Birds SA Newsletter, November 2013 Part 1

Birds SA Newsletter No 228 November 2013

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 Plethora of Parrots Details of these photographs are on p21

2 Birds SA Newsletter, November 2013 CONTENTS SAOA COMMITTEE 2013 – 2014 President’s Letter ……..….……..………..….…4 President David Paton 8344 8891 Birds SA Notes & News ……………………….6 Vice President John Hatch 8362 2820 Miscellaneous Items ………………….…..……8 Vice President John Gitsham 0438900393 Giving Them Wings ………..……………….. 10 Secretary Brian Blaylock 0448822374 Treasurer Brian Walker 8263 3433 Past General Meetings ...………...…..…..……12 Assistant Secretary Kate Buckley 8261 7197 Future General Meetings ……………..………15 Journal Editor Merilyn Browne 8339 6839 Past Excursions ...…………….…...... …....15 Newsletter Editor Cynthia Pyle 8264 5778 Future Excursions …………………...….....….17 Field Program Co-ordinator Lynton Huxley 7009 5038 Bird Records …………..……….….…...... ….17 Bird Record Secretary Graham Carpenter 8297 5463 From the Library ………………….………..…20 Membership Officer Vacant Members’ Photographs……….……….……....21 Member John Spiers 8333 0272 CENTRE INSERT Member Lou Bartley-Clements 0418858037 SAOA HISTORICAL SERIES NUMBER 46, Member Robert Rowland 83881790 Member Jody Gates 83916342 WILLIAM THOMAS ANGOVE Member Rebecca Zanker 0413426355

DIARY Following is a list of Birds SA activities for the next few FURTHER USEFUL CONTACTS months. Further details of all these activities are given later in Librarian Karen Donkin 0402123960 the newsletter. Image Librarian John Spiers 8333 0272 email [email protected] Dec 1 Sunday Excursion to Scott Creek CP Campout Organiser Graham Bate 8270 3041 Dec 14 Saturday Excursion to Magazine Rd. wetlands  RELATED ASSOCIATIONS Jan 11 Saturday Excursion to Whites Rd. wetlands BirdLife Southeast SA Jan 23 Thursday Excursion to Sir Richard Peninsula Convenor, — Bob Green [email protected] 8725 0549 Jan 31 Friday General Meeting IBA Coordinator/Newsletter Editor — Bryan Haywood [email protected] 8726 8112  Fleurieu Birdwatchers Feb 2 Sunday Excursion to Dry Creek Salt Fields Contact Person Judith Dyer 8555 2736 Email [email protected] Feb 15 Saturday Excursion to Sandy Creek CP Feb 20 Thursday Excursion to Altona Reserve WEBSITE birdssa.asn.au Feb 28 Friday General Meeting 2013 SAOA SUBSCRIPTIONS  Single membership $50 Family/household membership $60 March 2 Sunday Excursion to Riverglades Wetlands Single concession* $45 Family/household concession* $55 Cover photo: Rainbow Bee-eaters taken by Jan Aamodt at Student members (full-time students under 25 years) $10 Sevenhill, Clare on 31/1/2013 *Pensioners and people experiencing financial hardship can obtain 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 7.00pm. ADVERTISING IN THE Birds SA

Committee meetings are held at the above venue on the second NEWSLETTER SAOA relies on the integrity of advertisers for the quality and nature Monday of each month, starting at 7.30pm. of their products and services. We cannot guarantee them. Advertising is charged as follows: $1.00 per line, up to $20.00 per quarter page and Donations to the Birds SA Conservation Fund are tax- 10c per inserted leaflet (single sheet). The committee reserves the right deductible to lower or waive these fees.

New Members COPY DEADLINE Copy for the February Newsletter is due by the January General We welcome 6 new members who have recently joined the Meeting (January 31) Contributions, ‘Word’ format preferred, can be Association. Their names are listed on p5. recorded on a CD, emailed to either of my email addresses, or typed/handwritten neatly.

• [email protected] • [email protected]

Printed by Abbott Printers and Stationer

Birds SA Newsletter, November 2013 3 President’s Letter

SA Bird Atlas

More than 150 individuals have contributed to the 2012-14 bird atlas to date. For all of you who have contributed a big thank you. However there is still more to do. By the time you read this there will be just 6-7 months of the atlas to go.

The extent to which the Adelaide region and Kangaroo Island have been covered to date is shown in Figures 1 and 2.

Figure 1. Numbers of cards with bird lists received within the Adelaide region July 2012 – September 2013 for each10 km x 10km grid square.

easting 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 northing 623 3 2 1 3 4 1 8 7 12 622 2 3 3 6 1 2 1 5 4 4 5 5 621 6 1 1 13 1 6 15 8 9 620 3 5 9 1 2 1 3 3 14 5 5 14 619 4 3 1 4 4 3 14 12 618 9 4 8 6 3 10 1 3 617 7 3 2 2 3 11 12 2 3 2 7 14 616 11 5 25 44 1 2 4 21 615 8 4 12 70 33 10 4 1 8 5 614 24 33 34 24 8 1 8 5 613 59 91 55 25 20 3 3 2 3 3 612 63 115 108 6 4 16 9 10 611 25 39 40 36 6 45 12 15 3 9 610 1 21 23 14 14 3 32 14 13 5 2 14 609 12 13 11 12 4 2 14 23 6 3 10 1 608 2 28 8 41 8 15 25 32 30 33 607 10 39 11 33 58 67 3 4 23 13 606 7 20 3 7 30 15 41 74 42 31 33 4 605 5 17 19 6 19 6 1 19 19 13 22 604 6 28 603 3 6 602 35 26 6 601 54 25 600 4 70 599 26

The aim of the current atlas is to repeat the atlases that were done in 1974-75 and in 1984-85 and to compare the current 2012-14 distributions with the historical distributions recorded in the two previous periods of intensive sampling. One of the requirements for making the atlases comparable is to secure at least similar coverage. In Figure 1 the numbers of bird lists received for sites within each 10km x 10km cell are shown. The cells are defined by the 10km easting that aligns with the western margin of a grid cell and by the 10km northing that aligns with the southern margin of the grid

4 Birds SA Newsletter, November 2013 President’s Letter (cont) cell. Only the first two digits for the eastings and first three digits for the northings are shown. Thus the top left grid cell is 23, 623 in Figure 1, but the actual easting and northing are 230000 and 6230000 respectively.

There are 248 grid cells with land for the Adelaide region and 71 grid cells with land for Kangaroo Island. To date 194 of the 10km x 10km grid cells have been visited for the Adelaide region and 49 for Kangaroo Island (Figs 1 & 2). This means that there are 54 cells in the Adelaide region that are yet to be visited and a further 103 that have fewer than 10 visits for them. The average number of lists provided per cell is around 12 but this is skewed by cells where there have been many visits, in several cases by over 100. This skew is similar to the skew in previous atlases – bird watchers tend to go to places where they know there are lots of birds to see, rather than exploring new areas. Despite some fantastic contributions from country contributors, the more peripheral areas to the north, northeast and east remain poorly covered.

Please continue to provide lists for the places you visit and if the opportunity arises to go birding, please target some of the areas that are poorly covered to date. Note too that lists within even a few bird species recorded on them are valuable. How many of us stop and record the birds that use the largely treeless paddocks? Not many of us. But this information is valuable to the atlas.

Figure 2. Numbers of cards with bird lists received for sites on Kangaroo Island for July 2012 – September 2013 for each 10 km x 10 km grid square.

22 23 24 easting 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 northing 606 2 605 1 3 2 9 11 604 2 1 1 2 1 11 7 26 12 4 9 603 2 1 2 9 6 14 9 8 9 8 6 1 3 602 7 14 6 4 9 4 8 6 1 1 601 3 6 5 4 13 6 3 600 9 1 599

For Kangaroo Island, 21 of the grid cells are still to be visited. Only 7 of these cells have received more than 10 visits to places within them, and as with the NEW MEMBERS Adelaide region, those with multiple lists generally have a bird watcher residing in that cell. The overall We welcome the following new members, who have joined the Association in the past few months: average number of lists received across the 71 grid cells on Kangaroo Island to date is just 4. If you are Ben Parkhurst ROXBY DOWNS spending the Xmas-New Year period on Kangaroo Jenny Lewis & Dianne Stebbing ONE TREE HILL Island or are an Islander with some spare time for birding, please take the opportunity and fill in some Angela Jones MILLICENT atlas cards. Craig Greer NORTH PLYMPTON

I conclude by wishing you all a Merry Xmas and Bernhard Haase PORT AUGUSTA Happy New Year on behalf of the Birds SA If your name has inadvertently been omitted from this list, please Committee. contact our treasurer. His telephone number is on p2. David Paton

Birds SA Newsletter, November, 2013 5 Birds SA Notes & News OBITUARIES FOR PAT BOWIE Both Janice and Pat made substantial VOLUNTEER BIRD ATLASERS ANDS JANICE MENZ contributions to the activities of the NEEDED FOR GLUEPOT BIRD Sadly, in early September, within the Association over the many years of RESERVE space of a couple of days the their respective memberships. Janice Bird Life Australia’s Gluepot Bird Association lost two long standing, served on the financial advisory Reserve is looking for a few keen well loved and greatly respected subcommittee for many years and her birders to do regular Bird Atlasing on members. Pat Bowie died on very firm and objective advice was the Gluepot Reserve. September 10 and her friend and consistently sound and always Gluepot has about fifty Atlas sites long time field companion, Janice heeded. Later, when one of us (JH) that need to be Atlased regularly at Menz, died the following day. Both was President in the centenary year least three times a year, probably of them had been battling illness for of the Association, her enthusiasm March, June and September. some time. and advice were crucial in planning Some of these Sites are in the ‘Birds Janice joined the Association in 1974 the various events and celebrations. Eye Block’, which is normally a and Pat in 1976 and they lived close She was forthright, highly organised Restricted Area to the public. by, in Eden Hills and Bellevue Hills and assiduous in making sure that we Gluepot would like to have birders respectively. The two were clearly at all remained on course. The success Atlas the reserve in pairs (especially one in their love of nature in general of those events and others that for the first few times). A four-wheel and birds in particular and became followed for the RAOU centenary drive would be necessary for anyone good friends. They pursued their was attributable in large measure to Atlasing out in the Birds Eye Block. bird-watching with enthusiasm, her energies and planning skills. Depending on the amount of people taking walks individually often Pat will be remembered by many for who show an interest, Gluepot may several times in the week and, her charming and self-effacing, yet be able let the birders use the together with their close birding highly effective (volunteered) role as accommodation normally reserved friend Delwyn Clark, they South Australia's State Coordinator for researchers etc. depending on documented the birds in Sturt Gorge for the second National Bird Atlas, availability. This decision would be Conservation Park on a monthly which she fulfilled with much tact up to Gluepot management at the basis. Both were highly competent and good humour. Her little vignettes time. Failing that, camping facilities and reliable and each provided about the progress of the Atlas and are available on the reserve. important records for the Association anecdotes thereof were delivered You will need to bring your own and for ornithology. Undoubtedly regularly at General Meetings with Equipment for atalasing., These Pat's most exceptional record was the wonderful balance of levity and items would be a GPS, Hand Held achieved in November 1978 when a solemnity that this great undertaking Radio, Fluoro Vests and a whistle. Cicadabird visited her garden and required. Also you’ll need to carry water, a places nearby over three days; her Janice was locally born and bred and small first aid kit, a compass and report in SA Orn 28, p 108 (1980) is Pat grew up in England, but they your food. exemplary in its detailed description were united in their love of birds and A pair of gaiters will protect your of her close observations. Close bird matters. We will miss them both lower legs from Triodia (Spinifex) behind that record was one of the and we suspect so will the birds! Our and potential snakebite. Swift Parrot at Blackwood in sympathies are extended to their Tim Pascoe from the Gluepot December 1980 (Houston, p 208 in families. Management Committee is your the same volume). Janice came up John Hatch and Andrew Black contact and will organise which Atlas with observations of the Olive- sites need to be done. If you are backed Oriole in Eden Hills in interested please contact Tim Pascoe October 1983 and again in July and YOUR CONTACT DETAILS by e-mail [email protected] August the following year Please advise the Association of any Cheers, (Newsletters 110 and 114). Another changes to your name, address, email John Gitsham remarkable observation was of a address or telephone number by Fleurieu Swamps Project Officer Barking Owl in Janice's own emailing Goolwa to Wellington Local Action backyard but this seems not to have [email protected] Planning Association Inc. been published. It is a poignant irony Brian Walker PO Box 674, that Pat, who visited Janice Strathalbyn, SA 5255 frequently during her prolonged Ph: 08 8536 5615 (direct) terminal illness, was unable to obtain Ph: 08 8536 5600 (reception) the details of that record from her Mob: 0498 114 047 during a visit in August 2012, only Fax: 08 8536 8435 shortly before Pat's own illness took Email: [email protected] hold. Web: www.gwlap.org.au

6 Birds SA Newsletter, November 2013 Birds SA Notes & News (cont) CONSERVATION SUB- operations. Ridley will refer its called by the MDB NRMB on the COMMITTEE proposal to the Federal Department 17th October 2013 to gauge public Three issues have dominated our of Sustainability, Environment, support for the proposal by our activities in the past quarter – the fate Water, Population and Communities president, David Paton, John of the Adelaide Saltfields after salt (formerly the Department of the Gitsham and myself. We indicated production ceased at the end of June, Environment, Water, Heritage and our interest in the proposal and our 2013, preventative burning by the Arts) to ensure there are no issues willingness to be involved provided DEWNR and concerns about the triggering the EPBC Act. suitable arrangements could be made. Crown lands in Monarto near Murray We were given contact details of the Be warned! This may result in us Bridge. Director of DPTI and encouraged to being involved with working bees Adelaide Saltfields. contact him with any further queries and fund raising! Birds SA made representations to we might have. The green area on the map is an area both the Federal and South In the meantime Birdlife Australia of Crown land, controlled by the Australian governments in July, organised a Shorebird Conservation Department of Primary Industries 2013. These letters described the Workshop, which was held on Sept and Regions SA (PIRSA). importance of the habitat protected 4, 2013 John Hatch, John Gitsham, Unfortunately this area is under by the former saltfields and Colin Rogers and John Spiers threat of sale. Birds SA has written to underlined the responsibilities of represented Birds SA. The workshop Gail Gago the Minister for both the SA and Federal was successful in imparting Agriculture describing the value of Governments to maintain the habitat knowledge to the various the area to our Association for of this important wetland. They also conservation groups represented. birdwatching, to science referencing highlighted the need for immediate However, as members of the its use in many long term studies action to prevent damage from the Government task force described conducted by the University of generation of acid sulphate soils and above, pulled out of the Workshop a Adelaide and particularly its value to habitat destruction from uncontrolled week earlier without a valid reason, a suite of declining woodland birds. access. Subsequently a reply was the workshop failed in its main We described the proposal for received from Hon Tom purpose which was to impart community groups to manage other Koutsantonis MP, the Minister for knowledge to that group and gain Crown land in the area and the value Transport and Infrastructure. He has insight into their thinking. of the PIRSA land in linking two of told us that the Department for We are currently waiting for an the largest areas of such land. We Transport and Industry (DTI) has update from the task force while brought to the Minister’s attention to established a multi-agency task force maintaining contact through Birdlife the fact that the Lavender Federation to co-ordinate a whole of government Australia and the Adelaide and Trail runs through the area. Finally response to Ridley Corporation’s Mount Lofty Ranges NRM Board. we asked the Minister to hand closure of its Dry Creek operations Monarto Crown Lands. control of the area to DEWNR so and the long term function of the The coloured map on p23 shows the that it could be brought into the area. We were assured that: Monarto Crown lands near Murray scope of the proposed area to be • the task force is aware of the Bridge. The red areas are the Crown managed by community groups. We unique role the operating salt lands controlled by the Department stated our opinion that the area was fields play in providing coastal of Environment, Water and Natural more valuable ecologically that any and estuarine habitats for flora resources (DEWNR) and includes money PIRSA was likely to obtain and fauna, including migratory areas regularly visited by members of for it. shore birds. Birds SA – Narrinyeri Hills, Browns Preventative Burning • the relative agencies were aware Road and Frahns Farm. While there In response to the fire in Coxs Scrub of the environmental challenges is no immediate threat to these areas, Birds SA sent a letter to State and posed by acid sulphate soil the SA State Government is in a Federal Environment Ministers in formation, the discharge of difficult financial position and the June 2013 setting out our concerns pollutants, and the need to control areas are not currently legally regarding the preventative burning access. protected. In order to pre-empt any programme conducted by DEWNR. • It is the intention of the task force risk to the area the Murray Darling In response we received a reply from to engage with all key Basin Natural Resources Allan Holmes, the CEO of DEWNR. stakeholders to discuss the key Management Board (MDB NRMB) stating the department’s position in regard to preventative burning, elements of the proposed closure. is proposing that they, together with acknowledging that the Cox Scrub Currently the Ridley Corporation is interested NGOs and Community Burn did not go according to plan but working through the regulatory Groups, undertake the management confirming his confidence in the framework to affect a timely and of these lands on behalf of the ability of DEWNR to undertake responsible suite of actions leading to Government. Birds SA was prescribed burns. Subsequently he cessation of salt production represented at a public meeting

Birds SA Newsletter, November, 2013 7 Birds SA Notes & News(cont)/Miscellaneous Items and Grant Pelton (Director of tops of trees for signs of the birds monophyly (independent inheritance) Regional Co-ordination, DEWNR) ‘that were there last week’ but of each of their two respective met our president, David Paton, and inevitably were nowhere to be seen subspecies, the latter data from the discussed concerns we had raised in now. As the binos swept aloft the 2008 study of Christidis, Horton and our letter to the Minister. They view came to rest on a huge wedge- Norman (3). For the specimen agreed with the concerns that we tailed eagles nest. As I traced the tree representing oweni only ND3 was have but there is a lack of finance to down to ground level a sheet of sequenced and whitei was not support these concerns. David Paton corrugated iron came into view included in the study. Important was to be asked to meet with nailed to the tree. ‘EAGLES NEST’ findings included: (i) wide genetic DEWNR staff in charge of running it said. Someone cared, and as I left divergence between the Western the fuel reduction burns sometime in the scrub to rejoin my brother there (textilis) and Thick-billed (modestus) the future. On the 17th and 19th of was another vehicle there and its Grasswrens, consistent with their September there was an opportunity driver wanted to know what the heck separate species status, (ii) similarly to attend public meetings on planned I was doing blundering through his wide divergences between striatus, burns. Brian Blaylock and Simon patch. He cared. My brother said he rowleyi and oweni but (iii) a much Brearly represented Birds SA. knew the eagle’s nest was there and smaller divergence between the DEWNR is required by law to he cared and he knew of many White-throated (woodwardi) and conduct a programme of preventative people in the country there who Carpentarian (dorotheae) burning. While this appears to be cared. Grasswrens, which was of a similar well planned and conducted using all We make assumptions about our magnitude to that between the required and reasonable procedures fellow inhabitants of this country that subspecies of Grey and Short-tailed to maintain control, a small number are not always very accurate and Grasswrens. of fires do get out of control. The real perhaps we unjustly assume the In their present paper (1) the authors problem is that there is inadequate worst. I have felt pretty unhappy have provided a revised taxonomy ecological monitoring before and recently with the way things seem to based on the genetic distances after a burn to measure results and be going on the conservation front, (divergence) published by them and guide future activities. This is mainly but there are things to feel good by Austin and colleagues (4) as a result of funding shortages. about and I for one will enjoy those below. Such a revision, if not Finally the Sub-Committee is brief moments. accompanied by fully corroborative maintaining a watching brief on a Rod Attwood morphological analysis, generally number of area such as Laratinga and requires that all forms are sampled. Tolderol and developing a HOW MANY GRASSWRENS An unusual feature of their submission to be placed before the ARE THERE? recommendations is to accept as Government and the Opposition This question was put to me after the subspecies only those forms that before the next State election asking August meeting and was prompted have a level of genetic divergence for more funding for DEWNR to by discussion on the Birding-Aus similar to that found between enable it to perform its duties website of an unpublished paper of subspecies of Grey and Short-tailed adequately. Les Christidis and colleagues (1) that Grasswrens which, as noted, is of the John Spiers. proposed splitting the Striated same order as separates two full Grasswren Amytornis striatus into species, the White-throated and four species; the presently recognised Carpentarian Grasswrens. Therefore, MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS subspecies of the Pilbara (A. s. if genetic distances alone are taken whitei) and central Queensland (A. s. for taxonomic revision, such CONSERVATION rowleyi), and populations of A. s. divergences suggest incipient or I think the aspect of conservation that striatus to the west of ('oweni') and cryptic speciation. Subspecies are really troubles me to the core is that east of (striatus) the South Australian generally considered as differentiated the battle is never won and that as Gulfs. The paper in question is a but potentially or actually soon as one issue is even vaguely taxonomic interpretation of a interbreeding subpopulations within understood another one arises. It is phylogeny of the genus Amytornis a species and may not be separated really easy to get fed up with the published in 2010 (2) by the same by such genetic distances. whole business and just become authors. The paper of Austin and colleagues grumpy old persons with a serious The 2010 paper reported DNA (4) is a phylogeny of the Amytornis anxiety problem. Then, quite by sequences (3 mitochondrial genes textilis-modestus (Western and accident, a jewel is discovered and and three nuclear introns) for single Thick-billed Grasswren) complex the cloud lifts ever so slightly. I had specimens of all of the then that sequenced the ND2 gene for one such epiphany a week or so ago recognised Grasswren species and samples of between 3 and 18 near Naracoorte. I was helping my most subspecies. In addition one of specimens of each of 10 named and non-birding brother undertake a red- the mitochondrial genes (ND3) was one unnamed subspecies, only the tailed black cockatoo count near his sequenced for 15 Grey (barbatus) extinct eastern NSW Thick-billed home. He dropped me at the edge of and 16 Short-tailed (merrotsyi) Grasswren subspecies inexpectatus a nice patch of stringy bark country Grasswren specimens to test being unsequenced. The results and I wandered off looking at the divergence between and the support recent subspecific revision

8 Birds SA Newsletter, November 2013 Miscellaneous Items (cont) within the group, including 4. Austin, J.J., Joseph, L., Pedler, sandbars and migrating shorebirds recognition of four subspecies of L.P. and Black, A.B. 2013. gather to plunder the invertebrate Western Grasswren in WA, three Conservation Genetics, DOI bounty of the mudflats. At the being extinct, and six other 10.1007/s10592-013-0504-9. Coorong, a vast lagoon system that subspecies of Thick-billed Andrew Black extends for some 130km east of the Grasswren, including the extinct Murray River mouth, October sees subspecies from central Australia. Sue Winwood found this tribute to thousands of Sharp-tailed Sandpipers So how many are there? birding in South Australia in the and Red-necked Stints, among A. There are 11 currently English newsletter BIRDGUIDES numerous others, preparing for their recognised species; one or more NATURALLY SOUTH northwards journey to their Arctic of the three additions proposed by AUSTRALIA, BIRDING SOUTH breeding grounds. Christidis and colleagues might AUSTRALIA’S COAST Step just a few metres inland, among come to be recognised as species Just one glance at the map at South the coastal dunes and scrub, and but perhaps further corroborative Australia's 5,000-km coastline, with you'll find a wealth of other species. evidence will be needed. its complexity of bays, headlands, At Waitpinga Beach along the B. There are five species with islands and peninsulas, suggests Fleurieu Peninsula, you might spot individual populations showing treats in store for the visiting Golden Whistler or Red-browed genetic divergences consistent birdwatcher. And indeed the Finch flitting around the with some degree of cryptic impressive variety of coastal habitats, campground, while the Eyre speciation; the Bulloo and from towering cliffs to sandy beaches Peninsula might produce an elusive Diamantina Grey Grasswrens, the and estuarine lagoons, supports both Rock Parrot, or perhaps an Emu Flinders and Gawler Ranges a rich community of resident species leading its chicks, the male's Short-tailed Grasswrens, Thick- and a seasonal deluge of passing distinctive drumming audible at night billed Grasswrens west of and visitors. during September and October. east of Lake Eyre, WA and Eyre Among the residents are some of For the aficionado, however, it is the Peninsula Western Grasswrens, Australia's greatest avian predators. pelagic seabirds that hold the most and central Queensland Striated Scan the rocky crags of the Eyre excitement. After a strong Grasswrens and those west of and Peninsula and you'll find White- southwesterly, these ocean wanderers east of the SA gulfs. If these bellied Sea Eagles and Ospreys stream past the headlands in incipient species are added there constructing their huge platform extraordinary numbers: Short-tailed are 17 grasswrens. Note again nests on rock stacks and dead trees, Shearwaters by the hundreds of that DNA of the Pilbara Striated or soaring high above the water on thousands, and among them the Grasswren (whitei) and eastern the lookout for fish. Peregrine larger, whiter forms of Shy NSW Thick-billed Grasswren Falcons prefer precipitous rock Albatrosses, angling no more than a (inexpectatus) have not been ledges, offering a commanding view metre over the waves. "I've seen sequenced. of prey far out to sea. albatrosses in Eastern Cove so C. There are five species with two or At the foot of these cliffs are colonies stuffed with squid that they can't take more recognised subspecies, Grey of Cormorants, both Black-faced and off," says Craig Wickham of (2), Short-tailed (2), Western (5), Pied, while Silver Gulls patrol the Exceptional Kangaroo Island. Thick-billed (7) and Striated (3; 4 shoreline. On rocky shores, piping And for a chance to see some of the if oweni is recognised). If all calls announce small parties of Sooty more elusive pelagic specials, subspecies are included there are Oystercatchers, while Cape Barren nothing beats a boat trip. Various 26 grasswrens, but five are Geese — endemic to the offshore operators, including Kangaroo Island extinct. islands of southern Australia and Marine Adventures, will take you So, depending on your definition, once threatened with extinction — further offshore, where the right the answer for known extant commute noisily along the shoreline conditions often produce rarities such grasswrens is somewhere between between grazing areas inland. At as Cape Petrel and Yellow-nosed 11 (or 14), 7-8 in SA, and 21, 12 in night, in sheltered bays such as Albatross. Just bring binoculars and SA. Kingscote on Kangaroo Island, Fairy good sea legs. References Penguins waddle out of the surf to Mike Unwin October 2013 1. Christidis, L, Rheindt, F.E., their burrows. To See Mike’s excellent photos, see Boles, W.E. and Norman, J.A. Meanwhile, on protected beaches the article on the following website: 2013. Australian Zoologist in such as those of Troubridge Island, http://www.birdguides.com/webzine/ press. off the Yorke Peninsula, Caspian, article.asp?a=3999 2. Christidis, L, Rheindt, F.E., Crested and Fairy Terns nest in noisy Boles, W.E. and Norman, J.A. colonies and Hooded Plovers lay 2010. Molecular Phylogenetics their camouflaged eggs above the and Evolution 57: 868-877. high-tide line. Turn inland, out of the 3. Christidis, L., Horton, P. and teeth of the gale, and you'll find Norman, J.A. 2008. Emu 108, sheltered lagoons — such as on 275-282. Kangaroo Island's Eastern Cove — where Australian Pelicans line up on

Birds SA Newsletter, November, 2013 9 FLEURIEU PENINSULA Waitpinga Cliffs area such as bird stepped on or being disturbed by WHITE-BELLIED SEA-EAGLE watchers, walking and rock-climbing people and dogs. UPDATE groups. The brochure also carries a Although fewer than 22 known A recent nest check at the Waitpinga clear message about the collective breeding pairs are left on the Fleurieu White-bellied Sea-Eagle territory impacts of venturing too close, which Peninsula their monitored antics can revealed yet another nest failure year can apply to all declining bird be quite fascinating. With such a and only the male eagle has been species during their breeding season. small number in this State they are seen in the area of late. Although Terry Dennis and Elizabeth Steele- rated as Vulnerable in South commencing later than average, Collins Australia and are being considered incubation behaviour was recorded for listing as nationally threatened. and estimated to run full term BirdLife Australia and the Adelaide STOP PRESS! through August and September, with and Mount Lofty Ranges Natural Since we wrote the above the White- hatching being expected by early Resources Management Board are bellied Sea-Eagle pair have been October. However that excitement working jointly on a Hooded Plover sighted circling together above was short-lived, as in early banding program, which is seeking to Waitpinga Cliffs before sunset on November there was no evidence at fill in the gaps we have in our Wednesday 13th November. Of the nest to indicate that hatching had knowledge of these species so that course another nest failure is still sad occurred at all and curiously, no sign we can actively conserve them. and very concerning but at least the of an abandoned egg or remnants. Licensed researchers under permit female is still with us. Considering all the habitat protection conditions carry out the capture and measures put in place since 2005, the banding of Hooded Plovers, to maturation of the ‘new’ young ensure the birds’ welfare is female this year, and with eggs foremost. Research in Victoria and apparently being produced, this is on Kangaroo Island shows that another disappointing and perplexing hoodies live for up to 18 years outcome. With just one young (more commonly 10-15 years) and fledged at this nest over the previous can fly large distances to search for 10 years and possibly longer, this a beach of their own. level of productivity is well below There are still many things we don’t any of the worst-case records from know. Most importantly we want to 'High Disturbance' category sea-eagle learn about the dispersal of birds territories monitored on Kangaroo from the Fleurieu to other parts of Island over the same number of South Australia, and even interstate. breeding seasons. Terry says he is It is also critical to understand how flummoxed to provide a ready many flying-age chicks survive to explanation for the poor results based become breeders on a beach of their on precedent, and concedes that own. By learning this we can better deliberate interference at the nest assess whether our conservation cannot be ruled out. White-bellied Sea Eagle Pair, efforts are paying off. photographed by Elizabeth Steele- Included with this latest newsletter is th Across Victoria and South Australia, Collins, above Waitpinga Cliffs, 13 a copy of the revised White-bellied November 2013 birds are tagged with an orange flag Sea-Eagle brochure, produced mainly with two black letters on the upper HOODED PLOVERS ON THE as a means of getting the message out leg, and a metal band on the lower FLEURIEU COAST regarding the Fly Neighbourly leg. This allows volunteers to spot Hooded Plovers live on our beaches Advice conditions over the and identify interesting movements year round. They make their nests on Waitpinga Cliffs. The new brochure and behaviours such as those at will be distributed to pilots, various the sand from August to March with Maslin Beach between AR, NA and flying clubs, airports, the Australian nests and chicks well camouflaged. MX! Defence Force and the various This makes them vulnerable to being Like an episode from ‘Days of our recreation groups that use the Lives’ AR and NA from

10 Birds SA Newsletter, November 2013 Giving Them Wings (cont) observe the banding and a WESTERN WHIPBIRDS few key individuals are We took several photos of a pair being trained in the of Western Whipbirds in a patch capture and handling of of scrub at Duck Pond Drive, the birds. This ensures that which is just before Pound Lane if emergency situations leading to the Port Lincoln Prison such as oil spills or entanglements occur, there on Western Aproach Road. We will be people across came across the Whipbirds by South Australia available accident., while we were taking to rescue the birds. our dog for a walk. Not far into If you see a Hooded Plover the walk I heard a birdcall, which with a coloured flag, I had heard before elsewhere, that please let us know! The I thought was a Whipbird. By requirement is that this playing the birdcall on our phone viewing is done only from we were lucky enough to lure Banding a Recently Fledged Juvenile, DK, at Tunkillo a distance of 100m; using him out of the scrub and into a Beach. Photographed by Elizabeth Steele-Collins on binoculars, a telescope or a 19/1/2013 nearby tree! Some local birders Carrickalinga north told us that people have been spent the 2013 winter in looking for this bird for about 30 warmer climes (Maslin Beach/Port Willunga). years and have never seen one. Unfortunately MX We could not believe our luck! disappeared in March Not only did we find one this year after breeding Whipbird, but a pair of at Maslin Beach with a Whipbirds! The male Whipbird distinctive un-banded caught a grub and presented it to male (he has quite a lot the female, presumably as a of black on his back). gesture of partnership between AR and NA parted ways the two. We found these birds on with NA then hooking 15th September and again on the up with the unbanded nd male. NA and her new 22 September. male are now breeding As these birds are some of the at Maslin Beach this shyest native birds we have, we season in exactly the are the luckiest couple around to same location that MX Juvenile Hooded Plover DK with a Banded Adult find a pair of Whipbirds twice as had with the same Photographed by Hilary Thompson at Parsons Beach on 14/2/13 well as capturing some clear unbanded male. It is the digital camera so the image can be images of them. male that chooses the nesting zoomed in on to read the tag. Birds We contacted Birds SA as we location so this has remained similar banded on the Fleurieu have orange have not been able to find any despite a change in partner. flags. photos of these birds in our area. Local volunteers have observed other For more information on Hooded We hope our discovery provides movements. For example, DK, a Plovers, Visit the BirdLife Australia juvenile banded on the south coast at useful information about one website location of this bird. Tunkalilla has been seen at Bashams http://birdlife.org.au/projects/beach- One of Dion’s photographs of a Beach Port Elliot, Parsons Beach and nesting-birds also as far north as Port Willunga, To report banded Hooded Plovers Western Whipbird on p24. Maslin Beach and South Port. contact: Grainne Maguire, BirdLife Dion and Serena Thompson BirdLife Australia has now banded Australia [email protected] 24 Hooded Plovers on the Fleurieu [email protected] or Peninsula with support from Natural Emma Stephens, Natural Resources Resources Adelaide and Mt Lofty Adelaide & Mt Lofty Ranges 0417 Ranges. Volunteers and key staff 081 695, from the Department of [email protected] Environment, Water and Natural Emma Stephens Resources have been invited to

Birds SA Newsletter, November, 2013 11 Past General Meetings FRIDAY JULY 26 Special permits were required for Chough, White-browed Babbler and John Hatch said that it was Members entry to Sikkim, which is only Brush Bronzewing are all declining. Night and that around 100 members 160km North to South and 60 km Objectives of the monitoring were present. Six speakers would be wide. Spot-winged Grosbeak, program are to assess general presenting a variety of topics some Himalayan Bulbul, Great Barbet, biodiversity surrogate measures with cryptic titles. Grey-winged Blackbird were within a site (e.g. weed abundance, photographed here and a picture of a structural diversity, regeneration etc.) John Spiers Large Niltava from the Oriental Bird for their correlation with bird species Taung Taung in South Africa is in Club was shown. richness, abundance and diversity one of the hottest and driest places in In Nepal they went on a six-day trek and to inform the ‘Significant the world. In 1925, in Nature, Dr and pictures of the following birds Environmental Benefit’ calculation Raymond Dart described a skull, were shown: Scarlet Minivet, method. which was over 3 million years old, Oriental Magpie Robin, Barn Stuart showed graphs of bird as a new species Australopithecus Swallow, Common Myna and Jungle community differences and africanus. In 1995 Professor Lee Myna. preliminary results of the structural Burger hypothesized that the Barbara said that her camera was OK biodiversity. There are multiple puncture marks below the eye for close-ups but not very good for factors affecting bird assemblages sockets indicated that the child had bird photographs and further analyses are required of been attacked and killed by an eagle. guilds, threatened and declining Similar puncture marks have been Stuart Collard — Mount Lofty species, multivariate analyses with found in skulls taken from the nests Ranges Woodland Bird Long-term habitat factors, interaction with weed of African Crowned Hawk Eagles. In Monitoring Program abundance and landscape context and 2006 Burger re-examined the Taung Stuart said that he had only been fire history. skull and found the same involved with this Nature characteristics. A two million year Conservation Society of South Merilyn Browne — Heard Island old cold case had been solved. Australia project for the past 12 Expedition November 2012. months. It was initiated by Hugh Merilyn sailed on the Spirit of Barbara Bansemer – A Himalayan Possingham and began in 1999. The Endersby. Heard Island is situated in Odyssey MLR is an island of woodland and the Southern Ocean southwest of Peter Bansemer organised the only about 13% of the original Australia and is just south of the birdwatching tour to include vegetation remains. Approximately Antarctic Convergence. It took eight Thailand, Bhutan, Sikkim and Nepal 160 sites are currently being days sailing from Albany, W.A. to during April and May 2013. Barbara monitored, and each site is surveyed reach there. On Heard Island, Big showed pictures of some of the birds three times per year and resurveyed Ben is an active volcano. McDonald they saw on the trip. Their first stop at least one week apart. The study Island, which is 30km northwest, has was Bangkok and they had a day trip sites are in Pink Gum/Blue Gum or doubled in size over the past 10 north-east to Khao Yai National Park Stringybark habitats. The benefits of years. near Pakchong. Some of the birds long-term monitoring are detecting Birds photographed on the voyage photographs were the Great Hornbill, trends (abundance/distribution) and were Flesh-footed Shearwater, Spangled Drongo and Drongo as a monitoring tool (weed White-chinned Petrel, Cape Petrel, Cuckoo. In Northern Thailand in Doi control/fencing/revegetation and feral Sooty Albatross, Amsterdam Inthanon National Park White-vented control) Albatross, Grey-headed Albatross, Myna, Grey-backed Shrike, Lesser Declining species in Stringybark Salvin’s Prion, Antarctic Prion, Blue Shortwing and White-browed Woodlands are: Scarlet Robin, Petrel and Southern Fulmar. On Shortwing were photographed. White-backed Swallow, Silvereye, Heard Island Sheathbill, Light- From Thailand they went to Bhutan Shining Bronze Cuckoo, Sacred mantled Sooty Albatross, King where there is a charge of $200 per Kingfisher, Brown Thornbill, Golden Penguin, South Georgia Diving head to enter plus costs for guides. In Whistler, Yellow-faced Honeyeater, Petrel, Macaroni Penguin, Heard Bhutan the following birds were Tree Martin, Mistletoebird, Striated Island Shag, Gentoo Penguin, photographed: Eurasian Tree Pardalote, Red Wattlebird and Southern and Northern Giant Petrel. Sparrow, Rufous Sibia, White- Chestnut-rumped Heathwren. In Other birds photographed at sea were throated Laughing Thrush, Black- Gum woodlands, Mistletoebird, Southern Fulmar, Gibson’s faced Laughing Thrush, Spotted Buff-rumped Thornbill, New Albatross, Black-bellied Storm Laughing Thrush, Grey Bush Chat, Holland Honeyeater, Black-faced Petrel, Grey-backed Storm Petrel, Spotted Nutcracker, Yellow-billed Cuckooshrike, White-naped Brown Skua, Soft-plumaged Petrel, Blue Magpie, Blue Whistling Thrush, Honeyeater, Tree Martin, Horsfield’s White-headed Petrel, Grey Petrel, Long-tailed Shrike, Crested Bunting, Bronze Cuckoo, Musk Lorikeet, Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross and Rufous-breasted Accentor and Large- Laughing Kookaburra, White-winged Gould’s Petrel. billed Crow.

12 Birds SA Newsletter, November 2013 Past General Meetings (cont)

David Robertson – SSBO (club-antenna moths) and Uranids David and Minnie travelled to FRIDAY AUGUST 30 (large brightly coloured moths). Taiwan and were surprised to see so John Hatch introduced the speaker Mike said that he had collected and much stainless steel in use there. for the evening Mike Moore. Since studied in some minor way all nine David said that the stainless steel did retiring from the S.A. Education species of Ogyris found in SA. They not come from Mainland China. Department in 2009 Mike has been a are most easily raised in coffee jars. Almost everything external was volunteer in the Entomology Section There are two species about which made from stainless steel – of the South Australian Museum. He we know little and he would like to clotheslines, roller doors, chairs, is extremely interested in the moth ‘crack’ their life cycles. plumbing (pipes). Hence the cryptic family Hepialidae and is currently in The Genus Ogyris belongs to the title for his talk – stainless steel the process of describing and naming family Lycaenidae (blue butterflies). bleeding obvious. Whilst in Taiwan four previously undescribed species. This genus is thought to have they visited the botanic gardens there Mike’s talk was entitled ‘Comments evolved in Australia and there are 13 to see the Java Pond Heron. Asking on the nine species of the genus endemic species, one shared with for instructions at the information Ogyris that live in South Australia’. New Guinea and one endemic in centre they were taken to a pond Prior to giving details about Ogyris New Guinea although there are where there were lots of other birders butterflies Mike gave some queries about its taxonomy. Ogyris with cameras and binoculars and background information about moths butterflies are particularly well were told to ask these people. The and butterflies. adapted to arid conditions and heron was out in the open and easily There is no single feature that bushfires. When resting they never photographed. In other parts of separates moths from butterflies. open their wings to expose the Southeast Asian the Java Pond Heron Instead it is a combination of brilliant colour. The underside of the is very difficult to see and characteristics: rear wings is very cryptically photograph • Most moths fly at night; most coloured. They live rather secretive Rodney Attwood said that the butterflies during the day. lives, even as adults and many stainless steel would have come from • Moths are mostly dull coloured species form intimate associations the Bhilai Steel Works in India. and most butterflies are brightly with ants. Many species feed on coloured. mistletoe. Rodney Attwood – Ground • At rest moths hold their wings The blue in butterflies is not due to a Hornbill flat or tent-like but butterflies pigment but instead results from the Rodney said that there were two hold their wings erect above the interplay of the light on the scales on species in Africa – Southern Ground body. the wings. When the wings are wet Hornbill and the Abyssinian Ground • Moths have a frenulum (an organ they are simply a grey colour. Hornbill. There are only about 1500 that links the fore and hind wings Mike gave a summary of the South individuals and they are omnivorous so they beat in unison) and Australian species. —feeding on insects, lizards, snakes butterflies except Regent Skipper Ogyris amaryllis – Satin Azure. Most and seeds. He showed photographs do not have one common and widespread; of the birds in Kruger National Park. • Most moths’ antennae are occasionally found with a few small They puff up their sacs to make a filiform or pectinated, whereas black ants but the relationship is not call, which can be heard about 2km butterflies have clubbed antennae. obligatory. Feeds on mistletoe and away. The SGH are long-lived birds Butterflies and moths are arthropods, seems to prefer Amyema preissii. and only breed every few years. in the Class Insecta and Order Ogyris oroetes – Silky Azure. Lives Although they lay two eggs only one Lepidoptera. Worldwide there are an in the eastern mallee country but is chick survives. Unlike other hornbills estimated 175, 000 species. Australia found elsewhere. Prefers light they do not seal up the nesting has about 11, 000 but it is thought at woodland. Seems as though presence cavity. SGH live in groups and are least an equal number have yet to be of ants is not necessary. Prefers poor fliers. described. Amyema miquelli. Rodney said that he would make a A butterfly collector would collect Ogyris olane – Broad-margined presentation about a single species of only six of the ~125 families Azure. Found in the eastern half of birds over the next few years. (Papilionidae (birdwings and the state and prefers more heavily swallowtails), Peridae (whites and wooded forest. It is facultative yellows), Nymphalidae (brushfoots), myrmecophilous. Feeds on both A. Riobinidae (metalmarks), Lycaenidae miquelli and A. pendula in the (blues) and Hesperidae (skippers). Adelaide Hills. However many would also collect Ogyris amaryllis – Bright Purple day-flying moths such as Agoristids Azure. Restricted to areas of Western (mistletoe feeders), Castanaeids Myall (Acacia papyrocarpa).Feeds on Amyema quandang and is

Birds SA Newsletter, November, 2013 13 Past General Meetings (cont) facultative myrmecophilous. The is unknown. Feeds on Campanotus • Falcons/hawks/eagles – 33 caterpillars pupate in borer holes. brood. species Ogyris abrota – Dark Purple Azure. Mike illustrated his talk with • Herons/storks/ibis eagles – 24 Only found in the lower southeast of photographs of habitat, adults, eggs species the state. In this state it feeds on and larvae. He brought along a • Cuckoos – 24 species Muellerina eucalyptoides and is specimen case showing the different • Bulbuls – 23 species facultative myrmecophilous. This species. • Pigeons/doves – 20 species species is strongly dimorphic. Until • Sunbirds/spiderhunters – 17 1997 only one specimen had been FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 27 species David Paton introduced the speaker found in 1896 until Grund and Hunt • Woodpeckers – 16 species John Fennell. John is a British Other groups: re-discovered this species. • National, a New Zealand citizen and Crakes/rails – 13 species Ogyris genoveva – Genoveve Azure. • also an Australian citizen. He started Swifts/swiftlets/tree swifts – 13 This species is obligate • birding in the UK and became a species myrmecophilous and in the wild the voluntary warden at a reserve on the Pheasants/partridges – 13 species caterpillars would not develop into • edge of Langstone Harbour, Owls – 13 species adults without the aid of ants. The • Hampshire. He became a bird ringer Kingfishers – 11 species caterpillars are “found” very soon • (bander) and founded a bird-ringing Flowerpeckers – 11 species after hatching and are herded and • group in the Midlands. John has a Hornbills – 8 species protected by Campanotus ants. At • Masters Degree in Applied Genetics Broadbills – 8 species night the whole mass of caterpillars • and worked as a plant breeder for Pittas – 8 species (about 100) and ants (thousands) • much of his career. His work in Trogons – 4 species move up the tree to feed on • agriculture has taken him to many Parrots – 4 species mistletoe, usually Amyema miquelli • countries including 12 years Significant habitats in Sabah are or A. pendula. After feeding the residence in New Zealand. Whilst lowland rainforest, highland whole mass moves back down the there he was Secretary of the Rare rainforest, peat swamp forest, Sunda tree. They are widely spread with Bird Committee of the shelf mangroves, freshwater swamps many colour variations and males Ornithological Society of New and plantations. and females are strongly dimorphic. Zealand and helped to set up the John and Leonie visited Kinabalu, Ogyris otanes – Small Bronze Azure. Birds SA Rare Birds Committee of Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary and An obligate myrmecophilous species. which he is still a member. His the Danum Valley Conservation Eggs are laid at the base of the food partner Leoni South has had nursing Area. There are few roads in Sabah plant it uses, Choretrum glomeratum experience but now works supporting and most travel was undertaken (Santalaceae). Upon hatching the an area of clinical pathology. She is a along the rivers. caterpillars move into the ants’ nest passionate photographer and nuts Birds photographed during their visit where they are protected. At night about Orangutans. to Kinabalu were Indigo Flycatcher, they are herded up onto the branches John’s talk was entitled ‘Getting hot Temminck’s Sunbird. John where they feed and return to the and steamy in Borneo’. recommended using Borneo Eco ants’ nest. Borneo is a large island east of Tours. Ogyris subterrestris – Arid Bronze Singapore, which lies 85km north of In the Kinabatangan Wildlife Azure. Discovered in Western the equator. Borneo is divided among Sanctuary photos were taken of Great Australia in 1985 and described by three countries: Brunei, Malaysia Egret, Striated Heron, Yellow Moore in 1992. Confused with (Sabah and Sarawak and the territory Bittern, Storm Stork, Blue-eared another species for many years. Life of Labuan) and Indonesia. Kingfisher, Stork- billed Kingfisher, history is largely unknown. The eggs There are three seasons: Oriental Darter, Common Kingfisher, are laid in large clumps at the Drier season – April to October – hot Buffy Fish Owl, White- throated opening of Campanotus ants nest. and sticky! Wet season – November Fantail, Black-and-red Broadbill, The eggs hatch at night and the to March – hot and sticky! Tourist Black-and-yellow Broadbill, Square- caterpillars move straight into the season – May to September hot and tailed Drongo, White-bellied ants’ nest. What happens next is sticky with lots of tourists! Woodpecker, Buff-necked unknown. A total of 577 bird species have been Woodpecker, Scarlet- rumped Ogyris halmaturina – Large Bronze recorded for Sabah including 9 Trogon, Ashy Tailorbird, Brown- Azure. One of Australia’s rarest endemics, 24 globally threatened throated Sunbird, Black Magpie, butterflies. Only recognised as a species and three introduced. Sabah Crested Serpent Eagle, Jerdon’s separate species in 2009. Was is east of Wallace’s Line and in the Baza, Oriental Pied Hornbill, Asian thought to be extinct on the mainland Orientalis avifaunal region. The Black Hornbill, Bushy-crested when re-discovered by Moore in major bird groups in Sabah are: Hornbill, Rhinoceros Hornbill, 1994. First instar caterpillars have Waders – 51 species Wrinkled Hornbill, Helmeted been investigated but do not develop • Robins/flycatchers – 38 species Hornbill. to the next instar as the food source • • Babblers – 34 species

14 Birds SA Newsletter, November 2013 Future General Meetings/Past Excursions General meetings are held in the Seventy Pink-eared Ducks were Musk Lorikeets, Striated Pardalotes Charles Hawker building of the observed on the fenced sewerage and Grey Shrike Thrushes were busy Waite Institute on Waite Road ponds. Amongst this high number nesting and nest building. Two Urrbrae on the last Friday of every was one Freckled Duck with its head dependent young Australian Magpies month except December, public under its wing. were also seen. Ten Mistletoebirds holidays or prior to a long weekend. Nine species of birds were recorded were recorded and we had good The doors are opened at 7pm and with nests or young, including Little views of them feeding from spider meetings start at 7.45pm. Pied Cormorants with three nests. webs on the barbed wire of the This venue always impresses, with perimeter fence. Two Brown FRIDAY JANUARY 31 easy views of many species, which Goshawks circled overhead and they Marcus Picket will talk on Southern have become very used to people were quite co-operative in moving Emu-wrens. walking along the paths surrounding closer to us rather than moving away, the ponds. A total of 61 species were which is often the case. Tree Martins FRIDAY FEBRUARY 28 seen. were flying overhead for much of the Peter Gowers, 'The Making of a Peter Gower walk. Book'. After lunch some members of the Manning Fauna and Flora Reserve group proceeded to a nearby wetland 19 September for further birding. PAST EXCURSIONS Fifteen members met at a cold and Rod Tetlow overcast Old Noarlunga Square at Narrinyeri Hills 8.15 a.m. A quick look at birds Black Hill Conservation Park 1 September around the square produced 21, 29 September There was no leader for this trip. mostly common species. The Only two members attended! For Much of the area had previously highlight was at least 14 Nankeen those who know this trail it didn't been burnt and the regrowth mallee Night Herons including some surprise me they were not present. It was around two metres high juveniles. Ten were in one tree and is a bit tough (all right for young interspersed with open areas and four in a second. There was the usual ones!!!) many introduced weeds. The assortment of ‘dinner’ ducks around We headed straight ahead uphill from highlights of the trip were three and some hybrid Pacific Blacks. One the gate along the Summit Trail and Rufous Songlarks which were calling Collared Sparrowhawk was seen worked our way around to the Ghost a lot of the time. Some people got a circling overhead, as well as a Tree Summit Link Trail. This Link good look at a Collared Peregrine Falcon. was very steep down to the Ghost Sparrowhawk perched on the top of We then moved in convoy to Tree Gully Track, which is a fire the mallee. At the lunch spot on the Manning Reserve where the weather track and much easier going. We Lavender Federation Trail near improved and by the time we took turned left near the bottom into the Rocky Gully a White-winged early lunch, it was quite pleasant. It Tetragona Trail, which took us back Chough was sitting on three young in was Theresa’s birthday and after to the Carpark trailhead. The path up the nest. Peter Gower took the bird lunch we had a ‘happy birthday’ to the Ghost Tree Summit Link Trail call and a total of 53 species were sing-a-long. started OK but got steeper and very recorded by the 25 members and The reserve is in excellent condition narrow and rocky in parts. The first friends who came along. and there is an explosion of orchids step to the left was a long one – Brian Blaylock throughout. Most of the day’s down. photography appeared to be centred A total of 15 species were seen Laratinga Wetlands on the orchids and one birder (who including 16 Rainbow Lorikeets, 30 14 September shall remain nameless) was heard to Crimson Rosellas, 20 Red Laratinga Wetlands at Mt Barker remind the rest of the group that we Wattlebirds and 2 each of Red- again proved a popular venue with were there to observe birds and not Browed Finch, White-thoated 25 members and friends attending the plants! By the end of the walk he Treecreeper, Yellow-rumped walk. Broken cloud and a light wind seemed to be partly converted and Thornbill and Black-faced Cuckoo- greeted everyone, along with lots of was heard quietly pointing out his shrike. birds, as has become expected at own orchid observations to others in Gordon Pateman these wetlands. the group. Despite water levels in most ponds The morning produced 35 species, being high, the three species of while another 4 were heard only. In Crake: Spotted, Baillon’s and total 216 birds were seen with Spotless, were observed by the highest individual numbers being 20 majority of people on the walk. of each of Eastern Rosellas, Striated Pardalotes and Common Starlings.

Birds SA Newsletter, November, 2013 15 Past Excursions (cont) October Long Weekend Campout, Frogmouth was flushed from near the Budgerigar (4). There were also Thursday, 3 October to Tuesday, 8 ground. Flying up and sitting on a reasonable numbers of October 2013: Bimbowrie branch about eight feet off the woodswallows with White-breasted, Conservation Park ground, it perched in full view, Masked, White-browed and Dusky A total of 34 members and partners posing for photographs. Groups of all observed. attended. Some used the shearer's Masked and White-browed Thanks to Bill Alcock’s efforts on quarters and others set up camp Woodswallows were observed the previous day four Little Button- around the Antro Woolshed. Country circling high above. We had lunch quail were also included on the members came from Minlaton, Port under the mallee trees and were species list for the park. Neill, and Renmark. Over the four greeted to a close flyby of two Brian Walker days a total of 77 species were Rainbow Bee-eaters. Yellow-plumed recorded. Of these Black Honeyeater, Honeyeaters were numerous, as were Reedy Creek (Waterfall Reserve) Masked Woodswallow and Whistling Striated Pardalotes. Spotted 9 November Kite were new records for the park. Pardalotes and Horsefield’s Bronze- Twenty people turned out on a cool Highlights of the weekend were cuckoos were also heard calling. day with rain promising. There were Little Woodswallow and Peregrine After lunch we headed further along few species in the section of the Falcon at Cathedral Rocks and Black the track calling in to the Charcoal creek up to the waterfalls, though we Honeyeater around Antro. Quite a Pits. We heard then observed did see a large feral cat prowling few people saw a Peregrine Falcon Gilbert's and Rufous Whistlers in this about on the opposite hillside. The chase a Grey Teal over the dam. A area. On the track back to the pits we group was treated to eight species of group of Banded Stilts, another new came across a large frill-neck lizard raptor: Black Kite, Little Eagle, species, was seen around the dam by sunning itself on a low tree stump. At Whistling Kite, Brown Falcon, the ranger on his return. A cheque for this point several groups decided to Peregrine Falcon, Wedge-tailed $265.00, which was collected from call it a day and the remaining two Eagle, Nankeen Kestrel and Black those attending the campout has been cars headed to the saltbush section in Falcon. The same number of parrot sent to the Friends of Burra Parks search of Redthroats, which species was seen, including two who look after Bimbowrie C.P. unfortunately were nowhere to be small groups of Cockatiels. There Brian Blaylock seen. At the end of the day a couple were Fairy Martins nesting under of us visited the research station overhangs in the hillside boulders, Brookfield Conservation Park where we met a small group of with Tree Martins and Welcome 12 October researchers from the US carrying out Swallows also about. On the return A group of 15 people gathered at the their yearly fairy-wren studies. We trip along the creek from the bridge gates before setting off in convoy to were shown a recently abandoned we found a young Southern our first stop near the enclosed Splendid Fairy-wren nest with three Boobook, though photographing it section. Although sunny it was not eggs. The group was currently proved difficult. The bird list for the too hot, and for the most part it was watching the female to work out if Reserve for the day was 49. calm throughout the day. Splitting and where she was re-nesting. In all The group went on to Caloote for into small groups, we covered both 51 species were counted for the day. lunch, where we saw several huge sides of the road. Species seen here Martyn Price flocks (500 +) of Straw-necked Ibis included Hooded Robin, White- across the river. browed and Chestnut-crowned Clements Gap Merilyn Browne Babblers, Southern Whiteface, 20 October Brown Treecreeper, White-fronted A mild and heavily overcast day Honeyeater, Chestnut-rumped and greeted nine members of Birds SA Inland Thornbills and Weebill. After for the outing to Clements Gap CP. about an hour we moved to the The overcast conditions and hordes Mallee Loop track and stopped at a of over-friendly flies made couple of places where the trees were conditions challenging and fly nets more numerous and ground cover were the fashion statement of the was thicker. Here we came across a day. Common Bronzewing sitting on a The park was dry and there was very nest at the end of a thick branch that little evidence of anything in flower. had been hollowed out through age. This may explain the low number of Crouched alongside was a large honeyeater species (only 4 species nestling. A Grey Currawong was and 22 individual honeyeaters harassing a group of White-winged observed). Highlights of the day Choughs. A single Tawny were sightings of Cockatiel (20) and

16 Birds SA Newsletter, November 2013 FutureExcursions/Bird Records Contact: Lynton Huxley continue to the end. The park BIRD RECORDS Field Program Co-ordinator entrance is on the left. Phone: 0498 466 092 or 08 7009 Collated by Graham Carpenter 5038 Thursday 23 January: Sir Richard Records included here are of species Email: [email protected] Peninsula, Goolwa Ponds (MLR) listed as rarely observed or 90 km. unrecorded in the regions listed in Note: Meet at 8.30am at the west of the the Field List of the Birds of South Lists of species recorded at the field Goolwa Yacht Club. It is intended to Australia. Also included are trip locations visited can be reviewed cover the area up to and around the interesting breeding or ecological at www.birdpedia.com southern boat ramp from the Yacht notes, new records for a well-known Club then travel onto Hindmarsh locality or first of the season reports HOT WEATHER PROTOCOL — Island to the Murray Mouth and later of migratory species. Please send all reports to the Bird If a fire ban is in effect or the in the day to visit the Goolwa Ponds. Records Secretary at forecast temperature is above 36C in [email protected] or the area of a scheduled walk, the Sunday 2 February: Dry Creek phone 8297 5463. walk is automatically cancelled. This Salt fields (AP) 26km. Note that the list includes reports of does not apply to Salt Fields Meet by the gate at 6.30am (high tide rare or vagrant species to South excursions, which will proceed is just before 7.00am). Turn west Australia that may yet to have been whatever the temperature. onto St Kilda Road, from Port submitted or formally accepted by Wakefield Road follow the road the Birds SA Rarities Committee Sunday 1 December: Scott Creek turning right onto Radar Road (dirt & (SARC). Members are encouraged to CP (MLR) (28km): barrier) actually called Samphire submit records of rare and vagrant Meet at 8.30am at the Almanda Mine Road. Please bring your two-way species in SA to the Committee (refer Site car park area on Dorset Vale radios if you have them. to list of species and information on Road. Use the SE Freeway leaving it the website). for Stirling. Turn right at the Saturday 15 February: Sandy roundabout to Longwood. After Creek Conservation Park (MLR) Malleefowl approx. 2.5 to 3km turn right towards 52 km. 1, 9/9/2013. Barton to Mungala, NW. Cherry Gardens, turning left into Meet at 8.30am at the northern Baxter, D. Dorset Vale Road approx. 2km carpark located at the end of before reaching Cherry Gardens. Conservation Road, which is on the Brown Quail right, off the Gawler to Lyndoch 1, 5/10/2013 and 19/10/2013. 3km Saturday 14 December: Magazine Road about 10km east of Gawler. SSE Lobethal, MLR. Road Wetlands Dry Creek (AP) Evans, M. & Horton, P. 10km. Thursday 20 February: Altona Meet in the Car park area at 8.30am. CSR Landcare Reserve (MLR) Australasian Shoveler If you are travelling northwards on 55km. 3 prs + young, 4/11/2013. Laratinga South Road, continue onto Salisbury Meet at 8.30am at the Reserve Wetlands, Mount Barker,MLR. Highway heading east. The road entrance at the top of Altona Road. Williams, K. & L. bends to the north and there is one Travel through Lyndoch towards This is one of very few localities road off to the left. This is Magazine Tanunda. As you leave Lyndoch where regular nesting has been Rd. From the city, take Port town centre take the first left into reported. Wakefield Road north, turning left Altona Road (just past the 100km up onto the Salisbury Hwy heading speed limit sign). Plumed Whistling-duck to Port Adelaide. Once you are up 12, 27/8/2013. Millicent, Lake the Salisbury Highway, you need to Sunday 2 March: Riverglades & McIntyre, SE move over to the right hand lane so Rocky Gully Wetlands Murray Pounsett, R. & S. you are ready to turn right into Bridge (MM) 80km. 3, 7/10/2013. Magazine Road Wetlands. Meet 8.30am in the boat ramp car Brooker, W. park at Avoca Dell. Drive to Murray Saturday 11 January: Whites Bridge. Cross the bridge to the Pied Cormorant Road Wetlands (AP) 16km. eastern side of the river and take the 1, 9/10/2013. Belair NP, Playford Meet at 8.30am. Head north on the fifth turning left into Mitchell Ave. Lake, MLR. First record for area. Port Wakefield Road. At 1.5km after After 3.35km turn left into Murray Also present were 1 Great passing the Salisbury Highway Drive. At the foot of hill turn right Cormorant, 1 Little Black Cormorant Bridge, turn left into Globe Derby and you will see the car park ahead. and 2 Little Pied Cormorants. Drive and continue on this road until (GPS 35º 5.3' S 139º 18.5' E.) Schmidt, L it meets Whites Road. Turn right and

Birds SA Newsletter, November, 2013 17 Bird Records (cont) Great Crested Grebe 25000, 24/10 –2/11/2013 Near Lake 1, 11/9/2013. Ballaparudda Beach, 3, 5/10/2013. Port MacDonnell Gregory, NE. MLR. marina, SE. SA Museum Waterhouse Club Halstead, C. Baxter, C. 1, 30/9/2013. Maslin Beach, MLR. 2, 6/10/2013. Kingston Marina, SE. Tawny Frogmouth Potter, S. Miller, R. 1, 1/9/2013. River Torrens, North Interesting reports in sheltered Adelaide, AP. Black Falcon coastal waters. Stracey, K. 1, 30/8/2013. Lower Inman Valley, 1, 29/10/2013. Greenfields Wetlands, MLR. Magazine Rd, AP. Great-winged Petrel Cutten, D. Zanker, R. 1, 7/10/2013. Backstairs Passage, pair + juv, 4/10/2013. Tcharkuldu MO. Following ferry. Hill, Minnipa, EP. Rock Dove Baxter, C. Szucs, L. 1, 3/11/2013. Amata sewage works, NW. Australasian Darter Brolga Hartland, D. 1, 22/7/2013. Encounter Bay, Bluff 130, 7/10/2013. Lake Goyder, NE. boat ramp, MLR. Reid, J. Flock Bronzewing Cutten, D. An influx into more southern areas 1, 1/9/2013. Inman River, Victor Australian Bustard following a dry season after a series Harbor, MLR 1, 8/9/2013. 5km NE Stirling North, of wet years in its usual range, plus Carpenter, G. FR. the first breeding reported in SA for 1, 22/9/2013. Warriparinga Wetland, Langdon, P. many years. Sturt, AP 4, 6/10/2013. W of Merna Mora HS, 4, 26/7/2013. 10km S Allen, J. FR. Andamooka,NW. Langdon, P. Pedler, R. White-necked Heron 2, 26/10/2013. Andamooka, NW. 6, 11/8/2013. Witchelina Stn, Middle 1, 28/8/2013. Rush Lagoon, KI. Cook, B. Dam, NW. Baxter, C. Slender, A. 1, 22/10/2013. Dublin, AP. Red-kneed Dotterel 200, 15/8/2013. 40km N Roxby Carpenter, G. 30, 27/10/2013. Naracoorte Creek, Downs, NW. Sarnia Swamp, SE. Lamb, K. Straw-necked Ibis Miller, R. 6, 18/8/2013. 45km N Marree, NE. 37, 26/7/2013. 8km W Kingscote, 20, 27/8/2013.Tumby Bay, EP. Sothman, B. & Lloyd, R. KI. Cox, T. 2,19/8/2013. 20km N Mungeranie, Baxter, C. NE. A large group for this region where it Latham's Snipe Sothman, B. & Lloyd, R. has only recently been reported 2, 19/10/2013. Kaurna Park 13, 21/8/2013. 8km E Moomba, NE. nesting. wetlands, AP. Sothman, B. & Lloyd, R. Allen, J. nest+eggs, 1/9/2013. Mulgaria Stn, E Square-tailed Kite of Waterman Dam, NW. 1, 12/9/2013. Hawthorndene, MLR. Sanderling Moseby, K. & Pedler, R. Schmidt, L. 2, 24/10/2013. Tennyson, AP. 1, 5/9/2013. Near Wilkatanna HS, 1, 14/9/2013. Rockleigh, MLR. Turner, J. NW. White, G. Smart, A. 1, 27/9/2013. Kyeema CP, MLR. Wood Sandpiper 2000, 20/9/2013. Billa Kalina Stn, Carpenter, G. 2, 7/11/2013. Amata sewage works, NW. Including nest+eggs near Davey NW. Dam. Eastern Osprey Hartland, D. Langdon, P. 1 sub-adult, 11/6/2013. Chowilla Stn, 2, 24/9/2013. Bon Bon Stn, Customs House, MM. Common Greenshank Freshwater Lake, NW. Mableson, K. 1, 2/11/2013. Amata sewage works, Black, A. 1, 31/8/2013. Waitpinga Cliffs, NW. 170, 4/10/2013. 57km N Marree, MLR. Hartland, D. NE. Steele-Collins, E. Noble, C. et al. 1, 11/9/2013. Aldinga Beach, MLR. Gull-billed Tern 1500, 26/10/2013. Andamooka, NW. Hartland, D. 6, 24/9/2013. Tumby Bay, EP. Cook, B. Cox, T.

18 Birds SA Newsletter, November 2013 Bird Records (cont) Mallee Ringneck Shining Bronze-cuckoo Crimson Chat 1, 3/10/2013. 5km W Owen, AP. Many reports in the hills and Reports in southern areas including: Warnes, M. adjacent areas in September Pair, 4/9/2013. Tumby Bay, EP. including: Cox, T. Cockatiel 1, 19/9/2013. Nairne, MLR. Male, 24/9/2013. 2km N Alford, YP 80+, 11/11/2013. Milang, Muntiri Barron, P. Sara, G. Scrub, MM. Largest flock for many 2, 10/9/2013. Point Sturt Peninsula, years. MM. 2, 5/10/2013. 5km W Owen, AP. Black, A. Doecke, N. Warnes, M. 1 juv, 11/11/2013. Milang, Muntiri 3 prs, 6/10/2013. Maize Island Little Lorikeet Scrub, MM. Fed by Yellow-rumped Lagoon CP, MM. 2, 20/9/2013. Adelaide, War Thornbills. Jacobs, P. Memorial Dr, AP. Brief views flying Black, A. 2 prs, 7/10/2013. Parham, AP. past. Ashfield-Smith, S. Price, M. Red-backed Kingfisher Male, 12/10/2013. Rockleigh, MLR. 2, 18/10/2013. Inman River, Victor 1, 9/10/2013. 5km W Owen, AP. Vincent, P. & J. Harbor, MLR. Flying over. Steeles, C. & Warnes, M. Zanker, R. A southern record. White-fronted Honeyeater 4, 6/10/2013. 5km W Owen, AP. Budgerigar Rainbow Bee-eater Warnes, M. 3, 19/10/2013. Point Sturt Peninsula, 3, 20/10/2013, Mount Gambier, SE. MM. First report for area. Flying over. Black-chinned Honeyeater Doecke, N. Green, B. 1, 10/11/2013. Milang, Muntiri 100+, 15/9/2013. Verran, EP. Scrub, MM. Cox, T. Inland Thornbill Black, A. & Weller, D. 2, 12/10/2013. Port Augusta Arid Blue-winged Parrot Lands Botanic Gardens, NW. First Black Honeyeater 2, 1/8/2013. Seaford Heights, MLR. report for area. Various reports in southern areas With 100 Elegant Parrots feeding on Langdon, P. including: weeds in harvested oat crop. Juv, 6/10/2013. 5km W Owen, AP. Van Weenen, J. et al. White-throated Gerygone Warnes, M. 1, 12/9/2013. Point Sturt Peninsula, 2, 9/10/2013. 5km W Owen, AP. Bourke's Parrot MM. First report for area. Photos Steeles, C. & Warnes, M. 3, 6/10/2013. Near Merna Mora HS, taken. 10 prs, 9/10/2013. Lake Gilles CP, FR. Doecke, N. Connor Dam, EP. Langdon, P. Cox, T. Regent Parrot 2, 9/10/2013. Mullaquana, Whyalla, Adelaide Rosella 3, 1/9/2013. Mannum, MM. EP. 4, 30/4/2013. Walkers Flat and Big Snell, B. & M. Smith, E. Bend, MM. Further downstream than usual. 1, 14/10/2013. Port Augusta West, Schmidt, L. NW. This area appears to link the Pied Honeyeater Langdon, P. Adelaide and Yellow forms of the 2, 26/9/2013. Quorn flora reserve, Crimson Rosella via the Marne FR. White-winged Triller River. Parker, D. Several reports in southern areas sev incl nest + young, 9/9/2013. including: Black-eared Cuckoo Bunkers CR, FR. 1, 3/11/2013. 4km W Naracoorte, 1, 19/10/2013. Greenfields Wetlands, Klau, W. SE. Magazine Rd, AP. Female. 21/10/2013. 5km N Avon, Miller, R. Allen, J. AP. 1, 12/10/2013. Gawler, MLR. Taylor, P.W. Girdham, L. Eastern Koel 1, 9/10/2013. 5km W Owen, AP. 1, 11/10/2013. Reynella, Sarah Orange Chat Steeles, C. & Warnes, M. Close, MLR. 20 prs, 8/9/2013. Port Neill, EP. Harris, S. & L. Cox, T. White-browed Woodswallow Reported from the same area in Flock, 8/10/2013. Over Urrbrae, AP. previous years. Carpenter, G.

Birds SA Newsletter, November, 2013 19 Bird Records (cont) Apostlebird 1, 18/9/2013. Watervale, LN. Russell, T. 2 groups, 20/10/2013. Taplan, MM. Hampel, T. A further extension to the south and west.

Tawny Grassbird 2, 13/6/2013. Cullyamurra WH, Cooper Creek, NE. Several, 14/6/2013. Innamincka causeway, NE. In dense lush lignum and annual growth following floods. Observations to be published in SA Ornithologist. Reid, J. First report from SA following recent observations upstream on Cooper Creek in SW Queensland by Jaensch and others (Sunbird 43: 1-11).

Little Raven Pair+nest, 15/9/2013. Mingary Creek, LN. L. Pedler This species appears to be expanding its breeding distribution into the southern pastoral areas, with another nesting report near Oraparinna in the Flinders Ranges in recent years.

From the Library

DVD 51 Life of birds Eight Mile Plains, Qld.: Marcom Projects, c2010. Produced by Visual Learning Company; producer, Brian A. Jerome.

This DVD explores the major characteristics, adaptations, and life cycles of birds. Special emphasis is paid to the features that enable birds to fly.

DVD 52 Birds of Prey: part 1 Loganholme, Qld.: Marcom Projects (distributor), 2004.

John Young presents the Peregrine Falcon, Letter Winged Kite, Square-Tailed Kite, Brown Goshawk, Wedge-Tailed Eagle, Brown Falcon, Nankeen Kestrel, and the Pacific Baza

DVD 53 Birds Of Prey: part 2 Loganholme, Qld.: Marcom Projects (distributor), 2004.

Birds of prey: part 2 features the following raptors — Osprey, White-Breasted Sea Eagle, Black Kite, Black Shouldered Kite, Grey Falcon, Little Eagle, Brahminy Kite and Whistling Kite.

598.163 DOH Doherty, Peter Sentinel Chickens: What Birds Tell Us About Our Health and Our World. Carlton, Vic.: Melbourne University Press, 2012 ISBN 9780522861105 Nobel Prize winner Peter Doherty explains how birds have contributed to cutting-edge medical research. Studying birds has helped us to understand the nature of human cancer, malaria and influenza, and contributed to the development of new vaccines and cures. Sentinel Chickens shows why we should give our feathered friends our close, sustained and caring attention

20 Birds SA Newsletter, November, 2013 A Calendar for the Birds

Birds SA Newsletter, November, 2013 21 Members’ Photographs Details of The Photographs No: Species Photographer Location Date 1 Rainbow Lorikeet Kay Parkin Jervis Bay, NSW August 2013 2 Musk Lorikeet Rebecca Zanert Cobbler Creek Rec. Park September 2013 3 Galah Barbara Godfrey Rockleigh 15/8/2013 4 Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo Teresa Jack Near Fowlers Bay September 2013 5 Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo Kay Parkin Gluepot Reserve September 2013 6 Australasian Gannet Kay Parkin Portland, Victoria October 2013 7 Great-Crested Grebe Peter McKenzie Greenfields Wetlands 25/10/2013 8 Black-winged Stilt Peter McKenzie Greenfields Wetlands June 2013 9 Crested & Fairy Terns Peter McKenzie Pine Point 19/10/2013 10 Southern Emu-wren DT ------11 Red-browed Firetail Burt May Tea Tree Gully October 2013 12 Crimson Chat Teresa Jack Bimbowrie Campout October 2013 13 Lovely Fairy-wren Kay Parkin Julatten, Qld October 2013 14 Rufous Whistler Teresa Jack Bimbowrie Campout October 2013 15 Western Whipbird Dion Thompson Near Port Lincoln 15/9/2013 Birds Seen Around Water