Birds SA Newsletter No. 232, November 2014

Birds SA Newsletter No 232 November 2014

Birds SA is the operating name of The South Australian Ornithological Association Inc. c/- South Australian Museum, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA 5000

The Aims of the Association are: To promote the conservation of Australian birds and their habitats. To encourage interest in, and develop knowledge of the birds of South Australia. To record the results of research in regard to all aspects of bird life. To maintain a public fund called the “Birds SA Conservation Fund” for the specific purpose of supporting the Association’s environmental objectives. PRINT POST APPROVED PP532699/00009 A Future Birds SA Member?

Jorja Pettet enjoyed Birds SA's Nature Play Day at Carrick Hill on 9th November. Read her story on page 6.

2 Birds SA Newsletter, August 2014 CONTENTS SAOA COMMITTEE 2014 – 2015 President’s Letter ……..….……..………..….…4 President David Paton 8344 8891 Birds SA Notes & News .…………….…...……5 Vice President John Hatch 8362 2820 Noisy Miners…. ……………………..….……..7 Vice President John Gitsham 0438900393 Giving them Wings …...…..……...... ….……...8 Secretary Brian Blaylock 0448822374 Treasurer Brian Walker 8263 3433 Past General Meetings …………………...... …9 Assistant Secretary Kate Buckley 8261 7197 Future General Meetings ...……………...... 11 Journal Editor Merilyn Browne 8339 6839 Past Excursions …………………...…...... ….12 Newsletter Editor Cynthia Pyle 8264 5778 Future Excursions ………………………...…..14 Field Program Co-ordinator Lynton Huxley 7009 5038 Bird Records …………..……….….…...... ….15 Bird Record Secretary Graham Carpenter 8297 5463 From the Library ………………….………..…18 Membership Officer Vacant Members’ Photographs……….……….……....20 Member William Brooker 8381 8730 CENTRE INSERT Member John Spiers 8333 0272 SAOA HISTORICAL SERIES NUMBER 50, Member Jody Gates 8391 6342 Member Rebecca Zanker 0413426355 JOHN SUTTON PART 4

DIARY FURTHER USEFUL CONTACTS The following is a list of Birds SA activities for the next few Librarian Karen Donkin 0402123960 months. Further details of all these activities are given later in Image Librarian John Spiers 8333 0272 email [email protected] the newsletter. Campout Organiser Graham Bate 8270 3041 Rare Birds Secretary Colin Rogers 8336 3325 Nov 30 Sunday Excursion to Horsnell Gully CP

!!!!!!!!!! Dec 13 Saturday Excursion to Dry Creek Salt Fields RELATED ASSOCIATIONS Dec 18 Thursday Excursion to Nurragi CP BirdLife Southeast SA Convenor, — Bob Green [email protected] 8725 0549 !!!!!!!!!! IBA Coordinator/Newsletter Editor — Bryan Haywood Jan 10 Saturday Excursion to Dry Creek Salt Fields [email protected] 8726 8112 Fleurieu Birdwatchers Jan 22 Thursday Excursion to Tolderol Game Reserve Contact person: Neil Cheshire 8552 7904 Jan 30 Friday General Meeting Website: www.Fleurieubirdwatchers.org Port Augusta group !!!!!!!!!! Contact people: Peter Langdon 8642 5723, Greg Bannon 8648 6630, Feb 1 Sunday Excursion to Whites Rd. Wetlands Bernie Haase 0419 865 834

Feb14 Saturday Excursion to Mannum Waterfalls WEBSITE: birdssa.asn.au Feb 19 Thursday Excursion to Sturt Gorge RP 2015 SAOA SUBSCRIPTIONS Feb 27 Friday General Meeting Single membership $50 !!!!!!!!!! Family/household membership $60 March 1 Sunday Excursion to Montacute CP Single concession* $45 Family/household concession* $55 Student members (full-time students under 25 years) $10 Cover photo: Scarlet Robin, photographed by Kay Parkin at *Pensioners and people experiencing financial hardship can obtain Eaglehawk Neck (Tasmania) in August 2014. concessions. Apply in writing to the Treasurer, Birds SA.

General meetings are held in the Hawker Centre at the Waite ABN 76 339 976 789 Institute, Waite Road, Urrbrae at 7.45pm. Doors open at ADVERTISING IN THE Birds SA NEWSLETTER 7.00pm. SAOA relies on the integrity of advertisers for the quality and nature Committee meetings are held at the above venue on the second of their products and services. We cannot guarantee them. Advertising Monday of each month, starting at 7.30pm. is charged as follows: $1.00 per line, up to $40.00 per half page and 10c per inserted leaflet (single sheet). The committee reserves the right Donations to the Birds SA Conservation Fund are tax- to lower or waive these fees. deductible COPY DEADLINE Copy for the February Newsletter is due by the January General New Members Meeting (January 30). Contributions, ‘Word’ format preferred, can be We welcome a pleasing total of 21 new members who have recorded on a CD, emailed to either of my email addresses, or recently joined the Association. Their names are listed on p11. typed/handwritten neatly.

Printed by Abbott Printers and Stationers • [email protected] • [email protected]

Birds SA Newsletter, November 2014 3 President’s Letter Birds SA’s Logo environment, so governments desist. great. If you need cards please The committee recently approved a We all know that the things we contact me with a postal address (by change to Birds SA’s logo with the treasure and love the most are the email to addition of a short statement under things we wish to conserve. So, if [email protected]) or text the Chestnut-breasted Whiteface that Birds SA wants a greater emphasis to mobile phone 0407 180 921. encapsulates what Birds SA largely on conservation, then the first step is does – “linking people with birds”. to connect more people to the birds Birds SA Campouts – thank you to General meetings, field outings, we love – and it is imperative that we Graham Bate. special events, the library, the do this now. So the words “linking Graham Bate has been running the journal, newsletter and website all people with birds” is all about Birds SA campouts for a number of largely link people with birds. Some conservation. years, and has done this with aplomb. people might say “so what about Unfortunately Graham will not be conservation of able to run the birds? campout(s) next Conservation of year as he will be birds is a stated away, so Birds aim of Birds SA SA is looking for - don’t forget We want to conserve someone to fill that”. I will come his shoes. back to this but Graham’s first a quick attention to review of bird the things we treasure detail, conservation for welcoming the past year. approach and the most. inclusivity are It’s all about legendary. He Conservation has already South Australia has a “no species A Challenge for us all started some planning for the Easter loss” policy. Despite this, at the I am aware that many birdwatchers campout in 2015 but now needs beginning of the year, Mallee Emu- are reclusive and keep to themselves. someone else to take the reins. If you wrens were eliminated from the state However, if we are to increase the enjoy campouts and can help with by fires. Even though the locations of number of people who care about organising them please contact one the remaining Mallee Emu-wrens birds and hence conserve our birds, of the committee, and on behalf of were known no attempt was made to we need to be promoting the joys of Birds SA I thank Graham for his stop these areas from being burnt. birdwatching to anybody who will contribution linking people with The new Murray Darling Basin Plan listen. My challenge to each and birds through the campouts. that is only partly implemented is every one of you over the Christmas showing cracks as the Murray Mouth and New Year period is to find Enjoy the Christmas – New Year closes and needs to be dredged. someone who is not already a bird- break Furthermore, hidden largely from watcher and at least encourage, if not public view the state’s environment convince, them to become a bird- David Paton sector has been substantially down- watcher. sized over the last year or so, with The Third Bird Atlas further cuts planned for next year. By the time most of you are reading Massive de-investment in the this newsletter, there will only be at environment does not augur well for most a month left until the data conservation. The reductions in collection for the third bird atlas of funding barely provoked any the Adelaide region and Kangaroo response from the public. Little Island is finished. The final date for wonder! With the majority of collection of data is 31 December Australians now living in cities, the 2014. I am aware that some of you connection between people and will hold lists of birds seen at nature has diminished to such an different locations within the study extent that there are now few votes to region that have not been submitted. be gained from investment in the Receiving those data so they can be incorporated into the atlas would be

4 Birds SA Newsletter, November 2014 Birds SA Notes & News

OBITUARY FOR BOB SNELL maths, music, engineering, If anyone would like to take part and Bob Snell died on October 25th after astronomy, antiquities, art and many does not have these please contact a battle with cancer, which he others. John Spiers either by e-mail endured with great courage. He not Many people will miss this quiet, but ([email protected]) or only showed courage, but he highly civilised man. Our thoughts phone (83330272). This is a great continued to pursue his great love of are particularly with his wife, opportunity for members to support nature in general, and birds in Maureen and their family. the re-establishment of what used to particular, almost to the very end. He John Hatch be one of our favourite birding sites. enjoyed his last two years Monarto. and so did all those who Not much is happening at enjoyed his friendship. This Monarto at the moment. was particularly true of his The Conservation Park advocacy for and interest in gazettal process will take a the development of his while to go through. About beloved Laratinga; his local one month ago, vice- patch. He loved Laratinga president John Gitsham and with his bosom friend made a tour of the potential Kevin Williams he conservation areas with developed and then some of the Natural defended it in his own quiet Resources Management way. I say quiet, because staff involved in the Bob was ever the perfect proposed parks. He saw the gentleman in the best sense main area destined for of that now sometimes revegetation. He reported pejorative word. I was that all parts of the proposed lucky enough to go round conservation area looked Laratinga with Bob on great. Further discussions several occasions and his are to be had with BioR (an love of the place was organisation that revegetates palpable. Bob was good for selected areas of bushland) Laratinga and Laratinga and other interested parties, was good for Bob. and the sub-committee will Of course, until his illness, keep Birds SA in touch with Bob had been a long-term any further developments. and active member of the International Bird SAOA. He was an excellent Sanctuary. field observer and through The Government has issued his great love of books, in a document asking for this case bird books, had a “Expressions of Interest” broad knowledge of birds Bob Snell for areas not covered by the and their ways. He loved International Bird

birds in the best sense, in Sanctuary. This is that he recognised their wondrous CONSERVATION SUB- somewhat confusing as they are still ways, their beauty and their COMMITTEE seeking to sell it as a going concern – complexity. To paraphrase Simon Tolderol i.e. as a saltfield. The International Barnes ‘he didn’t go birdwatching, Preparations have been made for a Bird Sanctuary is not included in the he was a bird watcher’. watering trial at Tolderol Game sale but our contacts indicate that the Bob had many passionate interests Reserve. The watering has been Government have not yet finalised its and birds was but one, even if planned for mid- to late spring (mid boundaries. They will soon be probably the most important to him. October). The aim is to provide appointing a person to get the as was clear from the tributes at his summer watering for migratory sanctuary moving ahead. memorial service in Mt Barker, he shorebirds. Volunteers have been John Spiers touched people in many other invited to get involved by monitoring spheres. He pursued all these activity while the migrants are interests with high intelligence: present. Instructions and forms have been distributed in the e-newsletter.

Birds SA Newsletter, November 2014 5 Birds SA Notes & News (cont)

NATURE PLAY DAY AT CARRIK HILL

Dear Brian et al,

We attended the Nature Play Day at Carrick Hill on Sunday (with Jan’s 5yr old granddaughter) and were very impressed with the Birds SA stand & the friendliness Merinda & her fellow helpers showed towards the young children.

Jorja was very happy to get her own list of Backyard Birds ( “so I can do what Poppa does!” ) and although this was towards the end of the day she had to get a pen from the car & mark off what she already seen. (wouldn’t do Kookaburra tho ‘cos she hadn’t seen it – only heard it Poppa!)

I picked her up from school on Monday & the first comment was – ‘I saw another bird today Grandma & I need to tick it off. So cute. Who knows how long the interest will last but thank you guys so much for encouraging her and all the others who attended a wonderful day.

Regards,

Ross Brittain & Janette Diment What a wonderful email, a true testament to what we are trying to achieve !! I would like to thank very graciously Merinda and Terri without whose help at the Nature Play Day at Carrick Hill Merinda on Sunday November 9th the Hyland day would not have gone ahead. Terri made origami birds with (standing) and the Birds SA website on it, and Terri Randle stamped the passports of over 110 children! We had the stand set up with a checklist of the common birds in the Carrick Hill area and armed with clipboards, the list and pens we sent families off for the day to identify the birds in the Carrick Hill backyard. We also copied enough sheets for families to take home and identify the birds in their backyards. Birds in Your Backyard program very Merinda kindly Express Posted us bird with trading cards and bookmarks to Apprentice give out on the day, which were Bird- a real hit with the children. It was a very busy day, the watchers busiest our group has enjoyed to date 139 families registered for the day, and we all felt it was a huge success. Thanks again Merinda and Terri and Brian Blaylock ! Lou Bartley-Clements

6 Birds SA Newsletter, November 2014 Noisy Miners Different Views on Noisy Miners Timely response, by e-mail to the Against Noisy Miners radio station(s)/program(s) and on- I agree with David. Noisy Miners are In Support of Noisy Miners line via their Facebook page(s) opportunistic mobbing birds that take Public expressions of a negative seemed to have very little effect. A advantage of a habitat niche of open nature relating to the Noisy Miner posting on South Aussie Birding and woodland (for example modified seem to be increasing, both in Australian Bird Identification parklands with no understorey) and number and degree of negativity. (Facebook) pages got a much better bully other birds away. The problem They range from: general comments response and generated some can be resolved easily, but over time. about miners being 'a problem' or 'a discussion. For example, I moved to Macclesfield in the Adelaide Hills 25 pest', or people saying 'I hate miner- I have been concerned for some time years ago on 1 acre of land, next door birds'; to a prominent radio with the simplistic denigration of this to open pasture/bushland, with personality with a country wide species and thought this was dominant large remnant Blue gums listener-ship, repeatedly blaming this something other SAOA members and very little understory. The bird species for a reduction in avifaunal might also be concerned about. Do count was about 25 species. diversity in his part of urban Sydney. they share my view, in relation to the I started to plant various native More recently there seems to have ecological responses of this species understorey species, Casuarinas, been an escalation, with two local to environmental change and to the Melaleucas, Hakeas, Grevilleas, radio announcers joking about need for education of the general Wattles (pycnantha and paradoxa) shooting at Noisy Miners in the public about these and related Callitris, Correas, Eremophilas, backyard. Then the last straw, for matters? native grasses, native lillies, and me, a clear description of the Jim McNamara other ground covers. I left plenty of application of oil-sprays to clutches fallen timber and leaf litter on the of eggs, in order to addle them, by an A Qualified Approach ground, so that my place is now 'expert zoologist' and a 'garden guru' 1. Common Myna and Noisy Miner considered by the local CFS to be a discussing problem birds in are often confused. However fire hazard! Also, over that time, Adelaide. Were they looking forward there is literature that shows many local native species of plants, to a kind of 'final solution' for Noisy Noisy Miners have the capacity such as various lillies, hardenbergias Miners? Surely the vilification of the to reduce bird communities and and grasses have naturally re- noisy miner has gone too far. as a consequence the species is emerged. Firstly the miner is one of the very listed as a threatening process in Now, 25 years on, I have one acre of a mixed and diverse habitat from few successful native species that NSW and possibly Victoria. good ground cover, lower canopy, have coped with our disruption and 2. Every situation is probably mid canopy species attracting destruction of native habitats, in the different, but there would need to upwards of about 70-80 species of establishment of our urban be a reasonable summary of the birds over the past 20 years. environments. In a situation where evidence to show whether or not Noisy Miners have been well most other native bird species have they do actually affect bird established in Macclesfield for about failed to cope with the changes we communities the last 15 years. I hear Noisy Miners have wrought, it seems the height of There is some truth in Jim’s opinion in my neighbour’s block, which has irony if not an exquisite example of but there will be places where they no understorey, and along the human perversity, to then decide to are of concern versus places where roadside gum trees. However, I persecute Miners, for their very they are not, but have the potential to rarely see them on my block as they success. be. What is actually missing in Jim’s have to compete with the many Secondly, as a member of our native letter is that Noisy Miners have honeyeater species, Wattlebirds, fauna it is protected under relevant benefited from vegetation clearance Grey Shrike Thrushes, Superb Fairy- South Australian law, along with (removal of understorey shrubs) and wrens, Red-browed Finches, almost all other native birds. there should be some comment on Magpies, pardalotes, thornbills, There may of course be confusion how to manage or reduce their spread Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoos, 5 with the names: myna, mynah-bird, and prominence, for example by parrot species, Crested Pigeons, and miner or 'miner-bird', leading to habitat modification or other Bronze-winged Pigeons and a kind of nominal fallacy by which procedures. occasional Crested Shrike-tits, legitimate campaigns against the David Paton Black-faced Cuckoo-shrikes, Indian Myna, an introduced pest Horsefield’s Bronze-Cuckoos, species established in the eastern Boobook Owls, Willie Wagtails, states, may be bleeding through to us goshawks etc. that now occupy the various niches of a much healthier here to the detriment of this local habitat on my small piece of land . native honeyeater. John Gitsham

Birds SA Newsletter, November 2014 7 FLEURIEU PENINSULA sessions, was subdued to say the yet to have their breeding season WHITE-BELLIED SEA-EAGLE least! calendars set ‘correctly’. UPDATE Then in mid-May, suddenly there Despite yet another year without a Unfortunately we can only report yet were two eagles! Flight activity and recruitment contribution to the another non-productive year at the frequency increased when the new struggling sea-eagle population in Waitpinga White-bellied Sea-Eagle ‘guy’ showed up. With fingers- SA from this territory (last successful territory. A pair is still present there, crossed the pair were given the ‘total in 2008), these new young players but it has been a year of unexpected privacy’ period during the usual are ‘on notice’ that after all that has surprises. Yet another new, barely intensive nest repair and critical egg- been done to improve the refuge adult, eagle settled into the territory laying period (June–July) before the quality at Waitpinga, there are high in May. We think the older male has first covert long-distance assessment expectations of them for the 2015 been replaced, but this has yet to be of the nest in late August. Then it breeding season! confirmed. was found that although the nest had A boat-based WBSE nest check on There was early concern through been repaired and lined there was no November 12th failed to reveal any summer and into autumn as only one indication that egg laying had new information. eagle seemed to be frequenting the occurred. A second boat-based We sure hope they will breed in West Island sea-bird ‘cafeteria’, and survey in September also failed to 2015. using the flyway toward Waitpinga. indicate breeding behaviour. Another Terry Dennis and Elizabeth Steele- Needless to say the mood out on the boat-based survey was planned for Collins cliffs without the usual spectacular mid-November on the outside chance courtship flights and duetting that this now young eagle pair may

White-bellied Sea Eagle Photographed by Elizabeth Steel-Collins from Waitpinga cliffs on 18th January 2014

8 Birds SA Newsletter, November 2014 Past General Meetings FRIDAY JULY 26 — MEMBERS’ Wandering Whistling Duck, Cook’s Sea Lions, which are very tame as NIGHT Petrel, American Golden Plover, well, as of the following birds – John Hatch reported that he had White-throated Nightjar, Pied Blue-footed Booby, Nazca Booby, received 10 offers of speakers for the Currawong, Tawny Grassbird and Red-billed Tropicbird, Waved evening. He had selected six and the Plum-headed Finch. Newly Albatross, Lava Gull, Swallow-tailed other four would be held off until the recognized species are Western Gull, Galapagos Hawk, Galapagos next members’ night. There was a Grasswren and Nullarbor Dove, Large-billed Flycatcher, diverse range of topics. Quailthrush. Hyphens have been Greater Flamingo, Brown Pelican, removed in common names e.g. American Oystercatcher, Wandering Peter Gower showed photographs of Black-Cockatoo to Black Cockatoo, Tattler, Least Sandpiper, Magnificent Kimberley birds taken on a trip with Bronze-Cuckoo to Bronze Cuckoo, Frigatebird, and Yellow Warbler. bird guide George Swann. Also on Fairy-wren to Fairywren. Darwin’s finches such as the Ground the trip were Karen and John Donkin. Andrew spoke about the split up of Finch, Warbler Finch and Cactus The main reason for the trip was to the honeyeater genus Lichenostomus Finch were difficult to identify. see and photograph the Black following extensive DNA analysis Grasswren. They saw 170 species on into seven genera. It now comprises John Fennell showed photographs the trip but not the Black Grasswren. Caligavis (Yellow-faced of many birds and one mammal seen Birds photographed included Square- Honeyeater), Gavicalis (Singing on a trip with his grandson to the tailed Kite, Northern Shriketit, Honeyeater), Nesoptilotis (White- “Galapagos of the Southern Ocean” Northern Fantail, Silver-crowned eared Honeyeater), Ptilotula — the Sub-Antarctic Islands of Friarbird, Variegated Fairywren, (Fuscous, Grey-headed, Yellow- Australia and New Zealand — in Buff-sided Robin, Partridge Pigeon, plumed, White-plumed and Grey- December 2013. They cruised past Purple-crowned Fairywren, Gouldian fronted Honeyeater). The Purple- The Snares, landed on Enderby Finch, and Red-headed Honeyeater. gaped and Yellow-tufted Honeyeater Island in Auckland Island group and remain in Lichenostomus. No species also Campbell Island and Macquarie Teresa Jack showed many are found in South Australia in the Island. photographs taken by spotlight at Old remaining genera Bolemoreus and John showed photographs of Snares Noarlunga (Nankeen Night Heron), Stromiopera. Crested Penguin, Auckland Island around Yorke Peninsula (Painted Finally Andrew said that work was Tomtit, Auckland Island Cormorant, Buttonquail, Stubble Quail, Tawny currently being undertaken and that Auckland Island Teal, Double- Frogmouth), Monarto (Tawny there could be additional “new” banded Plover (endemic race), Frogmouth, Southern Boobook), species in the future. Subantarctic Snipe, Yellow-eyed Freeling (Southern Boobook, Tawny Penguin, Red-crowned Lorikeet, Frogmouth) and Hamley Bridge Barbara Bansemer described the Hooker’s Sea Lion, Campbell Island (Southern Boobook, Tawny trip that she took with Peter on a Cormorant, Southern Royal Frogmouth, Eastern Barn Owl, cheap trip by Air Asia to Siem Reap, Albatross, Grey-headed Albatross, Australian Owlet-nightjar). Cambodia and Kuala Lumpur, Campbell Albatross, Cape Petrel, Malaysia in November 2013. They Light-mantled Albatross, Gentoo Andrew Black gave a talk on “New visited Angkor Watt, the bird Penguin, King Penguin, Royal names on SA Bird List”. It covered sanctuary Preak Toal in Tonle Sap Penguin, Southern Giant Petrel, new birds for SA, newly recognised Lake. In KL they visited the Kuala Brown Skua and Elephant Seal,. species, new evidence for the future, Lumpur Bird Sanctuary. They were new genera and new names for old. puzzled by a bird that was named These changes have been published Rainbow Lorikeet, as it did not look online as Horton, Blaylock and Black like the one here in Australia. Further (2013) – Census of South Australian research showed them that 22 sub- Vertebrates (4th edition) – Section 3 species are spread across South-East Birds Asia. (http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/f iles/4da011ed-ac0d-4fc8-ad71- Peter McKenzie gave a brief a24900ae5f9b/vertebrates-census- glimpse of some of the reptiles and birds-gen.pdf) and reflect the birds seen on a trip to the Galapagos classification and names used in the in January 2014. The Galapagos are a IOC World Bird List (Gill & group of islands on the equator about Donsker). 1000 km W of Ecuador. Only five of New species for South Australia the islands are inhabited. Peter added in this census include showed photographs of Galapagos

Birds SA Newsletter, November 2014 9 Past General Meetings (cont) FRIDAY AUGUST 29 The Samphire Coast Icon John Hatch said that he had never Project aims to: seen as many people at a meeting • Improve community since Graham Pizzey spoke at our stewardship for iconic previous venue, AMDEL. John samphire and shorebird areas gave a brief introduction to John • Provide a framework for Young. He was born in New South strategic conservation efforts Wales but now resides in by all the partners involved – Queensland. He is an old fashioned including local communities naturalist. John Hatch then • Ensure the long-term introduced John Young to talk on conservation of this “The Rediscovery of the Night significant area and its natural Parrot.” assets John was born and raised on a cattle station in the New England District Habitats along the Samphire and remained there until 1990. It Coast include: was a long journey to find the Night • Extensive tidal flats — Parrot, the holy grail of Australian primary shorebird feeding ornithology. His search for the John Young and roosting habitat Night Parrot began in 1991 Photographed by Peter Gower • Clay pans — primary following its discovery by Walter breeding habitat of Red-capped Boles and Wayne Longmore near FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 26 Plovers; secondary feeding and Boulia in South-western Queensland. John Hatch welcomed Jean Turner, roosting habitat of some This bird had probably been stuck in Stewardship Project Officer, Birdlife migratory shorebirds; critical a car grille. John first heard a Night Australia and Tony Flaherty, Coast habitat of the nationally Parrot in 1998 and spent the next 15 and Marine Manager, Natural vulnerable Bead Samphire years and 17,000 hours searching. Resources – Adelaide & Mount (Tecticornia flabelliformis) Fortescue Metals have provided Lofty Ranges – to talk on the • Mangroves and tidal creeks — $1,000,000 in funding over a three- “Samphire Coast Icon Project – feeding and roosting habitat for year period. Conservation Outcomes for some shorebird species Using a recording he had made Shorebirds”. • Artificial freshwater wetlands — previously, he was able to call up a Jean offered an apology for Aleisa complementary feeding and bird on 25 May 2013 at an Lamanna who was unable to attend roosting for some shorebirds; undisclosed location in the Lake Eyre and thanked Tony Flaherty for filling significant for freshwater Basin, Western Queensland. On 26 in. specialists May he again called up a bird and The project area extends from • Dry Creek Saltfields — habitat took over 600 photographs and made Parham to Port Adelaide and is an for a significant proportion of the a 17 second video which he showed important area for coastal Gulf St Vincent shorebird to the meeting. The video showed biodiversity and an important population; high tide roosts; that the Night Parrot hops along the shorebird feeding and roosting feeding opportunities not limited open ground before disappearing into habitat. There are sixteen key sites by tides; drought refuge for the triodia. He was able to collect across four local government areas. nomadic species feathers for DNA testing. The habitat Jean spoke about the project’s aims, • Coastal shrub lands — an integral where he found the Night Parrot is in the different habitats, bird species, part of the mosaic of habitats; Triodia longiceps, which is up to 35- threats, achievements, and priorities significant value for coastal bush 40 years old. The birds venture out for the future and community birds, reptiles, invertebrates and into nearby chenopod scrublands to engagement. plants feed. The project’s priorities are based on The Upper Gulf St Vincent is rich John has had a very good working those identified in the Metropolitan in shorebirds: relationship with the landowner and Adelaide and Northern Coastal • 52 species of shorebirds recorded has been able to obtain funding to Action Plan. This planning process, in the Samphire Coast area (out protect the Night Parrot. The main completed in 2009, identified of 78 known in Australia) threats to the survival of the Night biodiversity assets, threats and risks, • 13 species in internationally Parrot are cats and fires. Cats live and priorities across a broad range of significant numbers along the creek lines and are a source parameters. of food for Dingoes.

10 Birds SA Newsletter, November 2014 Past General Meetings (cont)/Future General Meetings

• 5 species in nationally significant control has its obvious direct options for habitat retreat numbers benefits. • Saltmarsh restoration trials • 20,000 - 27,000 at any one time • Community and Volunteer • Shorebird conservation activities in the summer months Engagement (25 events, 702 (including habitat retention and • Meets criteria for inclusion in the participants, 532 new protecting key sites from East Asian–Australasian Flyway participants) – OzAsia Festival, disturbance) site network, and Ramsar Red-capped Plover monitoring • Protection of designated Wetlands of International • Shorebird habitat optimization - shorebird habitat areas, for Significance. Saltmarsh restoration research example through the National Threats: and trials; Habitat retreat Shorebird Network and under the • Invasive species (animals and assessment Ramsar Convention. plants) Priorities for the future: • Human Impacts (disturbance and • Community awareness and Tony Flaherty gave us an insight on development) stewardship activities, including the work involved in getting the • Climate change / sea level rise workshops, arts and cultural project off the ground and the many Achievements: events, and opportunities to hours of advocacy he had • On ground works (1,087 ha weed become involved in things like undertaken. He mentioned the work control; 15 ha revegetation; 3 km shorebird monitoring done by the Field Naturalists’ fencing; 675 ha fox den mapping • On-ground revegetation, habitat Society in relation to Flinders Chase and fumigation) support the restoration and invasive species in the early 1900s and the Nature project by reducing impacts from control programs coordinated by Conservation Society and their push threats and improving the habitat the region’s Coast Estuarine and to extend national parks in 1982. It condition – for shorebirds, Marine Officers also included discussions with the undertaking activities like fox • Investigating and planning Marine and Coastal Community Network, Natural Resources, District Council of Mallala and Australian NEW MEMBERS Wader Study Group amongst others. We welcome the following new members, who have joined the Some of the money to cover the costs Association in the past few months: for revegetation and other works has come from the Natural Resources

Management Levy. Elizabeth Milner & Garth Wimbush ROSTREVOR June Maxine Boscence HAPPY VALLEY FUTURE GENERAL MEETINGS

Adrian Shackley GAWLER General meetings are held in the Carloyn Lesley Preece ALDGATE Charles Hawker building of the Waite Institute on Waite Road Thomas James Hunt MILE END Urrbrae on the last Friday of every Mike & Jenny Ashton MURRAY BRIDGE month except December, public holidays or prior to a long weekend. Jackie & Michael Crampton LARGS BAY James Dunlop UNLEY The doors are opened at 7pm and meetings start at 7.45pm. Matthew Raymond Angove BELAIR FRIDAY DECEMBER 26 Judith K Lydeamore & R John Halsey UPPER STURT No meeting. Trevor Kent Howe & Nita Jean Maloney GAWLER FRIDAY JANUARY 30 Robert Hill GAWLER WEST TBA Robert Brinsley PARKSIDE FRIDAY FEBRUARY 27 Robert Brandle & Kirrily Blaylock PORT AUGUSTA Vicki Thomson: DNA Mapping. Peter Owen WILLUNGA FRIDAY MARCH 27 If your name has inadvertently been omitted from this list, please Kieren Mitchell: Kiwi Origins and contact our treasurer. His ‘phone number is on p2. Taxonomy.

Birds SA Newsletter, November 2014 11 Past Excursions Mount Lofty Botanic Gardens Wedge-tailed Eagle was having a Grassbirds were also calling and 21 August hard time of it, being continually venturing into the open. It was a pleasant morning for a walk assailed by a party of Australian We walked around the ponds in an around the gardens of Mount Lofty Magpies. anticlockwise direction and observed with 16 people attending. Two of Wet conditions meant that we saw a number of ducks, including Pacific these were people who came along to two species of ducks and one White- Black Duck, Mallard, Pacific Black see what Birds SA has to offer. Hazel faced Heron. There were seven Duck/Mallard hybrid, Grey Teal, and I have not been around for some species of parrots, with Little Corella Chestnut Teal, Australasian time, and I was stupid enough to ask (32) being the most numerous. Of the Shoveler, Freckled Duck and who was leading that day. Only four five species of honeyeater, New Hardhead. Further on at the effluent people kept their mouths shut. Two Holland was the most common with lagoon we saw at least 50 Pink-eared of them were the two newcomers and 20 recorded. The list also included Ducks. the other two were Hazel and I. In Red-browed Finch and European Also present on the various ponds unison, everyone else yelled out Goldfinch. were Hoary-headed Grebes (but no ‘Trevor’. Talk about being set upon! Following lunch and a birdcall for Australasian Grebes), Black-fronted As usual the group spread out and the Gorge, ten members and guests and Red-kneed Dotterels, Purple managed to find 42 species, which moved on to Nixon Skinner Swamphens, Dusky Moorhens, included Eastern Spinebill, Varied Conservation Park. By the time we Eurasian Coots, Nankeen Night Sittella, Red-browed Finch, Zebra arrived, the cloud cover had returned Herons, White-faced Herons, Finch, Golden Whistler, Bassian and birding conditions were more Australian White Ibises and a Thrush and a pair of Collared challenging. There was some mixture of cormorants either by the Sparrowhawk. Lunch was taken just discussion as to whether species seen water or flying overhead. above the lake. on the Myponga Reservoir should be As usual the place was heaving with One of the two new people who included, but the leader resolved that ‘bush birds’, with Superb Fairywrens came along to check us out not only it was inappropriate to include the and other species including New enjoyed the day and the bird count. water birds in the count. A short Holland and White-plumed He went home and realised he had survey resulted in ten species being Honeyeaters, Red Wattlebird, Red- left his binoculars behind. He phoned recorded, with only small numbers of browed Finch, Black-faced Cuckoo- me at home to make arrangements all species. We ended up with four shrike, Kookaburra, Sacred for collecting them. I said of course species of parrot and only one Kingfisher, Dusky Woodswallow, — would you like your Camera back species of honeyeater (Crescent). Galah, Rainbow and Musk Lorikeet as well. He collected both items with One White-throated Treecreeper was and Adelaide Rosella. Numerous a few laughs. I believe he will be included and perhaps the solitary Tree Martins were gathering mud joining us soon. Mistletoebird was the highlight for and several Yellow Thornbills were Trevor Cowie some newer members. seen in the western area along the Brian Walker creek. A notable absence for the day Yankalilla River Gorge and Nixon was any sign of raptors, despite our Skinner Conservation Park Laratinga Wetlands regular scrutiny of the sky. 31 August 13 September Everyone was keen to spot crakes A fine but overcast, morning saw 13 Sixteen people arrived on a glorious although it seemed at first that the members and guests assemble for a spring day to enjoy a walk around doomsayers who predicted there survey of Yankalilla River Gorge. this very interesting artificial wetland would be ‘too much water to see Spring was in the air and the cloud built in 1999 to dispose of treated anything at all’ would be vindicated. cover cleared by mid-morning. wastewater. There was plenty to see However, we found a secluded spot Unfortunately, water levels right from the start with two Red- where the water was low; and, after prevented us from taking the usual rumped Parrots grazing on the grass first seeing a Spotless Crake, a route up the Gorge and some near the car park. In the picnic area, Spotted Crake and a Reed Warbler backtracking and use of a rough track Chestnut Teals and Wood Ducks suddenly popped into view, giving were necessary to work our way up were seen nesting in a tall gum tree. excellent simultaneous views of the Gorge. The air was full of enthusiastic bird these three usually secretive species. The group was rewarded with 41 noises with Reed Warblers being In addition, one member of the group species for the outing. This included very vocal and more visible than is who had gone on a solo walk saw a five species of raptor — Black- often the case. They were flitting Baillon’s Crake on the edge of shouldered Kite, Wedge-Tailed above and between the reed beds. another pond. Eagle, Brown Falcon, Peregrine Further into the wetlands, Little Falcon and Nankeen Kestrel. The

12 Birds SA Newsletter, November 2014 Past Excursions (cont) After our walk we enjoyed the Due to the gloomy conditions it was recorded in the count after lunch with unaccustomed luxuries of the picnic hard to see some birds clearly and we a forty-fourth species (Jacky Winter) ground and congratulated ourselves saw two raptors we were 80% sure being added by an eagle-eyed that we had survived another round were Whistling Kites but it was observer on the way out of the park. of freezing winter outings and were impossible to see any markings. Despite the fact that we saw low now being rewarded with beautiful However, we had no problems with numbers of many species, a good day weather. Overall, it was a very 20 Crimson Rosellas, 2 Musk was had by all.! successful day with a total of 63 Lorikeets, and 8 Galahs. Brian Walker species recorded. Unfortunately, none of the many Ali Ben Kahn Purple-crowned Lorikeets seen on October Campout previous visits in tall Eucalypts Hiltaba Nature Reserve — 2-6 Charleston Conservation Park across the road from the entrance October 2014 18 September were present on the day. Thirty-four people, including five As if in punishment for gloating over The rain held off until we had almost from the Port Augusta Babblers, the beautiful weather we experienced returned to our starting point but then came to Hiltaba to seek out the at Laratinga Wetland the Saturday it set in. So we retreated back to the Short-tailed Grasswren but in the end before, this excursion took place on a tennis courts and had lunch and did only a few were lucky. More people chilly grey morning with the ever- the birdcall in a shelter shed nearby. were able to hear them calling from present threat of rain. Twelve A total of 28 species was recorded the triodia, almost under their feet members and friends gathered at the for the day. but they refused to show themselves. tennis courts in Charleston and then Ali Ben Kahn Following high winds overnight on headed to the park where we did the Sunday most people left on Monday usual anticlockwise Brookfield Conservation Park morning. A total of 84 species was circumnavigation along the edge of 28 September recorded for the long weekend with the scrub. It is likely that the alarming weather two species new to Hiltaba Nature Shortly after the start of the walk we forecasts on ABC radio may have Reserve — Shy Heathwren and came across a single White-winged deterred some people from attending Southern Scrub Robin (heard only). Chough sitting on a nest. Later, on this field trip, but 9 members and 1 There were many young birds about the other side of the park, we saw guest did manage to assemble in including Emu, Brown Currawong another single bird on a nest and it somewhat trying conditions. The (The subspecies of the Grey was interesting that at no time did we weather was warm and accompanied Currawong on Eyre & Yorke see or hear other choughs. They must by gusty winds throughout the day. Peninsulas), Grey Butcherbird, have been around but had obviously The windy conditions probably Crimson Chat, Horsfield’s Bronze- ventured some distance in their meant that many birds were keeping Cuckoo, Banded Lapwing, foraging and did not return during well out of the weather. Australian Magpie, Yellow-throated the 3 hours or so that we were in the The day appeared to be off to a good Miner, Mulga Parrot, Australian area. On the ground near the first start with Splendid Fairywrens and Raven, Western Yellow Robin, nest was an old nest that had fallen single Red-backed Kingfisher Black-capped Sittella, Chestnut- from the tree, presumably during observed at the assembly point. The rumped Thornbill, Willie Wagtail recent windy weather. Luckily it did group made five stops in total and Jacky Winter. A total of $1700 not appear to have been in use at the covering a range of habitats. Only was collected for Nature Foundation time. Southern Whiteface and White- SA from those attending the Seven species of Honeyeater made winged Choughs were seen in large campout. an appearance: Eastern Spinebill (4), numbers (40 of each species). Three Brian Blaylock Crescent (2), Brown-headed (9), Stubble Quail were flushed at the White-naped (4), White-plumed (7), first stop and gave the party a bit of Scott Creek Conservation Park Yellow-faced (6) and Red Wattlebird exercise in trying to relocate them. 11 October (3). We also saw an assortment of We enjoyed our lunch in close A dozen Birds SA members attended Thornbills which prompted some proximity to a puddle in the track and the Scott Creek excursion, led by Les discussion as to which was which we were rewarded with several Peters who knows the area well, (Bill/Enid and others where were you honeyeaters taking a bath. being a member of the local Friends when we needed you?) but in the end Despite searching in the usual group. 45 species were seen in the we were satisfied that we had seen 10 locations we were unable to locate morning to noon, which started out Yellow, 2 Buff-rumped and 6 Chestnut-backed Quailthrush, overcast with a cool breeze blowing Striated Thornbills. Southern Scrub Robin or Gilbert’s but improved after a couple of hours Whistler. Forty-three species were into a pleasant, sunny day. Birds

Birds SA Newsletter, November 2014 13 Past Excursions (cont)/Future Excursions were relatively quiet during the 16 October FUTURE EXCURSIONS morning but there were enough A dozen people met at the Port species spotted consistently to keep Noarlunga Oval on a cool and Contact: Lynton Huxley the group active and on their toes. overcast, but otherwise fine, morning Field Trip Co-ordinator Eight honeyeater species were seen with a rising tide. Sixty pelicans and Phone: 0498 466 092 or 08 7009 including a dozen White-naped two Caspian Terns were sitting in the 5038 Honeyeaters (many near the car middle of the river on our arrival. In Email: [email protected] park), 6 Brown-headed Honeyeaters the rather dim light, distinguishing a potential Marsh Sandpiper from a and 25 New Holland Honeyeaters If you are prepared to lead one or Greenshank proved difficult. The including a number of dependent excursion to the hill overlooking the more of the trips listed below, young. Yellow-faced Honeyeaters river mouth was unrewarding. Given please will you notify the Field were also sighted. White-browed the off-leash dogs and the tyre prints Trip Coordinator (FTC) before the Scrubwrens were active near the car in the sand, the absence of Hooded date/s of those trip/s. Your park and one was seen disappearing Plovers was not surprising. Two leadership will enhance the into shrubbery near the watercourse immature Pacific Gulls were seen experience of members with a caterpillar for its young. amongst the Silver Gulls and Crested participating in the trip/s and Brown Thornbills were clearly seen Terns. The area around the effluent assist the FTC with updating our entering a well-woven nest perched ponds harboured the most birds. A extensive records of past above head height in an acacia Freckled Duck spotted amongst the excursions. On some occasions, it alongside the walking trail and not Grey Teal on the roadside pond was may be necessary for members far from the lunch site near the old greeted enthusiastically, as was the attending a field trip to appoint a cottage ruin. A Striated Pardalote Common Sandpiper on the river leader to guide the group and a was seen nesting in a hollow beneath itself. A Purple Swamphen had a scribe to write a report of the a clump of mistletoe. Highlights for couple of young and a Grey Shrike excursion. The report, submitted the day included the numerous native Thrush was trying to rid itself of a to the FTC, must include the plants in flower including a number begging youngster. Australian Reed number of attendees, birds seen or of orchid species. Spider Orchids Warblers and Little Grassbirds were heard, the weather and any other grew from the cracks in the path. A heard rather than seen. The effluent interesting events on the day. Both ponds were completely fenced off White-throated Treecreeper was seen leadership and scribe duties can be but Red-kneed and Black-fronted hunting for insects on the rough shared. eucalypt trunks and excellent Dotterel could still be made out on the pond edges. They would spotting by Hazel Cowie gave most probably have been found to be more Hot Weather Protocol of the group a good view of a Sacred co-operative if there had been an Members are reminded of the Kingfisher. Two Fan-tailed Cuckoos observation hide, especially as the following summer protocol: were seen as well as seven Yellow- walk from the Perry Bend reserve If a fire ban is in effect or the tailed Black Cockatoos flying yielded few wetland birds because predicted temperature is 36C or overhead, four Kookaburras, four the whole park was mainly dry. The above in the area of a scheduled Golden Whistlers, including a furthest pond had just a boggy patch walk, the walk is automatically brightly coloured male visible from in the middle. Only a couple of cancelled. This will not affect Salt the roadside, three Wedge-tailed White-faced and a White-necked Field trips, or Laratinga-type sites in Eagles and a single Spotted Heron were present. As towns, which may proceed. Pardalote. Near the dam on the edge compensation, an obliging Golden- of the park, close to the private headed Cisticola sat still for some Information including Google Map, properties, a family of Australian minutes in full view before GPS location details and a bird Wood Ducks were startled from their demonstrating its display flight. A species list for each excursion site is sleep, including 10 very young Horsfield’s Bronze-Cuckoo also available from the Birds SA website chicks. Disappointingly, along provided a good view. Superb Fairy (see User Menu – Go Birding). Matthews Road a group of four wrens, Red Wattlebirds, White- plumed and New Holland Australian White Ibis were seen dead Sunday 30 November: Horsnell Honeyeaters were common in the in a pile by the side of the road. It Gully Conservation Park (MLR) bushland, but there were few was suspected that these had (12km) lorikeets (mainly Musk). Raptors probably been poisoned and dumped. Meet at 8.30am. Travel up the Old were even more rare — a Collared There did not appear to be any Norton Summit Road and turn right Sparrowhawk appeared on a couple visible injuries on these unfortunate into Horsnell Gully Road. This leads of occasions and a probable Hobby individuals and this species was not to a quarry gate just prior to which, once. Nevertheless, everyone was recorded on the record form. on the right, is a track leading into satisfied with a total of 74 species for the park. Alan John Burns the morning. Onkaparinga Wetlands Hazel and Trevor Cowie

14 Birds SA Newsletter, November 2014 Future Excursions (cont)/Bird Records

Saturday, 13 December: Sunday, 1 February 2015: Whites BIRD RECORDS Dry Creek Salt Fields, St Kilda Road Wetlands, Globe Derby Park (AP) (26km) (AP) (16km) Collated by Graham Carpenter Meet by the gate at the end of Radar Meet at the car park entrance for the Records included here are of species Road, St Kilda at 7.30am. This is an wetlands on Whites Road, Globe listed as rarely observed or early start due to the time of the high Derby Park at 8.30am. Heading north unrecorded in the regions listed in tide (2.25m) at 8.15am. To get there, on the Port Wakefield Road turn left the Field List of the Birds of South turn left from Port Wakefield Road onto Globe Derby Drive (just prior to Australia. Also included are onto St Kilda Road. From St. Kilda Globe Derby Park) and continue on interesting breeding or ecological Road, turn right onto Radar Road this road until it meets Whites Road. notes, new records for a well-known locality or first of the season reports (dirt and barrier) actually called Turn right and continue to the end. of migratory species. Samphire Road. As per normal The park entrance is on the left. Please send all reports to the Bird request please bring your two-way Records Secretary at radio if you have one. Saturday, 14 February 2015: [email protected] or Mannum Waterfalls Reserve phone 8297 5463. Thursday, 18 December 2014: (MM) (85km) Note that the list includes reports of Nurragi Conservation Reserve This reserve is on the Mannum side rare or vagrant species to South (MM) (68km) of the bridge over Reedy Creek Australia that may yet to have been Meet at 8.30am at the junction of the about 9 km south of Mannum or 22 submitted or formally accepted by Finniss-Milang Road and Nurragi km north of Murray Bridge. Meet at the Birds SA Rarities Committee Road. There is a small roadway 8.30am in the reserve’s car park. (SARC). Members are encouraged to triangle 1.8km north of this junction submit records of rare and vagrant where a narrow corridor of Mallee Thursday, 19 February 2015: Sturt species in SA to the Committee (refer scrub crosses Nurragi Road. This Gorge Recreation Park (MM) to list of species and information on National Trust of SA reserve runs (11km) the website). along the old railway corridor Meet in the car park at the end of between Sandergrove and Milang for Mountbatten Road, Bellevue Heights Ostrich about 12 km. Stiles provide easy at 8.30am. 1, 14/7/2014. Wilkatanna Stn, NW. access on both sides of the road to a Langdon, P. et al. walking track along the old railway Sunday, 1 March 2015: Montacute Presumed progeny of a feral embankment of the former Milang Conservation Park (MLR) (20km) population released in area in the spurline. Meet at the entrance to the park at the 1920s. end of Valley Road, Montacute at Saturday, 10 January 2015: Dry 8.30am. Emu Creek Salt Fields, St Kilda (AP) 2, 20/10/2014. Ashton, MLR. (26km) PORT AUGUSTA GROUP Cole, P. Meet by the gate at the end of Radar Sunday 14 December 2014 Captive birds were released in Para Road, St Kilda at 7.00am. This is an Australian Arid Lands Botanic Wirra NP in the 1960s, now ranging early start due to the time of the high Garden. Meet in car park at 7:30 widely through the Mount Crawford tide (2.41m) at 7.42am. To get there, am. Followed by lunch in the Cafe. area. turn left from Port Wakefield Road onto St Kilda Road. From St. Kilda Brown Quail Road, turn right onto Radar Road 10, 25/8/2014. Granite Island, MLR. (dirt and barrier) actually called Zanker, R. Samphire Road. As per normal 1, 20/9/2014. St Kilda Saltfields, request please bring your two-way west track, AP. radio if you have one. Brooker, W. 3, 15/9/2014. Coorong NP, Mark Pt, Thursday, 22 January 2015: MM. Tolderol Game Reserve, Lake Allen, J. Alexandrina (LA) (85km) 1, 5/7/2014. Kingston-on-Murray Meet at 8.30am. Take the road from caravan park, MM. Langhorne Creek to Wellington for Allen, J. approximately 5km and turn right Several, 12/4/2014. Eaglehawk into Dog Lake Road. Continue over a Waterhole, SE. cross road, past a farm on the left Birdlife SE hand side, pass through a gate, turn Fewer reports this spring. left on reaching the T-junction. Leave gates as you find them.

Birds SA Newsletter, November 2014 15 Bird Records (cont)

Common Pheasant White-necked Heron 1, 4/11/2014. River Light, 8 km NE 2. 27/8/2014. Seal Bay Rd. KI. 2. 26/10/2014. Greenfields Wetlands, Mallala, AP. Wickham, C. Magazine Rd, AP. Taylor, P.W. Has the potential to become Connelly, H. established as a feral population on 7, 19/10/2014. Greenfields Wetlands, Spotless Crake the island, like the Indian Peafowl. Magazine Rd, AP. Heard, 14/7/2014. Gawler East, Brooker, W. South Para River, MLR Musk Duck 1, 15/10/2014. Cygnet River, Tagell's Belder, D. Female, 10/10/2014. Breakout Creek Lagoon, KI. mouth, AP. Baxter, C. Australian Bustard Edey, D. Few reports on KI, coinciding with 1, 12/8/2014. 50 km S Hawker, FR. their irruptions into the Mount Lofty Foster, M. Blue-billed Duck Ranges region. 3, 9/9/2014. Onkaparinga wetlands, Pied Oystercatcher MLR. Glossy Ibis pair + 2 young, 28/10/2014. Bald Brooker, W. 8, 26/10/2014. Greenfields Wetlands, Hill beach, AP. 185, 28/4/2014. Lake Edward, SE. Magazine Rd, AP. Taylor, P.W. Haywood, B. Hatch, J. Few reports of nesting in Gulf St A very large group for this species. Vincent. White-bellied Sea-eagle Freckled Duck 1, 15/9/2014. Coorong NP, Mubin- Curlew Sandpiper 300, 25/8/2014. Duck Lagoon, KI. Yerook Pt, MM. 280, 29/8/2014. St Kilda Saltfields, Baxter, C. Allen, J. AP. 150, 25/9/2014. Duck Lagoon, KI. 1 imm, 26/8/2014. Waikerie, MM. Rogers, C. Connelly, H. Flying upstream. A relatively large number following 350, 8/2014. Millicent, Lake Harper, D. catastrophic declines in recent years. McIntyre, SE. 1, 5/11/2014. 2 km SW Point Sturt, Pounsett, R. MM. Latham's Snipe Doecke, N. 43, 14/9/2014. Robe, Fox Lake, SE. Australian Shelduck 1, 3/11/2014. 1.5 km NE Wirrina, Alcorn, R. & M. 2000, 9/11/2014. Middle Beach to MLR. 8, 25/10/2014. Robe, Fox Lake, SE. Port Wakefield Rd, AP. Flying south. Doecke, N. Dare, A. & G. MacIlwain, E. 1 imm, 4/8/2014. Light Beach, AP. 1, 14/9/2014. White's Rd wetland, A large group for the Adelaide area. Noble, C. et al. AP. Small nos. are known to breed in Red Noble, C. & Walker, B. Gums along the lower parts of the Square-tailed Kite Gawler River. 2, 26/10/2014. Para Wirra NP, MLR. Wood Sandpiper Pair at nest. 1, 28/10/2014. Whyalla CP, EP. On Tawny Frogmouth Gredley, S. dam bank. pr + imm, 11/10/2014. Woodcroft, Ashton, I. & A. MLR. Black Kite Brooker, W. 1, 24/10/2014. St Kilda Saltfields, Painted Button-quail 1, 29/10/2014. North Adelaide, River AP. 1, 2/10/2014. Black Point, YP. Torrens, AP. Bird sitting on nest. Hatch, J. Observed making platelets (small Stracey, K. 1, 7/9/2014. Vivonne Bay, KI. circular bare areas) in leaf litter First report of breeding in the Baxter, C. while feeding. metropolitan area for many years. Few reports from KI. Tiller, M.

Cattle Egret Brolga White-winged Black Tern 4, 14/8/2014. Kaurna Park wetlands, 9, 4/9/2014. Witchelina Stn, 1, 24/10/2014. St Kilda Saltfields, AP. Murrumbidgee WH, NW. AP. Zanker, R. Black, A. Hatch, J. 1, 25/10/2014. Gawler River, AP. 1, 25/10/2014. Cook sewage works, Feeding with cattle. Baillon's Crake NW. Hartland, D. 1, 26/10/2014. Greenfields Wetlands, Baxter, D. 3, 28/9/2014. Burton, Springbank Magazine Rd, AP. wetland, AP. Allen, J. Hatch, J.

16 Birds SA Newsletter, November 2014 Bird Records (cont)

Arctic Tern Eastern Koel Black-chinned Honeyeater 1, 28/9/2014. Port MacDonnell, SE. Male, 16/10/2014. Paradise, AP. 4, 26/10/2014. Hindmarsh River, On reef near breakwater with other Heard for previous two weeks. Greenhills, MLR. terns. Neale, R. Dare, A. & G. Green, B. Presumed same bird reported on: 1, 24/10/2014. Two Wells, McCord Presumed same bird reported on: 21/10/2014. Thorndon Park Rd, AP. 5/10/2014. Bartram, K. & Rogers, C. Reservoir, AP. McNamara, J. 11/10/2014. Wood, M. et al. Rogers, C. & Hatch, J. One reported nearby at Willaston in 1, 15/10/2014. Thorndon Park, last NL. Fairy Tern Athelstone, AP 35, 29/8/2014. St Kilda Saltfields, Cellier, G. Olive-backed Oriole AP. A pair was reported in this area last 1, 9/8/2014. Banrock Stn, MM. Rogers, C. year. Waanders, P. A large number for the Adelaide Several reports of single birds along area. Yellow Thornbill the river mostly during spring- 3, 22/8/2014. Berri, Martin's Bend, summer, although on was reported at Sulphur-crested Cockatoo MM. Banrock on 12 May 2013 (SAOA NL 1, 7 &13/9/2014. Mullaquana, EP. Kieskamp, H. 227). Smith, E. A small population occurs in River Presumed aviary escapee, with the Coobah and Dryland Tea-tree tall Hooded Robin nearest natural population in the shrublands along the river. 2, 2/11/2014. 7km SW Balaklava, southern FR. AP. Feeding young. White-throated Warbler Taylor, P.W. Musk Lorikeet 1, 9/8/2014. Stuart Creek- Witchelina Now rarely reported from this 1, 10/8/2014. Blanche Harbour, NW. Stn boundary, NW. region. Langdon, P. Pedler, R. et al. Nearest populations are in the Clare Rarely reported in SA mostly from Fairy Martin Hills and on southern EP, north to the SE in spring. First report for NW 12, 9/9/2014. Onkaparinga wetlands, Cowell. region. The only other report from MLR. northern SA was an uncoloured bird Brooker, W. Blue-winged Parrot at Mungeranie NE on 13 August 30, 10/10/2014. Red Banks, KI. 5, 27/9/2014. Chinaman's Creek, LN. 2011 (SAOA NL 220). Nesting on cliff faces. Only recently Langdon, P. 1, 4/10/2014. Hacks Lagoon CP, SE. established as a breeding bird on KI. 1, 15/10/2014. Kingscote, KI. At campground. Baxter, C. Second report from KI. Allen, J. N. Grootenboer per C. Baxter These birds are presumably Pied Honeyeater travelling south from non-breeding 30, 13/7/2014. Mundallio Stn, FR. areas in northern SA, and are Langdon, P. et al. frequently reported from northern AP coasts at this time. It is not known White-fronted Chat if these birds breed in south-eastern 6, 30/10/2014. Nairne, MLR. SA (including SE region) or migrate Thomas, C. further to Tasmania. Now rarely reported in the MLR region. Bourke's Parrot 100, 14/9/2014. Bon Bon HS, NW. Orange Chat Black, A. 5, 17/8/2014. Noora Evaporation Basin, MM. Horsfield's Bronze-Cuckoo Kieskamp, H. 1, 27/8/2014. Ridgehaven, AP. Zanker, R. Cape Gannett, Black-eared Cuckoo photographed by Kay 1, 29/8/2014. Coorong NP, Loop Rd, Parkin at Portland, Victoria SE. in August 2014 Green, B. Few reports this far south.

Birds SA Newsletter, November 2014 17 From the Library DVD 55 Dare, Greg Birding Tasmania: featuring 75 Australian bird species Produced by Association members Greg and Alana Dare, this 50 minute DVD documentary of birding around Tasmania features 75 Australian species including the 12 Tasmanian endemics, especially the Swift and Orange-bellied Parrots. It takes you right around the island and includes most of the best birdwatching areas. There is also an interview with Dr Tonia Cochrane about conservation of the Forty-spotted Pardalote. You can see a 3 minute trailer on YouTube if you Google ‘Birding Tasmania’ Greg and Alana Dare.

REF 598 HOY Hoyo del, Josep & Nigel J. Collar HBW and Birdlife International illustrated checklist of the birds of the world: volume one non-passerines Barcelona: Lynx, [2014]- ISBN: 9788496553941 This stunning book is the first of a two- volume checklist of the birds of the world. It is a complete checklist whose taxonomy incorporates the most up-to- date information and an exhaustive methodology in a systematic and consistent way. At the same time, it contains illustrations and distribution maps for every bird species in the world, many for the first time.

598.0994 LOW Low, Tim Where song began: Australia's birds and how they changed the world Melbourne, Vic.: Viking, 2014. ISBN: 9780670077960 This is an eye-opening book about the unique nature of Australian birds and their role in ecology and global evolution. He brilliantly explains how our birds came to be so extraordinary, including the large role played by the foods they consume (birds, too, are what they eat), and by our climate, soil, fire, and Australia's legacy as a part of Gondwana.

598.0994 FUR Furby, Brian Tall stories and true: the adventures of a nature lover [Horseshoe Bay, Queensland]: Claudia Gaber, 2014. ISBN: 9780992470104 Brian Furby, a retired scientist and former member of this Association, chronicles, in photography and writing, 20 years of travels across the Australian landscape. Native birds were the main focus of this photographic safari. There are over 500 colour photographs and a wide range of travel anecdotes, many of them very funny.

18 Birds SA Newsletter, November 2014 From the Library (cont)

The National Library of Australia provides access to a wide range of free online databases and journals. To access these eResources you first need to obtain a Library Card. Click on the Get a Library Card and follow the prompts. Once you have registered and have received your login details, you then have access to the electronic resources. The Web address is as follows:

http://www.nla.gov.au/app/eresources/

There are a number of excellent databases covering a wide range of subject areas. For example:

Academic Search Complete covers a broad range of subjects including biology, chemistry, engineering, physics and psychology. It also contains links to other Ebsco databases: Business Source Premier, MasterFILE Premier, Health Source Nursing/Academic, Australia New Zealand Reference Centre, and Consumer Health Complete.

These are just some of the examples of journals available via Academic Search Complete that may interest you :

Full text access to:

Australian Geographic – from 1998

The South Australian Ornithologist from 2011

Informit e-Library — humanities & social sciences covers Agriculture, Arts, Asian Studies, Business, Cultural Studies, Education, Health, Medicine, History, Indigenous Studies, Law, Media, Political Science, Reference, Social Sciences, Science and Technology.

These are just some of the examples of journals available via Informit e-Library — humanities & social sciences that may interest you :

Full text access to:

Australian Field Ornithology from March 2006

South Australian Naturalist from 2008

Sunbird (Journal of Queensland Ornithological Society) from 1970

Wildlife Australia from 2009

Birds SA Newsletter, November 2014 19 A Special Offer! Discount on a New Bird Book is offered to our Members.

The latest addition to the Princeton University Press range of Bird and Natural History guides is: Birds of Australia: A Photographic Guide, by Ian Campbell, Sam Woods and Nick Leseberg.

Members of Birds SA can receive a 20% discount on orders of this book through the Princeton UP website http://press.princeton.edu/titles/10338.html using the Discount Code: P05950.

This book:

! Covers all 714 species of resident birds and regularly occurring migrants

! Features more than 1,100 stunning color photos

! Includes facing-page species accounts, habitat descriptions, and distribution maps

! The ideal photographic guide for beginners and seasoned birders alike

Australia is home to a spectacular diversity of birdlife, from parrots and penguins to emus and vibrant passerines. Birds of Australia: A Photographic Guide covers all 714 species of resident birds and regularly occurring migrants and features more than 1,100 stunning color photographs, including many photos of subspecies and plumage variations never before seen in a field guide. Detailed facing-page species accounts describe key identification features such as size, plumage, distribution, behavior, and voice. This one-of-a-kind guide also provides extensive habitat descriptions with a large number of accompanying photos. The text relies on the very latest IOC taxonomy and the distribution maps incorporate the most current mapping data, making this the most up-to-date guide to Australian birds.

Details of the Photographs on Pages 22 to 24 No: Species Photographer Location Date 1 Varied Sitella Brian Walker Brookfield CP 28/9/2014 2 Barn Owl Teresa Jack Freeling June 2014 3 Bush Stone-curlews Enid Pascoe Possum Park, Bordertown 12/9/2014 4 Little Eagle Kay Parkin Bowra, Qld August 2014 5 Spotted Harrier with lizard Peter Mckenzie Port Augusta Arid Lands Gardens October 2014 6 Yellow-rumped Thornbill Peter Mckenzie Port Augusta Arid Lands Gardens October 2014 7 Baillion’s Crake* Stuart Milde River Light, NE of Mallala 8/11/14 8 Australian Hobby with kill Greg Blackman Ingle Farm 16/9/14 9 Beautiful Firetail Kay Parkin Eaglehawk Neck, Tas. August 2014 10 Spotless Crake** Kevin Williams Laratinga 16/6/2013 11 White-winged Fairy-wren Peter Mckenzie Port Augusta Arid Lands Gardens October 2014 12 Citrine Wagtail Teresa Jack Mudgee, NSW. August 2014

*In the Australian (and overseas) bird literature there seems to be little information about these crakes eating frogs. Their diet consists mainly of insects and vegetation. Paul Taylor wonders if this is an unusual circumstance. Please contact Paul on [email protected] if you can provide Paul with any information about the diet of Baillon’s Crakes.

** The Spotless Crake was Bob Denny’s favourite bird — read about Bob’s love of Laratinga on page 5.

20 Birds SA Newsletter, November 2014 The focus of the 2015 calendar is on the Hooded Plover – a small endangered beach-nesting bird which needs our help if it is going to survive as a species. All proceeds from this calendar support habitat restoration projects and the protection of endangered and vulnerable wildlife on the Fleurieu Peninsula.