Lyrebird Tales

Volume 28 Number 2 June 2019 Birdlife Yarra Valley Newsletter

Badger Weir Park Re-opens

We were delighted to see that the vicinity had been restored with care to re-create the original atmosphere from before the storm. Subtle changes had been made such as replacing Badger Weir Park was officially re-opened to the public on the old bollards with rock barriers, new picnic tables and Wednesday 10th April by Lily D’Ambrosio who is the Minister barbecues and the pedestrian bridge over Badger Creek for Energy, Environment and Climate Change. Badger Weir rebuilt. Behind some of the vegetation, large felled trees had Park was closed after the storm on October 9th 2016 which been cut up and remained on the ground, a reminder of the caused extensive damage, felling huge trees and damaging storm and habitat for insects and wildlife. We were pleased to infrastructure as well as to other parts of the Yarra Ranges see the old-style shingle roof rotundas remained and the National Park which included 100km of walking tracks. badly damaged old toilet block had been re-furbished and transformed into a picnic shelter. A new unobtrusive toilet block has been built further away at the far end of the picnic area. This replaced the ‘new’ toilet block which was completely demolished in the storm. Continued on page 3.

Contents

1 & 4. Badger weir Park Re-opens by Valerie Fowler

2. Minutes of Annual General Meeting

3. Convener’s Report, Committee, What Bird is That?

5. Chirnside Park Wetlands by Valerie Fowler 6-7. Interesting Sightings. 7. Sherbrooke Lyrebird Group Dawn Survey Dates 8-13. Reports of Meetings and Outings Two days after the opening, 3 members of Birdlife Yarra Valley decided to visit Badger Weir Park to view the changes 14. Calendar of Events and to conduct a short bird survey. Driving into the park there was no obvious change but upon entering the picnic area the difference was noticeable. The picnic area was much more open with many of the large Mountain Ash trees missing.

Lyrebird Tales

Minutes of Annual General Meeting

Held on Tuesday 14 May, 2019, at 7.53p.m.

in the Badger Creek Hall Meeting Room, Badger Creek Road, Badger Creek.

The Convener took the chair and welcomed the eleven members present.

Apologies: Lin Bullen, Terry Barnett.

1. It was Moved Valerie Fowler Seconded Michael Feller “that the Minutes of the Annual General Meeting held on 8 May, 2018, be accepted” Carried.

2. The Treasurer presented the Financial Statement for 2018-2019. It was Moved Michael Feller Seconded Manfred Hennig “that the Treasurer’s Report be accepted” Carried.

3. The Convener gave an overall report of the year’s activities. It was Moved Valerie Fowler Seconded Michael Feller “that the Convener’s Report be received” Carried.

4. Election of Office-bearers and members of the committee for 2019/2020.

Office-bearers:

It was Moved Doug Pocock Seconded Peter Fowler that Warren Cousins be elected as Convener. As there were no other nominations Warren Cousins was elected as Convener. Carried.

It was Moved Graeme George Seconded Michael Feller that Manfred Hennig be elected as Deputy-Convener. As there were no other nominations Manfred Hennig was elected Deputy-Convener. Carried.

It was Moved Warren Cousins Seconded Michael Feller that Alma Mitchell be elected as Secretary. As there were no other nominations Alma Mitchell was elected Secretary. Carried.

It was Moved Warren Cousins Seconded Graeme George that Michael Feller be elected as Treasurer. As there were no other nominations Michael Feller was elected as Treasurer. Carried.

Committee:

Jan Llewelyn Nominated by Michael Feller Seconded by Valerie Fowler. As there were no other nominations Jan Llewlyn was elected as a member of the committee. Carried.

It was Moved Michael Feller Seconded Valerie Fowler that Doug Pocock be elected as a member of the Committee. As there were no other nominations Doug Pocock was elected as a member of the Committee. Carried.

Special thanks to Warren Cousins who stepped in to fill in the vacancy of Convener at the meeting in June 2018.

Special thanks to Lin Bullen for her work as Librarian for a number of years. Lin did not nominate for Committee this year.

5. Any other business: Bank Signatories Manfred Hennig, Michael Feller and Alma Mitchell are currently registered as signatories. As Linda Bullen has resigned from the Committee the Bank is asked to delete her name as a signatory. Two signatures are required for each transaction.

As there was no other business the meeting closed at 8.19 p.m.

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Convener’s Report for Year 2018/2019

At the 2018 Annual General Meeting, at which I was not present, the Convener position was not filled and declared BirdLife Australia Yarra Valley Branch vacant. The previous incumbent, Glenn Mawson, had P.O. Box 1172, Healesville Vic. 3777 resigned due to his relocation out of the Yarra Valley area to email: [email protected] Sandhurst. As a quite new resident in Lilydale, and as a reasonably active newer participant in the outings organised Committee by this group, I was approached shortly after the AGM and Convener: Warren Cousins accepted the nomination at a subsequent meeting. Deputy-Convener: Manfred Hennig The branch owes Glenn a huge vote of thanks for his many Secretary: Alma Mitchell years both on the general committee and as Convenor for Treasurer: Michael Feller many years prior to his departure. These thanks have been Conservation Officer: Michael Feller Other Members: Jan Llewelyn. Doug Pocock personally given to Glenn by myself, and I suspect others from within our group.

I would also like to thank all other members of the Committee. Alma never ceases to amaze with her thoroughness, detailed knowledge, and long history with this What Bird is That? branch; Michael for handling our finances and coping with the demands from Birdlife Head Office; Manfred for always being there and helping so much with choice of our locations for outings; and Jan and Lin for their inputs and encouragement. We would certainly also welcome any other members to join us on the Committee. The task on balance is not an onerous one.

Another special thank you to Valerie for the wonderful work she does to produce our Lyrebird Tales newsletters. I am sure many tireless hours are needed to pull this together, and the results are a credit to her. I always receive commendations from readers after each new issue is published.

We have seen a good number of interesting outings during the last 12 months. These include the regular bi-annual visits Answer on page 7 to the Coranderrk and the RACV Healesville Club. The Coranderrk is one I particularly enjoy as I spend so much time at the adjacent Sanctuary as a volunteer Tour Guide. Thanks are also extended to Manfred for arranging our visits Y.V. BIRDLIFE CAMP October 2019 to the RACV facility. For me as a relative newcomer to the This will be a come and go to suit you camp over the area, many of these outings were a first, and I personally 11-14th October. People can arrive on Thursday 10th in have enjoyed them all, and particularly the post-walk lunch the afternoon to take advantage of a full Friday’s birding. and bird call. No doubt the recent visit to Werribee's The camp will be on a private conservation property in Western Treatment Plant was a real highlight with many Wedderburn. There is plenty of room for tents and wonderful birds seen, and such an excellent contribution by caravans. There is some tank water available, shelter for John Barkla. It was wonderful to see such a good attendance birdcall if the weather is crook and it will be possible to have a campfire. The bird list for the property is about with a total of 25 persons. Our nine monthly meetings at the 140 species seen. Badger Creek Hall meeting room have all been quite well Book with Doug or Jan at [email protected] or phone attended with a good spread of speakers and topics. 5964 4581 and we will send you information. We need to However finding new speakers for future meetings seems to know the numbers to organize toilets. getting difficult, so any suggestions from members will be welcomed. We also hope to put together an interesting spread of outings for the remainder of 2019 and into 2020. I look forward to sharing in these with you. I always welcome any inputs on any matters, so please feel free to ring me at any time on 0425768942.

Warren Cousins. Convener Birdlife Australia - Yarra Valley Branch

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Badger Weir Park opens continued

We were the first visitors to the park that morning though some walkers and families arrived later and several workers were re-fitting the water tank further up the track near the weir where a section of a smashed large water pipe had been replaced.

We were happy to see a male Superb Lyrebird cross the road in the picnic area before disappearing in the vegetation along the creek. Unfortunately this was the only Lyrebird seen or heard. We followed the track to the weir, the low vegetation halfway along the aqueduct appeared undisturbed but the Mountain Ash behind had their tops smashed off and many trees were missing. Here we saw a Sparrowhawk and a mixed flock of Yellow-faced Honeyeaters, Red Wattlebirds,

several Eastern Spinebills, Lewin’s Honeyeater, Crescent Honeyeater, Grey Fantail, Superb Fairy-wrens and Silvereyes. Reaching the end of the track the creek appeared undamaged but the bank of tree-ferns on one side of the weir had been flattened and erosion occurred.

Returning to the picnic area King Parrots and Sulphur-crested Cockatoos had arrived whilst Crimson Rosellas were pecking at seed by the rotunda. Whilst enjoying a cuppa in the re- furbished picnic shelter we observed a Large-billed Scrubwren in the nearby bush. Total bird species counted was 19 – this was compared with lists from the last Yarra Valley outing in January 2016 (31 species) and January 2015 (29 species). Both these lists included summer migrants. Valerie Fowler (There is a short video on youtube of the storm damage to Badger Weir Park).

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Chirnside Park Wetlands

Behind the large and palatial houses in Chirnside Park lies a small wetland which is managed by Melbourne Water. Many years ago this area was just paddocks where Black- shouldered Kites were regularly seen hovering and an occasional migrating Flame Robin was spotted when it stopped for a rest.

The Chirnside Park Wetlands can be accessed by a footpath alongside the CFA on Edwards Rd or via Anthony Drive which passes an entrance to the Wetlands. In 2017 the wetlands were improved with weed control and re-vegetation work completed. The ponds are fed by storm water drainage and a wide gravel path borders both sides of the wetland.

In April 2019 we re-visited the wetlands and surprisingly we Australian Pelican photo © Valerie Fowler recorded 24 bird species. The first pond had somewhat overgrown edges, bordered by trees and secondary level vegetation providing good habitat for birds. Further along the wetland opened out to provide a more open area of water. The majority of species observed were waterbirds including: Australian Pelican, Great Egret, White-faced Heron, Little Pied Cormorant, White Ibis, Grey Teal, Wood and Black Ducks. There was also a Straw-necked Ibis which had a broken wing but appeared quite healthy. Other species included: Australian Pipit and Brown Goshawk. Valerie Fowler

Straw-necked Ibis photo © Peter Fowler

Australian Wood Ducks photo © Valerie Fowler

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Interesting Sightings

16/1/19 White-throated Needletail (1) - East Warburton. Heather Arnold

7/2/19 White-throated Needletails (40+) - Castella. Manfred Hennig

7/2/19 Tawny Frogmouth 2 at dusk – Toolangi. Manfred Hennig

7/2/19 Eastern Rosellas (20+) – Toolangi. Manfred Hennig

7/2/19 Crimson Rosellas (20+) - Toolangi. Manfred Hennig

7/2/19 Little Ravens (120+) – Toolangi. Manfred Hennig

Last 4 weeks 4-8 Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoos – Toolangi. Manfred Hennig Azure Kingfisher photo © Valerie Fowler

13/2/19 Scarlet Honeyeater - Chum Creek. Michael Feller

12/3/19 Azure Kingfisher flew into window then away - Chum Creek. Michael Feller

20/3/19 White-throated Needletails (3) - East Warburton. Heather Arnold

21/3/19 White-throated Needletails (Approx 30) - East Warburton. Heather Arnold

1/4/19 Sooty Owls (2) heard calling just after dark - Badger Weir Picnic Ground. Karen Garth

1/4/19 Boobooks heard calling 1 hour after dark - Badger Weir Picnic Ground. Karen Garth Fantailed Cuckoo photo © Valerie Fowler 7/4/19 Owlet Nightjar collided with windscreen - Albert Rd, Badger Creek. Graeme George

9/4/19 Bassian Thrush (1) - East Warburton. Heather Arnold

11/4/19 Superb Lyrebird (1 only seen or heard), Crescent Honeyeater, Yellow-faced Honeyeater, Lewin’s Honeyeater, Large-billed Scrubwren – Badger Weir. V & P Fowler, Alma Mitchell.

12/4/19 Azure Kingfisher - Lillydale Lake. Valerie & Peter Fowler

12/4/19 Flame Robin (1) (new bird on the survey) - Lillydale Lake. Valerie Fowler

12/4/19 Sparrowhawk (1), Brown Goshawk (1) - Lillydale Lake. V & P Fowler Flame Robin photo © Peter Fowler 20/4/19 Crescent Honeyeaters (winter arrivals) - East 25/4/19 Flame Robins (10), Crescent Honeyeater, Eastern Warburton. Heather Arnold Spinebill - Mt St Leonard. P & V Fowler 20/4/19 Yellow-faced Honeyeater - East Warburton. Heather 25/4/19 Pilotbird - Mt St Leonard. Valerie Fowler Arnold 25/4/19 Cattle Egret 2, (first returns), Edwards Rd, Yering. 20/4/19 Straw-necked Ibis (15+) – Toolangi. Manfred Hennig Valerie and Peter Fowler 21/4/19 Cattle Egrets (first arrivals) - Sheffield Rd The Basin. 25/4/19 Cattle Egret (9), White-necked Heron, Great Egret, Peter Mitchell White-faced Heron – Yarra Glen. Valerie Fowler 24/4/19 Fan-tailed Cuckoo - Lillydale Lake (YVBL outing). 25/4/19 Whistling Kite (2), Little Eagle (1) - Yarra Glen. Peter Doug Pocock et al and Valerie Fowler.

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Out of the Yarra Valley

31/1/19 Yellow-billed Spoonbill - McIvor Hwy (Bendigo - Heathcote). Jim McMinn

31/1/19 Australian Pelicans (6) - On small dam near Seymour. Jim McMinn

11/5/19 Painted Button Quails – Wedderburn. Doug Pocock

"All is not lost for BirdLife Yarra Valley's previous convener following his move from his bird filled property at Healesville. This Tawny Frogmouth was encountered just outside his Sandhurst back door, well camouflaged in an Ornamental Pear."

Cattle Egret photo © Valerie Fowler

28/4/19.Brown Quail (10) – Coranderrk. Graeme George

29/4/19 Brush Bronzewing - Wirra Willa walk, Toolangi. Manfred Hennig

30/4/19 Scarlet Honeyeater (2) - Chum Creek. Michael Feller

6/5/19 Cattle Egret (35+) – Don Rd, Launching Place. Valerie & Peter Fowler

7/5/19 Little Black Cormorant (47) – Lillydale Lake. Valerie & Peter Fowler

12/5/19 Cattle Egrets (10+) Paynes Rd Chirnside Park. Alma Mitchell

13/5/19 Crescent Honeyeater calling - Badger Creek. Graeme George Tawny Frogmouth photo © Glenn Mawson

13/5/19 Crescent Honeyeater – Toolangi. Manfred Hennig Answer to What Bird is that? Crescent Honeyeater.

______Sherbrooke Survey Group

This year SLSG celebrated its 60th year with an afternoon attended by past and present members and Dawn Survey volunteers. There were several speeches including one on the history of the group. Tables around the room were decorated with memorabilia and books featuring the Superb Lyrebird. We were also treated to a wonderful afternoon tea.

Sherbrooke Lyrebird Dawn Survey 2019 Dates • Saturday 22 rd June • Saturday 6th July • Saturday 20th July

Meet at Grant's Picnic Ground shelter (Melway map 75 K4) at 6am. Parks Victoria staff will provide a delicious breakfast after the survey. SLSG 60th Anniversary cake photo © Valerie Fowler Be sure to dress warmly and bring a compass, watch, pencil and torch.

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Reports of Meetings and Outings

February 9 - Outing to Wittons Reserve, Warrandyte State Park

On a coolish morning, our group of 12 intrepid birdwatchers set off from the car park adjacent to the Yarra River. A quick recce at the river revealed no birds whatsoever; although a solo Black Duck had been seen earlier.

Setting off in a north-easterly direction (upstream) we didn't get far when rain started. This sent three of our group hurrying back to their cars for umbrellas and other wet weather gear.

The damp conditions seemed initially to keep the birds silent and immobile, so at first we didn't see much at all. However Australian Darter photo © Valerie Fowler after another 15 minutes or so, things improved a little (bird- wise; not weather-wise as the rain persisted). We had nice As she could not ethically source ‘fresh’ feathers from live views of a Spotted Pardalote, Rufous Whistler and a birds, she would have to use road kills but the feathers had Mistletoebird. to be un-contaminated, not damaged and also fresh!

After a bit over an hour, the rain had not only set in, but was After devising a method of weighing both wet and dry also getting heavier, so a consensus vote yielded to the feathers and a means of soaking the feathers without conditions and we all set sail back to the carpark. A quick damaging their structures Bethany concluded that different bird count revealed a tally of 26 species. Warren Cousins sections of the feather became wetter at different times according to its structure. February 12 – Wettability and drying capacity of breast feathers of Australian birds by Bethany Gillard Bethany tested aquatic and terrestrial species for comparison. The aquatic species were: Australian Wood Bethany studied at Latrobe University finishing her Masters’ Duck, Grey Teal, Pacific Black Duck and Purple Swamphen. A Degree in 2014 and her subject, the title of her talk, was a Dusky Moorhen and White-faced Heron became available but topic that many of us knew little about. she ran out of time to test their breast feathers. The Bethany introduced us to the different types and shapes of terrestrial species tested were: Australian Emu (only 5 half feathers, the position of the feather on the bird and its feathers), Australian Magpie, White-winged Chough, Tawny function dictated its structure. We learnt of two structures of Frogmouth, Crested Pigeon and a deceased pet Red-rumped feathers: The pennaceous vane which is more useful for flight Parrot. and waterproofing; it is the ‘blade’ of the feather and consists Bethany compared her studies to those cited in the past but of a more closed, hooked together structure. The second said it was difficult to make comparisons due to the structure of the plumaceous vane is more useful for the most Australian birds not having been studied before. She efficient form of insulation; its structure is looser lacking the concluded that feathers from water birds reached a fully hamuli to hook the feather together. She talked of previous wetted weight more slowly than feathers from non-water research regarding the waterproofing of feathers but said the birds. results had been over generalized. Initially researchers thought the feathers contained oil but studies proved that the Feathers from water birds uptake relatively less water than uropygial gland which is at the base of the tail in some birds non-water birds and feathers immersed for a short period of was important for waterproofing by preserving the feather time (e.g. 6 hours) would take less time to dry than those structure. There were suggestions that it is the arrangement immersed for longer periods (e.g. 12 hours). Bethany of the plumage that promotes wetting in Darters and reminded us that it is a big leap to generalize the results of Cormorants, not the individual feather itself. tests on a few feathers to an entire species and/or family of birds and that her results only gave a snapshot of how Bethany decided to test the following hypothesis: feathers behave. She said that the wettability of back 1) Feathers from water birds would reach a fully wetted feathers could be totally different from that of breast weight more slowly than feathers from non-water birds. feathers. She said that further testing from multiple individuals is necessary to prove her theory. 2) Feathers from water birds would uptake relatively less water than non-water birds. Thank you Bethany, what an interesting study, I think we will appreciate the complexity of feathers in the future when we 3) Feathers immersed for a short period of time (e.g. 6 see waterbirds swimming or passerine birds having a bath. hours) would take less time to dry than those immersed for We thoroughly enjoyed your informative talk and cannot longer periods (e.g. 12 hours). image the persistence and patience you needed to complete But then came her biggest problem – sourcing the feathers! your thesis.

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February 27 - Outing to the Western Treatment Plant After a quick rest stop at the relatively new WTP bathrooms, we headed off at about 10am being almost immediately 25 members had a marathon but extremely rewarding trip to rewarded with close views of an Australian Hobby. Our first the WTP. I'm sure we were all thoroughly happy with such a main stop was at the T-section Lagoons with a bonanza of wonderful outing, but no doubt arrived home thoroughly birds. These included uncountable Red-necked Avocets, Stilts exhausted. (mostly Pied but also a handful of Banded), both Chestnut Some facts about the WTP. Located in Werribee, the historic and Grey Teal, Black Swans, both Spoonbills, Glossy Ibis, plant treats about half of Melbourne’s sewage while providing Cape Barren Goose, all three Crakes (Spotted, Spotless and an internationally-recognised bird habitat. It occupies 10,500 Baillon’s), Golden-headed Cisticola, Striated Fieldwren, hectares — the same size as Disney World. It produces 40 Great-crested Grebe, etc. billion litres of recycled water a year. It is energy self- sufficient, generating all its electricity from sewage gas, and it was declared an internationally-significant wetland for waterfowl in 1983, under the Ramsar Convention. More than 306 bird species have been recorded at the plant, including migratory shorebirds that travel from Siberia each year. It is therefore recognised as a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention, and as one of Australia’s best birdwatching sites.

The trip started with two virtually full minivans being picked up from Healesville stopping at designated points to pick up the participants and our bird guide John Barkla who as expected provided an amazing boost to the knowledge base of the WTP (a huge thank you to Michael Feller for driving the second bus). Both buses arrived at the WTP at the same time Cape Barren Geese photo ©Valerie Fowler

We then drove adjacent to the beach past numerous ponds and stopped for a short lunch break sitting on the beach with lovely views of the bay. Again there was a great variety of birds: Australian Pelican, Australian Gannets Australian Pied Oystercatcher, six species of Tern (Common, Crested, Fairy, Whiskered, Little, and White-winged Black), four Cormorants (Great, Pied, Little Pied and Little Black), and Australian Pied Oystercatcher. The Brolgas regrettably proved too elusive.

Further on we drove around Lake Borrie to be astounded by the overwhelming quantity and variety of birds. The many thousands are a sight that few will forget. There were huge numbers of Pink-eared Duck, the endangered Freckled Duck, Grebes, Australian Shelduck, Eurasian Coot, Musk Duck, Purple Swamphen, and so many more. This is a place that Red-necked Avocets, Ducks, Waders photo V. Fowler must exceed any avid bird-watcher’s dreams.

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March 9 - Outing to Wild Dog Creek Rd, St. Andrews and Boomers Reserve.

Box – Ironbark forests, which were visited on this outing, are infrequently visited by Birdlife Yarra Valley as they do not occur in the Yarra Valley or areas to the south. Consequently, despite the very dry and overcast conditions, I was still hoping to see some different bird species. White-winged Choughs obliged at the parking area. We followed the gravel road up into a finger of Kinglake National Park, encountering numerous Grey Fantails and White-throated Treecreepers, as well as Brown and Striated Thornbills, Pied Currawongs, Superb Fairy-Wrens, and Golden Whistlers, amongst others. Rufous Whistlers provided some good photographic opportunities, while Varied Sitellas teased the photographers. Spotless Crake photo © Valerie Fowler The Whistlers and Sitellas occurred where the road turned more steeply uphill. Some of the party opted to walk back down the road to the cars while others opted to climb up to a side track which Peter knew to provide a loop route back. The birdlife on this loop amounted to a grand total of 2 Grey Fantails!

Brown Falcon photo © Peter Fowler

We also had many raptors over the day with Australian Hobby, Black Kite, Black-shouldered Kite, Whistling Kite, Brown Falcon, Brown Goshawk, and Swamp Harrier. Boomers Reserve photo © Michael Feller

We finished the day with our bird count and John Barkla We returned to the cars then drove back through St. Andrews declared an overall total of 95 species. This was an excellent to Boomers Reserve, where we had lunch. Orchids grace the outcome given that we had missed a few key areas due to reserve in spring but on the occasion of our visit hardly a lack of time. I'm sure that this result would have included for flower of any type could be seen and the extremely dry forest many of us one or more new species. Once again, a massive appeared even starker beneath the smoky cloudy sky. thank you to John Barkla (and his partner, Alison) whose knowledge and enthusiasm made the day so much more Old mining excavations and fenced-off research plots added productive and enjoyable for the Yarra Valley members. some interest, but calls of Australian and Little Ravens, Thanks also to all of the 25 persons who attended. I know together with the tinkling of Bell Miners were soon heard in the day was long and tiring but I reckon the payback was the distance. Ubiquitous White-throated Treecreepers and worth the effort ten times over. Warren Cousins Grey Fantails were seen but a pair of Scarlet Robins and a Buff-rumped Thornbill became the birds of the day. Honeyeaters – Yellow-faced, White-eared, Brown-headed, and White-naped, also appeared, as did Spotted and Striated Pardalotes. The relative absence of parrots in both areas visited was quite noteworthy. A Crimson Rosella and some Galahs were heard in the Wild Dog Creek area, but that was it. Also noteworthy was the abundant new growth in the eucalypts, particularly those growing up after the 2009 fires. This was probably a result of the reasonable rain a few weeks previously.

A total of 32 bird species was seen or heard – a respectable WTP Lake Borrie photo © Valetie Fowler tally given the very dry conditions. Michael Feller

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March 12 - Meeting: Quiz and documentary on April 9 - Meeting Mike’s Seabird Adventures by Mike Colombia Tarburton

We first participated in two bird identification quizzes. The Mike entertained us with stories from his career monitoring first quiz featured bird images seen from an unusual position and studying seabirds. Mike was inspired by Dr D.L Serventy and the second from a small section of a bird’s plumage. (1904-1988), a Western Australian ornithologist Whilst some bird species were easily identified others caused conservationist who became internationally recognised for his some discussion. Thanks to Warren for his idea for the study of the migration patterns and the biology of Mutton evening. Birds.

We then watched a documentary from the internet suggested Mike talked about his own studies and monitoring of breeding by Michael. The documentary titled ‘The Birders / A Melodic seabirds starting in Western Australia which included Cape Journey through Northern Colombia’ which was produced as Naturaliste in the south west. He then studied colonies of a promotional video in 2019.The documentary follows a road seabirds in several outlying islands off the coast of Australia trip by Keith Ladzinski, a National Geographic videographer including Phillip Island which is part of the Norfolk Island and Diego Calderon, a biologist and birdwatching guide. The group and has been identified by BirdLife International as an route follows the birdwatching route of North Colombia Important Bird Area (IBA). In this area he studied the visiting Los Flamencos National Park, Tyrona National Park Masked Booby, Grey Noddy, Black-winged Petrel and the and Santa Marta National Park. The documentary showed the Wedge-tailed Shearwater. Mike talked about the precarious indigenous people of the coastal area; their fishing boats, nature of the White Tern’s egg which was just balanced on a ceremonies and music. The scenic beaches of Tyrona and the branch on Lord Howe Island. spectacular mountain scenery of Santa Marta and the difficult winding four- wheel track to reach it. Keith Ladzinski talked of his wonder visiting the area and the excruciating patience required to capture images of some of the bird species and the reward when it’s successful. Diego Calderon took Keith Ladzinski to film in an area of Colombia close to the border of Venezuela where he had been held captive by the terrorist group FARC for 4 months ten years previously. The documentary recorded Diego’s great courage returning to the area for the first time since his capture.

For some members present it was an insight into the country, an addition to previous talks about the birds of Colombia and a trip down memory lane for those who had visited and birdwatched there, challenging their memories to name the bird species. Royal Albatross in NZ photo © Peter Fowler March 27 - Outing to Banyule Flats, Heidelberg

Nine birdwatchers met in the car park and first looked for reported Tawny Frogmouths near by with no success. We then proceeded on to the Banyule Wetlands, which were drying up and hosted far fewer birds than on our preview. However we saw family of Pink-eared Ducks with 3 chicks, Grey and Chestnut Teal, Wood Ducks, Black-fronted Dotterels, White and Straw-necked Ibis, a White-faced Heron, a Darter, Dusky Moorhens, Masked Lapwings and numerous Silver Gulls. We then walked around the far side of the wetlands seeing, among others, a Sacred Kingfisher, Australian King Parrots, Grey Butcher birds and Superb Fairy Wrens.

On our return for lunch we ran into a local who showed the elusive Tawny Frogmouths we had been looking for. After lunch we followed the main trail to the Windmill Track, and then took this into the banks of the Yarra River, finally NZ Australian Gannet Colony photo © Valerie Fowler looping back to our cars in increasingly hot weather. When Mike’s career took him to New Zealand he studied and All together we saw 50 species –4 raptors, various little bush monitored many seabirds including colonies of Australian birds including an Eastern Yellow Robin, the highlights being Gannets and Royal Albatross. Monitoring breeding colonies of the Pink-eared Duck family, the Tawny Frogmouths and the Hutton’s Shearwaters was much more difficult as they had Sacred Kingfisher. Jan Llewelyn their burrows at the snowline in the Kaikoura Mountains

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requiring a helicopter flight to access the site. Mike the Woods Point Road. As with so much of our history, the discovered that the Hutton’s Shearwater flies anti-clockwise tunnel came into being because of the Gold Rush when the around Australia. Yarra River was diverted to make it easier for gold miners to search for gold. Mike also went to Fiji spending time studying seabirds on the island of Vatu-i-Ra, a small uninhabited island off the coast of We first stopped for lunch at a pretty picnic spot right Viti Levu. It is one of the 28 internationally important bird opposite the river. We then crossed the river via a doubtful areas recognized by BirdLife International for Fiji. Here Mike footbridge, and headed up the adjacent open area that ended studied White-tailed Tropicbirds, Yellow-tailed Tropicbird, the up being very steep. Nothing new was seen as such, but the Red-footed Booby and the Brown Booby which was much location more than compensated with its natural beauty. scarcer. Mike said that the more common Black Noddy used Overall the day yielded a modest total of 22 bird species. their colony every 10 months but the birds only breed every Warren Cousins 2nd cycle. April 24 - Outing to Lillydale Lake Mike showed us images of many other seabirds from places including Christmas Island and Samoa and gave us information about each species and gave us an update from a previous talk on the status of the other bird he is passionate about – Swiftlets. We learned how climate change is affecting their breeding sites causing a dramatic decline in the species.

Thanks Mike for yet another very interesting and informative talk told with great enthusiasm – I am sure we all learnt something new and enjoyed your stories.

April 13 - Outing to Big Pats Creek

On a lovely fine day (16-18 degrees, no wind) 10 birdwatchers met just east of Warburton and followed our locally based members Noel and Heather by car to Big Pats Creek picnic ground. Car parking was at a premium as a hiking group had also selected the same venue as their White-faced Heron photo © Valerie Fowler starting point. A small group met in the usual place for our regular walk at We got off to a great beginning with a most co-operative the Lake. We had one new face, Lyn, who showed how keen Bassian Thrush appearing just as we left the carpark. It she was after having travelled all the way from East St Kilda allowed for good viewing and I suspect some good photos. by public transport plus by foot. A big effort; well done. This most auspicious start was however not reproduced as The weather was pleasant and dry. As is typical, there were we continued. Although the forest was certainly beautiful and numerous Little Corellas on the grassy area near the the creek very picturesque, the birds were not being too playgrounds. Sharp eyes did however notice amongst them 1 helpful. A Superb Lyrebird was heard in the distance, but alas or 2 Long-Billed Corellas. We started walking around the no views were achieved. southern part of the lake to look at the Australian Darters, their nest and fledglings on one of the islands. Then we headed in the direction of the wetlands towards the Hull Road end of the reserve before heading back for our lunch and bird call.

Bassian Thrush photo © Valerie Fowler

After about two hours we decided to move on to Little Peninsula Tunnel which is about 14 km east of Warburton on Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike eating olives © V.Fowler

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Overall we did quite well with 47 species. They're all nice, but Shrike-Tit, but it decamped before he could get a photo. perhaps some of the favourites were the Yellow-tailed Black After exiting the reserve, I was just about to lock the gate Cockatoos, Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike, Eastern Great Egret, when Valerie called me over. Her "eagle" eyes had spotted a Golden Whistler, Fan-tailed Cuckoo, and the Little Pied and Tawny Frogmouth on a small tree directly opposite the gate. Little Black Cormorants. Warren Cousins Unfortunately all the other birdwatchers had already left. I immediately phoned Marian Weaving (our Tawny expert) and May 11 – Survey at Coranderrk Nature Reserve although we always put some light-hearted pressure on her to find us a Tawny, she was thrilled that we had seen one.

In all another excellent day at the Coranderrk. We had a total of 49 species with the overall quantity of birds counted being 384. Warren Cousins

May 14 – Meeting. AGM. & Bird Stamps by Valerie Fowler

Valerie’s talk about the birds featured on postage stamps took us around the world starting in New Zealand, across to North and South America, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, India, Asia, the Pacific and back to Australia. The wide selection of bird species included, Ducks, Herons, Storks and Flamingo through to Raptors, Owls, Kingfishers, Rollers, Hornbills, Sunbirds, Hummingbirds, small passerines and Female Blue-billed Duck photo © Valerie Fowler exotic Birds of Paradise. We also saw extinct and endangered bird species as well as rare bird stamps. Accompanying each An intrepid group of 14 birdwatchers met at the gate stamp were photos of the featured bird and dialog about the opposite Fleay Road nice and early. Intrepid because the species. We learnt about her favourite birds she had seen prior day had been very wet and cold, so today's weather and those still on her wish list! could have been problematical. However we ended up having a beaut day; certainly a mild late Autumn, but nevertheless Valerie showed us examples of bird stamp displays from the dry and pleasant for us all. websites of the American Topical Association, the Southern African Philately and the UK Bird Stamp Society. These were We had a few absent friends, but it was nice to welcome back serious bird stamp collectors and in each exhibit information Glenn Mawson, and Alma joined us for most of the walk. about the bird and its habitat was included. We were warned After locking the entry gate behind us, we parked at the Bush about counterfeit stamps and in the examples we were Hut and headed off from there in the direction of the lake. On shown, it was hard to differentiate between the two. the way we got in some good birds with the usual culprits; Valerie said that if we were now thinking about collecting bird Superb fairy-wren, Brown Thornbill, Red-Browed Finch, stamps we should know some statistics: There are 27,000 Crimson Rosella, Laughing Kookaburra, Galah etc. stamps with birds on which depict 3,500 species. The lake was a busy place, as usual with large numbers of We saw a chart of how many bird stamps have been issued Eurasian Coot (54), Blue-billed Ducks (15), and a degree of worldwide each year from 1854 to the present day – 2018, temporary confusion between some Hoary-headed Grebes the highest record with 1,811. A second chart showed the and Australasian. It was nice to see a group of Swans at the favourite bird featured on postage stamps which was the far shore plus a solo Little Pied cormorant and a pair of Bald Eagle; it has featured on 385 stamps, followed by the Australian Darters. No Great Cormorants were seen today. Western Barn Owl with 293. Further down the list the Emu We then noticed a Swamp Harrier on the prowl, but it was on 72 stamps. The third chart showed that Sierra Leone perched soon after low down to the water's edge. was the country most prolific with bird stamps (973) followed After leaving the lake there was a bit of excitement when by Guinea (900). Australia was number 13 on the list with most of the group had good views of Crested Shrike-Tits. 483 bird stamp issues. She warned that the most expensive These beautiful birds are not seen so very often, but once Australian stamp is the inverted Swan and is worth $171,543 seen will never be forgotten. He had to be the best bird of The talk ended on a lighter note, not to get too serious about the day. At the same place we got Lewin's Honeyeater and bird stamp collecting and we were shown a set of four Grey Shrike-Thrush. Croatian bird stamps with a Zebra Finch, Canary, Sulphur- A bit further on Glenn was first around a corner of the track crested Cockatoo and a blue coloured Budgerigar all wearing and noticed a raptor on the ground that turned out to be silly hats. eating a rabbit. It soon flew off but was identified as a Thank you Valerie for the many hours you spent researching Square-Tailed kite. These have been seen before at the and setting up your brilliant and comprehensive story about Coranderrk but still a nice find. Bird Stamps of the World. I am sure we will all be on the We returned to the Bush Hut for lunch and bird call. Whilst lookout for Bird Stamps after your amazing presentation. there, Manfred was lucky enough to see another Crested Alma Mitchell.

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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 7.45 p.m. Badger Creek Rd. Badger Creek (next to CFA). Melway Edn 39 278 F8.

Meetings and Outings automatically cancelled on days of Total Fire Ban in the Central and North-central Fire Calendar October to December Districts. (Central unless notified otherwise) Basic dates only. Check September newsletter for further details. Calendar July to September 2019 October July Tuesday 8 - Meeting. Speaker and Subject TBA. Saturday 11-14 Birdlife Yarra Valley Camp at Wedderburn. Tuesday 9 - No meeting - winter recess. Book with Doug or Jan at [email protected] or phone Saturday 13 - Outing to Sherbrooke Forest Ridge Track - 5964 4581 and we will send you information. We need to Meet at Grants Picnic Ground, Monbulk Rd at 8.30 a.m. know the numbers to organize toilets. See notice inside this Directions: Melway Map 75 K4. magazine.

Wednesday 24 - Outing to Baluk Willam Nature Wednesday 23 - Silvan Reservoir Park. Directions: Melway Conservation Reserve. Directions: Melway Map 84 D7. Meet Map 120 H11. Meet at main car park Silvan-Monbulk Road at at 9.30 a.m. corner of Courtney's and Orchid Roads, 9.30 a.m. Belgrave South. (Nearest public toilets are at Belgrave South Recreational Reserve Melway Map 84 F4) November August Saturday 9 - Outing to Coranderrk (Bushland) Nature Conservation Reserve. Directions: Melway Map 278 F10. Saturday 10 - Outing to The Gums & Island Creek Picnic Meet at 9.30 a.m. sharp at Gate 1 (opposite Fleay Road), Area Kinglake National Park and a private property Phillip Badger Avenue, Badger Creek Gate will close at 9.30 a.m. Lobley Winery Dam five minutes from The Gums. sharp. Directions: Melway X910 Q11. Meet at The Gums Camp Tuesday 12 - Meeting. Speaker and Subject TBA. Ground at 9.30 a.m. Wednesday 27 - Outing to RACV Healesville Country Club, Tuesday 13 - Meeting. Speaker and Subject TBA. Healesville-Kinglake Road, Healesville. Melway Map 269 Wednesday 28 - Healesville Parks & Oval. Directions: Meet J12. Meet at 9.30 a.m. at lower first car park on the right. at 9.30 a.m. at Coronation Park Car Park (opposite Coles Car Park) Melway Map 270 C12. December September Saturday 14 - Outing to Badger Weir Park, Badger Creek for Christmas break- up and BYO picnic lunch. Directions: Tuesday 10 - Meeting. Speaker and Subject TBA. Melway Map 278 K9. Follow Badger Weir Road to car park. Meet at 9.30 a.m. Saturday 14 – Outing to Alexandra Area. Directions: Melway Map X910 T8. Meet at 9.30 a.m. at Visitor Information Centre Car Park, cnr. Grant & Vickery Streets, Alexandra. Convoy to different locations. Check if there is car-pooling from Healesville at 8.30 a.m. Meet in Library Car Park (next to Coles Car Park). Melway Map 270 C12.

Wednesday 25 - Outing to Plenty Gorge Park. Directions: Melway Map 183 H8. Meet at 9.30 a.m. at the Red Gum Picnic Area. From Plenty Road turn into Gordon's Road. Park entrance on left.

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