Swifts Across the Strait February 2003

Swifts Across The corded on the mainland In This Issue Strait is the newsletter of the this year. Swift Recovery Pro- gram. The is a One thing that became What a year 1 threatened species en- obvious this year was Successful volunteer 2 demic to south-eastern Aus- surveys 2002 tralia. Come Autumn, parrot the huge growth of the populations migrate from recovery program over Hard times in Tassie 3 this year their breeding grounds in the past seven years. , to winter on main- The first edition of Times are a changin’ 3 land . The sporadic Swifts Across the Strait and unpredictable move- Brungle swift parrots 3 ments of these mean in 1996 was the build- that a large number of people ing block on which this Little River Earth 4 are needed to keep track of edition is built. In the Sanctuary and its numbers and distribution. 1996 edition, a huge swifties the story was success was reported Orange bellies, fly- 6 ing-foxes and swift What a year! very different with a for the beginning of the limited number of Swift annual surveys with Swift Parrot habitat – 6 endangered commu- Parrots revealing them- over 150 surveys of What a year for the selves as a result of the Swift Parrots and up to Central coast bo- 8 mainland! For NSW nanza drought in the gold- 100 birds at a single there were constant fields. site. Now with the in- Swifty snippets 10 sightings and great sto- valuable support of an ries of discovery for Habitat conservation 11 Simon Kennedy moved increasingly large and many volunteers who knowledgeable volun- north, all the way to Collisions on the 12 have been surveying for Brisbane with the teer network over the mainland this species for a long Swifties evidently fol- past seven years, this Swift parrots on the 13 time and have now been lowing him all the way has swelled to a mas- Central Coast able to experience the and Chris Tzaros moved sive 1200 surveys and Special thanks 14 amazing rewards of see- south to Melbourne to up to 650 birds at a sin- ing and hearing Swift Golden victory for 14 find Swift Parrots hap- gle site in 2002 (Figure Parrot antics! This year 1). Victoria’s box- pily residing in his new ironbark was certainly the most backyard! Unfortu- significant year for nately I am just about NSW since the start of the only recovery team Figure 1: Number of Swift Parrot surveys 1995- the recovery program in 2002 member who didn’t 1995 in terms of where 1400 have Swift Parrots in 1224 the bulk of the popula- 1200 my yard in 2002. Unfor- tion resided throughout 1000 tunately the down side 891 the winter. 925 of all these birds being 800 also had a bumper of a 671 so close to our homes is 600 728 year with up to 30 birds 410 that they are also much 400 being almost permanent 349 closer to major collision 200 residents in urban re- 158 obstacles, and many fa- serves, however for 0 tal collisions were re- 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002

SWIFTS ACROSS THE STRAIT 1 Successful volunteer surveys 2002 By Debbie Saunders The winter surveys are becoming surveys, the regions containing Parrots were recorded from six increasingly successful with the the largest number of Swift Par- of the eight Victorian regions total survey effort being the most rots were the Central and North surveyed, our dedicated volun- comprehensive to date through- Coasts where the birds were pri- teers still sent in over 300 survey out NSW, Victoria and Queen- marily feeding on nectar and lerp forms for Victoria. These sur- sland. This year has proven to be on Red Gum and Swamp veys were undertaken in all re- a particularly interesting one with Mahogany. However, Swift Par- gions of Victoria and at the ma- the largest number of Swift Par- rots were recorded from around jority of known sites for this spe- rots ever recorded in NSW and the state with some birds re- cies. Swift Parrots were most the lowest number of Swift Par- corded in all regions. consistently recorded in the rots ever recorded in Victoria The Swift Parrots were also re- southern regions of the state since the commencement of the corded foraging in a range of throughout the season. Swift Parrot Recovery Program Mugga Ironbark, White Box, The major food sources in Victo- in 1995. Given that we had such Grey Box, Yellow Box, planted ria this year were nectar and lerps good coverage of habitats for this eucalypts, Red Bloodwood, Yel- on planted Eucalypt species in species and yet located only half low Bloodwood, Rough-barked the built environment. Other of the population may indicate Angophora (2 species), Red species used for foraging in- that we have a lot to learn about Stringybark, Sydney Blue Gum, cluded the River Red Gum, Yel- what happens when the popula- Narrow-leaved Ironbark, Broad- low Gum, Yellow Box, Grey tion is faced with drought condi- leaved Ironbark, Blackbutt, Spot- Box and Sugar Gum. tions on the mainland. ted Gum and Melaleuca and Queensland Banksia species. Regions May August Swift Parrots were recorded in VIC 167 33 In addition to the volunteer sur- Queensland during both survey NE Victoria 53 7 veys it is interesting to note that weekends. Additional records Rushworth 13 0 St. Arnaud 50 0 over 1/3 of the population (650 have also come in from other S Victoria 50 26 birds) were recorded roosting in sites in Brisbane and as far north W Victoria 1 0 a single location on the central as Woodgate (Between Bunda- Gippsland 0 0 coast just after the August sur- berg and Harvey Bay). We had Maryb’gh-Dunolly0 0 0 0 vey. This site was in the middle the largest coverage and largest NSW 1077 1022 of suburbia and consisted en- number of survey sheets from S Coast 0 7 tirely of trees in backyards! Queensland since the start of the C Coast 543 828 There were also numerous rec- recovery program. In addition, N Coast 447 137 SW Slopes 38 39 ords of roosting sites that have the first foraging records were CW Slopes 15 5 not previously been documented. also obtained from Queensland NW Slopes 8 6 this year. Tablelands 26 0 Victoria QLD 33 8 Only 33 Swift Parrots were re- The birds have been found forag- SA 0 0 corded in Victoria during the ing in areas of flowering Forest Mainland Tot 1277 1063 August survey, compared to 167 Red Gum, Spotted Gum, Swamp in the May survey. This repre- Mahogany and Broad-leaved sents the smallest number of Melaleuca. Of particular interest Swift Parrots recorded in Victo- was the behaviour of Swift Par- 1077 Swift Parrots were recorded ria since the start of the recovery rots on the Gold Coast where in NSW during the May survey process in 1995. This is a reflec- they spent very little time forag- and 1022 were recorded during tion of the drought throughout ing. The majority of their time the August survey which are the the key Swift Parrot areas of Vic- was spent chewing on branches, largest records of Swift Parrots toria rather than the amount of drinking and avoiding attacks for NSW since the start of the re- survey effort. Although no Swift from Noisy Miners. The birds covery process in 1995. In both SWIFTS ACROSS THE STRAIT 2 were at this site for over two things on the boil in Tassie in- tations. (Excerpt from a histori- months. clude some research work on the cal book courtesy of G. Masters). South Australia foraging preferences of Swift Although no Swift Parrots were Parrots in blue gum forest, the Request for historical records – recorded in South Australia dur- possible importance of blue its never too late! ing the survey weekend, the gums in north-west Tasmania to Thanks to everyone who pro- South East Bird Group were the species, and the likely impact vided historical records in 2002 - looking for them during their of the introduced social honey- Over 150 historical records (pre- outings. bee and bumblebee on the Swift 1995) from NSW (Central Coast, Parrots nectar resource. North Coast and Central West Slopes), Victoria (Maryborough/ Hard times in Tas- Swift parrots continue to die Dunolly) and Queensland (incl sie this year through collision with human- Bundaberg, Karara, Kenmore & made structures, with 14 deaths Brisbane) have been provided By Stephen Mallick (10 fence collision, 23 window this year and are invaluable in collision, and 1 car collision) and contributing to the overall Things stared out well for Swift 5 injuries (4 fence and 1 car) re- knowledge of this species and its parrots, with first sightings on corded in Tasmania this year. habitats. If you have any infor- black gum in late August in The Tasmanian Threatened Spe- mation from historical records or south-east Tasmania. Unlike last cies Unit continues to work hard have records of your own, please year, however, the blue flower- to advise the public on measures send the information to Debbie ing was very poor this year, and to reduce the toll, and to imple- Saunders (swiftparrots@yahoo. the birds have been making do ment measures for mitigating the com.au or 1800 66 57 66). on black gum as well anything impact of existing structures. else they could get their beaks into. As is often the case with swift parrots in poor blue gum Times are a Brungle Swift Par- years, the birds have also been changin’ rots turning up in odd locations, such as the township of Ross in the By Debbie Saunders By Mark Lees (NSW midlands. Large flocks of 100’s NPWS) of birds have also been resident In years past Swift Parrots used around Mt Nelson in Hobart this to regularly visit the areas The National Swift Parrot Re- year. around in the Autumn covery Team was looking for months and it was on such an oc- volunteers to help out on a sur- As expected, breeding appears to casion that I first made the ac- vey to count the number of Swift have been minimal this year. quaintance of the species in the Parrots in the Tumut and Brungle There have recently been a few wild state. An area of scrubland areas so some good friends, my sightings of birds in coastal Vic- in the vicinity of Teatree Gully family and I decided to take part. toria in early January, indicating was a favoured spot and it was This was the first time any of us that they have begun the long there in May 1938 that the quite had taken part in a survey of this flight back across the strait after distinct and unmistakable call- kind and we were all looking for- a lean year in the south. Given notes first drew my attention to ward to helping out. We were the tendency for blue gum to the birds, which were feeding on lucky to have a perfect Saturday flower in alternate years, next flowering eucalypts in company with the sun shinning on a clear year could be a big one… with Musk and Purple-crowned blue day, so with survey forms in Lorikeets. In the last twenty hand we headed out to Brungle Due to the poor flowering of the years or so there have been re- to start our search. All the kids blue gum, the annual survey of markably few records of this spe- as well as the adults were very the breeding population had cies in South Australia, contrast- excited and keen to spot the mixed success, with very few ing with what previously ap- Swift Parrots that we had heard sites recording birds. Other peared to have been annual visi- hung out behind the school in a

SWIFTS ACROSS THE STRAIT 3 stand of Yellow Box. We had out by a dedicated group of vol- been supplied with a great de- Swifties unteers. Bare paddocks will scription of the parrots, their By Debbie Saunders gradually be transformed back to habitats and we also had a great native grasslands and woodlands, photo to help us identify them. Little River Earth Sanctuary while a series of old farm dams After walking for around half an (LRES) is providing a safe haven will be linked to form a wetland hour we had not spotted any of for a diverse array of indigenous system. A regular schedule of the target species but had seen a wildlife, just an hour’s drive west volunteer activities involves seed good number of other parrots, of Melbourne. The sanctuary is collection, seedling propagation, Cockatoos and Rosella's when some 1,200 hectares and was a planting, weeding, treating rabbit one of the kids yelled out in ex- former sheep farm where up to warrens and conducting fauna citement that they had spotted 70% of the original native vege- surveys. The volunteers at LRES one. The whole gang came run- tation has been cleared since are helping to save Australia’s ning over to check out the find European settlement. The re- unique wildlife, with plans to in- but as we approached a small maining old-growth grassy troduce a number of other threat- flock of very quick parrots flew woodland is now protected by ened species of flora and fauna off to land in a near by tree. So Earth Sanctuaries feral-proof back to the sanctuary. If you’re more slowly this time we all fencing, which will prevent interested in finding out more crept up under the tree and fi- foxes, cats and rabbits from rein- about Earth Sanctuaries or get- nally got a good look at the birds vading the area. Several threat- ting involved at LRES, then in the tree. It was amazing, we ened mammal species, some of please visit our website at www. had found a group of about 6 which are now extinct in Victo- esl.com.au/littleriver. Swift Parrots which were now ria, have been reintroduced fol- foraging around the top of the lowing intensive feral eradication tree. Someone stepped on a twig including Eastern Quolls, Rufous Landcare and which snapped with a loud crack Bettongs, Southern Brown Ban- Swift Parrots dicoots, Long-nosed Potoroos and off flew the parrots, darting By Debbie Saunders quickly from side to side, we and Red-bellied Pademelons. gave chase and followed them to The Soldiers Point/Salamander another tree to find they had In addition to these delightful marsupials, LRES is also home Bay Landcare Group have re- joined another group of Swifts cently won both the NSW and that now number around 15. to 6 species of insectivorous bat, 6 frogs, 9 reptiles and around National Awards for their work in the Port Stephens area. As Some of the group recorded the 100 different birds have been identified to date. There was stated in the Port Stephens Ex- detail of our finds on the survey aminer when this prestigious sheets while some of the kids much cause for excitement this winter, when Swift Parrots were award was announced, “the Sol- draw a picture or two. We then diers Point/Salamander Bay Tidy parked ourselves in the shade of seen on a couple of occasions in amongst flowering Yellow Gum. Town Landcare group competed a Yellow Box and enjoyed a pic- against more than 1700 towns nic lunch with the Swift Parrots As far as I know, Swift Parrots were last recorded in the You and were recognised for the ef- happily munching on a snack forts in protecting and enhancing above us. It was a great day Yangs ranges back in 1988, but now we know to keep a keen eye the Port Stephens environment. which was enjoyed by all and we The group also took out the top were proud and excited by the out for them again in 2003. To aid the migration of these birds award for for their fact we were lucky enough to work around the Mambo Wet- spot these beautiful endangered in the future, thousands of in- digenous Eucalypts will be lands with 170ha of native bush birds. protected. Highlighted areas of planted in parts of the sanctuary that have been cleared. excellence were displayed in Little River Earth weed reduction, revegetation and Sanctuary and The massive effort to restore the regeneration, litter control, recy- habitat at LRES is being carried cling and wildlife habitat en- hancement. The group also par- SWIFTS ACROSS THE STRAIT 4 ticipates in bird monitoring as well as a range of other environ- mental programs such Stream- watch.”

Whilst doing some work for this landcare group Marcia Pirie heard a call that was very differ- ent from the usual lorikeets in the area and saw some parrots flying overhead. She followed these birds inquisitively to discover that over 20 Swift Parrots were foraging in lerps on Blackbutt ( pilularis) in the Wanda Wetlands reserve. This reserve is currently being consid- ered for a conservation agree- ment with NPWS and is also home to other such as the Koala. This reserve also has cultural significance with the wetlands providing a sa- cred watering hole for aboriginal Landcare regeneration work women. Photo: Soldiers Point/Salamander Bay Tidy Towns Landcare Group Thanks to all the people who sent in photographs for the Great stant harassment from Noisy involved in Swiftie searches or Swiftie Search Miners, disturbance from dogs kids pictures of Swifties Photo Competition! This compe- and cats and manoeuvring within tition is in its inaugural year and the human environment to avoid The winner of this category is I have to say that I am more than collisions. Yolanda Kreuzen who attended happy with the results. the Swift Parrot workshop in Parrot Prowl – capture what Cessnock. This drawing provides Photo competition volunteers get up to when they a great likeness to Swift Parrots are searching for Swifties and although you can’t see the

colour in this newsletter, they are The winners of each category are The first Parrot Prowl award very true to life. It was a real as follows: goes to Tomaree Birdwatchers. honour to be presented with such

This photograph shows Marcia a great drawing at the work- Golden Swiftie - photos that and Don Pirie (Tomaree Bird- shop – thanks and congratula- show Swift Parrots and/or their watchers) and Shane Bailey tions Yolanda! habitats (Native Trust Fund)

searching enthusiastically for Winners of each category will re- The first Golden Swiftie award Swift Parrots in the Port Ste- ceive: goes to Terry Pacey with his phens area on the survey week- • Five rolls of Kodak/Fuji film photos of Swift Parrots on the end. Swift Parrots were recorded (for photographs) or a Kids Gold Coast this year. This photo for the first time at Wanda Wet- Artist Set (for kids drawings) was taken in a small urban re- lands in 2002 by volunteers do- • Certificate from the Swift serve at Southport where the ing bush regeneration at this site. Parrot Recovery Team Swift Parrots stayed for a few • Photo published in the Swifts months, contending with con- Kids Kreation – photos of kids Across the Strait newsletter

SWIFTS ACROSS THE STRAIT 5 and on the new Swift Parrot Web Site • Photo incorporated into the Swift Parrot Photographic li- brary for promotion of the Swift Parrot Recovery Pro- gram

All prizes will be sent out at the start of the next Swift Parrot sea- son in May 2003.

This competition will continue again in 2003 so keep those cam- eras handy and get those kids in- volved!

Orange-bellies, flying-foxes and Swift Parrots? By Debbie Saunders

Orange-bellied Parrots, flying- foxes and Swift Parrots certainly sound like a pretty strange com- bination but the one thing they all Drain Swifty: Photo by Terry Pacey have in common is that they are threatened and we need more in- your surveys to daylight hours Amelia Hurren (Secretary Fly- formation about them and their only is limiting yourself! Well ing-fox Consultative Committee) habitats. The Orange-bellied there is also opportunity for you on (02) 9585 6878. Parrot (OBP) Recovery Team has with the threatened flying-foxes asked that any volunteers doing occurring in similar areas to the Swift Parrot bird surveys in Victoria or south- Swift Parrot over the winter. Habitat – ern NSW (in the vicinity of salt- The Swift Parrot team is hoping marsh) keep their eyes and ears to link up with the Flying Fox Endangered peeled for the elusive OBP. The Consultative Committee in 2003 Community OBP is similar to the Swift Par- to enable mutually beneficial rot in that it is solely dependant outcomes from increasingly lim- By Debbie Saunders on breeding in Tasmania and mi- ited resources. grates north for the winter. With In March this year, an important less than 200 birds remaining in For more information on Or- Swift Parrot habitat on the west- the wild, any sightings or surveys ange-bellied Parrots go to www. ern slopes of NSW was listed as for this species are invaluable. birdsaustralia.com.au/birds/obp. an Endangered Ecological Com- So if you are out and about html or contact Mark Hold- munity under the Threatened searching for Swifties over the sworth (Orange-bellied Parrot Species Conservation Act 1995. winter you may like to add some Recovery Team) on 03 6233 This community is called White local saltmarsh to your itinerary 6556. For more information on Box Yellow Box Blakely’s Red for a bit of diversity. Alterna- threatened flying-foxes go to Gum Woodland (referred to as tively you may be more of a noc- www.npws.nsw.gov.au/wildlife/ White Box Woodland here). turnal creature and to restrict thr_profiles/ffcc/ or contact SWIFTS ACROSS THE STRAIT 6 comparable degrees of reduc- tion have been documented for NSW south western slopes and southern Tablelands (estimated <4% remaining) and many remnants are severely frag- mented. Remnants are subject to varying degrees of threat that jeopardise their viability. These threats include:

• further clearing (for crop- ping, pasture improvement or other development); • deterioration of remnant condition (caused by fire- wood cutting, increased livestock grazing, weed in- vasion, inappropriate fire regimes, soil disturbance and increased nutrient Volunteer Survey: Picture by Yolanda Kreuzen Photo Tomaree Birdwatchers loads); • degradation of the land- scape in which remnants White Box Woodland is found Yellow Box predominate in occur (including soil acidi- on relatively fertile soils on the grassy woodlands on the table- fication, salinity, and loss tablelands and western slopes of lands. Drier woodland areas of connectivity between NSW at an altitude of 170m to dominated by White Box often remnants). 1200 m. The community occurs form mosaics with areas domi- within the NSW North Coast, nated by Blakely’s Red Gum and Although small patches of this New England Tableland, Nande- Yellow Box occurring in more community occur in conserva- war, Brigalow Belt South, Syd- moist situations. Western Grey tion reserves, the community is ney Basin, South Eastern High- Box (E. microcarpa) is often poorly represented in these re- lands and NSW South Western found in association with these serves. The condition of rem- Slopes Bioregions. The charac- species on the south western nants ranges from relatively teristic tree species for this slopes and woodlands including good to highly degraded. A woodland include varying pro- Mugga Ironbark (E. crebra), and number of less degraded rem- portions and combinations of Coastal Grey Box (E. moluc- nants have survived in Travel- White Box (E. albens ), Yellow cana) are also included. Inter- ling Stock Routes, cemeteries Box (E. melliodora ) and/or grades between Blakely’s Red and reserves. Some remnants Blakely’s Red Gum (E. blakelyi). Gum and Forest Red Gum (E. of the community may consist Grass and herbaceous species tereticornis) may also occur. of only an intact overstorey or generally characterise the ground an intact understorey, but may layer. Shrubs are generally White Box Woodland has been still have high conservation sparse or absent, though they drastically reduced in area and value due to the flora and may be locally common. highly fragmented because of fauna they support. Other sites clearance for cropping and pas- may be important faunal habi- Woodlands with White Box are ture improvement. The commu- tat, have significant occur- most common on the undulating nity has been reduced to less than rences of particular species, country of the slopes region 1% of its pre-European extent in form part of corridors or have while Blakely’s Red Gum and the Central Lachlan region and the potential for recovery. The SWIFTS ACROSS THE STRAIT 7 conservation value of remnants any () on the Garigal and Royal National may be independent of remnant Central and North Coasts of Parks. As a winter flowering size. NSW. Swamp Mahogany occurs plant Eucalyptus robusta is par- within the Sydney Coastal Estu- ticularly important to a range of A number of flora and fauna spe- ary Swamp Forest Complex that threatened fauna species such as cies of conservation significance is listed as an endangered eco- the Swift Parrot and Regent Hon- are likely to occur in White Box logical community in NSW un- eyeater. Woodland. Threatened fauna der the Threatened Species Con- species that may occur in these servation Act. This community In view of the small size of exist- habitats include: may contain a mosaic of vegeta- ing remnants, and the threat of • birds - Swift Parrot, Regent tion ranging from Swamp Ma- further disturbance and degrada- , Bush Stone- hogany and Bangalay (E. botry- tion, the Scientific Committee is curlew, Major Mitchell’s oides) woodland with Cabbage of the opinion that the Sydney Cockatoo, Brown Tree- Tree Palms (Livistona australis), Coastal Estuary Swamp Forest creeper, , to Melaleuca scrub, herbland and Complex in the Sydney Basin Square-tailed Kite, Hooded reedland. This community oc- Bioregion is likely to become ex- Robin, Black-chinned Hon- curs on waterlogged estuarine al- tinct in nature in New South eyeater, Turquoise Parrot, luvial soils strongly influenced Wales unless the circumstances Barking Owl, Superb Parrot, by periodically poor drainage and factors threatening its sur- Grey-crowned Babbler, conditions. It may grade into vival or evolutionary develop- Speckled Warbler, Diamond Sydney Coastal Riverflat Forest ment cease to operate. Firetail, Masked Owl which generally occurs on higher • mammals (Spotted-tailed land around estuaries. Quoll, Squirrel Glider, Koala, Swift Parrot call (audio) Yellow-bellied Sheathtail- This endangered community only Mark Skeock has generously do- bat) occurs in the Sydney Basin Bio- nated his recording of Swift Par- • reptiles (Pink-tailed and region and has been extensively rots for distribution to volunteers Striped Legless Lizard, Pale- cleared and filled for recreational through the recovery program. headed Snake, Rosenberg’s purposes - playing fields, car The copying of this call for dis- Goanna) and invertebrates parks and roads. Although tribution has commenced and the (Golden Sun Moth). Swamp Mahogany occurs in ar- first lot have now been sent out. eas outside of the Sydney Re- If you haven’t already registered In view of the small size of exist- gion, these patches are not con- for a copy of the call contact ing remnants, and the threat of sidered as part of the community Debbie Saunders further clearing, disturbance and listed as endangered. However ([email protected] or degradation, the Scientific Com- regardless of their status under 1800 66 57 66). mittee determined that White the current legislation, the major- Box Yellow Box Blakely’s Red ity of remnants containing this Volunteer Gum Woodland is likely to be- important foraging tree species come extinct in nature in NSW are threatened with waste filling, Education unless the circumstances and fac- clearing associated with urban Swift Parrot video tors threatening its survival or development, urban runoff asso- Video footage of Swift Parrots evolutionary development cease ciated with proximity to urban foraging, flying, preening and to operate. and agricultural areas, weed in- calling has now been obtained vasion and by grazing and tram- from the central coast of NSW. Central Coast pling. There is 85 minutes of footage which will be reduced to ap- Bonanza Small areas of the Sydney proximately 10 minutes of the This season the one of the key Coastal Estuary Swamp Forest highest quality footage. The foraging tree species for the Complex has been reported from video will then be edited and nar- Swift Parrot was Swamp Mahog- Cockle Bay Nature Reserve, and rated to make an educational

SWIFTS ACROSS THE STRAIT 8 video and to extract photographs/ the surveys. Funding has all - Robert and Tanya video clips for media releases, also been acquired for two McNaught (Swift Parrot and web page and other recovery more workshops in 2003 volunteers). team uses. The Swift Parrot Re- through the NSW NPWS. covery Team and NSW NPWS • Agencies – the first agency Thanks for you time and effort will provide joint funding for the workshop was held in Cess- last Saturday (Coffs Harbour production of this video. The nock this year and was at- workshop). I really enjoyed video editing has commenced tended by a approximately 15 chatting to the various people and will be completed next year. people. It was also a success attending the day. Thanks once with the most obvious imme- again - Craig Tribolet (NSW Display birds diate benefits being the ex- State ) Two or three birds will be taxi- change of information be- dermied by Hank van Leeuwen tween everyone in atten- Thanks for last Saturday in for education purposes. These dance, the enthusiasm to get Coffs - we thoroughly enjoyed birds will be used at our many more involved in the recov- it - Gary whale (Clarence Val- workshops for volunteers and in- ery program and the exam- ley Birdwatchers). terested community members and ples of how the information should make it a lot easier to get we provide can be applied in Diary Dates familiarised with what the birds the local area. really look like. • Habitat Groups – two pres- May 31/June 1– National Sur- entations are already booked vey Weekend - last weekend in Workshops are for next year at interested May bird groups on the Central June 24 – Swift Parrot presenta- tion - Central Coast Field Orni- working and South Coasts. Addi- tional presentation are also thologist Club meeting, NSW With new sites and many new June/July – Workshop – Chil- volunteers experiencing the ex- planned for other groups such as landcare/greening aus/ tern, Victoria hilaration of finding their first June/July – Workshop - St Ar- Swift Parrots and Regent Hon- bushcare group meetings. An information package that can naud, Victoria eyeaters the workshops are full July 14 – Swift Parrot presenta- of fun, information and are huge be provided at such meetings are currently being devel- tion – Illawarra Bird Observers success with all attendees. Club meeting, NSW oped. These presentation would aim to encourage par- August 2/3 – National Survey • Volunteers – similar to last Weekend - first w’end August year together with the regent ticipation in the recovery pro- gram as well as provide in- Aug/Sept – landcare, bird and honeyeater RT, TBN & other interest groups presenta- TSN – different locations – formation about the species, its habitat requirements and tions, NSW Hunter, Central West and North Coast. RHRT have got the various ways people can get involved. To register your interest for any a grant to pay for these work- of the above workshops/ shops and David Geering will Here’s what a few of our volun- presentations please contact be coordinating them since Chris Tzaros (Threatened Bird the SP RT did this last year. teers had to say about the work- shops: Network) on 03 9882 2622 or Three volunteer workshops [email protected] were successfully run with Just want to thank you for an en- approximately 100 volunteers To register your interest for the trained. These workshops joyable day on Saturday (Mudgee Workshop). We are en- survey weekends please contact have been a great success David Geering (NPWS) on with positive feedback from thused to get out and about to identify suitable areas in the 1800 62 10 560 or david. all attendees, new sightings [email protected] and locations of both target Coonabarabran/Narrabri region for these species, before the tar- species and an increase in en- Alternatively you may contact thusiasm and coverage during get weekend. Best wishes to you SWIFTS ACROSS THE STRAIT 9 southern part of the state. Once this web page is implemented (no date currently set) it will also provide access to survey sheets and relevant references. This will also be placed on the NPWS intranet for use by staff across the state. In order to maintain consistent contact details for the Swift Par- rot Recovery Officer, a new email address has been setup [email protected].

Swiftie Snippets By Debbie Saunders

Swift Parrots must be trying to get an education during periods of drought – this year Swifties were found at numerous main- land universities and schools! These include Monash Univer- sity (Melbourne), Deakin Univer- sity (Melbourne), Charles Sturt University (Wagga Wagga), Wollongong University (Wollongong), Dookie College (Melbourne), Toukley Primary School (Central Coast NSW), Tuggerawong Primary School (Central Coast NSW), Karuah Public School (Central Coast NSW), Univeristy of Technology Sydney (Sydney), Brungle Pri- Coffs Harbour Workshop mary School. However some ob- Photo by Debbie Saunders viously didn’t want to take life too seriously this year and so they headed to caravan parks in Debbie Saunders coastal NSW at South West ([email protected] or tremely helpful and efficient in Rocks, Port Stephens, Coffs Har- 1800 66 57 66) after the 1 May building on the existing page in- bour, Shoal Bay and Wooli. 2003. cluding adding a survey form that can be printed, an audio Pelicans and parrots – sound like Swift Parrots on swift parrot call, copy of recov- a strange combination? Well if it the Web ery plan, general information and was going to happen this year links to other Swift Parrot sites. We now have a base for our was certainly it! In the Port Ste-

Swift Parrot Web Page – on phens area a Swift Parrot was In addition, there is a NPWS Birds Australia web page. Cam- seen flapping around in a puddle. website that is being developed eron Williams has been ex- The reason for being in the pud- for threatened species within the dle was unknown – perhaps it SWIFTS ACROSS THE STRAIT 10 was taking a bath or perhaps it there were no records of Swift Coast (eg Hawks Nest, North had collided with something and Parrots in National Parks during Arm Cove, South West Rocks). was slightly concussed. Regard- the survey weekends, in 2002 In Victoria these areas were less of how the bird got there, a birds were recorded in and adja- predominantly in the Central nearby Pelican saw the irresisti- cent to a number of coastal na- (eg Clunes, Castlemain) and ble flapping motion and headed tional parks in NSW including Southern (eg Melbourne) re- straight for it. The pelican regular records of birds roosting gions. Development applica- thought that it had really scored and feeding in Wyrrabalong Na- tions were also submitted when it picked up the bird and tional Park on the Central Coast. within suitable Swift Parrot proceeded to carry it away in its habitats of South Eastern beak pouch! Luckily for the Queensland. Swift Parrot the whole incident Habitat Conserva- With such a large number of was witnessed and hot pursuit of tion developments chipping away at the offending pelican began! Af- By Debbie saunders habitat for this species, the bi- ter a bit of a chase the pelican fi- annual volunteer surveys and nally decided that perhaps these Habitat Conservation has come recovery program are playing strange beaked-fish weren’t so up a lot this year with a wide di- an increasingly important role tasty and dropped the sodden versity of issues impacting on in providing important informa- bird. You would think that such Swift Parrots tion for the protection of Swift an incident would be enough to Parrot habitat. Simply by doing cause the Swift Parrot to have a Unfortunately, almost every one or more of the following heart attack, but amazingly he week there is a proposed devel- things you are making a signifi- was only a bit concussed. With a opment that potentially impacts cant contribution to the conser- good dose of TLC from the local on Swift Parrot habitat on the vation of Swift Parrots and their wildlife carers and some recov- mainland. The recovery team habitats: ery time over the next few days has been monitoring the develop- the bird lived up to his name, ment proposals sent to Environ- • Join in the National Swift making a swift recovery. He was ment Australia that potentially Parrot- Regent Honeyeater released back with his mates in impact on Swift Parrot habitats Surveys during May and the same area however there and is now working towards an August each year haven’t been any reports of Swift effective way to deal with the • Report all sightings of Swift Parrots swooping on Pelicans so wide range of impacts that result Parrots - current or previous all must have be forgiven! from such developments. Devel- • Join our flowering network opments resulting in the loss and by simply registering your Over 600 Swift Parrot records fragmentation of Swift Parrot name and email address have been submitted to NSW habitats in 2002 included road with Debbie Saunders and NPWS Atlas for 1995-2002 and upgrades, industrial estate devel- then letting us know what is over 50 records were submitted opments, communication infra- in flower in your area to QPWS this year. All records structure, residential estate devel- (April-October) added to such atlas databases opments, waste disposal expan- • Inform the Recovery Team help to protect habitat by indicat- sion, rural/agricultural develop- when there is a local issue ing which areas are used by ments and the construction and involving Swift Parrots or Swift Parrots as well as how of- maintenance of tourist develop- their habitats and/or make ten they are used and how many ments. These developments are submissions on develop- birds are using them. Without spread throughout the Swift Par- ment proposals impacting this information assessments for rots’ range. on these habitats in your lo- proposed developments may not cal area. take this species into considera- In NSW these areas include the • Request a Swift Parrot/ tion when determining potential (eg Wagga Regent Honeyeater presen- impacts of the development. Wagga, Albury), Central Coast tation to be given at your lo- (eg Bateau Bay, Hunter Valley, cal group meeting – book- After reporting last year that Western Sydney) and North ings in advance are essen- SWIFTS ACROSS THE STRAIT 11 tial • Commonwealth marine the remaining birds can be ana- • Monitor the EPBC Act no- area - 14 lysed for DNA identification pur- tices (via email)and make • World Heritage - 16 poses or given to relevant muse- submissions on developments • Ramsar wetlands - 16 ums for their records. So if you that are likely to impact on • Nuclear actions - 2 find dead or injured Swift Parrots Swift Parrot habitats. For de- • Commonwealth land - 7 please contact the Swift Parrot tails of how to receive the • Commonwealth agencies Recovery Team as soon as possi- EPBC Act notices contact ble so that the fate of these birds Debbie Saunders. Background information on the can be recorded and the informa- EPBC Act (including a range of tion used to find out more about Review of EPBC EPBC Fact Sheets and the above population dynamics and mini- information) is available from mising collisions impacts in the Act (WWF) the WWF-HSI EPBC Unit web- future. In its first year, the EPBC Act site: via www.wwf.org.au has shown itself to be a dramatic Swift Parrot improvement on previous Fed- Collisions on the eral environmental legislation, Mascot although lack of awareness of the mainland National Threatened Species Day Act may have hampered its im- By Debbie Saunders was proudly promoted with a plementation in some areas. As stunning drawing by Lyndsay awareness increases, improved A register of injured/dead Swift Newett, Grade 6, Tasmania. implementation and compliance Parrots has been set up so that should follow. Indeed, with more their rehabilitation and fate can "What the Swift Parrot needs in threatened species and communi- be monitored. Given that dead its habitat to survive are Blue ties listings on the agenda, and birds are generally only reported and Black (swamp) Gums. The election promises of amendments at a low rate compared to the ac- Blue Gums provide them with including new triggers, the appli- tual number of injuries/deaths food and they need both the Blue and Black Gums for shel- cation of the Act will continue to this is a significant issue for ter and a home." increase dramatically. Effective mainland as well as for Tasma- implementation of the EPBC nia. This issue will also become National Threatened Species Day Act, and particularly sufficient more significant as more habitat on 7 September aims to encour- resources for awareness and en- is cleared and developed with age the community to prevent forcement, will become increas- structures known to result in col- Habitat further extinctions of Australia's ingly important. lisions by this species. fauna and flora, and to restore ConservationListed threatened species and en- dangered ecological communi- healthy numbers of endangered By Ddebbie Saunders Wanted - Dead Swift Parrots species and ecological communi- ties, and listed migratory species That’s right – we want dead ties in the wild. September is also have proven to be key triggers birds. While no one really likes Biodiversity Month, a time when for controlled action under the to see dead Swift Parrots, if you many Australians celebrate our Act so far. However disappoint- happen to find one it is good to unique and valuable biodiversity ingly no approvals were refused know that they can still be of use with activities to protect and con- in 2002. The times each matter for the conservation of this spe- serve the environment. of national environmental sig- cies. That is they can be of use National Threatened Species Day nificance (NES) has triggered the for a variety of research, conser- was first held in 1996, to com- need for further assessment are vation and education purposes. memorate the death of the last as follows: The dead birds from the 2002 Tasmanian Tiger in captivity in season have not gone to waste 1936 in Hobart. The concept was • Threatened species and with some birds being taxider- developed by the Threatened endangered ecological mied for educational presenta- Species Network, a community communities - 56 tions, others being examined for based program of the World • Listed migratory species - bone morphology research and 47 Wide Fund for Nature and the

SWIFTS ACROSS THE STRAIT 12 Commonwealth Government's Injuries & Deaths of Swift Parrots on the mainland Map Location Date # Swift Collision Initial Fate Natural Heritage Trust, as a way Parrots item status to showcase Australian threat- NSW ened species. By focusing atten- Budgewoi May-02 1 unkown injured dead tion on the plight of many of our Toukley May-02 1 car concussed released threatened and plants, SW Rocks May-02 1 window dead dead Threatened Species Day aims to Laurieton Jun-02 1 car dead dead Nelson Bay Jun-02 1 unknown injured released encourage greater community Shoal Bay Jun-02 1 caravan injured released support and hands-on involve- Lake Jun-02 1 window chest injury dead ment in the prevention of further Macquarie losses of Australia's unique natu- Sydney Jul-02 1 unknown dead dead ral heritage. Gosford Jul-02 1 Car dead dead Gosford Aug-02 1 Car dead dead Lake Sep-02 1 window dead dead Macquarie Mainland Media Total NSW 11 (3 released, 8 dead) Frenzy VIC Scotchman' early May 2 fence dead dead The Swift Parrot certainly ap- s Creek 02 peared to be the bird of the year Reserve, with over 30 features in the me- Oakleigh dia ranging from newspaper and Deakin 22-05-02 1 window dead dead University newsletter articles with photo- Bendigo early May 1 window dead dead graphs to radio interviews and 02 even some footage on the na- Portland Nov-02 1 car dead dead tional news! In Victoria there Total Vic 5 (5 dead) was good coverage of the birds QLD Gold Coast 22/05/02 1 (1 dead) injured euthanased in suburbia with both Channel Total 17 Nine and Ten news featuring video footage and a story about sheep/wheat belt Swift Parrots and The Age • Creeky Voice – Central (Melbourne) had a story and full Coast Community Environ- Swift Parrots on colour picture of Swift Parrots ment Network newsletter and the Central Coast bathing. In NSW the emphasis additional insert By Debbie Saunders was in central and northern NSW • Threatened Species Network with numerous radio interviews (TSN) newsletter On Tuesday 14 May, the and newspaper articles. These • Wingspan – Birds Australia HBOC had an outing to Wyee included areas such as the central magazine with great Swift Point where much Swamp Ma- coast, Coffs Harbour, South Parrot photos by Chris hogany is in flower and at one West Rocks, Sydney, Kempsey, Tzaros point, a person claimed to have Lismore and Central West NSW. • Environment Protection seen 4 Swift Parrots although

Authority (EPA) NSW no one else saw the birds. In addition, other newsletters and Greendates calendar listing On Wednesday 15 May 2002 at magazines that contain articles • Threatened Bird Network 8.30 am Don & Val Moon re- about Swift Parrots that you may (TBN) volunteer poster list- turned to some of the Swamp be interesting in checking out in- ing all volunteer activities Mahogany patches along the clude: • The Regenerator – Brisbane edge of Lake Macquarie about

bush regeneration article on 1 km west of their house and • Bushmatters – NSW NPWS Swift Parrots in Brisbane saw some Regent newsletter for their conserva- feeding in the Swamp Mahog- tion network Copies of these publications are any. They notified me and on • Woodland Wanderings – available through the relevant or- Thursday morning, along with NSW NPWS newsletter for ganisations. Tim Morris and Don Moon, we land managers within the SWIFTS ACROSS THE STRAIT 13

Parrot Puzzle by Anita Slotwinski CCCEN 2002 of large numbers of sites on the RATCENA I SKNABSA S R E D E C SPOTTEDGUMD central coast each year (like O S L LHWO TXU R R SRSN MUG I I A I SOXOS SVNA many of our other invaluable bird UMNBGMV ABOVPOEOL group coordinators), he also was GA I OHPSFEB I SLY I D WHNMLMTYTYRYT I SO responsible for notifying the re- OTIEYACRIEALAKIO LALASHEOHRTLT I LW covery team of local threats to LLCVPOSTWGCI IKLK EDEREGNADNEDBKOR Swift Parrot habitat, provided Y S DACA I R I ENLA I CA T B L LINE G U SSEHKN B updates to the recovery team and DFD E AYV I CTOR I ALN R R IMLB I M R D UPS TIObirdwatchers throughout the sea- I W SWI SDEESTS I OAR BAN WSNEERGHG S RT I son on the whereabouts of Swift T D S U ESEERTQR I RDX N NEEDSHELPLG F AEO Parrot congregations, is an ad- L I G ROLOCS I DH T PRB viser to Wyong Shire Council for Find all the words relating to the Swift Parrots habitat, threats, distribution, lifestyle and conservation. the development of the Wyong

The left over letters will spell out one of the most important Shire Swift Parrot Habitat Man- features that will help you to identify the Swift Parrot! agement Plan, conducted radio ENDANGERED SEEDS LATHAMUS TASMANIA interviews, distributed media re- DISCOLOR YELLOW GUM SWAMP MAHOGANY PSYLLID LERPS leases and took on a range of MIGRATORY SPOTTED GUM SWIFT NSW other tasks voluntarily and enthu- PARROT BOX IRONBARK WOODLANDS RED TAIL NECTARIVORE siastically. Thank you Alan, GREY BOX VICTORIA DECLINING TREES SOUTH QLD HABITAT LOSS your efforts are certainly appreci- SURVEY GREEN KIK KIK INSECTS ated! COLLISIONS MOBILE BANKSIA NECTAR FAST LARVAE HIGHLY SPECIALISED NEEDS HELP BIRD NEST WHITE BOX

See the last page of the newsletter for the solution to this Golden victory for puzzle. Victoria’s Box- counted 11+ Regent Honeyeaters Macquarie area. Other sites ar feeding in the Swamp Mahogany Buttaba, Coal Point & Galgaba Ironbark and hawking for insects in some Reserve, South Swansea. 25 Re- By Debbie Saunders adjoining trees. While we were gents were at Buttaba on 3 May there we first saw a single Swift and at least 3 were still present On 30 October 2002 Victoria's Parrot and heard a few more, and on 10 May, the South Swansea expanded Box-Ironbark parks later on a flock of 7 joined the birds have now been present for system was launched at the Regent Honeyeaters in one par- 3 weeks, last seen 16 May 2002. newly created Greater Bendigo ticular tree. Other birds present National Park. This expansion is included SwiftLittle Lorikeets, Parrot Yel- Hopefully some Swifties and Re- a major step forward for conser- low-faced, Scarlet, White-naped, gents might just move a further vation with the passage of the Fuscous, White-cheeked,Mascot Lewins 10 km south and turn up on the National Parks (Box-Ironbark & Yellow-tufted Honeyeaters, Central Coast, they are getting and Other Parks) Bill. The new Eastern Spinebills, Little Wattle- closer! This article was ex- parks constitute the largest single birds and Silvereyes. tracted from birding-aus chat increase to the terrestrial parks group, written by Alan Morris system since 1989, and will at On return to our car at Val & 17/5/02 least partly fill a gaping hole in Don's house, there were two Victoria's conservation reserve Swift Parrots feeding in a flower- Special thanks! system. The bill to create the ing Swamp Mahogany in their conservation reserves recom- front yard, this is near to where Special thanks goes to Alan Mor- mended by the Environment the 4 Swifties were seen on ris for his enthusiasm, support Conservation Council, finally Tuesday and expertise throughout the re- passed through both houses of covery program, with particular parliament on Friday 18 October This is the fourth group of Re- emphasis on his efforts this year 2002. gent Honeyeaters seen feeding in on the Central Coast. Not only It has been a marathon campaign, Swamp Mahogany in the Lake does Alan, coordinate the survey SWIFTS ACROSS THE STRAIT 14

Victorian Box-ironbark Woodland Photo by Mike Weston and all of those people - and and helping to restore their there are many of you out there - This information was extracted habitat. Many people take part who contributed to its success from the Victorian National in surveys and field days, as should be very proud. This in- Parks Association web page. well as participating in bush re- cludes members of the Swift Par- Full details can be viewed at generation and revegetation rot Recovery Team (Rob Price, http://www.vnpa.org.au/ programs which restore habitat. Simon Kennedy and Chris whatsnew/campaigns/ Tzaros) who have been, and will boxironbark.htm The Conservation Partners Pro- continue to work towards con- gram of the NSW National serving box-ironbark woodland Parks & Wildlife Service for Swift Parrots as well as the Partners for (NPWS) enables partnerships to wide diversity of other woodland Parrots be formed between NPWS and flora and fauna species within landholders. The program aims this habitat. NSW NPWS Conservation to encourage and assist private Partners Program. landholders who have formed The National Parks (Box- or wish to form voluntary part- Ironbark and Other Parks) Act Everyone can enjoy and play a nerships with the to look after 2002 provides for amendment to role in looking after our native native vegetation and provide Schedule 2 of the National Parks flora and fauna. The develop- habitat for wildlife. These part- Act 1975 to recognise new and ment of partnerships assists those nerships include Voluntary expanded parks. This schedule who wish to actively contribute Conservation Agreements, lists alterations to national and to expanding our knowledge Wildlife Refuges and Land for state parks as detailed above. about plant and animal species Wildlife.

SWIFTS ACROSS THE STRAIT 15 Park Amendment Area of park (ha) The program provides advice and Mitchell River NP Adds 2,160 ha 14,250 Wilsons Promontory assistance to landholders. This Adds two lighthouse reserves 49 ha 49,049 NP includes arranging entry into Adds Mt Pilot multi-purpose park (14,083 ha) and others to Chiltern-Mt Pilot NP 21,565 schemes, producing the Bush Chiltern State Park (4,320 ha) Terrick Terrick NP Adds 110 ha 3,880 Matters Newsletter twice a year, New national park, incorporates Kamarooka State Park Greater Bendigo NP 17,000 (7,367 ha) and Whipstick State Park (2,303 ha) and providing management Heathcote-Graytown New national park 12,700 notes, as well as field days and NP New national park, incorporates Kara Kara State Park (3,868 St Arnaud Range NP 13,900 networking opportunities. ha) Kooyoora SP Adds 7,757 ha 11,350 Paddys Ranges SP Adds 335 ha 2,010 Under the National Parks and Warby Range SP Adds 3,860 ha 11,460 Wildlife Act 1974, NPWS is re- Broken-Boosey SP New state park 1,030 New state park, incorporates Reef Hills Park (excludes three Reef Hills SP 2,020 sponsible for implementing Vol- shooting ranges) The Act also creates or changes the status of certain crown land and amends the Crown Land untary Conservation Agreements (Reserves) Act 1978 to recognise the following: and Wildlife Refuges, as two Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park Deap Lead Nature Conservation Reserve longstanding mechanisms for pri- Black Dog Creek Natural Features Reserve Nathalia Natural Features Reserve vate land conservation. A third Numurkah Natural Features Reserve Tungamah Natural Features Reserve option is the Land for Wildlife Wattville Natural Features Reserve scheme facilitated by NPWS but Youarong Natural Features Reserve Eldorado Historic Reserve implemented by community This information was extracted from the Victorian National Parks Association web page. Full details can be viewed at groups or local government. We http://www.vnpa.org.au/whatsnew/campaigns/boxironbark.htm believe that this offers landhold- ers a broad range of choice. sources with this level of com- conservation agencies. The level of assistance and ad- mitment. Wildlife Refuges are For more information contact the vice available varies according to applicable to remnants as well as Conservation Partners Coordina- the scheme. All landholders re- revegetated areas, constructed tor on (02) 9585 6040. ceive signage indicating the habitats and land managed for scheme in which they are partici- both production and biodiversity. Don’t Forget pating. Land for Wildlife is a registra- Please report all sightings of the Voluntary Conservation Agree- tion scheme for landholders with swift parrot, as well as send ments are agreements between a properties being restored or man- newsletter contributions to: landholder and the NSW Gov- aged for wildlife habitat. It has The Swift Parrot recovery ernment. They are legally bind- no legal status. Team ing, in perpetuity and registered Threatened Species Unit The range and level of assistance NSW National Parks and Wild- on title. A plan of management is available relies on partnerships prepared, land is exempt from life with community groups, non- PO Box 2115, Queenbeyan, council rates and funding is government organisations and available for on-ground work and NSW, 2620. surveys. Wildlife Refuges are agreements between a landholder and the NSW Government, with the area of the refuge gazetted in the Government Gazette and able to be revoked or amended if re- DEPARTMENT of PRIMARY INDUS- TBN quested. A brief plan of manage- TRIES, WATER and ENVIRONMENT ment is prepared and funding may be accessed from other

SWIFTS ACROSS THE STRAIT 16