Tales

Volume 29 Number 4 December 2020 BirdLife Yarra Valley Newsletter

Lyrebird Painting Mystery by Valerie Fowler He painted portraits by commission before returning to Europe to study painting formally.

In time Vlaho Bukovac became known as an excellent portraitist exhibiting paintings, particularly nudes. Bukovac is renowned for his Symbolist painting, “Une Fleur” (A Flower), painted in 1887, which sold at Bonham’s in in 2006 for £100,800.00. He died in Prague in 1922.

It is thought that Bukovac decorated the walls of the east wing of his childhood home at age 16 (around 1871-72) most likely after his return from America and before leaving to study art in Paris. The wall paintings in the rooms, corridors and stairwells are schematic: the lower portions are decorative friezes. Of interest, the friezes were of framed decorative pictures of various flower motifs, landscapes, and . Some paintings depicted animals that were considered exotic for that time and place such as rhinoceros, crocodiles, anteater and the . The Lyrebird painting in Croatia photo © Graeme Hosken upper portions of the walls were predominantly monochromatic. In his autobiography, Bukovac himself In October 2015 at a Birdlife meeting, Graeme states, “I told my father that I would decorate the house with Hosken showed me a photograph of a wall mural featuring a paintings and decorations like I had seen at the house of the Superb Lyrebird. painter Zabedeo in Dubrovnik, and I did. Those were my first I was very surprised to learn that the image was one of a works of painting.” Continued on page 2 series of paintings on a wall inside The Bukovac House in the village of Cavtat, 16km south of Dubrovnik in Croatia. The Contents Bukovac House is the birthplace and museum of the Croatian 1-4. Lyrebird Painting Mystery by Valerie Fowler painter, Vlaho Bukovac. He was one of the most prominent Croatian artists and a founder of modern Croatian painting. 5. Small Excursions in a Pandemic Lockdown, Doug & Jan. Yellow-faced Honeyeater in St Andrews by Dace Fitton The wall paintings at Bukovac House, which included the Superb Lyrebird image, were discovered during initial 6. Not Again by Dick Wellington. Poor Old Laughing Kookaburras by Warren Cousins restoration works on the house. In 1998 exploratory tests confirmed the existence of tempera paintings (a method of 7-8. A Visit to Wedderburn by Doug Pocock and Jan painting using emulsion) on the walls of the east wing of the Llewelyn house. In 2003 work started to take place cleaning the 8. Tawny Frogmouths in Nunawading photo, Lyn Mckelvie. simply painted walls and original paintings were restored. BirdLife Yarra Valley Committee. Superb in the Blue Mountains, an update by Austin. Vlaho Bukovac was born in Cavtat in 1855 as Biagio Faggioni; (he changed his name to Bukovac in 1877). At age 9. Yarra Valley Trail, Lilydale to Yarra Glen. 11 Bukovac left for America with his uncle who unfortunately 10. Lillydale Lake Wetlands upgrade. What is that? soon died. He returned to Cavtat 4 years later from New York. He then became a sailor on a boat travelling to 11. Interesting Sightings Istanbul-Liverpool-Odessa. Unfortunately, Bukovac suffered a 12. Spadoni’s Nature Reserve revisited by Valerie Fowler dangerous fall into the ship’s hold and this career became 13. Outing to Yea Wetlands followed by visit to Gobur short lived. He returned to Cavtat to convalesce and when he Nature Reserve by Warren Cousins had recovered, he left for Peru in 1873. One year later he went to San Francisco where he began his career as an 14. Calendar of Events amateur painter and took lessons in art.

Lyrebird Tales

So where did Bukovac become inspired to paint the Superb The time when was starting to be colonised Lyrebird and exotic animals? Perhaps he saw them on his coincided with the blossoming of the print culture, colour journeys in North America or in the Mediterranean. What print technologies, lithographic and illustrative engraving. It appears to be a fence in the background behind the Lyrebird also occurred at a time when European ornithology and bird suggests it was in captivity. It has also been suggested that science were developing. In the beginning bird images were he may have found motifs for his paintings in some books. often stylised, but in time became more scientifically Therefore, below is some information I researched that may recorded. have inspired or influenced the style of his Superb Lyrebird John Latham’s Superb Menura Lyrebird engraving was painting. illustrated for the first time in 1800. John Latham became the leading English ornithologist, often known as the The first sighting of a Superb Lyrebird was in 1797 by an ex- “Grandfather of Australia”. Latham provided the first convict who lived with Aboriginals after his term expired in publicised description and scientific names of many 1792. He said a bird of the was in the bush Australian birds including the ‘Lyre-bird’. Latham did not near but this information was treated with travel much himself but the period of his ornithological work scepticism. The first recorded sighting was in 1798 by John coincided with the voyages of James Cook and the early Price who in the same year shot two birds. He described colonisation of Australia. He was a correspondent and friend them as , but with which resembled a peacock and of all the important English naturalists and bird with long which are white, orange and lead colour collectors, so was able to examine specimens of birds that and black at the ends. (Historical Records NSW, 3 Appendix reached and drawings made by the artists on board C.) all of Cook’s voyages. John Latham’s 1802 picture depicts a 1797 – 1798. The first Superb Lyrebird skins collected from Lyrebird standing with its stretched out horizontally in an the region around Sydney were sent to England. The Superb erect position comprising a thick mass of feathers that were Lyrebird at that time was known a ‘Mountain Pheasant’ or of an even length. The Lyrate feathers form the outside of sometimes a ‘Lyretail’. the tail with the club ends curling outwards; they encompass the two central thin ribbon feathers amongst an almost solid A Lyrebird specimen was shipped to England in the early 19th mass of other tail feathers that do not represent Lyrebird’s Century and was prepared for display for the British Museum lacy filament feathers. by a taxidermist who had never seen a live Lyrebird. The taxidermist mistakenly thought that the tail would resemble a Superb Menura Lyrebird lyre. He presumed that the tail would be held upright in a engraving by John Latham 1801. Source: National similar way to that of a Peacock during and Library of Australia so he arranged the feathers in this way. John Latham’s engraving has On the 4th November 1800 Thomas Davies gave a scientific similarities to the painting by description of “Menura superba a bird of ” to Bukovac, such as the position the Linnean Society. Major General Thomas Davies was a of the bird standing on a British Army officer and naturalist. He was an elected fellow green flat surface, but the colouring, length of legs and tail of the Royal Society and Linnean are different. In the engraving the Lyrebird’s body shape, is Society; he contributed articles on similar to the Bukovac’s Lyrebird painting, but has a longer ornithology in Australia. He studied a neck and less solid body. Bukovac’s Lyrebird tail is slightly specimen of a male Lyrebird for his raised and more realistic. illustration dated 1799 and published in 1802. The style of this painting is A Lyrebird picture featured in Latham’s ‘General synopsis of not at all similar to Bukovac’s. birds’; the earliest major investigation of Australian birds (1781 – 1785). Pictures I have seen attributed to this “Menura Superba” Artist Thomas Davies 1802. publication show a very stylish Lyrebird with solid lyrate feathers that cross midway before curving inwards to form a Source: Wikipedia heart shape at the tip. The ribbon feathers follow a similar In the late 18th and 19th centuries in the age of stylised pattern curving outwards past the filamentary enlightenment, Europeans were studying and trying to feathers that show they are branched or bracketed. The bird understand the world through scientific analysis and is looking back over to its vertical tail. The body colour of this investigational observation on a scale never seen before. This Lyrebird picture including the contrasting wing shade are included trying to comprehend the new and exciting both features of Bukovac’s Lyrebird but the stance is discoveries from the new world. People were astounded by different. Also attributed to John Latham is ‘Index what they saw shipped home as specimens of science from Ornithologicus, Sive Systema Ornithologiae’ (1790) and ‘A the Australian colonies since the first landing. Visual imagery General History of Birds’ (1821-1824) consisting of 10 became increasingly more important rather than the previous volumes, including 193 hand-coloured plates by Latham. He use of written descriptions of fauna and stuffed dead also contributed descriptions of birds for ‘The Voyage of specimens. Images were favoured due to their ability to Governor Phillip to Bay’. depict their oddity, colour and beauty.

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1804 Superb Lyrebird, Menura branch. The Lyrebird has its wings extended, an extra long novaehollandiae from 'An account of neck (more like a Peacock) and a long upright tail. This map the English colony in New South was also published as part of Francois Peron’s publication Wales, from its first settlement in (1811) on Baudin’s voyage. January 1788 to August 1801'. John Lewin was the first professional artist to arrive in New Author David Collins, 1804, Rare South Wales. He trained in natural history illustration and Book Collection, Museum Victoria. printmaking. An 1810 painting by John Lewin features a male Credits and acknowledgements - Lyrebird with its body tilted slightly upwards looking back Source: Museum Victoria/ towards its tail, which is displayed in a stiff upright position Author: David Collins. with the 2 lyrate feathers held apart near the outside edge Reproduced from ‘An account of with the tips curled outwards, the two ribbon feathers central the English colony in New South Wales’, 1804. but crossed at the bottom third. Fanned filamentary feathers 1804 Empress Josephine and Baudin’s voyages: Napoleon back the main feathers. The bird’s face is long and pointed. was interested in the ‘great south land’ by the age of 16 in John Lewin published the book, ‘Birds of New Holland’, and 1785. At the very beginning of the 19th century French later followed this with his book, ‘Birds of New South Wales’, expeditions to the ‘newly discovered’ Australia returned with in 1808. The books were popular with ornithologists and the documented exotic flora and creatures. After Bonaparte had general public. survived the revolution and war, he emerged as First Consul. In that role, he approved another voyage to the Terres John Gould (1804-1881). As a youth John Gould also trained Australes under the command of Nicolas Baudin, who took 20 at the Royal Gardens, Windsor Castle (where his father was a scientific scholars with him. Baudin was given two tasks, to foreman gardener), and became an expert in . In chart the southeast of Australia and do research to increase 1825 Gould moved to London and set himself up as a self- human knowledge of the natural sciences. Apparently, there employed taxidermist. In 1827 his skill helped him to become was a third set of private instructions, to collect species for the first curator and preserver at the museum of the the First Consul’s wife, Madam Bonaparte. This special Zoological Society of London. Gould's position brought him collection, comprising all sorts of animals and beautiful birds, into contact with the country's leading naturalists. This meant was to be separate from those for the state authorities. that he was often the first to see new collections of birds Baudin travelled on two ships, the Le Geographe and the Le given to the Zoological Society of London. John Gould’s early Naturaliste. Following instructions, he gathered remarkable 1800s picture of a Lyrebird was of a Superb Lyrebird floral and zoological specimens including 200 Australian specimen at the British Museum. He had not seen a live bird plants, 110 mammals and 422 birds. It is surprising that both at this time. birds and animals survived the six-month journey, as they In the first two months of 1837 Gould classified and exhibited knew little about caring for them. The book, ‘Upside Down most of Charles Darwin’s birds at meetings of the Zoological World’ by Penny Olsen, states that one of Baudin’s ships ‘Le Society. Geographe’ had on board a live Lyrebird in 1804. Birds and animals from Australia arrived at Josephine’s luxurious John Gould sailed to Australia in May 1838, staying for two residence, Malmaison, just outside Paris in 1803 and 1804. years leaving Sydney in April 1840. He took with him his There are references to Kangaroos, Emus, Parrots and Black wife, Elizabeth, and collector, John Gilbert. Their intention Swans but not to her receiving a Lyrebird. was to study the birds of Australia and be the first to produce a major work on the subject. Elizabeth documented fresh and ’ collector, George Caley, kept company with a prepared specimens through thousands of sketches, carefully convict woman named , a resident of the capturing the intricate colour, sheen and placement of each Hawkesbury district who in 1807 sent a pair of stuffed and eye: Lyrebirds to England to her former employer, a Mrs Cubbold. In 1845 in England Mrs Cubbold’s son, the Reverend Richard The result of the trip was ‘The Birds of Australia’ (1840–48). Cubbold, published a book, ‘The History of Margaret It was the first comprehensive illustrated account of Catchpole’ (the lady from the Hawkesbury River), using Australian birds. There were seven volumes, which included letters sent to his mother, which became a best seller. It is 600 plates. The front cover of the serial parts featured the thought that he embellished the facts in the book. At the image of the Lyrebird. In the third volume, the Superb time of its publication, the nature of the Lyrebird”s and Lyrebird picture is on page 14. At the time it was common to were still under contention. name birds after royalty and in Gould’s mind he associated the Lyrebird with the young Queen Victoria who had recently 1808 Freycinet’s Atlas included ‘Carte Generale de la Terre married. Gould declared Menura superba an emblem for the Napoleon, (à la Nouvelle Hollande)’. This chart was drawn by Australian colonies, linking them to their queen. Louis de Freycinet, Commander of the Casuarina. It depicts Baudin’s discoveries of South Australian waters. The map is The 1830s was a period in which publishing, philosophy and enhanced by vignettes of Australian flora and fauna drawn by the natural sciences were meeting in both middle-class Charles Alexandre Lesueur. It is positioned in the bottom left- English homes and as entrepreneurial opportunity. Besides hand corner and features a Parrot, a Cockatoo, an Emu with his talents as an ornithologist and entrepreneur, Gould’s short legs, an Egret or Crane and a Lyrebird standing on a ability to organise and oversee the output of artists and

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crafts people ensured the natural history artworks illustrating 1816 – 1830 Dumont de Sainte Croix’s ‘Dictionary of Natural his prestige publications were brightly and skilfully coloured Science: Ornithology’, Paris, France. It includes a hand- and of the highest quality. This approach held special appeal coloured copperplate stipple engraving of a Superb Lyrebird for their Victorian audience. by J.G Petrie, engraved by Massard. Jean Gabriel Petrie (1780 - 1845) was a painter of natural history at Empress The plates of ‘The Birds of Australia’ were printed using Josephine’s zoo and later became an artist to the Museum of lithography – a relatively new technique for book illustration Natural History. This illustration features the full body of a in England in the 1830s. Working from Gould’s rough Lyrebird looking back towards its tail, the feathers are viewed sketches and under his constant supervision, the artists – from behind showing the under coverts with feathers including his wife Elizabeth Gould, Edward Lear, H.C. Richter, arranged and upright as in Pauline Knipp’s picture. William Hart and Joseph Wolf – made the drawings and watercolours which were then copied onto the lithographic 1824 Georg August Goldfuss (1782 – 1848) Maenura stones from which the prints were produced. After the Superba Shau lithograph with hand- coloured painting. Again, required numbers of prints were made the stones were wiped the tail is vertical. clean or destroyed to ensure the exclusivity of the prints. 1834 Lyrebird tail feathers are sold in shops of the zoological His wife, Elizabeth Gould, drew and collectors and in pairs in Sydney. lithographed 84 of the plates from 1865 The Lyrebird is regarded with the highest interest by his sketches for the illustrations for the people of Australia and by ornithologists particularly in the books before her death in Europe. 1841. In 1865 Gould produced a 2 volume ‘Handbook to the Birds of 1864 Book published in Vienna: Bilder-atlas zur Australia’ in which he named two Wissenschaftlich-populären Naturgeschichte der Vögel in more species of Lyrebirds, Menura ihren sämmtlichen Hauptformen. Author: Leopold Joseph albertii and he also split Menura Franz Johann Fitzinger. The Lyrebird painting is by an superba into two species naming unknown artist. The Lyrebird body in this painting is standing the second one Menura victoriae. at a 45 degree angle and the tail is not horizontal, there are several features that are similar to Bukovac’s, including the Superb Lyrebird by John Gould from Gould birds of Australia body colouring, head shape and short legs. The background supplement NSW state Library. however is not similar. The caption with the picture reads in Source State Library of N.S.W. the original German: Der neuhöllandische Leiervogel (Menura SLNSW_FL4645356_FL4647599 (2) superba).

In 1804 the enlightenment was in still in full swing and 1867 Hand-coloured engraving of Lyrebird in the Zoological women were still in the background. Exceptions to this were Gardens Regents Park (London), artist F.W. Keys and the salons of artists, philosophers, scientists and nobility that engraved by Pearson. This picture features a Lyrebird in the were often hosted by a woman. One such Grande Dame was foreground which has the straight tail of the female but with Pauline Knipp (1781 - 1851). She had made her name as a 2 outside lyrates. In the background is a male standing on a bird illustrator and had the patronage of Empress Josephine. mound supposedly performing to attract its mate whilst its Her Lyrebird painting was finished in 1812. Pauline Knipp’s tail is positioned in the manner of a Peacock displaying. painting features the Superb Lyrebird from behind, showing a So where Vlaho Bukovac found inspiration for his Lyrebird fluffy pompom of feathers as the under tail coverts and the painting is not known, but many artists plagiarized original tail upright featuring the two central ribbon feathers and paintings of Lyrebirds by well-known artists. Due to the male external Lyreate feathers, with the club ends pointing Lyrebird’s tail being thought to resemble the Greek lyre, its outwards either side of the filaments which are depicted as image became popular in paintings, decorative artwork and single feathers rather than lacy ones. The beak of the could be found featured on book covers. Lyrebird is peeking out from behind one of the Lyrates, the rest of the head was hidden. I conclude that this painting did Thank you to the State Libraries of , N.S.W, not influence Bukovac’s Lyrebird painting, as it is not similar Victoria and the National Library for their research and help at all. to find the pictures for use in this article.

The Swamp Pheasant Many thanks to the staff at Bukovac House for providing me by T. R. Browne, from information about Vlaho Bukovac for this article particularly, the manuscript Lucija Vuković, and for permission to include the image of “Select specimens Bukovac’s Lyrebird painting taken by Graeme Hosken. More from nature of the information on Bukovac and his collection can be obtained birds, animals, &c of from www.kuca-bukovac.hr New South Wales” by

Thomas Skottowe, 1813 (SAFE/PXA 555): Source: State Library of New South Wales. https://collection.sl.nsw.gov.au/digital/yKw42dL4lw2gz

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Small Excursions in a Pandemic Lockdown Fairy-wrens and Red-browed Finches. Crossing Sebire Ave. we start to see plenty of White-browed Scrub-wrens. There We are lucky that during this period we are next to the are a few dams along this section so there are usually Wood Warburton Rail Trail and can go for short walks as permitted Ducks and Pacific Black Ducks. At one small dam very close in the stage 4 lockdown. Many readers would be familiar with to the trail the owners have made a little entertaining area. the trail from trips the group has done in the past. From our We stopped to talk to them one day and found they were house we can turn right and head towards Mt. Evelyn or turn keen birdwatchers. Amongst other birds they had seen we left and go towards Seville. were surprised that they recorded an Azure Kingfisher, we We are noticing some of our summer migrants appearing, would only expect them to be at running water. Olive-backed Oriole, Yellow-faced Honeyeater, Sacred Just near this dam we saw an Eastern Yellow Robin at the Kingfisher, Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike and Dusky nest. It was built in a Native Cherry just above head height. have been seen and the Fan-tailed Cuckoo is On a later trip there were no birds around, we don’t know if it often heard. was abandoned or just finished with. Grey Fantails were chasing small everywhere. Just before and after crossing Burgi Hill Road we have been regularly hearing and seeing Eastern Whip Birds.

On our last walk as we were returning past Burgi Hill Road a bird on the ground caught my attention. At first I thought it was a Grey Shrike-thrush but it turned sideways and it was a Song Thrush. These used to be common but we haven’t seen one in years. Doug and Jan Yellow-faced Honeyeater in St Andrews

In St Andrews we had a Yellow-faced Honeyeater nesting a few metres from our door! So we had a wonderful few weeks watching the parents feeding the two chicks. The nest was about 2 metres up in a in a pot (not sure of variety). The Dusky Woodswallow photo © Valerie Fowler day before the chicks fledged we watched them perched on a small branch, flapping their wings and preening themselves. Our neighbour puts out for birds so when we pass there Just before they got out of their nest – there was barely are always many Common Bronzewings, Galahs, Sulphur- enough room for the two of them. We were mindful of not crested Cockatoos, Little Corellas and often King Parrots. In disturbing them, but on the other hand they knowingly built our garden we have lots of Little and Red Wattlebirds. These their nest in an area with high traffic. The nest is beautifully are bullies that harass the New Holland Honeyeaters and constructed, fine plant matter and soft mosses. The funny Eastern Spinebills. thing today was, I saw two Eastern Spinebills filching pieces Walking towards Mt Evelyn is a bit boring for the first few from the nest! I think the Sulphur Crested Cockatoos in the hundred metres but after crossing Wellington Rd. we start to park, down the road have babies. I saw a head at the hole a see more species. Of course we see Red Wattlebirds, New few days ago and sometimes we see a Cockatoo perched on Holland Honeyeaters and the ubiquitous Bell Miners but we a tree nearby, watching. Dace Fitton look out for White-naped and White-eared Honeyeaters.

Crossing Bailey Rd bridge we usually get Superb Fairy Wrens and Eastern Yellow Robins. Recently we were pleased to see both a Golden Whistler and a Rufous Whistler in the same tree. Of course we see plenty of Brown Thornbills. On one walk we saw a White-throated Treecreeper making us realize they are nowhere near as common as a few years ago. We usually turn back at this point but sometimes we go up to the G.Colling Reserve, but there are not many birds there. A very muddy track along Stringybark Creek is quite good for birds.

The wildflowers are displaying well at present. The cream flowers of the climber Pandorea pandorana are covering host bushes. Pultenea gunni usually goes un-noticed but it is showing its bright orange flowers and the lovely deep purple of Hardenbergia trails down the cuttings.

If we head toward Seville from our place we immediately pass the block we used to own. Even though the owner does more clearing that I did there is still a good chance of Superb Yellow-faced Honeyeater photo © Peter Birtles

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Not Again by Dick Wellington

Remember my missive, of our breeding Masked Plovers a couple of months ago (‘A Sad Tale’ in the September newsletter) which ended in an overnight disaster when the chick didn't survive that first nights stormy weather? Well, they have gone and done it again, having another go and producing two chicks this time on the roof of the nursing home here.

Margaret and I were alerted to the fact when, on our morning meander, our attention was drawn to a very noisy Plover on the roof of the nursing home, with no obvious threat about. But around an hour later when we'd returned home, again a very irate Plover was calling, this time about where I'd photographed the bird a couple of months ago. His distress was because two people had emerged from the door below The Plover family photos © Dick Wellington and I could see they were pointing at something out of sight but still on the veranda. I guessed it was the young so I quickly put on a hat for protection and went down for a closer look. The two people who had appeared in the doorway had retreated inside but the bird on the roof let me know I was invading his territory and by a circuitous route I found the Mother and two chicks as in the first photo. I knew I had to do something as they couldn't survive there so I gently and without disturbing them too much, herded them up a concrete ramp to a grassy patch outside. Thinking they were safe there I left them and went home for lunch.

About an hour later, I was again alerted by the Plover being very noisy and looking out our kitchen window, saw he was tangling with two Indian Mynas who had also nested on the nursing home roof, albeit under the eaves where the nest was hidden. Further examination revealed that Mother and the chicks looked like they were moving back from whence they came and were at the head of the ramp again on the concrete. So, donning my hat again, and again by a thoroughly circuitous route which included climbing over a Poor Old Laughing Kookaburras brick wall I was able to slowly herd them along the back of a few units here, including ours where Margaret watched 7/10/20 As usual, I walked off to the Olinda Creek Wetlands proceedings from our windows, I was able to finally for my daily constitutional. I was amused to see two encourage the full party across our car park and into a rather instances of a poor old Laughing Kookaburras being open area more suitable for them to supply food and bring up harassed. One was early on, where at least 6 Noisy Beggars their chicks. (sorry I meant to say Noisy Miners) were giving hell to a very stoic looking Kookaburra. He seemed quite accustomed to And then of course, as luck would have it, the weather turned this bullying treatment, and they eventually gave up and nasty and we had about 10mm of rain which had me worried. moved on. Later into the walk and at least 500m away as the So, this morning I set out to look for them and, Hallelujah, I crow flies (or is it as the Kookaburra flies), another victim found all four out in their natural grazing in the was being harried by a small group of Grey Fantails. I sunshine. I didn't dare approach them too closely so no suspect there was a nest(s) close by. This one did yield photo, I'm afraid. But I will watch carefully over the next eventually and flew off in exasperation. I was also pleased to couple of weeks and hope for a successful outcome. see a pair of Gang Gangs in the vicinity. The female looked to November 14th - A quick update on our babies, the Plover be exploring potential nesting holes. Fingers crossed, as we chicks. All seems to be going well as the full family of four don’t see them so often down here. are easily found around the village including today. Let's Warren Cousins hope it continues.

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A Visit to Wedderburn

As part of a great citizen science project Jan and I were able to get a permit to travel to Wedderburn to do our annual Malleefowl mound monitoring. We normally do this later in the year but it isn’t much fun bashing through thick scrub in high 30 degrees temperature so this year we chose to go earlier. As it turned out we had quite a bit of rain which was good to water our latest plantings. We did the monitoring of the 10 known in our allotted area over two days. Some of these nests are ancient and haven’t been used in years. However, every five years we check them all in case any old ones have been reactivated by Malleefowl. Studies have shown that the birds prefer to renovate an old one rather than start from scratch. (Pun intended!) In other years we monitor six nests which we know have had some recent signs Chestnut-rumped Thornbill photo © Valerie Fowler of use. We were extremely pleased to find three active nests Taking some time off work we walked in the Box/Ironbark as for the last 5 years we have only found one active nest, . This gave us the expected Brown Treecreepers, the one on our block that some of you have seen. Willie Wagtails, Red-rumped Parrots and White-plumed Honeyeaters. We were pleased to see Hooded Robins, Jacky Winters and an Eastern Shrike-tit. Heading back to camp we saw Yellow-rumped Thornbills and Superb Fairy-wrens. Looking at them carefully we realized there were also a couple of Variegated Wrens with them. Some Dusky flew around near the gate.

Next morning I took a short walk to look around before starting work. I saw Chestnut-rumped Thornbills and Rufous Whistlers. A Red-capped Robin was calling near the caravan and two Grey caused consternation amongst the smaller birds, as did a pair of Whistling Kites later.

Much work was done but we did another bird walk later. At a Diamond Firetail photo © Valerie Fowler dam on Block 3 I saw a Black-fronted Dotterel, a first for our Wedderburn List. As there was a fair bit to do, apart from monitoring, we intended to spend a week there and hopefully find time to do some birdwatching. Entering the block we saw White-browed Babblers and a Diamond Firetail. Around the caravan were the usual Red Wattlebirds, Yellow-tufted, Yellow-plumed and Fuscous Honeyeaters. Grey Shrike Thrushes were plentiful. Driving around our block we saw plenty of Galahs and Eastern Rosellas. In the paddock next door were Long-billed Corellas and Sulphur-crested Cockatoos. I started my summer slashing program and I noticed Australian Pipits, Southern Whitefaces and Common Bronzewings. Magpies, Australian Ravens and White-winged Choughs were plentiful.

Black-fronted Dotterel photo © Valerie Fowler

There were also two Yellow-billed Spoonbills. On another small dam were two Australasian Grebes tending a floating nest. While checking out some Bendigo wax flowers we saw four small parrots fly into a tree. We were able to get a good look and realized they were Blue-winged Parrots, the first we have seen since Peter Fowler saw some on the first Yarra Valley Bird Observers Club camp 3rd - 5th October 2003. Southern Whiteface photo © Valerie Fowler

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It was a very pleasing time spent there. Even though we Tawny Fogmouth family in Nunawading didn’t see any Malleefowl it was good to see three active nests. This means there are at least three pairs of these nationally threatened birds still hanging on in the area.

Doug Pocock and Jan Llewelyn

Tawny Frogmouths photo © Lyn McKelvie

Blue-winged Parrot photo © John Barkla BirdLife Australia Yarra Valley Branch

P.O. Box 1172, Healesville Vic. 3777 email: [email protected]

Committee

Convener: Warren Cousins Deputy-Convener: Manfred Hennig Secretary: Alma Mitchell Treasurer: Michael Feller Conservation Officer: Michael Feller Other Members: Jan Llewelyn. Doug Pocock

Superb Lyrebirds in the Blue Mountains

Blue-winged Parrot photo © John Barkla Watching the documentary “After the fires” on ABC television we were pleased to see that Victoria Austin was able to continue her study on female Superb Lyrebirds. (Lyrebird Tales March 2020 pages 1-6). I contacted Victoria and she gave me this update. Ed.

I was so so pleased to see Gertrude had survived and went on to have a chick. The outcome for the others is a bit more complicated though. Gertrude had a nice little patch of habitat. The fire didn't burn uniformly, and so different territories were affected differently. I was pleased to see that many of the females I work with survived, but, we are not sure of breeding outcomes. Shortly after filming, a big landslide took out a large portion of one of my sites - probably due to ground instability as a result of the fires. So, it really has been and continues to be a tough year for the Lyrebirds up here. Australasian Grebes (immature) photo © V. Fowler Victoria Austin

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Yarra Valley Trail, Lilydale to Yarra Glen

Eurasian Starling photo © Valerie Fowler

Entrance to trail at Nelson Rd photo © Valerie Fowler

Lilydale Sewerage Farm photo © Valerie Fowler

The birds sitting on nests were Shelduck, Pink-eared Duck, Australasian Grebe, Hoary-headed Grebe (2 nests), and Eurasian Coot. Birds with young were Pink-eared Ducks (one pair had 4 chicks and another pair had 2 chicks), Eurasian

Coot (4 chicks), Wood Duck (4 chicks), Purple Swamphen (1 Stage 1a of the Yarra Valley Trail, teenager), a pair of Black Swans with 6 cygnets. Other birds Lilydale to Yarra Glen officially seen at the sewerage farm were Black Duck, abundant opened in February 2020 forming a Hardhead, Grey Teal, Shoveller, Blue-billed Duck, White- shared walking and bicycle track. faced Heron, Straw-necked and White Ibis, Masked Lapwing, The trail follows the old railway line Common Moorhen, Welcome , Tree Martin, Magpie starting at Beresford Road, Lilydale Lark, Common Myna, and Turtledove. and at present finishing on the Adjacent to the sewerage Farm and further along the trail corner of MacIntyre Lane corner of Australian Reed Warblers called and we saw glimpses of Melba Highway Yering. There is a them. Other birds were Crested Pigeon, Little Corellas, parking area at Creek Road corner Eastern and Crimson Rosellas, Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike, of Beresford road and at the Yering , Noisy Miner, Red Wattlebird, New end of the trail. The trail from Lilydale to Yering is 7.5km Holland Honeyeater, Yellow-faced Honeyeater, Golden (15km return). The section 4.5km of the trail, Yering to Yarra Whistler, Rufous Whistler, Wedge-tailed Eagle, Grey Glen (stage 1b), is expected to be completed by the end of Goshawk, Australian Kestrel, , Little Raven, 2021 and the total cost $8.5m. It is important to note that Silvereye, Yellow-rumped Thornbill, Superb Fairy-wren, there are no toilets or water available on this trail. European Goldfinch, Golden-headed Cysticola, Red-browed We walked partway along the trail birdwatching in mid- Finch, European Blackbird. November on a warm sunny day (30 degrees) and found it Along the trail, there are nice views of the distant hills excellent. Opting to avoid the first section, we started at including Christmas Hills. There is minimal shade so we Nelson Road, Lillydale where there is minimal parking. turned back after crossing under some powerlines perhaps European Starlings in full breeding colour lined up in the half way along the walk. Signs advise not to walk the trail on wires on one side of the gate at the trail entrance. The trail extreme weather days. passes the Lilydale Sewerage Farm on the left and it is possible to view the waterbirds at a distance through the wire Completing our walk, we had counted 52 bird species. fence using binoculars but a telescope would be an Valerie and Peter Fowler advantage. We counted four ponds, three of which had There are future plans to build more than 40km of trail numerous birds in either the water or resting on the edges. connecting Lilydale with Yarra Glen (stage1) and then to The last pond had few birds. Healesville (stage 2) then across to the Lilydale Warburton trail joining at Woori Yallock (stage 3).

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Lillydale Lake Wetlands upgrade How will these works impact visitors and birdwatchers visiting Lillydale Lake Wetland?

⬧ The wetlands and boardwalk will be temporary closed

⬧ Fewer birds seen and opportunities for photographing them whilst construction is occurring

⬧ Vegetation will be removed

⬧ Increased noise and truck movements and some odour and dust

⬧ There will be some detours in place

An independent ecological consultancy was engaged prior to any works to inform both design and construction of the Melbourne Water is continuing its work on the wetlands at Lillydale Lake Wetlands. Flora and fauna assessments were Lillydale Lake to ensure that they perform appropriately to undertaken and no significant species were observed at that meet the standards of stormwater treatment. The purpose of time, or are expected to occur in the areas impacted. the wetlands is to filter pollutants in the water that have Vegetation removal and construction works will be supervised come from roads, stormwater drains, parks and gardens by an ecologist qualified to undertake native fauna relocation before the water reaches the rivers and oceans. The where required, to prevent their injury or death. The extent Melbourne Water notice states that water flowing from the of required vegetation removal has been minimised, with no Olinda Creek enters the wetland too quickly for the natural significant or vegetation removal planned that would filtration to work. impact the habitat. Once the Wetlands ponds are revegetated The wetlands have also been important for birds, particularly there will be overall improvement for the wildlife and new nesting ducks including Pink-eared Ducks and Freckled bird boxes will be installed. Ducks. Also using these wetlands have been Purple Swamphen, Common Moorhen and Eurasian Coot; all three species have raised young in this area. Of note: Sacred and Azure Kingfishers, Spotted Crake and Buff-banded Rail also use these ponds. Vegetation around and the ponds have supported many nests including Grey Fantail, Australian Reed Warbler and Mistletoebird. Birds perched on dead branches protruding from the water including Australian Darter, Little Pied and Little Black Cormorants, various species of Honeyeaters, Shining-bronze Cuckoo, Mistletoebird, Welcome , Fairy and Tree Martins, Magpie Lark, Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike and many more species.

The wetlands upgrade Stage 1 is now continuing which involves draining the wetland and re-shaping its base. The removed sediment will be dried and treated. This work is expected to be completed by mid 2021. Stage 2 is expected to take place in late 2021 to early 2022.

Works to upgrade the wetland will include: Australian Magpie photo © Lyn McKelvie ⬧ Removing vegetation within the current wetland What Bird is that? ⬧ Draining the wetland

⬧ Reshaping the base with machinery to correct water depths

⬧ Mixing lime with sediment to reduce acidity and support new plant growth

⬧ Modifying the inlet and outlet flows to manage flows from Olinda Creek and into Lillydale Lake

⬧ Removing the stockpile of wetland sediment

⬧ Revegetating the wetland with new plants to Answer on page 12 support the filtering of pollutants

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Interesting Sightings size. I checked the calls online and am confident it was a female Koel. I understand that Koels are heard in Healesville 15/8/20 Olive-backed Oriole (usually they begin calling in the occasionally but I’ve never recorded them here before. last few days of August or even early September around here) – St Andrews, Dace Fitton Graeme George

15/8/20 Galahs, Sulphur-crested Cockatoos and Wood Ducks are nesting in hollows – St Andrews, Dace Fitton

27/8/20 Latham’s Snipe (2) - Toolangi, Manfred Hennig

8/9/20 Reed Warbler (first for season) – Lillydale Lake, Warren Cousins

18/9/20 White-headed Pigeon – Toolangi, Manfred Hennig

18/9/20 Black Duck pair with 12 chicks – Lillydale Lake, Warren Cousins

28/9/20 Brown-headed Honeyeaters (approx 15) feeding for 2 hours from grevillea and lilypilly – Toolangi, Manfred Latham’s Snipe photo © Manfred Hennig Hennig

2/10/20 Sacred Kingfisher, uncommon for up here, only the second sighting for me in 20 years in Toolangi, Manfred Hennig

6/10/20 Little Ravens (2 adults with 3 young) – Mooroolbark, V & P Fowler

26/10/20 Brown Falcon chased by a Magpie – Healesville, Peter Fowler

31/10/20 Buff-banded Rail – Lillydale Lake, Warren Cousins

9/11/20 – Coldstream, V & P Fowler Brown-headed Honeyeater photo © Manfred Hennig 10/11/20 Scarlet Honeyeater (5+) - Bushy Park, Glen Waverley, V & P Fowler

30/11/20 Common Koel – Mooroolbark, Valerie and Peter Fowler

Scarlet Honeyeater photo © Peter Fowler

Common Koel photo © Peter Fowler

1/12/20 Badger Creek. I heard a new call in my garden today - a loud and harsh call repeated in short bursts. I didn’t have my binoculars and could only see the bird in silhouette in the canopy branches of a stringybark. It looked very dark with long rounded tail and short beak. I immediately thought of a Koel, it didn’t look or sound like a , Raven or . It raised its tail and flicked its wings with each call. After I watched it calling for a couple of minutes it flew off with, or was chased away by, another dark bird the same White-headed Pigeon photo © Manfred Hennig

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Spadoni’s Nature Reserve revisited Due to the recent rainfall the Yarra River was fast flowing and the level was high, even the causeway across the path was by Valerie Fowler partially flooded and with muddy edges. Between the bushes in the low-lying areas, there were pools of water with an accompanying chorus of at least 2 different species of frogs. We were quite unprepared for the onslaught of vicious mosquitoes, which bit us on our hands, around the edges of our facemasks and on the soft flesh exposed behind our ears due to them being pulled forward by the mask elastic.

In the open area off the track, there were noisy Australian Magpies and a Little Raven. A gang of 3 New Holland Honeyeaters, Red Wattlebirds and Yellow-faced Honeyeaters were aggressively trying to prevent other species from feeding on the flowering mistletoes chasing off several Mistletoebirds. In the adjacent paddock an Australian Kestrel which hovered before diving down to catch its prey which it then attempted to eat whilst on the wing. A pair of Laughing Golden Whistler photo © Valerie Fowler Kookaburras arrived, their raucous calls emulating our joy at finally being free to go out birdwatching. On an overcast morning 2 days after the 5km from home restrictions were lifted, we decided to visit one of our Back on the track, we heard the calls of a Yellow-tailed Black favourite local birdwatching spots which had been just Cockatoo and White-faced Heron. Several Long-billed outside that limit. Corellas flew over and an Australian Pelican circled overhead. We stopped on the bridge over the creek to enjoy the calls of We were pleased to see that Spadoni’s Nature Reserve had several Australian Reed Warblers whilst observing a Black- been maintained since our last visit and the revegetation faced Cuckoo-shrike, Common Moorhen, 2 Hardheads and a near the entrance, which had been recently planted was Black Duck. Along the path were 2 Red-browed Finches. thriving. Within the reserve, the undergrowth was thicker and several bushes were in flower including several wattles.

Before starting along the path we looked out over the adjoining field where we heard the Skylarks calling, saw several Australian Magpies and surprisingly an Australian Pelican on the ground in the distance.

Walking along the track we saw Grey Shrike-thrush, Yellow Robins, White-browed Scrubwren, Golden Whistler, Brown Thornbill, Superb Fairy-wren and multiple Grey Fantails. We could hear many Common Blackbirds, Spotted Pardalote, Silvereyes and Little Corellas. We heard a brief call from a Rufous Whistler, White-winged Triller and a Shining-bronze Cuckoo that was calling repeatedly from the opposite side of the river.

Grey photo © Valerie Fowler

By now a noisy family and people who were walking had arrived and as we had no more patience to fend off mosquitoes we headed for the car, briefly stopping at the entrance to look out again over the field. Here, an aggressive Grey Butcherbird flew at Pete narrowly missing his head; we thought the pair must have a nest nearby.

After a good morning birdwatching that lifted our spirits, we recorded 42 bird species.

Answer to What Bird is That? Yarra River at Spadonis Reserve photo © V Fowler A very sad looking, flatterned Common Myna

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25/11/20 Outing to Yea Wetlands followed Yellow-faced Honeyeaters were abundant and Rufous Whistlers were also seen and heard in multiple locations. by visit to Gobur Nature Reserve We stopped for an early lunch under the shade sails protecting a lovely old rustic picnic table opposite the end carpark. The previous visit from two years ago had yielded 33 species, and today we got 37. Between these two visits we have seen a cumulative total of 47 at these wetlands.

Some of the group had other commitments after lunch, but an intrepid 7 of us continued on with the 30-odd minute drive to the Gobur Nature Reserve, about 10 minutes past Yarck. This was a first for me and some others in this group. Thanks go to Manfred who had checked out this area in the last week or so. It turned to be a valuable extension to our day, as we Crested Shrike-tit photos © Robert Gardiner got another 24 species here in about 1 hour only of birding. Exciting days for our birding group after the COVID Highlights were: restrictions were essentially lifted. Most of us had suffered a drought of group outings for about 8 months. It was so nice Swamp Harrier seen taking off from a nearby fence line just to be allowed to take a longish drive through the glorious carrying some scraps of carrion, Rufous Songlark in the farmlands leading into Yea. A small group of branch members adjacent paddock to where we started the walk proper, had previously visited these wonderful wetlands in October White-Throated Gerygone, more Rufous Whistlers (male and 2018, and today we had 11 participants, most of whom are female), Leaden Flycatchers (both sexes), White-winged regulars with our branch. The weather was magnificent with Choughs, and a small number of Varied Sittellas. temperature in the high 20s and next to no wind. The Overall, it was a most enjoyable day. Total bird species seen wetlands had a decent quantity of water and the surrounding between the two sites was a very respectable 48. tracks were mostly dry. A snake alert was given based on advice I received from the Yea Wetlands Conservation Group, Thanks to all who attended. It was so nice seeing all your and luckily we had no scares. friendly unmasked faces. Warren Cousins Convener

Sacred Kingfishers at hollow photo © Robert Gardiner

Yellow-faced Honeyeater and Rufous Whistler photos © Peter Birtles

We spent about two hours circumnavigating the surrounding tracks, and were rewarded with 37 bird species. I think the best bird seen here was a small family of Crested Shrike-tits. Most of us have not seen one for 1-2 years or more. Fantail Cuckoos were abundant but as is typical, next to impossible to actually see. Strangely there were hardly any water birds. Only two Wood Ducks, a single Black Duck, and a soaring Pied Cormorant were sighted. No Ibis, Herons, Egrets, Sacred Kingfisher photo © Robert Gardiner Spoonbills, and just the two duck species mentioned.

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Birdlife Yarra Valley March email: [email protected] Sat 13th Jumping Creek Reserve Warrandyte State Park. Meet 9:30 am at Warrandyte State Park. Turn off Postal address: Birdlife Australia, Yarra Jumping Creek Road into the State Park road, drive to the Valley Branch, P.O. Box 1172, Healesville, end of this road and park in the main car park. Melway Vic. 3777. edition 39 map 24 A10. Leader: Warren Cousins Meetings are held in the Badger Creek Hall Meeting Room or Wed 24th Toorourrong Reservoir followed by Yan Yean Hall (Covid-safe) at 7.45 p.m. Badger Creek Rd. Badger Reserve. Toorourrong Reservoir: Meet 9:30 at first car Creek (next to CFA). Melway Edn 39 278 F8. park. From Whittlesea take Kinglake West Road, look for Meetings and Outings are automatically cancelled on Jack’s Creek Road on your left, and the Toorourrong Sign. days of Total Fire Ban in the Central and North-central Melway edition 39 Key Map 9 L1 or Map X910 N10. Followed Fire Districts. (Central unless notified otherwise) by Yan Yean Reservoir. Park first picnic area off Reservoir Road. Melway edition 39 Key Map 9 L2 or Map X910 M11 . Birdlife Yarra Valley outings and meetings (North-central fire district) Leader: Manfred Hennig will be held in accordance with BirdLife and April Victorian Government Covid-19 restriction th guidelines. Please book your proposed Thursday 8 Meeting and AGM (note change of day as the first Tuesday is Easter and note the date) attendance ahead via email. Speaker: Tania Ireton. Subject: Islands of the Albatross Proposed Calendar for 2021 Latitudes. January Tania joins us again to show another of her wonderful presentations. She has travelled extensively and is an Sat 9th Breakfast with the Birds. Spadonis Reserve, excellent bird photographer. Do not miss her informative Yering. Meet at 9:30 am. Park at the end of Victoria Road in talk. front of reserve gate. Melway edition 39 map 274 E 8. Sat 10th One Tree Hill at Christmas Hills followed by Leader: Manfred Hennig Sugarloaf Reservoir Park. Meet 9:30 am. The entrance Wed 27th Hundred Acres Park Orchards Meet at 9:30 from Yarra Glen – Eltham Rd is hard to see, it is almost am, Domeny Reserve car park, Knees Road, Park Orchards. opposite driveway on your left with white stones if coming Melway edition 39 map 35 E9. Leader: Michael Feller from Yarra Glen. Melway Ed 39 Map 265 C12. Look out for Birdlife sign on right if coming from Yarra Glen. Leaders: February Doug Pocock & Jan Llewelyn

Tuesday 2nd Meeting (note date). Speakers: Peter and Wed 28th Mt Donna Buang. Meet 9.30 am Summit Car Valerie Fowler. Subject: Thale Noi Bird and Water Sanctuary, Park. From Warburton: Melway Ed. 39 p.290 X912 S2 & inset Khao Dinsor Raptor and Migration Site in S.E. Thailand. map continue to Summit Park near Information Shelter. Come and join us to hear about just one week in their Leader: Manfred Hennig wonderful 4 month birdwatching trip in South-east Asia. May Sat 13th Helipad Black Snake Creek Road, Bunyip State Sat 8th Warburton Trail, Seville to Wandin and return Park Meet 9.30 Make your way to Gembrook, and following (carry lunch) Beenak East Rd turn Right into Black Snake Creek Rd. Travel 8.5 km to Helmet Track. Meet at Helipad-Dyers Picnic Area. Meet 9:30 at side of Seville Railway Station, just past Melway edition 39 Key Map 14 R11. Leaders: Doug Pocock & intersection of Station and Victoria Roads, Seville. Melway Jan Llewelyn edition 39 map 119 K 7

At the time of printing, this section of Bunyip Park was Wed 26th Witton’s Reserve Wonga Park Meet 9:30 closed, so we may have to do another walk in the same Warrandyte State Park. Park in car park at end of Reserve area. Ring Doug Pocock and Jan Llewelyn (ph. 5964 – Road Wonga Park. Melway edition 39 map 24 K 6 Leader: 4581) or e-mail [email protected] for details. Michael Feller

Wed 24th O’Shannassy Aqueduct Trail, Millgrove and return. Meet 9:30 am in Dee Road car park at Millgrove.

Take Dee Road to car park. Melway edition 39 map 289 D4. Leader: Michael Feller

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