Lyrebird Tales

Volume 26 Number 3 September 2017

Kilcowera Station

By Valerie Fowler

Cardenyabba Lagoon Photo © Peter Fowler

Our August 2017 trip to Bowra Station in south-eastern Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo Photo © Peter Fowler Queensland was cut shorter than we had originally planned amount of ground cover to exist which was very evident as due to the closure of the property for a week and the we travelled through the property. The property is open to expected arrival of 40 university students. As we still had a visitors between March and the end of October and has couple of days to spare, we looked for another place to bird accommodation in the shearers’ quarters, camping on a watch in the area. Other birdwatchers staying at Bowra had grassy area with toilets and showers (bore water) and bush told us that Eulo bore (where we had fabulous birding 20 camping with long drop toilet at Cardenyabba Lagoon. years earlier) was now ruined and not worth visiting. We were also told that Lake Bindegolly and the lakes at We arrived at Kilcowera at dusk and driving down the Currawinya National Park were all dry due to the bad drought entrance track we enjoyed a long distant view over the in the area. We read that Kilcowera Station had the same property in the evening light. After booking in at the bird species as Bowra so we phoned the owners and booked residence we were given a folder containing a map of tracks in for two nights stay. we could drive on the property with information on relevant places of interest, a fact sheet describing different vegetation Kilcowera Station is situated mainly within the Bulloo river and most importantly a bird list of a possible 186 species to catchment and is accessed via the Dowling Track, a dirt road see. running between Thargomindah and Hungerford. This area has irregular rainfall and has unpredictable weather events which can cause flooding. Kilcowera Station was bought by the Sherwin family in 1980; it was originally part of Boorara, Contents owned by Sir Sydney Kidman. Kilcowera covers 49,377 ha 1 – 5. Kilcowera Station by Valerie Fowler (compared to 14,000 ha in Bowra). The property is watered by artesian bores and natural water. The Sherwin family also 6. Book for the WTP bus trip, Interesting Sightings, own the adjoining property Zenonie which has been in the What Bird is That? Committee Members family for three generations. The cattle property is 7. Filtration Pond Net organically run; the management believe that maintaining the soil health and native vegetation as well as native wildlife 8 – 11. Reports of Meetings and Outings is important and they have a conservative stocking rate of 12. Calendar of Events one beast to 100 acres, and beasts were completely removed in severe drought years. This has enabled a reasonable

Lyrebird Tales

Shearers’ quarters and camping area Photo P. Fowler Apostlebird Photo © Valerie Fowler We were ready to start birdwatching at day break with a Spotted Bowerbird, Apostlebird, Crested Pigeons and Willie Wagtail in the frosty camping area. We drove down to Cardenyabba Lagoon which is part of the Kilcowera (or sometimes named Cardenyabba) River; it eventually flows into north NSW and ends up in the Bulloo River overflow. The series of lagoons were in the process of drying out. Here the waterbirds were nervous; the Pelican took to the skies as soon as it spotted us. Also present were both Royal and Yellow-billed Spoonbills. There were two White-necked Herons, one White-faced Heron, Great Egret, Black-fronted Dotterel, Whiskered Tern and Caspian Tern, Grey Teal and two Red-necked Avocets. Bush birds included: abundant White-plumed Honeyeaters, Little Friarbird, Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater, Yellow-throated Miner and Brown Tree-creeper. Spotted Bowerbird Photo © Valerie Fowler The parrots were very active at this time in the morning: Galahs, Blue Bonnets, Australian Ringneck and Mulga Parrots. A flock of Major Mitchell’s Cockatoos was being harassed by a Whistling Kite and in return harassed the raptor. The Major Mitchell’s Cockatoos then came down to the water for a drink.

Yellow-billed Spoonbills Photo © Peter Fowler

Track at Kilcowera Photo © Valerie Fowler

Also seen were Magpie Lark and a Black-breasted Buzzard. Before we left the lagoon five Emus came for a drink on the far side. In the near vicinity: Chestnut-crowned Babblers, Hooded and Pied Butcherbirds, Splendid Wren, Hooded and Red-capped Robins, we heard a Crested Bellbird. We continued to follow the 60km route on the property along a Caspian Tern Photo © Peter Fowler red sandy track stopping to look at different bushes and trees with identification (Eucalyptus, Acacias and Ereophilas).

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Black-breasted Buzzard Photo © Peter Fowler

We passed an area of lignum before arriving at a tank with a low trough interspersed with low bushes (bottom tank) where Black-faced and White-browed Woodswallows were drinking. © White-necked Heron Photo Peter Fowler At the second tank there were no birds as a mob of cattle had congregated there. The track continued onto a sandy area with a female Splendid Wren then a stony ridge, the high point of the property at Mt Roy at 758 feet and views for miles. We spotted one Crimson Chat and a Euro, a dark coloured kangaroo in the distance. We had our first views of neighbouring Currawinya National Park and the dry Lake Wyara. In this stony area we unsuccessfully looked for the Chestnut-breasted Quail-thrush, discovering an attractive rocky gorge and a Horsfield’s Bronze-Cuckoo. We walked to a small cave where it is thought that a shepherd working for Sydney Kidman used to shelter whilst minding his flock of sheep.

Australian Ringneck Parrot Photo © Valerie Fowler

View from Mt Roy Photo © Valerie Fowler

Black-faced Woodswallow Photo © Peter Fowler We continued on to the mustering camp with a bore near the dry Youlaingee Creek; we were disappointed to find the waterhole empty with the water mark clearly visible on the side of the bank; here were Red-capped and Hooded Robins. Nearby were Brown Falcon and an Emu with four stripey chicks.

We drove just into the entrance of the Currawinya National Park which borders the western end of the Kilcowera property. A Black-faced Woodswallow was perched just inside the gate. Whilst enjoying a late lunch at 3pm we looked towards the dry Lake Wyara, this normally saline lake is filed by a local catchment of five big creeks, three of these head up on Kilcowera Station. Crimson Chat Photo © Peter Fowler

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(Later when visiting the park office at Currawinya National Park, the rangers told us that the lake had been dry for 5 months and very low for the previous eight months). In good years this lake and neighbouring fresh water Lake Numalla attract 180 species of birds including waders and thousands of Pelicans and is a RAMSAR site. Here we saw many grey and red Kangaroos and a female Red-capped Robin. The weather was changing with a band of clouds appearing. This eastern area of the National Park was sparsely vegetated apart from in the dry creek.

We returned to the property where three Zebra Finches flew across in front of us near the dry Benanga Creek, here there Red-capped Robin Photo © Valerie Fowler was also a Kestrel and Singing Honeyeater. Continuing back to the circular route we saw lots of goats including a kid which had become separated from its mother and probable prey for one of the Wedge-tailed Eagles seen on the property. On the northern loop there were several small cone shaped termite mounds and low vegetation. A side trip to Benanga bore was a surprise, it was a delightful waterhole surrounded by red earth and stunning trees with white bark. Here we saw Little Friarbird, Australian Ravens and numerous White-plumed Honeyeaters and Yellow-throated Miners which were chasing everything. We drove across a nearby creek which was dry with a sandy bottom. Sticks and vegetation caught up two metres high in the trees were evidence of previous floods.

Emu Photo © Peter Fowler

Murderer Bore Photo © Valerie Fowler

Next stop was late in the day at Murderer Bore where the burnt remains of a man were discovered after he went Benanga Bore Photo © Valerie Fowler missing in 1940 after working as an assistant to a dishonest contractor in the local area. The bore was drilled in 1941 but ceased to flow in 1987 due to a blockage in the bore casing, however water continues to seep from the bore causing a slow stream of water to escape which formed a narrow soak for the birds and animals. This was a wonderful spot despite its name; we wished we could spend a lot more time there but we still had a long way to go. An Emu came in to drink with the smallest five chicks we have seen. We also tried to get good views of a small flock of Chestnut-crowned Babblers. Other birds seen were: White-browed Woodswallows, Southern Whiteface, Hooded Robin, Common Bronzewing, Crested Pigeon and Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater. Little Friarbird Photo © Valerie Fowler

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A flock of over 65 Galahs came in for a drink; several trying to perch together on a small rock in the water.

Mulga Parrot Photo © Peter Fowler

Galahs at Murderer Bore Photo © Valerie Fowler

The Galahs were very nervous so we left. (Bourke’s Parrots have been recorded at this waterhole). This bore would be wonderful to visit for a longer time in the morning and evening; it’s a shame it was so far from the camp. Returning to camp it was almost dark and we nearly ran over a Spotted Nightjar sitting on the road.

Pied Butcherbird Photo © Valerie Fowler

Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater Photo © Peter Fowler

Splendid Fairy-Wren Photo © Valerie Fowler

The next morning we visited Cardenyabba Lagoon before leaving this wonderful property. We recorded 54 bird species on Kilcowera Station. We wished we had more time to find the many interesting birds recorded previously on the property by other birdwatchers: Bourke’s Parrots, Hall’s and Grey-crowned Babblers, Cinnamon and Chestnut-breasted Quail-thrush, Spotted Harrier, Australian Bustard, Inland Dotterel, Banded Stint, Australian Pratincole, Gull-billed Tern, Blue Bonnets Photo © Peter Fowler Squatter Pigeon, Channel-billed Cuckoo, Red-backed Kingfisher, Grey-fronted Honeyeater, Orange Chat and Gibberbird. September 2017 5 Lyrebird Tales

Interesting Sightings Book Now! 3/3/17 - Pair Grey Currawongs - Badger Creek, Graeme George 29/5/17 1 Hardhead – Hull Rd Wetland, V & P Fowler Bus Trip to the Western Treatment Plant 29/5/17 Buff-banded Rail, Azure Kingfisher – Lillydale Lake, th Val and Peter Fowler Saturday October 14 2017

email: [email protected] 30/5/17 - Swamp Harrier dived on Crimson Rosellas at bird feeder but went away empty footed, Chum Creek near Lowes Rd, Michael Feller What Bird is That? 30/6/17 – Immature Nanking Night Heron – Croydon, Val & Peter Fowler

2/7/17 Spotless Crake – Lillydale Lake, V & P Fowler

13/7/17 - Large-billed Scrubwren - Badger Creek, Graeme George

13/7/17 - 3 Hardheads - Coombe Farm Dam, Coldstream, Graeme George

14/7/17 1 Freckled Duck – Hull Rd Wetlands, V & P Fowler

30/7/17 - Eastern Whipbird - Warburton Trail/Burgi Hill Rd, Graeme George

1/8/17 - Wonga Pigeon calling - Badger Creek, Graeme Answer on page 11 George

1/8/17 - Magpie chased away 2 Common Mynas from bird BirdLife Australia Yarra Valley Branch feeder leaving Galahs, Crimson Rosellas and Common P.O. Box 1172, Healesville Vic. 3777 Bronzewings alone - Chum Creek, Lowes Rd, Michael Feller

email: [email protected] 1/8/17 - Yellow Robins, Eastern Rosellas, Tawny Frogmouth heard – Healesville, Maggie Smith Committee 1/8/17 - 35 King Parrots & 25 Crimson Rosellas in a flock – Convener: Glenn Mawson Cockatoo, Alan Murphy

6/8/17 - Eastern Whipbird - Warburton Trail near Burgi Hill Vice-Convener: Manfred Hennig Rd, Jan Llewelyn & Doug Pocock Secretary: Alma Mitchell 7/8/17 - Approximately 60 Cattle Egrets - Yarra Glen, Kevin

Mason Treasurer: Maggie Smith

8/8/17 - Eastern Whipbird calling - Chum Creek opposite Golf Librarian: Linda Bullen Course, Michael Feller

8/8/17 - Pair Bronzewings - Lillydale Lake, Val & Peter Fowler Conservation Officer: Michael Feller

8/8/17 - 70 Little Black Cormorants, 2 Black Cormorants, 1 Other Members: Jim McMinn Freckled Duck - Hull Rd Wetlands, Val & Peter Fowler

11/8/17 - 6 Hardheads - Coombe Farm Dam, Coldstream, Graeme George

29/8/17 – Yellow-faced Honeyeater (first return) - Hull Rd Wetlands, Val & Peter Fowler

Sightings out of the Yarra Valley

25/7/17 - 200+Brolga with 4 Sarus Cranes - Yourka Stn (near Ravenshoe QLD), Graeme George

19/8/17 Brolga (2) - Thargomindah (S.E. QLD), V & P Fowler

Little Black Cormorants Photo Peter © Fowler 6 Lyrebird Tales Lyrebird Tales

Filtration pond net at Lillydale Lake

By Valerie Fowler

Birdwatchers and walkers at Lillydale Lake may have noticed that one of the filtration ponds surrounding the lake has been covered in netting for some time. The filtration pond is on the far side of the lake from the rotunda. This pond has previously been used by 2 Freckled Ducks, a pair of Pink- eared Ducks with their young, and a Nankeen Night Heron. In a dry year when the pond had muddy edges it was used by several Spotted Crakes. This pond has been a refuge for ducks, Great Egret, White-faced Heron, Coots, Dusky Moorhens and Purple Swamphens when the Lillydale Lake has been used by canoeists or birds are disturbed by joggers and dog walkers.

On the 16.4.17 we first noticed some poles being positioned Filtration pond with net Photo © Valerie Fowler around the pond and wires strung across the water. As the weeks passed a net was placed over the wires leaving both ends open. No birds were observed using the pond on the 26.4.17 despite both ends of the net being open. By the 1.5.17 only one end of the netting had been left open and 3 Coots and 2 Purple Swamphens had discovered a way in.

After several phone calls, I discovered that the netting is part of a project by Melbourne Water who planned a planting of 65,000 plants and grasses in the pond and the netting was put up to discourage the Purple Swamphens from pulling up the newly sown vegetation to allow it to become established.

We continued to monitor this pond but there was no sign of any planting being done and each week several birds, mainly Black Ducks, Coot and Purple Swamphen found their way in through the opening at one end. Week after week a small number of water birds such as Dusky Moorhen and Chestnut © and Grey Teal managed to go under the net to access the Duck caught in net Photo Valerie Fowler water in the pond which is part of my survey area. On the 16.7.17 we were distressed to see a duck hanging by its bill from the inside of the net. On closer observation we identified it as a Grey Teal which was unfortunately deceased. We alerted Melbourne Water who went to remove it. The contact person told me that the net was checked weekly by Melbourne Water staff and any birds under the net were chased out. The last check had only been 4 days before. The original planting date for the pond had been postponed and it is now expected to happen in October 2017. I was advised that the net would stay up for a full year after planting to allow the vegetation to take hold and a short inconvenience for the birds using this pond will eventually benefit them long term.

We hope that the tragic death of the poor Grey Teal was an isolated incident and will continue to monitor this pond. Grey Teal Photo © Valerie Fowler

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Reports of Meetings and Outings Wednesday 24 May – Outing to RACV Healesville Country Club Tuesday 9 May – Meeting – Celebrating 25 years

After the formalities of the AGM were completed we relaxed and joined Valerie for her Power Point presentation. We were taken back to the early days of the Branch with photos of activities and commentary by Valerie year by year. We were brought right up to date to 2017. Valerie's presentation was brilliant and the audience was kept wondering who was going to appear on the screen next. Perhaps some candid shots caught members by surprise but it was all in good fun. We know how much time was spent working on this project and we thank Valerie for her magnificent presentation. We then had a cuppa and enjoyed some party cakes to celebrate the occasion. Once again thank you Valerie for a wonderful night.

Saturday 13 May – Outing to Coranderrk Bushland Tawny Frogmouths Photo © Peter Fowler

The weather was dry with a cloudy sky. We met in the first car-park at 9.30am with an attendance of 12 interested members. Just as we were about to leave on our walk 12 Gang Gang Cockatoos flew over us and landed in a tree nearby. We walked around the edge of the greens and observed a large number of Australian Wood ducks on the greens. In a pond near the road were some Pacific Black Ducks. We stopped by another pond and saw more Pacific Black ducks and two Australasian Grebes.

As we continued we encountered King Parrots in the trees near the road fence and a lone Crested Pigeon perched on the power line as well as Common Mynas and Crimson Rosellas in another tree. Rainbow Lorikeets flew overhead.

On one of the greens we observed Eastern Rosellas as well as some Magpies and Magpie Larks. We moved into an area of Lake Coranderrk Photo © Valerie Fowler bush where we saw Noisy Miners, Grey Butcherbirds, Red Wattlebirds a male and female Golden Whistlers, some Brown It was a fine day for our survey at Coranderrk Bushland Thornbills, five Kookaburras, White-browed Scrubwrens, attended by 12 participants. We were pleased to see the Common Bronzewings and Eastern Spinebills. On one green waterbirds had returned since the previous survey: we spotted a lone Willie Wagtail. Australasian Coot (80+), Australasian Grebes (6), Blue-billed Ducks (7), Hardhead (3) Black Duck (5), Australian Darters At the top of the last greens we observed more than 10 (7), Little Pied Cormorants (2), Black Swan (2) and Striated Thornbills, a White-throated Tree Creeper, a Yellow Australian Shell Duck (2). Raptors were a Brown Goshawk Robin, Grey Fantails and Blackbirds. and 2 Wedge-tailed Eagles. There were abundant As we walked down to the lower greens Geoff spotted two honeyeaters: Red Wattlebird, New Holland, White-naped and Tawny Frogmouths in a tree on the side of the track. When White-eared Honeyeaters with numerous Eastern Spinebills we got down we saw on the pond Pied Cormorants, a Dusky (35) feeding on the flowering mistletoe. A highlight was a Moorhen, Eurasian Coots, Australian Wood Ducks, Pacific Crescent Honeyeater. Other bird species with larger numbers Black Ducks and Masked Lapwings nearby. were Welcome Swallows (30), Superb Fairy-Wren (28) and Red-browed Finches (25). 42 bird species were counted on We moved alongside the Watts River hearing Spotted the survey . (When the Yarra Valley branch was formed in Pardalotes calling, and saw Sulphur-crested Cockatoos, and a 1992 the first Yarra Valley outing was to Coranderrk on the Grey Shrike-thrush. On the second pond we saw Purple 14 th of June 1992 where 41 bird species were counted). Swamphens, Pacific Black ducks, a Little Pied Cormorant, White Faced Herons and a male and female Chestnut Teal, a After the morning walk we were unable to use the bush hut Galah flew overhead. so drove to the Badger Creek meeting hall where we had lunch, followed by a repeat of the power point “Celebrating When we arrived back some Little Corellas flew over us and 25 years” for those members who were not at the last while we were eating lunch a Royal Spoonbill flew overhead. meeting. We also enjoyed some cakes provided by Alma. 8 Lyrebird Tales Lyrebird Tales

Under a virtually cloudless sky, we visited the dam wall, had lunch at the picnic ground and strolled through the lush growth forest after lunch.

Birds seen during these activities were Kookaburra, Welcome Swallow, several Brown Thornbills and Superb Fairy Wrens, Masked Lapwing, Wood Duck, Red Wattlebird, Crimson Rosella and a male Superb Lyrebird with its tail on display. Heard were Australian Raven, Yellow Tailed Black Cockatoo, Pied Currawong, Eastern Whipbird, Striated Thornbill, New Holland Honeyeater and a Lewin’s Honeyeater.

We thanked each other for good company and an enjoyable different outing and proceeded home in beautiful sunshine.

Graeme Horskins White-faced Herons Photo © Valerie Fowler Wednesday 28 June – Outing to O’Donohue’s Picnic This was a great walk the highlights being the great numbers Ground, Sherbrooke Forest of Australian Wood Ducks and Pacific Black Ducks, the flock We met in the car park at the picnic ground before 9.30am, of 12 Gang Gang Cockatoos, the Tawny Frogmouths and the the weather was fine and sunny but damp underfoot. There sight of the Royal Spoonbill. In all we observed and noted 44 were eleven people including our guides Jan Incoll and species of birds. Jim McMinn Marlene Drysdale from the Superb Lyrebird Volunteer Watch Tuesday 13 June – No meeting – winter recess group, who keep an eye on the Lyrebirds especially the females who were nesting at the time of our visit. As we Saturday 17 June – Outing to Peninsular Tunnels, moved around the forest the nosiest birds we saw were the Warburton Sulphur-crested Cockatoos; there were 20 plus flying The following is a report of an outing with a difference. overhead. At the starting time of 9.30 am in the car park for the Little Jan and Marlene took us to a spot where a male Lyrebird was Peninsula Tunnel the temperature was 6 degrees and the performing his repertoire whilst dancing, but then he decided weather was low cloud. Our leader Manfred appointed that it was time to move on and ran across the track and Michael as a co-leader so the other two participants, Ruth started to perform again, we caught a glimpse of him and I were well catered for during the day. dancing. Jan and Marlene took us around the forest to other As we left the car park and wandered down the track toward sites and as we moved around we heard 10 other male birds the river we were serenaded by the vast repertoire of bird performing but could not see them. calls by 2 Superb Lyrebirds and we thought that this was Other birds we spotted, apart from the Cockatoo, were Brown promising for many birds to be seen in the area. We heard a Thornbills, Crimson Rosellas, Eastern Yellow Robin, Grey Yellow Robin, White-throated Treecreeper, Golden Whistler Fantail, Grey Shrike-thrush, White-browed Scrub-wren, and Spotted Pardalotes. We saw our first bird after 1 hour – Rainbow Lorikeets, and a Laughing Kookaburra. Our special a flock of Striated Thornbills – were we excited? thanks to Jan and Marlene for a very informative tour, we Back to the cars, hearing a Grey Shrike Thrush, we drove 4 enjoyed a great walk. 10 bird species were observed. km to the turnoff to visit the Big Tunnel area. The sun came Leaders Lin Bullen, Jim McMinn out and the temperature jumped to 7 degrees. Our spirits Saturday 8 July – Outing to Cathedral Range State Park rose and our expectations were again enhanced as we walked amongst the beautiful Manna Gums and native flora. A dubious weather Saturday saw only 4 people arrive at the starting point – Ned’s Gully Parking Area at the northern end At the 1½ hour mark we saw our second bird – a Grey of the park. The small party was soon treated to a pleasant Shrike Thrush and heard the call of another Yellow Robin and ramble through a very beautiful forest along the track near White-browed Scrub Wren. the Little River, listening to Superb Lyrebird after Lyrebird Walking in beautiful sunshine we came across a Superb serenading all and sundry. We decided to try and find one Fairy-wren and a Grey Fantail at the 2 hour mark. Such Lyrebird who didn’t appear to be too far from the walking excitement but we chose to drive to the Upper Yarra Dam track. A short walk through relatively open bush lead to the and as we arrived the temperature reached double figures bird being seen perched on the top of a fallen tree that was and no one had sunscreen. leaning against a standing one, about 5m above the ground. He flew to the ground then began scratching for food, only On entering the Upper Yarra Dam confines we were greeted about 10m from us. Many Yellow Robins, White-throated by Bassian Thrush, Song Thrush, Magpie and Blackbird and Treecreepers, Brown and Striated Thornbills, White-browed we knew we were in for a good birding day. Scrubwrens, and Golden Whistlers called this forest home, as did wallabies and wombats, although only the former were

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seen. A Varied Sitella and several Grey Fantails were also overhead and we heard Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoos in the seen, and sightings of possibly a Crested Shrike-tit and trees. We observed some Australian Wood Ducks in a tree Brown Gerygone were also made. Crimson Rosellas and and two White Faced Herons flying past. Sulphur-crested Cockatoos were the only parrots seen. Geoff Deason showed us a nice easy path to the main track, whilst walking on this track we encountered Galahs, Crimson Rosellas and Striated Pardalotes. As we started on the main track we heard Pied Currawongs calling and observed Kookaburras, White-eared Honeyeaters, White-naped Honeyeaters, Red Wattlebirds and Brown Thornbills in the trees.

As we started to climb to the top of the hill we saw White- browed Scrub Wrens on the ground and heard Spotted Pardalotes calling in the trees. We also observed Grey Fantails and Eastern Rosellas. Just before we reached the top of the hill we saw the ‘bird of the day’ a Varied Sittella as well as a male Golden Whistler and a White-throated Treecreeper. We heard a Yellow Robin, a Little Raven and Noisy Miners in the trees. © Laughing Kookaburra Photo Michael Feller As we descended down the track Geoff stopped and took us A shower came and went, followed by a more serious shower along a small track where he showed us an outdoor Chapel which started about 15 minutes before Cooks Mill campsite. used by the Scouting Movement which was in excellent The pine plantation adjacent to the track before the campsite condition. Whilst there, we observed Striated Thornbills and had been recently clearfelled and burned, providing habitat more White-naped Honeyeaters. for few birds, although Magpies seemed to appreciate it. We When we got to the Yarra River we spotted a Dusky Moorhen increased our pace and took refuge in the picnic shelter at on the water and White-eared Honeyeaters in the trees. On the campsite, waiting for 15 minutes or so until the rain the return journey back to our cars we saw a Brown eased a bit. We then set off back down the track to the cars. Goshawk, Magpies, a Superb Fairy-wren and an Australian We decided to drive back to the picnic shelter for lunch then, Raven. if the weather cooperated, to walk the Friends Nature Trail to When we sat down to have lunch we observed our last two complete our planned trip. The weather did cooperate, the birds a Grey Shrike Thrush and a Masked Lapwing. next shower coming just as we completed the walk. This walk was through another very beautiful forest, with many large We had a great day of birding, 35 species observed, and old manna gums providing numerous nesting hollows – this good company. Species of the day was the Varied Sittella, would be a superb area during the nesting season, if and a very special thanks to Geoff Deason for his knowledge possums had left some hollows for birds. Not too many birds of the area and showing us the Scout outdoor Chapel. were seen by us, however, mainly Thornbills and Grey Many thanks to all who came, Jim McMinn (leader) Fantails. The highlight of this trail occurred when some Tuesday 8 August – Meeting – The history of American girls pointed out a koala high above us in a manna Coranderrk Bushland – speaker: Kevin Mason gum. In a short walk they would have seen several vociferous Laughing Kookaburras around the campsite, no Many Birdlife Yarra Valley members have visited Coranderrk doubt honing their barbequed meat snatching skills (neither Bushland and participated in the twice yearly bird surveys on they nor the Pied Currawongs at the campsite were this property so it was very interesting to hear about its interested in our low meat non-barbequed lunches), several history. kangaroos grazing in a grassy area near the trail, the koala in Coranderrk Bushland was originally included in 1,850 the tree, and possibly a noisy mob of Sulphur-crested hectares of land set aside for Coranderrk Aboriginal Reserve Cockatoos – the North American stereotypical Australia – all in the 1860s. within half an hour! A quick visit to the Cooks Mill Heritage Site completed the fine trip. Total number of species seen or The site chosen for the reserve was described by the heard was 23. Michael Feller daughter of a station manager as being of high land sloping down to the Badger Creek and Yarra River with vegetation of Wednesday 26 July – outing to Jumping Creek Reserve, ferns, wattles and shrubs festooned with starry clematis and Wonga Park purple sarsaparilla and the Victorian Christmas bush. It’s an The day was cold and damp, 8 of us started off walking to area with abundant game of kangaroos, wombats and the viewing platform overlooking the Yarra River and Sulphur bandicoots. Crested Cockatoos were calling in the trees nearby. Graeme After the Coranderrk Aboriginal Reserve officially closed in Horskins had seen an Australasian Grebe on the river and a 1924, the land was used for stock agistment until 1948, Spotted Turtle Dove close by. Rainbow Lorikeets flew 10 Lyrebird Tales Lyrebird Tales when the Coranderrk Lands Bill revoked the permanent Magpie Lark falls fowl of fishing line reservation of the Coranderrk Aboriginal Reserve, transferring the land to the Soldier Settlement Scheme to accommodate four dairy farms for soldier settlers. This left a remnant area of 140 hectares known today as Coranderrk Bushland being left vacant, as it was deemed unsuitable or viable enough for a dairy farm and was gazetted as a Game Reserve in 1921. Local small holders took advantage to winter their stock there until 1963, when the Sanctuary erected a two metre boundary fence. The bushland was placed under the control of the Sir Colin MacKenzie Sanctuary Committee of Management in 1955.

Kevin showed us a map indicating the positions of different vegetation zones and of the eucalypts growing there like the manna gum, stringybark, peppermint and candlebark. He said up until the fire in 1962 there had been good recruitment of manna gums, peppermint gums and Injured Magpie Lark at Lillydale Lake messmate including a large area of Eucalyptus fulgens In July this year a Magpie Lark was seen feeding by the side (Green Scentbark) a rare tree in Victoria. The yearly average of the path around the lake and did not fly off as people rainfall of Coranderrk Bushland is 975 – 1000mm, floods walked past. Surprisingly it did not even move as mothers have occurred; the last one was in 2011 when 1434mm pushed their prams past and dogs on lead became close to it. rainfall was recorded. There were fires in 1890, 1898, 1905, As the Magpie Lark was in the short grass it was not obvious 1926, 1962, 1980s and 2009. what the problem was until it ventured onto the path. There have been many impacts on the bushland reserve: The Magpie Lark was able to feed itself but it had an injury to building of the perimeter fence, bush hut, ranger’s house, its foot which at first appeared to be some kind of growth animal enclosures, roads and creek grates. In 1970-71 a similar to that seen on birds which feed on dirty bird tables retaining wall was built on Barak Creek creating a swamp for as in the UK. Not wanting to stress the bird by getting too water birds. Lake Coranderrk was completed in 1968 which close we took some photos of the bird and its injury. It was covers six hectares including the overflow area; submersible not until a closer look at the resulting photograph we spotted pump supplies water to a water tower at the Sanctuary to the reason for the injury – It had fishing wire tangled around supplement the Sanctuary’s water supply and fire hydrants. its foot over which a growth had formed. In the 1970s the water in the lake was impacted by pollution from the neighbouring strawberry farms. There has also been Yet another species of bird has succumbed to the neglect of dieback of some trees due to a fungal disease. people leaving fishing wire at Lillydale Lake.

In the 1960s plant surveys were done in Coranderrk Bushland: an orchid survey identified 52 species, 12 species of insectivorous bats have also been identified in the reserve. Bird surveys started in 1969 and continue up to the present day. The area has also been used by university Zoological and Botany students for studies, and has been used for forensic science research. There was a heritage assessment survey in 2009 indicating indigenous heritage sites like scar trees etc.

Coranderrk is an island remnant of natural bushland with a riparian creek corridor with significant cultural and heritage history with values to the local Aboriginal community. We are very fortunate to be able to visit this wonderful property.

Thank you Kevin for your passionate and enthusiastic talk Photo showing growth on its foot which was well-informed and very impressive especially as it was delivered with very short notice. Your passion for history of the local area has increased our appreciation of this special area. Thank you from us all. Answer to what bird is that?

Immature Nankeen Night-Heron

September 2017 11 Lyrebird Tales

BirdLife Yarra Valley email: [email protected]

Postal address: Birdlife Australia, Yarra Valley Branch, P.O. Box 1172, Healesville, Vic. 3777. Meetings are held in the Badger Creek Hall Meeting Room at Calendar January to March 2018 7.45 p.m. Badger Creek Rd. Badger Creek (next to CFA). Melway Edn 39 278 F8. . Basic Dates only. Check December newsletter for Furthur details. Meetings and Outings automatically cancelled on days of Total Fire Ban in the Central and North-central Fire January Districts. (Central unless notified otherwise) Tuesday 9 – Meeting – Speaker Alan Spellman Subject: Calendar October to December Spring in Mull. Saturday 13 - Breakfast with the Birds at a private property OCTOBER in Badger Creek at 8.30 a.m. Drive to the end of Deering Tuesday 10 – Meeting – Subject Bird Trip to Bowra and Avenue and follow the signs. Directions: Melway Edn 39 284 Kilcowera Stations – Peter & Valerie Fowler J1

Saturday 14 –Outing to Western Treatment Plant by bus. Wednesday 24 – Outing Mount Donna Buang from Places limited. Book your place and get further details Warburton 9.30 a.m. – Directions: Melway Edn39 X912 S2 & email: [email protected] inset map pg 290. continue past the large gravel carparks towards the summit. Park near the information shelter and Wednesday 25 – Outing to Lake Mountain at 9.30am. Meet toilets at top car park next to buildings (parking fees apply) Melway Edn 39 270 C12 February NOVEMBER Saturday 10 – Outing – Mason’s Falls, Kinglake National Park. 9.30 a.m. Directions: Melway Edn 39 X910 P11 Saturday 11 - Survey in Coranderrk Bushland at 9.30 a.m. Directions: Gate 1 Badger Avenue, Badger Creek, opposite Tuesday 13 – Meeting – Speaker TBA Fleay Rd. Melway Edn 39 278 F10. Gate will close at 9.30 Wednesday 28 – Outing to Spadonis Reserve Yering sharp . 9.30 a.m Directions: Melway Edn 39 274 E8 Park at end of Tuesday 14 – Meeting – Speaker Sonja Ross, subject - My Victoria Rd Birding Year 2016 (includes Australia, Sri Lanka and Antartica) Don’t miss this wonderful talk and photos. March

Wednesday 22 - Outing to RACV Healesville Country Club at Saturday 10 – Labour Day W/E – Outing TBA 9.30 a.m. Healesville-Yarra Glen Rd, Healesville. Tuesday 13 – Meeting – Speaker Christine Connolly – Directions: Melway Edn 39 269 J12. Park in first car park just Subject: Effects of Melbourne's urbanisation on Eastern inside the entrance. Yellow Robins DECEMBER Wednesday 28 – Outing Pound Bend Warrandyte 9.30 a.m. Directions: Melway Edn 39 23 A11 Saturday 9 – Christmas break up at Maroondah Reservoir Park at 9.30am. Maroondah Highway, Healesville . Melway Edn 39 270, H6

12 Lyrebird Tales