The BIRDER The official newsletter of Birds SA May 2017 No 242

In this Issue New hunting policy Activities for ‘fledglings’ Easter at Sophie’s Patch

Linking people with birds in CONTENTS President’s Message 3 John Gitsham designed the front page of Fledglings’ Field Trip 4 this issue. Birds SA Notes & New 5 Easter Weekend at Sophie’s Patch 7 Jeff Groves took the photograph of a Square- Friends of FAIBS 9 tailed Kite at Para Wirra Conservation Park, Giving Them Wings 11 SA in Sept 2016.

Past General Meetings 12 If you would like one of your photographs Future General Meetings 13 to be considered for the front page of the Past Excursions 13 August Birder, please send a hi-res copy Future Excursions 17 to John at [email protected] Bird Records 19 Photos from Members 24 We welcome 14 new members who have CENTRE INSERT: SAOA HISTORICAL SERIES recently joined the Association. Their names No: 60, FRANK MILTON ANGEL are listed on p20. DIARY The following is a list of Birds SA activities for the next few months. Further details of all these activities can be found later in ‘The Birder’. Sunday 28 May Excursion to Sir Richard Peninsula & Goolwa Ponds

Saturday 10 June Excursion to Horsnell Gully CP Thursday 22 June Excursion to Jenkins Scrub Friday 29 June General Meeting

Sunday 2 July Excursion to Altona Landcare Reserve Saturday 15 July Excursion to Reedy Creek Thursday 20 July Excursion to Anacotilla Springs Friday 28 July General Meeting Sunday 30 July Excursion to Paiwalla Wetlands

Saturday 12 August Excursion to Bakara CP Thursday 17 August Excursion to Kyeema CP Friday 25 August General Meeting Sunday 27 August Excursion to Charleston CP

Birds SA aims to: • Promote the conservation of Australian birds and their habitats. • Encourage interest in, and develop knowledge of, the birds of South Australia. • Record the results of research into all aspects of bird life. • Maintain a public fund called the “Birds SA Conservation Fund” for the specific purpose of supporting the Association’s environmental objectives.

2 The Birder, May 2017 President’s Message

Hello to all our members, I feel privileged and population growth and sprawling urban honoured to represent the Association as your new development, more and more pressure is being put president. I hope to continue to guide and take Birds on our dwindling natural resources, and that has a SA in a new and progressive direction while funnel-down effect on our birdlife. As we know, the maintaining our rich history and traditional activities. birds are suffering badly in various areas of the I would like to firstly thank the magnificent job David state. Consequently, as an association we will be Paton has done as president over the last few years collaborating more with like-minded conservation and feel a bit intimidated. His are big shoes to fill, and birding organisations so that we can stand and I’ll do my best. I also express a big thanks to our together to voice our opinions and or protests on past Treasurer Brian Walker for the excellent job he important issues that will impact on our birds and has done over the past years on the committee. their habitats. Also, welcome to the new committee members. Birds SA will continue to support the Conservation As an Association we are in a strong position with a areas of Tolderol as prime habitat for waders and membership of approximately 750 members growing other bird species and a great bird watching site for at about 4% per year, thanks to our recent outward our members. Also our ongoing relationship with the marketing approach and promotional activities, such Mt Barker Council’s Laratinga wetland will continue to provide an excellent location for Birds SA as attending functions with our Birds SA stand, at members to visit. Our Conservation Fund will Laratinga Bird fair, Sophie’s Garden, WEA and other support other worthwhile projects and scientific birding courses and activities, raising our profile to research as they arise. the public. Our involvement with the Adelaide International Bird As the membership grows, Birds SA will provide a Sanctuary will increase and I urge all members to louder and stronger voice in support of conservation support the sanctuary as much as possible. and protection of our birds and their habitats in SA. It is also important to remember that all Birds SA I recognise we are now primarily a bird watching members are ambassadors of the association while association, which is fabulous, and is a growing area out birding and it is expected that we will all follow around the world; along with the introduction of Birds SA ethical birding guidelines (presented on page 2) and promote the association in a positive digital photography acting as a conduit that makes way. people more aware of birds. However, we must also I hope to meet most Association members during my remember that the Association has a strong tenure as president. Please feel free to approach me scientific and conservation component. I wish to with any issues and ideas you would like to see the maintain and further support and encourage the Association take on and I hope to see you out there science and conservation aspects of Birds SA, since birding at some stage. Happy Birding! we are an ornithological association at heart. John Gitsham With the ongoing challenges of a changing President Birds SA environment and climate change, increasing

'Fledglings’ enjoying a bird-banding activity run by Birds SA and BioR. Details on the next page

The Birder, May 2017 3 Fledglings’ Field Trip David and Fiona set up nets on the Friday, arrived very early Saturday morning, before 7.00am, to unfurl them and worked all day, not stopping until after 5.00pm. This was repeated again Sunday with the Sunday team. Both teams exhibited amazing dedication to spreading the need to conserve habitat into the future by involving children in an activity that they all thoroughly enjoyed. The children were thrilled to be carrying the small bags containing the birds, with the BioR team making sure that each child was able to carry at least two bags. The children then observed the team weighing, banding and checking the feathers of the birds. Detailed descriptions of the various species were given, with comparisons made, for example, between a female Golden Whistler and female Rufous Whistler in the hand at the same time. What an opportunity in bird identification! Where appropriate, the children were then shown how to hold a bird and then to release it. Every child was able to hold at least one bird, but none put their hand up for the Adelaide Rosella or the A 'Fledgling’ holding a Diamond Firetail Chough! All participants expressed their appreciation and before releasing it. we hope that this activity will encourage future

R conservationists and ornithologists. Birds SA, in conjunction with Bio , offered a Kate Buckley (who also took the photographs) Fledglings Field Trip on the weekend of March 25th and 26th. BioR is a non-profit organisation that focuses on offsetting ecological footprints. This organisation generates funds, knowledge and practical skills to reconstruct habitats that support native wildlife in degraded landscapes. Advertising for this event started in February and bookings were immediate, with Sunday being fully booked by the first week in March. Of the 60 available spaces 58 were booked, however, illness prevented several children from attending over the weekend. Saturday was fairly warm and humid, but the cloud cover made the day reasonable and the bird numbers impressive. Sunday morning was perfect but it became very hot in the afternoon. Over the weekend 302 birds were processed and this included 33 different species. Without the expertise of the BioR team this event would not have been possible. I would like to extend gratitude from Birds SA to the following BioR team members, David Paton, Fiona Paton, Grace and Tom who made up the Saturday team. David and Fiona again worked on Sunday along with Hayley, Tommy and Priya. A BioR member showing a 'fledgling' how to weigh the bird in the bag.

4 The Birder, May 2017 Birds SA Notes & News NEW DUCK AND QUAIL HUNTING POLICY • Bush Heritage The following alteration to the Association’s Duck • BioR. and Quail Hunting Policy was adopted at the Various members of the Conservation sub- February 24 General Meeting committee initially compiled the appendices. It was The previous policy stated: “Birds SA opposes the noted that there was already considerable inter- recreational hunting of all native birds and would action between Birds SA and some of these prefer it to be disallowed. However, the organisation organisations. recognises that sometimes there may be some Monarto Crown Lands conservation benefits associated with well-managed Natural Resources SA Murray-Darling Basin was recreational hunting and, while hunting remains reasonably positive that the Brown’s Road and legal, will co-operate with others to maximise such Frahn’s Farm tracts of land will be included in the benefits.” proposed conservation parks. Primary Industries At the meeting, John Gitsham stated that many and Resources SA) PIRSA have rights over both Birds SA Members have voiced opposition to the properties. wording of the above policy. The proposed change Tolderol brings Birds SA in line with BirdLife Australia and J Gitsham advised that water had been supplied to most other States. Bay 17. There is still considerable groundwork to be After some discussion, David Robertson proposed done. Birds SA is acknowledged prominently on the the adoption of the following Birds SA hunting Policy: signage at the site. “Birds SA opposes the recreational hunting of native Adelaide International Bird Sanctuary bird species.” be put to the vote. This was seconded DEWNR are aware of the issues relating to crabbing by Allan Burns and carried by the members. activities at Thompson’s Beach and their impact on The full policy can be found on the website. the birdlife. It was felt that the Collective needs to be Cynthia Pyle involved in educating those involved. D Hansman

suggested that Birds SA should provide support for E-NEWSLETTER EDITOR/S NEEDED covering the cost of signage. Arkellah Irving, Many members enjoy receiving our monthly e- Community Involvement and Planning Coordinator Newsletter with its up to date information, maps for the AIBS will address the April General Meeting showing locations of our birding venues and a bird Laratinga list for each venue. Mt Barker Council has indicated that it is unable to The two people who have published the e- support the Bird Fair this year, due to rehabilitation Newsletter every month for several years— editor works after extensive rainfall events. The Council Roger Collier and former Treasurer Brian Walker — would support holding the event on a biennial basis. will no longer be publishing the document. Dry Creek Saltfields and Buckland Park Lake We need at least one new e-Newsletter editor, or W Brooker advised that we no longer have access to there will not be any more e-Newsletters. the Dry Creek Salt fields. Consideration is to be Please contact our Secretary, Brian Blaylock, if given to writing to the new owners of the site you are able to help. requesting access by Birds SA under controlled Cynthia Pyle conditions. It is considered unreasonable that there

is lack of access for Birds SA to Buckland Park Lake CONSERVATION SUB-COMMITTEE despite the Association’s contribution of $50,000 March Report towards the purchase of the site. Closer links with like-minded organisations Duck and Quail hunting The Sub-committee has sent an introductory letter There is debate within the Conservation sub- on this subject to the members of the Birds SA Committee on whether to further pursue the Committee, along with detailed appendices outlawing of duck and quail hunting in SA or to move describing the aims and the degree of alignment on now that the Birds SA policy change has been with Birds SA of five organisations suggested for endorsed. If this matter is to be pursued further, consideration for closer ties. The letter described the Birds SA needs to develop a clear strategy. mutual benefits that may arise through such an State of the River Murray initiative. The five potential organisations listed were: P Cole provided an update: • Nature Foundation SA, a. The Murray system has good volumes of water in • Australian Wildlife Conservancy, storage towards the end of the 2016-17 irrigation • BirdLife Australia season — Hume > 70%, Dartmouth near 80%

The Birder, May 2017 5 Birds SA Notes & News (cont.) b. SA has already announced that for the next water year (i.e. the 2017-18 irrigation season) water Adelaide International Bird Sanctuary (AIBS) allocations against entitlements will be 100%. DEWNR are aware of the issues relating to crabbing This means both irrigators and environmental activities at Thompson’s Beach and their impact on water holders holding SA water will have their full the birdlife. The importance of educating the public allocations. was discussed. It was recommended that Birds SA c. At the Murray-Darling Basin Ministerial Council send a letter to both DEWNR and PIRSA detailing Meeting held 17 March 2017 in Mildura, Ministers the issues, asking whether there are relevant proposed that the full remaining volume of water regulations covering these issues and requesting to meet the water recovery target of 2750 GL how compliance with appropriate regulations can be would be by ‘supply measures’ i.e. by inference assured. David Hansman raised the question of no further water will be purchased from irrigators appropriate signage to indicate size limits for crabs to secure the promised 2750GL of environmental etc. It was noted that Chris Purnell (BirdLife water to keep wetlands alive and the Murray Australia) and others had already referred to these Mouth open. issues in the Shorebird Population Monitoring Survey Report 2014-15 published in October 2015. April Report Laratinga Closer links with like-minded organisations. The balance of the interpretive signs was installed Simon Brealey confirmed that, following the this month. circulation of his introductory letter on this subject Duck and Quail hunting the Birds SA Management Committee had A request by William Brooker to Mike Greig of discussed the matter. Overall the feedback was DEWNR regarding what data is used for setting the positive. The Committee suggested that The Field hunting limits for Stubble Quail had revealed that Naturalists Society of SA and the Nature there was a total lack of any meaningful analysis. Conservation Society of SA be added to the list of State of the River Murray (April) key contact organisations. a. The strong submission by BirdLife Australia The Conservation Sub-Committee had opposing reductions to environmental water flows recommended that it was appropriate to have was discussed, and John Spiers proposed that individual champions who would be the prime Birds the subcommittee draft a letter to be sent to the SA contact with each of the external organisations. MDBA supporting BirdLife Australia’s position. In the case of BirdLife Australia it was conceded that David Paton will be asked for any relevant there would be several Birds SA contacts. John comments applicable to the lower lakes of SA. Gitsham and William Brooker were acknowledged b. The subcommittee has commenced investigation as two of these. The recommendations on all the into the potential impacts of the carp eradication “champions” will need to be approved by the virus. John Spiers undertook to draft a letter to Management Committee. The process for how these CSIRO, to be reviewed by Phil Cole, asking people will be selected was not discussed. specific questions for the scientific evidence that Monarto Crown Lands the proposed introduction of the carp herpes The two new Monarto Conservation Parks are virus will have no impact on native birdlife. Kinchina, of 414 hectares, and Monarto Woodlands Northern Connector Project Conservation Park, of 426 hectares. The subcommittee discussed recent Tolderol correspondence between Rod Tetlow, Birds SA, and John Gitsham reported that Natural Resources Tony Flaherty (DEWNR) with respect to the impact Management (NRM) and Goolwa to Wellington on bird habitat of the Northern Connector Project Action Planning Association (GWLAP) had where it traverses the land adjacent to the Whites conducted a bird survey at Tolderol on Friday Road wetlands. Jeff Groves will represent Birds SA April 7. Thirty species were recorded. Many Royal in any future discussions on this issue with Tony Spoonbills were sighted together with several Flaherty and Chris Podger (Land Lease Lewin’s Rails and Glossy Ibis. There were many Environmental Manager Northern Connector ducks in Bay 11. The Besser block building housing Project). the pumping system needs repair because the Simon Brealy efficacy of the pump has been compromised by the collapse of the shed. Responsibility for undertaking repairs lies with the Department of the Environment and Natural Resources (DEWNR).

6 The Birder, May 2017 Easter Weekend at Sophie’s Patch

Staffing the Stall, photographed by Kate Buckley Barbara Wheaton, seated; Jan Webber, holding the banner The Birds SA stall was also contributed a donation again held at Sophie’s of $50 to Birds SA. Patch, near Laratinga, Sales of our badges and car over the Easter Weekend. stickers, together with I should like to express my generous donations, gratitude and the constituted the remainder of appreciation of the Birds the money raised. SA Management Thank you again to the Committee to all who wonderful people who gave volunteered to donate up part of the Easter their time over the weekend to support Birds weekend, but especially to SA and conservation. Cynthia Pyle, Merinda In appreciation Hyland, Barbara Wheaton, Kate Buckley Jan Webber, Sue Winwood, Kathy Tiller, Thank you Kate, for Colin and Merry organising the roster, the Theakstone, for their float and stall items etc., wonderful work. plus the Easter eggs Monies raised came to generously given to each of $346.70. Most of this us! money came from the sale Greatly appreciated by of James Smith’s book – The Team. Wildlife of Greater Adelaide. Three copies Merinda Hyland in her 'bird' shirt N.B. Kate gave up almost were sold on Saturday. Photographed by Jan Webber all her Easter weekend!!! A new member signed up Cynthia Pyle on Sunday afternoon. She

The Birder, May 2017 7 Easter Weekend at Sophie’s Patch , (cont.) Report by a team member I was disappointed last year when the Birds SA stall at Sophie’s Patch Open Garden had to be cancelled due to very bad weather, as it would have been my first opportunity to support the group by staffing the stall. So I was very pleased that we had lovely weather for Sophie’s Patch Open Garden over the Easter weekend. I was fortunate enough to be on the Birds SA stall most of Easter Sunday with Merinda Hyland, Barbara Wheaton and Sue Winwood. As a very inexperienced birder I was grateful for the knowledge and Part of Sophie's beautiful garden experience of these people. Photographed by Jan Webber The day was busy, with many you would not normally expect to find this species. people wandering around the garden, visiting the As Merinda said clearly no one had told the bird. At various stalls and generally enjoying the autumn times I felt like a detective. In one conversation we sunshine. I did have a fascinating walk through ‘The were given information about a bird’s colouring; we patch’ and was impressed by the wide range of sought more information about size and shape. We vegetables, herbs and fruit growing in what is really then showed a picture from one of the field guides, quite a small area. I also loved the way in which which was rejected but enabled the family to give us Sophie had used succulents to make interesting and some further information about beak shape. attractive areas. We were particularly impressed Eventually we identified the bird as an Eastern with the family of pardalotes nesting by Sophie’s Spinebill much to the delight of the family. These back door. stories were examples of many During the day we spoke to many conversations that I am sure people, passing on information occurred over the 3 days. about Birds SA, answering We handed out some questions about bird sightings and membership application forms giving general advice about how and copies of ‘The Birder’ and to encourage and protect native one person joined Birds SA on species. Sue had conversations the day. We also sold a few with many people who had copies of the Wildlife of Greater birdbaths in their garden and Adelaide books, some badges enjoyed watching birds especially and received a few donations. It New Holland Honeyeaters would have been good to have enjoying the water. A few people some sheets to hand out to children, possibly photos or raised concerns about the Noisy colouring-in sheets with some Miners and the negative effect general information about our they had on small birds. We were most common birds. I think we able to suggest increasing the also created a lot of goodwill and understorey in order to give the passed on some very valuable small birds places to hide. information about South Merinda and Barbara were able to Australian birdlife. help a gentleman identify a Black- I do need to pass on our thanks Chinned Honeyeater from a photo to Kate Buckley who did such a on his phone and by the sound of great job of organising the weekend and the Easter Bunny their call on Merinda’s tablet. He who left us all a little bag of had taken the photo at Bunnings Sophie's magnificent vegetables Photographed by Jan Webber Easter Eggs. in Murray Bridge — an area where Jan Webber

8 The Birder, May 2017 Friends of the Adelaide International Bird Sanctuary (FAIBS) This new group is steadily gathering momentum. Thanks to new members, sales of Mary-Ann’s wonderful bird bags, and a successful Initial Works Project Grant, we are beginning to feel a little more financial, prompting even more concerted future planning and grant applications. Our events so far have been largely focussed on landscape projects in the Sanctuary, with priorities on cleaning up and revegetation. However, there’s no holding back on the birders among us, so that Ranger Tammy Leggett’s session on bird monitoring at Thompson Beach (Light Beach, our planned location, being rained out) was welcomed and instructive. Including time for our binoculars and scope is a high priority when FAIBS Monitoring instruction at Thompson Beach are out in the field, enabling us to record sightings of quite a range of Future Events. birds. Thompson Beach listings in early April Our next scheduled coastal events are revegetation planting days at Port Gawler on included the Eastern Curlew, Red Knot, Common st th Greenshank, Red Neck Stint, Grey Plover, Ruddy Sunday, May 21 and Sunday, June 18 , 9.00am to Turnstone, White Faced Heron, Silver Gull, Caspian 1pm. We will meet at Pt. Gawler Beach. Morning tea will be provided. If you wish to join in — and we Tern, Pacific Gulls, Singing Honeyeater and White need lots of helpers — please RSVP to Browed Babbler. Some of the birds were showing [email protected] or call her at 08 8273 breeding plumage. At Port Prime, late in April, 9117. You will need to bring a hat, gardening gloves, sightings included Red Capped Plover, Egret, swan, water, lunch, trowel (if you have one), suitable pelican, Pied Cormorant and Brown Falcon. Further clothing and a friendly smile! These Samphire Coast inland, favourites were a Barn Owl, Nankeen Kestrel activities are funded by the Federal Government and and Blue bonnet Parrot. the NRM Levy, and supported by the Adelaide Plains Council. The longer-term aim is to reduce the impact of illegal off-road activity and dumped rubbish, as well as to protect coastal habitats. Rest assured that the birders will be exercising their viewing technology along with the planting! On June 18th, if you’re still feeling energetic, the revegetation activity will be followed by a presentation by Chris Butcher about the Yellowish Sedge Skipper Butterfly re- introduction project at St Kilda (2-4pm). Enquiries about this can be made to 0406 226 2096, and attendance RSVP’s go to [email protected] We are planning more events on the 3rd Sunday of each month. The FAIBS Facebook site will provide more information as these events approach. In particular we’re looking forward to the Flyway Festival later in the year when we welcome back the FAIBS Birders in action, Port Prime migratory birds.

The Birder, May 2017 9 FAIBS (cont.) FAIBS Membership If anyone wishes to be added to our contact list or to become a member of FAIBS ($10 p.a.), please contact Anna at [email protected]. We’ll be very happy to welcome you into our group. Membership includes free participation in training sessions held by DEWNR, for example plant ID, First Aid, field techniques etc. We’re currently gathering names for our one-day First Aid course. Contact Mary-Ann ASAP if you’d like to do this course. [email protected]

We wish to thank all Birds SA members who have been so supportive through our early days at meetings and at our events. We look forward to continuing Rubbish collection, Port Prime action together with the ultimate aim of helping birds to flourish in South Australia.

Bird Bags The bird bags that quite a number of you have seen at Birds SA meetings will be on display and sale again at the Members’ Nights, which are the July and November General Meetings. In the meantime they can be viewed at https://au.pinterest.com/mary_annvantrig/shorebird- bird-bags-friends-of-adelaide-internatio and purchased online through [email protected]. Here are some examples of bags for sale They were made using Mary-Ann van Trigt’s photos: Anna Woods

10 The Birder, May 2017 Extracts from the April e-news of the Adelaide International Bird Sanctuary

Management News held across the Bird Sanctuary area allowing people Since the end of February, the Adelaide International to come along and chat with staff about how they Bird Sanctuary team has been busy consulting with use and might use the Bird Sanctuary in the the community on what a management plan for the future. More than 100 people attended the sessions bird sanctuary might look like. overall with St Kilda, Two Wells and Thompson This has included visiting the Port Adelaide Enfield Beach being well attended. Maps were a big hit as Town Hall, Len Beadell Library in Salisbury, the they allowed people to show staff where they like to Stretton Centre in Playford, St Kilda, Two Wells and visit and how access to the area is best achieved. Thompson Beach. Using maps and relevant Comments were received from various users documents, the community has been able to chat throughout the sessions including landowners, directly with staff about how they use the area now crabbers and horse riders. and what they're hoping to use it for in the future. All comments have been recorded and will be used In other news, Nature Play SA and the NRM to help draft the Bird Sanctuary's management plan Education team have recently been out to the Bird document, which will be available for further Sanctuary with an education comment later in the year. A feedback theme. NRM Education has report is also being compiled to share been teaching children about migration, with the community, especially those bird identification and habitat who participated, what we heard and importance. will be taking forward as themes for The Adelaide Plains Council gained the management plan. We will share funding to get kids out to Thompson this feedback report in the next e- Beach during the summer to learn news. about birds, fish and the impact of marine debris. Hook, line and thinker The Bird Sanctuary team has been Within the Adelaide Plains Council asking the community 'how should we area you may see the installation of look at managing the bird sanctuary in a periscope style bin at some coastal the future?' locations. These bins are part of a The management plan consultation larger fishing line recycling program that is slowly rolling out across many process is well underway and has different council areas in the state. given the community an opportunity to The program encourages come along to the drop-in information communities and fishers to recycle sessions, chat and view maps as well their fishing line and prevent it from as join the discussion online. entering our marine environment. If you missed the drop-in sessions Material collected will be analysed to there is still a chance to have your say better understand the types and via our email account amounts of debris entering coast and [email protected]. A number of marine areas. Adelaide Plains Council comments have already been left, received funding for this program which you can add to; or you can start through a successful Recreational Fishing Grant, which is supported by your own discussion relating to what the Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges you think the management plan should Natural Resource Management include. Board. Altogether, nine drop-in sessions were

The Birder, May 2017 11 Past General Meetings

FRIDAY 24 FEBRUARY it will be turned into a Shrimp Farm. If that happens John Gitsham introduced Colin Rogers who would that will be yet another salt field lost, mirroring what talk on "The Hunt for the Spoonbill Sandpiper” is happening here. When private individuals The Spoonbill Sandpiper breeds in the Siberian purchase such a place, all control is lost. region whilst half the population winter in Myanmar where they are being trapped and eaten, as well as FRIDAY 31 March other shorebirds. John Gitsham introduced the speaker for the Colin visited Pak Thale Shorebird Site in Thailand, evening, Colin Rich, to speak on ‘Carotenoids, several hundred kilometres out of Bangkok. There is colour and captive breeding. How Noisy Miners are some interest on the preservation of this bird by a helping threatened species’. Colin studied biology at Nature Conservation group in Thailand — but there Flinders University and has been an "A" Class bird are so few of these sandpipers that it takes several bander for over 30 years. He organised the Desert hours to find them amongst the other waders. Bird Banding Project and now works for Wombaroo Colin showed photographs of Nordmann’s Foods. His father Brian Rich is an honorary Greenshank and explained that this bird is only seen researcher at the Adelaide Zoo Animal Health in groups whereas the Common Greenshank, seen Centre. With the help of volunteers Brian has been in South Australia, is often conducting research for 15 alone. Other photographs years. Taronga Zoo were of the Asian approached and Healesville Dowitchers, Common Red Sanctuary him to investigate Shank, Spotted Redshank, the loss of colouring of birds in not in breeding plumage, their captive breeding program Temminck’s Stint, Little of the Regent and Helmeted Ringed Plover, Malaysian Honeyeaters. Carotenoids are Plover and the White-faced responsible for feather and Plover. soft part colouring in birds. A map of the salt field near They include lutein, Pak Thale Village gave zeaxanthin, canthaxanthin, perspective to the distance rhodoxanthin, capsanthin, walked, in fact, crept along, astacin, α-carotene, β- to find the Spoonbill carotene and astaxanthin. Sandpiper, through mud and Approximately 600 caretenoids torrential rain. Comparison are known in nature. photographs were shown of Noisy Miners were selected for the Broad-billed Sandpiper the trials as they are a and the Spoonbill Sandpiper. convenient size bird and breed The Spoonbill Sandpiper is a well in captivity. When all specialist feeder. If it can’t carotenoids were removed put weight on it does not from the diet their yellow eye breed, so its numbers are patches faded to white after 50 declining. There have been to 60 days. Six carotenoids are fewer recorded sightings commercially available. They along the Flyway and it is are lycopene, capsanthin, assumed that there are only beta-carηotene, lutein, xantho- about 100 breeding pairs left, carotene and astaxanthin. but it is hard to know how Testing showed that lutein in restricted this data is. small doses was the most efficient carotenoid to BirdLife Australia and the Royal Society for the enable captive birds to regain the full colour of the Protection of Birds (RSPB} tried to set up some wild birds. captive breeding programs as a recovery plan, but if Adding certain carotenoids to Wombaroo Foods fed it is not known what these birds actually feed on, it is to Noisy Miners showed that normal healthy and difficult for recovery to succeed. fully coloured birds could be bred in captivity. This Unfortunately this site, Pak Thale Salt works is now process is now being used in the captive breeding for sale. The Thailand Conservation People say that programs of the Regent and Helmeted Honeyeaters. they have a plan in place, but there are rumours that

12 The Birder, May 2017 Future General Meetings/Past Excursions General meetings are held in the Charles Hawker large number of Grey Fantails (25), as well as Little building of the Waite Institute on Waite Road Ravens (6), Australian Magpies (10), Laughing Urrbrae on the last Friday of every month except Kookaburras (6) and Grey Currawongs (5). December, public holidays or prior to a long Due of the patchiness of the birds, which really weekend. seemed to be present in significant numbers only in The doors are opened at 7pm and meetings start at those ‘hot spots’ one so often encounters when bird 7.45pm. watching, we were pleasantly surprised to discover at the bird call that we had seen a total of 33 species FRIDAY JUNE 30 for the day. The speaker will be Merilyn Browne. The title of her Ali Ben Kahn talk will be: Tip to Tip: Ushuaia, the Falklands, South Georgia and the Antarctic Peninsula. Whites Road Wetland — 23 March

FRIDAY JULY 28 Sixteen members met for this excursion on a fresh Mid-winter Members' Night autumn morning, but the weather warmed up and by Please submit offers of short talks or other items for the time of the birdcall it was a pleasant 28 degrees. either the July or the November Members’ nights to In view of the better than average summer rainfall, John Hatch before mid-July. John likes to structure the main ponds had more water than normal for this members’ nights rather than just fill them. time of the year. The large middle pond was about A supper of delicious soups, with rolls, will be 60% full and, as is often the case, had the most provided before the July meeting. water birds. There was however little sign of the prolific breeding that has taken place at this site over FRIDAY AUGUST 25 the summer, although some juvenile Australasian Colin Rogers will be the speaker. His topic will be: Grebes, Eurasian Coots, Dusky Moorhens and Grey The decline in Migrating Shorebird numbers roosting Teals were still around. in the Dry Creek Salt Fields over the period 1985/86 Altogether we saw 64 species, heard one Striated to 2015/16. Pardalote and counted a total of 821 birds. By comparison, the early April 2016 excursion produced 46 species with a total of 810 birds. Interestingly the highest species count in 2016 was 102 Rainbow Past Excursions Lorikeets, whereas the highest 2017 count was 118 Porter Scrub Conservation Park – 11 March Musk Lorikeets. Fifteen people took part in this excursion on an Apart from the abundant Grey and Chestnut Teals overcast, warm and rather humid day. We started at and Pacific Black Ducks there were 14 Freckled the corner of Lihou and Maidment Roads and Ducks, 9 Pink-eared Ducks, 10 Hardheads and one followed the centre track to the northern boundary of female Musk Duck and they have been present here the park. We then walked to the eastern boundary for some weeks now. Similarly the latter four species and followed the fence line south until we rejoined have for the last month or so been present at the walking trail and continued southwest until we Magazine Road, including a male Musk Duck. We came back to the centre track and the parking area. also saw one Intermediate Egret and confirmed it We were initially met in the parking area by a pair of with a photograph. They have also been seen and Scarlet Robins that always seem to hang around the photographed at Magazine Road in the past month. vineyard just across the road. Once the walk started There were 26 Wood Ducks, 23 Royal Spoonbills, it was fairly quiet bird wise for some time, with only about 20 each of Australasian Grebe, Red White-throated Treecreepers, Crescent Wattlebird, Galah and Superb Fairywren. Numbers Honeyeaters, Adelaide Rosellas and the occasional of New Holland and White-plumed Honeyeaters Superb Fairywren. However, things improved once were in the mid twenties. We saw one Rufous we reached the northern end of the park and we saw Whistler, and they are reputed to be uncommon at several Honeyeaters, including Brown-headed, this site. The following raptors were present: 1 White-naped, Yellow-faced and New Holland. During Peregrine Falcon, 2 Nankeen Kestrels, 1 Black- the walk we also saw Red Wattlebirds and Eastern shouldered Kite and 1 Collared Sparrowhawk. Spinebills. There was also a mixture of Thornbills, Work has commenced in earnest on the Northern including Brown, Buff-rumped and Striated as well Connector road system and as part of this project as the scolding of some White-browed Scrubwrens. access to the White-winged Fairywren area has now We saw a variety of parrots and cockatoos including been fenced off. Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoos, Sulphur-crested Information subsequently received confirms that the Cockatoos, Galahs, the aforementioned Adelaide roadway goes directly through the White-winged Rosellas and Rainbow Lorikeets. We saw a rather Wren habitat and at one point it passes within less

The Birder, May 2017 13 Past Excursions (cont.) than 90 metres of the main middle pond. This is the Using her local knowledge, Vicki Natt led bird- pond that traditionally attracts most waterbirds and watchers to varied hot spots to see birds that might where most of the waterbird breeding occurs. At otherwise have been missed. Vicki’s expertise other points the road passes between 200 – 300 proved invaluable, enabling visitors to locate and metres from the ponds. These developments are identify secretive and less commonly seen birds. very distressing from a birding point of view. Other locals, including Bryan Haywood, David We gathered at a shady spot just after midday, had Sando and Janet and Kathryn Copping joined our lunch and made our bird call. campout group at various times to assist with guide Rod Tetlow duties of the region. The valuable support of the district’s ranger, Michael Trebilcock in preparing Browns Road, Monarto — 2 April access and our general campsite area was also A mild and calm morning saw 28 enthusiastic much appreciated. On behalf of all who attended this members assembled for this excursion. campout, I again wish to extend our thanks to the Given our numbers in attendance we parked inside above mentioned locals. the gate and divided into three small groups in order There were many highlights, including glimpses of a to maximise our bird survey of this location. The single Striated Field-wren in low coastal vegetation birds appeared to be scarce at times but our bird call and good sightings of normally shy Spotted Crakes still resulted in a total of 50 species being recorded. on Maria Creek’s mud banks. Double-banded This total included: Whistling Kite (1), Common Plovers and a pair of (not very) Common Sandpipers Bronzewing (4), Crested Pigeon (3), Peaceful Dove were noted. The secretive Mallee Fowl and several (10), Australian Owlet-nightjar (2), Red-rumped Koalas were also sighted around our camp. Parrot (10), Crimson Rosella (10), Purple-crowned In Kingston township, we enjoyed good views of two Lorikeet (2), Brown Treecreeper (3), Variegated (20) exquisite Beautiful Firetails on power lines. and Superb Fairywren (2). We saw eight honeyeater One of the main campout aims is to enable species included New Holland (15), Brown-headed members to socialise and have fun and I believe this (20), Spiny-cheeked (12), Red Wattlebird (4), Noisy was achieved through the daily field trips, happy Miner (1), Singing (4), Yellow-plumed (1) and White- hour and our Sunday barbeque lunch allowing new plumed (12). and regular attendees to mix. The queue for the We also recorded Spotted Pardalote (12), Striated porta loo also assisted this familiarisation! Pardalote (50), Weebill (6), Chestnut-rumped In total we identified 124 species during the course Thornbill (10), White-browed Babbler (12), Grey of the campout, with some members getting Currawong (2), Australian Magpie (6), Varied Sittella excellent views and photos of some ’lifers’. The total (12), Black-faced Cuckooshrike (2), Australian species recorded for our various site visits were: Golden Whistler (1), Rufous Whistler (2), Grey • Mount Scott CP — 68 species Shrikethrush (4), Willie Wagtail (6), Grey Fantail (4), • Mount Scott CP campsite area only – 60 species Restless Flycatcher (2), Little Raven (6), White- • Blackford Drain – 47 species winged Chough (40), Hooded Robin (2), Jacky • Butcher Gap Conservation Park - 49 species Winter (2), Red-capped Robin (6), Tree Martin (15), • Wright Bay – 15 species Silvereye (4), Mistletoebird (2) and Diamond Firetail • Robe Sewerage Ponds – 18 species (20). • Bagdad Native Forest Reserve – 14 species A very sociable morning and lunch was enjoyed by • Kingston Beach – 7 species everyone. • Drain L – 4 species Lynton Huxley • Fox’s Lake, Robe – 5 species Lynton Huxley EASTER CAMPOUT AT MOUNT – 14 TO 17 APRIL BIRD GROUP (THE BABBLERS) About forty Birds SA members based their Easter APRIL, 2017 EXCURSION, Mt. IVE STATION Camp for 2017 at Mount Scott Conservation Park. Friday 14th. Twenty kilometres inland from Kingston, the site was On a fine, slightly overcast day two bird watchers central to a range of habitats, allowing bird surveys met at the Tanks parking bay near the to be made in woodlands, wetlands, beaches and turnoff on the road. One was from Pt. Pirie forest. While it was brisk overnight due to clear skies and the other from Mambray Creek. We waited for a and no wind, the days were warm and very pleasant little while for any others to join us and then travelled for our birding activities. to Iron Knob where we met another birdo, who was from Whyalla. The three of us then left the bitumen

14 The Birder, May 2017 Past Excursions (cont.) and travelled along the road to and then Mt. had time off. They had found several new birds for Ive. About seven kilometres along the road on their list in the Mt. Ive area. Corunna station we stopped for smoko and a quick Saturday 15th. look at the birds around White dam. There were The morning promised another fine day, and the about thirty Crested Pigeons, together with Galahs, area was looking dry even though it had rained Australasian and Hoary-headed Grebes, Little Pied earlier in the year. The dams were dry or almost dry, Cormorants, Wood Ducks, Grey Teals, Coots, Pipits, but the deeper-rooted vegetation was still looking White-winged and Variegated Fairywrens, White- good. The birds we saw yesterday were still around plumed Honeyeaters, Grey Butcherbirds and Mulga the homestead area but more species were found in Parrots. Another reason we stopped here was to the morning. A flock of fifteen Major Mitchell look at the Western Grasswrens that frequent the Cockatoos were moving about the area providing area, and we found four of them. some good photo opportunities. Blue Bonnet and We moved on along the road Mulga Parrots, Redthroats, and, as we passed the Willie Wagtails, Pipits and Nonning homestead area, we Tree Martins were added to saw a couple of Ground the homestead area list. Cuckoo-shrikes, so we We decided to consider hurriedly pulled up and set off driving around the Flight after them. We got quite Path Track, which was a close to them and took some loop through eastern part of photos. There were also Mt. Ive station. The first stop Black-faced Woodswallows, we made was not far from Willie Wagtails, Singing the homestead at Horse Honeyeaters, Variegated Well which had a trough Fairywrens, Magpie Larks were Willie Wagtails, and two Western Southern Whitefaces, Pipits, Grasswrens. Emus, Welcome Swallows We arrived at the Mt. Ive and Magpie Larks were homestead and camp ground found. In the area there and booked in, settled in and were Hooded Robins, had a quick late lunch. Wedge-tailed Eagles, Looking around the Australian Ravens, White- homestead area we found winged Fairywrens, Crested Pigeons, kestrels, Short-tailed Grasswren, photographed by Redthroats, Crested Galahs, White-winged Bernie Haase on Mt.Ive in April 2017 Pigeons, Grey Butcherbirds, Fairywrens, Spiny-cheeked and Singing (Port Lincoln) Ringnecks White-browed Babblers, Honeyeaters, Yellow-throated Miners, Southern Yellow-rumped and Chestnut-rumped Thornbills and Whitefaces, Chestnut-rumped Thornbills, many Black-faced Woodswallows. As we travelled along a White-browed Babblers, Black-faced Cuckoo- creek line in a broad valley Rufous Whistlers, Brown shrikes, Grey Shrike-thrushes, Crested Bellbirds, Falcons, Mulga Parrots, Blue Bonnet Parrots, Red- (white-backed) Magpies, Grey Butcherbirds, Black- capped Robins, Singing, Spiny-cheeked and White- faced Woodswallows, Australian Ravens, Magpie plumed Honeyeaters, Yellow-throated Miners, Larks, Welcome Swallows and starlings. We drove Variegated Fairywrens and magpies were added to up a rough track to the top of Mt. Scott on the the list. We left the creek line and gradually climbed western side of the homestead area, where we along a rocky track, stopping on a high ridge to have found three Short-tailed Grasswrens and took some lunch. Mistletoebirds were moving about in the photographs. The highlights of the day were the mallee canopy as well as a pair of Grey-fronted Ground Cuckoo-shrikes, Short-tailed Grasswrens Honeyeaters. Weebills were constantly calling at us and Western Grasswrens. because we were close to their nest. We drove down During the day the camp ground had filled, due to a steep, rocky and winding track to another creek the long weekend holidays, with people from nearby line in a valley and took a short detour to look at towns, Adelaide, interstate and overseas. Most of organ pipe rock formations and another detour to a them had set up big tents or camper trailers and lookout. On the way more of the bird species caravans. One couple of bird watchers from mentioned were seen and we added Grey Fantails Adelaide were looking for as many different bird and Grey Shrike-thrushes. We arrived back at camp species as they could find in a year. They were still late in the afternoon. The Major Mitchell Cockatoos working, so they were busily birding whenever they

The Birder, May 2017 15 Past Excursions (cont.) and Hooded Robins had provided the highlights of we looked at the camping area and shed that the the day. lake speed trials club had built; and then walked out Sunday, 16th. onto the lake to get some photos. It was then time to It was another fine day and we headed up to the get back to Mt. Ive. The Short-tailed and Western summit of Mt. Ive on the eastern side of the Grasswrens, Major Mitchell Cockatoos and the homestead area. It was another steep, rough and Black Falcon had been the day’s highlights. rocky track but the view and phone reception made Monday, 17th. the climb worthwhile. The Short-tailed Grasswrens We decided to do a shorter track, the Horseshoe made the climb even more worthwhile. Two Loop track, before we headed home. This track does fairywrens were there and one circled around us for a loop to the northwest of the homestead. The track some time, providing excellent photo shots. On the goes over rocky low hills and our first stop was in an way down a Brown Falcon was watching us from its open area of Mulga near a sheep trough. Here there perch next to the track. were Crested Pigeons, Wedge-tailed Eagles, We decided that we would have a look at Lake kestrels, Brown Falcons, Blue Bonnet and Mulga Gairdner which is on the western part of Mt. Ive Parrots, Spiny-cheeked and Singing Honeyeaters, station. To get there we went back to the main road Yellow-throated Miners, many Southern Whiteface, and headed west. Along the road we sighted White-browed Babblers, Rufous Whistlers, Grey Crested Bellbirds, Black-faced Woodswallows, Shrike-thrushes, Crested Bellbirds with fledglings, whitefaces, Wedge-tailed Eagles, Singing magpies, butcherbirds, Black-faced Woodswallows, Honeyeaters, magpies, Australian Ravens, and Willie Wagtails, Australian Ravens, Magpie Larks, Hooded Robins. Near the turnoff to the track leading Red-capped and Hooded Robins and three Varied to Lake Gairdner is Dam, and we stopped to Sittellas. We continued on through a narrow gorge check it out. The dam was almost dry and a mob of where we stopped to look for grasswrens but with no goats was drinking what little water was left. luck. The area opened out and White-winged Everywhere we had been on this trip we had seen Fairywrens, Redthroats and Mistletoebirds were goats. A dry swamp, containing an expanse of added to the list. We walked up a gully path to check lignum scrub, surrounded the dam area. There were out some small cliffs looking for more grasswrens on Common Bronzewings, a Brown Goshawk, Mulga the way, but found none. As we circled back to the Parrots, Spiny-cheeked Honeyeaters, Crested homestead the track goes over a ridge and past a Bellbirds, Grey Butcherbirds, Australian Ravens, disused eagle’s nest, which we stopped and looked Pipits, White-backed Swallows, Redthroats, many at. Back at Mt. Ive camp we had lunch and finished White-winged and Variegated Fairywrens and two packing up then headed off back along the road to Western Grasswrens. This had been a good stop for Nonning and Iron Knob. On the way we stopped at adding more species for our trip list. Twelve Mile Dam on Corunna station and had a We drove on along the track to Lake Gairdner and quick look for birds. Pink-eared and Freckled Ducks, passed through a locked gate, which can be opened 54 Wood Ducks, Grey Teal, Hoary-headed Grebes, using the key supplied from the Mt. Ive camp host. Crested Pigeons, Black-tailed Nativehens, coots, We checked out another dry dam surrounded by White-faced Herons, Little Pied Cormorants and goats and moved on to Some Quality Bore. Here Singing Honeyeaters were seen. The highlight birds there were many birds including Major Mitchell for that day were the Varied Sittellas and Freckled Cockatoos, Dusky Woodswallows, Welcome Ducks. We saw a total of 61 bird species over the Swallows, White-browed Babblers, Blue Bonnet four days. Parrots, Crested Pigeons, Willie Wagtails, Grey Bernie Haase. Shrike-thrushes, Mistletoebirds, Yellow-throated Miners, Chestnut-rumped Thornbills, Red-capped — 20 April Robins, Rufous Whistlers, Ringneck Parrots and Nine brave people turned-up on a grey damp day. Emus with very young chicks, which were added to After some debate about the weather, we set off our day’s species list. Nearby the bore, there is a around Playford Lake. It started to rain heavily! Eight detour that goes to more organ pipe rocks, and here water birds were sighted through the gloom. The a Black Falcon flew past and scared all the birds in most interesting was a Hoary-Headed Grebe, the area into any thick vegetation cover there was. seldom seen here, although the Australian Grebe is Another short detour led to a stone wall seen here from time to time. embankment which still had some water behind it. After the lake we headed east and started to lose Here there were many goats and Zebra Finches. people as the rain got heavier and heavier! By 10.00 After lunch we moved on to Lake Gairdner, where am having travelled some 500-600 metres and with

16 The Birder, May 2017 Past Excursions (cont.)/Future Excursions only 4 people remaining we returned to our cars. Ridley Conservation Park — 13 May Nearby, 13mm of rain was recorded during the time Those of us driving to the park through the Adelaide we were in the park! Hills were faced with heavy fog in places, so it was a We did however record 26 species and our list, with pleasant surprise to find a clear and sunny morning estimated numbers, included: Emu (1), Wood Duck when we arrived at the park. (20), Mallard (20), Hardhead (2), Grey Teal (2), Thirteen members gathered for the trip. We spent Hoary-headed Grebe (1), Dusky Moorhen (10), two hours in the Northern section of the park before Eurasian Coot (4), Australasian Darter (1), Crested moving 1.7km south, where we spent about an hour Pigeon (2), Galah (6), Sulphur-crested Cockatoo and a half walking around before taking lunch. (10), Rainbow Lorikeet (30), Adelaide Rosella (6), As has been observed on other recent visits to the Eastern Rosella (4), Superb Fairywren (6), New park the species observed at each location differed, Holland Honeyeater (10), Crescent Honeyeater (2), since the northern section featuring more open Red Wattlebird (4), Yellow-faced Honeyeater (2), habitat. Noisy Miner (20), Striated Pardalote (4), Grey While 46 species were observed, few species were Currawong (4), Australian Magpie (2), Magpie- Lark seen in high numbers (with the exception of White- (2) and Little Raven (10). winged Choughs — see information later in this David Williams report). Other than choughs, the most commonly observed species was Chestnut-crowned Babbler (30), with family groups present in both areas. We Lawari Conservation Park, — observed fairywrens only in the more southerly 30 April section. With 15 Variegated and 6 Splendid, they Lawari Conservation Park was only proclaimed on were not common. White-browed Babblers were 21 March 2017, and it covers most of the ‘Wyndgate’ also observed only in the southerly section and only property on Hindmarsh Island. Twenty-one members 10 were seen. Gilbert’s Whistlers were popular with and friends including some from the Fleurieu 8 being observed compared with only one Rufous Birdwatchers attended. Sixteen had not visited the Whistler. Seven species of honeyeater featured in property previously. The weather was mild and the count, with Singing and Spiny-cheeked having overcast but there was no wind. equal ranking as the most frequently observed. Two Forty-six species were recorded in Lawari C.P. White-fronted and five White-eared were enjoyed by including three new species (Silvereye, Eurasian most of the company. Following the bird count, members dispersed, and Skylark and Fan-tailed Cuckoo). Twenty-six species Clare Noble, Enid Pascoe and I drove along the were recorded along the Mundoo Channel which rough track to the Southern end of the park. At the borders the Lawari C.P. The total number of species bird count it was notable that we had not seen any seen on the day was 57. White-winged Choughs. This was remedied as a Highlights of the trip were four Cattle Egrets in a group of around 200 crossed the track as we neared paddock with cattle opposite the ‘Wyndgate’ the southern exit. Perhaps this section should be homestead, 43 Cape Barren Geese, 8 Nankeen included in future outings as the habitat appears to Night Herons (Mundoo Channel) and 20 Elegant be slightly different. The section can be accessed Parrots (Lawari C.P.) from a track towards the southern end of the park. Brian Blaylock Brian Walker

PORT AUGUSTA (THE BABBLERS) GROUP PROGRAM JUNE TO AUGUST 2017

DATE PLACE MEET AT TIME Saturday 10th. \ Sunday 11th. June 2017 — Bendleby Ranges — Carrieton pub 8:30 am Monday 12th. / (Camp out - $20pp/night – facilities available )

Sunday 16th.July 2017 — Wilkatana station — Carlton parade cemetery 8:00 am

Sunday 27th. August 2017 — Bernie’s Block — Mambray Creek parking bay 8:00 am

Please bring Sturdy footwear, Hat, Sun protection, Morning tea, Binoculars and Lunch. For further information contact: Peter – 86425723 / 0457708859 or Bernie – 0419863834 / [email protected]

The Birder, May 2017 17 Future Excursions Field Program and campout Co-ordinator, Saturday 15 July: Reedy Creek (Waterfalls Lynton Huxley Reserve) Mannum Waterfalls Reserve (MM) Phone: 0498 466 092 or 08 7009 5038 (85km) Email: [email protected] or [email protected] This reserve is on the Mannum side of the bridge over Reedy Creek about 9 km south of Mannum or A leader has been appointed for each excursion, 22 km north of Murray Bridge. Meet at 8.30am in the but another person might like to write a report of reserve’s car park. the excursion. The report, submitted to the Field TRIP LEADER: Rod Tetlow Trip Co-ordinator, must include the number of attendees, birds seen or heard, the weather and Thursday 20 July: Anacotilla Springs, Second any other interesting events on the day. The Valley (MLR) (87km) duties of the leader and scribe may be shared This is a private bushland property, which enjoys the on the day. permanent flow of the Anacotilla River. Take the Southern Expressway and Main South Road through Please inform the FGC if you have not yet led an Normanville towards Wirrina Cove Resort. Meet at excursion, but are willing to lead one in the 8.30am at the property gate, which is on your left future. Your assistance to the Association in this near a yellow 90km sign, a gravel area and some role will be greatly appreciated. cattle yards. (NOTE: If you reach the entrance to Wirrina Cove Resort, Paradise Drive, you have gone Information including Google Map, GPS location about 700m too far!) details and a bird species list for each excursion TRIP LEADER: Lynton Huxley site is available from the Birds SA website (see User Menu — Go Birding). Sunday 30 July: Paiwalla Wetlands (MM) Meet at the Sunnyside Lookout at 8.30am. Take the Sunday 28 May: Sir Richard Peninsula & Goolwa Murray Bridge to Mannum Road on the eastern side Ponds (MLR) 90km. Meet at 8.30am at the west of of the river from Murray Bridge. Stay on this road the Goolwa Yacht Club. We plan to cover the area until just past the turnoff to Bowhill on the right. Take up to and around the southern boat ramp from the the next turning left to Sunnyside Lookout car park. TRIP LEADER: Brian Walker Yacht Club then travel onto Hindmarsh Island to the

Murray Mouth and later in the day to visit the Goolwa Saturday 12 August: Ponds. (MM) (155km) TRIP LEADER: Wyn Syson Travel to Swan Reach and cross on the Ferry. Drive about 31 km east along the Loxton Road as far as Saturday 10 June: Horsnell Gully Conservation the crossroad where we will meet at 8.30am Park (MLR) (12km): Meet at 8.30am. To get there (left/north being to Waikerie). We will travel travel up the Old Norton Summit Road and turn right approximately 3km right/south from there to the into Horsnell Gully Road this leads to a quarry gate Park. just prior to which on the right, is a track leading into TRIP LEADER: Barbara and Peter Bansemer the park. Thursday 17 August: TRIP LEADER: Martyn Price (MLR) (60km) Meet at 8.30am. This Conservation Park is on the Thursday 22 June: Jenkins Scrub (MLR) (61km) southern end of Kuitpo Road, about 10km west of Travel about 10km from Williamstown towards Ashbourne and 20km SW of Meadows. Travel from Springton, then turn right onto Mount Road. Meet at Meadows on Brookman Road. About 5km past 8.30am at the entrance to the scrub on the left, Kuitpo, turn left into Woodgate Hill Road at the end opposite Murray Vale Road. of a long straight section of the road, immediately TRIP LEADER: Martyn Price before a right hand turn. Continue to the Park entrance on the left. Sunday 2 July: Altona CSR Landcare Reserve TRIP LEADER: Ali Ben Kahn

(MLR) 55km. Sunday 27 August: Charleston Conservation Meet at 8.30am at the Reserve entrance at the top Park (MLR) (38km). Meet at 8.30am by the tennis of Altona Road. Travel through Lyndoch towards courts in Newman Road, Charleston. We will travel Tanunda. As you leave Lyndoch town centre take to the Conservation Park from this meeting point. the first left into Altona Road (just past the 100km TRIP LEADER: Rod Tetlow speed limit sign). TRIP LEADER: Ali Ben Kahn

18 The Birder, May 2017 Bird Records Collated by Graham Carpenter Diamond Dove Records included here are of species listed as rarely 1, 22/4/2017. Monarto, Brown's Rd, MM. With observed or unrecorded in the regions listed in the Peaceful Doves. Field List of the Birds of South Australia. Also Newell, D. included are interesting breeding or ecological notes, new records for a well-known locality or first Fork-tailed Swift of the season reports of migratory species. A number of late season reports: Please send all reports to the Bird Records Several, 5/2/2017. Mullaquana, EP. Secretary at [email protected] or phone Smith, E. 8297 5463. 10, 9/2/2017. West Lakes, AP. Note that the list includes reports of rare or vagrant Carter, D. & P. species to South Australia that may yet to have been 40 and 20, 2 and 9/3/2017. Woodville West, AP. submitted or formally accepted by the Birds SA Carter, D. & P. Rarities Committee (SARC). Members are 60, 11/3/2017. Clayton Bay, MM. encouraged to submit records of rare and vagrant Doecke, N. species in SA to the Committee (refer to list of 40, 11/3/2017. Peninsula, MM. species and information on the website). Doecke, N. 100s, 26/3/2017. Waitpinga Cliffs, MLR Brown Quail Steele-Collins, E. 2, 6/3/2017. Black Point, YP. Several, 5/4/2017. Waitpinga Cliffs, MLR. Carter, D. & Syson, W. Steele-Collins, E. 5, 13/4/2017. Roseworthy, Pengilly Scrub, AP. 50, 6/4/2017. Hove, AP. Taylor, P.W. Allen, J. 1, 27/4/2017. St Kilda Saltfields, west track, AP. In 100, 7/4/2017. Black Forest, AP. coastal shrubland. Carpenter, G. Carpenter, G. 50, 8/4/2017. Waitpinga Cliffs, MLR. 20-30, 3/5/2017. Sturt Gorge RP, MLR. In dense Syson, W. grass. 10, 20/4/2017. Balaklava, AP. Close, D. Taylor, P.W.

Plumed Whistling-duck Intermediate Egret 1, 2/2/2017. Paiwalla Wetlands, MM. Roosting with 1, 23/4/2017. Kingston on Murray, MM. Pink-eared Ducks. Edey, D. Durbridge, R. Pink-eared Duck Little Bittern 1, 21/4/2017. Belair NP, Playford Lake, MLR. First 2, 21/1/2017. Tolderol GR, MM. report for this park. Rogers, C. Williams, D. White-bellied Sea-eagle Freckled Duck Immature, 1/4/2017. West Beach, AP. 30, 22/4/2017. Port Wakefield, AP. At freshwater Edey, D. wetland formed from winter rains. Taylor, P.W. Osprey 5, 8/4/2017. Bald Hill Beach, AP. Resting on sea. 1, 18/3/2017. SW of Rapid Bay, MLR. Taylor, P.W. Whatmough, R.

Hoary-headed Grebe Lewin's Rail 1, 20/4/2017. Belair NP, Playford Lake, MLR. adult +juveniles, 1/2017. Tolderol GR, MM. Williams, D. Rogers, C.

The Birder, May 2017 19 Bird Records (cont.) Little Curlew Wood Sandpiper 5, 10/3/2017. St Kilda Saltfields, east ponds, AP. 17, 4/2/2017. Greenfields Wetlands, Magazine Rd, Rogers, C. AP. 1, 18/3/2017. Bald Hill Beach, AP. Rogers, C. Coddington, P. et al. 1, 19/3/2017. Bald Hill Beach, AP. Gull-billed Tern Fennell, J, Taylor, P.W. et al. 3 overhead, 16/1/2017. Mullaquana, EP. 1, 8/4/2017. Tolderol GR, MM. Smith, E. Stracey, K. Thick-billed Grasswren Australian Bustard 2, 28/1/2017. Old Barratta Stn, LN. 1, 15/4/2017. Moculta, MLR. Rich, C. Stead, M. Chestnut-rumped Heathwren Plains-wanderer 1, 13/4/2017. Mount Gawler Forest, MLR. In 1, 12/3/2017. Chowilla Floodplain, MM. eucalypt regeneration from Sampson Flat Cosh, H. bushfires. Carpenter, G. Pectoral Sandpiper 1, 11/3/2017. Buckland Park Lake, AP. Dusky Woodswallow Rogers, C. 21, 31/3/2017. 3km SSE Lobethal, MLR. Evans, M. Long-toed Stint This species is sometimes known to form large 6, 11/3/2017. Buckland Park Lake, AP. groups in autumn. Rogers, C. 1, 4/4/2017. Port Wakefield, AP. Taylor, P.W.

20 The Birder, May 2017 About our Association General Meetings are held in the Hawker Centre at ADVERTISING IN ‘The Birder’ the Waite Institute, Waite Road, Urrbrae at 7.45pm. Birds SA relies on the integrity of advertisers for the Doors open at 7.10pm. quality and nature of their products and services. We cannot guarantee them. Advertising is charged as Committee Meetings are held at the above venue on follows: $1.00 per line, up to $40.00 per half page the second Monday of each month, starting at and 10c per inserted leaflet (single sheet). The 7.40pm. Committee reserves the right to lower or waive these fees. Donations to the Birds SA Conservation Fund are tax-deductible COPY DEADLINE Copy for the August Newsletter is due by the July BIRDS SA COMMITTEE 2017 – 2018 General Meeting (July 28). Contributions, ‘Word’ President John Gitsham 0438900393 format preferred, can be recorded on a CD or USB Vice President John Hatch 8362 2820 stick, emailed to either of my email addresses, or Vice President Jeff Groves 82632939 typed/handwritten neatly. Secretary Brian Blaylock 0448822374 Treasurer John Spiers 8333 0272 • [email protected] Assistant Secretary Kate Buckley 8261 7197 Journal Editor Merilyn Browne 8339 6839 • [email protected] Newsletter Editor Cynthia Pyle 8264 5778 Field Programs Lynton Huxley 7009 5038 ABN 76 339 976 789 Bird Records, Graham Carpenter 8297 5463 Membership Simon Brealey 8390 3666 Print post number 100004337 Member Jody Gates 8391 6342

Member Alan Burns 8381 2708 Member Karen Donkin 8379 1173 Printed by Abbott Printers and Stationers Member Beatrice Rogers 0423241856 WEBSITE: birdssa.asn.au FURTHER USEFUL CONTACTS Librarian Karen Donkin 0402123960 Image Librarian John Spiers 8333 0272 email [email protected] Campout Organiser Lynton Huxley 7009 5038 Rare Birds Secretary, Brian Blaylock 0448822374 Port Augusta Group of Birds SA Guidelines for Ethical Behaviour When Bird Watching Contact people: Peter Langdon 8642 5723, Ø Always promote the welfare of birds and their environments. Greg Bannon 8648 6630, Bernie Haase 0419 863 Ø Respect the law and the rights of others — ensure that you 834 are legally permitted to enter any land that you do not own. BirdLife SE SA Ø When watching and photographing birds, do so from a Convener, — Bob Green distance that does not disturb them. Ø Limit the use of play-back calls, and never use them in [email protected], 8725 0549 heavily birded areas. Newsletter Editor, Abigail Goodman Ø Take special care during the birds’ breeding season and do [email protected] not disturb breeding birds or their nests. IBA Coordinator, Bryan Haywood Ø Birding in groups, whether organised or impromptu, requires [email protected] 8726 8112 special care to avoid disturbing birds. Fleurieu Birdwatchers Contact person: Neil Cheshire 8552 7904 Birds SA members must lead by example, by practising Website: www.Fleurieubirdwatchers.org ethical behaviour when birding individually or on field trips and campouts 2018 BIRDS SA SUBSCRIPTIONS Single membership $50 Family/household membership $60 Single concession* $45 Family/household concession* $55 Full-time students under 25 years $10 *Pensioners and people experiencing financial hardship can obtain concessions. Apply in writing to the Treasurer, Birds SA.

Birds SA Newsletter, May 2017 21

AUSTRALASIAN ORNITHOLOGICAL CONFERENCE 2017 Deakin University, Waterfront Campus, Geelong, Victoria 8th - 11th November, 2017

EARLY-BIRD REGISTRATION NOW OPEN UNTIL JULY 1st ABSTRACT SUBMISSION ALSO OPEN

http://aoconference.org/

22 The Birder, May 2017

The Birder, May 2017 23 Dinner Time!

Collared Sparrowhawk

photographed by Brian Walker at Banksia Park on 23rd January 2017.

Can you identify the species of its ‘Dinner’?

Details of photographs on page 24

No: Species Photographer Location of Photograph Date 1 Yellow-tailed Black Heather Connolly Reynella 2017 Cockatoo 2 Yellow billed Spoonbill Peter McKenzie Laratinga 13/2/2107 3 Light Mantled Sooty Sam Gordon Port Macdonnell 14/5/2017 Albatross (immature) 4 Australian Pelican Anna Lester Magazine Rd. Wetlands 16/2/2017

24 The Birder, May 2017 Patterns of Flight

1 2

3 4

The Birder, May 2017 25