The BLSH Flyer

The BLSH flyer

Volume 7 Number 4, November 2018

Silvereye by Erna Llenore

Nankeen Kestrel. Photo by Trevor Vale Contents

From the President ...... Page 2 Members’ Night July 24 2018. Graham Fry Guest Speaker ...... Page 3 Bird Tales ...... Page 3 Forbes, Grenfell Spring Camp ...... Page 4-5 Liaison Officer’s Report. Some 10th Anniversary Reflections ...... Page 6-8 Landcare Projects ...... Page 9 Mt Alexandra-1 August 2018 ...... Page 10 Blue Gum Creek-Shared Site ...... Page 11 Penrose State Forest-12 September 2018 ...... Page 12 New Members ...... Page 12 North American Birds ...... Page 13-15 Aussie Backyard Bird Count ...... Page 15 Paddy’s River, Canyonleigh-23 September 2018 ...... Page 16 Schools Environment Day ...... Page 17 The Archive and You ...... Page 18 Budderoo Plateau and Barren Grounds-3 October 2018 ...... Page 19 Birdlife Australia Twitchathon ...... Page 20 Worth a Look ...... Page 20 Members’ Bird Photography ...... Page 21-23

November 2018

From the President

Your committee has been busy preparing a range of activities for members to enjoy for the end of 2018 and the beginning of 2019. We hope to have a draft outing schedule ready for the next members night. In September I again represented BLSH at the bi-annual meeting of BIGNet, this time held at the Shortland Wetlands Centre in Newcastle. If you have not visited this wetland I would recommend that you consider it when next planning a trip away from the Highlands. A range of topics was discussed at the meeting, many of which have implications for us. The pro- tection of habitat vital to the conservation of the Regent Honeyeater in the Burragorang Valley was high on the list. The proposal to raise the dam wall for flood mitigation is likely to result in the loss of habitat for these highly endangered birds. The increased activity in land clearing since the change in NSW legislation is alarming. A current proposal to allow logging of the majestic Red Gum Forests in the Murray Valley National Park is also cause for concern. The Hunter Bird Observers have been busy un- dertaking studies of specific species within their region. Reports were presented to the meeting Regent Honeyeater. Photo Jennie Wiles on a survey of the very shy Rufous Scrubwren in the Gloucester Tops. This report included some wonderful recordings of the bird calling. However, despite many hours spent in searching for the birds they are very elusive. The study will continue. Beach nesting Little Terns were also part of a study with the report being presented to the meeting. Nesting sites within the Hunter region are under threat from all beach users. 4WD sand vehicles are the biggest threat followed by people, especially

those with dogs, ignoring all the warning signs and taped off breeding areas. These little birds are now on the endangered list for NSW and are declining throughout most of Australia. A very interesting study was presented on “who uses nesting hollows” within the Hunter Region. Cameras and research students were used to monitor the natural and man-made hollows to see if the more aggressive birds replace the less aggressive birds in the limited nesting spots. Our next Guest Speaker night will be held on November 27 when George Lemann will chat to us about his work eradicating feral species from South Georgia Island. Little Tern chick. Photo Jennie Wiles

Three interesting locations, in the Highlands and at the coast, where we should be able to view an interesting variety of water birds, have been scheduled for November. See your members update for all the details.

November 2018 2

Members’ Night July 24 2018. Graham Fry Guest Speaker. Report by Christine Kelly

Graham Fry generously agreed to address our members following an address to BigNet some months earlier. Graham has been surveying and banding birds in the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve in the Central table- lands of NSW for over 50 years. Munghorn Gap is part of the Mudgee-Wollar KBA and is located north of Mudgee. This area was listed as a KBA because of its importance to the endangered Regent Honeyeater. The region was used extensively by the Wiradjuri people trading with other Aboriginal groups prior to the arrival of white settlers in the early 19th century. This region was declared a nature reserve in 1967. Graham and his companions have been recording the birds in the area since that time. During the period of his study in the area Graham has been assisted by Alan Morris, who regularly is listed as recording the most species on the Birdata site.

Graham has built up a wealth of information on the survival of the bird species in this area. 15–20 days per year are spent recording the birds. These days cover the four main seasons experienced in the Central West. Over 111 species have been banded at the banding sites that have been established and are identified. A total of 164 species have been recorded in the nature reserve, making it one of the most important birding sites in NSW. 29,000 birds have been banded over the 50-year survey time with a total of 6,000 birds being recaptured in future banding events. Graham Fry receiving a gift Graham reports that one of the main threats to species is the loss of open after presenting a most in- country to native revegetation. teresting talk at a BLSH guest speaker night.

Bird Tales

‘Bird Tales’ is an opportunity for BLSH members’ to share stories of their observations of birds. Please consider contributing your tales. Photos are welcome. Simon Robinson is the first to share -

“Col Kohlhagen and I do a regular survey at a property along Golden Vale Road. A couple of weeks ago, we were on the property on the edge of a large dam. We had the most incredible experience: we were surrounded by countless Silvereyes that were flitting around the grass and the bushes beside us, totally oblivious of our presence. But more! Also flitting around through the air were at least 100 Tree Martins – that totally surrounded us, flying straight at us at times, only to swerve at the last minute. There were a few Welcome Swallows there as well. Must have been a bunch of insects in the air – but we couldn’t see them. Fantastic experience!”

November 2018 3

FORBES, GRENFELL SPRING CAMP Report by camp organiser and leader Christine Kelly

Ah! Delusive hope, how much further wilt thou lead me! Audubon (1785-1857) This was the daily cry of the 12 members and visitors who signed up to take part in the Spring four day trip to Forbes and Grenfell. A cracking pace had been set to visit a wide variety of birding sites and to produce a list of as many interesting species as possible. Day One We met in Boorowa but there was no time for birding, only coffee and next stop instruc- tions before we were off on our way to Ben Halls Cave entrance in the Weddin Mountains National Park. Lunch and a walk around revealed 23 species. A brilliant start. At the final stop before Forbes, Pinnacle Rd, we added an Emu and ten other sightings to our list. Day Two. An early morning trip to the popular birding site, Gum Swamp, which we revisited on day four. There is a Forbes Council-provided bird hide at the swamp which is very well used. This site revealed 54 species sightings in total, including a Little Grassbird. We then headed to Nangar Na- tional Park for morning tea and lunch. The weather was glorious and we all enjoyed a lovely birding experience with 47 species sighted.

Bird hide, Gum Swamp. Photo Helen Erskine Dripping Rock (dry) Nangar National Park Photo Helen Erskine Day Three was a real treat. We had been invited to spend the morning at a private property in Grenfell. Superb Parrots were guaranteed. We were not disappointed. The property was a delight. Our hosts were very generous with their time and knowledge. It was a highlight of the trip. 34 species were identified on this property. After a very convivial morning tea break we were off to the Grenfell Sewage Ponds. Unfortunately, access had been denied but we were able to see 23 species

Mikla showing us the birds that have returned after Brown Falcon. Photo by Jennie Wiles the replanting on their property. Photo Jennie Wiles

November 2018 4

through the cyclone fence. David, the manager, has plans to have the council install a bird hide at the ponds when they are decommissioned. Plans are in place to have the ponds replaced by a more modern treatment plant. Four of the five existing ponds will be retained for environmental purposes. After lunch in a local park we made a brief visit to Company Dam and another five new species were added to our now growing total. One elusive bird called teasingly but would not reveal itself and could not be identified. Day Four found us travelling from Forbes to Conimbla National Park. Along the Lachlan River we made two stops near Gooloogong where three new species were added and 18 species sighted. Lunch was enjoyed at Conimbla National Park before we headed off on the Wallaby Walk. In the last hour we were able to add another six new species bringing the total for the four-day camp to 120.

A richness of Fairy Martins. Photo Jennie Wiles And then there were six. Graham Kelly taking the photo

The weather cooperated for our days away, rain fell, like Camelot, during the night but the days were warm and sunny, just perfect for birding. Thanks to all who participated. It was a great few days and we were well rewarded with a very im- pressive list.

Thank you Christine The BLSH trip to the Grenfell and Forbes area was fabulous! Christine and Graham had visited the area twice in preparation for this trip and this level of planning was evident, culminating in a wonderful trip. The locations chosen enabled a wide variety of birds to be seen. Her contact with local identi- ties who shared their time and knowledge with us, added a further rich dimension to the trip. Chris- tine also organised excellent fine and sunny weather, while in the Highlands it continued to rain. Thank you Christine and Graham for a great trip and to the other birders for your company and knowledge. By Jennie Wiles

Competition

This photo was taken in Grenfell on the camp. The first person to email the editor with the cor- rect identity of this bird will win a small prize. ([email protected]).

November 2018 5

Liaison Officer’s Report Col Kohlhagen

Some Tenth Anniversary Reflections

The tenth anniversary of the formation of our birdwatching group will occur early next year. On 14 January 2009 a handful of birdwatchers who had been meeting casually for recreational outings assembled to establish a branch of Bird Observation and Conservation Australia which was known as BOCA . It is timely to reflect on how birdwatching in the Southern Highlands has prospered since those first hesitant steps. The decision to form a BOCA branch was made because having branch status would allow local birders to become more active in school and community programs and to engage in conservation projects, which required appropriate insurance cover. Operating under the BOCA’s national umbrella rather than as an independent body, as some BIGNet Affiliates currently did, was also seen as providing greater credibility and impact when seeking funds or making a submission. BOCA was the preferred format at that time as Birds Australia did not foster local branches. This time line highlights some of the key events in the group’s subsequent journey and tells the story of how this small band of enthusiastic birders grew into the very active and successful organisa- tion that it is today. Hopefully, with the support of all our members, it will continue to be so.

October, 2008: Richard Hunter, BOCA Chief Executive, meets with local birders at Lake Alexandra, Mittagong, to discuss the formation of a local BOCA Branch. December, 2008: The first local 24-hour Birdcount Challenge, held to promote birdwatching.

From the Archives…… Sunday 5 December 2008 Tony Stanton, Tony Cooper and Val Cooper taken at Bundanoon during the first 24-Hour Bird Count .

January, 2009: Southern Highboca, the first BOCA Branch in New South Wales, is formed. April 2009: Southern Highboca hosts a three-session birdwatching workshop for beginners at Bun- danoon. September, 2009: A bird identification workshop is presented to a Bowral Garden Club Meeting. September, 2009: Southern Highboca hosts a BIGNet meeting at the Mittagong RSL Club November, 2009: The first Bird List for the local area is produced. March, 2010: Membership reaches 20 and regular I.B.A. Rockwarbler surveys at Thirlmere Lakes are commenced. April 2011: Southern Highboca partners with Wingecarribee Shire Council to produce a Bird Watch- ing brochure which features ten local birding sites.

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September 2011: Graeme Hamilton, Chief Executive Officer of the newly created body, BirdLife Australia, speaks at a meeting in Mittagong where he outlines the proposed merger between BOCA and Birds Australia, and the first extended branch field trip is held at Lake Cargelligo

From the Archives……Tuesday 6 September 2011 Graeme Hamilton, left, BirdLife Australia’s first CEO, is pictured here discussing our birding brochure with Tony Stanton.

October 2011: Southern Highboca is involved in its first Schools’ Environment Day and branch membership passes 50. November 2011: The first AGM of BirdLife Southern Highlands, BLSH, is held with John Shepherd taking over from founding president, Tony Stanton, who was returning to England. December 2011: The designated branch drawing area is defined and includes all centres in the post code range, 2570-2580. January 2012: BLSH begins its campaign to preserve Latham’s Snipe Habitat at the Southern High- lands Botanic Gardens site at East Bowral. March 2012: BLSH participates in the first formal Snipe Count at the Botanic Gardens site and con- sulting ecologist, Rod Kavanagh, becomes our first Guest Speaker. September 2012: BLSH participates in its first school program at Berrima Public School and the Commonwealth Environment Department, SEWPaC, orders that part of the Botanic Gardens site must be set aside to protect Latham’s Snipe habitat. January 2013: Grants obtained from the Viola Mulwaree Trust and the Wingecarribee Shire Council Community Support Program enable BLSH to purchase its own IT Equipment.

From the Archives……Tuesday 6 February 2013 The new computer and digital projector in action at the 2013 AGM

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February 2013: BLSH liaises with the Fitzroy Falls Office of the NPWS to plan for the upgrading of the interpretative signage at Cecil Hosking Reserve and the erection of a bird hide. March 2013: BLSH establishes a Bird Image Library to which members contribute their bird images for use by BLSH in future publications and promotions. October 2013: BLSH begins regular surveys along Mittagong Creek as part of the Riparian Regen- eration Project initiated by the Wingecarribee Shire Council.

From the Archives……22 September 2013

Joe Stammers [WSC Environment Officer] and Peter Dewey discussing one of the possible bird monitoring sites on Mittagong Creek.

November 2014: BLSH is invited to help plan for the proposed Greening Australia Bush Connect Project, Wall to Wollondilly, and is subsequently offered funding to provide regular workshops and bird counts over the life of the program. February 2015: Christine Kelly replaces John Shepherd as President due to his impending reloca- tion to Albury. June 2016: BLSH Membership passes 100 August 2016: BLSH joins the National Snipe Project and begins synchronised Latham’s Snipe counts at three sites in Bowral. February 2017: BLSH uses part of the funds derived from its involvement in the W2W Project to purchase 30 binoculars for use in workshops and during school programs. August, 2018: BLSH establishes its Long Paddock Project and begins regular bird counts at ten Travelling Stock Reserves in the Taralga District. September, 2018: BLSH begins planning to host its second BIGNET Meeting. The Future: The sky’s the limit!!

November 2018 8

Landcare Projects

A number of our members have been involved in several Wingecarribee Shire Council sponsored Landcare Projects designed to restore degraded habitat. One such project is the Bowral Scout Hall section of the Mittagong Creek where some BLSH Members have been active, both in habitat res- toration and bird surveys. It appears these projects are beginning to pay dividends.

No. of Bird Species Bird of No.

Joe Stammers, WSC Environmental Projects Officer, has converted some raw figures taken from Birdata surveys conducted at this site to this graph which clearly shows an upward trend in the number of bird species recorded each month.

Interested in Inland Birds?

BLSH is considering having a birding event to Alice Springs September 2-8 2019.

To enable us to gauge the level of interest in this event could you please email [email protected]

An expression of interest will not be a final commitment to this event.

The initial plan is to fly to Alice Springs, stay together in suitable accommodation, hire suitable vehicles and engage the services of a birding guide.

November 2018 9

Mt Alexandra -1 August 2018 Report by leader Christine Kelly

On a rather cool but sunny morning ten members met behind the Mittagong Pool to enjoy an easy stroll along the pathway that winds around Mt Alexandra. As we assembled in the carpark we were serenaded by the magpies and butcherbirds that were joined soon by the currawongs. Could there be any truth in the fact that they are often referred to as the rain bird?

The wind was rather cool as we commenced our walk but as we progressed the sun peeped over the hill and the path was bathed in sunlight. This encouraged the little birds to get busy, feed- ing and communicating with each other, so a good start to our sightings list was made in the first few minutes. Crimson Rosellas were darting in and out of the trees and we were all delighted to see a family group of Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoos fly directly above us with their very distinctive call. The Sulphur-crested Cockatoos’ alarm call warned us to be on the lookout for a raptor disturbing their peace. Finally, a Wedge-tailed Eagle flew into view. Eastern Yellow Robin. Photo Christine Kelly At the “turn around” spot we enjoyed a variety of honeyeaters feasting on the new blossoms. Eastern Spinebill, Golden Whistlers and treecreepers kept the group busy on the return walk. Morning tea was enjoyed at the tables above the pool at the end of our walk. A lovely morning with a total of 28 species being identified.

Female Australian King-Parrot. Photo Helen Erskine Rockwarbler. Photo Linda Hoelle

Species list: Crimson Rosella; Noisy Miner; Sulphur-crested Cockatoo; Red Wattlebird; Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoo; Red-browed Finch; New Holland Honeyeater; Lewin’s Honeyeater; Raven (sp);Eastern Yellow Robin; Pied Currawong; Australian King-Parrot; Australian Magpie; Grey Butch- erbird; Brown Thornbill; Striated Thornbill; Spotted Pardalote; Eastern Spinebill; White-eared Hon- eyeater; Red-browed Treecreeper; White-throated Treecreeper; Golden Whistler; Rockwarbler; Yel- low-faced Honeyeater; Grey Fantail; Australian Wood Duck; Wedge-tailed Eagle; Laughing Kooka- burra.

November 2018 10

Blue Gum Creek – Shared Site By Jennie Wiles

A shared site has been set up by BLSH for surveys at Blue Gum Creek, Nattai National Park. The reason it was set up here is that BLSH was looking for a site to survey so that we could contribute to the monitoring of bird species present in a KBA (Key Biodiversity Area). Blue Gum Creek in Nattai National Park is in the Greater Blue Mountains KBA and is easily accessible for BLSH members.

A shared site as described on Birdata -‘Previously referred to as Group Atlas Sites, a shared site is a registered site location which other birdwatchers can visit, to optimise the amount of data that can be generated at individual sites. Click on an individual site to view all the information you need to know — the site’s co-ordinates, a mud-map with the site’s boundaries, directions of how to get there, in- structions on the preferred method of surveying (e.g. 2-ha, 20 min search), and a list of the species recorded there.’

This means that any Birdlife member can access the survey results previously added and can contribute their own survey results. Only one survey of 15 birds has so far been completed at BLSH-Blue Gum Creek. Members are encouraged to visit and add to the data.

The information that appears on Birdata when the tab ‘Shared Sites’ is chosen and BLSH-Blue Gum Creek is typed into the filter on the left and then on the right hand side it is selected, is reproduced below.

BLSH - Blue Gum Creek Survey type: 2ha, 20 minute search Beginning Point - S34° 13' 25.5" E150° 30' 51.1" End point - S34° 13' 36.3" E150° 30' 41.3" Directions: Enter Thirlmere Lakes N.P. on either Slades Rd or W.E. Middleton Memorial Dr and drive past Lake Couridjah picnic area, heading south on W.E. Middleton Memorial Dr. On this road will be signs indicating that you are entering Nattai N.P. Drive to a rough car space just before locked gates. The survey site begins at the locked gates. From this point the area to be surveyed is 500m long and 20m either side of the track. Trees have been marked with pink tape to indicate the end point. Description: The site has Blue Gum forest on the creek side and rises on the other to a rocky cliff line with dry eucalypt forest leading to it. Survey method: 2 hectare 20 minute/500m Embedded surveys Who owns the land: The land is national park and access is restricted before sunrise and after sun- set.

View from the beginning of the survey site

November 2018 11

Penrose State Forest-12 September 2018

Leader—Sandy Berry. Species list Fan-tailed Cuckoo; Laughing Kookaburra; Crimson Rosella; Eastern Rosella; Superb Lyrebird; White- throated Treecreeper; White-eared Honeyeater; White-naped Honeyeater; Red Wattlebird; Yellow- faced Honeyeater; Spotted Pardalote; Striated Pardalote; Brown Thornbill; Grey Shrike-thrush; Olive -backed Oriole; Pied Currawong; Grey Currawong; Grey Fantail; Australian Raven.

Grey Currawong. Photo Erna Llenore Hollow resident. Photo Linda Hoelle

BLSH members negotiating their way. Photo Erna Lllenore

New members We welcome the following people who have joined recently

Brenda Brooks

November 2018 12

North American Birds Text and photos by Linda Hoelle

Vancouver, British Columbia was the end of our train journey that began in Toronto, Ontario. This trip in July on VIA Rail Canada had been planned a year ago with relatives. While the scenery across five provinces was interesting and spectacular at times, birdwatching from the train was sporadic. Birds of any kind were scarce in the region of forests and lakes in Ontario but many duck-like wa- terbirds favoured the wetlands and ponds in the farming region of the prairie provinces (Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta). We were well into British Columbia, paralleling a lake in a popular fish- ing area, before seeing a few Ospreys and close to 20 Bald Eagles, one eating a salmon! We exited the train in Vancouver but more birding adventures awaited us atop Grouse Mountain north of the city centre. A gondola took us to the top where we found a variety of outdoor venues: ziplines, Heli Tours, eco- walks, lumberjack show (logrolling, etc), demonstration of ‘Birds in Motion’ and many others. A Mountain Ropes Adventure was being built. The bridges and other challenges were cleverly hidden in the treetops. On the eco-walk through the forest surrounding the venues, we learned about hummingbird research.

Later I returned to watch some Rufous Hum- mingbirds (female, left) come for drinks. I have trouble imagining the tiny band needed for a hummingbird’s leg! After lunch, it was time to see a variety of larg- er birds. A demonstration of ‘Birds in Motion’ by Pacific Northwest Raptors was very popular. All these birds of prey had been raised and trained by people. When not entertaining crowds, some of these trained raptors help airports and other facilities control birds that are problematic. The handler gave us some safety rules – like, “it’s not a good idea to high-five an eagle flying closely over our heads”! He paced close to us with each bird, giving us a good look. Then we ob- served them in action. The afternoon was hot, and each raptor performed briefly.

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The first participant was a Bald Eagle (below). This powerful bird of prey delighted the crowd by grabbing a treat from a small pool of water in a flyby. I tried a photo and captured only the splash and some tail feathers!

Any bird can have an off day and for a Great Horned Owl, this was the day! It refused to participate, cuddled against the handler’s chest, and peeked at the crowd (below left). We did learn that this owl’s favourite food is skunk!

The Harris Hawk (above right) was the only participant not native to Canada. The species lives in south western US and is different from the other raptors we were seeing in that family members co- operate when hunting. I was excited because years ago I had seen a demonstration by Harris Hawks at the Desert Museum in Tucson, Arizona. Today though, maybe the heat was influencing this hawk’s performance; twice it missed a treat thrown high into the air. The handler then encouraged it to try for a treat thrown just above its head. The hawk was on the ground, flew up, rolled over, and grabbed the treat with its feet before landing nearby! This agility impressed even the handler. The crowd responded with good applause; we were told we could to that! The last raptor was a Gyrfalcon and a new bird for me. It demonstrated how it could strike prey in the air. The handler had a treat on a long leather strap he swung in a circle over his head. The gyrfalcon tagged it and received the treat! (below, next page)

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Being the last participant, the handler brought the large falcon over to the crowd for photos. To help cool down the gyrfalcon, the handler spritzed it with water. The heat was getting to us, too, so it was back to the city for a rest at the hotel. Before our Canadian journey, we visited family in the US state of Iowa. A Northern Cardinal (male, below left) is one of our favourite birds and sang most mornings but a tiny bird provided an appropriate ending for this story. Hosta flowers in the garden attracted a female Ruby-throated Humming- bird (below right).

Aussie Backyard Bird Count

Did you participate? If not, consider joining in next year.

November 2018 15

Paddys River, Canyonleigh 23 September 2018 Report by leader Nigel Hartley

A small group of eight members and one guest, made its way to the site beside Paddy’s River (Uringalla Creek) for an excellent morning’s birding. Conditions were mild and sunny, with very little wind. The bird highlights were the constant stream of Yellow-faced Honeyeaters travelling south, impossible to count but circa 500 birds for the morning. Other great birds included some very vocal White-eared Honeyeaters, an Australian Reed-Warbler in very bright spring plumage, and a Swamp Harrier (quite dark, probably female) that quartered beyond the billabong where we took morning tea. However, possibly the highlight of the morning was a platypus, well spotted by Steve, photographed by Jennie among others, and I believe seen by all members…a LIFER for Nola. There were a number of excellent sites in the vicinity. We commenced with roadside birding to the east of the bridge and apart from the honeyeaters saw one Silvereye, Grey Shrike-thrush and heard Whipbirds. Then we moved onto an excellent trail to the left that culminated at another billabong. Birds included White-throated Treecreepers, both species of Pardalote, at least two Gang-Gang Cocka- toos, and a pair of Dusky Woodswallows. After the walk we enjoyed morning tea by the billabong, where we were entertained by the Reed- Warbler and finally the very obliging platypus.

Eastern Rosella. Photo Nolesy Bloor Nigel Harley pointing out the bird. Photo Jennie Wiles Species list White-eared Honeyeater 2; Eastern Whipbird(h); Grey Shrike-thrush 1; Yellow-faced Hon- eyeater c. 500; Silvereye 1; Striated Pardalote 2; Crimson Rosella 3+; Red Wattlebird 2; Pied Curra- wong 1; Laughing Kookaburra 1; Spotted Pardalote 2; Common Blackbird 1; Australian Magpie 2; White-throated Treecreeper 1; Eastern Rosella 2; Eastern Yellow Robin 2; Gang-gang Cockatoo 2; Ru- fous Whistler 1(m); Sulphur-crested Cockatoo 2; Australian Raven 2; Grey Fantail 1; Galah 2; White- throated Gerygone(h); Starling 4; Dusky Woodswallow 2; Brown Thornbill 1; Willie Wagtail 1; White- faced Heron 1; Striated Thornbill(h); Superb Fairywren 2; Wood Duck 8; Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike 1; Australian Reed Warbler 1; Welcome Swallow 2; Swamp Harrier 1; Nankeen Kestrel 1.

Australian Reed-Warbler. Photo Jennie Wiles Platypus. Photo Jennie Wiles

November 2018 16

SCHOOLS ENVIRONMENT DAY Lake Alexandra, Mittagong. Report and photos by Helen Erskine

This event was coordinated most ably by Joe Stammers from Wingecarri- bee Shire Council (and Your Environment Levy at work). There were 27 activities set up for the day, some of which were Waste Education, live Reptile Dis- plays, Garden Communities, Fisheries, OEH Threatened Species, Frogs and Tadpoles, Bush Walks, Aboriginal Culture, BLSH Birds and more. All had their displays ready by 9:00 am. There was an in- troduction by Joe (photo below) and welcome by Councilor Larry Whipper, followed by learning tasks in the natural environment. There were 20 schools from the Southern Highlands involved and all arrived on time for their first activity at 10:00am. Each group, consisting of Stage 3 students (Years Five and Six) did two activities before a break, then another two before lunch. One more followed, and most schools were leaving by about 2:00pm, with new things to talk about and experiences they will remember for some time. It was an excellent day for the students, teachers and care-givers. BLSH was responsible for running one of these activities for the students. Thanks to Col Kohl- hagen for preparing and running our tasks. Other volunteers included Christine Kelly and myself. Col spoke to the students about the Aussie Backyard Bird Count and native birds (get the free app here) https://aussiebirdcount.org.au or on Council’s website:https://www.wsc.nsw.gov.au/events/ aussie-backyard-bird-count

BLSH display

Students on task with Col leading

After that we walked 600m around Lake Alexandra, checking off birds and numbers of each species on a worksheet prepared by Col. Teachers were asked to follow up the activities for comparisons and similarities.

November 2018 17

The Archive and You By Helen Erskine

BirdLife Southern Highlands Archive, begun in 2009, is a useful resource not only for local publishers and our own newsletter but also for every one of us as members. The archive comprises a library of more than 1000 photographs and bird videos, copies of magazine and newspaper articles and a com- pilation of Australian bird coins and stamps. With the help of BLSH members the library continues to grow. What the Archive Needs 1. Photographs: especially of rare or unusual birds in Australia. See old lists. 2. Photographs that show well the defining features of a species or habitat peculiarities. But please don’t overlook common birds; there is no such thing as a defining shot – our understanding and recognition of birds is very much enhanced by seeing them in different locations, at different stages in their lives and even at different times of day. 3. Clippings: we need to augment our files with clippings from local newspapers and magazines; that includes articles in other journals about birds in the Southern Highlands. Accompanying Information Please ensure that all images are accompanied by a brief note including the photographer’s name, the species (if known), and the date and location of the image on it. If possible please add your name (or logo/nickname/nom de plume etc) and the date to the image itself. This helps prevent unacknowledged use of your picture. Images Used in the BLSH Newsletter Our newsletter editor makes use of the archive for the BLSH Flyer. She also uses photographs sent to her directly: naturally, those pictures are sent to her for a particular purpose and cannot be included in the archive without the specific permission of the photographer. To save you the trouble of sending the same photograph both to the Newsletter and the Archive, please add a note if you are happy for the image to be used in both and she will pass it on. So if you have something to contribute, please bring it to a members’ meeting or email it to me at [email protected] so it is ready for publication. It will always be labeled with the photographer’s name when being published. The Archive has been and continues to be used in a variety of ways. Here are some recent examples: In this newsletter and on our BLSH website. By local newspapers and magazines. You might have seen our photos in articles in The Highlands Post or HighLife etc. Greening Australia used some of our photos of birds in hollows on display boards along the Wingec- arribee River Walk in Berrima. There are more to come. Some flyers are on their website using our local photographs. Wingecarribee Shire Council has asked for Bathing Bird images, as well as Birds in Backyards for their booklets as handouts. Most recently in a worksheet for the 700 students who attended the Schools Environment Day at Lake Alexandra on 23 October. “Monitoring Birds, a Wall to Wollondilly project Wingecarribee River”, the little monthly checklist resource, now in its second edition. Why We Need the Archive It’s worth remembering that the Archive is not only for the present. Every one of us will have silently thanked those photographers of yesteryear who took and kept images of Australian towns, people and wildlife many years ago. A simple photograph of Cecil Hoskins Reserve or a local identity today might seem banal but it could prove a treasure many years into the future. So – all the more reason to record photographs of marginalized or endangered birds, showing changing behaviour and habitat. That is the point of our archives! Let’s make a better, more diverse collection. Thank you so much for your efforts, contributions and offering what you have to share with the BLSH Archives.

November 2018 18

From the Archives

A flyer of interest on the WSC website: https://www.wsc.nsw.gov.au/uploads/780/shl- birdguide_v2.pdf A Highlife article about Southern Highlands Birders and Birding.https://pressfolios- production.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/story/story_pdf/293063/2930631519705636.pdf

Budderoo Plateau and Barren Grounds 3 October 2018. Report by leader Christine Kelly

On Wednesday 3 October, eight BLSH members met at the pie shop in Robertson to enjoy a mornings outing at Budderoo Plateau and Barren Grounds. The target species on this trip is the Bris- tle Bird. Despite the weather being overcast we set off in good spirits hoping to log a few of the less common species that can be found on the escarp- ment and plateau. However, this was not our day. Birding has its level of frustrations and this was one of them. Plenty of birds were heard calling from the bushes but very few were prepared to show themselves to the keen eyes of the BLSH members. The group spent several hours attempting to en- Hopeful BLSH birdwatchers gather. courage the birds to reveal themselves and at Photo Helen Erskine 11:00 am we travelled on to Barren Grounds to continue our search. Unfortunately, as is so often the case in the Highlands, the weather turned nas- ty as had been predicted, winds blew making birding difficult and possibly dangerous. The sightings list includes: Yellow-faced Honeyeater, New Holland Honeyeater, White-browed Scrub- wren (H), Eastern Spinebill, Silvereye, Striated Thornbill, Brown Thornbill, Little Wattlebird, Crimson Rosella, Fan-tailed Cuckoo, Swamp Harrier, Little Eagle.

The Wagtail

So elegant he is and neat From round black head to slim black feet! He sways and flirts upon the fence, His collar clean as innocence The city lady looks and cries ‘Oh charming bird with dewdrop eyes, how kind of you to sing that song!’ But what a pity—she is wrong. ‘Sweet, pretty creature’ - yes, but who is the one he sings to? Not me—not you. The furry moth, the gnat perhaps, on which his scissor beak snip-snaps. Photo Jennie Wiles Birds: Poems by Judith Wright (Angus & Robinson, 1962)

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BirdLife Australia Twitchathon Report by Jennie Wiles

The National Twitchathon is BirdLife Australia's spring race for bird conservation. It's a friendly competition in which teams of birders race to see or hear as many bird species as possible in a set time, while raising funds for BirdLife's crucial conservation and research projects. This year in NSW the money raised will go toward critical recov- ery actions for Regent Honeyeaters at their breeding locations. There are three races to choose from: the 30- hour 'Big Weekend', the 12-hour 'Big Day' and the 3-hour 'Birdathon'. A team of four from BLSH entered into the ‘Birdathon’ this year under the name of ‘Raven Lunatics’. Under the rules of the ‘Birdathon’ each team has three x one hour blocks (which must all be used only on a single day) at their disposal in which to count birds. Once a team decides to begin any one hour block, it cannot be paused, restarted or prolonged. The three venues chosen by the Lunatics were Australian Botanic Gardens; Potholes Reserve, Bargo and Charlston Dam. Thank you to Peter Dewey for accompanying the team to Charlston Raven Lunatics Dam so we could view the birds present there. This enabled the team to add another dozen birds including Blue-billed Duck and Australian Shelduck to the list. We had a fun and productive day finishing with a grand total of 75 birds. Thank you to all the people who sponsored the Raven Lunatics and raised funds for a most important cause. To date $575 has been raised, far exceeding expectations.

Worth a Look 1. Migration Marathons: 7 unbelievable bird journeys

BirdLife International http://www.birdlife.org/worldwide/news/migration-marathons-7-unbelievable-bird- Bar-tailed Godwit © Dennis Jacob- journeys? sen / Shutterstock utm_source=BirdLife+International+News+Notifications&utm_campaign=665522e882- Summary_news_notification&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_4122f13b8a-665522e882-133920281&goal=0_4122f13b8a- 665522e882-133920281&mc_cid=665522e882&mc_eid=d56ed66f98

2. Swift Parrots in Tasmania Part 1

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_GD5lALC92g

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Members’ Bird Photography

The theme is ‘Pairs’.

The next edition theme is ‘Small’. For example this could be small birds or details in a close up etc. Please include the bird’s name in the details. Other contributions are very welcome.

Blue and Gold Macaws, Brazil. Photo Nigel Hartley Sulphur-crested Cockatoos, Wagga Wagga. Photo Alan Edwards

Jacky Winters. Photo Helen Erskine Great Crested Grebes. Photo Linda Hoelle

Laughing Kookaburras. Photo Paddy Donkin Red-browed Finches. Photo Trevor Vale

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Silvereyes. Photo Alan Edwards

Emus. Photo Erna Llenore

Southern Whitefaces. Photo Jennie Wiles

Great Cormorants. Photo Graham Olde Galahs. Photo Nigel Hartley

Blue-faced Honeyeaters. Photo Helen Erskine Red-eared Firetails. Photo Linda Hoelle November 2018 22

Superb Fairy-wrens. Photo Trevor Vale Crimson Chats (plus offspring & nest). Photo Paddy Donkin

Apostlebirds. Photo Helen Erskine White-breasted Woodswallows. Photo Jennie Wiles

Newsletter contributions BLSH Committee If you would like to contribute an article to the newsletter, please contact Jennie Wiles President Christine Kelly at [email protected] Liaison Col Kohlhagen Conservation Simon Robinson Articles can be on any aspect of birding, or Program Peter Madvig issue related to birding, that may interest other members. Treasurer John Desmond Admin Jenny Murray Photos, in jpeg format, are also very wel- Newsletter Jennie Wiles come. Committee support Val Cooper Committee support Helen Aquart The deadline for the next issue is Support Roles- 20 January 2019 Membership Erna Llenore Image Library Helen Erskine Birdata Sandy Berry