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Newsletter of BirdLife Northern Volume 8 Number 4 December 2019

Lesser Sooty Owl. Image courtesy of Dominic Chaplin www.pinecreekpictures.com.au

BirdLife Northern Queensland

In this issue…

From the Convenor... page 3 BirdLife Northern Queensland branch convenor, Peter Valentine, writes about the return of our migrant waders and other seasonal visitors, avian genetics, Wetlands (under new management), access to Lake Mitchell and the Strike for Climate Action.

BNQ success and other wins for FNQ... page 6 Success in the Community Sustainability Action grant program for Threatened Species 2019, sees BirdLife Northern Queensland (BNQ) and collaborators awarded $97,570.00 for the project, Indigenous Collaborative Management of Threatened Coastal Birds. Congratulations to other FNQ groups who also attained much needed funding support.

Cassowary Festival... page 7 BirdLife Northern Queensland attended this year’s Cassowary Festival at Mission Beach. See images that capture the spirit of the day’s event.

Birdlife Photography – A Valuable Resource for Conservation and Educational Images… page 10 Graham Cam provides a valuable insight into one of BirdLife Australia’s special interest groups, BirdLife Photography. He explains how you can get involved and

use this valuable resource.

Dusky Moorhen (C) Georgina Steytler 2017 birdlifephotography.org.au Travels in Kamchatka and Chukota: 25 June - 8 July 2019... page 14 Have you ever thought about going to far eastern Russia? Read about the travels of Gary and Robyn Wilson as they explore this area with Heritage Expeditions. The goal was to study the critically endangered Spoon-billed Sandpiper, but the adventure also includes other far northern hemisphere birds and just the odd walrus or pod of orcas as well.

Seabirds on the Isle of Lunga in Scotland... page 19 Tom Collis found large colonies of puffins, guillemots and razorbills during a day tour to the Isle of Lunga. He describes how to get there and what he discovered when he visited. Prepare to add this to your bucket list.

Warrina Lakes Update... page 21 It’s breeding season at Warrina Lakes. Read this short article to learn more.

Also Out in Western Queensland, a poem Supporting student research into News from Mount Isa, October, by Lindsay Fisher…………………. page 5 Carpentarian Grasswrens ………. page 9 2019……………………….….…. page 17 2019 National Twitchathon and Spotlight on Owls……………….…. page 13 Mission Beach Birding….. page 18 Backyard Bird Count results… page 8 Noticeboard………………….. page 23

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From the Convenor

At this time of the year, we can all enjoy the return of our migrant bird species. Australia shares some of its birds with many different countries and without a shared commitment to their protection across the world there is no hope of survival for our wonderful diversity of birds. The waders that we enjoy from spring to autumn depend on northern hemisphere lands for their reproduction. But they equally require fuel stops between Australia and the Arctic circle in countries like China, Japan and Korea. Without these nations investing in habitat protection the species cannot continue their migration, and that will likely see their extinction. I occasionally hear ill-informed negative comments about “globalisation”, but for conservation of migratory species this element of life is critical and our world is a much better place for migrants because of the United Nations and associated bodies. Luckily many people around the world have forged international agreements to encourage and support the idea of thinking globally and acting locally. Our waders depend on such collaborative and cooperative efforts. Buff-breasted Paradise Kingfisher. Image by Keith Fisher. Apart from the waders we also have a host of other international migrants that enrich our avifauna. Northern Queensland members might participate in Without being too parochial, I share with many people projects to assist further understanding. Luckily for us, the joy of hearing our first Koel for spring, or those this kind of work no longer requires the sacrifice of raucous flying crosses, the Channel-billed Cuckoos. individual birds; much can be gained from a feather. And who does not delight in the return of our Buff- Several of those attending the Malanda talk told me it breasted Paradise-kingfisher, with its streaming white was one of the most interesting presentations we have ribbons flashing through the rainforest? Another buzz had. is the arrival of Metallic Starlings and their amazing Recently I attended an open day at the Mareeba social flights and breeding colonies. And in case we Wetlands, at the invitation of the present managers need more evidence of the pleasures of migratory Forever Wild. The vision is to be part of a series of species, we have the outstanding Torresian Imperial properties across Australia to demonstrate sustainable Pigeons, so abundant now thanks to local conservation environmental management for human and efforts by Arthur and Margaret Thorsborne (and conservation benefits. There were several members of others). your Committee present and there was a suggestion Other birds that come to mind are Dollarbirds (arriving by Forever Wild that perhaps BirdLife Northern to breed), Oriental Cuckoos who come for our summer, Queensland might be interested in undertaking regular and the marvellous swifts and swallows who love our bird surveys at Mareeba Wetlands. Further discussions summer insects but return to Asia to breed. will take place but one prospect could be a weekend camp that included surveys in the various habitat Quite a few members recently enjoyed a stimulating types present. If you think you might be interested in talk about bird variety, genetics and diversity; participating in such an outing perhaps you could let nomenclature and relationships. Dr Leo Joseph, the the Committee know. Director of the Australian Wildlife Collection at CSIRO, helped us appreciate the challenges of knowing your While on the topic of wetlands, members may like to birds and naming them. There remains more to learn know about discussions I held with the lessee of the but it is clear that greater access to genetic material, Mitchell Creek Reserve (in particular the owner of the to bits of DNA, can shed additional light on both the land adjacent to the reserve whose causeway has origins of species and on family connections. previously been accessed by vehicles for birding). The Sometimes the new data confirm long-held suspicions owner, a grazier, has taken radical action to stop but on other occasions they challenge our thinking. vehicle access. This might be understandable when hearing the provocation … illegal pig shooters have In our region there are a number of remaining or entered his property and shot cattle (as pig bait) and continuing puzzles, and it is likely that BirdLife have resisted all attempts at control, including security

December 2019 3 BirdLife Northern Queensland cameras linked to the local police station. It was in frustration at the failure and the continued illegal access onto his own property that led to the dumping of rock barriers on the causeway track. However, the owner is supportive of access by birdwatchers and has indicated that people who wish to birdwatch may walk into the site along the track. The locked gate at the other end of the causeway is on his freehold property and that land is not available for birding. I intend to continue to have discussions with the owner about the future use of the lake for birding.

I was pleased to see many BirdLife Northern Queensland members supporting the school children in their strike for climate action. The turnout in was astonishing and attracted a lot of community support. Unlike most of our politicians the young folk Access to Lake Mitchell is blocked to vehicles. Image courtesy are very concerned about their future prospects and as of Lindsay Fisher. a parent and grandparent I share those concerns. But We are planning to update and refresh our Branch for me I am also horrified at what we have already website. Please do let Renee know how you think our inflicted on our environment and especially the website could be improved and what you think about reduction of habitat for so many other species. Is there the changes when they happen. a better prospect, a better way? My reading supports a prospective future that is healthier for all and I am pleased to learn that the national BirdLife supportive of all life on earth. They are all our Australia website is also to undergo a significant relatives. Let’s not be deceived about this. There is no upgrade and I think it could be useful if members sent shortage of funds to tackle these issues. Not at all. some feed-back to the national office about their pet There is an enormous gap in vision and values and the hates of the existing website. For me it’s always an extinction rebellion is about drawing attention to a incredibly frustrating experience to visit the BirdLife better future for all. Just because Australia collectively Australia website and I avoid it like the plague. I has lost its way does not mean that we as individuals personally look forward to seeing a new BirdLife cannot act for better lives for ourselves and all our Australia website that brings pleasure rather than birds. annoyance! There is so much content that is hard to Peter Valentine, Convenor. find!

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BirdLife Northern Queensland Committee

Convenor Peter Valentine Email: [email protected] Phone: 07 40966171

Deputy Convenor Martin Willis Email: [email protected] Phone: 07 40966581

Secretary and Communications Renee Cassels Email: [email protected] Coordinator

Treasurer Lindsay Fisher Email : [email protected]

Cairns Area Coordinator Tom Collis Email: [email protected] Phone: 0401783795

Conservation Coordinator and Cape Kath Shurcliff Email [email protected] Phone: 07 4069 6595 York Area Coordinator

Tablelands Area Coordinator Martin Willis Email: [email protected] Phone: 07 40966581

Stickybeak Coordinator Golo Maurer Email: [email protected]

Committee member Ray Pierce Email: [email protected]

Grasswren Survey Coordinator Graham Harrington Email: [email protected] Phone: 07 4069 6595 and Kath Shurcliff

Members Coordinator Sam Willis Email: [email protected] Phone: 07 40966581

Website Manager Mikey Kudo Email: [email protected] Phone: 0402343610

Committee member Wayne Young Email: [email protected]

Newsletter Editor and Cassowary Ceri Pearce Email: [email protected] Phone: 0488131581 Coast Area Coordinator

OUT IN WESTERN QUEENSLAND

There is a fly in my eye, out in Western Queensland, but the billabongs are brimming, the rivers are running and the dams are full.

There is a fly in my veil, out in Western Queensland, but the trees are green, the shrubs are in flower and the grass is lush.

There is a fly in my tea, out in Western Queensland, but the daisies are blooming, the butterflies flitting and the dragonflies hovering.

There is a fly in my ear out in Western Queensland, but the budgies are breeding, the woodswallows flocking and songlarks are singing.

There are a million, billion flies out in Western Queensland, but the campers are happy and birders are having a ball out in Western Queensland.

A poem by Lindsay Fisher

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✓ South Endeavour Pty Ltd. as trustee for South BirdLife Northern Endeavour Trust - $63,589 to plant 12,000 trees and weed 5 hectares to restore rainforest Queensland success continuity in a core foraging area west of Cooktown for the threatened species of bats: the Semon leaf-nosed bat and Large-eared and other wins for FNQ Horseshoe Bat. ✓ Bats and Trees Society of Cairns (BatSoc) Inc - BirdLife Northern Queensland, thanks to the dedication $61,320 to improve knowledge of Spectacled of Paul Fisk and other members, were successful in flying-fox foraging and roosting ecology by attaining $97,570 funding support in the recent implementing a community Flying-Fox Watch Community Sustainability Action grant program for program within Cairns and surrounding areas. Threatened Species 2019. Work will then be undertaken to restore and rehabilitate important roosting habitat The project, entitled Indigenous Collaborative identified through the program. Management of Threatened Coastal Birds, aims to survey beaches and inshore islands from Russell Heads ✓ Mitchell River Watershed Management Group Inc to Mowbray River to provide comprehensive data on - $92,290 to protect and extend White-bellied knowledge gaps for threatened migratory shorebirds, Crimson Finch habitat in Kowanyama. including the Beach Stone-Curlew. This project will ✓ Australian Wildlife Conservancy - $100,000 to engage community volunteers and three indigenous inform and support the land management ranger teams to undertake the surveys. Data gathered actions necessary to conserve the Northern will inform effective conservation and management Bettong – a small marsupial – in Mount actions for threatened coastal bird species. Spurgeon, near . Successful projects submitted by other groups, that ✓ Barron River Catchment Management Association will receive grant funds in our area include: Inc. - $68,438 to improve and expand a ✓ Trees for the Evelyn and Atherton Tablelands - corridor of endangered Mabi forest at Picnic $39,900 to plant 9,400 native trees and weed Creek Crossing Reserve along the Barron River. 2.7 hectares to strengthen a rainforest corridor This will be achieved by weeding 4 hectares between Lake Eacham and Lake Barrine, Crater and planting 3,120 native trees. Lakes National Park near Atherton, to protect ✓ Olkola Aboriginal Corporation - $74,620 to the endangered cassowary and other species protect approximately 800 hectares of critical such as the Spotted-tailed Quoll and Double- nesting habitat for the endangered Golden- eyed (Macleay’s) Fig-parrot. shouldered parrot in Dixie, Cape York. ✓ Queensland Trust for Nature - $80,775 to plant ✓ Kuranda Envirocare Inc - $38,144 to remove 16,000 trees across 4 hectares and weed a weeds and engage volunteers to plant 4,000 further 10.5 hectares to restore a critical link in trees to create a rainforest habitat conducive to cassowary habitat to facilitate movement of the the Kuranda Treefrog re-establishing a endangered species within the Smith's Gap population along Cain Creek, Kuranda. Corridor, in the Wet Tropics.

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BirdLife Northern Queensland at the Cassowary Festival Mission Beach, 21st September 2019

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2019 National 2019 Aussie backyard Twitchathon results bird count results

As the dust settles on the 2019 Twitchathon, there is Nationally, we counted nearly 3.4 million birds (626 no doubt that it was a MASSIVE success! species) in 7 days! Here’s a reminder of how it played out. 88,270 people participated, submitting a total of 105,888 checklists. Each state selected a conservation ‘cause’ to raise funds for, and these were: 855,848 birds were counted in QLD. • New South Wales/Australian Capital Territory – In 2019, the Rainbow Lorikeet held onto its top spot by Bush Stone Curlew a big margin. Across Australia we counted more than 400,000 Rainbow Lorikeets! • Northern Territory – Migratory Shorebirds Check out the infographic below for more information. • Queensland – Eungella Honeyeater • South Australia – South Eastern Red-tailed Black Cockatoo • Tasmania – King Island Brown Thornbill • Victoria – Shorebirds floating roost project • Western Australia – Carnaby’s Black Cockatoo There were three race events you could enter: • The 30-Hour ‘Big Weekend’, a marathon race where teams can collect a massive species total. • The 12-Hour ‘Big Day’, a full-day race during daylight hours with an optional lunch break. • The 3-Hour ‘Birdathon’, a super-strategic event that could take all day or just one morning. Twenty two teams participated in Queensland, raising $8,060. This money will be used for conservation work to support the Eungella Honeyeater following the bushfire last year that ravaged the Clarke Range Key Biodiversity Area, destroying at least 5% of the honeyeater’s very small area of habitat. In Queensland, the top race scores were: 1) 12-hour Big Day: 007 Silvereye- Simon Kennedy, Janina Jones-Kennedy with 191 species 2) 30-hour Big Weekend: Pointless Hobby- Matthew McIntosh, Dave Hall, Scott Harte with 191 species 3) 12-hour Big Day: Bustards of Gladstone-Ted Wnorowski, Tony Longson with 174 species. The National Twitchathon was a huge success overall. Nationally, 125 teams competed and raised a WHOPPING $62,942 at time of writing. That makes it Go to https://aussiebirdcount.org.au/2019-results/ for the biggest National Twitchathon EVER! more. A big thank you to the 928 awesome donors.

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Supporting student research into Carpentarian Grasswrens

Henry Stoetzel is an Honours student at the University of Queensland and for the past few years has been studying Carpentarian Grasswrens under the supervision of Professor James Watson. It came to the notice of the BirdLife Northern Queensland (BNQ) Committee that Henry needed a more powerful laptop in order to process the data he was collecting. The Carpentarian Grasswrens. Adult male on left, immature with Committee decided that we would purchase a yellowish gape on right. Photo courtesy of Anthony “Woodie” computer to assist analyse that data. Below is an Woodbine. account of Henry’s present and future work on this iconic bird which has been a special project area for BNQ for a number of years. We wish Henry the very Our annual Carpentarian and best in his studies. Kalkadoon Grasswren surveys Lindsay Fisher Are you interested in helping us with our annual

grasswren surveys in 2020? Submission outlining studies and The area we survey is near Mt Isa. requirements for requesting a laptop from The survey will be held over 2 weeks during May. BNQ. Please contact Kath Shurcliff at I am thankful for the hp 15-DA0374 laptop provided by [email protected] if you are Birdlife Northern Queensland to assist my research of interested in joining these surveys. Carpentarian Grasswren in the upcoming years.

I acknowledge that this laptop is the property of BNQ, and it will be returned on the completion of my research (2023-2024). I completed my Honours thesis in 2019 which involved modelling the potential distribution of the endangered Carpentarian Grasswren. Over the next three or four years I will be undertaking a PhD researching Carpentarian Grasswren autecology. This laptop is an essential tool for my research because I expect to explore a range of GIS and modelling applications, and I do not have a personal laptop that is in good stead for handling these operations. My project plan for 2020 involves setting up methodologies and monitoring sites which I will utilise during my PhD. I would be happy to give a presentation my Honours research to BNQ and provide regular updates on my research progress in the future. Grasswren survey campsite 2018. Photo courtesy of Henry Stoetzel Virginia Hills. F: https://www.facebook.com/jemlocoimages

December 2019 9 BirdLife Northern Queensland Birdlife Photography – A Valuable Resource for Conservation and Educational Images

Following from the Birdlife Australia Network meeting held in Melbourne in May of this year, I was reminded that many of the delegates from Branches, Groups and Affiliated organisations will not be aware of a key resource that Birdlife Photography has available for education and conservation purposes. In fact, it is my experience that many Birdlife members, supporters and affiliates are not even aware of the existence of the Birdlife special interest groups (SIG) and the roles they play in the Birdlife family structure. This is most apparent for Birdlife Photography, which is a SIG not directly involved in scientific research and conservation projects as are the other three SIGs. When one considers the immense knowledge base available on the internet and even Brown-capped Emerald-Dove (C) Brian O'Leary 2015 within small organisational websites for that matter, it birdlifephotography.org.au is not surprising that many resources ‘slip under the radar’. BirdLife Photography is a Special Interest Group of BirdLife Australia and provides both a forum and Reviewing the Birdlife Australia Homepage and resources for photographers, bird observers and the scrolling towards the bottom of the page, under the general public to enhance their knowledge and header Branches and Locations is an even smaller appreciation of birds through the medium of heading Special Interest Groups. Clicking on this link photography. will take you to the four Special Interest Groups with a summary paragraph for each. This information does The genesis of Birdlife Photography was the not convey the resources that Birdlife Photography establishment of PhotoBOCA in 2008, with the initial currently holds for educational purposes. Clicking on membership coming from the existing photography this Birdlife Photography heading will take you to groups of Bird Observation & Conservation Australia another page which requires updating; nevertheless, (BOCA) in Melbourne, Bellarine Peninsula, Gold Coast, suffice it to say that Birdlife Photography can best be Brisbane and Townsville. With the merger of BOCA summarised by our mission statement: and Birds Australia to form BirdLife Australia in January 2012, PhotoBOCA became BirdLife Photography and has continued to grow and evolve into a major national bird photography group. Today, we have over 800 members who can be categorised as ranging from new to photography and/or birding through to highly experienced photographers and ornithologists. Some of our members are nationally and internationally awarded photographers. Birdlife Photography has its own dedicated website, which is separate to that of Birdlife Australia and operates 365 days each year by a membership elected committee of volunteers. Biographies for each of the committee members can be located at About Us / Our People https://birdlifephotography.org.au Before we examine BirdLife Photography’s key educational and conservation resource, let me set the scene by taking you on a quick tour of Birdlife Photography and the benefits experienced by its members:

Great Egret (C) Simon Pelling 2018 birdlifephotography.org.au

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Eurasian Coot (C) Ian Wilson 2017 birdlifephotography.org.au

Members are able to engage in a wide range of Our extensive bimonthly Newsletter and educational activities and have access to valuable photography articles on photography (which are also collectively resources on the website. As a member you can assembled into a catalogue on the website) are freely contribute up to four images per day to our digital available to financial members; non-members may library. There is of course a minimal standard for only access these resources two years after their acceptance of images; images are assessed by publication date. experienced moderators who look for obvious and Recently, members can participate by posting their substantial flaws, such as out of focus photos, photos images and birding outings on the ‘Birdlife with little detail or with serious problems in terms of Photography Australia’ Facebook page. Further, our lighting, colour, excessive digital noise etc. There are Instagram page posts twice each week, each post six major digital galleries highlighted on the Home showcasing an additional set of four quality images. page; Premier Bird Images (our very best images and additional species are added regularly); New Images Every two years Birdlife Photography holds a national (added on a daily basis); Creative Images (as the bird photography conference known as the Birdlife name implies); Critique Gallery (members seeking Photography Biennial Conference. National and image critiques and advice); Landscapes / Habitats / International photographers share their expertise with KBAs; Science and Conservation. At present our the conference delegates across a rewarding two days digital library holds over 23,000 images. of presentations and workshops. Birding outings are held on either side of the conference. Conference Members are encouraged to improve their registrations are open to any person interested in bird photographic skills by participating in three levels of photography and BLP members receive a discounted competition. Scores from membership voting and registration. appraisals by a team of experienced photographers – our Mystery Reviewers, are tallied for competitions Annually as from 2018, Birdlife Australia and Birdlife throughout the year for our prestigious annual medal Photography organise the prestigious national Birdlife awards and for Birdlife Photographer of the Year. The Australia Photography Awards, which is open to any Critique Gallery and Forum pages are an additional person interested in exhibiting images of Australian resource for members to hone their photography skills. birds.

December 2019 11 BirdLife Northern Queensland

Should a Birdlife Photography membership ($15/pa) Thumbnails of the images for that species will be appeal to you, a membership form can be downloaded displayed on a subsequent page. at: Click the first image, which will morph into a full-size https://www.birdlifephotography.org.au/bl_documents image. As an example, let’s consider Abbott’s Booby. /General%20Information/MembershipFormV5.pdf There are three images. Click on the blue text 3/3 of [You can also join online at the Birdlife Australia Abbott’s Booby, towards the bottom of the page. The website: Get Involved/Join Us or Renew/ Join a Special page will morph into a slideshow of half sized images. Interest Group. Please note that a Birdlife Photography The slideshow can be stopped at any time. membership ($15 /pa ) is an additional subscription to Select the image(s) you require by doing the following. that for joining Birdlife Australia.] Return to the thumbnail page and then select an image You may ask ------how does all of the above at full size. contribute to a valuable resource for your Branch, Group or Affiliated Organisation? The answer is access Let’s assume you select the first image ID 25179. Click to a collection of 23,000 quality images of Australian the box ‘Download Request’ (mid left-hand side). You birds and their habitats by talented bird must note the message box which is displayed on the photographers. screen as it requires an action later in the Download Request process. How does one access this resource? If you require a large number of images for a Our photographers assign a usage right to each image presentation, I suggest you process 10 images per submitted to our digital library and in general, images batch (this makes our task somewhat simpler). are available for any educational and conservation application by individuals from any non-commercial Scroll to the top of the page and select Photo Gallery / group or organisation. You may be looking for digital My Download Requests. images for a presentation, field signage or a A page called ‘Manage My Download Requests’ will be publication such as a newsletter or the Birdlife displayed. Magazine. Click ‘Add Request’. Complete this page by entering Let’s take a quick tour of how the image your ‘name’, ‘email address’, ‘Organisation (if download process works. relevant)’ and the ‘reason for the request’. When completed, click ‘Submit’. If you require a high- If you are a non-member you may access our Home resolution image for printing you must tick this request Page without a Login. From here you can enter any of box. (BLP only holds monitor resolution images; high the six galleries highlighted under the rotating image resolution images are automatically requested from banner. If you are seeking our best images, the the author if you tick a request for a high-resolution Premier Bird Images is a good place to start but be image). [The first field on this page enables images to aware that not all species have been added to this be optionally added by Image ID – not required when gallery. If you are seeking Landscapes/Habitats and you request a download from the full-size image KBAs this gallery is also a good place to start. KBAs page.] have only just been added to this gallery and thus the You will receive an email asking you to confirm your number of KBA images will be few at this stage. The request – do so with the link provided in the email. most efficient option overall is as follows. Birdlife Photography moderators will check the image Home Page – Select Photo Gallery /All Photos usage permissions for each image and if this aligns A page called ‘Contents of All Viewable Galleries’ will with your request a moderator will approve the request be displayed. and you will receive a digital image suitable for projection or monitor display. An email will have been Choose ‘Click to Show Search Options’ sent to the author if you require a high-resolution A page called ‘Contents of All Viewable Galleries’ will image. The author of the image will communicate with be displayed. Note the boxes on the right-hand column you directly if a high-resolution image has been with numerous search options. Most often you will requested. Please note that if you do not receive an choose to use the species option (multiple species can email from the author it may be that the author(s) is be entered). travelling and may not have internet access. If this situation arises you can email BLP directly and if we Once the species is entered click the ‘Search’ button at can assist you, we will endeavour to do so. the top left-hand corner.

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REQUESTING PHOTOS from the Birdlife Photography digital library does require following a sequence of steps. These steps are essential in order to verify the identity of the requestor; the reason for the request; confirming the author’s usage permission associated with each image; disclosing use of an image to the author; for some applications requesting a high resolution image from the author and ensuring compliance of image copyright laws. PLEASE NOTE THE ACKNOWLEDGMENT REQUIREMENT THAT ACCOMPANIES IMAGE DOWNLOADS. Photos from our digital library must be acknowledged to the author of the photograph, either on the image itself or in the text of the article or presentation in which it is used. If you encounter any difficulties, please Dusky Moorhen (C) Georgina Steytler 2017 birdlifephotography.org.au contact me and I will arrange a private tutorial by phone / internet. Graham Cam PhD | President Birdlife Photography

Spotlight on Owls

Do you like the photo on our front cover?

How much do you know about our local owls?

Depending on which taxonomy you follow, there are twelve or thirteen species of owls found in Australia (excluding vagrants). Of these, eight species can be

found in far northern Queensland.

These include: Eastern Grass Owl (Tyto longimembris), Lesser Sooty Owl (Tyto multipunctate), Australian Masked Owl (Tyto novaehollandiae), Eastern Barn Owl

(Tyto alba), Rufous Owl (Ninox rufa), Barking Owl (Ninox connivens), Southern boobook (Ninox boobook) and Little Red Boobook (Ninox lurida).

Our cover photo, by Dominic Chaplin, is of a Lesser

Sooty Owl. Found in rainforest between Cooktown and Lesser Sooty Owl. the Paluma area, it is endemic to the wet tropics. Like many other owls, it is nocturnal. It roosts in tree Image courtesy of Dominic Chaplin. hollows during the day, and hunts for small mammals, birds and frogs to eat by night. It often hunts in clearings or along rainforest tracks. The call of the

Lesser Sooty Owl is very distinctive. It’s a long descending whistle, like the sound of a “bomb dropping”.

The Little Red Boobook is a newly recognised wet

Barn Owl. tropics endemic species. Image courtesy of Peter References: Nielsen 2015, Menkorst et al. 2017, Valentine. https://birdlife.org.au/conservation/science/taxonomy

December 2019 13 BirdLife Northern Queensland

Peninsula. We arrived in P-K the easy way, via Narita Travels in Kamchatka and Vladivostok; a sign at the airport showed it was 8300 kilometres to Moscow! We stayed in a B&B and and Chukota: 25 June - enjoyed P-K; visits to a Russian Orthodox Church and Monastery, and the extensive fish markets were highlights. We were impressed by how good the 8 July 2019 internet service was and how well the young people spoke English (they told us they learned it at school). We recently returned from a 10-week trip to Russia, We did some birding about P-K before boarding the Canada, and the USA, where we concentrated on Spirit of Enderby in the large and modern port in natural history observations and photography. The Avacha Bay. impetus for our travels was joining a Heritage Expedition trip to Far Eastern Russia to assist in The passengers on the Spirit of Enderby were an studies of the critically endangered Spoon-billed eclectic mix and included other Australians and Kiwis; Sandpiper (hereafter SBS) Calidris pygmaea. In a number were repeat customers of Heritage addition, it was an opportunity to visit an area Expeditions and of this particular trip in previous otherwise difficult to access, see some species we years. The expedition staff included co-owner Aaron suspect our grandchildren may not, and catch up on Russ, ship-side manager Rachael Iveson-Brown, some Alcids, a family of birds restricted to the guides Dan Brown and Chris Collins, chefs Bek Northern Hemisphere. Creighton and Zac Green, medical doctor Marnix Buonjati, and Elena Sabanina, a Kamchatka local who provided interesting insights into life there and smoothed our way through bureaucracies encountered along the way. In addition, Dr Christoph Zöckler, Co- ordinator, SBS Task Force on the East Asian Australasian Flyway Partnership (EAAFP) and Li Jing from the Chinese SBS Team, were also on board. The Captain and crew were Russian, and Chief Engineer Kostya, a keen birder and photographer, was a guide and Zodiac captain. The vessel was comfortable and well maintained, safety and quarantine protocols were rigorously enforced, the catering and selection of wines very good, and the company excellent. Each evening there was a happy hour in the bar/library and a call of OOuurrr ssshhiiipp,,, ttthhee SSppiiirrriiittt oofff EEnnddeerrrbbyy species seen during the day.

The ship cruised north up the coast of the Peninsula, Heritage Expeditions is a New Zealand-based family- across to the Commander Islands, then back to the owned company that conducts trips with a research coast to Meinypil’gyno to join Russian staff and and conservation bias, particularly in the Arctic and volunteers working in the Spoon-billed Sandpiper Antarctic regions. They use small ships (50 only nesting grounds, and then along the coast to Anadyr in passengers) with ice-breaking capabilities and Chukota. contribute part of their profits to research and conservation activities. The trip started well as we were escorted out of Avacha Bay by a pod of Orcas and a variety of seabird We joined the Professor Kromanov, sailing as the Spirit species. It continued on the second day with a zodiac of Enderby in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatskiy (P-K), a city cruise up the Zhupanova River to see Kamchatka of c. 200,000, in the south of the Kamchatka

LLLaarrrgghhaa SSeeaalll iiinn ttthhee ZZhhuuppaannoovvaa RRiiivveerrr

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SSttteellllleerrr'''sss SSeeaa---EEaagglllee oovveerrr ttthhee ZZhhuuppaannoovvaa RRiiivveerrr However, it was a wonderful experience walking across the tundra and seeing birds such as Dunlin and Red- necked Phalaropes in breeding plumage and Far Eastern Curlew (IUCN Endangered) with young. We moved onto Meinypil’gyno, where we met Dr Evegny Syroechkovskyi, Chair of the SBS Task Force, and Professor Fyodor Kondroshov, the Task Force’s Avian Geneticist, and several of the seasonal volunteers monitoring breeding by SBS in the area. Viewing of the birds was strictly controlled and via telescope so as not to disturb them. We had good views but the distance was such that photographs Brown Bears, nesting Steller’s Sea-Eagles and dozens were not possible. Back in town we visited an excellent of Largha Seals. A transit across deep-water to the little museum and the local young people presented an Commander Islands, named for Commander Vitus outstanding 1.5 hour-long song and dance Bering who died and is buried there, yielded some presentation. A subsequent high for the expedition was great seabird and cetacean encounters. These included learning while at sea that the Chinese application for our first sightings of Black-footed Albatross, the listing of the Yancheng Yellow Sea Wetland of Phoebastria nigripes (IUCN Near Threatened), and 0.77m hectares as a World Heritage Site had been Short-tailed Albatross, P. albatus (IUCN Vulnerable), successful. The Wetland is an important site for many considered extinct until it’s rediscovery in 1951 but migratory species including the Spoon-billed now increasing in numbers, in addition to the usual Sandpiper. Laysan Albatross. DDaannccceerrrsss aanndd CChheefff BBeekk iiinn MMeeiiinnyyppiiilll’’’ggyynnoo Our first stop in the Commander Group was Medny Island, previously occupied by relocated Aleut people and then a small military outpost, but now uninhabited. The scenery was stunning and the wildflowers a riot of colour, and due to a lack of introduced Red Fox, good numbers of Arctic Fox were present. Offshore in the kelp beds under the towering cliffs we saw our first Sea Otters. We moved onto Nikol’skoye on Bering Island and while some of the group went into the town to see the skeleton of the now-extinct (extirpated by hunting) Steller’s Sea Cow, others of us walked the coast where we saw Rock Getting across the bar and into the lagoon on which Sandpiper and nesting Lesser Sand-Plover. Meinypil’gyno is located was difficult and two fishermen had been killed in the past 48 hours as they Back on the Koryak Coast on the mainland we attempted it. On our crossing into the lagoon we conducted the first of two surveys of areas of habitat passed numerous Beluga Whales feeding in the thought suitable for nesting by Spoon-billed shallows and on the way out were treated to a display Sandpipers. Three teams under guidance of a SBS by Grey Whales feeding just outside the break. expert, each conducted a survey of several kilometres of the tundra. Similar efforts in previous years had Back at sea we worked our way northwards, with yielded additional birds but we were not so fortunate. lectures during times on board and excursions in the zodiacs and on-shore on most days. In a memorable WWiiilllddfffllloowweerrr oonn MMeeddnnyy IIIssslllaanndd afternoon out in the zodiacs we were delighted to have good, albeit brief, views and obtain a (poor quality) photograph of a Gyrfalcon Falco rusticolus as it flew over. This impressive species is much favoured by falconers and poaching of it is a real problem, with large sums of money being offered for the supply of nestlings. The exact location of our sighting will not be disclosed in eBird as all records for the species are generalized to reduce the chances of it being determined and poaching occurring. The sighting was all the more interesting as Robyn currently has a PhD student in Saudi Arabia working on the genetics of Gyrfalcon and Saker Falcon used in falconry in the Middle East.

December 2019 15 BirdLife Northern Queensland

(Guillemot) Murre, Pigeon Guillemot, WWaalllrrruusss iiinn PPrrreesssbbrrraazzzhheennyyiiiaa BBaayy Black Guillemot, and Common Puffin and Tufted Puffin. The final day involved an early breakfast and a transfer for most of us to the airport at Anadyr for flights out. While some flew west to Moscow, we flew east on a charter flight across Bering Strait to Nome (definitely the best place to enter the US) to continue our travels. Other passengers flew in from Nome to join the Spirit of Enderby that would then head south or another vessel heading north to Wrangel Island. It was a fantastic trip that met our expectations in every way;

Poor weather prevented zodiac excursions and on-shore activities on two of the last three days of the trip. Aaron made the decision to sail north through the night to Presbrazhenyia Bay on the Chukchi Peninsula to seek better conditions. The gambit paid off and we had the most spectacular day of the voyage with wonderful displays of wildlife, including Walrus Odobenus rosmarus (IUCN Globally Vulnerable), in perfect conditions in a most spectacular location. The sighting of Walrus was interesting because we had not seen them at haul-out sites earlier in the trip, and because most on board had seen the footage recently released by the BBC of Walrus dying by falling down cliffs while seeking space on shore as the sea-ice usually occupied by them steadily reduces in extent. We were also able to complete our observations of alcid species TTuufffttteedd PPuuffffffiiinn including Common (Guillemot) Murre, Thick-billed we saw 101 species of birds new to us, five whale species, four pinniped species, and two dolphin species, the Arctic Fox, Sea Otter and the Walrus. We learned a lot, had some stimulating conversations, and made some new friends. A nice final touch was that as we left the boat, they gave out a thumb drive containing a 20-minute documentary made during the trip and within days we received by email, a detailed log of the Expedition and a list of species seen. We are still writing up our data and curating the many GB of images we took, while planning our next trip with Heritage Expeditions. CCoommmmoonn MMuurrrrrree Report and images by Gary & Robyn Wilson

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News from Mount Isa, October 2019.

Following a recent trip to the desert and channel country, then over to the Winton area, my birding partner and I were able to add more birds to our lists. These included Letter-winged Kite, two species of quail thrush, Rusty Grasswren, Rufous-crowned Emu-wren, Grey Falcon, Splendid Fairywren, plus a few others. At Mount Isa the long awaited Mount Isa Birdwatching Experience brochure, which was sponsored by Outback at Isa, is now available for purchase ($7.95) at the Outback at Isa Tourist Information Centre. The brochure contains 176 images of birds recorded in the Mount Isa area, which represents about 75% of the recorded species from here. The brochure includes some of the migratory species that make Lake Moondarra a stop off point during their amazing travels. The migratory waders started to arrive in August, with the Sharp-tailed Sandpipers, as always, being the first to arrive. Others I have recorded since then are Marsh, Wood and Curlew Sandpipers, Red-necked, and Long- toed Stint, Common Greenshank, Little Curlew, public due to the amount of road train traffic currently Oriental Plover, Swinhoe's Snipe, and Black-tailed using this road. Despite some work done by the Mayor in meeting with the mines (Glencore) along with follow Godwit. up phone calls by myself, I can't see access being One of the city’s main water reservoirs adjacent to the granted anytime soon. City Lookout has had a facelift, in the form of murals painted on it. The artwork is quite incredible. It From discussions I have had, the mines are concerned features three bird species; Kalkadoon Grasswren, that some bird tour operators are still travelling this Black-shouldered Kite and Varied Lorikeet, along with road despite the closure. There is no excuse for this. I Barramundi, Sooty Grunter and local outback scenes. won't name any names here. They know who they are. This unauthorised entry is also jeopardising our efforts The public reaction to this has been most favourable. to regain some access to this road. At the moment the Access to the well-known Carpentarian Grasswren sites road is definitely closed to the general public with no along McNamara's Road is still closed to the general exceptions.

Rex Whitehead.

December 2019 17 BirdLife Northern Queensland

Mission Beach Birding

Seven birders made the journey to enjoy a very social BirdLife Northern Queensland weekend at Mission Beach. The weather was perfect. Not bad for the usually very wet . We met at the C4 Environment Centre carpark in Mission Beach on Saturday 20th July at 2.30pm, and then, after catching up, headed to the Lacey Creek day use area in Djiru National Park, to look for birds. We walked the 1.5 km Lacey Creek trail for an hour, before crossing over the main El Arish - Mission Beach road, to walk along the Dreaming trail for an hour or so. The later rises steeply in elevation from Lacey Creek, which is a bit less than 40m above sea level. Seventeen bird species were observed. Besides the usual culprits; Little Shrike-thrush, Grey Whistler, Varied Triller, Rufous Fantail and Spectacled Monarch, four species of honeyeaters were identified (Dusky, Graceful, Macleay’s, and Yellow-spotted). Other small birds seen included Fairy Gerygone and Large-billed Scrubwren. Brown Cuckoo-Dove, and Superb and Rose-crowned Fruit-Doves were also present. While Southern Cassowary was not amongst the birds seen or heard, there was plenty of evidence of their As well as all the bird species we had seen the presence in the form of fresh scats. previous day, we were thrilled to get great views of Wompoo Fruit-Dove, and Azure Kingfisher at a creek That night we enjoyed a very social evening meal crossing. Eastern Whipbird and Double-eyed Fig-Parrot together at the Spicy Thai Hut. Good choice Helen. were heard, and Australian Swiftlet and Rainbow Bee- Great restaurant and excellent company! eater flew overhead. On Sunday morning we reconvened at 7:30 am at the It's always a great feeling to complete a couple of Licuala Forest day use area. We walked an hour along surveys in the Coastal Wet Tropics Key Biosecurity the Musgravea track, undertaking a survey as we Area, and for us these included sightings of key walked, and then repeated it coming back, but only indicator species: Yellow-spotted and Macleay’s taking 40 minutes on the return journey. In all we Honeyeater and – evidence of cassowary presence. observed 21 species. Once again Southern Cassowary Thanks to the keen birders who came and shared the was not sighted, but their presence was clearly weekend with us. indicated by the 15 or so scats (some very fresh) we Ceri, Helen, Jeff and Sandra. ‘stepped over’. Images courtesy of Jeff Larson.

Birders with Azure Kingfisher in sight. Wompoo Fruit-Dove

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Seabirds on the Isle of Lunga in Scotland

So much of Scotland, like many parts of Europe has been cleared of native vegetation and finding wildlife (including birds) is much more difficult than in Australia. However, a taste of the past spectacle of European birdlife can be experienced when visiting a seabird colony. Humans haven’t completely wiped out most Northern Hemisphere seabirds yet, so it is still possible to see vast numbers of seabirds on the remote islands of Scotland.

Puffin arriving at burrow with sand eels

Isle of Lunga on the west coast of Scotland Adult Atlantic Puffin In Scotland during the spring, thousands of guillemots, puffins, Razorbills, fulmars, kittiwakes and gannets The puffins, of course are everybody’s favourite with breed on several islands along the coast. Two of us their ridiculous clown-like looks and behaviour. After a visited the Isle of Lunga recently on the west coast of long winter at sea, Atlantic Puffins come ashore on Scotland where large colonies of puffins, guillemots remote islands for the breeding season. Before mating and razorbills are found. We started our day tour from their legs become bright orange and they grow another mainland Scotland at Oban, surprisingly the easiest coloured extension onto their bill. They nest in burrows place to see Black Guillemots as they are found around and spend up to seven hours each day catching fish to the town jetties. The day was absolutely un-Scottish - feed the young (called pufflings). Compared to most cloudless blue skies and light winds. We left on a ferry other seabirds, puffins have short wings enabling them for the Isle of Mull, then an hour bus ride across the to dive to great depths (60 metres) to catch fish but island before transferring onto a smaller vessel for a they use an enormous amount of energy in the half hour journey to the Isle of Lunga. On arrival at process. the Isle of Lunga we had two and a half glorious hours to spend looking at seabirds.

Adult Atlantic Puffin in breeding condition A puffling outside the safety of its burrow

December 2019 19 BirdLife Northern Queensland

Adult Razorbill with yellow gape Nesting guillemots packed in closely to protect young

Razorbill Guillemot colony on the Isle of Lunga They need to catch a lot of fish and spend up to seven entity and seeing it was a remarkable experience. hours a day diving to feed themselves and a single We had to drag ourselves away from the amazing puffling. Using their amazing bill, puffins are able to spectacle but were treated to one last surprise. A black hold and manipulate a dozen or so sand eels without fluffy ‘puffling’ for some reason came out of its burrow losing any as they fish. It was an amazing experience for a few seconds, a risky move for such a vulnerable watching the parent puffins return to the burrow with a young puffin. The future for puffins and other seabirds bill full of sand eels. in the North Atlantic is like many other wild animals on We also saw in smaller numbers, Razorbills, another our planet – not that good! For puffins, the main type of auk found in the Northern Hemisphere. culprit is global warming that is causing warm water to Razorbills are the closest living relative of the extinct penetrate further north into the cold waters of the Great Auk – a large flightless seabird once found in North Atlantic. The warmer water has resulted in a millions across the Atlantic. Razorbills dive up to 120 new species of planktonic shrimp replacing a colder metres in search of fish and similar to puffins, they can water species (which are the main source of food for catch several small fish and hold them in their bill. sand eels). The complex food web has been altered resulting in lower numbers of sand eels and less food Our time passed quickly on the island and we had for puffins. trouble dragging ourselves away from the puffin colony to see thousands of guillemots nesting on a sea stack My visit to the Isle of Lunga and its wonderful seabird on the other side of the island. Guillemots nest colonies left me with many unanswered questions. incredibly close to one another – up to 45 birds occupy How do puffins hold so many fish in their bill without every square metre of the colony. The packed-in birds losing any? How do guillemots, puffins, Razorbills and are constantly in contact with one another. The other seabirds find their prey in the vast ocean? I guillemots protect their young from predators by found a wonderful book in a bookshop in Glasgow that providing a protective ‘umbrella’ of feathers, bodies helped answer many of my questions “The Seabird’s and sharp bills over the eggs and young. While we Cry: The Lives and Loves of Puffins, Gannets and watched, a potential predator, a Black-backed Gull flew Other Ocean Voyagers” by Adam Nicolson. A good over the huge colony and the guillemots erupted into a read for the long flight home to Australia. loud, clamorous call that spread through the colony Tom Collis like a wave. The colony appeared like it was a single Cairns Area Coordinator

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constructed nest, Warrina Lakes Update were no longer at that location, Sadly, our December visit to Warrina Lakes revealed nor was the that the shallow grassy wetland area where we branch with the regularly see White-browed Crake has nearly dried up. nest on it. We No crake was seen. found a branch sticking out of Additionally, in contrast to the mesmerising variety of the water below waterbirds present in November (Pacific Black Duck, and can only Wandering Whistling-Duck, Hardhead, Australasian conclude that for Grebe, White-necked Heron, Royal Spoonbill, Glossy whatever Ibis) only the Pacific Black Duck and grebe was reason, the present in December, bolstered by an Australian FFeemmaalllee SShhiiinniiinngg FFlllyycccaatttccchheerrr sssiiittttttiiinngg oonn branch and nest tthe sseccond nesstt.. IImage ccourrttessy off Pelican. the second nest. Image courtesy of had come down. GGrrreegg DDaawwee The December visit was interesting for two reasons: On a happier The first was that we saw a Blue-faced Honeyeater for note, a pair of Shining Flycatcher (presumably the the very first time at Warrina Lakes. There has been same pair) were seen busily constructing a new nest in the odd report of one or two Blue-faced Honeyeater in the same tree, in a more sheltered position under a Innisfail area. They are certainly far from common leafy canopy. Let’s hope this time they are successful. here. The second is that for a number of bird species, it’s breeding season. At least six active Brown-backed Honeyeater nests were found. Although no young were seen, adults were observed carrying food into at least one nest.

Pacific Baza harassed by a White-breasted Woodswallow at Warrina Lakes. Image courtesy of Greg Dawe. For those of you who did not come to our December outing / breakup, you missed out on a smashing morning tea to wrap up the year. We even had an impromptu viewing (via a portable screen) of Warrina Lakes bird images taken and presented by Greg Dawe. Many thanks to Greg, who often captures a bird image that allows us to definitively identify a species that we otherwise can’t quite make out with binoculars or scope.

Brown-backed Honeyeater, nest building. Image courtesy of I’d also like to take this opportunity to also thank Greg Dawe. Sandra Christensen. Sandra and I started the monthly Two adult Australasian Figbirds were seen feeding Warrina Lakes outings to build local interest in birding. fledglings in a nest near the car park. Sandra rarely misses an event and often leads the outings when I am away. For that I am very thankful. A Magpie Lark juvenile, sitting on a branch near a mud It is very encouraging to know that we now have a nest was being fed by an adult bird. small group of ‘regulars’ who are keen for the outings We were disappointed to find that a pair of Shining to continue and are willing to pitch in to maintain the Flycatcher, that we had been watching on and off for event in the BirdLife calendar. about a week or so, sit on eggs in a delicately Best wishes for 2020, Cheers Ceri

December 2019 21 BirdLife Northern Queensland

Situated 1½ hrs north of Cairns in Tropical we offer accommodation in self-contained units and bunkhouse rooms. We also have a small camping area. The property is a rainforest wildlife sanctuary catering for birdwatchers and naturalists.

We are central to a variety of habitats and provide bird species lists, area maps and Wi-Fi internet access. Guiding is available by arrangement.

We offer packages for individuals and small groups.

Carol and Andrew Iles RN6, Mt. Kooyong Road Julatten QLD 4871 Ph: (07) 4094 1263 Email: [email protected] www.birdwatchers.com.au

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WANT TO ADVERTISE Noticeboard IN CONTACT CALL?

From the Editor Advertisements and sponsorship help support the local BirdLife group in Northern Queensland. Any Special thanks to our contributors to this newsletter profit is used for education and conservation edition and to all contributors in 2019. It is your news, projects in our region. The advertisements must stories, articles and reports, photos and poems that be relevant to BirdLife Northern Queensland keep this newsletter alive. members and compatible with BirdLife Australia A big thank you to Dominic Chaplin, who has provided objectives and fund-raising guidelines. sensational images for the newsletter front page. Quarter page advertisements for four issues can

Thanks also to the talented photographers who answer be purchased for $80 plus GST, or $25 plus GST my call for help, often at short notice, and provide the for single-issue advertisements. Contact the incredible images that illustrate the newsletter. This Editor of Contact Call or the BNQ Treasurer for includes Ian Montgomery, Doug Herrington, Martin further information. Willis, Keith Fisher and Peter Valentine. Apologies if I missed anyone. ______Kath Shurcliff proofreads the final drafts to pick up my spelling and grammar errors –THANK YOU Kath! I’d WOULD YOU LIKE TO ORGANISE also like to acknowledge Don Franklin, who has been AN ACTIVITY IN YOUR AREA? monitoring publications and providing us with regular reviews of North Queensland ‘centric’ literature since OR PERHAPS A CAMP OUT? at least 2014. The BirdLife Northern Queensland role of 2020 promises to be another big year for BirdLife activities coordinator is currently vacant. If you Northern Queensland. If you have any ideas or new would like to take on this role, or even just help initiatives you would like to see progressed, or you with organising a single event, don’t hesitate to would like to get more involved in any way, please do contact us at [email protected] contact the committee. We are very keen to hear from you and always in need of volunteers. It is fun and rewarding to be part of the BNQ team. ______

Newsletter deadlines for 2020 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

➢ January 30th for the February-March Edition This is just a little advance notice that the BirdLife Northern Queensland Annual General ➢ April 10th for the May/June Edition Meeting will be held in March 2020, at a date and ➢ July 10th for the September Edition venue to be announced.

➢ October 10th for the December Edition Financial BirdLife Northern Queensland members can nominate for a position on the committee.

If you are interested in nominating for a position, or, if you would like to play a more active role, but not be a committee member, then please do let us know. Contact [email protected] or call one of the current or past committee members for further information.

TAKE YOUR INTEREST IN BIRDS AND NATURE TO THE NEXT LEVEL JOIN US AND GET INVOLVED

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December 2019 23 BirdLife Northern Queensland

Activities Everybody is welcome. For more information about an event, contact the Check out the BirdLife Northern Queensland activities leader listed, or check the website for details: for 2019-2020 in the event calendar. The updated list http://birdlifenq.org/, or join us on Facebook of events is also available on our website In the event of a severe weather warning or other http://birdlifenq.org/. unforeseen circumstances, events may be cancelled at More activities will be added in the coming months as short notice. Contact the event organiser to confirm events or monitor our Facebook page or emails for we formulate plans for 2020. updates. Do come and join us. We look forward to seeing you there! You do not have to be a BirdLife member or an expert birder. Most of us are still learning and keen to share the fun. BIRDLIFE NORTHERN QUEENSLAND 2019 - 2020 ACTIVITIES

Date Time Locality Meeting place and other information Contact the leader

End of Year Celebration at the function centre at the summit of Hallorans Hallorans Hill Hill RSVP Wayne and Renee by Saturday 4.30 pm Centenary email to 14th Dec. and Drive, 4.30 pm for a social bird walk around Hallorans [email protected] and 2019 6.00 pm Atherton Hill – weather permitting include any dietary requirements. 6.00 pm BBQ dinner ($10 per person) and BYO drinks BIRDING AROUND WARRINA LAKES You're invited to join us for a couple of hours of social birding around Warrina Lakes. We'll meet in the Warrina Lakes carpark in Park St, Warrina Lakes, off the corner of Emily and Charles St, Innisfail. Ceri Pearce, Cassowary Coast Innisfail Area Coordinator Meet in the car After birding we'll have morning tea at the lakes For more information, please Sunday 7:00– park in Park (BYO morning tea). contact me on 0488 131 581, or 12th Jan. 9:30am St, off the Sandra Christensen on 0448 2020 corner of Emily It’s the very wet tropics so bring an umbrella and 845 842, or email and Charles waterproof shoes, just in case. Also, binoculars, [email protected] St, Innisfail sunscreen, hat, and insect repellent. In the event . of a severe weather or other unforeseen circumstances, events may be cancelled at short notice. Contact the event organiser to confirm events.

Ceri Pearce, Cassowary Coast Area Coordinator Sunday Warrina Lakes, For more information, please 7:00– BIRDING AROUND WARRINA LAKES 9th Feb. Innisfail contact me on 0488 131 581, or 9:30am See details above 2020 Sandra Christensen on 0448 845 842, or email [email protected]

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