Lyrebird Tales

Volume 27 Number 4 December 2018 Birdlife Yarra Valley Newsletter

Inala Nature Tour to & East Rufous Owl photo © Warren Cousins Kimberley; July 9th to July 19th 2018 The best of the new ticks were the Arafura Fantail, Blue-winged Trip Report by Warren Cousins Kookaburra, Rufous Owl, Lemon-bellied Flycatcher, and the Torresian (Pied ) Imperial-Pigeon. My tour started officially on July 10th, but I flew in to Darwin a Initial “birdie” impressions of Darwin were the masses of Black day earlier to get my own picture of Darwin. This was my first Kites seen everywhere; the dusk mass roosting of the lovely visit there, as Brenda and I had only previously visited Alice White-breasted Woodswallows in the city trees; and the Red- Springs and Uluru. I had time for a 2-hour walk all around the collared variety of our Rainbow Lorikeets. Also although the wharf area and saw my first tick for the trip; a White-gaped prolific Magpie is nowhere to be found, there were large Honeyeater. quantities of Masked Lapwings and Magpie Larks. Day 1: The first official day involved meeting the members of Continued on page 2 the tour. An interesting bunch. The guide was Darryel Binns who preferred to be called “Biggles”. He is a gentleman of my age but unlike me, has vast knowledge and experience with (and butterflies). He currently ranks third on the Contents birdwatchers “League Ladder” (as shown on Tony Palliser’s funpage of Birders Totals) with a total tick list of 851 birds 1-5. Tour to Top End & East Kimberley by Warren Cousins including 760 on mainland . 5. Mind how you go!

The other three guests were a retired doctor from Hobart (with 6. Bourke’s Parrots by Dace Fitton vast experience of trips to Antarctica and Macquarie Island) 7-9. Interesting Sightings and a very pleasant couple from Zambia (Claire hailed from

Tasmania originally, and Alistair is a Brit). Being such a small 8. What is that? group, we had heaps of room in the Mitsubishi mini-bus. 9. Committee. Bus outing to W.T.P. notice. At this time of year Darwin has almost 2 hours extra daylight 10-13. Reports of Meetings and Outings hours than , so this allows for a bonanza of bird- 14. Calendar of Events watching time. Day 1 of the tour started at Darwin’s lovely Botanical Gardens; then on to East Point, and the boardwalk mangroves off Lake Alexander. We amassed a good total of 37 birds of which 15 were new to me. Lyrebird Tales

Pied Heron photo © Warren Cousins Rajah Shelduck photo © Warren Cousins

Day 2: Today we remained in Darwin and revisited the Botanic Day 3: So this morning we checked out of the Travelodge Gardens to be rewarded with a Grey Goshawk (plus nest); then Hotel and proceeded to the Aurora Kakadu cabins at South on to other places including Knuckey Lagoon, Marlow Lagoon, Alligator. En route we dropped in to the unmissable and terrific and Howard Springs Reserve. A great day with 50 total Fogg Dam. What an eye-opener this place is with hordes of including a new 19 for me. Most interesting were the Black massed waterbirds of numerous varieties. A lunch stop at Butcherbird (so much larger than our Grey), Black-necked Adelaide River (famous for the Jumping Crocodile tours); a Stork, Red-Tailed Black-Cockatoo, Jacana, Large-tailed brief drop-in to the ; then on to South Nightjar, Pied Heron, Rose-crowned Fruit-Dove, and the Yellow Alligator. The units have a nice lagoon plus boardwalks only a (Green?) Oriole. short walk away. The Rainbow Pitta was still being elusive (have heard it several times, but not sighted yet), but not so the local feral pigs. After dinner we did some spotlighting and came up with a pair of Barking Owls just nearby to our cabins. It moved off from tree to tree so we decided to leave it in peace. We saw 56 birds today including 9 new ticks for me. These included the Black Bittern, Radjah Shelduck, White- browed Crake, and the Barking Owl.

Tawny Frogmouth photo © Warren Cousins

Broad-billed Flycatcher photo © Warren Cousins

Day 4: Heading off today to Cooinda Lodge at Yellow Waters (Kakadu). Found the Zitting Cisticola en route and from there dropped in to the impressive Mamukala Wetlands and Bird Hide which had excellent birding. Had the good luck to see a Whistling Kite drop into the water and lift off with what we thought may have been a Jacana. Too far away and happened Plumed Whistling Duck photo © Warren Cousins too quick for any photos.

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Also saw overhead a Pacific Baza on the UBIRR road; well Day 5: Leaving Cooinda today for the Pine Creek Railway spotted Biggles. Next stop was at Bardedjilidi Sandstone area Resort. Travelled there via Nourlangie Rock and we arrived where we took a short walk through the bush. It was classic here very early to avoid crowds and were confronted with a Kakadu country; just what you’d expect to see here. On to very scenic and walkable area. The nearby lagoon was also Cahills Crossing for our first close-up view of crocodiles. It was very relaxing and although plenty of birds, there was nothing amazing to see people fishing so close to the river edge. Braver new. Got a nice pair of Barking Owls by pure fluke. Then our than me (or more stupid!). Next stop Jabiru and still trying to drive to Pine Creek recommenced but suddenly with about see a Pigeon without success. Not far then to our 60km to go, Biggles totally unexpectedly stopped the car and accommodation at the wonderful Cooinda Resort and a sunset announced quite casually he was hoping to show us a Red 2-hour cruise on the nearby Yellow Waters. Heaps of birdlife Goshawk. Now this was exciting as I had heard that this bird and the wildlife included crocs, buffaloes, wild horses, cattle is Australia’s rarest raptor, but I was a wee bit sceptical. Sure and pigs. Nothing new here but so much volume of birds and enough though, within 5 minutes we had both the nest and a a fabulous wetland scenery. roosting pair in a nearby tree. Oh ye of little faith. This was quite a find as the bird is uncommon to rare and probably declining in numbers. Another excellent day with 64 birds seen. The highlight was obviously the Red Goshawk, plus a Red-backed Kingfisher.

Black-necked Stork photo © Warren Cousins

Was interesting to watch from the boat a Stork trying to swallow a largish File Snake. It was all down except the last 30cm when the snake, in one last gasp, wrapped its remaining body length around the bill. This prevented the Stork from swallowing so he had to regurgitate the whole thing, and start the killing / swallowing sequence again. We saw 60 species today, plus 5 new ticks for yours truly. Highlights were the Baza and Masked Finch. By the way, the Rainbow Pitta finally Red Goshawk photo © Alastair Newton turned up today.

Long-tailed Finch photo © Warren Cousins Masked Finch photo © Warren Cousins

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Hooded Robin photo © Warren Cousins

Then off again at 10am into the nearby Gregory National Park Crimson Finch photo © Warren Cousins via Binns Track. Saw our first Diamond Doves and some immature Gouldians, followed by Red-browed Pardalote. A bit Day 6: Today we left Pine Creek and were heading for a 2- later a real bonus with a Hooded Robin. Even Biggles was night stay at Timber Creek. Soon after departure, we stopped surprised and really pleased with this bird. Another “goodun” at a small waterhole hoping to see Gouldians. After a long wait was a low flying Square-tailed Kite. Back for a late lunch, then and lots of other small bird activity, we missed out but were set off again 3.30pm for another 3-hour foray where two more compensated with views of Long-tailed Finches, Crimson Finch ticks with Star Finch and Yellow-rumped manikin. I was etc. We then dropped in to the Katherine Sewerage Treatment buggered now! Plant where we got a small group of Avocets (these were the first Biggles has seen in the Territory for about 10 years). En Day 8: Left Timber Creek today to go into WA, with Kununurra route we stopped at the River Roadhouse for lunch. being our next 2-night stop. We first did a few more rounds of Magnificent scenery surrounds this area. After checking in to some local Timber Creek haunts, and next stop en route was our accommodation we went off for a couple of hours birding the . It was nice to get good views of at nearby spots. My best birds for today were the two finches a Black-breasted Buzzard. After this we crossed the NT/WA mentioned above. border, but before checking in to our accommodation, we went to Wyndham (got the Mangrove Fantail), stopping just before Day 7: Left our rooms before dawn and went to the local there at the wonderful Parrys Lagoon. Here they have a great airport, Policeman’s Point and Bradshaws Bridge. Were super bird hide where we saw heaps of birdlife. On way back we also excited to see lots of Gouldian Finches. These were in a large dropped in to the Grotto (as featured in the recent ABC TV group including the most common black faced and some red series, Mystery Road). We saw here our first White-quilled faced. The yellow face variety is apparently extremely rare. Rock-Pigeon. The flock of maybe 70 individuals then flew off together to a nearby island. Biggles mentioned he has seen flock sizes of maybe 500 not so long ago. The airport and surrounds didn’t yield too much so headed back for a late but hot breakfast. Just before going out, we got a lovely Buff-sided Robin.

White-bellied Sea Eagle photo © Warren Cousins

Day 9: Wow, what a day. Up at 4am to get to Lake Argyle for a 5.30 departure sunrise bird-watching cruise with skipper Greg. He seems very knowledgeable about birds and has been Buff-sided Robin photo © Warren Cousins at this type of work for more than 20 years.

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Horsfield’s Bronze-Cuckoo etc etc. I was a bit amused when I noticed a Welcome Swallow to get a surprising reaction from Biggles and Greg. Apparently these are quite rare up here. A similar reaction to the stock standard Wood Duck that us Vics are so used to seeing everywhere. Up early next morning for my long flight(s) home; Kununurra to Darwin; Darwin to Adelaide; then finally Adelaide to Melbourne.

TRIP SUMMARY

This was a wonderful trip and thoroughly recommended. Before I left I was hoping for a minimum of 60 new birds. Total of the birds that Biggles identified as being Likely to Rare on this trip numbered 326. The overall bird count for the trip was 180 species or about 55% of the possible number (we got 81% of the Likely 187 species, and 20% of the 139 Rare species). For me I had about 80 new ticks so well exceeded my Intermediate Egret photo © Warren Cousins expectations. We averaged about 60 birds each day and not one day went by without new birds and new sights. It was nice to have such a small group and we all got on well. Biggles has a wonderful knowledge on birds and where to go to find them. He is certainly a quirky individual, but I enjoyed his leadership.

The main misses were the Chestnut Rail, Partridge Pigeon. Spinifex Pigeon, Northern Rosella, Pictorella Mannikin, Bustard, Emerald Dove and Coucal. I’ll get you guys some time later!... Warren Cousins.

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Mind how you go!

Whilst travelling in north-western Victoria we were distressed to see these two Sulphur-crested Cockatoos wedged in the White-necked Heron photo © Warren Cousins front grill of this vehicle. At first glance I thought they were artificial but a closer inspection revealed they were very recent road kills.

Rainbow Bee-eater photo © Warren Cousins

First stop was at a little spit of land where we saw lots of variety. These included a Great Crested Grebe, Australian Sulphur-crested Cockatoos photo © Valerie Fowler Pratincole, White-browed Crake, and Australian Spotted

Crake. We then reboarded and on further to wade ashore onto a small island. Fully rewarded here with early good sights of Bourke’s Parrots by Dace Fitton Yellow Chats, gorgeous Bee-Eaters, Glossy Ibis, Magpie Geese,

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This is the third time we have visited Bowra Wildlife Sanctuary. Again we have been to Yowah Opal Festival (Yowah is in south- western ) and I had booked into Bowra for two nights after the festival. The first time I visited (2013) it had just rained heavily and some of the tracks were closed. The Gumholes and Saw Pitts Waterholes, which are part of the Warrego and Paroo River systems, were brimming full of water. Unfortunately there has been little or no rain recently – the caretakers said it had been dry at Bowra for five years. All the tracks are open, but the Gumholes are completely dry and Saw Pitts has a puddle of water, but not much. There is little low vegetation, just red dirt, dust and stones. Still, there is the beautiful peace and silence that you only get when you are out in the bush – and other small bonus, it is even too dry for ticks; there is always a silver lining. In other years I have been Bourke’s Parrot photo © Peter Fowler fortunate to find the Hall’s Babblers and the Chestnut-breasted Quail-thrush. However in my previous visits the Bourke’s Parrots have always eluded me. “There were plenty here a few weeks ago” or “They were on the lawn, near the house a few minutes ago”. Whenever I looked for them, they had just gone. This year they had been around, although on the day we arrived, none were recorded at bird call.

The average monthly bird list is usually around 125. Because of the drought the list is now around 100 bird species a month. I think in previous years when we visited in July, at bird call sightings were around 80 to 90 birds, this July it is around 50 plus. After setting up camp we went for a short walk around the lagoon (it is kept full from the bore). We saw White-headed Stilts, Black-fronted Dotterels, Grey Teal, Pacific Black Duck and Black-tailed Native Hens. Near our van I saw a Crested Bellbird, Peaceful Doves, Jackie Winters, a pair of Ringnecks Spotted photo © Peter Fowler and plenty of Galahs. Our neighbours saw a big flock of beautiful Major Mitchell’s Cockatoos. Other interesting sightings that day were the Major Mitchell’s Cockatoos – in the evenings a flock of around 20 landed in the The next morning Tony and I decided to drive to the Saw Pitts, trees around the lagoon, White-necked Heron (Saw Pitts), where there is water and more likelihood of birds. I had no Black-breasted Buzzard, Crested Bellbird, Spotted Bowerbird, high hopes of finding those tricky Bourke’s Parrots. I was Emus, White-plumed Honeyeater, Yellow-throated Miner, resigned not to see them; I always seemed to miss out. We Hooded and Red-capped Robin, Brown Tree-creeper, Willie were crossing a dusty plain, about halfway to Saw Pitts, when Wagtail, Southern Whiteface, Jacky Winter, Black-faced I saw five brown birds, softly calling out to each other while Woodswallow (I saw many more last visit), Restless flying over the car. No, I thought, they are not Peaceful Doves, Flycatcher, and Australian Pipit. or the usual parrots; the calls were quite different. They briefly landed in a nearby tree and then flew further away. “Stop the After an enjoyable and for me a very successful two nights at car!” I quickly called out as I hastily trained the binoculars on Bowra, we headed to Lightening Ridge where the temperature the birds. Aha! I slowly and quietly crept up on them and they during the day was a balmy 25 degrees. The nights were still were indeed Bourke’s Parrots! If I had not seen them in flight cool. We stayed at Lorne Station Caravan Park five kilometres and then land I would not have been able to find them on the out of town. We had a few good morning and evening walks ground, they blended in so well with the landscape. They around the station. There were Blue Bonnet Parrots, many continued pecking in the dust and did not seem to mind my Apostlebirds, Magpies, I heard a Kookaburra one morning, presence. After having a good look I left the birds in peace, White-winged Choughs, Crested Pigeons, Yellow-throated feeling very satisfied. We were lucky enough to get even better Miners, Ringneck Parrots, Blue-faced Honeyeaters, Willie views of Bourke’s Parrots when we drove to the Gumholes. I Wagtails, Black Kites of course, Galahs, Peaceful Doves, Spiny- saw three on the ground and so Tony stopped the car and we cheeked Honeyeaters, Rufous Whistlers, Emu, White-plumed had a close look at the parrots and their lovely pink breasts. Honeyeaters, Spotted Bowerbird, Restless flycatchers, They were only about ten feet from the car. Australian Raven and one Striped Honeyeater. After Lightening Ridge it was time to head for home and back to Melbourne’s winter….Dace Fitton

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Interesting Sightings

Cattle Egrets photo © Peter Mitchell

8/11/18 Gang Gang Cockatoos – Lillydale Lake. Warren Cousins

11/11/18 Night Heron 1, and Male Darter on nest with 2 chicks – Lillydale Lake. V & P Fowler

11/11/18 Gang Gang Cockatoos 5, Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoos 4 – Lillydale Lake. V & P Fowler

12.11.18 Cattle Egret 2 – Sheffield Rd, The Basin. Peter Mitchell

Out of the Yarra Valley

6/9/18 2 Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoos - MCG Richmond, Barn Owl, Coldstream photo © Peter Smith Warren Cousins August to November. bred and its chick fully fledged – Wattle Creek. Delene van Dyk

5/9/18 Cattle Egret - Don Rd/Ewarts Road, Don Valley Warren Cousins

9/9/18 Musk Duck - Lillydale Lake, Warren Cousins

17/9/18 Horsfield’s Bronze Cuckoo, Reed Warbler, Brown Goshawk, Little Eagle & Whistling Kite – Lillydale Lake. V & P Fowler

4/10/18 Spotless Crake – Hull Rd Wetlands. V Fowler

4/10/18 Grassbird – Lillydale Lake. V Fowler

4/10/18 Sulphur-crested Cockatoo checking tree hollow whilst being attacked by a Noisy Miner – Lillydale Lake. V Fowler Gang Gang Cockatoo photo © Valerie Fowler Early Oct. Cattle Egrets 40+ flying over Lillydale Lake. Warren Cousins

7/10/18 Rose Robin - Badger Creek, Graeme George

19/10/18 Fan-tailed Cuckoo, Mistletoebird, Purple Swamphen on nest plus 2 adults and 2 chicks – Hull Rd Wetlands. V & P Fowler

19/10/18 Purple Swamphen 2 adults with 3 small chicks – Lillydale Lake. V & P Fowler

Oct 2018 Buff-banded Rails – Birdsland. Delene van Dyk Oct/Nov Song Thrush – Wattle Creek. Delene van Dyk

16/10/18 Cattle Egrets (17+) – Sheffield Rd, The Basin. Peter Mitchell

28/10/18 Pink-eared Duck + 1 chick, Freckled Duck 2, Fan- tailed Cuckoo – Lillydale Lake. V & P Fowler Sulphur-crested Cockatoo photo © Valerie Fowler

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Fan-tailed Cuckoo photo © Peter Fowler White-winged Triller seen at Coranderrk Bushland 10.11. 18 photo © Peter Fowler

Sacred Kingfisher photo © Valerie Fowler Darter moulting at Lillydale Lake 28.10.18 © V. Fowler First bird sightings or calls heard for the season in East Warburton by Heather Arnold

13/9/18 Yellow-faced Honeyeater - 1st definite and small groups 4/9/18

14/9/18 Black-faced Cuckoo Shrike 1st for season

27/9/18 Olive-backed Oriole 1st, 5 in transit going down river

1/10/18 Tawny Frogmouth – East Warburton, Heather Arnold

9/10/18 Sacred Kingfisher 1st White-bellied Sea Eagle photo © Peter Smith 29/9/18 Fan-tailed Cuckoo 1st, several weak calls What bird is that?

White-bellied Sea Eagle photo © Peter Smith Answer on page 13

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Rose Robin, Wattle Creek, Emerald Buff-banded Rail seen at Birdsland, Belgrave. Photo © Delene van Dyk photo © Delene van Dyk

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

Committee

Convener: Warren Cousins

Deputy-Convener: Manfred Hennig

Secretary: Alma Mitchell

Treasurer: Michael Feller

Librarian: Linda Bullen

Conservation Officer: Michael Feller

Other Members: Jan Llewellyn

Shining Bronze Cuckoo at Grants Picnic Ground, Sherbrooke Forest Photo © Delene van Dyk Outing to Western Treatment Plant

On February Wednesday 27th 2019

Book your place on the bus now as places are limited. email: [email protected]

European Song Thrush, Wattle Creek, Emerald photo © Delene van Dyk

Whistling Kite photo © Peter Smith

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Reports of Meetings and Outings from street artists from all over the world; not just from Australia, England, USA and New Zealand but also from South August 22 – Yellingbo Nature Conservation Reserve - America, Bali, Europe and South Africa. Many of these artists Due to unforeseen circumstance Birdlife Yarra Valley had to started off tagging along railways and on old buildings but cancel this outing went on to university achieving fine art degrees. September 8 - Outing to Kurth Kiln Regional Park

A group of seven assembled at the Kurth Kiln picnic ground for a new venue for YV Birdlife. The early arrivals were treated with a plethora of Eastern Yellow Robins and then suddenly excellent views of a Bassian Thrush. After a wait for late arrivals the group headed off past the kiln. There was a dearth of sightings but frustratingly we could hear calling without birds showing. Slowly we got sightings, Pied Currawongs and Crimson Rosellas were seen along with Red Wattlebirds and White-naped Honeyeaters.

As we left the camping areas and entered the bushier creekside suddenly the birds appeared. A flock of six White- browed Scrubwrens mixed with Grey Fantails and Superb Fairy-wrens showed themselves, a White-throated Treecreeper was sighted nearby. Superb Lyrebirds and Eastern Whipbirds were calling and a Kookaburra flew past. We had Hooded Plovers by DVATE in Frankston © Val Fowler been hearing Lewin’s Honeyeaters calling but then one appeared on the trunk of a Manna Gum giving all of us There were many styles of bird representation which included excellent views. the whimsical and imaginary to bold and striking geometric shapes which captured the grace and movement of the birds, We followed Thornton’s Track through the damper creekside whilst others were stylised or came with strong messages. vegetation, lots more Lyrebird and Whipbird calls but they There were even a couple of bird images by the famous street remained elusive. However, we had a very good sighting of a artist ‘Banksy’. couple of Crested Shrike-tits. Grey Shrike-thrushes were seen and then a good sighting of a Golden Whistler. Freedom is associated with all sorts of graffiti and street art where the artist can create away from the restraints of a studio or gallery, where they can express their imagination and feelings. Birds are a common theme as they are seen to represent freedom. Owls are a commonly used image to represent wisdom and Hummingbirds are popular too. Birds are used to send strong political messages especially in countries where there is unrest.

Crested Shrike-tit photo © Valerie Fowler

At the end of Thornton’s track we returned to the picnic ground for lunch where we recognized a few cars. Four people who had got a bit mislaid eventually joined us for lunch and joined in birdcall which gave us King Parrots and Striated Thornbills for the list. We had a total of 25 birds for the day; the highlight was probably the Bassian Thrush. Goorambat Silo, Barking Owl by DVATE © V. Fowler September 11 – Meeting – Speaker: Valerie Fowler Many of the realistic images of birds in street art were painted Subject: Birds in street art according to the birds in that location or to bring the public Birds depicted in street art were perhaps an unusual subject attention of species that once existed there. In particular for the Birdlife Yarra Valley meeting but as the talk progressed British street artist ATM paints species which are in decline in the reasons became more obvious. We saw images of birds the U.K, painting birds such as the Goshawk and Hen Harriers

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which are persecuted by game keepers. He also paints to October 9 - Meeting - Ecology and behaviour of an urban celebrate success stories such as the breeding programs for adapted species over an urbanization gradient by the Peregrine Falcon and the White-tailed Eagle. He also Marian Weaving, teaching associate and urban ecologist painted birds for the Audobon mural project in America. Marian was in her 40s when she had a career change and Melbourne street artist DVATE has been prolific and his decided to study something she was passionate about, starting beautiful bird paintings can be seen in many locations around with a diploma and continuing on to a degree, honours and the city and suburbs and even on a couple of country silos. He PhD which finished in 2016. She spent 6 - 7 years researching even has a painting of Helmeted Honeyeaters on the walls of Powerful Owls, Tawny Frogmouths, Boobooks and Owlet the shed at Yellingbo. Nightjars enjoying the challenges presented whilst studying nocturnal birds. Her talk was about the results of her PHD With street art festivals becoming popular, silo trails, and local study on Tawny Frogmouths, ecology and how their behaviour wall paintings many graffiti artists now have successful adapted over an urbanization gradient. businesses. Marian said wildlife reacts in three different ways to increased urbanization: adapters which cope with the changes, exploiters which use the changes to their environment to their advantage and avoiders which disappear when their favoured tree disappears. Little was known about the Tawny Frogmouths’ response to urbanization so Marian chose this as her study.

Marian studied 54 sites from three different urban types, from the high water catchment forests to an area of population density in St Kilda. She visited each site 8 times checking the distribution of the Boobook, Owlet Nightjar and Tawny Frogmouth. She found that on the urban fringes Boobooks decreased in numbers due to the loss of habitat whilst Tawny Frogmouths increased, concluding that they were adapters and providing there was a suitable nesting and roosting tree, they exploited the increased food sources attracted by the extra light. Tawny Frogmouths had no specialist habitat and did not Helmeted Honeyeaters by DVATE at Yellingbo Nature Conservation Reserve photo © Valerie Fowler require hollows to breed.

September 26 – Outing to the Botanic Gardens, Cranbourne

We had a beautiful spring day with cloud-free skies and temperature reaching about 18 degrees. Twelve birders had a thoroughly enjoyable outing to the Gardens with some great birds and wonderful scenery ranging from woodlands to open grassed areas to several small lakes. We took an approx 5km walking track starting from the main Visitor Centre carpark, past the Woodlands Picnic area, following the Wylies Creek track, then heading north up Lake Track 3 to return to the carpark via the Trig Track. Some very nice ticks today included Pallid Cuckoo, pair of Tawny Frogmouths, Olive-backed Oriole, Fan-tailed Cuckoo and Horsfield's Bronze-Cuckoo. In total the group had 51 species so a very productive day for all. Some sharp-sighted birders also found a resting-up in the typical koala Tawny Frogmouth photo © Valerie Fowler manner. She tried to catch Tawny Frogmouths for 4 months trying 20 It was nice to have some visitors from Bendigo, Yarraville and different methods with no luck. So after training with an expert Kilsyth. They were very welcome and invited back to future from Sydney she started using large mist nets. Over three outings. Also good to catch up with Glenn Mawson for whom years Marian caught 12 birds (7 males, 5 Females) in 8 the Cranbourne Gardens is now almost home territory. We different locations. She attached trackers, took measurements then all relocated to the Stringybark Picnic area to enjoy lunch, etc. (She actually caught 15 birds but the trackers some relaxation in the sun, and of course Bird Call. malfunctioned). She was surprised in the different sizes of Leader - Warren Cousins their home ranges from 1.95ha to 22.56ha. The males covered larger areas than the females. Home ranges had trees

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highlighted, areas with trees and grasslands had core activity She urged people not to use rat poison or snail-bate as it will and areas of permanent water were important. kill Tawny Frogmouths as it is absorbed into their body fat which is relied on in times of food scarcity. Marian said Tawny Frogmouths were now nesting (in early October). Nesting was influenced by the landscape with Tawny Thank you Marian for such a wonderful talk, I think we all Frogmouths preferring rough barked trees, Eucalyptus nicholii learnt something new about Tawny Frogmouths despite being a favourite. Nest heights varied from 3-4 metres up to observing them often. Your passion for this species shone 20 metres. In areas of more vegetation there were more through your talk and was inspiring. nests. Marian said that climatic conditions (warmth and October 13 – Outing Yea Wetlands. rainfall) influence the onset of breeding and she believes that Tawny Frogmouths breed a month earlier in urban areas due to the extra warmth and light generated, with double breeding often occurring. Tawny Frogmouths usually lay 2-3 . The larger sized male sits on the nest during the day and the female at night and it’s thought that the male visits other females in his home range whilst foraging for food whilst the female is sitting but she said that would be another study in itself. Marian concentrated on 158 nest sites, monitoring 189 breeding attempts between 2010 and 2013; 133 attempts produced 177 fledged chicks. (75 of these attempts resulted in 77 fledged chicks). She noted that if the first brood failed the Tawny Frogmouths tried again using the same nest. One pair she observed started their first brood in July, when it failed started a second brood 2 weeks later and when that failed started the 3rd time a week later. The final 4th attempt Yea Wetlands photo © Valerie Fowler produced 4 chicks. In her study she observed double breeding in 4 pairs of Tawny Frogmouths. Marian observed co-operative On a beautiful spring day, 10 birders met first at the Yea breeding tendencies in Tawny Frogmouths; the previous wetlands just out of town. It was good to welcome Marian female chicks sometimes helped. The young birds are fed, live Weaving who just a few days ago presented her most food such as moths and , small snakes and , and interesting talk to our branch on Tawny Frogmouths. Needless even a pobblebonk frog. to say she was under pressure from minute one to find us all a Tawny! Marian wanted to know if Tawny Frogmouths in the urban environment had restricted gene diversity as only the males Water levels were low but at least there was some water dispersed so she collected samples from Tawny Frogmouths, flowing in the river and the wetland areas did have some water victims of road kills by extracting DNA from their organs, blood in them. Birding was pretty good with 35 species being and . She also collected moulted feathers of her study recorded. Highlights were the White-throated Gerygone, an birds. Marian had help comparing the genetics. From 419 Olive-backed Oriole, and a very large flock of Straw-necked samples she obtained 124 genetic profiles. The genetic Ibis thermalling directly overhead. diversity was high which she said was good news.

During her night studies of the Tawny Frogmouth she came across people participating in many activities, running and walking sometimes in the middle of the night. In an urban park she caught 3 geocatchers looking for treasure in her mist net causing them distress. In other parks she came across a Wiccan coven, naked runners and a couple indisposed on their balcony whilst spotlighting a Tawny Frogmouth perched 3 metres further along from them. She was also greeted by some hermits living high up in the water catchment area.

Marian remarked that people were very passionate about Tawny Frogmouths finding them cute, quirky and photogenic and were very protective of their local birds. Marian said that Olive-backed Oriole photo © Peter Fowler we need to preserve remnants of bush, retain vegetation diversity in our gardens and parks particularly rough barked After a pleasant early lunch at the wetlands, we then moved trees in order for Tawny Frogmouths to survive. A Tawny location just a bit further out to the Cheviot tunnel portion of Frogmouth had been observed drinking at a bird bath on a hot the Great Australian Rail Trail. Quite apart from the spectacular day. construction of the tunnel completed in the 1880s, the adjacent undulating farmland was quite magnificent. Although we only spent about one hour here, we

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still found 21 species including an Australian Kestrel, an interesting gathering in the one place of both Corella species and a Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, and a Pacific Black Duck roosting high in the fork of a large gum. Allowing for species seen at both locations, the daily total climbed to a respectable 46. Warren Cousins

October 24 - Outing to Mt. St. Leonard & Seismic Station in Toolangi.

Fifteen brave members made it to the large steel gate at the entrance to the Mt St Leonard Lookout Tower. It was 7 degrees and the gloves came out - but through the towering trees we saw blue sky and better things to come. We ascended. It was quiet at first but we soon heard Striated and Spotted Pardalotes. Mistletoebird photo © Peter Fowler The voice of the Striated Pardalote is a sequence of 2-4 loud clear notes “wit-wit” or “witchi-chew”, whereas the Spotted What a wonderful day. A lovely group of 21 people were Pardalote sound is a repeated chiming “s-witPIWIP”. treated to a fine day of birding and fine weather. It was so nice to see a few new and also younger faces (mind you there's On the way up to the summit we saw one White-browed Scrub nothing wrong with our good old regular faces!). We welcomed Wren, and two or three Brown Thornbills. Some White- Glenn who recently moved out of the Yarra Valley; he was our throated Treecreepers were heard, as well as the creaky door leader for the day call of Gang Gang Cockatoos. After parking at the Bush Hut we started at the lake and spent Closer to the top, a few White-eared Honeyeaters were sighted quite a long time here as there was so much to see. Overhead near the callistemons. Because of the altitude the shrubs aren’t we noticed two raptors being a Swamp Harrier with a nearby in full flower yet. Our entire group managed the climb to the Brown Goshawk. Below on the lake were numerous species top of the Lookout Tower and were rewarded with a lone including Blue-billed Ducks, Swans with multiple cygnets, Wedge-tailed Eagle soaring above. Great Cormorants, etc etc. Around the perimeter of the lake We took the short cut (which tested knees – it was a bit rough) we had great sightings up close of Mistletoebirds, Red-browed back down to the car park. A few Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoos Finches, and White-naped Honeyeaters. passed by, as well as one Sulphur-crested Cockatoo. Crimson Rosellas - normally abundant in this environment - were sighted only once. A pair of King Parrots was seen.

Back in the cars, we drove a further 1 km down to the giant Mountain Ash trees and had a picnic lunch. ‘Toolangi ‘is an Aboriginal word meaning ‘place of tall trees’. We were greeted by male and female Flame Robins, a Black-faced Cuckoo Shrike, and overhead were more than a dozen Tree Martins.

On our short walk along Tanglefoot Track we saw several Crescent and Brown-headed Honeyeaters, Golden Whistlers, an Eastern Spinebill, Pied Currawong, Red Wattle Bird, a few Fantails, and one Common Blackbird. This is Lyrebird terrain, but today we heard only three calls – they were very quiet. Dusky Woodswallow photo © Peter Fowler (Their breeding season is in winter) On subsequent tracks we had wonderful views of Dusky After this brief walk we drove 6 kms to the Seismic Station. Woodswallows, Golden Whistlers, Spotted Pardalote and one The trees and the environment are drier here and we White-winged Triller. Another highlight was a good view of a encountered some Yellow-faced Honeyeaters, an Eastern Little Eagle circling quite low overhead. With lunch in the idyllic Yellow Robin, and a Little Raven. We heard an Eastern Whip setting of the Bush Hut our bird call summarized out to an Bird and a Grey Shrike Thrush. excellent 65 species. Alma thought the previous best was It was a very pleasant outing - in all we saw 33 species. about 72 so today's total was first rate. By the way it was great Manfred Hennig to see Alma on today's walk. What an inspiration she is, and what a fabulous contribution she has made after 68 years of Answer to what bird is that? Crested Shrike-tit involvement with the birding community. Warren Cousins

Saturday 10 – Outing to Coranderrk Bushland Birdlife Yarra Valley

December 2018 13 Lyrebird Tales

email: [email protected]

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

Meetings are held in the Badger Creek Hall Meeting Room at 7.45 p.m. Badger Creek Rd. Badger Creek (next to CFA). Melway Edn 39 278 F8. Meetings and Outings automatically cancelled on days of Total Fire Ban in the Central and North-central Fire Districts. (Central unless notified otherwise) Calendar April to June 2019 Christmas Break Up Basic Dates only. Check March newsletter for further details Saturday 8 December – Outing to Healesville Sports Ground on Don Rd (not Queens Park) look for Birdlife sign. Meet at April 9.30 a.m. Melway 39 278 H5 Tuesday 9 – Meeting. Speaker and subject TBA

Saturday 13 – Outing to Big Pats Creek & Upper Yarra Calendar January to March 2019 Reserve. Meet at Big Pats Creek picnic ground at 9.30 a.m. Directions: from Warburton take the Woods Point Road. After January about 4kms where it crosses the Yarra River turn right into Riverside Drive. Meet at the junction with Big Pats Creek Road. Tuesday 9 – Meeting, Video night ( This is halfway between Warburton and East Warburton), Saturday 12 – Breakfast with the birds at Maroondah where we will continue to the picnic ground. Melway 39 291 Reservoir Park, Healesville at 8.30am. Bring your own A12 breakfast. Walk will commence at 9.30am. Park in main car Wednesday 24 – Outing to Lillydale Lake, off Swansea Rd, park. Directions: Melway Edn. 39 270 K10. Lilydale at 9.30 a.m. Directions: Meet at car park near toilet Wednesday 23 - Outing to Warburton Trail, Seville to Killara block. Melway Edn 39 38 G7. return, carry lunch. Meet at site of Seville Railway station just May past intersection of Station Rd and Victoria Rd. 9.30am. Directions Melway Edn 39 119 K7 Tuesday 9 – Meeting. Speaker and subject TBA February Saturday 11 – Survey at Coranderrk (Bushland) Nature Conservation Reserve at 9.30 a.m. Directions: meet at Gate 1 Saturday 9 - Outing to Wittons Reserve, Warrandyte State Badger Ave, Badger Creek opposite Fleay Rd. Melway Edn 39 Park at 9.30 a.m. Park in car park at end of Reserve Rd, 278 F10 Gate will close at 9.30 sharp. Wonga Park. Melway Edn 39 24 K6. Wednesday 22 – Outing to RACV Healesville. Check March Tuesday 12 – Meeting. Speaker: Bethany Gillard. Subject: newsletter for confirmation. Wettability and drying capacity of breast feathers of Australian Birds. June

Wednesday 27 - Proposed outing to Western Treatment Plant Saturday 8 – Outing to the Warburton Trail, Millgrove to by bus. Places limited. Book your place and get further details Warburton and return. Directions: Meet at 9.30 a.m. at site of email: [email protected] Millgrove railway station. Melway Edn. 39 289 D4. March Tuesday 11 – No meeting, winter break

Saturday 9 - Outing to Wild Creek Rd, St. Andrews at Wednesday 26 – Outing to Buxton Silver Gum Reserve, 9.30 a.m. followed by Boomers Reserve. Directions: Drive Maroondah Highway, Buxton at 9.30 a.m. Directions: Melway along Wild Dog Creek Rd (off Heidelberg – Kinglake Rd) for Edn. 39 X910 S10. Outing may continue on to Fernshaw Picnic 1.5km to parking loop on the left. Melway Edn.39 395 B5. Ground. Nearest toilets at St Andrews. Tuesday 12 – Meeting. Speaker and subject TBA

Wednesday 27 – Note change of venue. Outing to Banyule Flats, Heidelberg at 9.30am. Directions: Enter from Somerset Drive. No toilets. Melway Edn.39 32 F2

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