Birds SA Newsletter No. 216, November 2010

Birds SA Newsletter No 216 November 2010

Birds SA is the operating name of The South Australian Ornithological Association Inc. c/- South Australian Museum, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA 5000

The Aims of the Association are: To promote the conservation of Australian birds and their habitats. To encourage interest in, and develop knowledge of the birds of South Australia. To record the results of research in regard to all aspects of bird life. To maintain a public fund called the "Birds SA Conservation Fund" for the specific purpose of supporting the Association’s environmental objects. PRINT POST APPROVED PP532699/00009

CONTENTS SAOA COMMITTEE 2010 – 2011 President’s Letter ………………………….…4 President Jeremy Robertson 8278 1217 Birds SA Notes & News ………………….….5 Vice President Stuart Hull 8391 0007 Miscellaneous Items ………………..…….….8 Vice President Rodney Attwood 8264 1527 Past and Future Meetings ...…….………...... 9 Secretary Brian Blaylock 8370 3349 Treasurer Brian Walker 8263 3433 Past Excursions ...…………….…...... …...10 Assistant Secretary Robert Rowland 83881790 Future Excursions ………...……….…..……12 Journal Editor John Hatch 8362 2820 Bird Records …………..……….….….....….14 Newsletter Editor Cynthia Pyle 8264 5778 Sea-Eagle Survey ……………………...……16 Field Program Coordinator Trevor Cowie 8263 2531 News from the Library ………………….…..17 Bird Record Secretary Colin Rogers 8336 3325 Photo Pages …………………………….…...19 Member Lou Bartley-Clements 0418858037 CENTRE INSERT Member Merinda Hyland 8337 3616 SAOA HISTORICAL SERIES NUMBER 34, Member David Robertson 8278 7866 ERHARD FRANZ BOEHM PART 7 Member Merilyn Browne 8339 6839

FURTHER USEFUL CONTACTS DIARY Librarian Karen Donkin 0402123960 Following is a list of Birds SA activities for the next few months. Image Librarian John Spiers 8333 0272 Further details of all these activities are given later in the email [email protected] newsletter. Ongoing Atlas Pat Bowie 8278 6048

Nov 28 Sunday Excursion to Pooginook CP  OTHER S.A. ASSOCIATIONS Dec 11 Saturday Excursion to Reedy Creek Birds South-east Dec 16 Thursday Excursion to Laratinga Wetlands Chair Bryan Haywood 8726 8112 Publicity Officer Bob Green 8725 0549 Dec 19 Sunday Excursion to Salt Fields Email [email protected] Dec 26 to Jan 4 Christmas Campout, Coffin Bay Fleurieu Birdwatchers  Contact Person Judith Dyer 8555 2736 Jan 8 Saturday Excursion to Sandy Creek CP Email [email protected] Jan 13 Thursday Excursion to Salt Fields Jan 28 Friday General Meeting WEBSITE www.birdssa.asn.au Jan 30 Sunday Scott Creek CP  2010 SAOA SUBSCRIPTIONS Feb 12 Saturday Excursion to Salt Fields Single membership $50 Feb 17 Thursday Excursion to Goolwa Barrage Family/household membership $60 Single concession* $45 Feb 25 Friday General Meeting, Family/household concession* $55 Feb 27 Sunday Excursion to Paiwalla Wetlands Student members (full-time students under 25 years) $10  *Pensioners and people experiencing financial hardship can Mar 12 Saturday Excursion to Laratinga Wetlands obtain concessions. Apply in writing to the Treasurer, Birds SA. Mar 17 Thursday Excursion to Riverglades etc. Mar 25 Friday General Meeting ABN 76 339 976 789

Cover photo: Dusky Woodswallow, photographed by Burt ADVERTISING IN THE Birds SA May in Wirrabara Forest, April 2010 NEWSLETTER SAOA relies on the integrity of advertisers for the quality and General meetings are held in the Hawker Centre at the Waite nature of their products and services. We cannot guarantee Institute, Waite Road, Urrbrae at 7.45pm. Doors open at them. Advertising is charged as follows: $1.00 per line, up to 7.00pm. $20.00 per quarter page and 10c per inserted leaflet (single Committee meetings are held at the above venue on the second sheet). The committee reserves the right to lower or waive these Monday of each month, starting at 7.30pm. fees.

Donations to the Birds SA Conservation Fund are tax- COPY DEADLINE deductible Copy for the February Newsletter is due by the January General Meeting (Jan 28). Contributions, ‘Word’ format preferred, can New Members be made on CD, or emailed to either of my email addresses: We welcome 15 new members who have recently joined the Association. Their names are listed on p11. • [email protected] • [email protected]

or typed/handwritten neatly. Printed by Abbott Printers and Stationer Birds SA Newsletter, November 2010 3

A Page of Parrots See page 18 for details of all photographs

2 3 1

2 Birds SA Newsletter, August 2010 President’s Letter

What a spring it has been with rain at trip to the north to see all the flowers should remain an independent entity last! Many birds have already bred and abundant birds. while maintaining cordial and and are on to their second or third At the last general meeting it became collaborative relations with Birds clutch as they take advantage of the apparent there is some speculation Australia. A good ecological analogy lush conditions and the available about our relationship with Birds is that any collective is strengthened food. In late October I spent twelve Australia, and even a minority view by more entities and weakened by days surveying birds to the east of that because it is the national the domination of a few. the northern Flinders Ranges and was organisation we should perhaps While we can undoubtedly serve the delighted with the abundance of birds amalgamate with it. I was surprised needs of the local membership there of many species. After the prolonged by this speculation and so I have is always the danger we might drought with its tired vegetation become too parochial and inward and sporadic breeding it was looking. However, there is strong wonderful to see blooming trees evidence that by and large the and shrubs and the ground I extend best wishes Association has avoided these covered in flowers, including pitfalls, as can be seen with our carpets of Sturt’s Desert Peas. to everyone over the active involvement with national Huge flocks of Budgerigars and initiatives such as the 2020 Count, Zebra Finches were all breeding summer break, with and the recent initiative of our wherever they could. Little journal, which is encouraging Button-quail were common and I lots of good birding. submission of papers from all over regularly flushed them, including Australia. We have been trying to many with young chicks. A establish a Memorandum of highlight on a bright sunny mid- canvassed five former presidents of Understanding with Birds Australia, morning was to have excellent views the Association and other members, but the merger of Birds Australia of a female Plains Wanderer with including (through John Hatch) with BOCA has delayed these two attendant males, all of which Margaret Cameron who is a long- negotiations. There have been disappeared exactly as described by term member and past President of attempts to formalise our relationship Colin Rogers at the October general Birds Australia. A strong consensus with Birds Australia going back to at meeting. At night we found Barn emerged from these discussions. least the early nineteen seventies, but Owls, Southern Boobooks, While there is no doubt Birds they have been more in the nature of Australian Owlet-nightjars, Tawny Australia is the national a gentleman’s agreement. Because Frogmouths and Spotted Nightjars, ornithological organisation there is the other party has no record of them and we saw many Dusky Hopping plenty of room for a strong local they are of little relevance today. Mice on the roads. Many of the organisation. Both organisations However, they do provide evidence migratory birds were common with have complementary roles to play in of goodwill between the two parties. woodswallows everywhere and the enjoyment, study and Once the amalgamation between Rainbow Bee-eaters, White-winged conservation of birds, and many of Birds Australia and BOCA is Trillers and Rufous Songlarks in our members acknowledge this by complete we will actively pursue a most creek lines, while Brown being members of both. Birds SA as formal Memorandum of Songlarks were abundant in the open the South Australian Ornithological Understanding to outline our areas. Unusual birds were seen, Association has a slightly longer respective roles and interactions. including an excellent view of a lone history than Birds Australia, it is Should the membership feel it is Australian Bittern at a dam, and a financially sound and has a large, necessary we could also send out a single Painted Finch, though I stable and active membership. We questionnaire to explore the various unfortunately missed it. Curiously, also have a proud history of ways in which the two august bodies many of the resident birds were in achievement with many of our might more effectively interact. surprisingly low numbers, so there members making outstanding This is my last Letter for 2010, so I were few Chestnut-rumped and contributions to Australian extend best wishes to everyone over Inland Thornbills and the usually ornithology. Read any of the species the summer break with lots of good common Striated Pardalote and accounts in The Handbook of birding. There are still opportunities Mistletoebird were scarce. Perhaps Australian, New Zealand and for members to meet and interact: they have been reduced by years of Antarctic Birds (HANZAB) and it is first at the forthcoming meeting with poor conditions and will take time to soon apparent how much of the basic refreshments and a lively recover, or perhaps they have taken data were derived from our journal, presentation from Sean Dooley, and advantage of the good conditions to the South Australian Ornithologist. then at the Christmas Camp near disperse widely. I encourage For all these reasons there was a Coffin Bay. everyone who has a chance to make a strong feeling that our Association Jeremy Robertson

4 Birds SA Newsletter, November 2010 Birds SA Notes & News

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE SHOREBIRD COUNTS AWARD CITATION Counters are wanted to assist TREVOR COWIE Conservation Volunteers Australia Trevor joined Birds SA in January (CVA) with forthcoming shorebird 1991 and his first monthly walks counts. Help is wanted for the Port were with the Australian Wader Adelaide (Council) Wetlands on the Studies Group. Organisation of these following dates in December: 1, 8, walks was later taken over by Birds 15, and 17. SA. In 1992 the position of Field 2020 Shorebird Counts will be held Programme Co-ordinator became on the following dates: vacant at the Annual General 5 December 2010 Meeting and later that year Trevor High tide – 1.60m. Time 5.51pm volunteered to fill the position. 15 January 2011 Trevor has held the position High tide – 1.14m, Time 10.23am continuously since then. 13 March 2011 Since Trevor took over the role there High tide – 1.65m, Time 8.35am have been over 300 weekend outings. Anyone wishing to join either of Field programmes form a vital part these counts will be welcome. of the Association’s activities, Contact: Trevor Cowie. 8263 2531. providing enjoyment for all Email [email protected] participants, practical training for Trevor Cowie new birdwatchers and important information on the numbers and and Natural Resources, (Formerly SQUARE-TAILED KITES IN distribution of bird species across a DEH). MOUNT CRAWFORD FOREST range of habitats. In 2009 Cheetham Salt advised that During the spring of 2008 two pairs As Co-ordinator, Trevor has been access to its salt fields at Price and of Square-tailed Kites nested in responsible for selection of sites; Dry Creek would no longer be Mount Crawford Forest. Rose Slade negotiations with landowners, groups permitted. As these sites are and Sue Gredley located one nest and and government departments to seek important wintering areas for Frank Dennis located the other. One permission for access; and migratory shorebirds in South pair raised two young that fledged subsequent reconnaissance of the Australia this decision was a shock, successfully; the outcome of the site. During a reconnaissance, Trevor especially as the sites rank high on second nest is less certain. In the establishes the species of birds that the wish lists of both members and spring of 2009 both pairs returned to may be found at the site; the best visitors. their 2008 nests and engaged in areas for survey; the best way to Trevor embarked on a series of incubation activity but no young travel to the site; and finds a pleasant negotiations with management of were produced. The reasons are spot for lunch and a ‘bird call’. He Cheetham Salt and succeeded in unclear. A November heat-wave is always ensures that new bird securing future access for both one possible factor. watchers are welcomed and provided members of local birding groups and Department for Environment and with assistance, and that as many of interstate and overseas visitors. He Heritage (DEH) and Forestry SA the group as possible see any unusual was entrusted with the task of staff took action to ensure the sites birds. Trevor accomplishes all this establishing an induction programme were documented so that any with his well-known sense of for visitors to the salt fields and interference at the sites, such as humour. Cheetham accepted this. He has gone through forestry activity or intrusive Trevor also ensures that members are out of his way to ensure that anyone public access, would be minimised. informed of the details of future and wishing to visit the salt fields is able Details of the site localities were not past outings in the quarterly to undertake the induction revealed. I was invited to meet DEH Newsletter and at General Meetings. programme with a minimum of fuss. and Forestry SA staff to discuss He also attempts to ensure that Trevor has more recently taken on further measures for the 2010 season. members are informed of any the additional roles of local co- Unexpectedly and disappointingly problems with, or changes to, ordinator for the Shorebirds 2020 and we have been aware of no reports of upcoming outings. All details of Important Bird Areas programmes. Square-tailed Kites in the Mount sightings on the outings are given to He will be presented with his Crawford Forest area so far this year. the Bird Record Secretary for Distinguished Service Award at the The reasons for this are also unclear. inclusion in the Association’s January general meeting. Many aspects of the season are database and subsequent submission David Robertson running late; there have been fierce to the Department of Environment winds causing breeding failure in

Birds SA Newsletter, November 2010 5 Birds SA Notes & News (cont) many raptors according to Ian The complete list of awards that encouraged to familiarise themselves Falkenberg. Conditions may be very Michael received is: with the species that require favourable elsewhere. Perhaps it is • Oliphant Trophy - for descriptions before the records can simply a matter of the birds finding Outstanding Science Content be accepted on to the Birds SA breeding sites nearby but remaining • First prize in the year 10-12 database. When you see any of these undetected. Multimedia section species it is important that you make Forestry SA wishes to do what they • The Nature Foundation SA Prize detailed notes on what you have can to protect these birds and for years 11-12 students observed and document these on the especially their breeding activities • Second prize in the boys' section Rare Bird Record Form that can also but can do little unless they know of the DECS Young Scientists be downloaded from our website. where they are so any sighting of the Awards 8-12. The Rare Birds Committee reviews species over the next few months I am sure that you will all join me in the record forms and decides whether will be helpful. offering Michael congratulations there is sufficient evidence to enable Please, whenever you are in the area from Birds SA. a record to be accepted. If there is (from Lyndoch and Williamstown in Brian Walker insufficient evidence the record is the north to Kersbrook, Forreston not accepted and may or may not go and Cromer CP in the south), into the database as a ‘possible keep a lookout for Square-tailed sighting’. Kites. Make sure you have The Committee does not reject adequate views and field-notes records and in some cases it is or photographs so that identity is highly probable that the certain and please pass any observer did see the species that record on to me or to Colin they claimed, but did not Rogers as for any important support the observation with record on 8272 7271 enough evidence. The Rare or [email protected] Birds Committee has received Andrew Black several records that could not be accepted because of inadequate CONGRATULATIONS descriptions. MICHAEL When you think you may be One of our younger members, looking at a rare species, try to Michael Huxley, has recently do the following: won several awards. The  Observe and write down as following extract from "The much as you can about the Advertiser" outlines Michael’s plumage colouring of all success in the Oliphant Awards. parts of the body “FOOTAGE of birds shot in  Take note of the size and various states of Australia, shape of the bird, reference together with a script that to common species nearby is explained their survival skills, a good idea won the top prize in the Oliphant  Note the size, shape and Science Awards last night. colouring of the bill and legs Eighteen-year-old Michael  Describe any behavioural Huxley from St John's Grammar characteristics that you saw School has now won the Sir  Make note of any calls and Mark Oliphant Award twice.” how they sounded He submitted a three-minute BIRDS SA RARE BIRDS  Compare the bird to similar DVD on how seven species of birds COMMITTEE species you already recognise and are adapting to their environment. “I THE IMPORTANCE OF GOOD note how the rare bird differed had expectations about what they DESCRIPTIONS  Photograph the bird, if possible. (birds) might be going to do so I tried Every now and then we are treated to You do not have to see and record to film that when I could.” he said. visits from bird species that seldom every characteristic in order to get a The Oliphant awards are run occur in our region and these records record accepted but the better the annually by the South Australian form an important part of our description, the greater are your Science Teachers Association." understanding of how and when they chances of success. It makes the turn up on ‘our patch’. Committee’s job a lot easier too!! The Birds SA website has a section John Fennell called Rare Birds and members are

6 Birds SA Newsletter, November 2010 Birds SA Notes & News (cont) HOW TO REPORT A BIRD OR If the bird is dead, we would like sleeping bags and other adventure BAT BAND RECOVERY IN you, if possible, to: equipment. AUSTRALIA • take the band off; To view the Australian Government • gently straighten it as much as SPARE JOURNAL COPIES web pages go to the following URL: you can; WANTED http://www.environment.gov.au/biod • stick it to some cardboard; A number of museums, public iversity/science/abbbs/recovery.html • write the band number on the libraries and individual non-members cardboard; throughout Europe, North America If you find a bird with a band, wing • write whether you have and of course Australasia, subscribe tag, or some other marking, the telephoned the ABBBS about this to our journal, The South Australian Australian Bird and Bat Banding band; and Ornithologist. Scheme (ABBBS) would like to hear • send the band to the ABBBS Inevitably, copies are sometimes lost about it. Some kinds of bands cannot The ABBBS will be very glad to hear or damaged in the post or within be reported to the ABBBS. These from you and will send you a letter institutions, and we receive requests include pigeon bands and bands used telling you about where and when the for replacements. We keep a small by domestic bird breeders. If you are bird was banded. reserve stock (five copies) to cover not sure whether you have found a Contacts such events. Unfortunately in 2004 band that is not reportable, the above The Australian Bird and Bat Banding Part 6 of Volume 34 was accidentally web address describes the features of Scheme (ABBBS) GPO Box 8 under-printed and we have no reserve Pigeon and Breeders’ bands. Canberra ACT 2601 stock. The ABBBS accepts reports of birds Telephone: (02) 6274 2407 If any members have copies of this carrying foreign banding scheme Facsimile: (02) 6274 2455 issue that they no longer need, addresses, such as the German band Email: [email protected] Philippa Horton (Collection Manager pictured. If you have found any wild Trevor Cowie of Birds, South Australian Museum) bird bands, please follow the would be grateful to receive them, as she handles our journal exchanges and subscriptions. Copies could be given to either Philippa or Bob Brown at a general meeting. Thanking you in anticipation, Bob Brown.

ERRATA In the four-page flyer that was distributed with the August Newsletter, two of the IBAs being covered by Birds SE were incorrectly listed. The correct information is given below: instructions below. DISCOUNTS FOR MEMBERS Area 26318 Watervalley Wetlands Either use the On-line reporting form The Scout Outdoor Centre has are covered by Birds SE. obtainable at the above website; or agreed to offer a discount of up to Area 26483 Lakes Alexandrina and write, email or 15% to members of Birds SA upon Albert are not under Birds SE. telephone the ABBBS with the presentation of a current membership following information: card. The Centre is located at 192 On page 17 of the August Rundle Street and stocks a range of Newsletter, bird number 12 was • the band number; goods, including travel clothing, named as a White-fronted • where you found the band; hiking boots, packs, sleeping bags Honeyeater. It is actually a Striped • date on which you found the and tents. Honeyeater. band; Cynthia Pyle • what you think happened to the Paddy Pallin at 228 Rundle Street is bird; also offering a discount of up to 10% • where the bird is now; to members of Birds SA upon • where the band is now; presentation of a current membership • notes about any other marks on card. Paddy Pallin offers a range of the bird. travel clothing, footwear, tents,

Birds SA Newsletter, November 2010 7 Miscellaneous Items

OLDMAN SALTBUSH chiefly graze saltbush at the end of potentially lower detectability to PLANTATIONS — A BONUS summer into autumn, allowing birds APS surveyors. For this reason the FOR BIRDS to use the saltbush as a resource for Australian Painted Snipe Recovery For many years Oldman saltbush feeding, protection and for nesting project encourages wetland birders (Atriplex nummularia) has proved from late winter until the end of the from across the nation (especially in useful for restoring production on year. In some situations the saltbush the under-represented north) to be salt affected land. It is moderately may not be grazed for two or three ever vigilant as APS have been found salt tolerant and drought resistant, years. in all types of habitat from vast providing valuable supplementary Further work is planned to identify lagoons to storm water drains. feed in times of drought or seasonal the biodiversity benefits of grazing Australia wide simultaneous shortages. It is usually planted in systems based on perennial shrubs surveying for APS will occur on the broad acres for saltland reclamation such as Oldman saltbush so that their weekends of October 16 and January or in rows for fodder purposes. In potential to contribute to 15 in an attempt to improve estimates recent years there has been a marked conservation in multifunctional on the population, now thought to increase in fodder plantings landscapes can be fully realised and stand at less than 1,500 individuals. Interstate studies have shown that appropriate management Incidental surveys outside these dates Oldman saltbush has the potential to recommendations developed. Birds (including those where no APS are achieve multiple resource SA member Dr Andrew Fisher is one seen) are also much appreciated in an management objectives for of the researchers involved in the attempt to unravel the many biodiversity and sustainable land studies, which are funded by the ecological questions still surrounding management. These include resilient Future Farm Industries Co-operative this enigmatic bird. For more grazing systems, improved Research Council. information on the Australian vegetation structural complexity and Bill Matheson. Painted Snipe and tips on how and diversified landscapes. There is also Source:DWLBC Technical Report. where to survey for them, please potential for carbon sequestration. Biodiversity value of saltbush visit: In their natural state saltbush (Atriplex nummularia) in mixed http://www.birdsaustralia.com.au/our shrublands are known to provide farming landscapes in the Southern -projects/australian-painted- useful habitat for a range of native Mallee, South Australia. snipe.html or contact Chris Purnell at fauna. Particular bird species [email protected] or associated with these shrublands PAINTED SNIPE SURVEYS Threatened Bird Network include Orange Chats, Rufous The Threatened Bird Network is coordinator Janelle Thomas at Fieldwrens and White-winged Fairy- seeking information and survey [email protected]. wrens — all notable ground feeders participants for Australian Painted Both online survey forms and a link that also nest and breed at low shrub Snipe. to hard copy forms are also available level. Details from a recent email are on the website. And remember that Investigations have begun in South reproduced below. It’s time once negative surveys are just as important Australia to clarify the potential again to grab your binoculars, as positive sightings so please send benefits of Oldman saltbush squeeze into your gumboots, get in all survey forms. plantings for birdlife by comparing yourself to a wetland and start Per BRIAN WALKER remnant vegetation, pasture and looking for Australia's most rare and Oldman saltbush plantings at five cryptic wetland species; the sites in the southern Murray Mallee. Australian Painted Snipe (APS). Preliminary results show that the After the spring/summer months of saltbush plantings are valuable for 2009/2010 yielded sightings of only birdlife. As expected, remnant 11 individuals, signs are good for the vegetation sites were found to have upcoming season with five birds greater biodiversity values than already recorded at two sites in saltbush or pasture. However Queensland! The onset of heavy saltbush sites contained a diverse winter rains throughout the Murray range of plant, bird and invertebrate Darling Basin, the Channel Country species, including a number of and into the interior this winter could threatened bird species not found on prove to produce a bumper breeding adjacent pasture sites. These included season for the APS, as it has already Elegant Parrots, Hooded Robins and been for other opportunistic waders Restless Flycatchers. such as Banded and Black-winged There appears to be a relatively Stilts. The rain events of this winter harmonious relationship between will however, allow the birds to bird life and livestock. Livestock remain dispersed, resulting in

8 Birds SA Newsletter, November 2010 Past & Future Meetings PAST GENERAL MEETINGS Galapagos Islands, Peru and Bolivia America. Darwin’s finches are the and then earlier this year to Bhutan. fastest evolving group of birds Friday July 30 The topic for this meeting was their around the world. Jody carried out Stuart Hull said he hoped that visit to Chile, Argentina and the her research on Floreana Island members were enjoying the Mid- Antarctic in November/December where all three species of tree finches Winter Members’ Night. Before 2009. Adrienne briefly described are found (Small, Medium and Large introducing the three interesting their itinerary showing a map of their Tree Finch). The populations of tree speakers he reminded them of the travels. Starting in Santiago de Chile, finches have been severely affected winter temperatures at 15.30 that day travelling to Punta Arenas in Chilean by the introduced parasitic fly, from: Patagonia and then by road to Puerto Philornis downsi. The fly lays its • Casey, -26·2C, wind NNE Natales. This was followed by a five eggs when the adult finch leaves and 9km/hr, Wind chill –40·4C day cruise on Fjordland, then five from 30 to 100 larvae can then be • Mawson, –19·8C, wind S days in Torres del Paine National found in the nest. Most young tree 37km/hr, Wind chill –50·97C Park, based at the Cascada Eco- finches do not survive and adults can • Macquarie Island, 4·8C, wind camp. They then flew to Ushuaia in have deformed beaks. Philornis can NW 27km/hr, Wind chill –9·54 C Tierra del Fuego where they sailed to affect all nesting birds in the the Antarctica peninsula for eleven Gálapagos Islands. David Robertson described a trip he days on the ‘Polar Pioneer’ to recently enjoyed with his wife explore various waters and inlets, as Minnie on the Russian ship ‘Spirit of well as going ashore every day to see Enderby (Professor Khromov)’. They birds and animals. They returned to travelled from Christchurch, New Ushuaia and flew to El Calafate and Zealand via Norfolk Island, New then to the El Chalten/Fitzroy Caledonia, Solomon Islands to National Park, returning to Chile via Hokkaido, Japan. Only a few bird San Carlos de Bariloche and Puerto photographs were shown. The Varas before returning home. remaining photographs were scenic. Although this was not a specific birding trip, they did go birding Michael Huxley showed two of his independently and also used the latest videos. The first was ‘The services of birding guides found on Strzelecki Track 2010’ where he had www.birdingpal.com seen a total of 86 species. The second They saw 152 species on their trip, video showed birds from southern 137 in Chile & Argentina and 17 in Queensland, including Bowra Antarctica or on the ocean. 110 of Station, Cunnamulla to around these were new birds to them. Brisbane and south east Queensland. A Panasonic 18 zoom lightweight camera was used for the scenery and Leigh Schmidt then talked about stationary birds, and a Panasonic 30 FUTURE GENERAL MEETINGS ‘Birds in the Backyard’. He zoom video camera for action shots explained how he has kept bird of bird behavior. Peter & Adrienne General meetings are held at 7.45pm records from localities where he has showed their best bird slides and in the Hawker Centre at the Waite lived over the years – Bakers Gully, many spectacular scenery photos Institute on the last Friday of each S.A., Cobar, N.S.W. and with some short videos of bird and month except December, (provided Hawthorndene, S.A. By keeping animal behavior. These included an there is no clash with a public weekly records he was able to show amazing sequence of Condors with a holiday). The doors open at 7pm. The with the use of graphs the changes in fox at a carcass. speakers and topics for the next four the occurrence of birds from year to They interspersed these pictures with months meeting are given below. year and season to season. He stories of incidents that occurred th encouraged members to keep their during their trip. 28 January own records. Greg Dare — Birds Around SA

Friday September 24 th Friday August 27 Stuart Hull introduced Jody 25 February Stuart Hull introduced Peter Day and O’Connor from Flinders University Merylin Browne — Some Bird Adrienne Lovelock. who is completing her PhD. Her talk Families of the Americas 2009/10 was a special year for both was entitled “Ensuring the survival th speakers during which they travelled of Darwin’s finches in the Gálapagos 25 March to the Amazon jungle, Patagonia, the Islands”. The Gálapagos Islands are David Robertson — What Bird is about 1000km west of South that?; Whistlers and Others

Birds SA Newsletter, November 2010 9 Past Excursions Saturday August 14 confident enough to claim it. This Sunday August 29 Scott CP would have been a new record for Rocky Gully — Forestry SA It was obvious that it would be a wet this site. Has any member a record This was the first planned walk in days walk. The 8 birders who of this species at Brown's Road? this area and it was enjoyed by the 36 attended have naturally been Bob Snell people that turned out to have a look. certified. The drizzle was continuous To my knowledge, no one was and we were surprised to find that the Weekend of 20-23 August. disappointed, since the final count rivers were not running at all. The Birds SE/Birds SA, Messent CP was 54 species with the late addition walk, of just 2 hours, started from the Campout. of Tree Martins and a Rufous first car park from which we moved Birds SA members were invited to Songlark. The site has a great variety west to the other car park and back to join Birds SE at this campout and of habitats, and species here included the vehicles along the road. The some of us made the trip on this cold Southern Scrub-robin, Pallid and biggest problem was actually the weekend to a place that we have not Horsfield’s Bronze Cuckoos, White- cold! However, the birds were very visited before. We recorded 62 winged Chough, 6 species of vocal and many hollows were species, including Emu, Cockatiel, honeyeater (including Spiny- checked for signs of breeding. The Eastern Rosella, Pallid and Fan-tailed cheeked), 7 Raptor species which number of species seen was only 30. Cuckoo, Southern Boobook, Spotted included Hobby, Peregrine Falcon However, we did see 3 Yellow-tailed and Owlet Nightjar, Superb and and Brown Goshawk. It is always Black Cockatoos plus a few Rainbow Variegated Fairy-wrens, Southern good to see Variegated Fairy-wrens Lorikeets, Galahs, Crimson Rosellas, Emu-wren, Shy Heathwren, Rufous and Peaceful Doves. Quite a few Red-rumped and Elegant Parrots. Fieldwren, White-eared, Purple- nests were seen. Lunch was taken by Purple-crowned and Musk Lorikeets gaped and Tawny-crowned entrance to another old growth area were heard rather than seen. The Honeyeaters, Crested Bellbird, walk of this Forestry SA area. This combined noise, which included 7 Restless Flycatcher and European was a great day — without rain for a species of Honeyeater and many Goldfinch, plus a worked Malleefowl change. We saw motorbikes along Striated Pardalotes was great to hear. mound — to name just a few. The the railway lines and in the bush We moved to Goolwa wharf to enjoy weather was not the kindest. On the areas, and 11 of them were pulled our lunch under cover. After lunch first night we endured rain, hail and over by rail security personnel. We we took a general look around the wind. On the second, there were no understand they were given $500.00 barrage and then split up, everyone clouds and cold icicles were in the fines. doing their own thing on the way van in the morning. The third Trevor Cowie. back to Adelaide. morning was pleasant. On a good Trevor Cowie note the Welcome Swallows stayed Saturday September 11 around the campsite and made visits Black Hill CP Thursday August 19 into the caravans, which was great. Things were looking good from the Brown's Road, Monarto — However, some things do need to be start of this walk. The 13 of us Forestry SA done outside. Bryan Haywood and I moved to an area where the In spite of the forecast predicting agreed to organise a combined camp Chestnut-rumped Heathwren had strong winds and rain, 17 members for next year, with Birds SA being been recorded and eventually one turned out for the Thursday Field the hosts at a campout over the appeared after hearing the call for a Trip to Brown's Road, Monarto. October long weekend 2011 at while. Most of us missed seeing it of Luckily, the forecast proved wrong, Ngarkat Conservation Park. This is a course. Our aim was to confirm it and we enjoyed an excellent place that neither group has visited was still active in the park in the area morning's birding under mostly clear for many years, mainly due to fires close to houses and it was also seen skies. Forty-seven species of bird This year’s rain could make this area on the following day. At the same were recorded, highlights being two a fantastic place to visit. Watch this location we suddenly saw a large Owlet-nightjars, Rufous and Golden space for confirmation of flock of 200 noisy Yellow-tailed Whistlers, Yellow-plumed authorisation to have a campout, and Black Cockatoos taking to the air. Honeyeater, three Restless plan to be there. This is an Important The reason for their flight may well Flycatchers and a Southern Scrub- Bird Area (IBA) site so an effort to have been a pair of Brown Goshawks robin. Enid Pascoe and Bill Alcock have many birders there to seek out that invaded the space where they had previously seen Southern Scrub- the IBA species would be were feeding. Goldfinches and robin at Brown's Road on 30/4/2010. worthwhile. Mistletoebirds added colour to our One member of the group saw a bird Trevor Cowie. walk. At lunch a Kookaburra flew in that he did not recognise. After a above us with its own lunch, showing search through a Field Guide he a mouse in its beak with the head thought it most likely to have been sticking out at the tip. The count was White-eared Honeyeater, but was not

10 Birds SA Newsletter, November 2010 Past Excursions (cont) 37 species of the birds expected in eaters were observed passing Wedge-tailed Eagles were added to the Adelaide Hills. through. Breeding activity seemed to the list. A small total of 35 species Trevor Cowie be in full swing for a number of were seen altogether. Bee-eaters and species. A Brown Goshawk was Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoos were

Thursday September 16 observed tending a nest near the car a couple of highlights for the Moorundie Wildlife Park park and not far away Varied Sitella morning. A mild to warm morning The park was exceptionally green were busy constructing their nest. with an amazing display of due to the rain of the previous weeks We also observed a Chestnut-rumped wildflowers helped make up for the and the track in was quite wet in Thornbill’s nest with young, a Jacky low bird count. places. Twenty two members Winter sitting on a nest, possibly Peter Gower attended the walk. Highlights of the with eggs and Galahs exiting tree morning included both Chestnut- hollows. Other highlights included Sunday October 31 crowned and White-browed Splendid and Variegated Fairy- Monarto CP Babblers, Splendid and Variegated wrens, Crested Bellbird, Horsfields It rained on and off from the start and Fairy-wrens, five species of Bronze-cuckoo, Hooded and Red- it was cold (too cold for me and a honeyeater, including White-eared capped Robins, Gilbert’s and Rufous few others). However, 26 people and White-fronted. Spiny-cheeked Whistlers and Chestnut Quail-thrush. turned up for the day’s birding, Honeyeaters were numerous and very In all 42 species were observed, and thinking it would be better than in vocal. Chestnut-rumped Thornbills a warm and pleasant day was Adelaide. After some of us returned and Southern Whitefaces were enjoyed by all. to the car park I suggested the trip be abundant as usual and, unlike this Martyn Price abandoned so several gave up and time last year, no breeding activity left. I waited for the fit and hardy to was directly observed. Neither of the Thursday October 14 return and we did manage a bird common migrants, Rainbow Bee- Cox Scrub CP count of 39 species seen from inside eater nor White-winged Triller, had A flurry of bird activity greeted 20 the rear of Peter Gower’s car. We did yet arrived. In all 38 species were members and friends at the northern not have our lunch gathering of observed on a mild and fine day. car park of the Cox Scrub course as there was no shelter for it Martyn Price Conservation Park. About two anywhere close to this Conservation hundred metres from the car park Park. Many people saw the Southern Sunday September 26 everyone was entertained by four Scrub-robins and Shy Heath-wrens, Redbanks CP Golden Whistlers competing for their some for the first time. Other species, Since we were enjoying a long territory and mates. A number of such as Common Bronzewing weekend of 3 days spent looking for other birds were also active in this allowed close views. A Brown the species here, we recorded 56 area, but moving up the slope on the Songlark gave us a song, as did the species 10 of which were new to my short walking trail produced fewer Shy Heath-wrens. The 9 species of listings for the Conservation Park. Of birds. A Goshawk or Sparrowhawk honeyeater seen included Spiny- note were Tawny Frogmouth, slipped over the treetops too quickly cheeked, Purple-gaped, Tawny- Spotted Nightjar, Black-eared to be identified, but aside from that crowned, White and Yellow Plumed. Cuckoo, Jacky Winter, Rainbow sightings were few and far between Four species were looking after Bee-eater, Painted Button-quail, Red- until back down the slope amongst dependent young. These were backed Kingfisher and 6 species of the taller trees. Following an early Australian Magpie, Grey Currawong, Raptor, including Peregrine Falcon lunch ten people moved to the Red Wattlebird and Singing and Collared Sparrowhawk. The southern car park, from where three Honeyeater. weather was fine and 10 members further species, including a pair of Trevor Cowie enjoyed a weekend away. However the area has not had much rain so We welcome the following new members, who have joined the very few grasses hadz put on any Association in the past few months: display. Trevor Cowie Neville Harris PORT ADELAIDE Allan West LOWER MITCHAM Saturday October 9 Jeff Groves VISTA Bakara CP Wendy Hudson FAIRVIEW PARK Seventeen members made the long Warren Cheng BEDFORD PARK trip for an early start to the morning, Ashley, Michael & Lynette O'Brien NORTH HAVEN although not everyone made it by the Roslyn Rubarth BRIGHTON scheduled starting time. The area Clare & James Nicolson MILLSWOOD covered was from about 100m into the park on the main entrance track, If your name has inadvertently been omitted from this list, please contact and the surrounding areas. Soon after our treasurer. His ‘phone number is on p2. leaving the parking area we flushed several Barn Owls. Several Bee-

Birds SA Newsletter, November 2010 11 Future Excursions Convener: Trevor Cowie Saturday December 11 It is hoped to include a survey of Email: [email protected] Reedy Creek, Waterfall Reserve Coffin Bay, which has been Tel: 08 8263 2531 (MLR) (85km) identified as an Important Bird Area Meet at 8.15am in the reserve’s car (IBA). The Coffin Bay IBA Note: Lists of species recorded at the park. The entrance road is on the regularly supports more than 1% of locations visited can be reviewed at Mannum side of the bridge over the world population of Pied www.birdpedia.com Reedy Creek, approximately 7km Oystercatcher and Sooty south of Mannum or 22km north of Oystercatcher, significant numbers of HOT WEATHER PROTOCOL Murray Bridge. the vulnerable Fairy Tern, near If a fire ban is in effect or the threatened Hooded Plover and forecast temperature is above 36C in Thursday December 16 Western Whipbird, and biome- the area of a scheduled walk, the Laratinga Wetlands (MLR) restricted Rock Parrot and Blue- walk is automatically considered (34km) breasted Fairy-wren. cancelled. This does not apply to Salt Meet at 8.30am at the car park on The table summarises the status of Fields excursions, which will Bald Hills Road, Mt. Barker. globally important bird populations proceed whatever the temperature. in Coffin Bay Sunday December 19 The cost will be $10 per vehicle for Cheetham Salt Limited Dry Creek Salt Fields (AP) (26km) the whole visit. Each individual bird club member Meet at 2.45pm. Tide 1.64m. An For further details contact David must have completed an induction additional outing Robertson email: course authorised by Cheetham Salt See the Cheetham Salt Limited [email protected] or Ltd and must carry a valid card of information, above phone: (08) 8278 7866. authority prior to entering the Dry Turn west onto St Kilda Road from Further information can also be Creek and/or Price Salt Fields. If Port Wakefield Road and keep obtained from the following website: you do not have this authority, straight on. Pass the original entrance http://www.nyrocacamp.com.au/ Contact: Trevor Cowie of Birds SA road, as it is now blocked off. Take on Tel: 8263 2531 to find out how to the next turning right onto Radar Saturday January 8 become authorised. In his absence Road (dirt) actually called Samphire Sandy Creek CP (MLR) (52km) contact Brian Walker of Birds SA on Road. Meet at 8am at the northern car park. Tel: 8263 3433. Please bring a hand held radio if you This is at the end of Conservation have one. Road, which is on the right off of the Outing details for Cheetham Salt Gawler to Lyndoch road about 10km Limited, Dry Creek Salt Fields for Christmas / New Year Campout east of Gawler. summer 2010/2011 This year’s campout will be held Sunday December 19: Dry Creek from 26th December to 4th January at Thursday January 13 Salt Fields Meet at 2.45pm. Nyroca Camp on the Eyre Dry Creek Salt Fields (AP) Tide 1.64m. An additional outing Peninsula. This site is owned by the Meet at 7.00am. Tide 1.75m Thursday January 13: Dry Creek Scouts. See the Cheetham Salt Limited Salt Fields Meet at 7.00am. Nyroca is located on the Flinders information, above Tide 1.75m. Highway, 55km northwest of Port Turn west onto St Kilda Road from Saturday February 12: Dry Creek Lincoln (see map on the next page) Port Wakefield Road and keep Salt Fields Meet at 7.30am. on a 21 ha natural bushland setting. It straight on. Pass the original entrance Tide 1.61m. is well equipped with all facilities, road, as it is now blocked off. Take Sunday March 27: Dry Creek including plenty of powered tent the next turning right onto Radar Salt Fields Meet at 7.00am. sites. Road (dirt) actually called Samphire Tide 1.67m. The location of the camp is Road. Saturday April 2: Dry Creek Salt convenient for outings to various Please bring a hand held radio if you Fields Meet at 3.00pm. Tide locations with a variety of habitats. have one. 2.32m. An additional outing Common Name Population Abundance Sunday November 28: Pooginook Pied Oystercatcher 112 – 382 individuals CP (Riverland) (MM) (175km) Sooty Oystercatcher 152 – 200 individuals Meet at 8.45am on the Waikerie to Hooded Plover 18 – 18 breeding pairs Taylorville Road just across the ferry Fairy Tern 0 29 individuals uncommon at Waikerie. Camping may be Rock Parrot common possible but individual permission Blue-breasted Fairy-wren uncommon should be obtained. Western Whipbird frequent

12 Birds SA Newsletter, November 2010 Future Excursions (cont) Sunday January 30 turnoff to Bowhill on the right. Take See the Cheetham Salt Limited Scott Creek CP (MLR) (28km) the next left to Sunnyside Lookout information, above Meet at 8.00am at the Almanda Mine car park. Turn west onto St Kilda Road from Site car park area on Dorset Vale Port Wakefield Road and keep Road. To get there use the SE Saturday March 12 straight on. Pass the original entrance Freeway leaving it for Stirling. Turn Laratinga (Mt. Barker) Wetlands road, as it is now blocked off. Take right at the roundabout to Longwood. (MLR) (34km) the next turning right onto Radar After approx 2.5-3km turn right Meet at 8.30am at the car park on Road (dirt) actually called Samphire towards Cherry Gardens, turning left Bald Hills Road, Mt. Barker. Road. into Dorset Vale Road approx 2km Please bring a hand held radio if you before reaching Cherry Gardens. Thursday March 17 have one. Riverglades and Rocky Gully Saturday February 12 Wetlands, Murray Bridge. (MM) Saturday April 2 Dry Creek Salt Fields (AP) (80km) Dry Creek Salt Fields (AP) Meet at 7.30am. Tide 1.61m Meet at 8.30am in the boat ramp car Meet at 3.00PM. Tide 2.32m. An See the Cheetham Salt Limited park at Avoca Dell. To get there, additional outing information, above drive to Murray Bridge. Cross the See the Cheetham Salt Limited Turn west onto St Kilda Road from bridge to the eastern side of the river. information, above Port Wakefield Road and keep Take the fifth turning on the left into Turn west onto St Kilda Road from straight on. Pass the original entrance Mitchell Ave. After 3.35km turn left Port Wakefield Road and keep road, as it is now blocked off. Take into Murray Drive. At the foot of the straight on. Pass the original entrance the next turning right onto Radar hill turn right. The car park is ahead. road, as it is now blocked off. Take Road (dirt) actually called Samphire GPS 35º 5.3' S 139º 18.5' E. the next turning right onto Radar Road. Road (dirt) actually called Samphire Please bring a hand held radio if you Sunday March 27 Road. have one. Dry Creek Salt Fields (AP) Please bring a hand held radio if you Meet at 07.00am. Tide 1.67m. have one. Thursday February 17 Goolwa Barrage area (MLR) (90km) Meet to the west of Goolwa Yacht Club at 8.30am.

Sunday February 27 Paiwalla Wetlands (MM) (88km) Awaiting confirmation Meet at Sunnyside Lookout at 8.30am. Take the Murray Bridge to Mannum Road, on the eastern side of the river. Stay on this road till just past the

Birds SA Newsletter, November 2010 13 Bird Records Records included here are of species 03/10/2010. Many were at Grey Falcon listed as ‘uncommon, rarely waterholes along the Birdsville Track 03/10/2010. One was just north of observed’ or having not previously near Mungerannie, NE. the ferry on the southern side of the been recorded in the regions of South Edward Smith. Cooper, NE. Australia as shown in the 4th edition Royal Albatross Colin Rogers & John Cox. of A Field List of the Birds of South 10/10/2010. Four or five were over Australia. Also included are the shelf-break on the pelagic trip Brolga interesting breeding or ecological from Port MacDonnell, SE. 26-27/09/2010. Three were in a creek notes, new records for a well known Stuart Hull et al. near the Dulkaninna HS, Birdsville locality, and first of the season Track, NE. records of migratory species. Australasian Bittern John Cox & Colin Rogers. Send all reports to C Rogers at 21/08/2010. One was calling from a [email protected] or reed-bed at Morgan, Murray River, Australian Bustard 83363325 or MOB 0417 896 977 MM. 19/08/2010. One was 20km east of Chris Steeles. Ceduna, EP. Malleefowl 30/09/2010. At least two, and Bob & Trish Sothman. 20/08/2010. One was working the possibly three or four, were calling mound on the Loop Road, Salt (booming) near the Pat-om and Greater Sand Plover Creek, Coorong. Gunnar Walks, Bool Lagoon, SE. 12/10/2010. One was at Light Beach, Teresa Jack. Kevin Stracey. AP. 22/08/2010. An open mound was 13/11/2010. One flew across the John Hatch & Brian Walker. noted in Messent CP, SE. lagoon near Gunnar Walk, Bool 11/11/2010. Eight were at Thompson Teresa Jack. Lagoon, SE. Beach, AP. Bill Alcock. Win Syson. Brown Quail Hooded Plover 19/10/2010. Four were near the Intermediate Egret 15/08/2010. Seven were at Fowlers Pingle Farm Track, Onkaparinga 05/10/2010. One was in a swamp on Bay, EP. recreation Park, MLR. the by-pass track to Cooper Crossing, Teresa Jack. Nathaniel Doecke. NE. 01/10/2010. Two were on the beach 24/10/2010. One was calling from Colin Rogers & John Cox. west of Cape Northumberland, Port dense Veldt Grass near the Point MacDonnell, SE. Sturt road, LA. Eastern Osprey Kevin Stracey. Nathaniel Doecke. 10/08/2010. One was near the head 19/10/2010. Three were flushed from of the Bight Whale–watching Plains-wanderer dense grassland in the Onkaparinga platform, Nullabor, NW. 26/09/2010. Two, a male and a recreation Park, MLR. Teresa Jack. female, were on the Birdsville Track, Nathaniel Doecke. NE, just north of the Clayton- Letter-winged Kite Dulkaninna boundary. Wandering Whistling Duck. 04-05/10/2010. Four were near the Colin Rogers & John Cox. 11/09/2010. A flock of 30 flew up Strzelecki Track, north of and then landed on a soak cut by the Montecollina Bore, NE. White-fronted Tern bypass track to the Cooper Crossing, Mike Potter, Colin Rogers & John 02/10/2010. One in full breeding NE. Cox. plumage was on the breakwater at Peter Waanders. Port MacDonnell, SE. 03/10/2010. One was at Mungerannie Square-tailed Kite Kevin Stracey. Bore, Birdsville Track, NE. 19/08/2010. One flew over the 10/10/2010. One in non-breeding Edward Smith. treetops near Belair, MLR. plumage was on the breakwater at This species is classified as Leigh Schmidt. Port MacDonnell, SE. ‘unconfirmed’ on The Field List of 26/10/2010. One was 5km SW of Colin Rogers et al. the Birds of South Australia. Williamstown, MLR. Hilary Thompson. Orange-bellied Parrot Flock Bronzewing 24/10/2010. Two were over the 9/09/2010. One was with forty-six 05/10/2010. One flew across the by- canopy at Hale CP, MLR. Blue-winged Parrots at 28 Mile pass track below Cooper Crossing, Amada Pearce. Crossing, Old Coorong Road, NE. Coorong. Colin Rogers & John Cox. David Dadd.

14 Birds SA Newsletter, November 2010 Bird Records (cont) Western Bowerbird Bassian Thrush 25/09/2010. One was near Nyaperi, 19/09/2010. One was in the Mt Lofty APY Lands , NE. Botanical Gardens, MLR. John Hatch. Kay Parkin. 04/11/2010. One was in Hale CP, Chestnut-breasted Whiteface MLR. 06/09/2010. Six were on Mt Kevin Stracey. Lyndurst Station, NE. Peter Waanders.

Pied Honeyeater 26/09/2010. Several were in the Frome Creek, Birdsville Track, NE. )PYKZVM[OL-SL\YPL\ John Cox & Colin Rogers. 28/09/2010. A male was at the *(3,5+(9 Cooper Creek, north of the punt, NE. John Cox & Colin Rogers.

Black-chinned Honeyeater 20/09/2010. Two were in Mt George CP, MLR. VUZHSL Peter Waanders. 12/11/2010. Four were in Harriet Street, Strathalbyn, MLR. UV^ Nathaniel Doecke.

White-bellied Cuckoo-shrike 02/10/2010. Two were at Telford Scrub CP, SE. Kevin Stracey.

Olive-backed Oriole 12/09/2010. One was at Sandy Creek CP, MLR. Michael Wood. (SSWYVJLLKZMYVT Little Woodswallow [OPZJHSLUKHYNV 24/09/2010. Thirty were at Wilkawillina Gorge, FR. 653@ [VZ\WWVY[OHIP[H[ Tim Dolby. YLZ[VYH[PVUWYVQLJ[Z HUK[OLWYV[LJ[PVU Pied Butcherbird VMLUKHUNLYLKHUK 20-21/06/2010. One was on a ]\SULYHISL^PSKSPMLVU property at Mount Dutton, lower EP. [OL-SL\YPL\7LUPUZ\SH Per Colin Gill. 03/08/2010. One was in a suburban 4VYL=LNL[H[PVU%4VYL/HIP[H[%4VYL)PVKP]LYZP[`%4VYL)PYKZ garden, McCord Road, Two Wells, AP. Jim MacNamara. 6YKLYZ ,UX\PYPLZ 7SLHZLJVU[HJ[*SPMM;VW*YLH[PVUZ ;LS! ^^^JSPMM[VWJYLH[PVUZJVT MVY[OL*HSLUKHY .YLL[PUN*HYKZ ZLH^PUNZ'JSPMM[VWJYLH[PVUZJVT Leaden Flycatcher 29/10/2010. A male was on private property at St Kilda, AP. Kevin Collins. Photographs taken.

Birds SA Newsletter, November 2010 15 Sea-Eagle Survey

Coastal Raptor Project Newsletter #4; September, 2010

This is ~15 more breeding territories than was estimated in the mid-1990s, but should not be regarded as an increase. No, it simply reflects the outcome of a more comprehensive habitat survey

rather than another conservative estimate based on part survey and part anecdotal records. MISSION ACCOMPLISHED! … well … nearly. Thanks Osprey season … to the Nature Foundation Appeal fund topping-up, the survey work around the State is now 98% The story for osprey will have to wait until after the complete. Just a few more islands to visit and outcome of ʻosprey seasonʼ on Kangaroo Island next maybe a quick trip back to the Riverland. month. However, the final number appears to be very close to that published in 2007 i.e. 55 pairs and After nearly three years, tens of boat hours, hundreds appears unlikely to exceed 60 pairs. of volunteer hours and thousands of kms travelled, In contrast to sea-eagle habitats, new boots for me and the Landrover (plus various only a small number of these were other bits!), the ʻfunʼ part is now nearly over. Next found on islands, which seems to comes the ʻwrite-upʼ phase … (groan!). Who was it confirm my view that these two said that ʻone hour of fieldwork generates two hours of species do not live happily side-by-side. bookworkʼ? anyway, it was a hopeless underestimate! For the absolute final numbers we will all have to wait Whatʼs been happening … for these to appear when published in the South During the May-June sea-eagle courting and nest Australian Ornithologist, probably early next year. building period several specific surveys were Volunteers … take a bow! conducted to follow-up on reports where eagles are seen from time to time: three days were spent As this will be the last scheduled project newsletter I conducting morning and evening ʻtelescope-watchʼ really must say a huge thankyou to all those who sessions overlooking Baudin Rocks at the northern contributed to the project in so many large and small end of Guichen Bay – but no sea-eagles were seen. ways … well done to all of you! it would just not have Then the same result after four days of searching and been as thorough without your assistance and shared ʻscope-watchʼ in the Point Clinton – local knowledge. Price area. These were followed You can all take some pride and satisfaction in having by several boat-based surveys contributed to a significant result. Where, for the first to islands in the Investigator time, and unique in Australia, we now have a relatively and Sir Joseph Banks complete picture of two endangered speciesʼ Group; along the northern population dimensions; where their important habitats and eastern coastlines of are found; and an understanding of some of the Kangaroo Island; then, last threats that they face in our changing coastal week, the wildest ride of all – landscapes. the western end of Kangaroo … and next year? Island! Although no new sites were found on the latter survey, it is pleasing to report Enough coastal cliffs for a while … our turn to go ʻa that overall, 19 sea-eagle territories were confirmed for deck-chair birdingʼ somewhere down the Cooper … Kangaroo Island – two more than were found in 2005 and one more than the 26 year average. Survey results … Although it may yet be possible to survey more islands, given the evident stability of the KI population Terry Dennis and the numbers of territories confirmed on other Ph - 08 8552 7659 or, islands so far, we are very close to being able to mobile - 0409 527 654 confidently model the total sea-eagle population. email - [email protected] So here goes: the best estimate is ~70 sea-eagle (photos: Andrew Brooks, sea-eagle; Edy Tasovac, osprey) territories statewide with the greater majority of these (77%) being found based on island habitats.

16 Birds SA Newsletter, November 2010

This project is partially funded through Birds SA, Nature Foundation SA and the Australian Government's Caring for our Country program News From the Library

598.29948 CHI Christmas and Cocos Keeling Islands Birding Guide Island Explorer Holidays Perth, W.A. : Island Explorer Holidays, n.d.

This guide contains where to find the birds; description of the birds, key species including voice, status, distribution and breeding; maps and a checklist.

598.2994 NIEa Nielsen, Lloyd. Birding Australia: a directory for birders Australian edition. Mt Molloy, Qld. : Lloyd Nielsen, 2010 ISBN 0957988109 A comprehensive guide to birding sites around Australia. Listing suggested itineraries, travelling details and key species that may be seen.

598.97 DEB Debus, Stephen The owls of Australia : a field guide to Australian night birds Canterbury, N.S.W. : Envirobook in association with Birds Australia, c2009. ISBN 9780858812222

This book documents the features and biology of Australian nocturnal birds, which include some of the most impressive birds found in this region.

DVD 18 Young, John Wings of Silence Toowong, Qld. : John Young Wildlife Enterprises (distributor), 2006.

“Under the cover of night there is a world rarely seen... a world travelled by creatures of the nightshift. Among these the owls are the supreme hunters flying soundlessly like shadows, flying on wings of silence. Share the spirit of discovery that drives wildlife cinematographer John Young to a death- defying climb twenty storeys up into the rainforest canopy. See the first ever footage of some of Australia's rarest living things. Experience the private lives of birds that have evoked images of mystery across the centuries”. Back cover.

Birds SA Newsletter, November 2010 17 News From the Library (cont)

DVD 30 The splendour of Australian birds [Australia]: REEL DVD [distributor], [2010].

From the archives of esteemed wildlife filmmaker, Bettina Dalton and the Absolutely Wild Visuals collection comes the definitive collection of Australian Birdlife, shot on various locations around the country and featuring some never before seen footage of common, exotic, endangered and even extinct species of Australian birds

DVD 31 Dare, Greg SA bird sightings 2009: including juvenile Lewin’s rail

Featured on 2 DVDs this collection shows 30 bird species from 3 coastal habitats; Thompson Beach, Victor Harbor and Goolwa

Details of photographs

No: Species Photographer Location Date 1 Elegant Parrot John Donkin Cox Scrub 16/9/2010 2 Swift Parrot Greg Dare Port Sorrell Tasmania 7/01/2010 Major Mitchell 17- 3 Chris James Dangalli Conservation Park Cockatoo 19/09/2010 4 Eastern Rosella Karen Donkin Beaumont 14/9/1020 5 Bourke’s Parrots Terry Dennistock Port Wakefield 22/6/2010 6 Australian Ringneck Greg Dare Alice Springs 19/02/2010 Stuart Highway, beyond 7 Cockatiel Teresa Jack 3/10/2010 Marla Mosquito Hill Road, north 8 Golden Whistler Peter Day 20/9/2010 of PortElliot 9 Striated Pardalote Peter Day Para Wirra 30/9/2010 10 Rainbow Bee-eaters Teresa Jack Altona Reserve 23/10/2010s 17- 11 Red-capped Robin Chris James Dangalli Conservation Park 19/09/2010 Elizabeth Steele- Feb/March 12 Beautiful Firetail Southern Fleurieu peninsula Collins 2010