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Tales

Volume 26 Number 2 June 2017

Trip to Mud Island by Valerie Fowler thought looked different; perhaps a Cape ? As group 1 was leaving the rocks a boat of divers arrived. A wonderful day was spent out on the bay for the trip to Mud Island. The weather forecast was for a fine but not hot day (23c) with a light breeze increasing as the day warmed up.

The group was split into two with the group 1 leaving Blairgowrie jetty at 7am just after the sun rose; they were taken directly to Mud Island. The second group left Blairgowrie at 8.30am stopping alongside Popes Eye Rocks and Chinaman’s Hat before being dropped at Mud Island. The boat then picked up the first group and returned to Blairgowrie via Chinaman’s Hat and Popes Eye Rocks. The boat then returned to Mud Island at 1pm to pick up the second group.

Leaving Blairgowrie the water was smooth and we soon saw Silver Gulls, Welcome Swallows, Australasian , several Terns and flying around but they were Australian Gannets photo © V & P Fowler too far away to photograph. Continuing on 3 km to Chinaman’s Hat group 2 saw some Australian Fur Seals leisurely floating in the water with several flippers raised. We approached Chinaman’s Hat which was originally built in 1942 to support defence searchlights but when this structure fell into disrepair Parks Victoria built a new one for the seals which had taken up residence on this floating hotel! The seals preferred the older structure but moved to the new hexagonal structure when the old one was demolished. Many seals were seen swimming in the clear water and one male climbed up out of the water onto the platform flopping over the other residents causing lots of noisy protests until it managed to push one off the platform taking its place. There were several juvenile seals too.

Popes Eye Rocks photo © V & P Fowler Contents Soon we saw Popes Eye Rocks which were heavily covered in 1 – 2. Trip to Mud Island by Valerie Fowler guano and . Most of the birds were sleeping or preening. Popes Eye Rocks are a semi-circular pile of bluestone rocks 3 – 4. Peper Boys USA by Herman Peper

(0.7 ha) which was originally built as a base for a proposed 4. Notice for camp at Wedderburn, Committee fort in 1877. The proposed fort was later abandoned and 5. Superb Lyrebird Survey 2016 by Valerie Fowler, later a navigational light and small jetty was installed. Popes Eye Rocks became a breeding ground for Australasian Vale George Gearing Gannets and there were young birds present from fluffy white 6. Interesting Sightings, What is That? chicks to older juveniles with mottled brown on their heads, necks and backs. Some birds were in their final moult 7 – 11. Reports of Meetings and Outings, news from Alan Spellman before acquiring adult . It was interesting to see the differences in plumage. Perched amongst the young were 12. Calendar of Events adult Gannets, Black-faced Cormorants, Silver Gulls and group 1 also saw Ruddy Turnstones and a Gannet which they

Lyrebird Tales

through the water coming across 2 dead . Whilst taking care not to overbalance into one of the deeper holes in the lagoon a flock of 43 Grey Teal flew over. On the far side of the lagoon were many White Ibis and White-faced Herons.

Returning to the shelly sand alongside the sea we soon spotted several sand banks with large flocks of waders which were predominately Red-necked Stints with a few Sharp- tailed Sandpipers amongst them. Further scrutiny picked up several Curlew Sandpipers, Ruddy Turnstone, Greenshank, Masked Lapwing and a single Red-capped Plover.

Returning to the pickup point for the boat we disturbed Crested Terns and Caspian Terns resting at the water’s edge as we were trying to avoid stepping on any eggs. Some of the terns were swooping on us or circling overhead and when Pied Cormorants photo © Valerie Fowler one flew in with a fish to feed its young, all the nearby terns A small flock of Welcome Swallows was swooping in and out got excited causing a racket. under the roof where we thought they perhaps had but did not get close enough to confirm it. A Silver Gull and Black-faced were perched on the roof. On a nearby beacon Pied Cormorants, Black-faced Cormorants and a single perched.

Approaching Mud Island we saw several flocks of White Ibis flying in a V formation. We could see the passengers of group 1 gathering on the shore for their return journey. Many terns were flying around plus a couple of Silver Gulls.

The three low lying islands that comprise of Mud Island cover 60ha of land. It stands 10km inside the heads and approximately 6 km from Blairgowrie. It is mainly comprised of shelly sand. The shape of Mud Island is constantly changing due to storms and movement of sand. There are 9 Caspian Tern photo © Valerie Fowler vegetative communities comprising of seagrass meadows, sand dunes, mud flats and salt marshes. These support Both groups were enthusiastic about the trip and birds seen and provide habitat for the birds and due to but agreed that we did not have enough time on Mud Island. Mud Island’s isolation it has become a sanctuary for breeding Group 1 saw: Black Swan, Pied Cormorant, Black-faced birds as many are protected from predators. Birds have Cormorant, Australian , Australasian Gannet, White- played a key role in the physical evolution of the islands as necked Heron, White Ibis, Straw-necked Ibis, Royal spoonbill, shelly sand has combined with phosphate leached from the Swamp Harrier, Masked Lapwing, Caspian Tern, Crested birds’ guano forming a surface more resistant to erosion. Mud Tern, Fairy tern, Silver gull, Pacific Gull, Pied Oystercatcher, Island has a central tidal lagoon. Red-necked Stint, Ruddy Turnstone, Greenshank, Red- Disembarking from the boat (Riptide Charters) we were capped Plover, Superb Fairy-wren, Little Grassbird, Welcome pleased that the wet landing was only shallow water. We Swallow, European House Sparrow (25 ) + Red quickly asked members of group 1 for tips on where the bird Wattlebird, Little Raven, Grey Butcherbird (seen while waiting species were and what they saw. The Caspian and Great in the car park). Crested Terns soon returned to the beach and we walked Ian found a bird’s leg on Mud Island with a bird band which along the beach to read the Parks Victoria Sign. Looking was later identified from a Caspian Tern banded on Mud towards the lagoon in the centre there were large flocks of Island on 9/11/16 just 2 months 16 days before. Australian Pelicans and White Ibis. Low amongst the bushes were the remains of their nests. We continued in an anti- Group 2 added a few more species: White-faced Heron, clockwise direction hearing several Little Grassbirds and Sharp-tailed Sandpiper, Curlew Sandpiper, Grey Teal and seeing European Starlings and House Sparrows; one was European Starling bringing the total to 30 species + 3 in the carrying nesting material. A single Straw-necked Ibis flew car park. over and Swamp Harriers circled. Several pairs of Pied Thank you to Michael who organised the trip to Mud Island. Oystercatchers patrolled the sand and Pelicans continued to fly over. Reaching the mouth of the lagoon where it meets the ocean we backtracked to find a suitable place to wade

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Peper Boys USA by Herman Peper day when we were cycling through some marshes we spotted a pair with uncoloured young which was more satisfying than seeing 12 on the boat trip. A bird we were desperate to see was the Pileated Woodpecker. It’s a difficult, nervous bird but we managed to both get pictures from different birds. We then made our way to Houston where we visited the Houston Space Center, followed the next day by a visit to a WWI battleship. The drive to New Orleans was something special: high bridges and draw bridges, ferries, marshland, swamps with yabbie farms. We drove along the State Highway 23 to where the Mississippi enters the Gulf of Mexico. In New Orleans they were working every where on the levee banks. We drove over the longest causeway in the world (38.36 km long). We also drove over the 3rd longest too.

Buff-bellied Hummingbird photo © H & G Peper

30/3/17 We are now in Georgia in the F.D.Roosevelt State Park (close to Atlanta). A lot of things have happened. When we followed the Rio Grande we got a lot of interesting bird sightings: Orioles, Kingfishers, uncoloured, Crested Caracara, Scissor-tailed Flycatcher and plenty of Plain Chacalacas. We were warned to book ahead for the Xmas/New Year break because everything would be full. As we do not have a program we took our chances because at one State Park the bookings was down by 33%. We had no problem getting a caravan site in Weslaco. We stayed there 12 nights and used it as a base to visit all the birding spots in the area. It was also around 2 kms from Estero Llano Grande (a famous Altimera Oriole Photo © H & G Peper birding hot spot), so most days when we got back from one of the other places we went there and added often a tick or We visited the Stennis Space Center where they test the two. Because we were close to Mexico we wanted to make a rockets before they are sent to Cape Canaveral. We got day trip there. We had a choice of 2 crossings; one was some nice shots of Wilson’s snipe there. We planned to stay Renosa, the other was Progreso Nuevo. Renosa: according one night in Rocky Bayou State Park. That evening we to the internet had 15,000 murders in 3 years, Progreso had noticed a crack (25 cm) in the windscreen. As there was a 17,000 inhabitants but with 127 dental clinics, 85 pharmacies windscreen repair place we went there the next morning. and countless other medical centres (breast implants, They could not fix the crack but they could put in a new one facelifts, varicose veins etc). They were all located in the one that afternoon. So we went to an air force museum and on street. When you leave that street it is just rubbish. It’s all the way back got a new windscreen. While we were there it orientated for the USA market. All the “souvenirs” were started to rain, then thunder and lightning. When we got baseball caps, basketball shirts etc. We had a look around, back at camp we noticed the park rangers on our campsite. had a nice meal and a few Mexican beers. Back to the USA Lightning had struck a tree and the tree had hit our caravan. we hit a hurdle: we were not in the computer system. We It was a total loss. Because of the number of houses and were detained while they sorted it out and relieved when we businesses without roofs it took the insurance 7 days to get could get going again. From Weslaco we went to Brownsville the assessor to look at it. In the meantime we put a deposit on the Gulf of Mexico and on the Rio Grande. We camped in a on a new van. So finally after 15 days we were on the road private campground on a billabong (called Reseca here). We again and making our way to Florida. The plan was to go all had a bird straight away: Black-bellied Whistling-Duck. In the the way to Key West and take a boat trip to the Dry area we got a number of ticks: Black Skimmers, Roseate Tortugas. After searching the internet we gave up on that Spoonbills, and White Ibis among them. But the most idea. It was booked months ahead and the prices were impressive sight was at some soccer fields outside of town. ridiculous; the campsite was USA $ 140/night and the boat In the evening there arrive up to 1000 Amazons in 5 species. trip USA $295 p/p. We stayed in the Everglades for 6 nights They come to roost in the Australian Eucalyptus trees. They and got some photos of Swallow-tailed Kites. At Ochlocknee spend the day in the fields and orchards. We then went to a State Park there was a colony of Red-cockaded Woodpeckers place where you can take a boat trip to see Whooping which is an endangered species. There was also a breeder Cranes. There are around 250 wild cranes and about the who had helped previous year’s young birds. They were very same in breeding programs; we saw 12 that day. The next hard to locate but a park attendant gave us a few hints.

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Nothing happened and we waited and waited. Then the other people left but we decided to stay another 15 minutes. We were lucky; we got 2 photos; they come out at speed so there are no second chances. On the way back to camp we also got the second tick of the day: Red-headed Woodpecker. Our bird tally is now 305 species.

Red- Cockaded Woodpecker photo © H & G Peper

Vermillion Flycatcher photo H & G Peper

BirdLife Australia Yarra Valley Branch P.O. Box 1172, Healesville Vic. 3777 email: [email protected]

Committee Convener: Glenn Mawson Vice-Convener: Manfred Hennig Green Jays photo © H & G Peper Secretary: Alma Mitchell Treasurer: Maggie Smith Librarian: Linda Bullen

Conservation Officer: Michael Feller Other Members: Jim McMinn BirdLife Yarra Valley would like to thank Kevin

Mason for his 25 year continued service for our branch as a past President, past Vice President and committee member.

Camp at Wedderburn 7 – 10 September

The September 2017 camp will be held at Doug and Jan’s 850 acre conservation property at Wedderburn. The leaders will be Doug and Jan. Contact us at [email protected] Pileated Woodpecker photo © H & G Peper to register and we will send directions. We ask that you So after searching we found a couple of likely spots. They register so that we can organize extra toilets if necessary. come in the evening to enter the hollow and leave the next morning; Gerard saw them entering a hollow. Next morning before sunrise we were positioned there and set up cameras. We were soon to be joined by 3 other birders.

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Superb Lyrebird Survey 2016 by Val Fowler

The Superb Lyrebird surveys in Sherbrooke Forest are always rewarding and despite often cold mornings or muddy and slippery tracks we have been lucky with mainly fine weather. The surveys start with all participants gathering at Grant’s Picnic Ground at 6am. We are then allotted our survey spot in the forest where we listen for the males’ calls and record the distance and direction between 7-7.30am. There is something quite magical standing in the forest as the day dawns and sometimes we are lucky and hear a Sooty Owl or the and often catch a glimpse or have good views of one or more male Superb . We then return to Grant’s Picnic Ground where staff from Parks Victoria has cooked a welcome hot breakfast for us. After breakfast there is an opportunity to go to look for Superb Lyrebirds with first preference for people who have not seen the bird before. Female Lyrebird fanning its tail photo © V. Fowler

2017 Dawn Survey Dates

• Saturday 17 June

• Saturday 1 July

• Saturday 15 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.

Be sure to dress warmly and bring a compass, watch, pencil and torch.

Female Lyrebird with bent tail photo © V.Fowler After one of the 2016 Superb Lyrebird Survey in Sherbrooke Forest was completed we went for a walk to look for Lyrebirds and to see the work done to protect the trees and vegetation from destruction by deer. VALE GEORGE WILLIAM GEARING Walking along the track we spotted a female Superb Lyrebird which had a bent tail which indicated she had been sitting on 25 July 1924 – 23 March 2017 a . She hopped up on a branch and started preening Members were saddened to learn of the passing of George where her tail was very obvious. Between each bout of Gearing who was a long -time member of the Club. George preening she gave a short burst of calls and she allowed me was a keen bird watcher and was a regular attendee at to get quite close to record her song. Suddenly she jumped meetings, outings and camps. He was a willing helper and down and crossed the track to where another female had towed the Club trailer to camps for many years. He always appeared from the edge of the forest. The second female also joined the camp activities with great enthusiasm. had a bent tail and somewhat damaged feathers. The first female approached the second female calling then to my When the Yarra Valley Branch of BOCA was founded in May surprise she lifted and fanned her tail increasing her size and 1992 George became the first President. The Yarra Valley called again. The second female approached then slipped Branch became the focus for his bird watching and he back into the forest with the first bird following. Neither of continued attending outings, meetings and camps. these females appeared to have leg bands. It was thought Unfortunately, in the last two or three years walking became this was territorial behaviour. very difficult for him and he was unable to join our activities.

I was later told by Jan from the Sherbrooke Lyrebird survey R.I.P. George we will miss you. group that one of the females that I had recorded on We extend our condolences to George’s and close Neumann Hill had her nest destroyed by a neighbouring friends. female; her egg contained a 3 week old embryo.

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Interesting Sightings 08.4.17 White-throated Needletails (20+) Rufous Night Heron (12) Outing to Yan Yean 22/1/17 Dusky Moorhen (2 adults, 3 teenagers, 4 small chicks all together) – Lillydale Lake, V& P Fowler 12/4/17 - Southern Boobook - Badger Avenue, Healesville. Alan Murphy 29/1/17 - Latham Snipe (3) – Lillydale Lake, V & P Fowler 10/4/17 - Lyrebird in garden - Mount Evelyn, Lin Bullen 4/2/17 - 4 White-throated Needletails 8.15 pm - East Warburton, Heather Arnold 11/4/17 - Willie Wagtails - Badger Creek, Graeme George

6/2/17 – A Peregrine Falcon took a Yellow-tailed Black 13/4/17 - Olive Whistler - Badger Creek. Graeme George Cockatoo, 70 metres quite low. The bird had been around 14.4.17 Eastern Spinebill – Mooroolbark – V. Fowler four about 2 months and was making a lot of noise. Only 1 recorded previously at East Warburton. Heather Arnold 16/4/17 Gang Gang Cockatoos (flock of 30) – Lillydale Lake, P & V Fowler 14/2/17 - Gang-Gang Cockatoos - Mt. Evelyn, Peter Mason 28/4/17 - Nestling on road - Badger Creek. Graeme 4/2/17 - Pair of Hooded Robins with 3 young, many Red- George capped Robins - East Warburton, Heather Arnold 1/5/17 Flock 20+ King Parrots - Farnham Rd, Healesville. 7.2.17 Dusky Moorhen making new nest – Lillydale Lake, V Alma Mitchell Fowler 7/5/17 - 1st Bassian Thrush for winter - Badger Creek. 10/2/17 - Powerful Owl calling, Superb Lyrebird calling - Mt. Graeme George Evelyn, Lin Bullen 7/5/17 - Bassian Thrush 1 st in years – Toolangi. Manfred 14/2/17 - 12 Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoos – Toolangi, Hennig Manfred Hennig 7/5/17 - Eastern Rosellas (50+) - RACV Country Club 10/2/17 - Pair of Pink Robins - Wirra Willa Walk, Manfred Healesville. Manfred Hennig Hennig 7/5/17 - Yellow Robin – Toolangi. Manfred Hennig 10/2/17 - Grey - Toolangi , Manfred Hennig 7/5/17 - Satin Bower Birds (3F, 1M) – Toolangi. Manfred 12/2/17 Spotless Crake (2+) – Hull Road Wetlands, Lilydale, Hennig V & P Fowler 7/5/17 - Australian Hobby 1 - RACV Country Club Healesville. 12/2/17 White-necked Heron (1 adult, 1 immature) – Manfred Hennig Lillydale Lake, V & P Fowler 9/5/17 - Darter Adult Male & Australasian Grebe non 12/2/17 Rufous Night Heron (immature) – Lillydale Lake, V & breeding - Birdsland, South Belgrave. Jim McMinn P Fowler 9/5/17 - Australasian Grebe non breeding, Birdsland, South 13/2/17 - Black Kite - RACV Healesville, Manfred Hennig Belgrave. Jim McMinn 14/2/17 - Sparrowhawk harassed by Sulphur-crested Bird sightings out of the Yarra Valley Cockatoo and Pied Currawong - Badger Creek, Graeme 6/2/17 - Sub adult Mallee Fowl, Diamond Firetail with 2 George young, Painted Button Quail – Wedderburn, Doug Pocock 12/2/17 - Satin Flycatcher calling - Badger Creek, Graeme 25/3/17 - Sea Eagles (4 together) - Eden NSW, V & P Fowler George 25/3/17 White-throated Needletails (6) Eden, V & P Fowler This season - Brush Cuckoos and Satin Flycatchers in low numbers, heard infrequently - East Warburton, Heather 5/4/17 - 3 Azure Kingfishers - Gunbower Island, Doug Pocock Arnold 8/4/17 – White-throated Needletails (30+) circling low 13/2/17 - Gang-Gang Cockatoos 16 in a flock in Stringybark through trees – Cumberland River, Lorne. Janine Larner stag - Badger Creek, Graeme George What Bird is That? 14/2/17 - 19 Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoos in Stringybark stag - Badger Creek, Graeme George

13/2/17 - Red-browed Finches, Southern Boobook, Tawny Frogmouth, Grey Shrike-thrush in yard, Lalors Road - Healesville , Maggie Smith

14/3/17 - 2 Rufous Night Herons - Lillydale Lake, P&V Fowler

1/4/17 - 40 Cattle Egrets - Edwards Road, Chirnside Park, Valerie Fowler Answer on page 11

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Reports of Meetings and Outings

Wednesday 23 November – Outing to RACV Country Club

The group arrived for the second 2016 bird survey at RACV Healesville and was joined by Alan from Mull, an island off the west coast of Scotland.

The morning started quite warm with several people wishing they had left their warm jumpers and jackets behind. We had good views of Crested Pigeons, Eastern Rosellas and a brief glimpse of a Common Bronzewing. There were 3 Laughing Kookaburras feeding on the golf course. We heard an unusual bird call which we could not identify or see as it was on the other side of the road, outside the property. We had only reached the first bend of our survey route when it started to rain heavily with many people regretting leaving their wet weather gear in their cars. As we started to get soaked, the temperature dropped and it looked like the bad weather had set in. Some of the group decided to return to their cars but several brave birdwatchers continued to follow the route and were soon rewarded as the rain soon stopped and they continued to add more species to the list. There was a small flock of Red-browed Finches, an Olive-backed Oriole, Grey Shrike-thrush, Rufous Whistler and White-throated Treecreeper. There were also several Eastern Grey Kangaroos.

The weather continued to improve so the group followed the path to the lower level of the property adding a Purple Swamphen, one Coot, a pair of Dusky Moorhen with 3 chicks, Black Ducks and Wood Ducks with 7 young. There were also 2 White-faced Herons, Brown Thornbills and a Sacred Kingfisher.

In the car park we saw 2 Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoos flying and a trilling call was from an immature Striated Pardalote. Despite the rain, it was a good morning with 49 bird species recorded. Thanks Manfred for leading the walk.

Saturday 10th December - Christmas break-up at Healesville Sporting Complex

The Yarra Valley Branch 2016 Christmas break-up was originally to take place at Badger Weir Picnic Area. However the picnic area was closed due to the severe storm damage it received in October and is unlikely to be re-opened for some months (see separate article).

So we relocated to the Healesville Sporting Complex in Don Road, Healesville. The fifteen members who attended met at the large dam and we were immediately welcomed by Australian Wood Ducks and Black Ducks looking for a free feed (the reserve has picnic tables and bbqs and is frequented by locals who obviously feed the birds).

The sporting complex is also well utilised by dog owners and there were several families walking their numerous and varied dogs. While these were generally kept on leads, there was the odd one that was off-leash, spooking the waterbirds from one side of the dam to the other. Most of the dog owners were interested in what a bunch of binocular wielders were up to and asked what special birds we had seen. One or two were even carrying their own binoculars.

We commenced our walk around the well-maintained track around the dam were we saw numerous waterbirds, many with young including Dusky Moorhen, Purple Swamphen, Australian Wood Duck and Chestnut Teal. There was also a single Darter sunning itself on a dead tree before it flew off to some unknown waterhole.

We continued on the trail which goes around the edge of the reserve. This largely followed the transition between the sporting fields and bush line which meant we saw many birds utilising the ecotone. Birds recorded included Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo, Galah, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, King Parrot, Crimson and Eastern Rosella, Spotted and Striated Pardalote, Golden and Rufous Whistler, Grey Fantail, Willie Wagtail and Welcome Swallow. A single Whistling Kite was spotted and a pair of Wedge-tailed Eagle circling the sky (some distance away).

Upon returning to the dam, we spent some time identifying Yellow and Brown Thornbill in the thicket on the dam edge, along with a single Eastern Spinebill and a family of Superb Fairy-wren.

Settling down to lunch as the sun came out, birdcall tallied 46 species. Not bad for a heavily modified landscape. An enjoyable day was had by all and we will certainly keep the location in mind for future outings.

Tuesday 10 January – Video night

After several technical problems were solved we viewed a DVD called Colombia Magia Salvaje which was purchased at the Colombia Bird Fair in 2016. The DVD was in Spanish with English subtitles.

The DVD showcased the wonders of Colombia from the highest peaks to the low grasslands, coastal and Amazon areas; it covered 85 locations and 20 eco-systems. The stunning aerial footage included snow-capped peaks, pristine Alpine areas, majestic waterfalls, lakes, forests and coastal regions. The narration explained the concerns regarding the destruction of habitat, its effect on the environment and the consequences for the Colombian residents. It demonstrated how the changing seasons affected the vegetation and lives of the nature living in its environment, for example a forest became flooded changing the habitat completely before it eventually dried out again. June 2017 7 Lyrebird Tales

We saw many mammals, reptiles, fish, flowers and insects: Spectacled Bear, Wooly, Spider and Red Howler monkeys and Cotton-top Tamarin, Jaguar, Sloth, Capybara, Tapir, Whales, Orinoco Crocodile and Caiman. There were also Lizards, snakes and a poison frog.

There was spectacular footage of the Andean Condor in flight, male Club-winged Manakins dancing at their lek trying to attract a female as was the male Cock of the Rock with its unusual call and the ground dwelling Burrowing Owls. Perhaps the most impressive photography was of many different species of Hummingbirds in flight and their acrobatic manoeuvres used to access their food sources and defend them; this included a bird stabbing a rival with its .

Unfortunately due to time restrictions we were not able to view the whole DVD but we had a wonderful overview of the country and its wildlife. Thanks Michael for providing the DVD

Saturday 14 January – Outing to Silvan Dam – breakfast with the birds

The cool morning and overnight rain was a relief from the previous week of heat and humidity.

A chorus of bird calls accompanied the members having breakfast under the trees. Crimson Rosellas and Australian Magpies were nearby and a Fan- tailed Cuckoo was heard whilst overhead Welcome Swallows and Tree Martins circled.

We did a short circular walk following the route from previous visits many years ago. The walk started with seeing numerous Eastern Yellow Robins; some were immature with patches of yellow plumage. There were also many Scrubwrens and Yellow-faced Honeyeaters. We saw abundant Eastern Spinebills; one immature bird had no markings. Two Golden Golden Whistler photo © Merrilyn Serong Whistlers were immature males with patchy yellow feathers. Several small groups of Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoos flew over and a nest, not unlike a Yellow Robin’s was spotted high in a tree. The vegetation including the ferns along the tracks looked quite healthy despite days of drought and temperatures in the high 30s and water was flowing in the stream. There were several Hyacinth orchids with two still in bud. One of the highlights for the day was 3 Leaden Flycatchers seen together which had to be confirmed by their call due to the dull light and grey sky behind them. The second highlight was 2 separate sightings of Rufous Fantails; one was building a nest over the track.

After lunch we drove to the dam wall to look out over the reservoir where we were disappointed to see many bushes removed where we had previously regularly seen New Holland Honeyeaters which were now missing. Here we were able to add 4 new species to the list: Wood Ducks, , and White-faced Heron. It was interesting to note that the recorded bird scarer on the floating platform was having no affect. Total bird species was 32. Thanks to Manfred and Michael for leading the walk. Rufous Fantail on nest photo © Merrilyn Serong

Wednesday 25 January – Outing – Boat trip to Mud Island

See article on front page.

Saturday 11 February – Toolangi Mountain Ash Forest Survey

(Survey of birds in different age classes of mountain ash forest near Toolangi, 11 and 19 February, 2017)

Our patches of different aged stands of mountain ash forests near Toolangi were resurveyed for bird species and numbers on 11 and 19 February, 2017, (temperatures of 20-23 o, mixed sun and cloud). We again spent 20 minutes recording the birds in each of 3 replicates of 4 different age classes of forest (0-4 years old, 5-10 years old, 15-40 years-old, and 77 years old). Due to lack of time, several plots were not surveyed on 11 February, so they were done the following weekend. This time we were also able to survey birds in 2 old-growth stands, and also include data for the one old-growth stand we were able to survey in July. The 77-year-old age class consisted of forests that regenerated after the 1939 fires. All other younger age classes had developed after clearfell logging. The old-growth stands were greater than 150 years old.

We found a total of 27 species (26 in July), with the least number of species and birds in the youngest, most recently logged,

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stands (see table below) – the same result as in July. Clearly the habitat for the first few years after logging is of little value to birds. The greatest number of species and birds were in the old-growth forests although only 2 stands were surveyed in these forests, so the results may not be completely accurate. Unlike in winter (July) our results were not greatly influenced by large numbers of one species in any stand. The greatest numbers of birds of one species were 9 Brown Thornbills in one 15-50-year-old stand, followed by 8 Brown Thornbills in one old-growth stand. The 15-40-year-old stands also had the greatest number of species found in no other age class (Rufous Fantail, Gang Gang Cockatoo, Flame Robin, Eastern Whipbird, , Australian Raven, and Silvereye), although several of these species (Flame Robin, Eastern Whipbird, Grey Currawong) were found in other age classes in July. Species found only in the old-growth forests were Large- billed Scrubwren, Striated Thornbill, White-eared Honeyeater, Eastern Spinebill, and Pink Robin, but again several of these (Large-billed Scrubwren, Striated Thornbill, Eastern Spinebill) were found in other age classes in July. The only bird found in the most recently logged areas was one Brown Thornbill.

Age class (years) 0-4 5-10 15-40 77 Old growth

July Feb July Feb July Feb July Feb July Feb

Total no. of species 6 1 16 13 8 13 17 13 10 15

Total no. of unique species 1 0 5 1 0 7 8 1 10 5

Total no. of birds per plot 2 0 25 11 6 19 14 18 5 22

Crimson Rosellas and Brown Thornbills were found in most stands (11 out of the 14), followed by Grey Fantails (10 stands) then White-browed Scrubwrens (9 stands) and White-throated Treecreepers (8 stands). Superb Lyrebirds, the most common bird encountered in July, were only encountered in or adjacent to 5 stands in February.

Birds only found in July, but not February, were – Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Sacred Kingfisher, , Brown-headed Honeyeater, Australian Magpie, Little Raven, and Rose Robin. Birds only found in February were – Grey Fantail, Rufous Fantail, Gang Gang Cockatoo, Golden Whistler, King Parrot, White-eared Honeyeater, Yellow-faced Honeyeater, Pink Robin, Australian Raven, and Silvereye.

We plan to revisit the stands this winter and next summer to get a clearer picture of how logging is affecting the birds in our mountain ash forests. Data from only 20 minute surveys, while suitable for statistical comparison purposes, does not necessarily indicate all the birds that can be present in an area. The more data points, the closer will our observations reflect the true situation. Michael Feller

Tuesday 14 February – Meeting

We continued our theme about the island of Mull in Scotland which was started by the presentation from Alan Spellman on his visit to Australia. The DVD was provided by Alan Murphy who had recently received it from Alan Spellman who had returned home.

The film titled ‘Eagle Island – a year on the island of Mull’ showed the changing seasons on this rugged island off the west coast of Scotland. It gave us a chance to compare Mull’s different climate to the weather we experience and an understanding of the vegetation and habitat for the wildlife that lives there. We were reacquainted with some of the bird species that Alan had shown us and reminded of the work monitoring the Sea Eagles. We also saw several different whale species, dolphins and sharks. We enjoyed the spectacular scenery and footage of its resident and migratory species inspiring birdwatchers who love to travel to plan a visit there.

Wednesday 22 February – Outing to Blackburn Lake Total Fire Ban day

Saturday 11 March - Outing to The Gums and Island Creek, Kinglake N.P.

It was a mild, slightly overcast morning for our outing and for the numerous campers who were enjoying the long weekend break. In the parking area we saw a Crimson Rosella and a Pied Currawong flew over. We did not expect to see many birds here as there were many noisy children running around. We were pleased to see the vegetation had continued to regenerate after the devastating 2009 bushfires and the improvements in the camping area.

We set off down the Blackfish Way track towards the Island Creek picnic ground, here the vegetation had thinned out since our last outing to this area so it was easier to see the birds including: Brown and Striated Thornbills, Spotted Pardalotes, White-eared Honeyeaters, White-naped Honeyeaters, Golden and Rufous Whistlers, Silvereyes, White-throated Treecreepers and a single Red-browed Treecreeper, abundant Yellow-faced Honeyeaters and Grey Fantails. White Ibis, Black-faced Cuckoo Shrike and Tree Martins were seen flying. A glimpse through the canopy cover revealed 6 White-throated Needletails which disappeared before most of the group saw them.

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Arriving at the Island Creek picnic area we decided to return along the track to our vehicles rather than our usual route along the road which was busy with traffic. On the way back we heard a Superb Lyrebird imitating an Eastern Whipbird. We drove back to the Island Creek Picnic area for lunch and watched a Yellow Robin and Superb Fairy Wrens fossicking nearby.

A pleasant morning walk finished with 27 bird species. Thanks Glenn for leading the walk

Tuesday 14 March – Meeting – Trip to Mud Island by Valerie Fowler

Valerie showed photos and talked about our trip to Mud Island in January 2017.

Wednesday 22 March – Outing to O’Shannassy Aqueduct Trail, Millgrove

Today at the aqueduct walk in Millgrove, only 3 people turned up in the mist and rain. We identified 19 birds. The highlight was a Lyrebird preening on a low branch, just across the aqueduct, hopping down into an open area and starting scratching for food. We were only 3 metres away and it did not care. Once back at the car park the cloud lifted and the sun came out. The list is as follows:- Magpies, Crimson Rosellas, Grey Butcherbird, Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoos, Magpie Lark, King Parrot, Red Wattlebird, Sulphur-crested Cockatoos, Brown Thornbills, Superb Lyrebird, Little Raven, White-throated Treecreeper, Eastern Yellow Robins, Golden Whistlers, Silvereyes, Grey Fantails, Lewin’s Honeyeater, Superb Fairy Wrens and Pied Currawong. Thanks Alan for leading the walk.

Saturday 8 April – Outing to Yan Yean Reservoir

In the car park Musk Lorikeets and Sulphur-crested Cockatoos were calling as we arrived for the walk. It was a very windy morning and the water in the reservoir was very choppy with white-capped waves. The abundant Eurasian Coots were bobbing up and down and being blown sideways. Amongst the Coots were several Little Black Cormorants and Great-crested Grebes, a Blue-billed Duck and a single female Musk Duck which was hard to point out as it kept diving under water. On the far side out of the reservoir 12 Little Pied Cormorants were perched on some dead branches.

Moving down to the various side ponds it was much more sheltered from the wind and here we saw many birds: Chestnut Teal, Grey Teal, Wood Duck, Black Duck a single Black Swan, 4 Black-winged Stilts and more Coots. Along the pond’s edges were Crested Pigeons, 4 Black-fronted Dotterels and Red-rumped Parrots drinking. In the bushes and trees were Silvereyes, Superb Fairy Wrens, New Holland Honeyeaters, Red Wattlebird, one Red-browed Finch and lots of aggressive Yellow-faced Honeyeaters and Noisy Miners. In one tree there was an abandoned Magpie Lark nest which was occupied by a female Red-rumped Parrot and noisily squabbled over by several others.

We drove to the upper picnic area for a view over the reservoir and to have lunch. In the water were lots of Coot and Hardhead, some Blue- billed Ducks and flying over were several immature Little Pied Cormorants. Near the old caretaker’s house (on a tip from Geoff) we saw 12 Night Herons; some immature and others in adult plumage. Whilst eating lunch we saw our only raptor of the day, a Whistling Kite. As we were about to start bird call the shout went out for White-throated Needletails which quickly disappeared before we could count them, but we estimated a cautious 20+ birds. Looking back towards where they originally flew was a very dark band of clouds so we knew heavy rain was imminent. Total bird species counted was 52. Thanks Glenn for leading the walk photos by Valerie Fowler

Tuesday 11 April – Meeting, DVD titled ‘Understory’

In lieu of a speaker we watched a DVD entitled ‘Understory – the campaign to protect the south-east forests”. The DVD was dedicated to the people who protected the forests in the 1970s and 80s against being felled for wood chips in southern N.S.W near Bega and also near Eden where there was a wood mill. The wood chips were sent to Japan.

The commentator asked ‘how do you value a forest?’ We were introduced to local native species which used the forest including: Spotted Quolls, Wallabies, Platypus, Sea Eagle, Osprey, Superb Fairy Wren and Superb Lyrebirds. Much of the south-east forest areas remain for our enjoyment today because of the actions of these protesters.

The DVD showed footage from early protest meetings in 1977, with passionate speakers for protecting the forest ecology and local environment. Having no previous experience they had to learn how to effectively campaign as they continued on. 10 Lyrebird Tales Lyrebird Tales

The protesters were from many walks of life including farmers, graziers, environmentalists, families and people who cared. They looked for areas to be included in National Parks and areas of local significance to Aboriginals. Protesters wrote letters to politicians, the Forestry Commission, National Parks Department and media outlets. In 1989 a film crew took broadcast footage of farmers on horseback blocking the roads to logging coops to protect their water catchment. Other recorded media footage was also shown.

When scientists became involved in the protest, the government had to take more notice. Scientific research showed that old growth forests which were clear felled changed the ecosystem, when the vegetation regrew, some original species were not present and the resulting undergrowth became thicker becoming a greater fire risk. They also showed nutrients leached into creeks decreasing the water quality and there was increased erosion. The Forestry Commission was made to comply with the Forestry Act and made to study the environment impacts of logging in the forest before issuing permits.

The film showed the power of local communities to fight for their own areas especially once they merged forming the South East Conservation Council. Bob Carr broke the impasse between the loggers and the protesters by calling in the scientists. In 1997 the South East Forest Parks was formed to protect endangered species of regional and national importance.

Thanks Glenn for providing this interesting DVD

Wednesday 26 April – Outing to Lillydale Lake

After a night of heavy rain and early morning showers it was fully expected that the outing would be cancelled, however five hardy birdwatchers arrived at the partially flooded parking area. After a short discussion they decided to start the walk as it had just stopped raining but were prepared for more bad weather.

A sighting of a Silver Gull (only occasionally seen here) drew the group to the rotunda where water was lapping at the boards; they were serenaded by a Welcome Swallow as they counted the Wood Ducks and Eurasian Coots on the beach and 12 Australian which included one male. Next was a visit to the side filtration ponds where a was perched on the stump from one of the removed nest boxes and the hanging dead Common Miner seen on the last outing here was becoming skeletonized. We retraced our steps and followed the flooded Olinda Creek to the board walk then along the path to the Hull Road Wetlands; we saw a flock of 8 Pied perched in a dead tree. On the largest pond at the Hull Road Wetlands there was an Australian Darter and a single Black Swan which were disturbed by a fox which ran off as we approached. In the trees we were delighted to find a small flock of White-naped and Brown-headed Honeyeaters which are uncommon sightings here. There was also Silvereyes and a female Golden Whistler but it appeared that the Yellow-faced Honeyeaters and Reed Warblers had migrated north and also missing was the resident Yellow Robin. The pond near the bridge had overflowed and extended. Just above the vegetation in the flooded area a large flock of Welcome Swallows was hawking insects; we estimated 27+ birds as they were impossible to count. Keeping an eye on the weather as the temperature had dropped, we continued around the large pond and back along the Olinda Creek crossing the bridge to walk back to Lillydale Lake; the birds had gone quiet now.

As the weather continued to hold off we walked a loop past the weir which was like a low heavy flowing waterfall. Arriving back just before the car park we were astonished to see a large flock of birds had arrived and were feeding in the flooded dog off leash area. As we watched more White Ibis arrived; we counted a total of 71. There were also 16 Black Ducks there and in the nearby pond there were more Black Ducks, Chestnut and Grey Teals, Purple Swamphens and Dusky Moorhens.

We were lucky the weather held off but it rained as we left. Total 49 bird species for the day with 477 individuals counted. Valerie Fowler

Answer to What Bird is That? Immature Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike News from Alan Spellman in Scotland

Alan Spellman from Mull Island Scotland, who gave us a talk on his visit to Australia last year, reported that on the 9 th of May 2017 a Black Swan had turned up on Lochdon, right outside his house. He commented “I went all the way to Australia to see one; I could have stayed at home”.

At the RSPB Loch Garten Osprey reserve in the Cairngorms the regular pair of Ospreys returned from Africa to nest and the female laid 3 eggs. Whilst the female was incubating the eggs the area suffered persistent and heavy falls of snow. Despite the nest being buried in snow the female stuck with her chicks and photos from the webcam showed just her head sticking out of the mound of snow. The pair has raised 17 chicks in 9 seasons and are the most successful Black Swan photo ©Alan Spellman pair of Ospreys at Loch Garten which has been protecting Ospreys since 1958

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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 Districts. (Central unless notified otherwise)

Calendar July to December 2017 Calendar October to December 2017 JULY Basic Dates only Check June 2017 newsletter for Saturday 8 – Outing to Cathedral Range State Park at further details. 9.30 a.m. Meet at Ned’s Gully Picnic Area. Drive along Maroondah Highway past Buxton, look for the Cathedral OCTOBER Range sign on right (before Taggerty) Melway Edn. X910 Tuesday 10 – Meeting –Speaker and subject TBA S9. Suggest car pooling from Healesville. Meet in Library Car Park (opposite Coronation Park River Street) at 8.30 Saturday 14 – Outing to Western Treatment Plant. For a.m. Melway Edn. 39 270 C12. details and bookings email: [email protected]

Tuesday 11 – No Meeting – Winter Recess. Wednesday 25 – Outing to Lake Mountain at 9.30am. Meet at top car park next to buildings (parking fees apply) Wednesday 26 - Outing to Jumping Creek Reserve, Melway Edn 39 270 C12 Warrandyte State Park, at 9.30 a.m. Turn off Jumping Creek Road into the Park road and drive to the end, park NOVEMBER in the main car park. Melway Edn. 39 24 A10. Saturday 11 - Survey in Coranderrk Bushland at 9.30 AUGUST a.m.

Tuesday 8 – Meeting – Speaker and subject TBA Directions: Gate 1 Badger Avenue, Badger Creek, opposite Fleay Rd. Melway Edn 39 278 F10. Gate will Saturday 12 – Outing to Warramate Hills Conservation close at 9.30 sharp . Reserve, Gruyere, at 9.30 a.m. Park at end of Yarra Loch Way at entrance to Reserve. Melway Edn. 39 285 G1. Tuesday 14 – Meeting – Speaker Sonja Ross, subject - My Birding Year 2016 (includes Australia, Sri Lanka and Wednesday 23 – Outing to Warburton Trail – Millgrove Antartica) Don’t miss this wonderful talk and photos. to Warburton and return. Meet at 9.30 a.m. at site of Millgrove railway station. Melway Edn. 39 289 D4. Wednesday 22 - Outing to RACV Healesville Country Club at 9.30 a.m. Healesville-Yarra Glen Rd, Healesville. SEPTEMBER Directions: Melway Edn 39 269 J12. Park in first car park 7-10 September - Camp at Wedderburn just inside the entrance. Contact the Leader Doug Pocock to register and receive DECEMBER details and directions. [email protected] Saturday 9 – Christmas break up, Maroondah Reservoir Tuesday 12 – Meeting – Guest speaker Maxwell Cmpbell, Park at 9.30. Maroondah Highway, Healesville. Melway Introduction to biodiversity with special reference to Edn 39 270, H6 invertebrates.

Wednesday 27 – Outing to Alexandra Area. Meet at 9.30 a.m. at Visitors’ Centre Car Park, Rotary Park Alexandra and convoy to different locations. Melway Edn 39 X910 T8. Suggest car pooling from Healesville at 8.30 a.m. from Coronation Park River Street, (behind Coles). Melway Edn. 39 270 C12.

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