Bass Coast Flyer

Bass Coast Flyer

In this edition of the Flyer you will meet Sue Woolley, BLBC’s new secretary, read outing reports, find out the dates of BirdlIfe Bass Coast special activites and read some interesting articles - Birds On Farms, a Naidoc story, survey results from a survey at Cape Paterson and have the chance to vote to support the Corinella Wetlands project. BLBC is a member of the 3mFM community and all activities are listed

on their calendar. We hope to be more active in this space this next year. Also you will find some useful

websites to help with bird identification. There are opportunities for you to join the committee, to report on conservation issues in your community or to provide local news for the newsletter. Please keep in touch and keep the committee informed.

Penny Manning. Editor.

Convenor’s Report

Well, what a big time it's been for BirdLife Bass Coast since our last newsletter. At the A.G.M. all

executive positions were filled. Penny Manning was re-elected as treasurer, I retained the convenor position, Dallas Wyatt declined re-election as secretary and Sue Woolley has now filled this position. A big thank you to Dallas for all the hard work he has done in the past year. Fortunately Dallas remains on the committee as do Nola Thorpe and Gordon Barrett. A very big thank you to long time committee members John Adam and Helen Dennis who have both resigned. Their contributions to

the committee meetings will be sorely missed. We still have vacancies on the committee and we

would like to hear from you if you are interested. As convenor I have represented the BLBC at the P.I N.P Community and Environment Advisory Committee meetings and at their 30 Year Conservation Plan workshops. These are great to keep up with the activities and future plans of the Nature Parks.They were also great platforms for our club to express any concerns we have for the birds of Phillip Island. At a Bass Coast Council function I

attended I made contact with Sharna from local community radio station 3mFM and hopefully in the

near future we can use this station to exchange information about the birds in the Bass Coast area and also to better advertise our events. On the bird front, the mystery bird from the Venus Bay outing would appear to have been a Common Greenshank. The most unusual visitor we have had in our area was a Spangled Drongo in Rhyll. Also of interest has been a Darter in the Shearwater housing estate in Cowes.

As always, happy birding and keep an eye out for the robins. Gil Smith.

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August 2018

birds are in our nature

Meet Sue Woolley – BLBC Secretary

Hi, my name is Sue Woolley, and I have justtaken overfromDallas Wyatt as the Secretary of BirdLife Bass Coast. My husband, Neil and I moved fromMelbourne to Cape Woolamai on beautifulPhillip Island about18 months ago. We moved into our holiday house of 15 years, and have been gradually renovatingit. We have an IT business together, specialisingin business analysis and technical writing, which we now run out of our home office. We are gradually windingthe business down, with a view to retiringsoon.

I have always been interested in birds, butuntil recently work, familyand life in general always dropped birdwatchingdown the priority listso thatitalmostalways fell off the bottom. When we moved down to Cape Woolamai, I was finally able to push birdwatchingrightup the priority list, and I joined BirdLifeBass Coastand started to attend outings.

It has been awonderful experience, meetingfellow “bird nerds”, gettingoutin the bush and seeing lots of the local Bass Coastarea I probably wouldn’thave known aboutotherwise. I amalso starting

to merge my photography hobby with birdwatching, and ambuildingup my library of bird images. I often justtake quick photos foridentification purposes, butI also wantto eventually be able to get crisp, clearimages of birds. It’s a very longtermaim!

The nice thingabout birds is that they are absolutelyeverywhere. I can walk outof my house and do a 20 minute survey and record at least15 differentspecies. And there is always somethingnew to learn. A wonderful hobby –ithas been worth the longwait!

“It's amazing what you can achieve when your bird is quite big and sits still for a long
Southern Boobook taken by Sue

Woolley on a recent Birds on Farm survey.

time!” Sue.

August 2018

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Birds on Farms Workshop

More volunteers needed in the Gippsland region

BirdLife Australia’s Birds on Farms project engages farmers and local communities to monitor woodland birds

on farms and other rural properties across Victoria (new properties, as well as farms surveyed previously as part of the original Birds on Farms project back in the 1990s).

The findings will help us evaluate the ecological condition of farms, inform management and identify priority sites for wildlife conservation, and produce guidelines for increasing woodland bird diversity in rural areas. It also supports landholders to obtain a better knowledge and appreciation of the birds and their habitats within their properties.

Currently there are five properties where Birdlife Bass Coast (BLBC) members are assisting landholders with surveys but there are more landholders in the Gippsland region interested in being involved than we have birdwatchers to assist them. We are therefore seeking experienced birdwatching volunteers to help with surveys on participating properties. The monitoring program involves systematic bird surveys on participating farms, which are carried out at up to four 20 minute/2 hectare survey plots every three months.

I would love to hear from you if you are interested in assisting with surveys at one or more properties. I can provide you with some more information about what is involved. We can provide materials such as bird identification booklets for you and the landholder to help with surveys.

It’s an opportunity to contribute to this important conservation project, and to also watch birds within areas that

are inaccessible to the general public. Who knows what you’ll find? If you’re interested, contact email Chris Timewell at [email protected] or phone him on (03) 9347

0757 ext 234) or contact BLBC via email at [email protected]

Outing Report

Dalyston Rail Trail Outing.

On what had be one of the few wet places in the Bass Coast, 12 very dedicated birdos braved the horrible conditions to walk the rail trail from Wonthaggi to Dalyston. There were 4 first timers and 2 regular visitors from Melbourne / Tenby Point. A big thank you to Rod

and Gordon who left their cars at Dalyston, so we only had to walk one way. Despite the inclement

weather 38 species were recorded. The highlights were approximately 200 Pink-eared Ducks at the water treatment plant, a beautiful male and 3 female Flame Robins, and a Barn Owl which was flushed out from under one of the old rail bridges. It was easily watched as it was harassed by a family of magpies. Probably the highlight of the day was jumping into Rod’s warm, dry car to be driven back to our own

cars.

Gil Smith.

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August 2018

Following is a story by John Peter BLA Senior Writer for the recent Naidoc week …

Why the Grey Shrike-thrush whistles

The Grey Shrike-thrush is one of the best songsters of the Australian bush, and its farreaching whistling call is a familiar part of the birdsong of many places. The Wotjobaluk people of the Wimmera and Mallee districts of western and north-western Victoria know why it whistles.

The Grey Shrike-thrush had two reliable hunting dogs. He would send them out to catch some

food, then, at the end of the day, he’d climb a tree and whistle loudly to retrieve them. Being reliable, the dogs would always return quickly, usually with some possums or a wallaby or some other food for him to eat. One day the shrike-thrush sent them out to hunt for some food, and later, when he felt a little hungry, he whistled for them to come back as usual. But they didn’t. Growing anxious, he

whistled for them again, but still they didn’t return.

Distraught, and unsure of whether he would ever see his dogs again, he stayed up in the tree and continued to whistle for his dogs, hoping in vain that they might come back. He still does.

Outing Report

Wonthaggi Desalination Plant

Overpants, fleeces, jackets, beanies and gloves were the essentials for the outing to the Wonthaggi Desalination Plant on Saturday August 11. Why would anyone go birding in such weather? Some

three hours later the keen group returned to the cars with a list of 27 species and numb fingers. The

rain stayed away and the birds obliged. A White-fronted Chat, A Black-shouldered kite, a Whitecheeked Honeyeater and several Eurasian Skylarks stayed long enough for great viewing. For some it was the closest observing of these birds. After each outing the bird list is entered on to the birddata website. Even if the list only contains common species the data contributes to historical records for future reference.

Penny Manning.

Birds in Backyards

Birds in Backyards is now using the Bird data web portal. If you have been a survey participant in the past, please visit the BirdLife Australia web site and find out the details of how to continue to be involved. Surveys are now completed quarterly. Instructions on how to get involved for anyone with 20 minutes, 4 times a year to survey a small area (your backyard or local park etc,) are on the website. These surveys contribute to national data. Please check the website for useful information.

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August 2018

Some Useful Online Birding Resources

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There are lots of bird watching resources online, especially on Facebook. Love it or hate it, I have found it hosts some extremely useful birding resources. You do need to be a Facebook user to

join a group, but you can sign up and then not use Facebook for anything else. There are lots of

different groups, identification groups, local groups and photography groups to name a few. Two very useful groups are:

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Victorian Birders:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/631709646869379/

People post photos and videos to the group, and share information about birding sites and unusual

sightings.

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Australian Bird Identification.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/209677085864957/

This has been a fantastic find – I have posted photos of birds when I am not sure of their identity, and in all cases, I have had multiple replies in a matter of minutes. There always seems to be someone

online who knows their birds and is willing to help.

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Australian Bird Guide – new downloadable index:

http://www.publish.csiro.au/ebook/supp/6520

If you have purchased the new Australian Bird Guide, and like me rely heavily on the index to look up a

bird, you will be pleased to know that they have released a new improved index which you can download free. Now you can look up Duck under D, not under P for Pacific Black Duck. Here is what the publishers said about the new index:

“In response to feedback from our customers, we are pleased to offer a revised index for The Australian Bird Guide, as a free download (PDF 349KB). This index lists species under both their

scientific name, but also under their common name, under the common family name.”

August 2018

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Bass Coast Flyer

Fauna Survey finds three threatened species in Cape Paterson.

A fauna survey was undertaken of the Undertow Bay foreshore in Cape Paterson over six days in April 2018. The Cape Paterson Residents and Ratepayers Association (CPRRA) commissioned the survey. The site has important habitats for many native animals and is a key section in the habitat corridor between Bunurong Marine National Park and San Remo. A range of different survey methods was used, such as: specialised trapping, surveillance cameras, a bat detector, spotlighting, active fauna searching (e.g. log and rock turning), bird counts and general observation. Much of the surveying took place at night, dawn and dusk. The fauna survey has recorded three threatened species: Lewin's Rail, White-throated Needletail, and the Hooded Plover. The survey also recorded species that have only very rarely, or have never, been recorded in the local area: Pink Robin four species of insectivorous bats, and Weasel Skink. In total, 51 native species were recorded including 13 mammals, three reptiles, 33 birds and two amphibians. The survey took place in April 2018 and surveyed a six-hectare wedge of land located between Undertow Bay and the Cape Paterson Inverloch Road. The survey report found that Pea Creek and its surrounding vegetation is particularly important habitat for the native animals recorded in the survey, including threatened and rare species. Summary and full survey reports are attached and can be downloaded at www.capepaterson.asn.au

Outing Reports

Fishers Wetland Phillip Island.

The Friday outing to Fishers Wetland didn't look promising. The previous month most of the area was dry with little bird life and the previous days had been wet and horrible. The 6 brave souls who attended were well rewarded with a beautiful sunny day. The birds were plentiful and diverse. Raptors seen were Whistling Kites, Swamp Harriers and a Brown Goshawk. Ducks included Pacific Black, a Pink-eared, both Grey and Chestnut Teal, Australasian Shovelers and Shelduck. We had great views of Black-fronted Dotterels and Whitefronted Chats. Unfortunately the 2nd drain / channel was too wide and deep for us to circumnavigate the entire wetlands. As we were leaving we had 6 Royal Spoonbills feeding in the pond nearest to our cars. To cap off a wonderful day in which 40 species were recorded ,we had the sight of 20 majestic Pelicans coming in to roost.

Gil Smith.

August 2018

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Bass Coast Flyer

Please give this project your support to get another site protected for our native birds. The link to this project

is https://pickmyproject.vic.gov.au/rounds/pick-my-project/ideas/coronet-bay-wetlands#.W3OFMz76MzU.link

August 2018

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BLBC Program August – December 2018

Date

Location

Leader

Friday August 31. 2.00pm

Corinella Foreshore. Meet at the Rotunda,

cnr Peters St. and The Esplanade, Corinella. Morwell National Park. Kerry Rd. (off Jumbuk Rd.), Jeeralang Junction. Grass Tree Ridge, 155 Thomas Rd. Middle Tarwin. Meet at the house at the end of the [email protected] long drive.
Contact: Jenny 0408 037 275

[email protected]

Contact: Dallas 0428 764 903

Contact : Karen 0407 582 905
Saturday September 8. 10.00am. Friday September 28. 2.00pm.

Saturday October 13. 10.00am.
Western Treatment Plant, Werribee. Meet at the entrance at 10.00am. Details on booking.
Contact: Gil 0416 118 393
Sue 0417 139 590

Bookings Essential before Friday October 5
Friday October 26. 2.00pm. Wonthaggi Heathlands, Campbell Street,
Wonthaggi. Car park at end of road.
Contact: Nola 0418 348 392

Contact: Sophie 0428 506 831

Saturday November 10.

10.00am.
Phillip Island 150 Year Celebration Twitchathon. Meet at Scenic Estate Reserve, [email protected] Phillip Island Tourist Rd., Newhaven.
Friday November 30. 2.00pm.
Powlett River Beach and Bush. Tea Tree car park to right off Mouth of Powlett Road
Contact: Gordon 0419 005 424

Saturday December 8.

10.00am.

Korumburra and environs. Meet in car park Contact: Nola 0418 348 392

of the (former) Railway Station (behind the

Caltex Service Centre) off the South Gippsland Highway.

Phillip Island 150’s Celebrations

Community Day November 3 2018
Cowes
Bird Life Bass Coast will have a stand.

It will be a fun day. Come and join in.

August 2018

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Phillip Island Twitchathon for the 150 Year Celebrations

In 2018, Bass Coast Shire Council will be recognising and supporting the Phillip Island community as it marks the 150th year of the first European settlement on the island. This date recognises the first release of land for selection in 1868 for European settlement. There are many events throughout the year as various organisations and community groups join the celebrations.

BLBC is conducting an Island-wide Twitchathon on Saturday November 10 as its contribution

to the celebrations. Teams will visit as many Island locations as possible and build up a list of species sighted on the day. Make your own team of at least three or simply turn up and join a team. There have been two previous BLBC Twitchathons but they have been region-wide so a new list will begin for Phillip Island.

Meet in Scenic Reserve, Phillip Island Tourist Road, Newhaven at 9.45 am. For a 10.00 am

start. Bird list at 4.00 pm back in the Reserve.

Register with [email protected] by November 6 2018

Put these dates in your diary and make contact if you can be involved.

Orange-bellied Parrots – Winter Survey dates:

8/9 September

Volunteers can take up the challenge to be

involved in these surveys. Contacts: Westernport-Bass Coast Jon Fallaw 0439 825 872

Hooded Plover and Gull Counts

Wednesday 20 November 8.30am. Contact: Jon Fallaw 0439 825 872

[email protected]

BirdLife Australia Western Port Survey