on Artemis. But we cannot simply rush out and getting a free pass, our permit from Biosecurity start cutting down trees. We need to use science to Queensland demands that we euthanize every cat we provide feedback that we are on the right track. This collar at the end of the study. includes recording information about the restoration As you can see, carefully considered science is methods: what treatments work best and where? How essential for us to monitor the things we are most much do they cost? It also includes monitoring the interested in. And most of all, we are interested in the effects of restoration on the predators themselves: parrots themselves. In the same way that the Orange- how do feral cats respond? What about butcherbirds? bellied Parrot Recovery Program is using colour- To do this, we are colour-banding butcherbirds so we can calculate population size and density before and banding to gather the detailed information they need after the restoration work is done. We are also to guide their management actions, we must do the collecting detailed information about habitat use and same at Artemis. So we are colour-banding Golden- home range size by temporarily fitting tiny GPS shouldered Parrots on Artemis to answer questions trackers to a small number of birds (you can read like: exactly how many parrots are left? Does more about this in our latest newsletter). individual survival increase after habitat restoration? What proportion of the population is reliant on supplementary feeding? How far do they come to feed? How can we use supplementary feeding to encourage recolonisation of areas that are abandoned but restored?

AGENCY PERMITS, APPROVALS AND SUPPORT People in conservation generally don’t like using invasive scientific methods unless it’s absolutely necessary, and we’re no exception. It’s worth highlighting that the entire program on Artemis has been through a stringent process of consideration and approval involving multiple agencies. First, the situation on Artemis and what should be done about it

Both Pied and Black-backed Butcherbirds are significant was discussed by the Golden-shouldered Parrot predators of Golden-shouldered Parrots. We are monitoring Recovery Team. This team is forging a new model for the effects of habitat restoration on butcherbird ecology using threatened species recovery, in that it is being led by colour-banding and other scientific tools. Image: Patrick Traditional Owners, and integrates traditional Webster. ecological knowledge with contemporary science to define the culturally appropriate actions to protect and

14 Contact Call Volume 10 Number 1 Contact Call enhance Golden-shouldered Parrots and their habitats right throughout the species’ range. Following this consultation and approval, the Artemis work was considered by: • two Ethics Approvals at the University of Queensland (one for butcherbirds and cats, and an entirely separate one for capturing, handling and banding the parrots);

• three federal government permits (a mist- Male and female Golden-shouldered Parrot, photographed at netting and banding licence issued to Artemis Station by John Stirling, BirdLife Photography. individuals only after extensive training, and We understand that not everyone might like to see a two separate project-specific permits for mist colour-banded parrot when they next go birdwatching netting colour banding); at Artemis, or agree with the idea of releasing feral • two permits from the Queensland Department cats, even if it’s only temporary. And we, nor the other of Environment and Science; agencies that issue permits for such work, arrived at the decisions to do so lightly. But if we don’t fix the • a biosecurity permit from the Queensland ecological problems now using the best tools available Department of Agriculture and Fisheries for to us, there may not be any Artemis parrots left to see releasing feral cats; at all within a decade. • and finally, a permit from the Department of So if you visit Artemis in the coming years and see Natural Resources, Mine and Energy for colour-banded parrots or butcherbirds, please carrying out the clearing work, which comes remember the reasons why they are banded. It is under the state’s Vegetation Management Act. incumbent upon us to do everything we can to reverse the decline of these birds. And we must do this using every tool that is available to us, to make sure we are making the right decisions. If you want to find out more and join us on our mission to save these birds, please visit www.artemis.org.au.

Artemis Nature Fund President and station owner Sue Shephaerd releases a colour-banded Golden-shouldered Parrot, December 2020.

March 2021 15 BirdLife Northern Queensland

The Graham Harrington Research Scholarship 2020 Awardee

Gary Wilson

We are pleased to report that the 2020 Graham Harrington Research Scholarship was awarded to Nigel Jackett, a PhD candidate at University of Queensland. Nigel is known to many of us as the Warden at the Broome Bird Observatory. He submitted an excellent application with strong support from his Supervisors, Dr Steve Murphy and Professor James Watson. The Northern Masked Owl (NMO) (Tyto novaehollandiae kimberli) is listed as Vulnerable under the EPBC Act, Vulnerable in Queensland and the Northern Territory, and Priority 1 in Western Australia. The Northern Masked Owl is considered to have three, potentially disjunct, populations, in north-east Queensland, the Top End and the Kimberley. The taxonomic status of the north-east Queensland Northern Masked Owl population remains uncertain, but is currently considered a distinct subspecies, the ‘Cape York Masked Owl’ (Tyto novaehollandiae galei). Nigel Jackett, recipient of the 2020 BirdLife Northern The primary aim of this study is to improve the Queensland, Graham Harrington Research Scholarship. conservation outlook for the Northern Masked Owl by addressing previously identified research priorities. The first paper from his study has already appeared: These priorities include a better understanding of the Jackett NA, Murphy SA, Leseberg NP, Watson JEM. ecology of the Northern Masked Owl, enabling us to 2020. A review of vegetation associated with records determine what processes are threatening the owl, its of the Masked Owl Tyto novaehollandiae in north- habitat, and its prey; developing robust and repeatable eastern Queensland. Australian Field Ornithology 37: methods of detection; and clarifying its distribution 184-189. and status.

Nigel is interested in any sightings of Masked Owls in North Queensland to assist with his research, so feel free to get in touch if you are able to help in

this regard, or would like to find out more about the Masked Owl research.

Nigel is also looking for any willing participants, who might have either Barn or Masked Owls on their property, to assist the research by putting out one or more sound recorders (song meters) that he can provide for up to six months to try to record owl calls.

He can be contacted at: [email protected]

Masked16 Owl, Ravenshoe. Image: Adrian Boyle. Contact Call Volume 10 Number 1

Contact Call

Introduction to Bird

Photography Course

Saturday 17 April 2021 9 am until 4 pm

Cominos House, Edge Hill

This will be a BirdLife North Queensland activity presented by Gary W Wilson.

This course was scheduled for 2020 but was cancelled due to COVID-19. Numbers will be limited to 15 and COVID-19 related health

2021 CALL FOR APPLICATIONS protocols observed. The cost will be $20 per person and that will cover the provision of a light We are calling for applications for funding to a lunch and tea and coffee. maximum of $1500 from the Graham Harrington Research Scholarship in 2021. Attendees will be asked to bring their cameras (including point & shoot and consumer models) Applicants must be involved in or about to commence and laptops, and have some photos available for research in an ornithology-related subject in North discussion. Queensland and have the written support of their supervisor. There will be two formal presentations including Applications must be submitted by Friday 26 March types of camera, lens, and formats, and lots of and the result will be advised by Friday 16 April. examples. Then there will be some discussion about techniques, post-processing, technical terms Successful applicants are required to present a report and the like. suitable for inclusion in Contact Call at the end of the scholarship period, and where possible, to present After a light lunch we will stroll across the road to their findings to a meeting of BirdLife Northern Centenary Lakes for an hour or so with a selection Queensland. of cameras, lens, and tripods available for use. Then it will be back to Cominos House for a wrap An application form can be obtained from Gary Wilson up. at [email protected] and completed forms and supplementary documentation returned to him. Those wishing to attend should register with Gary In addition to this advice, notice of the availability of at [email protected] the 2021 Graham Harrington Research Scharlaship has been emailed to senior academics at all Queensland Universities.

March 2021 17 BirdLife Northern Queensland

Sarus Cranes were consistently most abundant in the Recent literature about central Tablelands from Lake Tinaroo to Bromfield and Hasties Swamps, whilst Brolgas were more abundant north Queensland birds in the north (e.g. Mareeba Wetlands) and south-west (e.g. , Innot Hot Springs areas). Annual Compiled by Don Franklin counts of from one to a number of thousands were highly variable among years and no long-term trend CRANES ON THE TABLELANDS could be detected, though identification of trends is confounded both by changes in survey methods over “Jim Bravery (1896-1975) ... keenly observed and time and the problem of uncertain identifications. noted bird species, numbers and behaviour. In 1967 he recorded the first Sarus Cranes ... on the Uncertainty with identification is particularly a problem Tablelands and in 1970 included Sarus Cranes and when cranes arrive at roosts late when light is poor, Brolgas (A. rubicunda) in his signature paper ‘Birds of and the popular theory that late arriving birds are the Atherton Shire, Queensland’ for the journal Emu. more likely to be Sarus Cranes is shown convincingly His unpublished writings, with other documents and to be correct. The counts “provide the first systematic historical observations, establish that Brolgas had minimum estimate of 826-3255 Australian Sarus colonised the recently cleared farmlands of the Cranes wintering on the Tablelands, up to 19.5% of Atherton Tablelands by at least 1920; that Brolga the global population. The corresponding estimate for numbers were in the hundreds in the 1940s; and 1000 Brolgas is up to 3469 individuals or 4.9% of the global or more in the mid-1960s. They also suggest that in population. These are likely to be underestimates ...”. the early 1970s some 1500 cranes wintered on the “Clutch-size in gruine cranes is consistently two. central Atherton Tablelands at that time, mostly Clutches of three eggs are very rare, and records of Brolgas, whereas today Sarus Cranes dominate the adults supporting three young even more so” same area. Bravery’s observations underline the (Scambler, Grant & Holmes 2020). Three-egg Brolga historical importance to Brolgas of woodland swamps clutches are reported from the Ayr–Townsville region south of Atherton, now largely drained and cleared, (away from the Tablelands, obviously). Further, two which may in part explain this major change in species Sarus Crane pairs with three young are reported from distribution. In 1960 Bravery noted poisoning of the Atherton Tablelands, and whilst adoption of the Brolgas – the first historical evidence of persecution on third young cannot be ruled out, three-egg clutches the Tablelands – due to crop damage, which as a seem the more likely explanation in these cases farmer he considered negligible. He ... believed that because of age and behaviour. Sarus Cranes had been present but unnoticed on the Tablelands before 1967” (Scambler 2020). Scambler EC. 2020. Jim Bravery’s cranes: Brolgas and Sarus Cranes on the Atherton Tablelands, 1920-1975. Twenty-one years of the annual counts of cranes North Queensland Naturalist 50: 12-24. arriving at roosts, to which so many BirdLife Northern https://www.nqnat.org/scambler-2020 Queensland members have contributed so much, have now been analysed and presented (Scambler, Nevard Scambler EC, Grant JDA, Holmes NG. 2020. First et al. 2020). The Tablelands are a congregation site for observations of Australian Sarus Crane Antigone both Sarus Cranes and Brolgas during “winter”, their antigone gillae pairs attending three young and the non-breeding period. incidence of three-egg clutches in the Brolga A. rubicunda. Australian Field Ornithology 37: 105–111. Scambler EM, Nevard TD, Harrington GN, Edwards EC, Simmonds V, Franklin DC. 2020. Numbers, distribution and behaviour of Australian Sarus Cranes Antigone antigone gillae and Brolgas A. rubicunda at wintering roosts on the Atherton Tablelands, , Australia. Australian Field Ornithology 37: 87-99.

BIRDS HELP REGENERATE RAINFOREST – SOMEWHAT “Frugivorous birds are important seed dispersers but are infrequent visitors to pasture. Therefore, the recruitment of rainforest trees into disused pasture is Sarus Cranes in flight. Atherton Tableland. Image courtesy of often limited by dispersal.” Potential seed sources, Ian Montgommery, birdway.com.au seed-dispersing birds, seed rain and seedling

18 Contact Call Volume 10 Number 1 Contact Call recruitment were studied at three sites near on NEST PREDATORS OF THE GOLDEN- the Atherton Tableland using semi-natural perches and water basins to attract birds. “Despite a diverse avian SHOULDERED PARROT seed-disperser community in the adjacent forest, only An increase in predation at nests resulting from three species visited the [pasture] plots”, these most vegetation thickening (more perches for predatory frequently being Silvereyes and less often Lewin’s birds close to nest) is a postulated cause of decline in Honeyeater and Pied Currawong. Water basins the termite-mound nesting Golden-shouldered Parrot increased deposition of seed markedly including more on Cape York Peninsula. Using motion-sensitive large seeds, and more plant species especially of bird- cameras, Collingwood et al. (2020) monitored activity dispersed forest trees. This was due to Pied Currawong at 28 nests of the species, which is known as Alwal in which deposited large seeds beneath perches when the local language. The most common predators “using water to regurgitate seeds”. “Deposition of large detected at nests were feral cats and the Yellow- native forest tree seeds was also enhanced under spotted Monitor (Varanus panoptes), whilst other perches positioned close to an already established tree predators were the Black-backed Butcherbird and or large shrub”. However, “recruited seedlings ... were Brown Goshawk. However, not all attempted predation not representative of the seed deposited”, the former was successful because some nestlings flew (i.e. instead being “dominated by a subset of small- fledged) and possibly nest chambers couldn’t always diaspore, pioneer species”. be accessed; also, some predation attempts were only Freeman AND, Freebody K, Montenero M, Moran C, partly successful with not all nestlings taken. Shoo LP, Catterall CP. 2021. Enhancing bird-mediated “Predators were significantly more common at nests in seed dispersal to increase rainforest regeneration in the days prior to fledging, possibly due to increased disused pasture - A restoration experiment. Forest nest site activity.” “Nest success was higher amongst Ecology and Management 479: Article Number: denser vegetation”, a finding contrary to previous 118536. speculations. Many nesting pairs are known or inferred to have successfully fledged young. BOWERBIRDS EATING FLOWERS Collingwood TD, Watson JEM, Kearney S, Brown A, Ross A et al. 2020. Native and exotic nest predators of In the garden at Lake , Tooth-billed Bowerbird Alwal (Golden-shouldered parrot Psephotellus and Spotted Catbird were observed eating (i.e. chrysopterygius) on Olkola Country, Cape York swallowing flower parts, not just taking nectar) of the Peninsula, Australia. Emu 120: 168-172. garden plant Red Powder-puff (Calliandra sp.). Photos are provided and can be viewed at the link below. MONARCH FLYCATCHER HYBRID De Geest P. 2020. Bowerbird florivory: Tooth-billed Bowerbird and Spotted Catbird feeding on flowers of John Grant observed a possible hybrid Black-faced x Calliandra sp. North Queensland Naturalist 50: 8-11. at Petersen’s Creek in Yungaburra. https://www.nqnat.org/de-geest-2020 A photograph and painting, along with details, can be viewed at the link below. Grant JD. 2021. A possible hybrid Black-faced x Spectacled Monarch in north Queensland. North Queensland Naturalist 51: 9-11. https://www.nqnat.org/grant-2021

Black-faced Monarch (C)Brian O'Leary 2019 Spectacled Monarch (C)Barry Deacon 2020 birdlifephotography.org.au birdlifephotography.org.au

March 2021 19 BirdLife Northern Queensland

PALM COCKATOO DISPERSAL ON Bowerbird Project CAPE YORK PENINSULA Using two independent measures – genetics and vocal Update dialect – Keighley et al. (2020) examined patterns of connectedness among Palm Cockatoos. Both measures By Dominic Chaplin provided evidence of differentiation across Cape York Peninsula separated by the uplands of the Iron and On the way back from looking at the Sharman's Rock McIlwraith Ranges. Wallabies on Mt Claro I had a few hours in Paluma in the afternoon last Sunday 24 Jan. Keighley MV, Langmore NE, Penalba JV, Heinsohn R. 2020. Modelling dispersal in a large parrot: a I wanted to have a quick look at the Clapham Junction comparison of landscape resistance models with trail to test suitability for a survey transect. Plus, even population genetics and vocal dialect patterns. though the season should have well finished, I had a Landscape Ecology 35: 129-144. look at three Golden Bowerbird bower sites. Two Golden Bowerbird bowers were still active with birds calling at 3pm and fresh decoration. This includes Cliff's B2 from 1978. A third bower, very close to the road to Paluma Dam, had been completely crushed by a tree fall. Six to eight Toothbill Bowerbirds were also calling with fresh decoration on some courts. The forest in general remains dense with small saplings. It is almost hard to believe the large number of courts recorded by the Friths 1978-1997!

Palm Cockatoo Probosciger aterrimus feeding on fallen Sea Almond Terminalia catappa fruit at Seisia on Cape York Peninsula. Image: GW Wilson.

OTHER RECENT LITERATURE Eliason CM, Clarke JA. 2020. Cassowary gloss and a novel form of structural color in birds. Science Advances 6: eaba0187. Jackett NA, Murphy SA, Leseberg NP, Watson JEM. 2020. A review of vegetation associated with records of the Masked Owl Tyto novaehollandiae in north- eastern Queensland. Australian Field Ornithology 37: 184-189. Kennedy S. 2020. Mungalla Magic. Australian Birdlife 9(4): 14-17. [Forrest Beach, near Ingham] Williams P, McMahon K, Collins E, Grice T, Mack A, Marshall L, Owbridge E. 2020. Black-throated Finch habitat values promoted by patchy fire. North Queensland Naturalist 50: 38-43. https://www.nqnat.org/williams-et-al-2020

20 Contact Call Volume 10 Number 1 Contact Call

Why isn’t revegetation move-in ready for Grey-headed Robins? Amanda Freeman

Grey-headed Robins don’t seem too fussy about their address. After all, they’re commonly seen on rainforest edges and in regrowth vegetation. You might expect these sassy perch-and-pounce insectivores to readily set up house in rainforest revegetation sites. But they don’t. Though Grey-headed Robins are not currently listed as threatened, this Wet Tropics endemic is at risk of severe population declines and range contraction due to climate change. This might be surprising, since they’re not difficult to see. These sturdy, pink-legged robins with their calico cat colours and distinctive ‘vehicle backing up’ whistle are regularly spotted on tree trunks inspecting the ground for signs of juicy worms or other prey items. Grey-headed Robins are dependent on rainforest where they stay year-round not moving far. They’re not tied to the forest interior, however, and are often found on rainforest edges and occupying older secondary forest sites. So long as there’s habitat with Ready for release. A Grey-headed Robin with transmitter robins nearby, this edge tolerant trait should allow attached (aerial just visible). Grey-headed Robins to easily colonise established In 2020 I received a grant from the Australian Bird rainforest revegetation. However, my colleagues at Study Association’s Fund for Avian Research. This has Griffith University and I found Grey-headed Robins in allowed me to study Grey-headed Robin microhabitat only a third of the restored rainforest sites we use and resource requirements in more detail through surveyed in 2008. We concluded that, as for many of colour-banding and radio telemetry. If robins have the other bird species endemic to the Wet Tropics, needs that are not well met in replanted sites, replanted rainforest habitat isn’t generally of sufficient restoration practitioners might be able to modify their quality to meet their ecological needs. Whether it’s revegetation techniques and reduce the time taken for fixtures or furnishings, something is lacking in the Grey-headed Robins to move in. revegetated real estate. With the grant I purchased six tiny VHF radio- transmitters that weigh less than one gram and attach to the robin’s back with glue. Between August and October over the dry season I radio-tracked eight Grey-headed Robins to observe their behaviour, home range and movement, and relate this to habitat variables at our home near Malanda. Between our 1ha forest block and those of our friendly neighbours, we have a microcosm of primary forest, regrowth and revegetation that allows me to examine fine-scale habitat use. There are great benefits, in efficiency and certainty, of having my study area in my own backyard! When radio-tracking was underway, I located the robins at least every few days, usually daily. Once located, I’d get a GPS position and quietly observe the Grey-headed robin chick in low, dense vegetation where they bird’s behaviour for as long as it remained in sight. are typically “parked”. These observations have been supplemented with

March 2021 21 BirdLife Northern Queensland opportunistic sightings of banded birds. Home ranges Adults moved through and foraged in open areas like of radio-tracked robins still need to be calculated and driveways and revegetated areas in the study site but analysed. However, this short study has provided new young chicks were never recorded in these areas. information about Grey-headed Robin breeding biology Females with dependent fledged chicks typically and hinted at things that might make revegetation foraged within about 50 m of their chick. In a sites move-in ready. particularly dry period I also found females close to the river on the study site boundary and saw them moving In 2020, Grey-headed Robins at my study site bred from the river back to their chick at frequent intervals. earlier than expected. In 1997, Dawn and Clifford As chicks got older, their mothers moved further away Frith, in the only study of this species’ breeding to forage. biology, had young fledging by late August. Two of the Grey-headed Robins in my study already had fledged What are the implications of these findings for Grey- chicks in early August when tracking commenced and headed Robins in revegetation sites? Well, there are a several other fledged chicks, of un-banded birds, were few factors this study highlights that mean our typical also recorded in early August. As the Friths found, the rainforest revegetation sites may not offer them Grey-headed Robin nests I located were either in the breeding habitat for many years. Restoration plantings top of a sapling or in spiny climbing Wait-a-While, in our region typically develop a shady tree canopy by about 1-4m off the ground. the time they are six or seven years old. By the end of the first decade, many features, such as stem densities Chicks have a relatively long dependency period and and leaf litter, reach levels similar to old-growth are fed almost exclusively by their mother. They begin rainforest. Some other attributes however, such as foraging for themselves but continue to take food from vines and climbing palms, develop much more slowly. their mother for at least 2.5 months after fledging Since Wait-a-While is not usually planted, and saplings when they are in virtually adult plumage. Dependent of the right height are only available for a short time in chicks are “parked” in dense vegetation such as vine even-aged plantings, revegetated sites may not have thickets, generally 0.5-1.0 m off the ground. They suitable Grey-headed Robin nest sites for decades. And remain still and quiet until their mother is nearby and without a dense understorey, these sites are unlikely then beg loudly in response to her calls. They usually to have safe refuges close to the ground for dependent flutter or fly to the ground where they are fed on chicks. Revegetation can be hotter and drier than old- worms and other invertebrates. growth forest so, in a warming climate, Grey-headed Robins that make a home there may also be more susceptible to heat stress. These are factors that restoration practitioners may be able to do something about. Robin-friendly home improvements could perhaps include interplanting once a restoration site is established to provide right-sized saplings for nest sites. Leaving herbicide-killed woody weeds in situ, or installing clumps of tangled vines, may provide dense structure at ground level for chicks to shelter in. And providing supplementary water could help keep Grey-headed Robins and other wildlife cool. I hope this study will inspire trials of these ideas. Report and images from Amanda Freeman.

Grey-headed robin nest in Wait-a-While after the chicks had Grey-headed Robin (C)David Newell 2014 fledged. birdlifephotography.org.au

22 Contact Call Volume 10 Number 1 Contact Call

We found Kalkadoons in the most northwesterly Carpentarian and location than we had found them previously. And they had successfully fledged at least one juvenile - recent Kalkadoon Grasswrens breeding! However, we did not find any definite signs of breeding among Carpentarians, although they were active and calling - perhaps thinking about breeding! Update This is in contrast to our usual May surveys, when we often find groups of Carpies with one or more Kath Shurcliff immature birds. We were not able to undertake our usual grasswren We will be once again conducting surveys in May later surveys in May 2020, due to Covid restrictions. But by this year, in the Mount Isa region. the end of the year, these restrictions had relaxed enough that we decided to attempt surveys much later So if you in the year - in November, in fact. We normally avoid ✓ are interested in helping us set up long-term these months because of the weather conditions monitoring sites to track population changes in making it very uncomfortable in the field, and risky for these two species, vehicle access at some localities. So we took only a small group of seasoned surveyors for a limited time to ✓ can spend from 1 - 3+ weeks in a beautiful part primarily check on breeding activity and to confirm of western Queensland during May, likely presence of grasswrens at several sound ✓ enjoy camping in the Outback and have your monitoring sites. own equipment to be self-sufficient, Here is our hearty group of surveyors - comprising the ✓ and have access to a 4wd vehicle, as we will youngest who has ever attended (11 month old Yuni), travel along station tracks, and our oldest Graham. And the rest of us in between. then, please join us. You will not regret it. Contact Kath Shurcliff at [email protected] or phone 07 4069 6595 or 04 7864 1987 for more details.

We surveyed in the mornings, and then moved on to new sites, looking for the most well-shaded camping spots we could find. It was just too hot to try any surveying in the afternoons, as all birds seemed to “shut up shop” by mid-morning. Numerous waterholes that usually have some water in them were mostly dry. The few with water hosted a myriad of birds - finches, honeyeaters, doves and pigeons mostly. Carpentarian Grasswren Image: Rex Whitehead Unfortunately, grasswrens do not appear to need free- standing water, so we have never found grasswrens at waterholes. We limited our survey sites to locations where we had definite sightings in the past, or had recent sound recordings. So it was no surprise when we ended up having very high success rates with finding the grasswrens. We surveyed very few sites, but found grasswrens at most, and several with multiple pairs, or both species.

March 2021 23 BirdLife Northern Queensland

News from Mt Isa Rex Whitehead

We finally received some good rain in December 2020. causing many of the local reservoirs/dams to fill to 100%. Lake Moondarra, our primary water source, went to about 75% which was up to the original spillway level. In doing so the increase in water levels caused the mudflats to be inundated, resulting in loss of the local feeding area for migratory waders so they all left. Many of the local water birds initially left as well but many have started to return. Prior to the rains there was a flurry of nesting by ground nesting birds taking place around Lake Swinhoe’s Snipe Moondarra, including Caspian Terns, Masked Lapwings, In the last edition of Contact Call I mentioned the Red-capped Plover, along with Red-kneed and Black- sighting of a single Red Knot at Lake Moondarra which fronted Dotterels, and Australian Pratincoles. The way was a first for here. I have included an image of it in the weather is shaping up I don't think the rains have this edition, along with a Swinhoe's Snipe and a female finished yet. So I think there are interesting times Australian Painted Snipe. ahead. The Swinhoe's Snipe are regular visitors during the On a recent trip to Karumba, I noticed that one of the migratory season and can be counted on nearly every Lesser Sandplovers I photographed was year. Not so the Australian Painted Snipe flagged/banded. The flag was quite readable so I sent unfortunately. the image along with the sighting details to the Australian Wader Study Group (AWSG). They came One bird we used to get on a regular basis was the back to me with the following information: the bird Red-capped Robin. Whilst it was a seasonal visitor, it was flagged/banded on 20-04-2019 at Wang-Kung, was a regular, however it's been a couple of years now Chang-Hua County, Taiwan. They also reported that it since we last saw one. Whereas the Hooded Robin, was the first, re-recorded flagged Lesser Sandplover although a seasonal visitor as well, have been more from the Gulf of Carpentaria. frequent as have the Black Honeyeaters. A bonus on this trip was an Eastern Yellow Wagtail I photographed on the plains between Karumba and Normanton. I recorded an Eastern Yellow Wagtail at Lake Moondarra in early 2020 but I was unable to photograph it.

Australian Painted-snipe Cheers from The Isa. May 2021 be a safe and good birding year for you all.

Red knot sighted at Lake Moondara

24 Contact Call Volume 10 Number 1 Contact Call

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March 2021 25 BirdLife Northern Queensland

Situated 1½ hrs north of Cairns in Tropical North Queensland we offer accommodation in self-contained units and bunkhouse rooms. We also have a small camping area. The property is a rainforest wildlife sanctuary catering for birdwatchers and naturalists.

We are central to a variety of habitats and provide bird species lists, area maps and Wi-Fi internet access. Guiding is available by arrangement. We offer packages for individuals and small groups.

Carol and Andrew Iles RN6, Mt. Kooyong Road Julatten QLD 4871 Ph: (07) 4094 1263 Email: [email protected] www.birdwatchers.com.au

26 Contact Call Volume 10 Number 1 Contact Call

Noticeboard Newsletter deadlines for 2021 are: ➢ April 10th for the May/June Edition ➢ July 10th for the September Edition ➢ October 10th for the December Edition

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We strive to make this group a welcoming place. Treat everyone with respect. Healthy debates are natural, but kindness and courtesy are required. Threads Advice on BirdLife becoming to heated will be muted or deleted. Northern Queensland 2. No hate speech or bullying Bullying of any kind will not be tolerated. Degrading Activities and COVID-19 comments about things such as race, religion, culture, intelligence, sexual orientation, gender or identity will BirdLife Northern Queensland activities are managed in not be tolerated and will deleted. line with COVID-19 requirements. Activities may be cancelled at short 3. Posting to the group notice if circumstances change. Post only north Queensland bird photos and north Please remember, if you plan on attending Queensland bird related items. Moderators reserve the right to delete posts. BirdLife Northern Queensland activities or 4. Sharing to the group events: Share only from your personal profile. These shares ❖ Contact the activity organiser to confirm your must be made public. Sharing from your page is not attendance allowed. Posts with links to websites/blogs/pages etc. ❖ Stay at home if you are unwell are not allowed and will be deleted. ❖ Practice physical distancing as much as possible 5. No promotions or spam and: Self-promotion, advertising, spam, fundraisers, ➢ avoid contact such as hugs, kisses and requests for donations, items for sale, petitions and handshakes the like are not allowed and will be deleted if posted. ➢ cover coughs and sneezes 6. Joining the group ➢ use hand sanitiser or wash your hands regularly You must answer the questions asked to join the with soap and water group. You cannot add another person to the group. Each person must request to join the group ➢ wherever possible keep at least 1.5 metres themselves. Persons added to the group will be away, two big steps, from people you don’t live removed. with. 7. Blocking Admins and Moderators ❖ Don’t share personal equipment (e.g. binoculars). Blocking admins and moderators so that they cannot For more information: see what you are posting or commenting on within the https://www.covid19.qld.gov.au/ group will result in removal from the group and banning from re-joining.

Male Golden Bowerbird at his bower. Image courtesy of Dominic Chaplin March 2021 27 BirdLife Northern Queensland

BirdLife Northern Queensland 2021 Activities

Date Time Locality Meeting place and other information Contact the leader

Saturday From Centenary 2021 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING AND A We have COVID planning in place 20 March 8:00 Lakes, GREAT DAY OUT! so do RSVP prior to the event, 2021 am Greenslopes 8 am: Meet at Zhanjiang Friendship Garden, and let us know of any dietary Street, Edge Centenary Lakes, Greenslopes Street, Edge Hill for intolerances (for the BBQ lunch). Hill , and later a morning bird walk in Centenary Lakes including RSVP to Wayne Young Email: Cominos local flora with Gary Wilson and Mikey Kudo. [email protected] House, 27 10:30 am: We’ll have morning tea at Centenary Greenslopes Lakes (BYO morning tea). Street, Edge Hill 12 noon: Please join us for a BBQ lunch at Cominos House (BBQ provided).

1 pm: Stay for a very special guest presentation by Terry Carmichael from the Wet Tropics Management Authority. Terry’s talk will focus on the intrinsic values of our World Heritage listed Wet Tropics Rainforest and its bird life, and the soon to be released Action Plan for Australian Birds (by Stephen Garnett) and its implications for birds in the Wet Tropics region. 1:40 pm: And then join us for the 2021 BirdLife Northern Queensland Annual General Meeting Saturday 4 - 6 Cairns BIRDLIFE AUSTRALIA Golo Maurer pm Esplanade, STICKYBEAKS FAMILY GROUP 27 March Stickybeak Coordinator opposite the Wave the waders Goodbye and ‘ Bingo’ (win a RSL migratory shorebird pin!) RSVP to Golo: Mobile 0467 444 Meet at Muddy’s on the Cairns Esplanade and if 114 or you like you can stick around for Fish and Chips at [email protected] Muddy’s afterwards. Please bring your sun smart gear, water and mozzie repellent and be Covid -safe. Friday 7:00– Hastie’s HASTIES SWAMP MONTHLY BIRD SURVEY For more information please 9:00am Swamp, contact Ron Schweitzer 2 April You're invited to join us for a great morning of Atherton birding and collecting data on the birdlife in and [email protected] Meet at around the swamp. Based mainly at and around

Hasties the bird hide, members will survey the birds Swamp Hide present at the wetlands and count the numbers of car park each species. Both waterbirds and bush birds in the adjacent fringing vegetation are included. We hope to follow the seasonal changes through the year. Bring binoculars/scope, field guide, notebook and pen, and morning ‘smoko’.

April 4-6 Various sites FINCH SURVEYS Ray Pierce 0409806560 and in days in Einasleigh Surveys of distribution, habitat and feeding of [email protected] May-June each Uplands Gouldians etc, involving campouts.

Sunday 7:00– Warrina BIRDING AROUND WARRINA LAKES Sandra Christensen 9:30am Lakes, 11 April You're invited to join us for a couple of hours of Cassowary Coast Area Innisfail social birding around Warrina Lakes. Coordinator

Meet in the After birding we'll have morning tea at the lakes For more information, please carpark in (BYO morning tea). contact 0448 845 842. Park St, off the corner of It’s the very wet tropics so bring an umbrella and We hope you can make it! Emily and waterproof shoes, just in case. Also, binoculars, Charles St, sunscreen, hat, and insect repellent. Innisfail In the event of a severe weather or other unforeseen circumstances, events may be cancelled at short notice. Contact the event organiser to confirm events.

28 Contact Call Volume 10 Number 1 Contact Call

BirdLife Northern Queensland 2021 Activities

Date Time Locality Meeting place and other information Contact the leader

Saturday 9:00 Cominos House, INTRODUCTION TO BIRD PHOTOGRAPHY Contact Gary Wilson at 17 April am - Greenslopes St, PRESENTED BY GARY WILSON [email protected] 4:00 Cairns The workshop program is designed for beginners and to obtain more details pm includes lectures, discussions and field activities. and to register. Cost is $20 and includes a light lunch. Friday 7:00– Hastie’s Swamp, HASTIES SWAMP MONTHLY BIRD SURVEY For more information 9:00am Atherton please contact Ron 7 May You're invited to join us for a great morning of Schweitzer Meet at Hasties birding and collecting data on the birdlife in and Swamp Hide car around the swamp. Based mainly at and around the [email protected] park bird hide, members will survey the birds present at the wetlands and count the numbers of each species. Both waterbirds and bush birds in the adjacent fringing vegetation are included. We hope to follow the seasonal changes through the year. Bring binoculars/scope, field guide, notebook and pen, and morning ‘smoko’. Sunday 7:00– Warrina Lakes, BIRDING AROUND WARRINA LAKES Sandra Christensen 9:30am Innisfail 9 May You're invited to join us for a couple of hours of Cassowary Coast Area Meet in the carpark social birding around Warrina Lakes. Coordinator in Park St, off the After birding we'll have morning tea at the lakes For more information, corner of Emily and (BYO morning tea). please contact 0448 845 Charles St, Innisfail It’s the very wet tropics so bring an umbrella and 842. waterproof shoes, just in case. Also, binoculars, We hope you can make sunscreen, hat, and insect repellent. it! In the event of a severe weather or other unforeseen circumstances, events may be cancelled at short notice. Contact the event organiser to confirm events. 10-31 Mt Isa region GRASS WREN SURVEY Contact Kath Shurcliff for May more information or to We are seeking volunteers for the annual Grasswren Survey. Volunteers are welcome to come for as little register. as one week or for the whole 2-3 weeks. Fuel costs Email Kath at will be reimbursed. You will need to be self- [email protected] sufficient, with high clearance vehicles, and ready to .au or camp on the stations. We will work together in phone: 07 4069 6595 or teams. This is an opportunity to see some beautiful 04 7864 1987 country that is not publicly accessible, as well as many interesting birds. And enjoy time with great companions!! Sunday 10:00- Munro Martin CAIRNS ECOFIESTA Email Mickey at 13 June 18:00 Parklands, 123 BirdLife Northern Queensland is having a stall at the [email protected] or Sheridan St, Cairns Cairns Ecofiesta. phone: 0402343610 We are seeking volunteers to assist set up and breakdown the stall, and to run the stall. If you are interested in helping, for even just part of the day, please call Mikey. Friday 7:00– Hastie’s Swamp, HASTIES SWAMP MONTHLY BIRD SURVEY For more information 4 June 9:00am Atherton You’re invited to join us for a great morning of please contact Ron Meet at Hasties birding and collecting data on the birdlife in and Schweitzer Swamp Hide car around the swamp. Based mainly at and around the [email protected] park bird hide, members will survey the birds present at the wetlands and count the numbers of each species. Both waterbirds and bush birds in the adjacent fringing vegetation are included. We hope to follow the seasonal changes through the year. Bring binoculars/scope, field guide, notebook and pen, and morning ‘smoko’.

March 2021 29 BirdLife Northern Queensland BirdLife Northern Queensland 2021 Activities

Date Time Locality Meeting place and other information Contact the leader

Sunday 7:00– Warrina Lakes, BIRDING AROUND WARRINA LAKES Sandra Christensen 13 June 9:30 am Innisfail You’re invited to join us for a couple of hours of Cassowary Coast Area Meet in the social birding around Warrina Lakes. Coordinator carpark in Park After birding we’ll have morning tea at the lakes For more information, St, off the corner (BYO morning tea). please contact 0448 845 of Emily and 842. Charles St, Innisfail Friday 7:00– Hastie’s Swamp, HASTIES SWAMP MONTHLY BIRD SURVEY For more information 2 July 9:00 am Atherton You’re invited to join us for a great morning of please contact Ron Meet at Hasties birding and collecting data on the birdlife in and Schweitzer Swamp Hide car around the swamp. Based mainly at and around the [email protected] park bird hide, members will survey the birds present at the wetlands and count the numbers of each species. Both waterbirds and bush birds in the adjacent fringing vegetation are included. We hope to follow the seasonal changes through the year. Bring binoculars/scope, field guide, notebook and pen, and morning ‘smoko’. Sunday 7:00– Warrina Lakes, BIRDING AROUND WARRINA LAKES Sandra Christensen 11 July 9:30am Innisfail You’re invited to join us for a couple of hours of Cassowary Coast Area Meet in the social birding around Warrina Lakes. Coordinator carpark in Park After birding we’ll have morning tea at the lakes For more information, St, off the corner (BYO morning tea). please contact 0448 845 of Emily and 842. Charles St, Innisfail July - 4-6 days Various sites in FINCH SURVEYS Ray Pierce 0409806560 August each Einasleigh Surveys of distribution, habitat and feeding of [email protected] Uplands Gouldians etc, involving campouts. Friday 7:00– Hastie’s Swamp, HASTIES SWAMP MONTHLY BIRD SURVEY For more information 6 August 9:00am Atherton You're invited to join us for a great morning of please contact Ron Meet at Hasties birding and collecting data on the birdlife in and Schweitzer Swamp Hide car around the swamp. Based mainly at and around the [email protected] park bird hide, members will survey the birds present at the wetlands and count the numbers of each species. Both waterbirds and bush birds in the adjacent fringing vegetation are included. We hope to follow the seasonal changes through the year. Bring binoculars/scope, field guide, notebook and pen, and morning ‘smoko’.

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