Gang-gang October 2004

News letter of the Canberra Ornithologists Group Inc.

We surveyed the sites that the Friends Field Trip Reports of Tidbinbilla are monitoring both in OCTOBER the wetlands and at Nil Desperandum Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve and throughout the morning managed M EETING 5 September 2005 to see 59 species including lots of It was a perfect day on 5th September Dusky Woodswallows, White-naped Wednesday 13 October when twelve COG members joined me and Yellow-faced Honeyeaters, and . There were at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve. We Flame Scarlet Robins were welcomed by a nesting masses of ibis (200) starting to build Details pg 3 Welcome their breeding condominiums and lots Swallow at the entry to the Visitors centre and wandered around this area of Hardheads (44) and a nesting Black Swan in the wetlands. There ÛContentsÛ initially then met with Ranger Lara Woollcombe who gave us a most was a report of an Emu chick but we Field trip reports 1 informative talk about the recovery of didn't see it on the day. We did see a the reserve and the plans for its future. Brown Goshawk, Wedge-tailed Woodland Surveys 2 Eagle and two Nankeen Kestrels for Report from COG meeting 4 It is anticipated that most areas of the those with a passion for raptors. Reserve will be open to the public by Future field trips 5 the end of the year. The focus in The numbers are still down in From the Committee 8 restocking kangaroo enclosures will be comparison with pre fire surveys but there is a steady increase. Some AvIan Whimsy #25 10 on local rather than more extensive kangaroos. The koala enclosure has expected species were not seen on the GBS Central #6 11 problems as the epicormic growth does day and some, such as Red-browed not offer much support for tree Treecreepers and Bowerbirds have not climbers. Lara mentioned mammal been seen at any of the sites. surveys being undertaken which have The reserve is recovering well, discovered Greater Gliders and Brush- although a lot of the more dangerous tail Possums as well as an Eastern burnt timber has had to be removed, Pygmy Possum being discovered at the and COG members were lucky to get reserve. She also mentioned the good views of Rock Wallabies and Corroboree Frog husbandry which has Platypus on the day. There were lots of had a hugely successful hatching from frogs making a spring chorus to the eggs collected earlier. The captive accompany us on our tour around the breeding program may be re- newly replaced boardwalks in the established for the Brush-tailed Rock- wetlands area. The recent rains have Wallabies which COG members saw in greened the place up well and spring numbers en route to the sites. The flowering should start soon. business case for the future plans for Many members had not previously Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve has been seen Nil Desperandum although some developed and feasibility studies will had used the heritage building to enjoy be undertaken soon. Comments are weekends out in the bush and were Red-capped Robin Male (Petroica most welcome. heartened that there are plans for its goodenovii) Photo courtesy Helen Fallow

Gang-gang October 2004 1 rebuilding - if the remaining parts are Lake Road, near Bungendore, Among the raptors a Little Eagle put in structurally sound. They noted the an appearance along with several regrowth of the experimental camellias 19 September 2004. Wedge-tailed Eagles riding the up there as it was expected that these 17 Members participated in a walk thermals at the top of the scarp. A would not survive the fire. along Lake Road on a mild, still, group of four Nankeen Kestrels were Unfortunately we did not see the Rose initially cloudy Sunday morning. The seen flying together. A Pallid Cuckoo Robins that used to be around Nil - but walk concentrated on that part of the was seen and a Fan-tailed Cuckoo better luck next time. road where the bottom of the heard. A highlight of the walk was the escarpment runs close to the road. This sighting of two female and one male All in all it was a most interesting area features many very old large trees Rose Robin. Several Speckled morning - which ran on a bit late - next full of nesting hollows. In wetter times Warbler were seen in a paddock along time we will make sure people bring the shoreline of Lake George would be with Red-browed Finch and domestic lunch to make a day of it as the picnic nearby, but, alas, that is currently just a chickens! Among Honeyeaters, large areas are open again. memory. 44 species were observed, numbers of Yellow-faced were present Jonette McDonnell none of which were water ! along with smaller numbers of White- naped, White-eared and Brown- headed, as well as Eastern Spinebill and Red Wattlebird. An interesting impact of the drought was the extensive die-back of the plentiful mistletoe in both eucalypts and wattles. The party was amused by the ‘rites of spring’ as practised by what could only be described as an orgy of Striated - s y d n e y ’ s b i r d in g c o m pany Thornbills rolling about in the grass and on the road. Extra birds kept Introducing our sm all well serviced birdwatching tours coming right to the last with Silvereyes with the following trips having pick up and drop offs and a European Goldfinch added to available from Canberra’s city centre. the list at the spot where we parked our cars. All prices include three star accom m odation and m eals. David Rees For an itinerary for any of the trips please contact us. October 2004 Dear Gypsy Point near Mallacoota 18-23th $ 1580 Woodland Surveys Start Canberra End Canberra Leader Alan Morris South Gooroo Woodland Survey Decem ber 2004 Friday 24 September 2004 Tasm anian Endem ics 4-9th(excludes airfare) $ 2280 Kathy and I undertook the September Start Hobart End Hobart Leader Alan Morris Woodland Survey in south January 2005 Goorooyarroo Nature Reserve on a Alpine Birds and Plants 22-26th $ 1485 perfect Canberra spring day – about 20 degrees, sunny and still (no rain, Start Canberra End Canberra unfortunately!). The first observation of Local Plant and Birdo Expert : Leader Jules Gold note was the erection of a stylish new February 2005 advice and information booth for the Divine Lord Howe Island 12-16th (exc. airfare) $ 1750 reserve since our last visit, featuring Start Lord Howe End Lord Howe maps of the reserve and Helen Leader the Lord of Howe him self : Ian Hutton Fitzgerald’s excellent Grasslands and Grassy Woodlands poster. March 2005 Newcastle Waders Weekend 12th & 13th $ 470 Early m orning Pick Up Canberra Leader Alan Morris May 2005 Gluepot, Mungo and Wyperfield 2-8th (exc. airfare)$ TBA Start Canberra End Adelaide Leader Alan Morris Visit our website or telephone for m ore Inform ation

Follow That Bird-sydney’s birding com pany Tel 02 9973 1865 Fax 02 9973 1875 em ail [email protected] .au New Gooroo Signage website followthatbird.com .au Photo courtesy David Cook

Gang-gang October 2004 2

The difference between this survey and Highlights at some COG sites that carried out in June was quite marked, not least of all the temperature Mulligans Flat Nature Reserve – birds were both prolific and vocal. October Meeting There were many returning migrants A group of 11 volunteers joined me for 8 pm W ednesday present, including Grey Fantails, the survey on a sunny spring day. Many of the spring migrants were back, 13 October 2004 Noisy Friarbirds, Rufous Whistlers and Olive-backed Orioles; but with reports of both species of Canberra Girls Grammar School probably the most vocal and Gerygone, Noisy Friarbird, Pallid cnr Gawler Cres and Melbourne widespread were Western and White- and Fan-tailed Cuckoo and Sacred Ave, Deakin. The meetings are held , plus some honeyeaters throated Gerygones, both of which Kingfisher in the Multi-media Theatre at the moving through. It was a Varied were observed/heard at and/or between School. Enter off Gawler Crescent the 9 survey sites. Having just returned Sittella morning with three sightings of this threatened species, including one using the school road signposted as from Western , where we saw Gabriel Drive. If that carpark is and heard the western sub-species of carrying food or nesting material - full, enter using Chapel Drive. Western Gerygone Gerygone fusca these sightings were in or around the fusca, the difference between the two dry woodland and ridges (Red calls was quite apparent, that of the Stringybark) which they seem to Our short talk for October west being a much slower call cf. “our” prefer. Other highlights amongst 59 will be on the Mistletoebird, by Western Gerygone G.f.exsul. Other species for the morning were: Hoary- Dr Michael Braby of the School birding highlights for the day were headed Grebes and Black Swan on the large dam, which is about a third of Botany and Zoology at the Speckled Warbler, White-winged ANU. Michael is an Triller, 2 Little Corellas, full, and Scarlet Robin Mistletoebirds, Shining Bronze- nesting. Hooded Robins seem to have entomologist, so his perspective Cuckoo, several Pallid Cuckoos deserted their former nesting sites near on this favorite bird will be in- calling, a Wedge-tailed Eagle and all COG plots on the eastern side of the teresting to hear. five local Thornbills – Buff-rumped, reserve. Thanks to the regular and new , , and volunteers who helped with the Brown Striated Yellow-rumped Our main speaker will be Dr Yellow. survey. The next survey date will be Sunday 12 December. David Hollands, the well-known Unfortunately the lone Brown Victorian-based author of books Treecreeper (probably the last in the Newline entire Mulligan’s Flat/Goorooyarroo on, variously, Australian birds of Reserves, as reported by Jenny Bounds Sue Lashko with Julie McGuiness did prey, then owls, frogmouths and in the July Gang-gang), was not the surveys on 25 September at this site nightjars and, most recently, the near the airport. Newline is an located. All told, there were 51 species kingfishers. The title of David's recorded for the day. important area of Yellow Box/Red Gum woodland at the end of talk is "OWLS - Journeys a significant woodland corridor which Around the World". Many of runs through Majura Range, Mt you will know that David is a Ainslie/Mt Majura complex, retired country doctor, UK born Goorooyarroo and Mulligans Flat reserves, and around the northern end and educated but in Australia of the ACT to Hall since 1961. He has been a self- environs. Newline also has the only confessed 'bird nut' from about remaining group of Brown the time that he learned to walk; Treecreepers we know of close to an he tried to take his first bird pho- urban area. Highlights were Brown tograph at the age of eight. De- Treecreeper which are usually found in the front paddock, Speckled pending on the vagaries of cus- Warbler, Double-barred Finch toms clearance, David may have White-throated Gerygone (Gerygone and Southern Whiteface at the site copies of his new book on owls olivacea). Photo courtesy David Cook near the dump, and an Australian to sell at the meeting and in any Hobby. Total 40 species. event, will have copies of the Non-birding highlights included a Goorooyarroo Nature Reserve others. He is kindly providing beautiful Bearded Dragon enjoying one for our raffle and has agreed COG has 18 monitoring points in the the morning sun, and a Jacky Lizard to autograph members' copies of that was busy escaping the attention of reserve, 9 in the north and 9 in the his previous works, if you care two Pied Currawongs. south, over a range of vegetation structures in Yellow Box/Red Gum to bring them along. David Cook woodland. At the northern survey points, Nicki Taws reports the highlight was a pair of Hooded Robins nest Please come along. building in a Blakely's Red Gum. This It should be a great evening! is a known territory in a large area of

Gang-gang October 2004 3

complex structured woodland with caged birds, although the last one in Australian a more open paddock adjacent - the captivity probably died by about 1880. Ornithological paddock is often used for In 1915, the RAOU called for action on Services P/L foraging. Nicki also reported three which were in trouble. Southern Whiteface at the The journalist, Alec Chisholm, took up PO Box 385 southern end of the reserve as she the cause of the Paradise , giving South Yarra 3141 was leaving. Dave and Kathy Cook talks, writing articles and chasing up Victoria did the surveys at the sightings. Cyril Gerrard, who lived on a

Tel: 03 9820 4223 southern monitoring points (report farm on the and was previous). interested in nature, rediscovered the Mob: 0417 310 200 parrot in 1922. He observed it closely [email protected] Naas Valley and photographed it. Unfortunately the At COGs new monitoring site in the Paradise Parrot was last seen in 1927. Naas Valley, Julie What caused its demise? Several 2005 Birding Tours McGuiness reported Brown factors have been cited, including the Treecreeper, Southern Whiteface, use of fire by both Aborigines and 12 -28 F e b ru a ry : New Zealand Speckled Warbler, Jacky Winter, White-Throated Gerygones and NZ o p tio ns : 1 1 F eb p elag ic fo r Mistletoebirds everywhere, Varied N Z s to rm -p e tre l; 1 -2 M arc h K ap iti Sitellas, a pair of Brown Is land fo r little s p o tte d k iw i Goshawks, 3 cuckoo species and 9 Diamond Firetails. This should be 9–14 M a rc h : T as m ania b ird & an interesting site for the Woodland m am m al to u r, inc lu ding B ru ny Is land & Project, as it includes an area burned in the January 2003 fires, p elag ic trip and still has a good range of threatened and other birds of 16 –23 M a rc h : K ang aro o Is land, S A . interest. G reat O c ean R o ad œ C o o ro ng NP Jenny Bounds 18–29 M a y : G u lf C o u ntry Q 'ld Mistletoebird (Dicaeum hirundinaceum) Photo courtesy David Cook C airns K aru m b a G eo rg eto wn M t Is a Report of September farmers, as well as drought. Foxes and 4–19 J u n e : T o p E nd inc l. K u nu nu rra prickly pear may have played a minor COG Meeting role, but neither had spread into the 3–10 J u ly : New C aledo nia The short talk, entitled ‘Dead Darling Downs until after 1902, by Parrots’ Society – the allure of the which time the parrot was already in (re s c h e d u le d ) Paradise Parrot’, was given by serious trouble. Large numbers of C o m p reh ens iv e b irding to u r s eek ing Penny Olsen. This extinct parrot, mounds were collected to be all endem ic , p lu s th e near-endem ic , also known as the Beautiful, used as very durable and moisture- Scarlet-shouldered and Soldier resistant flooring in huts, and to create s p ec ies o n G rand T erre and nearb y Parrot, is a member of the genus ant-bed tennis courts. Whatever the is lands o f th e L o y alty g ro u p . B irds Psephotus and so is closely related reason, the Paradise Parrot is lost inc lu de th e inc redib le k a g u , p lu s to the Hooded and Golden- forever. c lo v e n -fe a th e re d d o v e , h o rn e d shouldered Parrot. The Paradise y contrast, the main talk focussed on Parrot was the largest, and was B p a ra k e e t, c ro w h o n e y e a te r, w h ite - restoring habitat and the resultant found in southeast Queensland in influx of birds. Judy Harrington, Park b e llie d g o s h a w k , re d -th ro a te d the Darling Downs area; the Ranger at Sydney Olympic Park, spoke p a rro t-fin c h , N C im p e ria l p ig e o n Golden-shouldered is found on on ‘Rubbish to Restoration’. Olympic Cape York, while the Hooded is the Park covers 425 hectares, and includes A little bit of France in the tropics, 2.5 smallest, and is found in hou rs from S y d ney , w ith repu ted ly the remnant and constructed fresh and Arnhemland. All three species nest saltwater habitat, woodland, wetlands richest biod iv ersity per sq u are in termite mounds. The Paradise and parkland. Previously, the area was k ilom etre in the w orld . Parrot made a horizontal tunnel and home to the Newington Armaments a large 30-60cm cavity inside. The depot from 1882 to 1996, abattoirs 8–26 A u g u s t: O u tb ac k trip honeycomb-like material of the from 1907-88 and the State Brickworks termite mound was then stomped T h e 2 0 th S trz elec k i T rac k to u r from 1911-88. Between 1965 and 1988, down to make a smooth floor, on huge amounts of landfill, some legal P la in s -w a n d e re r W e e k e n d s which 4-5 eggs were laid. John and some not, were dumped at Gilbert, a major collector of birds Homebush Bay, and included industrial 1 1 and 1 2 D e c e m b e r 20 0 4 for John Gould, collected Paradise 1 8 and 1 9 D e c e m b e r 20 0 4 and household waste. This rubbish has Parrots from the Darling Downs in been capped with clay surrounded by 2 6 & 2 7 M arc h (E as ter) 2 0 0 5 1844. Birds that survived the trip leachate drains to protect the back to England were popular as woodlands and wetlands from www.philipmaher.com

Gang-gang October 2004 4 pollution. Such work would not have been possible without the influx of money that became available when Sydney was chosen as the site for the COG SALES 2000 Olympic Games. • 'The Long Paddock - a Directory of Travelling Stock Routes The Wanngal Wetlands in Newington and Reserves in NSW' by Rural Lands Protection Board - Nature Reserve, which has restricted $31.00 access, have become a haven for Arctic migrants since tidal flow was • The Birds of Western NSW: A Preliminary Atlas - NSW Bird reintroduced. Sharp-tailed and Atlassers - reduced to $5.00 Common Sandpiper, Bar-tailed Godwit, Red Knot and Greenshank, • Finding Birds in Darwin, Kakadu and Top End by Niven among others, are regular visitors, and McCrie and James Watson. $24.00. a Ruff was recorded in 2003. • Wet and Wild - A Field Guide to the The Badu Mangroves, the last Freshwater of the Southern Tablelands and High Coun- mangroves in Sydney Harbour, are a try" by M Lintermans and W Osborne, $28.00 (RRP $34.95). waterbird refuge and the site of a field study centre. The Fishway in • Wildlife on Farms - by David Lindenmayer RRP $29.95, Bicentennial Park allows fish to move special price for COG members - $25.00. from saltwater to fresh water. The • Where to Find Birds in NE Queensland - Joe Wieneke - Narawang Wetlands attract Latham’s Snipe in the warmer months, as well as $16.00. Black-winged Stilt, Buff-banded • Reptiles and Frogs of the ACT - Ross Bennett - $13.00. Rail, Baillon’s Crake and Black- • Native Trees of the ACT - $6.50. fronted Dotterel. This variety of habitats has been closely monitored • Birds of Rottnest Island – by Denis Saunders & since 1995 with surveys of shorebirds, Parry de Rebeira -$15.00 nesting birds, bush birds and pest birds. • – a check list - $1.00 The latter include Purple Swamphen, Birds of Rottnest Island which pull up plants, and Sacred Ibis, • Grassland Flora – a Field Guide for the Southern Tablelands about 500 of which are being (NSW and ACT) – by David Eddy et al. - $13.00 discouraged because of the mess they make and the danger of bird-strike by • Our Patch – Field Guide to the Flora of the ACT Region - aircraft. Birds have not been the only $13.00 beneficiaries of Olympic Park: the • The Nestbox Book – Gould League - $12.50 endangered Green and Golden Bell Frog and the ‘heritage’ hares have also • Birds of Queensland’s Wet Tropics and Great Barrier Reef increased in number. However, there by Lloyd Nielsen - $25.00 are threats to Olympic Park, such as • Field Guide to the Birds of the ACT – by Taylor and Day invasive species and algal blooms in mudflats and wetlands, and increased $14.00 visitation and urban pressures from the • Simpson and Days’ Birds of Australia CDROM Version 5.0 huge new suburb at adjacent special price - $45.00 Newington. Judy assured us that the Olympic Park Management Plan • COG Atlas - $12.00 includes measures to deal with these • COG Car Stickers - $2.00 problems. So, when next you are in Sydney, a day’s bird watching at • COG Birds of Canberra Gardens Poster - $4.00 Olympic Park should be high on your • COG Garden Bird Survey Chart (New Version) - $1.00 list. • COG Badges – two colour versions - $5.00 Sue Lashko • COG Birds of the ACT – Two Centuries of Change – by Steve Wilson - $25.00 Future Field Trips • COG Annotated Checklist of the Birds of the ACT - $1.00 Bundidgerry; Sunday 17 • COG Bird Songs of Canberra – Cassette - $10.00. October 2004, morning on COG T-shirts, Polo shirts, all above and other books on local flora private property and fauna available at the monthly meeting sales desk or by A couple of years ago COG visited this contacting Carol Macleay (for post and packing costs) delightful property near Murrumbateman. The property has a on 02 6286 2624. mixture of woodland and open pasture

Gang-gang October 2004 5 on undulating land, and has a stream Taylors Creek; Sunday 24 reach Bellmount Forest, continue on and a small dam. The variety of October 2004- atlassing the main road a further 100 metres to landscape provides potential for a wide where a 100 km speed sign is and the variety of species to be seen. The opportunity on private gate is directly opposite to the right, Hooded Robin has recently returned properties – NEW OUTING number 5202. Drive in and meet after a period of absence. The owners Taylors Creek catchment lies between Pauline (Ph 4845 1174) at 8 30 am. are continuing the process of Tarago and the east side of Lake The driving time from Civic is rehabilitating the land, so it will be George, an area not often frequented by approximately 40 minutes. Members very interesting to see the effects these COG members or birders in general. may wish to arrange for some car improvements have on the birdlife. The Taylors Creek Landcare Group pooling between themselves. The walk will be over land that is members are very keen to know of the undulating and including a steepish birdlife on their properties, and this hill, as well as across the paddocks. outing aims to help them find out. We Callum Brae woodlands, Please could you bring along some will have access to a number of private Sunday 7 November 2004 - drinks and morning snacks, as well as properties and who knows what gems morning local outing are hidden away amongst the rarely binos, good shoes and a hat. We'll meet A morning walk to look for nesting at 7.30 am at the carpark at the corner visited forest and woodland remnants. This outing is designed so that COG birds and spring/summer migrants in of Constitution Ave and Allara St (now the new nature park taking in the that the one adjacent to the Griffin members will form small survey teams, each visiting a number of sites on Callum Brae woodlands. Geoffrey Centre no longer exists), to arrive at Dabb, who knows this area very well as Bundidgerry at about 8.30 am. different properties during the morning. We will finish with a sausage sizzle he has been regularly monitoring the Bundidgerry is located 1.5 km along birds there for the COG Woodland John Jobbins Road, off Dick's Creek courtesy of the Landcare group, and a roundup of the findings for the Survey, will lead this outing. If there is Road, as indicated on the map in last interest and time permits another months Gang-gang. We will use the morning. Anyone is welcome to attend, however, we will need some woodland survey site on the west of right hand gate and proceed the 1.6 km Mugga Lane will be visited also. to the cabin. Although not essential, it experienced birders to form the nucleus would be appreciated if intending of each survey team. If you are Meet Geoffrey (6295 3449) at 7:30 am participants could contact the leader interested in joining this outing, in Narrabundah Lane, about 300 m east Alistair Bestow (6281 1481 A/H) exploring some new territory and of its intersection with Mugga Lane. beforehand. meeting some enthusiastic landholders, please contact Nicki Taws, on 6251 0303, Mobile 0408 210736 or on Campbell Park; Sunday 14 [email protected]. November 2004– Morning Nest workshop Bellmount Forest; Sunday 31 This is a repeat of the very successful outing held one year ago at Campbell October 2004 - morning/early Park, arguably the best bit of grassy afternoon visit to private woodland in Canberra. It has been property timed to co-incide with the peak of the This will be a visit to the property breeding season. The aim of the north of Gundaroo of long time morning is to brush up on members’ member Pauline Wicksteed, where skills and will involve a short COG has not been for a number of presentation including tips on the types years. Pauline also has a keen interest of nests built by different species of in plants so that the focus will be on birds, how to find nests or nesting both birds and plants. As it will be mid behaviour. It will be followed by spring both should be out, and all several hours looking for signs of summer migrants should have returned nesting, which will also allow plenty of by then. We'll spend the first part of the opportunity for bird watching. Let’s morning looking at these on her hope this year is as successful as last property, which consists of natural year was. woodland and planted areas. We'll then If you interested in participating, please have a look at the nearby TSR 48, contact Jack Holland (6288 7840 A/H Bearded Dragon (Pogona barbata) which usually supports a good range of Photo courtesy David Cook or by email on declining species, before coming back [email protected]). Meet at for lunch. If participants are interested 7.30 am at the picnic tables at the far a number of other spots in the area will end of the car park. While Jack will be be visited after lunch. conducting and leading this event, he is

To get there take the Federal highway keen to hear of anyone who knows the to the Gunning turn-off, then through area well who can assist. He’d also be Sutton and Gundaroo towards Gunning. grateful for tips on where birds are 13 km past Gundaroo Village you nesting shortly before the day.

Gang-gang October 2004 6

Goulburn; Saturday/Sunday 20- Canberra. Consequently I have been 21 November 2004- Overnight Longer trips discussing the possibilities with Janene Luff of Follow That Bird based in visit (Amended outing) Cocoparra National Park; Sydney, a bird tour company which This trip is a follow up to our very Monday 25 to Friday 29 doesn't appear to be well known in successful outing to the Pejar Dam etc October 2004 weekday campout COG circles. in February with the Goulburn Field Naturalists (GFN), and replaces the Joan and Trevor Lipscombe welcome We have discussed a tentative COG advertised outing to the Bumbalong members and guests to join them and specific trip next winter. The proposal Valley. The focus will be on some of avoid the crowds on this weekday we favour as the best destination at the the now Greater Argyle Council sites Springtime trip for leisured COGgies to time of year is for a trip along the NSW where special permission is needed for this varied National Park about 30 km coast to Coffs Harbour, and a return access. It is expected that some east of Griffith. They’ll be looking for journey with different stops. This is participants will want to travel to breeding birds and summer visitors briefly outlined below: Goulburn for a Saturday afternoon’s both in the Park and at other locations "The Green Gold and Blue of Coffs birding and to stay overnight, and in the area. These include the Blue Bird Routes" 6 day/5 night - others may want to come up on Sunday Bonnet, Mulga Parrots, Mallee Canberra Coffs Harbour Canberra with morning. Ringnecks, Crested Bellbird, different locations on the return journey Budgerigar, Crimson Chat, Pink On Saturday afternoon we expect to Cockatoo, Peregine Falcon, One of the most attractive parts of the visit the Gorman Road sewage ponds Woodswallows, Cuckoos, east coast of Australia, an area of (where Spotless Crake, Musk and Honeyeaters, Babblers etc. There’s diverse landscape with much to offer Pink-eared Duck were seen in June) plenty of space on the campground for the cold weary Canberra birdwatcher. as well as to make some brief visits to campers, caravans and tents, and we Long stretches of beautiful sandy some sites at Towrang, to the east of should have the place to ourselves. beaches separated by rocky headlands Goulburn. There are pit toilets but otherwise you and backed by numerous peaceful On Sunday we will commence with a will need to bring everything in and lakes, these waterways hold nesting revisit to the Kenmore Dam, followed take everything out. email Trevor and cormorants at this time of the year. So by a much longer walk starting at the Joan Lipscombe for details at engaging in their habits of parental nearby Kenmore Quarry and along the [email protected] or change over; with exercise, feeding and northern bank of the Wollondilly River phone 6262 7975. calling making time stand still. along the southern edges of the ranges South West Rock's surrounding inlets leading to the Blue Mountains National offer the unique, large-eyed Beach Park to Murrays Flat. Spotted Quail- Stone-curlews. Nambucca and Scott's thrush, Freckled Duck and Diamond Head have the beautiful Brahminy Firetail were seen here on a recent Kites at nest, their soaring unequal in GFN outing. colour or beauty. Woolgoolga Flora The COG co-ordinator/leader will be Reserve our most northerly point, Jack Holland (6288 7840 A/H or by E- promises to be a highlight - among the mail on [email protected]), many of Alan Morris' special spots. while the leader/organiser from the June 28 to July 3 2005 are the preferred Goulburn Field Naturalists will be dates as a perfect time to get away from Rodney Falconer. Some final details the Canberra cold. Alan Morris, who is such as place and time to meet, and well known to COG members, is the where to stay overnight are still being expert guide and he is flattered at the negotiated. In the meantime please chance to spend time with members of contact Jack if you are interested in COG. participating. Approx Cost depending on minimum Red-capped Robin Male (Petroica no. of people - 6 persons $1800.00 Wednesday Walk goodenovii) Photo courtesy Helen approx. There is an informal walk on the third Fallow At this stage the main aim is to gauge Wednesday of each month. These are Possible longer COG specific gentle outings to nearby places starting whether there would be sufficient at 9 am and finishing by lunchtime. trip for 2005 interest in such a trip to make it viable. The mid week walk for October will be As members are aware COG did not This needs to be known before Xmas to allow more specific plans to be Wednesday 20 October at the run one of the above in 2004 for a developed. So if you are interested Australian National Botanic variety of reasons, one being the very please contact Jack Holland (6288 7840 Gardens. Meet at 9 am at the bus stop low level of interest in the one Emu in the car park. We will be looking for Tour that was advertised late in 2003. A/H or by email on [email protected]). Satin Bowerbirds, which have recently Despite this several members have been reporting nesting there, as well as contacted me about the lack of Jack would also be interested in other spring inhabitants of the gardens. opportunity to join other COG feedback as to what kind of longer Bring morning tea. members on tours starting/finishing in commercial trip members may be

Gang-gang October 2004 7 interested in. 5. Adoption of Annual Report Iron Range, November 2005 6. Presentation of Treasurer's annual PASSIVE SOLAR HOUSE statement of accounts South Rosedale Advance notice is given that Mark Clayton’s bird banding crew will be 7. Adoption of Treasurer's annual Arupingi is a passive solar house visiting the Iron Range in North statement of accounts situated in a peaceful bushland Queensland late in November 2005. 8. Election of officers (President, setting in South Rosedale. Bird- Members will be welcome to Vice-president, Treasurer and watching is possible from the participate but will have to make their Secretary) and ordinary committee comfort of a chair on the front or own way up there. If there is sufficient members back deck. For the more energetic, interest it may be possible to organise Guerrilla Bay and Burrewarra Point some transport from this end. If you are 9. Other matters for which notice has been given are within walking distance. The interested please contact Mark Clayton wetlands at Barling’s Beach are only on 6241 3620 (A/H). Mark can also be 10. Closing of meeting. a few kilometres away. Rich birding reached at [email protected], but Committee nomination form on page is available in almost any direction, see comments above. While this is still 11 of this Gang-gang. the Eurobodalla Botanical Gardens some time away Mark would like are a favourite spot. The front beach indications of interest now or as early Report from September meeting at Rosedale is patrolled by the as possible, given the extensive mongst the more routine items of organisation it will involve. A resident white sea-eagle. business, the following matters were Tariff - $50 per night; $250 per week considered at the September committee ($300 per week in school holidays); meeting: 3 night weekend $125; 15 Decem- 2005 Calendar • The pocket guide to the Birds of the ber to 31 January - $400 per week. The sub-committee will meet early in ACT has arrived! Birds Australia Further details contact – Greg or October to draft this and it will be members will have already received Sallie Ramsay, 31 MacRobertson circulated for comment with the their copy in the September issue of St, MAWSON, ACT 2607, phone November Gang-gang. So if you have Wingspan; it will be distributed to 6286 1564 or e-mail at any places that you think are worth COG members with the next [email protected] visiting next year, favourite places that available Canberra Bird Notes and COG should visit, past outings that you copies for your friends or visitors will ………. think ought to be repeated, or be available from the COG office on MUDBRICK COTTAGE comments on the types of outings that Tuesday mornings or from Carol's Mallacoota should be included in our program, sales table at meetings. Copies will Our mudbrick cottage is available for please contact Jack Holland (6288 7840 also be available from the tourist AH or by email on bureau and at centres such as rental for all those nature lovers out [email protected]) asap. Offers Tidbinbilla. there!! It is set amongst the trees in Mallacoota, Victoria (approximately to lead outings in 2005 will also be • Gang-gang editor will be gratefully accepted. This year’s 4 hours drive from Canberra). It is investigating the possibility of only 10 minutes walk to the beach, 5 program has run very smoothly because emailing subscribers of each months minutes walk to the golf course and members have been happy to help email-Gang-gang a link to the pdf on organise and lead one, or at most two, the COG website, rather than about 15 minutes walk to town. It outings for the year. That’s all it takes emailing the pdf. This will ease the sleeps 4-6 upstairs and there is a folks, so please let’s continue this co- megabyte load of home emails. If any sofa bed downstairs. It is fully self- operative spirit! email subscribers wish to comment contained with a kitchen and laun- on this proposal please contact Tanya dry. Please contact Barbara de From the COG Committee and Sue on gang- Bruine (02 – 62583531) for further [email protected] information. Notice of Annual General Meeting • COG has made a submision to ………. he Annual General meeting of the T ACTPLA on the development of East HIDEAWAY FOR TWO! Canberra Ornithologists Group Inc will Gungahlin. Copies of all COG's be held at 8pm on Wednesday 11 submissions can be viewed in the Guerilla Bay / Burrewarra Point November 2004 at the usual monthly COG office on Tuesday mornings or, Lovely, clean and quiet self meeting venue, the Canberra Girls if you are interested, contact either of Grammar School. contained 1 bedroom flat amid trees, our conservation officers, Jenny own courtyard and garden, adjacent Agenda Bounds or Julie McGuiness. Burrewarra Point cliff top reserve. 1. Opening of meeting • BIGnet Meeting 11/12 September. Close unspoiled walks, beaches. 2. Apologies for non-attendance Jenny Bounds attended on behalf of Over 120 bird species seen in the COG, the meeting of the Bird Interest local area, half from the property 3. Confirmation of the minutes of the Group Network of NSW/ACT, held previous Annual General Meeting and lots of other interesting fauna at Sydney Olympic Park. Dr Stephen and flora. Reasonable rates. 4. Presentation of Annual Report Garnett (co-author of the Action Plan Contact Joan and Trevor Lipscombe for Australian Birds 2000), addressed 02 6262 7975.

Gang-gang October 2004 8

the meeting about the Important Bird Wilderness Society) Areas (IBA) Project he is I am also a Vice-President of the coordinating through the Birds Conservation Council, and use bird Australia Research and Conservation issues to progress broader conservation Committee. This is a project to objectives and improve community identify and protect a network of sites awareness. critical to the long term viability of native bird populations. IBAs have Most recently we have provided a already been identified for many detailed submission on the Preliminary other areas in the world, and the Assessment for East information layer has proven very Gungahlin (including new useful to focus conservation efforts suburbs) which has implications for the and planning in places like Europe Mulligan's Flat and Goorooyaroo and Africa. There are criteria which Nature Reserves. We considered this must be met and the Action Plan for PA inadequate in a number of respects, Australian Birds is the basis for for example, the bird related identifying birds which are nationally Red-capped Robin Female (Petroica information was inadequate and out of endangered, vulnerable or near goodenovii) Photo courtesy Helen date, there was inadequate assessment threatened in terms of the criteria. Dr Fallow of impacts from large-scale urban development on the reserves and Garnett has already started a similar • provides submissions to a range project in North Queensland. The threatened and declining birds in the of draft strategies, management reserves, and we recommended the BIGnet clubs have agreed to set up a plans and Preliminary working group to identify potential highest level of environmental Assessments on developments assessment (Environmental Impact sites which meet the criteria and to impacting on birds, mainly those undertake the initial drafts. Assessment) be undertaken. In general, issued by the ACT Government, but we believe there are deficiencies in the • Preparation of a 'Bird Songs of the it can include the current system of assessing ACT' CD, compiled by sound gurus Commonwealth Government (EPBC environmental impacts under ACT Peter Fullagar and Ed Slater, is well legislation relating to developments planning legislation, that bird related advanced and we hope to be able to threatening nationally listed birds), issues and impacts are poorly dealt launch it at the November meeting, and organisations undertaking work with, and that PAs fail to take a just in time for Christmas presents! It for government holistic approach to things like habitat will probably contain calls and songs • makes its bird data available for loss in the broader landscape. of about 80 species – only those for research and bird conservation If members have bird conservation which quality recordings are related purposes currently available. But the compilers issues they would like to raise with us are planning a new edition every • liaises with academics and or discuss, we have a COG email year, to contain more and better government scientists on research address which reaches both of us: recordings of more species. Final and management programs [email protected] costings have not been established concerning threatened, and g.au but we can assure you it will not be introduced, bird species, Jenny Bounds $29.95! Expressions of interest in eg Minimising Mynas project purchasing the CD will be sought at • sends representatives (usually Julie Other surveys/Activities of the October meeting, so that we can and/or I) to consultative forums on get a rough indication of the numbers draft plans and strategies impacting Interest to COG Members to produce. on birds The Eurobodalla NHS are happy to have COG members along on their COGs Conservation Role • has a presence in BIGnet, the Bird Interest Group Network, which usual November outing to look at Julie McGuiness and I are COG’s includes all the bird clubs in NSW/ nesting Little Terns. The local "carers" Conservation Officers and we thought ACT; meetings are held every six will be in attendance to explain how it would be useful to outline our role as months and broader conservation they fence off the nests etc. A good part of the regular report under issues across NSW and the region are range of other estuarine birds are Committee news. While COG is an discussed in that forum usually to be seen. apolitical organisation, we do have in our objectives a role to conserve native • is represented on the Conservation This will take place on Sunday 28 birds and their habitats, and achieve Council for the SE Region and November looking at the Tuross this in various ways. Julie and I Canberra, a community organisation Estuary or Brou Lake. So if you are in collaborate and share what can be at representing a range of community the area meet at Potato Point turn-off in times quite a lot of work with short and environmental groups in the Bodalla at 9 am. Leaders Barbara timelines for submissions and other Canberra region which seeks to Allen and Tom Green; Ph 6247 0630 responses. influence better environmental outcomes for the Territory Some of the ways COG progresses the conservation of birds and their I am a COG delegate and Julie formally habitats are: represents another group (the

Gang-gang October 2004 9

records for areas outside of our area of I specify ‘living’ because the one Notices Notices interest (particularly the south coast) do known endemic bird species has not leave them in the red box for COG disappeared in European times, albeit Bespoken birds to post – send them directly to Birds very early in them. The dwarf I am delighted to report a modest Australia. Eric Andrew, the BA Kangaroo Island Emu (Dromaius response to my call for members to regional coordinator for the baudinianus) was reported by Flinders adopt a bird. My idea was to publish Eurobodalla region, is only interested in 1801 from Nepean Bay, near the the names and contact details of the in seeing your BA records if you don't eastern end of the island, and at about adopters, so that (wearing jointly my put in separate records to the the same time by Baudin nearly CBN hat and my finder-of-speakers Eurobodalla Natural History Society 150kms away to the west, where he hat) I could approach the adopters to (to recorder Margaret Hunt, 190 Congo named the Ravine des Casoars (ie 'participate', but also so that Rd, Moruya 2537; tel 02 4474 3833) cassowaries) for it. Baudin captured members who see said birds in AND you have seen something two unfortunate emus alive (along with unusual locations, in unusual unusual, or in an unusual location or in 27 kangaroos) and this leads to one of numbers, in unusual plumages or unusual numbers. Call him on 02 4471 the things that puzzles me. The most who, in the case of the more elusive 2228 for clarification; or send records estimable Handbook of the Birds of the species, even see the birds at all, to him, 7/3 Drinnan Close, Surf Beach, World asserts that the species is could report the news to the adopter. 2536. represented by just one skin. The Persons with a known interest in a Barbara Allan Natural History Museum of the City of given species have been unilaterally Geneva agrees – and claims that it has awarded the species! it. (This is supported by COG member Common Koel, Darter AvIan Whimsy # 25 Murray Delahoy, who has seen it.) Barbara Allan ph 6254 6520 Curiously though, the Musee d’Histoire [email protected] Why isn’t it Emu Island? Naturelle in Paris has a skeleton, which Having recently spent a couple of very is actually the type specimen; D. Painted & Regent Honeyeaters, rewarding (albeit damp) weeks on baudinianus was only described in Brush Bronzewing Jenny Bounds Kangaroo Island, I have found myself 1984 by the late and superb South ph 6288 7802 pondering on birds and islands. And as Australian Museum ornithologist Shane Hooded Robin usual, as soon as I start pondering, I get Parker. It’s logical that Paris should Bill Graham ph 6292 1325 puzzled! The history of this spectacular have a specimen, but why Geneva? Are Satin Bowerbird, Silver Gull island is similar to that of Tasmania, in they the skin and skeleton of the same Jack Holland ph 6288 7840 that it was part of the mainland during bird? Either way, how did the the past (and previous) glaciations, Handbook know about the skin but not Pied Currawong, Leaden Flycatcher, when ocean levels were much lower the type specimen? waterbirds, Australian King-Parrot with vast amounts of water being (roost flight, breeding in CNP). As usual though the more interesting locked up in the polar ice caps. Most questions concern the living bird. Why Michael Lenz recently, it has only been an island [email protected] did it become extinct? This happened again for less than 10,000 years. Unlike very rapidly; one report had it as being Little Corella, Peacock Tassie though, there are no living still abundant in 1819, but it had Geoff Dabb ph 6295 3449 endemic Kangaroo Island bird species apparently gone by about 1827. Claims Spotted Turtle-Dove (compared with some 45 endemic that it was hunted to by one Harvey Perkins ph 6231 8209 plants). landowner seem at best far-fetched; apart from anything else he could Another couple of hundred species hardly have covered the whole of the are awaiting 'owners' – please let me densely wooded island, and vast know if you'd like to 'adopt' one of numbers of kangaroos were slaughtered them for the purposes mentioned for decades without removing the above. species. Perhaps changes in burning Barbara Allan regimes unacceptably altered its habitat, though it’s not clear how – any open areas produced by excessive Final call for 2003-04 datasheets burning might be thought to favour it. Are you still trying to hatch any 2003- Maybe too many nests were burnt? 04 (or heaven forbid, older?) bird Another curious fact about Kangaroo records for COG's area of concern? If Island might be relevant, though I can’t so, please disgorge them asap so that at the moment think just how. Humans they can be processed in time to be inhabited it only until about 4000 years included in the 2003-04 annual bird ago. Their disappearance may well be report. Drop them into the red box at related to the ‘loss’ of the adjacent rich meetings, or send them to our post Murray estuary, as it retreated north office box if you can't get to meetings. with the shore line. It is reasonable to PLEASE! Dromaius baudinianus from the Musee suggest that many of the people would And please note, if you have BA d'Histoire Naturelle in Paris have followed it, thus leaving the pre-

Gang-gang October 2004 10 island. We know, from evidence in the the end of my allotted space without form of falling water levels in lagoons getting past the first topic of what I and drier vegetation, that about 4000 thought were going to be several! Ah years ago the island became drier, well, another time perhaps. which could easily have further Ian Fraser [email protected] reduced the human population to below sustainable levels. However it happened, it is quite GBS Central #6 plausible and even likely that a major Having undertaken a few collection prey species such as the emu might control processes (thank you to have adjusted its ecology accordingly. everyone for their patient responses to (I’m making this up as I go of course, my nagging) the number of charts as usual.) If these changes though completed in year 23 is now set at 57. meant that it had lost defences against into the processing system appear to This (obviously) compares well with have been successful. human predation previously acquired, the 58 charts completed in year 22. then extinction is not unlikely. This Several of the reports of activity in was certainly the lot of many other For the current year (24) we currently GBS sites have related to returning flightless island birds. have 59 known active charts. I would migrants and it appears that most of the expect (hope?) that at least a few more And while writing this, one other usual suspects have re-established charts will be started up especially as themselves. Other reports suggest that pertinent piece of evidence occurs to newer members join us during the year. me. The only other distinct emu there will be a good crop of breeding As I have commented in the past, new records with several involving actual species, the King Island Emu (D. ater) observers would be especially welcome also became extinct very soon after in the newer areas of Canberra (S nests for this year. European contact – and King Island too Tuggeranong and Gunghalin). Longer had lost its indigenous human At my site I was optimistic that at least term coverage in these areas could give one pair of white-browed scrubwrens inhabitants before Europeans settled in some valuable insights to changes in Australia. This is probably not an would breed but they have gone very birds as suburbs develop. A site in quiet recently: it is probably not a original thought, but I’ve not seen the (upper) Weston, close to Oakey suggestion anywhere else. Of course coincidence that currawongs have been Hill, commenced 10 days ago and very evident. Quiet is not the word to without a proposed mechanism, it’s not recorded a hooded robin – the 17th GBS very helpful! describe the hollow inspections carried record with one or more weeks of out by sulphur crested cockatoos and But I’ve done the groundwork for you observation of this species. galahs. They have inspected the same – why don’t you seize the satisfaction However, I feel we are looking pretty hollow in a Eucalyptus rossii each of of coming up with a suggestion?! At good for the future. the 15 years that we have been in least in that way, if in no other, I’d residence here, but haven’t taken the know someone’s read this. The data entry task is close to process any further (yet)! completion (see photo of Kay using her And, not for the first time, I’ve got to Chart-drum!) and some initial forays Martin Butterfield "

Committee Nomination Form Nominations for the election of officers and ordinary committee members should be submitted, in writing, signed by two members and the person nominated, to

The Secretary, Canberra Ornithologists Group PO Box 301 Civic Square ACT 2608

by 3 November 2004.

We hereby nominate …………………………………..………………………………………………

for the position of ……………………………….……...…………………….……………………….

on the Committee of Canberra Ornithologists Group Inc.

Nominated by ……………………………….. and …………………..…………………..…………..

Gang-gang October 2004 11

COG welcomes the following Next new sletter Lorraine Mitchell, Hackett new members Nicki Munro, Aranda Mike Barth, Yarralumla N O V E M B E R d e a d lin e Verity Newlove, Downer Sandra Berry and Ian Smith, Curtin W e d n e s d a y 27 O c to b e r 20 0 4 Barbara & Andrew Podger, O'Connor Robin Brown, Yarralumla Judith Reid, Aranda P le a s e s e n d u p d a te s , a rtic le s , Bill and Anne Coupland, Yarralumla a d v e rtis e m e n ts e tc e te ra to Peter Scott, Hackett Roger Curnow, Higgins E d ito rs Gang-gang Bruce Semmens, McKellar Nola de Chazel, Bungendore g a n g -g a n g @ c a n b e rra b ird s .o rg .a u Milton Smith, Isabella Plains Robert Flynn, Queanbeyan o r s e n d c /- T h e S e c re ta ry Phil Straw, Rockdale Peter Franklin, Deakin C O G , P O B o x 30 1 Teh family, Red Hill James Gara, Griffith C iv ic S q u a re , A C T 26 0 8 Drude and Bob Townshend, Dickson Mike Grigg, Campbell Articles should be less than 500 words (300 Rodger and Anne Hall, Isaacs We hope you will become active for reports of 1-day field trips; except by Andrew Hedley, Hoskinstown prior arrangement with the editor. members and enjoy participating in Ken and Fay Kerrison, Pialligo Print photographs with or without articles COG activities! are encouraged and welcomed. Stuart Magee, Kambah

COG info Gang-gang editor Office (6247 4996) President Tanya Rough 6161 0151 (h) COG maintains an office in room Jack Holland, ph 6288 7840 (h), and Sue Lashko G5, Griffin Centre, Bunda Street, email [email protected] Newsletter distribution civic. Vice President Lia Battisson and helpers [email protected] Nicki Taws, ph 6251 0303 Office volunteers are not in Canberra Birds Conservation Fund attendance for regular opening Treasurer Donations to this fund are tax Joan Lipscombe ph 6262 7975 hours. Members access by prior deductible. Funds are used to arrangement. Secretary support projects that protect and Barbara Allan ph 6254 6520 enhance native birds and the COG E-mail Discussion List COG has an email announcement Membership inquiries environments that sustain them. and discussion list for members and Contact Alastair Smith 6281 3221 (h) COG website friends of COG: ‘Canberra Birds’.

or [email protected] for www.canberrabirds.org.au Join the list by sending an empty changes of address or other details COG membership email message to canberrabirds- Address for correspondence 2004-2005 membership: Individuals, [email protected]. The Secretary families and institutions: $35. school Editor Canberra Bird Notes COG, PO Box 301 students (under 18): $17.50. [email protected] Civic Square, ACT 2608

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Gang-gang AUSTRALIA If undeliverable, please return to Canberra Ornithologists Group, Inc. PO Box 301, Civic Square ACT 2608

Print Post Approved Gang-gang October 2004 PP 232100/00028 12