AUSTRALIAN 220 BIRD WATCHER

Birds of the Region, Western , 1967-1972 By TOM FLETCHER, 7 Montgomery Court, Kilsyth, Victoria, 3137.

Introduction In 1967, after just returning from New Guinea, I was contracted to work on the initial studies and design for the Mt. Newman Iron Ore Project at Port Hedland, North-West Australia. I mention New Guinea in the above paragraph only to make a com­ parison with North-West Australia, for there are absolutely no similarities whatsoever between the two localities. The contrast is so extreme that on arriving in Port Hedland I was convinced I would not be there the following week at the same time. Nevertheless it was six and a half years later, and then only for the sake of my sanity, that I vacated the North-West Pilbara at the conclusion of a most rewarding and satisfying experience. During my years in the Pilbara I travelled extensively and continuously throughout the area radiating from Port Hedland and mainly bounded by Roebourne to the west-south-west, Wittenoom and Mt. Newman to the south, Marble Bar and Nullagine to the south-east and to the north-east. This area is primarily mineral rich granitic spinifex plains with very little tall vegetation apart from along the normally dry river courses with very occasional permanent water holes and of course mill bores. Rising from the plains are several most impressive ranges such as the Hamersley, Chichester and Marble Bar. The coastal areas are mainly sandy beaches and tidal mud flats with the tide being up to 10 metres. Vegetation along the coast is mainly mangroves. The Fortescue Valley and extending to is reasonably thick mulga in contrast to the open plains north of the Chichester Range. I was fortunate to make two trips to the east of Balfour Downs Station. Rudall is a virtual oasis after traversing so many kilo­ metres of barren true desert sand dunes. mentioned in the species list later, is a spinifex covered sand cay north of Port Hedland in the . Thousands of sea birds of many species have two breeding seasons on this island each year. · The North-West climate during the day is the hottest to be found in Australia and at night it can drop to freezing as you go further inland. Basically the only excitements on the Pilbara calendar are the once-a­ year picnic race meetings and the cyclones. A cyclone is a big event socially for it very definitely breaks the continuous monotony of the weather. The average annual 325 mm rainfall can deluge the country in a few consecutive days when the normally dry rivers become torrents a couple of kilometres wide. The bird species list to follow is taken from my overall list of the Pilbara and only rare or unusual sightings are dated and annotated. 'D -00 0

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Map of Study A rea, Australia. AUSTRALIAN 222 FLETCHER BIRD WATCHER

Should a visit be made to the region I recommend the following locali­ ties, all of which are accessible by conventional two-wheel-drive vehicles, Millstream, Chichester Range, Wittenoom, Marble Bar, the mouth of the and the beautiful Eighty Mile Beach at Cape Keraudren. Apart from sea snakes, stone fish, sand-flies, heat, lack of water, and recurring cyclones one of the biggest dangers in is mentioning that you come from the Eastern States and that you follow Victorian football. In conclusion I must thank my wife Pauline for encouraging me to continue bird observing in this rather inhospitable area, and also the true "North-Westers" who make it all so possible for you to stay.

Species List. Species noted breeding are marked*. Emu Regularly seen in small groups on the spinifex plains. Australasian Grebe Occasionally seen on water holes throughout. Can occur at any suitable location overnight. A small sump hole dug and filled with water for filling water-carts on the Mount Newman railroad construction, was the following day a resting place for two Black Swans, two Australasian Grebes, and a Grey Teal. There was no other surface water for many kilometres from this sump. Wedge-tailed Shearwater* Local fishermen informed me that "mutton birds" still breed on Sable Island, but I did not encounter this species near Port Hedland. Wilson's Storm-petrel Two recorded separately and close to our boat on the journey from Port Hedland to Bedout Island on May 18, 1968. No other records. Australian Pelican Regularly seen along the tidal estuaries adjoining Port Hedland. A mag­ nificent sight of a flock of 26 flying over the open sea near Turtle Island, May 1968. Birds are occasionally rescued by workers at the Leslie Salt Pans, Port Hedland, when they settle on highly concentrated salt lagoons and become encrusted to such a degree that they cannot fly unless hosed down. * Never sighted from shore. Breeding on Bedout Island, May 1968. Brown Booby* As for Masked Booby. Darter Occasionally recorded in small numbers along the De Grey River at Ripon Island, and one near Dampier, July 1967. Pied Cormorant Present in small numbers along the coast and estuaries. Little Black Cormorant Usually recorded in small numbers near Ripon Island, De Grey River. Little Pied Cormorant As for Pied Cormorant. VOL. 8 (7) SEPTEMBER, 1980 Birds of the Pilbara 223

Least Frigatebird* Regularly seen over Port Hedland harbour and adjoining beaches. Breeding on Bedout Island, May 1968. There was no positive identifica­ tion of any Greater Frigatebirds. Pacific Heron Two records only. One bird 20 km east of Dampier and the other at a water hole near Mount Whaleback. White-faced Heron Only rarely met with in the area. Occasionally seen on Port Hedland beaches at low tide. Great Egret Although not numerous, regularly seen on the low-tide mud fiats in small numbers. Little Egret As for Great Egret. Eastern Reef Egret* Both phases; numerous to common along the beaches and tidal fiats. A pair were reported to have nested on a buoy in Port Hedland harbour, the nest being on a platform directly below the occupied nest of an Osprey. Striated Heron Regularly recorded in the coastal mangroves. Black-necked Stork This bird appears to be increasing in numbers around the tidal fiats of Port Hedland. Sightings are regular of birds singly or in pairs. Sacred Ibis Observed in small numbers amongst mangroves on the tidal fiats of East Creek, Port Hedland, June 1967. Straw-necked Ibis As for the Sacred Ibis; on a regular basis but only in small numbers. Black Swan Only occasionally recorded, and in quite unexpected spots as mentioned under Australasian Grebe. Pacific Black Duck Most inland water holes of any size have at least a pair. Not common. Grey Teal* As for the Pacific Black Duck. Pink-eared Duck Two records only. Two birds swimming in Port Hedland harbour on February 10, 1972 and 8 birds at Port Hedland Sewage Ponds, March 31, 1972. Maned Duck Eight birds on the De Grey River, July 31, 1971. Osprey* · Numerous along the coast with local breeding. Black-shouldered Kite Regularly recorded throughout with the most easterly record being a single bird at the rabbit proof fence east of Balfour Downs Station. Black Kite A group of approximately 40 birds remained around the Abydos home­ stead during March 1968. No other records. AUSTRALIAN 224 FLETCHER BIRD WATCHER

Square-tailed Kite A single bird was very clearly seen at the East , lndee Station, March 1967. No other records. Brahminy Kite* Common along the beaches and mangrove fiats. Breeds in mangroves in Port Hedland harbour. Whistling Kite Numerous, particularly around water courses and often close to station homesteads. Brown Goshawk Only occasionally seen, being mainly along watercourses. Collared Sparrowhawk As for the Brown Goshawk. One bird was often seen at the East Turner River near the Wittenoom Road. White-bellied Sea-Eagle Regularly seen along the coast and above Port Hedland harbour. Wedge-tailed Eagle Only occasional sightings. Little Eagle Two records both from Abydos Station south of Port Hedland. Spotted Harrier Rare, but with regular sightings on the spinifex plains. Australian Hobby Occasionally recorded, particularly near water courses. Brown Falcon Numerous throughout. Australian Kestrel* As for Brown Falcon with nesting recorded on the Tertiary Crusher of Mt. Newman's Port Hedland facilities. Quail Sp. Five birds, of similar size to Stubble or Brown Quail were recorded on , December 1968. No positive identification. Little Button-quail Numerous in spinifex and rocky outcrop areas south-east of Port Hedland. Three fluttering young at Mount Goldsworthy, July 1967. Black-tailed Native-hen Common along water courses on Balfour Downs Station after heavy rains during mid-1971. No other records. Eurasian Coot Only occasionally recorded at water-holes throughout and then only in small numbers. Non-resident. Brolga Not seen further south than De Grey River Station. A magnificent sight was to be enjoyed on July 31, 1971 when I observed fifteen Brolgas accompanying two Black-necked Storks in the shallows of the De Grey River. Australian Bustard* Numerous throughout the Pilbara's spinifex plains. It breeds in the area. Shooting of this bird is still a regular practice, mainly for food. Bush Thick-knee Only rarely seen or heard. Two birds at near Port Hed­ land, February 1968. VOL. 8 (7) SEPTEMBER, 1980 Birds of the Pilbar a 225

Beach Thick-knee Only one record of a bird on the beach near Pretty Pool, Port Hedland, January 1971. Pied Oystercatcher Small numbers always present along most beaches. Sooty Oystercatcher Cemetery beach, Port Hedland always has a few birds. Banded Lapwing Numerous on the plains between Roebourne and Dampier. Not recorded north of Roebourne. Grey Plover Small flocks regularly seen along tidal mud fiats. Lesser Golden Plover Medium flocks in season. Birds in full breeding plumage were a regular sight. Coastal fiats. Red-kneed Dotterel Three seen at a small water hole near the Northern Highway, Tabba Creek, February 1969. Mongolian Plover Rather common during the summer months on Port Hedland beaches. Large Sand Plover As for the preceding species. Oriental Plover Numerous along the Port Hedland beaches. One bird took up resi­ dence for two days on the front lawn of a house at Cooke Point on October 13 and 14, 1970. Red-capped Plover Always present in small numbers around Port Hedland and rather numerous along Eighty Mile Beach. Black-fronted Plover Singly or in pairs at odd freshwater holes throughout the area. Inland Dotterel Parties of up to twelve birds on open plains at two localities only, viz, Mount Phillips Station, October 19, 1970 and the Rudall River, March 1970. Black-winged Stilt As for the Black·-fronted Dotterel. During 1970-71 bred in small numbers on settling ponds adjacent to the Pilbara Tin Mine, Marble Bar. Red-necked Avocet Five birds at Tabba Tabba Creek, June 1970. Ruddy Turnstone Quite common along the coast with winter numbers present. Eastern Curlew Small numbers only along tidal fi ats. Whim brei More common than preceding species. Little Curlew Numerous along tidal fi ats; always a few staying through the winter months. Grey-tailed Tattler Regularly seen, particularly along the rocky beaches adjacent to Port Hedland. AUSTRALIAN 226 FLETCHER BIRD WATCHER

Common Sandpiper Only in small numbers and particularly at East Creek, Port Hedland. Greenshank Numerous during summer with a small winter population. Coastal. Terek Sandpiper Regularly present in small numbers. Coastal. Snipe Sp. Up to five birds, possibly Latham's Snipe, were regularly observed during the summer of 1971-72 at the Cooke Point-Port Hedland Sewage Ponds. Precise identification was not possible. Bar-tailed Godwit Numerous through the summer months. Red Knot Numerous on tidal fiats. Identification of dead specimen confirmed by W.A. Museum. Sharp-tailed Sandpiper Very common. Red-necked Stint Very common on beaches and tidal fiats. Curlew Sandpiper Common during summer and numerous during winter. Coastal. Sanderling Twelve birds at the mouth of the De Grey River on March 30, 1971. Oriental Pratincole The local name "Storm Bird" is most apt for prior to cyclones or local summer storms this bird is to be found in thousands flying fast and low over the spinifex plains. Australian Pratincole Two records only. Sixty birds at Mandora Station, August 1971 and six at Pippingarra Station, October 1967. Silver Gull Always a few present along the coast, but only in small numbers. Whiskered Tern Occasionally seen in small numbers along brackish water courses close to Port Hedland. White-winged Tern Common during summer months around coast and estuaries. Gull-billed Tern Five birds recorded at the Cooke Point-Port Hedland Sewage Ponds on March 31, 1972. These ponds have since been permanently drained. Caspian Tern Only occasionally recorded along beaches. Appears to be present always on Eighty Mile Beach near Cape Keraudren. Not recorded adjacent to Port Hedland but large flocks are usually present on the Eighty Mile Beach near Cape Keraudren. Sooty Tern* Not recorded on beaches south of Cape Keraudren where it is usually found in flocks. Fairy Tern Very common along beaches and estuaries. VOL. 8 (7) SEPTEMBER, 1980 Birds of the Pilbara 227

Crested Tern Numerous along coast. Lesser Crested Tern Seen regularly around Port Hedland beaches in small numbers. Common Noddy* Breeding on Bedout Island May 1968. One landed on board whilst we were anchored at night off Bedout Island. Not seen close to mainland. Peaceful Dove Not common. Generally only found along timbered water courses. Diamond Dove Numerous, particularly along water courses. Bar-shouldered Dove Numerous on the coast at Port Hedland and particularly Finucane Island. Mangroves and sand dunes. The numbers are diminishing at Port Hedland possibly due to development there. Common. Bronze wing Rare. Only two records. One bird at Rudall River and one at De Grey River. Flock Bronzewing In November 1967 a flock of thirteen birds recorded on the spinifex plains of Pippingarra Station, 20 km south of Hedland. No other records. Crested Pigeon Numerous, particularly around water holes or tanks. Spinifex Pigeon* Most common, particularly around rock outcrops. Known locally as "Spinifex Pigeon". Found breeding throughout. Nest with two eggs, Shaw River, October 1967. Galah* Very common throughout. Little Corella Very common with large flocks also frequenting Port Hedland township. The birds in Port Hedland could easily be mistaken at first glance for Galahs as they are covered in red iron ore dust. Rainbow Lorikeet During March 1967 two birds were regularly seen around Port Red­ land township. There are no other known records of this species in the Pilbara and it is likely the birds were escapees or releases. Cockatiel* Numerous particularly along water courses. Budgerigar* There are always a few about the water courses, and at times immense flocks can be seen over the spinifex plains. On May 21, 1968 a single bird landed on our boat while we were anchored 130 metres off Bedout Island. Port Lincoln Ringneck* Frequently seen along water courses and mill tanks. Pallid Cuckoo Occasionally recorded throughout. Horsfield's Bronze-Cuckoo As for Pallid Cuckoo. Pheasant Coucal One or both of a pair were often flushed from Red Bank Pool on AUSTRALIAN 228 FLETCHER BIRD WATCHER

Kangan Station. No other Pilbara records. Southern Boobook Not common. Recorded mainly by its call or occasionally seen in car headlights. Barking Owl One bird only; found dead at Abydos Station, April 1968. Barn Owl Only occasionally seen. One found dead on Indee Station. Tawny Frogmouth Two birds were generally present near their roost a hundred metres or so from the Abydos homestead; otherwise only occasionally seen. Australian Owlet-nightjar One record only of a single bird flushed from the rocks forming "China Wall", a diorite dyke on Abydos Station, June 1968. Spotted Nightjar Rarely observed during the day but often seen in car headlights on the roads at night. Dead birds frequently found on the highways. Fork-tailed Swift Large flocks during summer months particularly during stormy periods. Blue-winged Kookaburra Occasional pairs along all the major water courses. Red-backed Kingfisher Occasionally seen in wooded areas adjoining spinifex plains. Sacred Kingfisher Occasionally seen along major water courses. Collared Kingfisher Numerous around Port Hedland and in the township streets. Rainbow Bee-eater Small flocks periodically passed through the spinifex plains. Singing Bushlark Odd birds throughout the spinifex plains. White-backed Swallow Occasionally met with in small groups in areas such as the Yandeearra and Abydos Stations. Welcome Swallow A few birds always present around the coastal areas near Port Hedland, but by no means numerous. Tree Martin Small flocks met with throughout. Fairy Martin* As for Tree Martin. Found breeding in "Armco" culverts later to be installed on the Mount Newman railway across the Fortescue Valley. Richard's Pipit Numerous particularly on the spinifex plains. Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike Small numbers generally along the water courses. White-winged Triller Small groups in winter particularly in the lightly timbered spinifex plains. Red-capped Robin Only one record. A female on , June 26, 1968. VOL. 8 (7) SEPTEMBER, 1980 Birds of the Pilbara 229

Hooded Robin One record only; from Mulga Downs Station, June 1968. ·Golden Whistler Positive identification of one bird only at the Southern Chichester Range near the Mount Newman line, June 1968. Rufous Whistler Two birds in the Southern Chichester Range, June 1978. White-breasted Whistler Rare. Recorded in mangroves on Finucane Island. Grey Shrike-thrush One bird only. Abydos Station, June 1968. Crested Bellbird Only occasionally seen. E.g. one bird at Mulga Downs Station in June 1968 and two at Abydos Station, May 1968. All in scrubby spinifex country. Grey Fantail One bird in the Port Hedland mangroves, June 1968. Willie Wagtail Odd birds around major water courses and homesteads. Grey-crowned Babbler Two records only of small groups m Chichester Range, June 1968 and the , June 1968. Clamorous Reed-Warbler Present in small numbers at permanent water holes such as "Red Bank" on Kangan Station. Spinifexbird Two birds at Woodstock Station, June 3, 1968 and another pair at Rudall River in 1971 on the spinifex plains. Brown Songlark Occasionally recorded on the spinifex plains. Noted at Indee, Kangan and Pippingarra Stations. Variegated Fairy-wren Only rarely seen and in small groups. White-winged Fairy-wren Can be met with in small numbers on most spinifex plains. Striated Grasswren Rarely recorded in spinifex plains. Calamanthus One rufous bird of this description was sighted east of Bonnie Downs Station, May 1970. Dusky Gerygone Present in the mangrove estuaries and creeks near Port Hedland. Slaty-backed Thornhill A small party of five birds seen .at Mulga Downs Station in June 1968 fitted more closely the description of this species than the Chestnut­ romped as described in Serventy & Whitten (1951). Varied Sittella Small flocks occasionally seen in areas of scrub. Black-tailed Treecreeper Odd birds always present along the larger water courses. Yellow-throated Miner Numerous in wooded areas and always present around homesteads. AUSTRALIAN 230 FLETCHER BIRD WATCHER

Singing Honeyeater Present in the study area. Grey-headed Honeyeater Common around the gullies of the Coongan, Chichester and Ham­ ersley and other Ranges. White-plumed Honeyeater Numerous along the major water courses. Brown Honeyeater Very common around Port Hedland houses and the nearby mangrove swamps. Black Honeyeater A pair observed in the Chichester Range near the Mount Newman railway line, July 1968. No other records. Crimson Chat Nomadic. Normally seen in medium numbers around mill tanks includ­ ing those on Woodstock, Abydos, White Springs and Eginbah Station. Mistletoe bird Only one record, that of a male at Mulga Downs Station, May 1968. Red-browed Pardalote Noted at the De Grey River, April 1969. It is possible other pardalotes were of this species but identification was not possible at the time. Striated Pardalote Mainly seen along the eucalypt water courses. Two birds recorded at the Rudall River, March 1970. Yell ow White-eye Common at times in Port Hedland, often feeding from dishes left out. Birds observed had a greenish-yellow under-surface and not bright yellow as described in Serventy and Whittell (1971). Painted Firetail* Numerous, particularly around water holes in the ranges. Nests in clumps of spinifex. Found breeding at the Rudall River. Zebra Finch Common, particularly around water holes or tanks. Spotted Bowerbird Although on constant lookout for this bird only two were recorded, both in the near the Mount Newman line. Australian Magpie-lark* In small numbers along all water-courses. White-breasted W oodswallow Common in Port Hedland and along the mangrove belts. Masked W oodswallow A medium sized flock amongst acacias at Fortescue Valley, Mulga Downs Station, June 1968. Black-faced Woodswallow Numerous in all districts throughout lightly timbered spinifex plains. Little W oodswallow Recorded in small numbers around large rocky outcrops and ranges such as the Hamersley and Chichester. Found breeding with eggs in a vertical cutting to the disused ochre mine at Hamersley Range. Grey Butcherbird Only one record; a single bird in the Chichester Range near the Mount Newman railway, January 1978. VOL. 8 (7) SEPTEMBER, 1980 Birds of the Pilbara 231

Pied Butcherbird Odd birds in scrubby areas. Australian Magpie Rarely seen but present in small numbers only. A group of three birds 20 km east of Mount Whaleback, April 1969, was the only sight record of the Western subspecies. Crow Sp.* Common throughout the drier and near-coastal areas. No attempt was made to distinguish species in the field. However close examination of a dead bird at Wittenoom, August 1968, proved it to be a Little Crow.

ABW

Short Note-

Some Food Items of the Forest Raven Because the food of birds is so often recorded only in general terms, e.g., insects, seeds, the following notes of specific items are of interest. The fragments which made up a regurgitated pellet of a Forest Raven Corvus tasmanicus were identified by the Entomology Department of the National Museum of Victoria. The pellet was collected at the mouth of the Darby River, Wilson's Promontory, Victoria, on January 30, 1969. The distribution of the Forest Raven is limited to Tasmania, Flinders Island, the extreme south-east of South Australia, the south-west of coastal Victoria including the Otway Range and Wilson's Promontory. There is also an isolated race on the New England tablelands in New South Wales. It is the only corvid on Wilson's Promontory. Items identified were: - a. Prothorax (front section of the three segments which make up the thorax of an insect) and elytron (modified front wing of beetles which is thick and tough, and when at rest, protects the thin hind wing folded beneath it) of the Green Stag Beetle Lamprima splendens. b. Small louse - Mallophaga sp. (This is the ectoparasite commonly found on birds.) c. Remains of a fly- Family Muscidae. d. Remains of a midge -Family Chironomidae. e. Remains of a small spider. f. Large number of seeds of Coast Beard-heath Leucopogon parviflorus. g. Small quantity of beach sand.

By (Mrs.) TESS KLOOT, 8/114 Shannon Street, Box Hill North, Victoria, 3129. ABW