Lyrebird Tales

Volume 26 Number 1 March 2017

Birding USA by Herman Peper When Herman and Gerard returned from their 6 month trip to Southern Africa they started to research a trip to America and Canada with a short trip into Cuba. They planned to spend a year travelling, starting in August 2016 following the route as shown in the map below with the green line (an estimated 25,000 km plus) then return in 2018 to complete their trip as shown by the pink line. They based their trip using the information from ‘National Geographic Birding Hotspots (414 sites) and added an additional 112 sites.

Great Horned Owl photo © H & G Peper

to be identified . We had to go to Fallon to pick up our number plates for our car and caravan. Our car is a Ford F150, 4wd, off road vehicle. Our caravan is the same size as the one we have in Aus. In a suburb we encountered big groups of Californian Quail (another we used to breed).

At Lake Tahoe we had a nice scenic drive around the lake December 14, 2016 with some ticks: Mountain Chickadee, Brown Creeper, We have been on the road now for just 3 months and we are Western Bluebird and White-breasted Nuthatch. still enjoying the travel. Once we were on the road and started looking for birds we found that the birds are very camera shy. However we quickly got a Northern Pygmy Owl Contents and Cedar Waxwings (which we missed out on in Europe). Here are some of the highlights and low lights in order of 1 - 3. Birding USA by Herman Peper time. 4-7. A taste of Mull wildlife, talk by Alan Spellman

Yellowstone N.P: a herd of around 500 Bison, our first Black 7. A note from Mull by Alan Spellman Bears, Elks, Mountain Goat, Pronghorns and Bighorn Sheep. Notice of A.G.M, Celebrating 25 years Chipmunks were everywhere at the campsite. Old Faithful geyser was a big waste of time. In Grand Teton N.P. (in the 8. Badger Weir Storm Damage north-west of the state of Wyoming and linked to Yellowstone Notice for Camp at Wedderburn National Park) a Bull Moose caused a panic with some people when it walked through the camp. In Teton we also got some 9. Interesting Sightings Sora Rail. 9 – 11. Reports of Meetings and Outings

In Antelope State Park (close to Salt Lake City) we had a 12. Calendar of Events group of 12 Bison walk through our camp. We also got our

Chukar (a bird we used to breed) there. In the Big Salt Lake itself we got a number of waders among them: Willets, Pectoral Sandpipers, Dunlins, Long-billed Curlews, Black-necked Stilts and American Avocets plus some as yet

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by the USA navy and army. Just off the coast was an aircraft carrier which was resupplied with material by 5 helicopters, also they had a tank squadron shooting exercise. They had a special parking area so that people could watch.

Californian Quail photo © H & G Peper

The drive over the “Golden Bridge” was a disappointment. We had a fantastic drive along the west coast. It was many Great Road Runner photo © H & G Peper times the Great Ocean Road. It was scary but we made it to We then went inland and got some more Hummers (Costa’s Big Sur where we camped on a private camping ground. All & Allen’s) also Lesser Goldfinch and California Towhee. We the State Park camp-grounds were closed because of moved on to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park with some bushfires. great scenery and birds. Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge was something else. It had 20 birding spots. So we looked at 5 campsites. The first one was next to a cattle feeding lot of 20 acres and it smelled, the 2nd was deserted. The 3rd was inhabited by homeless people with donated caravans and the 4th was even worse. We passed a private camping ground which was almost empty. When we went in we found out why: ridiculous prices. In the meantime we were getting further away from the birding spots. The 5th site was a free camp so we did not expect much. When we got there we had a surprise: hundreds of motor homes, caravans and 5 wheelers. It was a hunter’s camp with a free camp attached. We stayed 3 nights there and got 8 ticks; amongst them our first Burrowing Owls. The scenery in Joshua N.P. was unique but bird wise we only added 2 species.

Rufous Hummingbird Photo © H & G Peper

Our next stop was Morro Bay. Before getting there we had to stop to count the Elephant Seals. According to the notice board there was a population of 4,500; so we did not count them. In Morro Bay we got Sea Otters and Skimmers. Outside Los Angeles we drove and birded in two canyons. The result was some nice photos of Rufous Hummingbirds and an Ash-throated Flycatcher. In the second canyon we got Nutmeg Mannikin, Oak Titmouse and Cassin’s Vireo. In a wetland reserve just north of San Diego we got some nice birds: Clapper Rail, Black Oystercatcher, Sanderling, Semipalmated Plover, American and Eurasian Wigeon, Whimbrel, Yellow-crowned Night Heron, Little Blue Heron, Great-tailed Grackle, Cassin’s Kingbird and Anna’s and Black- chinned Hummingbirds among them. It was our best single day result. Before getting to San Diego we were entertained Camp at Lost Dutchman State Park photo © H & G Peper

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Then we reached the Grand Canyon. You see it on TV but the It started to rain, then snow along the side of the road, then real thing is so much more impressive. We walked 25km it started to snow, then the snow was 3 to 4 inches deep. We along the South Rim and the number of times we said: look made it through but some other cars did not. When we finally at that, see the size of that etc. From there we went to Lost saw bitumen again we both gave a sigh of relief. (The Dutchman State Park (east of Phoenix). We did a lot of minimum temperature during the drive was -10°c). walking there in 4 days. On the last walk we witnessed a walker getting airlifted out with compound leg fracture. We decided then not to continue.

Snow Geese taking off photo © H & G Peper

From Elephant we visited Bosque Del Apache National Wildlife Refuge. As it was Monday we did not expect many people. Flock of Sand Cranes photo © H& G Peper How wrong we were. We were told to be there at first light. Our next stop was Sierra Vista. We had to get the car The place was packed with people: Germans, French, serviced and it is a birding hot spot. We had 13 birds there Japanese, Swedes, Aussies and other Dutchies. At first light and saw plenty of warnings regarding drug and people we saw 3,000 Snow and Ross Geese take off, followed by smuggling. From Sierra Vista we also visited Whitewater more and more. The sight was unbelievable. Later on when Draw Wildlife Area. What a sight! 2,500 Sandhill Cranes driving around the reserve we saw thousands of cranes and (more cranes than we ever saw in Australia –Brolgas/Sarus ducks. There was also a Coyote which sent a whole flock of Cranes). We then went to Willcox Playa which promised Snow Geese on their way. We are now east of Austin (Texas) 10,000 Sandhill Cranes but as there was no water, it also and are making our way to the Mexican border again. meant no Cranes. We however got Scaled Quail and Here are some of our experiences: the roads are just Vermillion Flycatcher. From Silver City we went to Gila Cliff fantastic, with great signage and enormous distances. So far Dwellings National Monument on a day trip. Except for some we have done 18,000kms and petrol is cheap. There is not historical education we spotted a Mexican Spotted Owl. Our much life outside of the reserves. It is cheaper to put next stop was: Elephant Butte Lake State Park. We followed out a sign: out of order than repair. There is plenty of the lady’s instructions on our TOMTOM. poverty, no consumer protection and more people speak Spanish than English. There are more radio stations on religion and unimpressive free TV (we have not watched TV since Seattle on 9/9/2016). Overall we are having A GREAT TIME and the beer is cheap. What more do you need? By the way we both lost over 10 kg because of the amount of walking we have been doing. There are plenty of Border Guard inspections with infra red and heat sensors. We had to show our papers to confirm our identities. The Peper boys sent their best wishes for Christmas and 2017 to everyone who knows them. We look forward to hearing more of their travels as their journey continues.

Crossing at Emery Pass photo © H & G Peper

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A taste of Mull Wildlife Alan started his talk by comparing our warm evening to the current temperature on the island of Mull which was minus 4 A special presentation by Alan Spellman degrees. He said the majority of tourists flock to Mull to see White-tailed Sea Eagles, Golden Eagles and Otters. Alan When Alan Spellman contacted BirdLife Yarra Valley offering showed us some of the different habitats on Mull some of to do a presentation on the wildlife and birds of the Scottish which had a light sprinkling of snow to sea level or Scotch island of Mull during his visit to Australia, we were delighted mist. Due to the weather conditions the ancient oak forests and a special evening was organized for 29.11.16 have short bent over trees despite being 50 years old.

Sea Eagle flying photo © Alan Spellman

Alan showed us some of the wildlife on Mull. The Highland Cattle are a popular animal with tourists as are the European Otter which live in the fresh water burns; they eat fish and unfortunately they also enjoy eating Puffins. There are Red Deer with a population of 3,000 which are culled as the landscape cannot support so many, and in October the rut echoes throughout the hills. There are Fallow Deer which were introduced to the island by the owners of the country houses and escaped but they are not as numerous as the Red Deer. The island has a problem with American Mink which were introduced and bred for their fur. Alan trapped this Black Guillemot photo © Alan Spellman species for years as they kill everything, as do the Feral . Alan moved to the Island of Mull 27 years ago. Mull is There are Pine Martins too. situated off the west coast of Scotland and is reached by ferry from Oban, taking 45 minutes. It has a coastline of 300 miles and has many different habitats: sandy beaches, moorlands, sea lochs, hill lochans, damp boggy marshes, ancient oak forests and mountains; the highest is Ben More at 1,000m. Alan lives on the coast of Lochdon. The resident population of the island is 2,500 but in summer it increases to 10,000 people as it is a popular destination for tourists who also visit the nearby Iona Island. The island of Mull is also very popular with birdwatchers looking at the abundant ducks and wildfowl in winter and migratory bird species in spring and summer hoping to catch a glimpse of vagrant birds or a rare species. The Isle of Mull Bird Club was started 15 years ago and has 150 members and Alan is the bird recorder for the island, answering questions about bird sites and bird identification. He has the advantage of hearing of rare sightings early. He sends the bird records he collects to Argyll. Mull has approximately 230 bird species recorded Lapwing photo ©Alan Spellman each year which includes migrants. Alan introduced us to the birds of Mull and talked about the Lapwing, the bird which got him interested in wildlife and

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birds. He said he was about 10 years old when he found a Lapwing nest containing . He said the birds tap their feet on the ground imitating rain falling which brings the worms to the surface.

Raptors and Owls

Short eared Owl photo © Alan Spellman

Ducks and waterbirds

Great Northern Diver: it has stunning summer plumage in black and white and overwinters on Mull. Its winter plumage is brown and cream. They arrive on Mull in September to October and leave in May to return to Iceland and the north. Merlin (male) photo © Alan Spellman

White-tailed Sea Eagle: This is the largest raptor in Scotland and the third largest in the world. These magnificent birds were originally shot but were re-introduced in 1980 along the west coast of Scotland with two pairs arriving in Mull in 1985; these have raised 35 chicks. Currently there are 24 pairs on Mull. The birds are monitored 24 hours when they are breeding. After the young fledge they wander off for 5 years then return. The young birds are chocolaty-brown and without the distinctive white ; they start breeding after 5 years. They eat fish but their main food source is Mountain Hares.

Golden Eagle: there are 30 pairs on Mull, they are a coastal bird and are sometimes seen doing mating rituals over the water, tumbling with their talons attached. Young birds have Great Northern Diver photo © Alan Spellman a barbed tail which they lose as they get older. Red-throated Diver: It breeds on Mull on the loch lakes in the Osprey: They are a migratory species with 250 pairs in hills. In winter it loses its red neck and has speckled Scotland but none breed on Mull; they only pass through. black and white plumage.

Owls on Mull: Barn Owl, Long-eared Owl, Short-eared Owl Black-throated Diver: This stunning bird is the scarcest of the and Tawny Owl which regularly nest in boxes put out for divers on Mull and only one or two pairs are seen. them. Alan’s favourite is the Short-eared Owl (summer Slavonian Grebe: It arrives in its summer plumage and visitor) which feeds on voles which breed up when conditions winters on Mull changing to its winter plumage. are good and the Owl moves off when the vole population decreases again. Black Guillemot: this is a specialist bird and breeds on open harbour walls on Mull and this is one of the few places to see Common Buzzard: They are the most numerous raptors on this species in the U.K. They have distinctive red feet. Mull (over 500), they are often seen perched on power poles and mistaken for the Golden Eagle which is almost twice its Atlantic Puffin: They spend 90% of their time out at sea and size. use old rabbit burrows on Mull for breeding.

Merlin: this raptor follows the migrating Meadow Pipits from Red-breasted Merganser: it has a serrated bill and big flocks Africa. The Merlin is the smallest raptor in the U.K. of this species are seen on the lochs.

Hen Harrier: there are 24 pairs on Mull where they are Eurasian Teal: common widespread winter visitor. regarded as a stronghold for the species. Eurasian Widgeon: widespread winter visitor on Mull. Marsh Harrier: very scarce passage migrant. Mallard: most common duck on Mull March 2017 5 Lyrebird Tales

Eider Duck: Black and white duck with a heavy bill for Common White-throat: arrives in spring. cracking open oysters and muscles. There is a muscle Spotted Flycatcher: summer Migrant which nested in a shelf industry on Mull where they use shotgun noises to try to box in Alan’s garden. scare off the Eider Ducks to no avail. Sedge Warbler: common spring migrant from Africa. Brent Geese: they migrate from Iceland and Greenland to Mull flying 1,000 miles in 3 days. They overwinter on Mull Black Cap: Summer migrant but due to warmer winters the then go back to breed. last 5 years they have over wintered and may become resident. Redshank: they breed on Mull.

Common Snipe: This bird has good camouflage and Alan said he can almost tread on them before they fly off.

Common Sandpiper: widespread common summer visitor and breeding.

Ruddy Turnstone: Common passage migrant, returns to Iceland to breed.

Dunlin: Great flocks pass through staying around 3 weeks.

Oystercatcher: (they look like Australian Pied Oystercatcher) resident and common.

Golden Plover: Winter visitor and passage migrant.

Other birds

Ptarmigan: A small resident population. This bird has mottled brown plumage in summer and white in winter which Crossbill photo © Alan Spellman camouflages it against a background of snow. Alan was worried that the birds will not adapt to climate change and Crossbill: locally common resident. The male is red and the will be more vulnerable to raptors if it does not change out of female green. It breeds as early as February even if there is its seasonal plumage in time as it will stand out in its snow on the ground. environment. Fieldfare: winter migrant from Scandinavia; they arrive in their thousands.

Yellowhammer: 20 to 40 birds feeding off on the ground in Alan’s garden.

Common Cuckoo fed by a Pipit photo © Alan Spellman

Common Cuckoo: summer migrant which lays its in a Meadow Pipit’s nest and fed by them. The adult Cuckoo flies back to Africa and the young a few weeks later. Hawfinch photo © Alan Spellman Crested Tit: only one record in 2002 At age 78 Alan finally saw his first Hawfinch in April 2016 and Willow Warbler: the most numerous Warbler species said he was very excited as it was a bird he always had just migrating from Africa, arrives after Wheatear and Chiffchaff. missed. It stayed for one day.

Common Redstart: Summer migrant in woodlands. Corncrake: a type of quail which flies from Africa, they breed

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on Iona but are starting to establish on Mull. Birdwatchers I hope I can get back to Australia; there is so much to see. want to see this bird but it is a very difficult bird to see Perhaps one day not too far away. because it hides in the grass but is easy to hear and calls all Alan Spellman. night. Notice of Annual General Meeting 2017

The AGM of BirdLife Yarra Valley will be held on Tuesday 9 May at 7.45 p.m. in the Badger Creek Hall Meeting Room. Nominations will be received for all positions on the Committee before or at the meeting.

Agenda: To confirm the Minutes of the 2016 A.G.M.; Reports from the Convener and Treasurer; Election of Committee for 2017-2018. Any other business for which 14 days’ notice is required.

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

Water Rail photo © Alan Spellman Committee Water Rail: a normally shy bird came on to Alan’s lawn on a cold day to feed. Convener: Glenn Mawson Vice-Convener: Manfred Hennig Alan has inspired us to visit the wonderful island of Mull with Secretary: Alma Mitchell his enthusiastic and entertaining presentation and provided Treasurer: Maggie Smith Librarian: Linda Bullen photographs to include in this article. Thanks Alan. Conservation Officer: Michael Feller Valerie Fowler Other Members: Jim McMinn, Kevin Mason

A note from Mull Celebrating 25 Years I was delighted to see you all on my visit in November and pleased you enjoyed my talk on Mull’s birds.

Mull is a tiny island off the west coast of Scotland with a population of 2500 souls. My island will fit into Australia 1976 times (so my grandson calculated).

We have a list of about 230 species, of which half are migrants, leaving West Africa and arriving on Mull at Springtime (March/April/May) to breed. Many of these are warbler sized and smaller birds that make this perilous journey to the exact same place every year; and then return in late Summer (August/September). As these ‘summer’ migrants leave for their Winter quarters we have new ones arriving. This group of birds choose to escape the harsh Corranderrk Bushland 2005 Photo © Alma Mitchell conditions of the North; Greenland, Iceland, Scandinavia and further North East and spend Winter on Mull where it only In May 2017 BirdLife Yarra Valley branch will celebrate 25 occasionally gets below -5c. Mainly ducks, geese and divers; years since its inception in 1992. The first outing for the th Great Northern and Black Throated Divers are beautiful birds branch was a survey conducted on the 14 of June 1992 at that arrive mainly in summer plumage and then eclipse into Coranderrk Bushland and continues twice yearly to this day. winter and back into partial summer plumage before they Regular surveys started at the RACV Country Club in move off again back north to breed. Healesville in 1996. Two of the original members are still present on the committee, Kevin Mason (past president) and We also have a large population of waders that ‘pass through Alma Mitchell (secretary since branch started). The first Mull’ en route South, and these stop off to refuel before newsletter for the Yarra Valley branch of BOCA was produced continuing their journey; Black tailed and Bar tailed Godwits, in June 1992 and by 1993 it became the Lyrebird Tales. Redshank and Greenshank, Ruddy Turnstone and Common At present the branch is in the capable hands of a very busy Sandpiper and many many more. convener Glenn Mawson and the committee and we look We also get the occasional vagrant from the USA and east forward to many more years of outings, surveys and from Russia or Asia. These birds cause great excitement. meetings. March 2017 7 Lyrebird Tales

Badger Weir Storm Damage with an estimated 6 month build time so park won’t be open until sometime in the future. Paths need to be cleared and declared free of danger.

For updates on Badger Weir and other parks go to www.parks.vic.gov.au or call 13 1963.

Camp at Wedderburn 7th-10th September 2017

This camp will be held at Doug and Jan’s conservation property at Wedderburn. The leaders will be Doug and Jan. Contact us at [email protected] to register and we will On the 9th of October 2016 a huge storm hit the Yarra Valley send directions. We ask that you register so that we can causing extensive damage to the area and the Yarra Ranges organize extra toilets if necessary. National Parks; particularly at Badger Weir. With giant Mountain Ash trees up to 80 metres tall falling the repairs will be extensive. Firstly there had to be assessment for insurance purposes then engineer’s plans were drawn up. IMPORTANT NOTICE – Newsletters

BirdLife Australia is in the process of implementing a 'digital first' policy to reduce paper wastage across the whole organisation. As a result we are sad to inform you this will be the last time that members will receive our hardcopy newsletter with the BirdLife Magazine. From now on we will email you a digital copy.

If you are a member of BirdLife Yarra Valley without an email who wishes to continue to receive our newsletter, please let us know. You can do this by writing to us at: BirdLife Yarra Valley, PO Box 1172, Healesville 3777, or by emailing us at [email protected].

If you have not notified us of your email and wish to receive a digital copy, please get in contact and let us know. All emails from BirdLife Australia can be unsubscribed from, you

will not be spammed. Huge trees fell across the road from the entrance gate cracking the surface which has to be assessed then We apologise in advance for any inconvenience this may resurfaced. Major infrastructure such as toilet blocks, bridges cause. and barbeque areas were destroyed and need to be rebuilt Fiona Blandford Network Development Coordinator

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Intersesting Sightings Reports of Meetings and Outings

25/26-10-16 Common Koel – Healesville, Alma Mitchell Tuesday 11 October – Meeting – Colombia Bird Fair 2016 27-10-16 Common Koel – Healesville, Kevin Mason The Colombia Bird Fair was from the 11th to 13th of March 25-10-16 White-bellied Sea Eagle - Lakes Entrance, Jim 2016 in Cali in south Colombia. The talk was presented by McMinn Valerie and Michael who talked of their impressions and 29-10-16 Royal Spoonbill (2) - Morass Bairnsdale, Jim experiences of the event. Valerie showed a map of the McMinn topography of Colombia and Michael talked about the percentage of cleared or disturbed land in relation to forest. 7-11-16 Wedge-tailed Eagle catching prey – Nangana, Alan Murphy They travelled independently to Colombia, Valerie and Peter arrived several days early in Cali to sightsee and do some 7-10-16 Common Koel – Healesville, Kevin Mason local birdwatching. They had chosen accommodation close to 28-10-16 Common Koel – Healesville (View St), Peter Smith the Cali Zoo where the Bird Fair was advertised to be. A couple of days before the bird fair was to start they decided 28-10-16 Shining Bronze, Fantail, Brush Cuckoos - One Tree to walk along the Cali river to the zoo to familiarise Hill, Peter Mason themselves of the route. It was a good opportunity to do 10-1-17 Birds second nesting - Lillydale Lake, Valerie Fowler some local birdwatching which was surprisingly good with the birds allowing them to approach close by and despite initial 10-1-17 White-faced Heron nesting - Toolangi, Manfred wariness about their safety they were not approached. Hennig Arriving at the zoo they added more wild birds to their list. 27-12-16 Cicada Bird - Badger Creek, Graeme George Consulting the staff, Valerie and Peter were shocked to discover that they had no knowledge of the impending bird 27-12-16 Wedge-tailed Eagle attacked by Magpies & Magpie fair. Returning to their hostel they asked the owner to Larks - Chum Creek, Michael Feller contact the organisers of the bird fair to see if it had been Late December - Common Koel – Monbulk, Alan Murphy cancelled. The bird fair had in fact had a bigger response than expected and had been moved to a larger venue at the 2-1-17 Brown-headed Honeyeaters - Yea Area, Manfred Cali Country Club in the far south of the city approximately Hennig 1.5 hours drive (due to heavy traffic) from their 10-1-17 Little Ravens (150-200) on hay paddocks & Quail accommodation. As Peter, Valerie and Michael had booked heard calling – Toolangi, Manfred Hennig early for the bird fair they were not aware of this but the organisers quickly rectified their problem and relocated their 8-1-17 Female Satin Bower Bird - Chum Creek, Michael Feller accommodation to a hotel nearby the venue. 18-1-17 Olive-backed Oriole – Healesville, Alma Mitchell The Colombia Bird Fair started each day with breakfast at the 20-1-17 Rufous Fantail - Chum Creek, Glenn Mawson hotel at 4.30am, with buses organised to take participants to the Cali Country Club for the start of the day’s activities at 5am. Each day there were birdwatching outings to different (pre-booked) bird sites near Cali with buses to transport the Birds are not the only fauna that use this bird feeder participants to each location. Each bus had a bird guide (some had travelled far to attend) and volunteers who were mainly university students who were studying biology which also covers ornithology and the environment. All the guides were very knowledgeable about birds. Peter and Valerie chose different locations to Michael so were able to catch up each evening to compare notes.

Day 1: Peter and Valerie went to Sonso Lagoon and Michael to 18km

Day 2: Peter and Valerie went to Pance and Michael to Alto Anchicaya

Day 3: Peter and Valerie went to San Antonio and Michael to Sonso Lagoon

Sonso Lagoon: Valerie and Peter had seen video of a British birdwatcher’s visit to the lagoon so expected a very muddy location so were shocked to find the ground was dry mud with a cracked surface. Michael explained that the lagoon had Photo © Glenn Mawson been partially drained to provide water for the surrounding

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agriculture, mainly sugar cane. He talked about how the area Lunch was on a private property with feeders for the birds, had become very degraded with vegetation partially cleared unfortunately it was raining but birds still arrived: Flame- to provide fodder for the roaming cattle despite Sonso rumped and Crimson-backed Tanagers, Green Honeycreepers Lagoon being a protected reserve. He likened it to an and Golden Tanager. The day’s outing was also attended by ecological desert. Michael showed a picture of a deep channel Tim Appleton from England who organises the British Bird which was being dug from the adjoining Cauca River to Fairs on his property Rutland Water which he transformed redirect water to the lagoon to try to rejuvenate it. Everyone from an area of fields to a wetland which has Ramsar status. saw good birds here including Cocoi Heron, Snowy Egret, He was a guest speaker at the local university series of free Wattled Jacana, Southern Lapwing, Black-necked Stilt, Lesser talks as part of the Colombian Bird Fair. On the outing Tim Yellowlegs, Black Vulture, ducks including Plumed Ducks and demonstrated an attachment which joined his telescope to Blue-winged Teal. There were many birds flying overhead his iphone and took many photos of birds which he including: Bare-faced Ibis, Neotropic Cormorant, Roseate generously transferred to anyone who had an iphone. Spoonbill, Crested and Yellow-headed Caracara, Osprey and Alto Anchicaya: Michael visited this area and said it was on Michael saw 2 American Flamingos. There were bush birds the road to the coast and an area of luxurious vegetation and too: Common Tody Flycatcher, Pied Water-tyrant, Shining cloud forest. Here they saw many birds including a Rufous- Cowbird, Smooth-billed Ani, Red-breasted Meadowlark, throated Tanager, Silver-Throated Tanager and Slaty-backed Speckled Parrotlet, Red-crowned Woodpecker, Thick-billed Chat-tyrant. Euphonia. There was also a Common Potoo and a Common Nighthawk. One section of the reserve was an interesting San Antonio and Cock of the Rock lek: Valerie and Peter area of trees with a species of epiphytes hanging down which visited this site with a group of Colombians. The day started the locals called old beard, Michael said it was a species of with a fledgling Brown Inca in a nest which was surprisingly Bromeliad. Whilst visiting Sonso Lagoon Michael met a group being fed by a Fawn-breasted Brilliant. There was a small on a school visit, when the teacher learned that Michael had flock of the beautiful colourful Blue-naped Chlorophonia travelled all the way from Australia he emphasised how which constantly moved about. It was a surprise when an important the wetlands were for someone to travel so far to Oilbird was spotted perched on a branch, this bird normally visit. When the outing concluded the participants were taken resides in dark caves and is nocturnal; it was presumed it to a restaurant in the nearby town of Buga for lunch; Michael was a sick bird as it was shivering. Good birdwatching said he got sick from drinking the water here and wasn’t continued as the group walked up to the top of the hill with surprised when he later read that one third of the sewerage Glossy Blackbird, Great Thrush, Black-capped Tanager and is released into the local waterways. Barred Becard.

18km: Michael was really impressed with this site on a low It was raining at lunchtime but an Emerald Toucanet was pass in the Western Andes just 18km from Cali. His group spotted going in and out of a hollow. Next the group went to visited Finca Alejandria with its hummingbird feeders and a farm to visit the Cock of the Rock lek. After a steep slippery bananas to attract the birds. It was a hive of activity with downhill walk the birdwatchers positioned themselves for a other birds competing with the hummingbirds for a feed. good view of the Cock of the Rock; unfortunately some Michael showed a short video. He explained the difficulty of people pushed forwards scaring the birds which retreated, photographing the hummingbirds in flight with their wings spoiling the view for others for whom it was a new bird. beating 50 times a minute. Hummingbirds included White- At the bird fair there was a birders’ bazaar selling products necked Jacobin, Andean Emerald, Brown Violetear, Fawn- and advertising bird sites. At the local university there were breasted Brilliant and Collared Inca to name a few. There free lectures all day which continued over the three days; were many Palm, Mountain and Blue-grey Tanagers and they were very well supported. In the evenings there were beautiful Golden and Multi-coloured Tanagers. Competing for lectures on bird related subjects and Colombia’s opportunity the bananas were Green Honeycreepers, Yellow-breasted and to build an industry promoting birds and wildlife. The White-naped Brush Finches. Michael also photographed a speakers were: Crested Quetzal and Collared Trogon. Michael said he saw 40 bird species in 100 metres in this wonderful place. Day 1: Christopher Colonje, the organiser of the bird fair and various people from Association Cali spoke. Following them Pance: Valerie and Peter visited this area in the Fallarones were lectures by Luis German Naranjo - Conservation National Park. They also visited an adjoining property and a director for WWF Colombia and Luis A Mazariegos - Executive waterfall. They saw many birds: Roadside Hawk, Blue-necked director of The Hummingbird Conservancy. Tanager, Bananaquit, Yellow-bellied Seedeater, Green Violetear Hummingbird, Golden-faced Tyrannulet, Scarlet- Day 2: Steve Hilty – Author of Birds of Colombia (something fronted Parakeet, Collared Trogon, Whooping Motmot, Red- of a Colombian legend) and David Yarnold – Audubon headed Barbet, Black-winged and Buff-throated Saltator . A Society. highlight for most of the birdwatchers was a Cock of the Rock Day 3: Juan Pablo Culasso – Bird sound recorder hidden amongst the vegetation; it was a new bird for Filipe the bird guide as for most of the Colombians. They also found Michael looked at the ages of the bird watchers attending the a group of resting Night Monkeys. bird fair, remarking that the majority were in their 20s, 30s and 40s comparing it to the much older birdwatchers in Australia. One of the speakers said maybe there is hope for 10 Lyrebird Tales Lyrebird Tales

the birds in Colombia. Perhaps there is, due to the and came up with a novel approach, choosing a variety of enthusiasm of the young Colombians for birds, the birds which had common or species names starting with the environment and tourism. alphabet spelling out the word Colombia. We saw a vast selection of birds including: Trogons, Motmots, Orioles, Both Michael and Valerie highly recommended the bird fair Oropendola, Cuckoo, Owls, Guan, Brushfinches, Antpittas, but said you must be prepared for very early starts and late Flycatchers and copious species of Hummingbirds. There finishes as the lectures were finishing at 10pm. were many skulkers and hard to see species: Wrens, Thanks Michael and Valerie for your interesting and Antwrens and Antbirds. There were also endemic and near- enthusiastic talks inspiring future travels to Colombia to see endemic species. its wonderful birds. Then Michael talked about the different habitats and Wednesday 26 October – Outing to Lillydale Lake vegetation at different altitudes that he had visited and the bird species that he observed there. He started with the Breeding birds were the theme for the morning’s walk highest altitude at 4,000 metres called the paramo with its starting with 5 teenage Wood Ducks on the beach, a alpine plants. The types of vegetation changed as the altitude Chestnut Teal with a chick and then a Reed Warbler nest with lowered; humid cloud forest, montane tropical forest, two chicks which had fledged earlier that morning. The theme moderate temperate forest, dry forest and almost desert continued with a pair of Dusky Moorhens and 3 chicks conditions found near the Caribbean coast. He mentioned followed by a Male Darter sitting on nest. how much land had been cleared in Colombia and in some There was some discussion about a dead Common Myna areas eucalypts had been planted. Michael talked about the hanging from a branch with its feet caught in a length of pollution caused by burning off and a lack of control of fishing line but we were soon distracted by a Mistletoebird emissions from vehicles particularly the trucks which belted calling, which conveniently popped up on a high branch out smoke. giving us a good view but unfortunately not good for A highlight was a visit to a track near Libonol which produced photography with grey sky behind. We continued on to the 60 bird species in just ½ km which Michael thought was Hull Road Wetlands where surprisingly the birdwatching was impressive. Michael said that many places had Hummingbird poor and we were frustrated by a male cyclist who continued feeders and showed some video of Hummingbird activity at to ride many laps around the path causing distraction. As the feeders at La Encantado (enchanted garden) near Bogota with all the local bird sites at present, there was an absence and also at the ProAves accommodation in Minca. He said the of waterbirds. A highlight here was a Spotted Pardalote most common bird seen on his trip was the Black Vulture but collecting nesting material. his favourite was the Russet-throated Puffbird as it was very We returned to the car park at Lillydale Lake for lunch which easy to photograph. we had just completed when the threatened rain started. A Thank you both for your wonderful and informative talks total of 44 bird species was recorded. Valerie Fowler accompanied by lovely photos in a kaleidoscope of colours. Tuesday 8 November – Birdwatching in Colombia Saturday 12 November – Survey in Coranderrk At this November meeting we enjoyed the vibrant colours of Bushland nature in Colombia. We saw multi-coloured butterflies, 13 participants arrived for the survey on a fine day. At the interesting , minute and delicate orchids, unusual wetlands there was very few waterbirds, just 3 Black Duck, 2 plants and spectacular birds. Darters, and one of each of Great Cormorant, Pied Cormorant We had two speakers: Michael and Valerie who had continued and Little Pied Cormorant. Missing were the numerous Blue- their travel and birdwatching after the Colombia Bird Fair in billed Ducks and Australasian Grebe which are usually on the March 2016. They joined two different bird tours; Michael water. Only 2 Australasian Coot and 2 Purple Swamphen used a Canadian company, Valerie and Peter used a were counted. Migratory species were; 2 Fan-tailed Cuckoos, Colombian one. Both tours covered similar bird sites but 1 Shining-bronze Cuckoo, 4 Australian Reed Warblers, 15 Michael and Valerie used different approaches to their talks. Rufous Whistlers. Nesting species were; Welcome Swallows, Tree Martins and White-eared Honeyeater. The most Firstly Valerie showed a variety of bird sites and their numerous species were: 65 Yellow-faced Honeyeaters, 33 habitats from the Western and Central Andes and talked Grey Fantails and 21 Superb Fairy-wren. about the problems birdwatching and photography due to low cloud cover and fog. She talked about the other difficulties The highlight for the day was the raptors: Brown Falcon, 3 incurred as the majority of birdwatching is carried out on Swamp Harriers and 2 Square-tailed kites. narrow public roads where horses, bicycles, cars and chivas Total species counted was 62. Thanks to Glenn for leading buses laden with passengers compete for the same space. the survey. She questioned the consistent use of lasers and playback by bird guides and their possible effects on the birds and for birdwatching there in the future.

Valerie asked how could she choose which of the hundreds of bird species to show that she and Peter had photographed

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BirdLife Yarra Valley Calendar July to September 2917 email: [email protected] Basic Dates only Check June 2017 newsletter for further details. Postal address: Birdlife Australia, Yarra Valley Branch, P.O. Box 1172, Healesville, Vic. 3777. Meetings are held in the JULY Badger Creek Hall Meeting Room at 7.45 p.m. Badger Creek Rd. Badger Creek (next to CFA). Melway Edn 39 278 F8. Saturday 8 – Outing to Cathedral Range State Park at 9.30 a.m. Meet at Ned’s Gully Picnic Area. Drive along Maroondah Meetings and Outings automatically cancelled on days Highway past Buxton, look for the Cathedral Range sign on of Total Fire Ban in the Central and North-central Fire right (before Taggerty) Melway Edn. X910 S9. Suggest car Districts. (Central unless notified otherwise) pooling from Healesville. Meet in Library Car Park (opposite Calendar April to June 2017 Coronation Park River Street) at 8.30 a.m. Melway Edn. 39 270 C12.

APRIL Tuesday 11 – No Meeting – Winter Recess.

Saturday 8 – Outing to Yan Yean Reservoir & Toorourrong Wednesday 26 - Outing to Jumping Creek Reserve, Reserve. Meet at Yan Yean at 9.30 a.m. in first picnic area Warrandyte State Park, at 9.30 a.m. Turn off Jumping Creek off Reservoir Rd. Melway Edn 39 Keymap Page 9 L2 Road into the Park road and drive to the end, park in the Tuesday 11 – Meeting. main car park. Melway Edn. 39 24 A10. Wednesday 26 – Outing to Lillydale Lake, Lilydale. Meet at 9.30 a.m. in Lake car park Melway Edn 39 38 G7. AUGUST MAY Tuesday 8 – Meeting

Tuesday 9 AGM and celebrating 25 years of the Yarra Saturday 12 – Outing to Warramate Hills Conservation Valley Branch. Reserve, Gruyere, at 9.30 a.m. Park at end of Yarra Loch Saturday 13 – Outing Coranderrk Bushland Survey. Way at entrance to Reserve. Melway Edn. 39 285 G1. Directions: Gate 1 Badger Avenue, Badger Creek, opposite Wednesday 23 – Outing to Warburton Trail – Millgrove to Fleay Rd. Melway Edn 39 278 F10. Gate will close at 9.30 Warburton and return. Meet at 9.30 a.m. at site of Millgrove a.m.sharp. Celebrating 25 years of the Yarra Valley railway station. Melway Edn. 39 289 D4. Branch with a BYO picnic lunch. SEPTEMBER Wednesday 24 – Outing to RACV Healesville Country Club at 9.30 a.m. Healesville-Kinglake Road, Healesville. Melway 7-10 Camp at Wedderburn Edn. 39 269 J12. Park in first car park just inside the Contact the Leader Doug Pocock on entrance. [email protected] to register and receive details and JUNE directions.

Tuesday 13 – No meeting - Winter recess. Tuesday 12 – Meeting. Saturday 17 (note 3rd Saturday of month) – Outing to Peninsula Tunnels Warburton at 9.30 a.m. Directions take Wednesday 27 – Outing to Alexandra Area. Meet at 9.30 Woods Point Road through Warburton East past Starvation a.m. at Visitors’ Centre Car Park, Rotary Park Alexandra and Creek Road and look for Little Peninsula Tunnel car park on convoy to different locations. Melway Edn 39 X910 T8. left. Melway Edn 39 X912 U2. Car pooling – meet at 8.30 Suggest car pooling from Healesville at 8.30 a.m. from a.m. in Healesville Library car park opposite Coronation Park. Coronation Park River Street, (behind Coles). Melway Edn. Wednesday 28 Outing to O’Donohue’s Picnic Ground 39 270 C12. Sherbrooke Forest at 9.30 a.m. Melway Edn. 39 75 G3.

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