Lyrebird Tales

Volume 27 Number 1 March 2018

Three Months on the Road

by Dace Fitton

On a fine day in late May 2017 we left with our friends and our homes on wheels for a trip that was to take nearly three months. We travelled through three states and the Northern Territory. There were many highlights and many new ticks and great sightings of some lovely birds. We negotiated the Western Ring Road and then drove through the Western district, the sky and horizon country and crossed the border to South Australia. I enjoyed seeing the bird life change from our customary birds to the birds of the drier country. Our first stop was near Keith, just over the Victorian border; a farm stay, complete with a friendly camel. It was lovely to see the small flock of Musk Lorikeets in the gum trees. At our next stop, just outside Port Augusta we saw White-browed Babblers. They were foraging in the dirt and small, straggly shrubs, surprisingly unworried by the people and caravans around them. A special moment at our next camp, Lake Hart, Spinifex Pigeons at Kings Canyon photo © Dace Fitton was hearing the calls of the Crested Bellbirds in the morning. We left Kings Canyon, headed off to Alice Springs. The town We also got good view of one later on as it scurried around was buzzing. The Finke Desert Race was on in a few days’ while we were having our breakfast. There were some time. We were lucky to get a campsite and could only book Australian Pipits, plenty of Singing Honeyeaters and Black for a few days. The caravan park was full of motorbike crews, Kites overhead. getting ready for the big race. The Desert Park at Alice A few days later we arrived at Uluru, a vision of silky Springs was another must see, bird of the day for me was sandstone in various shades of oranges, browns and reds. the Dusky Grasswren that was in the dry grasses around the There had been rain previously and there was good green cages and I also loved seeing the young Crimson Chats in the growth around the base. We walked around (not on the rock) car park. and saw Galahs, Crested Pigeons, Magpie Larks, White- High on my list was to see a Western Bowerbird. I had heard plumed and Singing Honeyeaters, Zebra Finches, Willie that there was a bower in the Olive Pink Botanical Gardens. Wagtails, Rufous Whistlers and Splendid Fairy-wrens. Other The gardens were founded by Miss Olive Muriel Pink, who good sightings around Uluru were a Black-breasted Buzzard, was an outspoken advocate for Aboriginal rights and a Diamond Doves, Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater, Little botanical artist. The gardens were founded in 1956 and Woodswallow, Australian Kestrel, Pied and Grey Butcherbird opened to the public in 1985. and Little Crow. At night in the campground, I could hear a Southern Boobook calling. Contents After leaving Uluru, we headed off to Kings Canyon (Watarrka), where we stayed at Kings Creek Station, a 1 – 5. Three Months on the Road by Dace Fitton working cattle/camel station. We got up early the next day 5. Committee. Notice of AGM. Interesting Sightings and walked the Kings Canyon Rim Walk. It was a wonderful Book launch of ‘Reserve for a bird’ hike, a six kilometre circuit with spectacular 360 degree views and amazing rock formations. I had another first, the 6 – 11. Reports of Meetings and Outings Spinifex Pigeons, plenty in the car park and more on the 12. Calendar of events walk. They were a lovely sight. Also saw some Grey-headed and White-plumed Honeyeaters, a Hooded Robin, many Zebra finches, Crested Pigeons, Galahs, Magpie Lark, Willie Wagtail, Little Crow, Australian Kestrel and Wedge-tailed

Eagle.

Lyrebird Tales

The garden has over 600 Central Australian plant species and more than 80 bird species have been observed here. First we found an old bower, but it looked unused. We continued walking, and quite near the front gate saw a bower underneath a thick bush. There were two bowerbirds. One looked young, quite fluffy. Among other birds we saw were the ubiquitous Galahs, Yellow-throated Miners, Black Kites, Crested Pigeons, Australian Ringneck, Magpie Lark, Hooded Robin, Singing and White-plumed Honeyeaters, Grey- crowned Babblers, Black-faced Cuckoo shrike, and Pied Butcherbirds. As well as bird watching, we enjoyed the walk around the gardens and had an excellent coffee at the tearooms.

Yellow Waters, Kakadu photo © Dace Fitton

We all enjoyed the cruise so much we did it again the next morning. There was a special offer, at a reduced price for the second cruise, so again we got up in the dark. We had a different boat driver/guide and we went to other parts of the billabong and the second trip was every bit as interesting as the first. As well as seeing many of the birds from the previous day we also saw Rajah Shelducks, Black-necked Storks, (on a nest), Brolgas, Bar-shouldered Dove, Green Pygmy-geese, Hardheads, Peaceful Doves. We also saw brumbies grazing nearby.

In the afternoon we went to look at the ancient aboriginal Yellow Waters Billabong Cruise photo © Dace Fitton rock art, in the Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) area. We were having a cuppa at a picnic ground on the way back when I Another highlight of the trip was the early morning Yellow saw an unusual bird, took out my binoculars and there in a Waters Billabong cruise, through the wetlands in the Kakadu tree was a Yellow Oriole – another new tick. The traditional National Park. The start was early, 6.45am and we got up owners were burning off and there was a strong smell of before light. But it was worthwhile, watching the sun coming smoke in the air. As we drove around small fires burned close up on the billabong while we waited for the boat journey to to the road. On the morning we left I walked round the camp begin. ground and was pleased to see a Leaden Flycatcher before First I saw a Rufous Night-heron (there were many) and the cloud of mosquitoes forced me to retreat and we quickly Magpie Geese flying overhead. There were also many egrets packed up. – Great, Intermediate and Cattle Egrets and Australian Darters. We had the good fortune to see three types of Kingfishers – first the Azure, darting around, low, just above the water, then a Forest Kingfisher and finally we saw the tiny Little Kingfisher. We had good views before it flew off. Interspersed with seeing birds, we also saw a good many crocodiles. They posed well for the photographers and we were glad to be in the safety of the boat. Among my favourite sightings was that of the Comb-crested Jacanas; another first. Watching them treading on the lilies was a delight, as was the sight of a male bird with 6 tiny legs protruding from his feathers. Eventually he allowed his 3 fluffy chicks to emerge. The boat driver said there had been 4 chicks the week before, but now there were only three. We also had good views of a White-bellied Sea-eagle. There were very many Wandering and Plumed Whistling-ducks, Pied and Black Cormorants, Masked Lapwings, Sulphur-crested Zebra Rock Mine, Lake Argyle photo © Dace Fitton Cockatoos, Magpie Larks, Little Corellas, White-faced and Pied Heron, Glossy Ibis, Willie Wagtail, Rainbow Bee-eater A few days later found us at the Zebra Rock Mine Caravan and Red-tailed Black Cockatoos. Park. The park is in the Northern Territory, not far from the

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Western Australian border. We really enjoyed the stay. Black Cockatoos were a lovely sight. When we arrived I saw a Peaceful surroundings, friendly and helpful caravan park Mistletoe bird, then Magpies, Great Bowerbirds, Little owners and staff and the memory of the sunset cruise. The Corellas, Grey Shrike-thrush, Torresian Crows, Willy-Wagtail, caravan park is not far from the eastern side of Lake Argyle Rainbow Bee-eaters, Rufous Whistler and Double-barred and this part of the lake has wetlands and is wonderful for Finches. bird life. Among the birds seen on the cruise and around the The road to the Bungle Bungles was extremely corrugated park were Peaceful Doves, Little Friarbirds, Willie Wagtails, and so we decided to take a four wheel drive bus day trip. Galahs, Torresian Crows, Great Bowerbirds, Magpie Larks, We were very glad we made the decision. There had been Black-faced Cuckoo-shrikes, Rufous Whistler, Long-tailed and heavy rain earlier and the first creek crossing claimed a few Double-barred Finches, (Gouldian Finches have been seen cars while we were staying at Mabel Downs. The bus driver here, but I did not see any) Yellow-tinted Honeyeater, White- said that she had to drive straight through; if you veered left winged Triller, Red-tailed Black Cockatoo, Paperbark there were big holes in the creek bed. The sight of cars Flycatcher (many around the store/café), White-bellied making the return journey on the back of a semi trailer was a Cuckoo-shrike, Black-winged Stilt, Glossy Ibis, Bar- sobering sight. The bus bumped its way over the road to the shouldered Dove, Rajah Shelduck, Pacific Black Duck, Bungle Bungles. It was like one and a half hours of driving Whiskered Tern, Magpie Goose, Masked Lapwing, Straw- over a gigantic washboard – a very good decision to leave necked Ibis, Intermediate, Cattle and Great Egrets, Darters, the car behind and to take our van would have been Osprey (on nest), Little and Pied Cormorants, White-breasted unthinkable. There was not a big bird list for the day, but the and Black-faced Woodswallows, White-bellied Sea-eagle, driver sighted a young Bush Stone-curlew on the road. Then Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, many Budgerigars, Sacred it slowly hopped into the trees and bushes on the roadside. Kingfisher, Diamond Dove, Black and Whistling Kites, There was also a beautiful male Red-backed Fairy-wren near Pelicans. the information centre and White-winged Trillers and a Kununurra was also an excellent place for birds and also White-quilled Rock Pigeon on the Cathedral Gorge walk, not bats. The flowering tree above us in the caravan park far from the car park. attracted a big cloud of fruit bats. They would descend at dusk, shriek and noisily feed from the blossoms. Luckily they quietened down during the night and then left, giving a few noisy squawks in the morning The birds seen included Grey- crowned Babblers, Rufous-throated, Yellow-tinted and Brown Honeyeaters, Black-faced and White-breasted Woodswallows, Red-tailed Black Cockatoos, Double-barred Finches, Pied Butcherbirds, Scarlet-winged Parrot, Purple Swamphen, Green Pygmy-goose, Comb-crested Jacana, and at the Lily Creek Lagoon about 12 Crimson finches was a memorable sighting.

We also visited Parry Lagoons Nature Reserve, on the way to Wyndham; a very remote and a beautiful oasis. The birds we saw in this area were Peaceful and Bar-shouldered Doves, Sulphur-crested Cockatoos, Grey-crowned Babblers, Magpie Larks, Rufous-throated and Yellow-tinted Honeyeaters, Straw-necked and Sacred Ibis, Whistling Kite, White-necked Broome photo © Dace Fitton Heron, Black-breasted Buzzard, Crested Pigeon, Blue-faced Honeyeater, Willy Wagtail, Australian Kestrel, Rainbow Bee- Headed further into Western Australia and finally arrived at eaters, Sacred Kingfisher, Diamond Doves, Australasian Broome. Visiting the Broome Bird Observatory was a must. Grebe, Black-winged Stilt, Black-fronted Dotterel, Pelican, The drive in was bumpy and slow. By the time we arrived it Masked Lapwing, Intermediate Egret, Pied Heron, Australian was past the best time for observing, but a long sit at the Darter, Whiskered Tern, Comb-crested Jacana, Hardhead, shade-house, with a cup of coffee was worthwhile. The water Plumed and Wandering Whistling-duck, Little Black bowls attracted Double-barred and a few Long-tailed Finches, Cormorant, Eurasian Coot, Pacific Black Duck, Black-tailed Yellow White-eye, White-gaped, Brown and Rufous-throated Native-hen, Rajah Shelduck and Green Pygmy-goose. On the Honeyeaters, Rainbow bee-eaters. A walk to the sea and we back road en route to Wyndham, we saw Australian saw Pelicans, Eastern Reef Egrets, Great Egrets, Black-faced Pratincoles. At Wyndham a Brahminy Kite flew overhead, its Cuckoo-shrike, Black-winged Stilt, Pied Oystercatchers, Gull- chestnut plumage bright in the sunlight. billed Terns, Silver Gulls and Sacred Ibis.

We made our way to Mabel Downs Station Caravan Park. On Tours of the Observatory were booked out for the next few the way saw Peaceful Doves, Magpie Larks, Whistling Kites, days, but we were fortunate enough to be able to book for Rufous-throated Honeyeaters (on the ‘bat’ tree before we the next Tuesday. We had a wonderful afternoon, led by our left), Blue-faced Honeyeaters, Straw-necked Ibis and guide and driver, John. We drove through the Observatory Intermediate Egret, Australian Darter and the Red-tailed and went into the neighboring property, Roebuck Plains

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Station, followed tracks until we reached claypans, stopping White-breasted Woodswallow, Magpie Goose, and the ever for birds sightings as we went. We saw a Magpie, a bird present Willie Wagtails. common in the south, but not so common near Broome. Whistling Kite, Magpie Larks, Straw-necked and Glossy Ibis, Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike, Willie Wagtails, a Red-backed Kingfisher, Australian Pipits scurried by us, White-bellied Sea Eagle, Spotted Harrier, Brolgas, Australian Kestrel, Brown Quail, Brown Songlark, Horsfield’s Bushlark, many Australian and one Oriental Pratincole. The latter was a surprise; most of his or her mates had already flown north. Red-capped Plovers, Swamp Harrier, Pelican, Masked Lapwing, Black Swan, Grey Teal, Plumed and Wandering Whistling-ducks, Hoary-headed Grebe, Great Egret, Red-kneed Dotterel, Yellow Chat – what a beautiful bird! Black-winged Stilt, Pink- eared Ducks, Black-necked Stork, Pacific Black Duck, Curlew Sandpiper, White-necked Heron, Eurasian Coot, Hardhead, Gull-billed Tern, Cattle Egret, Common Greenshank, Red- necked Avocet.

Francois Peron National Park photo © Dace Fitton

We reached Perth in late July and were there for 6 days. In the caravan park in the Swan River valley where we stayed I saw a flock of Carnabys Black Cockatoos, probably around ten plus. It was a beautiful sight.

Burrup Peninsular near Karratha photo © Dace Fitton

Eyre Bird Observatory photo © Dace Fitton

One of the big highlights of our trip was the visit to the Eyre Bird Observatory. The bird observatory is around one and a half hours drive from Cocklebiddy, the last section of the drive is strictly high clearance four wheel drive only. There had been a storm the week before and a section of the track was completely washed out – huge deep impassable ruts. Fortunately we were able to bypass that section. We had a very comfortable two nights’ stay in the beautiful old Telegraph Station building. There were many New Holland Honeyeaters, Welcome Swallows, a flock of about 12 Major Near Exmouth photo ©Dace Fitton Mitchell Cockatoos, saw one White-faced Heron flying over in the morning, White-eared Honeyeaters, many Silvereyes, We headed south west, mainly around the coast, with an Grey Butcherbird, Australian Ravens and Fan-tailed Cuckoos interesting excursion to Marble Bar and then 50 kilometres were already calling. After seeing a few females, I eventually away, to Corunna Downs, an airbase, secret in the World War saw a male Blue-breasted Fairy-wren, in full plumage. Just 2 times. I enjoyed seeing the Spinifex Pigeons, Diamond lovely! There were also Weebills, Red Wattlebirds, Brown- Doves, Zebra Finches, Singing Honeyeaters, Australian Pipit, headed Honeyeaters, Caspian Terns, Black-winged Stilt,

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Pied Cormorant, Pacific Gulls, Red-capped Plovers, White- Interesting Sightings browed Babblers, Golden (Western) Whistlers, Tree Martins and Silver Gulls. 6-9/11/17 Koel (Eastern) - Montrose Rd. Montrose (X2), Dick Wellington Our final stop on the way home was I woke up in the morning to the familiar calls of the Kookaburras, Magpies and 13/11/17 Powerful Owl calling at dawn - Mt. Evelyn, Lin Little Ravens. A Grey Shrike-thrush scurried around, Sulphur- Bullen crested Cockatoos overhead. It had rained heavily overnight, 13/11/17 Olive-backed Oriole; 2 Adults + 2 baby Tawny but the rain had ceased and now it was quite cold. So I put Frogmouths - Healesville. Maggie Smith on a warm scarf, gloves and went for a short walk. A few Eurasian Coots were on a rain filled depression. A Pelican 12/11/17 Eastern Whipbird -Toolangi garden (first in 17 flew overhead, Red Wattlebirds called and there were a few years) Manfred Hennig Brown Treecreepers, Superb Fairy-wrens, Galahs, a few 1/11/17 Sacred Kingfisher, Cicada Bird - Badger Creek, flocks of noisy White-browed Babblers, New Holland Graeme George Honeyeaters, Eastern Rosellas. The bird of the morning however, was the Southern Scrub-robin scratching around 8/11/17 Rufous Whistler - Badger Creek, Graeme George near the track I was on. I came upon it quietly and it stayed 12/11/17 Rufous Songlark - Doon Rd Yarra Junction, Graeme for a while and I had a good look. George

Other birds were Jacky Winters (always good to see), White- 20/11/17 Common Koel – Mooroolbark, P. Fowler plumed Honeyeaters, Emus, Wood Ducks, of course a Willie Wagtail and Little Corellas. And the next stop was home, December 2017. after around, 17,000 kilometres and nearly three months 3 Wedge-tailed Eagles – Cockatoo, Alan Murphy away we arrived tired but very happy. Large-billed Scrub Wren – Toolangi, Manfred Hennig

Little Wattle Bird and 3 Satin (Green) Bower Birds – BirdLife Australia Yarra Valley Branch Healesville, Alma Mitchell

P.O. Box 1172, Healesville Vic. 3777 1/1/ 18 Latham’s Snipe – Hull Rd Wetlands, V & P Fowler

email: [email protected] 9/1/18 Spotless Crake – Lillydale Lake, V & P Fowler Committee Dec/Jan, Grey Fantail progressive photos (videos) of nest building and feeding Chum Creek Glenn Mawson Convener: Glenn Mawson Out of the Yarra Valley Deputy-Convener: Manfred Hennig 28/12/17 Cicadabird (2), Brush Cuckoos – Upper Buffalo Secretary: Alma Mitchell River, V & P Fowler

Treasurer: Maggie Smith 30/12/17 Lyrebirds (19) in groups of 1, 2, & 3 - Road

Librarian: Linda Bullen through ash forest between Noojee and Baw Baw, Michael Feller Conservation Officer: Michael Feller 1/1/18 Grey fantails (2) attacking a Fan-tailed Cuckoo finally Other Members: Jim McMinn chasing the cuckoo away - in alpine forest near Mt. Erica (Baw Baw), Michael Feller Notice of Annual General Meeting 2018 Book launch ’A Reserve for a Bird’

The AGM of BirdLife Yarra Valley will be held on Tuesday 8 ‘‘A Reserve for a Bird celebrating fifty years May at 7.45 p.m. in the Badger Creek Hall Meeting Room. of a reserve declared for the conservation of Nominations will be received for all positions on the the Helmeted Honeyeater at Yellingbo’ by Committee before or at the meeting. Jeff Dickinson was launched on December th Agenda: To confirm the Minutes of the 2017 A.G.M.; Reports 8 at Yellingbo Nature Conservation from the Convener and Treasurer; Election of Committee for Reserve. Crowds attended the launch which 2018-2019. Any other business for which 14 days’ notice is included friends of the Helmeted Honeyeater required. and pupils from the Macclesfield Primary School who are very much involved in the Helmeted Honeyeater program. There were many speeches by VIPs Correction and presentations of complimentary copies of the book by the local member James Merlino, Deputy Premier and December 2017 Lyrebird Tales page 7 Minister for Education. There was also a historic display in the Mongolia Warbler should read Magnolia Warbler Parks Victoria work shed.

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Reports of Meetings and Outings

Tuesday 10 October - Meeting: Bird Trip to Bowra and Kilcowera Stations – Peter & Valerie Fowler

Peter and Valerie visited Bowra Station for the first time in August this year and talked about their experience. They visited different areas of the property each day looking for various bird species. Valerie remarked that some areas were suffering badly from the drought. They were delighted to have many wonderful views of Major Mitchell Cockatoos both in camp and at various waterholes. A highlight was a small flock of Bourke’s Parrots seen at dusk on the first evening as this was a target species they wanted to see. They were delighted to see this bird species several times over their stay. Searching for other species was more frustrating such Looking for Banded Lapwings photo © V. Fowler as the Chestnut-breasted Quail Thrush and Hall’s Babbler; neither was seen by them before leaving the property. They found some birds extremely flighty such as the Chestnut- crowned Babblers but had good birdwatching of many other species never the less.

Their favourite spot was visiting the black tank in early mornings and evening when numerous bird species came for a drink. A kangaroo visiting for a drink had its ear cleaned by a Willie Wagtail and Emus quenched their thirst too. The birds did not seem bothered by the bird observers and photographers sitting under the surrounding bushes, but were irked by a photographer using a camouflage rain cape as a hide as the edges of the material kept lifting in the slight breeze and the glass of his huge camera lens reflected the light. On the last morning Peter and Valerie found two Tawny View of the You Yangs from WTP photo © V. Fowler Frogmouths and later a dark form of the Brown Falcon along the road leading to the front gate. the vicinity. On the pond to our right was a large flock of They were disappointed to leave the property after only a few feeding Red-necked Avocets. We drove around the pond to days and would have liked to spend more time birdwatching our left where there were several White-headed Stilts, there. They continued onto Kilcowera Station seeing two Masked Lapwings and White Ibis. Two Glossy Ibis flew over Brolgas on the way. Valerie elaborated on their visit to and landed in the pond and several large flocks of Straw- Kilcowera (see article in September 2017 Lyrebird Tales) necked Ibis circled overhead. A Red-kneed Dotterel appeared showing more images of the property and birds. They had a on the far side of the pond amongst the rocks and in the quick visit to Currawinya National Park where they finally saw water were numerous Hoary-headed Grebe and Australasian the Hall’s Babbler. Returning towards home they saw a good Grebe. We saw three different waders here: Curlew sized flock of Cockatiels perched on a wire and in adjacent Sandpipers, Red-necked Stints and Sharp-tailed Sandpipers; trees. which were still partially showing their breeding plumage.

After the talk several members shared information about their trips to Bowra Station with the group.

Saturday 14 October – Outing to Western Treatment Plant

The weather was a perfect with a light wind, mainly clear skies and a temperature of 17°celcius. Our first stop was to look for the Banded Lapwings; one was soon spotted in the far distance but was hard to identify in the haze until a cloud momentarily passed over the sun and the bird turned, giving us a clear view. Next we looked for the Brolgas but unfortunately they were gone.

We continued on to the sewerage ponds where we saw the brand new bird hide (which had only just opened) in the © distance. There were also many vehicles and birdwatchers in Spotted Crake photo P. Fowler

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We were delighted to see a Spotted Crake in the distance which allowed us to creep up for a closer view to the delight of the photographers. We then saw a Baillon’s Crake and several more Spotted Crakes nearby. Hawking over the water and most other ponds were hundreds of Whiskered Terns.

On another pond we saw lots of Black Swans; some were still making their nests whilst others had up to five cygnets of varying maturity. Along the tracks we saw Australian Pipit, Skylark, small flocks of White-fronted Chats and Golden- headed Cisticola. Little Grassbirds were constantly calling but only offered us brief glimpses.

At lunchtime near the coast there were many birds perched on the rocks: Crested Tern, Pacific Gull, Silver Gull, Little Black Cormorant and Pied Cormorant. There was a Lake Borrie photo © V. Fowler continuous wave of flocks of Red-necked Stints arriving perhaps from the end of their migration south. As many Raptors seen at WTP: Black-shouldered Kite, Black Kite, migrating waders were missing we could only presume they Whistling Kite (numerous), Spotted Harrier, Swamp Harrier, hadn’t arrived yet. Wedge-tailed Eagle and Brown Falcon.

Unfortunately we had to leave at 3pm to return the bus but I think we would all agree that we had a wonderful day with excellent views of most species. We saw 76 bird species and one Tiger Snake (thankfully from inside the bus).

We thank Glenn for organising the bus and trip to the Western Treatment Plant and for his careful driving.

Wednesday 25 October– Outing to Lake Mountain

Red-necked Stints photo © P. Fowler

Spotted Pardalote photo © Michael Feller

The day started ominously with rain and thick clouds and the weather radar indicated that there were a couple more patches of rain following the morning’s falls, but Manfred’s trips always go, so 6 of us set off, some with relatively low Coastal Birds photo © V. Fowler expectations. By the time we reached the Lake Mountain We continued on to other ponds seeing a Pied Oystercatcher, resort carpark the rain had stopped and the cloud had lifted, Great Egret, Little Egret, several Black-tailed Native-hens, and a Superb Lyrebird had crossed the road in front of us, so Common Greenshank, Grey Teal, Chestnut Teal, Australian expectations rose a little. Five minutes after getting out of Shoveler, Hardhead, Musk Duck and Cape Barren Goose. the cars, expectations rose a lot as the shrubby area beside the carpark was alive with bird calls and birds flitting around. At Lake Borrie many of the dead trees have fallen over but there were still thousands of Pink-eared Ducks, Grey Teal, We had not planned to check out the shrubby area and the Chestnut Teal and Australian Pelicans; many were perched track to the toboggan area, but the quantity of bird calls and on nest boxes. birds dictated a visit. We were not disappointed. Silvereyes,

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Striated Pardalotes photo ©Michael Feller White-eared Honeyeater photo © Michael Feller

Little or Australian Ravens (an unresolved difference of opinion), and a White-throated Treecreeper. A small group of Crimson Rosellas flew past and a small lake sported a Pacific Black Duck. At the end of the circuit, back at the resort, male and female Flame Robins also obligingly posed for photos and an Australasian Pipit foraged on the ground, while a group of Welcome Swallows foraged overhead. Warren’s notepad with its bird id app was extremely useful in verifying calls of several species.

Lunch was then had before we drove back to the Bjarne K. Dahl Memorial Boardwalk for a short walk. A few birds were seen, including the ubiquitous Flame Robin, but nothing new Crescent Honeyeater photo © Michael Feller to add to our species list, so we drove further back to the ticket booth area for another stop, now down into the tall Crescent Honeyeaters, Flame Robins, Spotted Pardalotes, forest Alpine Ash zone. The forest there was alive with White-eared Honeyeaters, White-browed Scrubwrens, numerous Golden Whistlers, a couple of Superb Lyrebirds, a Eastern Spinebills, Grey Fantails, and Red Wattlebirds couple of Eastern Whipbirds, and Brown Thornbills. Down at dominated, although their calls were in danger of being Marysville we added Australian King Parrots, Sulphur-crested drowned out by those of many Pied Currawongs. Cockatoos, Australian Wood Ducks, and Purple Swamphens After an hour in this area, we began the planned trip, which to our tally. involved a circuit walk along the ski trails, following the Echo This trip greatly exceeded my expectations, both for bird Flat trail to The Camp junction then the Snowgum and Home sightings and photography. A total of 33 species was seen or trails back. Regeneration from the 2009 Black Saturday fire heard (29 on Lake Mountain), including 6 species of was impressive, the only sign of the fire being the dead honeyeaters: Crescent, White-eared, New Holland and snowgum trunks which rose above a sea of green Yellow-faced Honeyeaters, Red Wattlebird and Eastern regenerating snowgums and flowering shrubs, of which Spinebill. Michael Feller yellow Alpine Phebalium and Mountain Hickory Wattle dominated. The red endemic Lake Mountain Grevillea also Saturday 11 November – Coranderrk Bushland Survey displayed some flowers. It was still too early for the flowers Blue skies, sunshine and lush green vegetation; Coranderrk of the herbaceous plants, however. During this circuit a few Bushland looked at its best. We were pleased to welcome patches of sun appeared which enhanced the beauty of the Warren, Ian and Colin who had not visited the property trip. Pied Currawongs and Flame Robins dominated, with before. As we assembled outside the bush hut we about 20 Robins being sighted while only one Scarlet Robin immediately started to observe numerous bird species flying was heard. On a previous October trip Manfred found as about including Tree Martins, Rainbow Lorikeets, Long-billed many Scarlet as Flame Robins. The highlight of this circuit Corellas, White-plumed Honeyeaters and White-eared was the number of birds posing obligingly for photographs. Honeyeaters; it looked to be a promising start to the day. These birds included Striated and Spotted Pardalotes, White- Walking along the track to the lake we saw Crimson and eared Honeyeaters, and Flame Robins, although Pied Eastern Rosellas, Superb Fairy Wrens, White-browed Currawongs and Crescent Honeyeaters were also obliging. In Scrubwren, Purple Swamphen, numerous Yellow-faced the distance we heard a Grey Currawong, Fan-tailed Honeyeaters and heard Sacred Kingfishers and a Shining- Cuckoos, Grey Shrike-thrushes, Laughing Kookaburra, bronze Cuckoo.

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Little Black & Little Pied Cormorants photo © V.Fowler

The water in the lake was fairly high and the surrounding bushes had grown considerably since our last visit. Several Square-tailed Kite at Coranderrk photo © V. Fowler dead trees in the vicinity had either fallen down or been Tuesday 14 November – Meeting – My birding Year removed. Birds on the lake were: Blue-billed Duck (4), Black 2016 – Sonja Ross Duck, Hardhead (15), Grey Teal, Chestnut Teal, Eurasian Coot (63), Hoary-headed Grebe (8), Australasian Grebe (2), In 2016 Sonja took several trips overseas birdwatching as Little Black Cormorant, Little Pied Cormorant, Australian well as travel throughout Australia. She also focussed on her Darter (2), Purple Swamphen (5), Dusky Moorhen (1) and local patch and favourite birdwatching sites around Two Black Swans with four large cygnets. Perched on several Melbourne; Mullum Mullum Creek, 100 Acres and Serendip. logs were some Long-necked Turtles. Walking alongside the When taking photos of birds Sonja tries to capture that lake we saw Australian Reed Warblers and a small bird with a special or unusual image showing immature or breeding red head which disappeared before it was identified (possibly plumage, bird behaviour (sometimes in a series of shots), or a Scarlet Honeyeater). a bird with its prey. Sonja started her 2016 year birdwatching locally. We started to see raptors: Collared Sparrowhawk, Swamp Harrier, and Brown Goshawk. We saw a white bird perched in In February 2016 Sonja went to Sri Lanka where she took a tree on the far side of the lake; it was being harassed by a up the challenge of identifying new bird species which were Pied Currawong and when it flew it was chased by several often hidden in the undergrowth or high in the canopy and small birds. It was identified as a white morph of a Grey learning their calls. She found birdwatching easier in the Goshawk. A short time later we saw a Grey Goshawk (grey gardens surrounding the hotels where she stayed and at morph). water sources. Sonja described the difficulty of photographing some species such as Asian Paradise We observed a minute’s silence for Remembrance Day with a Flycatchers which have very long tails and the constantly chorus of bird calls in the background and a White Ibis moving Pale-billed Flowerpeckers. circling overhead. We continued along the track listening to Yellow Robins and seeing numerous Grey Fantails, White- Some of the birds Sonja saw in Sri Lanka were: Yellow browed Treecreepers, several honeyeaters including White- Bittern, Black-hooded Oriole, Sri Lanka Hanging Parrots, naped Honeyeaters. At the bridge over the creek two Sacred Alexandrine Parakeet, Sri Lanka Blue Magpies, Green-billed Kingfishers were perched and Silvereyes called, alas no Coucal, Yellow-billed Babbler, Ashy Drongo, Asian Brown Rufous Fantails were seen. Birdwatchers at the front of the Flycatcher, Oriental Magpie Robin, Red-vented Bulbul, Black group saw a Goanna then a Scarlet Robin, Fan-tailed Cuckoos Bulbul, Scaly-breasted Mannikin, Purple Sunbird, Yellow (3) and a Shining-bronze Cuckoo called. Wagtail, Green Imperial Pigeon, Black Eagle, Legge’s Hawk Eagle and White-breasted Sea-eagle. Waterbirds were: As it was getting late we retraced our steps to the bush hut Garganey, Great Egret, Indian Pond Heron, Black-crowned rather than doing the extra loop following the fence line. We Night-heron, Grey Heron, Little Egret, Little Cormorant, stopped to look at a large nest high in a gum tree which we Lesser Whistling Duck, Painted Stork, Purple Heron and had seen earlier. Whilst we watched an adult raptor on the Kentish Plovers. Waders included: Little Stints, Common nest stood up and turned enabling it to be identified as a Redshanks, Ruddy Turnstones and Marsh Sandpiper. Square-tailed Kite. It is wonderful to see this bird nesting in Coranderrk Bushland. Sonja enjoys seeing Woodpeckers when she travels overseas and was captivated by a pair of Flamebacks commenting that A total of 68 bird species was counted for the morning with in the late sun they had the appearance of having been 444 birds recorded. We thank Glenn for leading the walk . touched by flames. Sonja showed photos of the two Sri Lankan Thick-knees, The Indian Thick-knee and the Greater Thick-knee and we were surprised how similar they were to

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the Australian Beach and Bush Stone-Curlews. Sonja said Sri Lanka had beautiful reptiles too and showed us some images of a few.

Chiming Wedgebill photo © Sonja Ross

They headed to Perth and the south-west then across the Nullarbor adding; the S.W. form of Australian Ringneck, Baudin’s Black-cockatoo and an Elegant Parrot. Along the coast at Eucla there were many cormorants and terns. A Lesser Goldenback Woodpeckers photo © Sonja Ross quick visit to the Arid Lands Botanic Gardens in Port Augusta In July Sonja and her husband took a trip up north through produced Yellow-throated Miner and White-winged Fairy- the centre of Australia where they had a mixture of cold, wrens. wet and sometimes windy weather which was disappointingly not conducive to birdwatching and bird photography. But still Sonja was able to capture some images of birds: Major Mitchell Cockatoo, Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater, Australian Ringneck and Spinifex Pigeon. Further north in Darwin and Kakadu she added: Rainbow Bee-eaters, Green Pygmy Geese, Plumed Whistling-duck, Straw-necked Ibis and Little Bronze-cuckoo photos. Sonja successfully found and photographed several Hooded Parrots in Pine Creek as well as a young Blue-faced Honeyeater, White-breasted Woodswallows and Grey-crowned Babblers. They continued their travels to Nitmiluk National Park, Kununurra and the Gibb River Road photographing: Brown Goshawk, Red- winged Parrot, Blue-faced and Rufous-throated Honeyeaters, Yellow Oriole, Black-necked Stork, Black-breasted Buzzard © and Jacky Winter. Gentoo Penguin with chicks photo Sonja Ross

Sonja said Winjana Gorge was a special place with Double- Also in 2016 Sonja had a trip to South Georgia and the barred Finch, Varied Lorikeets and Great Bowerbirds; we saw Antarctic Peninsular which started in the Falkland Islands several images of this bird tidying up its bower and a visit with one of the first birds a Flightless Steamer duck and from a female. Sonja counted 40 Freshwater Crocodiles at ducklings. Sonja then sailed down to South Georgia where Winjana (it was a huge increase since an earlier visit) and she saw many seabirds including Slender-billed Prion and she had good fun trying to photograph one of the crocodiles Cape Petrel. Birds on South Georgia were: South Georgia catching a Flying Fox as it came in for a quick drink. Cormorant, Giant Petrel, Skua, Arctic Terns, South Georgia Pipit, South Georgia Pintail and Snowy Sheathbill. South Highlights from Broome were Ospreys and a dark Reef Egret. Georgia was dominated by King Penguins with their chicks Sonja was surprised to discover that the Western Australian (cute photos) and also Macaroni Penguins; Sonja explained Galahs had a pink, not white, crest and paler eye-ring, than the perils they face bringing up their young. On the Antarctic eastern ones. At Monkey Mia Sonja saw the Grasswrens but Peninsular birds were: Adele, Gentoo and Chinstrap was unable to photograph them but instead captured images Penguins, of White-browed Babblers and Chiming Wedgebills which she had heard often. Continuing onto Chile hundreds of Albatross mainly Black- browed Albatross were seen. In Puerto Natales birds were: At Numbung National Park she took pictures of White-backed Black-throated Siskin and Dark-bellied Cinclodes, Chiloe Swallows entering nest holes and a Kestrel with a lizard in its Wigeon, Crested Ducks, Coscoroba Swans, Black-necked beak perched on one of the formations. Swans and nearby a Rhea. In Magellan Straight: Magellanic Penguins, South American Terns, White-rumped Sandpipers

10 Lyrebird Tales Lyrebird Tales

and Chilean Skuas. In Torres Del Paine National Park: Upland Spinebill, White-browed Scrubwren, Australasian Grebe, Little Geese, Chilean Swallow, Patagonian Sierra-finch, Southern Black Cormorant, Chestnut Teal and Silvereye. Caracara, and Tufted Tit-tyrant. Lake Ducks, Chilean Flamingo, American Kestrel, Andean Condor, Southern Lapwing Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle, Cinerous Harrier, Long-tailed Meadow-larks, Black-faced Ibis, Chimango Caracara, a Rufous-tailed Plant-cutter, Austral Blackbird,, Austral Thrush, Austral Blackbird, Austral Parakeet, Brown- hooded Gull, Striped Woodpecker and Rufous-collared Sparrow, Southern House-wren. In the Lake District of Chile: Peruvian Pelican, Hudsonian Godwit, Whimbrel, Red Knots, Magellanic and Humboldt Penguins. In the area near Santiago: Chimango Caracara, Cocoi Heron, Black Vulture, Great Grebe and at nearby Vina del Mar: Turkey Vulture, Peruvian Boobies, Inca Terns, Franklins Gulls Black Skimmers. Sonja showed us stunning photos of the Atacama Desert scenery and birds: Andean Flamingos, Puna Plover, Black-hooded Sierra-Finch, Plumbeous Sierra-finch Red- Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike on nest photo © V. Fowler backed Sierra Finches, Giant Coots, Black-billed Shrike- Highlights were: A Black-faced Cuckoo-Shrike sitting on a Tyrant, Rufous-naped Ground-Tyrant, Burrowing Owl, nest, a Laughing Kookaburra feeding young at a hollow and a Canyon Canastero, Ochre-naped Ground-Tyrant, Andean Spotted Pardalote going into a hollow in the bank of the Avocets and Puna Flamingos which had arrived from Bolivia Watts River. to breed. We managed to complete the golf course survey and total bird species counted were 52 . Thanks Manfred for leading the walk.

Saturday 9 December – Christmas Break Up at Maroondah Reservoir Park

We met at the rotunda near the Watts River for our Christmas break up. We were pleased to see some members who had been absent for some time as well as some new faces.

We started our walk by looking along the Watts River for Azure Kingfisher and Rufous Fantail which are usually present in the summer but sadly they were absent. We followed the Andean Flamingo in flight photo © Sonja Ross river along the flat where we saw a reasonable sized flock of Gang Gangs. We paused at the bridge over the Watts River Sonja’s last photographed birds for 2016 were a Silver Gull but instead of following our usual route to the lookout, we and Australasian Grebe at Banyule Flats on New Year’s Eve. continued following the river seeing Common Bronzewings Sonja said It wasn’t one of her more successful years and several species of parrots. Reaching the base of the dam photographically, but I think anyone who heard her wall it was surprising that no water was gushing over the wonderful talk and saw her short video clips and awe- spillway despite the recent heavy rains; apparently the dam inspiring bird images would love to capture just even a few of had only been less than 75% full before the rains which only her shots. Thank you Sonja, what a wonderful 2016 you had lifted the level about 1%. We then climbed the stairs to the and we hope you will share more of your adventures with us top of the dam wall where we saw Black Duck on the water in the future. and Wood Ducks on the edges. Continuing on our circular walk the more energetic birdwatchers took a higher route to Wednesday 22 November – RACV Country Club the rest of the group seeing Silvereyes, Brown and Striated Healesville Survey Thornbills and Grey Fantail. On the way back to the rotunda After warm overnight temperatures and the forecast to Sulphur-crested Cockatoos and Crimson Rosellas were seen. exceed 30°+ Celsius we planned to shorten the survey if it Whilst the group was enjoying lunch and a catch up several became too hot. We were pleased to be joined by two visitors White Ibis and a Black Duck were feeding in a puddle on the from England and tried to show them many bird species. grass nearby. Unfortunately many birds were hiding or missing such as the We thank Glenn for arriving extra early to reserve the Tawny Frogmouth, Cuckoos, Reed Warbler, Buff-banded Rail rotunda and for leading the walk. and various raptors. We heard Olive-backed Orioles Rufous Whistler and Sacred Kingfisher but did not see them. We had good views of Golden Whistler, Yellow Robin, Eastern

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BirdLife Yarra Valley email: [email protected]

Postal address: Birdlife Australia, Yarra Valley Branch, P.O. Box 1172, Healesville, Vic. 3777.

Meetings are held in the Badger Creek Hall Meeting Room at 7.45 p.m. Badger Creek Rd. Badger Creek (next to CFA). Melway Edn 39 278 F8. . Meetings and Outings automatically cancelled on days Calendar July to September 2018 of Total Fire Ban in the Central and North-central Fire Districts. (Central unless notified otherwise) Basic Dates only. Check June newsletter for further details Calendar April to June 2018 July April Tuesday 10 - No Meeting – winter recess Tuesday 10 - Meeting – Speaker Bruce Quin, subject: Update of the Helmeted Honeyeater program Saturday 14 – Outing to Heritage Wetlands Wonga Park at 9.30 a.m. Directions: Meet at car park end of Lower Saturday 14 – Outing to Murrindindi Scenic Reserve at 9.30 Homestead Rd. Melways Edn 39 279 B4 a.m. Directions: Follow the Melba Hwy from Yarra Glen to Glenburn. After a further 6-8 kilometres turn right at a sign Wednesday 25 - Outing to Lillydale Lake, Lilydale at 9.30 “To Murrindindi Scenic Reserve 9 Kilometres”. Follow this a.m. Directions: Meet at car park near toilet block. road which later becomes Wilhelmina Falls Rd. The last Melway Edn 39 38 G7. kilometre is on good gravel. Turn left at first camping/picnic August spot. (North-central Fire District) Saturday 11 – Outing to The Hundred Acres, Park Orchards Tuesday 24 April – Outing to Westerfolds & Candlebark 9.30 a.m. Directions: Meet at Domeney Reserve Car Park Parks Templestowe at 9.30 a.m. Note change of day & Knees Rd, Park Orchards. Melway Edn 39 35 E9. date. (This replaces the usual Wednesday outing, which is on Anzac Day) Directions: Melway Edn 39 33 F1 Tuesday 14 – Meeting – Speaker TBA access from Fitzsimons Lane, meet at canoe launch car park Wednesday 22 – Outing the Yellingbo Nature Conservation nearest to river. Reserve, Yellingbo at 9.30 a.m. Directions: From Macclesfield May Rd turn into Shield Rd. Meet at picnic area. Melway Edn. 39 305 F12 To be confirmed, check June newsletter Tuesday 8 - Meeting AGM. Speaker - Chris Doughty subject: A day in Kaziranga National Park, N.E India. September

Saturday 12 - Survey in Coranderrk Bushland at 9.30 a.m. Saturday 8 - Outing to Kurth Kiln Regional Park Gembrook Directions: Gate 1 Badger Avenue, Badger Creek, opposite at 9.30 a.m. Directions: Melway Edn 39 page 14 R10. If Fleay Rd, Melway Edn 39 278 F10. Gate will close at 9.30am coming from Lilydale on the Warburton Highway turn right sharp. just before Woori Yallock on to the Healesville-Koo-Wee Rup Rd. After approx. 10 kms turn left into Beenak Rd and follow Wednesday 23 - Outing to RACV Healesville Country Club at to Kurth Kiln Picnic and camping area. 9.30 a.m. Directions: Healesville-Kinglake Road, Healesville. st Melway Edn 39 269 J12. Meet at 1 car park just inside the Tuesday 11 – Meeting – Speaker TBA entrance on the right. Wednesday 26 – Outing to Botanic Gardens Cranbourne June 9.30 a.m. Directions: Entry from Ballarto Rd and follow to Visitor Centre car park. Melway Edn 39 133 F10. Bus or Saturday 9 – Outing to One Tree Hill & Sugarloaf Reservoir, carpooling may be available, check June newsletter.

Christmas Hills at 9.30 a.m. Directions: Entrance from Eltham-Yarra Glen Rd, entrance is almost opposite driveway with white stones. Melway Edn 39 265 C12. Look out for Birdlife sign on right if coming from Yarra Glen.

No Meeting - Winter recess

Wednesday 27 – Outing to Birdsland Reserve Tecoma / Belgrave Heights at 9.30am. Directions: Melway Edn 39 84 C1. (Off Mt Morton Rd, Belgrave Heights)

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