March ] COLLISTER: Birds of W arby Ranges & 13 1977 Mokoan, Vic. Birds of the War by Ranges and Lake Mokoan, By MARC COLLISTER for the Young Member Group of the B.O.C. INTRODUCTION This paper gives an account of the birds seen in the Warby Ranges and Lake Mokoan area, Victoria, by a group of young Bird Observers Club members from January 18-23, 1976. The group stayed at the old Taminick school house, now a Gould League camp, which is situated between the Range and the Lake, to the S.E., and about 5 km N.W. of the township of Glenrowan on the Hume Highway. During the course of the camp, trips were made mainly to the southern half of the Range in the vicinity of Taminick Gap and to the northern and eastern sides of Lake Mokoan. HISTORY OF THE AREA The Warby Ranges were named after an early selector who took up a pastoral run in the locality during the 1840's. It is sometimes known as 'Putter's Range', Putter apparently being a mis-reading of the name 'Fuller' who was thought to have been a surveyor working in the area in the same period. This was 'Kelly Country', the famed Ned Kelly and his gang used to hide out in the Ranges as it was in close proximity to their home. TOPOGRAPHY AND PHYSIOGRAPHY The W arby Ranges and Lake Mokoan, approx. 225 kms. N .E. of in North-Eastern Victoria, lie between the towns of Wangaratta and Benalla, on the northern side of the Hume Highway. The Range extends in an almost due north-south line from Glenrowan in the south to Killawarra in the north, a dis­ tance of about 25 km. It divides the Ovens River in the east from the in the west, where streams drain into Lake Mokoan. The Range is a Devonian granite intrusion, comprising steep to moderate escarpments with undulating plateau areas. Extensive granite outcrops occur. Soils are frequently shallow. The Killa­ warra-Boweya road, skirting the northern end, follows the division between the granite formation and the Ordovician sedimentary formation directly to the north. It lies generally above the 200 m. contour, with the highest point being Mt. Glenrowan, 514 m, at the southern tip of the Range. Other prominent points are Mt. Warby, 449 m centrally situated on the Range, and Mt. Killawarra, 400 m, at the northern end. At present the Forests Commission control 2,906 hectares of Reserved Forest at the northern end of the Range. This Reserved Forest adjoins the 2, 780 hectare Killawarra Forest. The rest of the Range is either freehold and uncleared, Crown Land (2,428 hectares), or private property. Other land uses around the Range are orchards, vineyards, wineries and small grazing areas. Attrac­ tive vistas can be obtained at many parts of the Range of the 14 COLLISTER [ Bird Watcher

surrounding farms, orchards and vine-growing areas, Lake Mokoan, and in the distance the Buffalo Plateau, and to the south-west the Wombat and Strathbogie Ranges. Lake Mokoan is a long, shallow reservoir lying approximately 2 km south-west of the Warby Range. It was completed in 1971 by the State Rivers and Water Supply Commission for the pur­ pose of supplying water from the Broken River system for irriga­ tion to thousands of farms in northern Victoria. It covers an area of approx. 7,890 hectares with a capacity of 364,800 megalitres. Three smaller swamps existed in the area before this, Green's, Winton and Taminick, and these were flooded to form the one large lake. The Red Gums which grew around these smaller swamps remain standing in the water. The lake supplies water to the system for irrigation and it is also developed as a tourist attraction, with pleasure boating and swimming facilities. VEGETATION AND HABITAT (a) The forest association of the Range itself is that of an open forest/ woodland type. Over 150 flowering plants are found here, some of which are Victoria's rarest, as well as half a dozen kinds of fern. Grey Box Eucalyptus microcarpa, White Box E. albens, Red Stringybark E. macrorphynha, Yellow Box E. melliodora, Blakely's or Hill Gum E. blakelyi, Red Box E. poly­ anthemos, Long-leaf Box E. goniocalyx, and Red Ironbark E. sideroxylon are all present. There are 14 species of acacias in­ cluding Silver Wattle Acacia dealbata and Lightwood A. implexa. One species, Spurwing acacia A. triptera, plus a Sandalwood tree Santalum lanceolatum are not found anywhere else in Vic­ toria. White Cypress Pine Callitris hugilii, syn. glauca is common, occurring in scattered pockets, plus Native Cherry trees Exocar­ pos cupressiformis and She-Oaks Casuarina sp. The Australian Grass Tree Xanthorroea australis is common, being found over most of the Range. It can attain a height of 10'-15' and the thick grass skirts and long, sometimes oddly twisted flowering spikes make the Grass Tree an interesting feature of the Warbys. Some of the smaller plants and flowers to be found which add colour to the landscape are Urn Heath Melichrus urceolatus, Common Everlasting Helichrysum apiculatum, Rock Isotome lsotoma axillaris, Dense Mint Bush Prosthanthera decussata and Guinea Flower Hibbertia obtusifolia. (b) Surrounding the Range the habitat is predominantly one of open woodland and open paddocks. Some of the previously mentioned trees are to be found in this habitat as well as River Red Gum E. camaldulensis which extends to the edge of Lake Mokoan. Sugar Gums E . cladocalyx have been planted along the sides of roads and in the vicinity of farm houses. This habitat also includes some of the orchards and vineyards of the area. (c) The next habitat, the Lake, provides an open expanse of water broken only by numerous dead trees which provide nesting places for some of the larger birds. Included are the patches of March J Birds of Warby Ranges & Lake Mokoan, Vic. 15 1977 swamp occurring around the edge of the Lake. The Ranges, surrounding plains and the lake, together produce an area of diverse habitat which in turn attracts many species of birds. A previous list had recorded 186 species in the area (Wheeler, 1972). During the course of our visit 128 species of birds were seen and 4 new species were recorded: Little Quail, Pink-eared Duck, Black Falcon and Satin Flycatcher. Two other species, Glossy Ibis and Pied Butcherbird, were added to Wheel­ er's list between its publication and this visit. SPECIES LIST Australian Pelican Small numbers. Mainly odd pairs seen on lake or flying over. Australian Darter Moderately common along edge of lake between eastern end and swimming-place on the northern side. Black Cormorant Present on lake in large numbers. Groups numbering a hundred birds or more could be seen at any time either roosting in dead trees on lake or flying swiftly across it. Little Black Cormorant Small numbers present on lake. Pied Cormorant Small numbers present on lake. Little Pied Cormorant Very common on lake, occurring in large numbers. Great Crested Grebe Common lake. Glenrowan and camp. Small numbers on lake. Little Grebe Common on lake. Hoary-headed Grebe Small group of approx. 5 on a small dam next to road between White-necked Heron Common along edge of lake between camp and swimming-place. White-faced Heron Common around edges of the lake, and in small dams anrl open paddocks of area. White Ibis Very common. Huge flocks of hundreds of birds were seen every day in open paddocks of area and in dead trees on lake. Straw-necked Ibis Status same as for White Ibis. Seen both in paddocks and amongst dead trees on lake. Royal Spoonbill Single bird flying over at north-eastern corner of lake. Yellow-billed Spoonbill A pair standing at the edge of lake in the north-eastern corner. Black Swan Common on lake. Mountain Duck 16 COLLISTER [ Bird Watcher

A flock of six birds on lake. Black Duck Common on lake. Grey Teal Common on lake. Chestnut Teal A single male on Jake. Pink-eared Duck A single bird on lake. Blue-winged Shoveller A single bird on lake. White-eyed Duck Small number on lake. Maned Goose (Wood Duck) Moderate numbers along the narrow strip of meadow between road and north-eastern edge of lake. Musk Duck Small numbers on lake. Black-shouldered Kite Occasional birds in the open areas surrounding lake and Ranges. Whistling Kite Along with the Little Eagle and Brown Falcon, this was one of the commonest birds-of-prey in the area. Moderate numbers in all parts of area during the camp. Brown Goshawk Odd sightings in Ranges and surrounding areas. Little Eagle As mentioned, this was one of the commonest birds-of-prey, individuals being sighted fairly regularly in the more open areas. Wedge-tailed Eagle Several sightings of birds in W arby Ranges and the low range of hills along northern side of lake. Appears to be well estab­ lished in this area. Swamp Harrier A couple of individual birds along eastern and southern edge of lake. Black Falcon One sighting, a single bird in open land behind camp area. Peregrine Falcon Two sightings of one and two birds in Warby Ranges. Little Falcon A pair resident in vicinity of camp area. They could be seen most mornings and evenings when most active and at their noisiest. Nankeen Kestrel Moderately common in open areas around Ranges and lake. Brown Fakon Common. Individuals sighted regularly in open areas around Ranges and lake. Stubble Quail Moderately common in paddocks of area and around edges of lake. Flushed fairly often and its call could be heard frequently. March ] Birds of Warby Ranges & Lake Mokoan, Vic. 17 1977

Little Quail A single bird in a paddock between the camp area and the W arby Ranges. Dusky Moorhen Small number round edges of lake in the northern-eastern corner and on the lake itself. Eastern Swamphen Small number around grassy edge of lake directly in front of camp area. Coot Common. Large numbers sighted on lake. Spur-winged Plover Moderately common around edges of the lake and small dams in area. Black-fronted Dotterel A pair sighted on road at a road junction near lake. White-headed Stilt A flock of fifteen at edge of lake directly in front of camp area. Musk Lorikeet A small party of about ten birds in Sugar Gums near camp area. Sulphur-crested Cockatoo Common in more open areas, occurring in large flocks. Little Corella Small flock occasionally around vicinity of camp. Galah Common in the more open areas. Crimson Rosella One pair at camp area. Eastern Rosella Occasional sightings in Warby Ranges and around swimming area. Red-romped Parrot Moderately common in most areas. Pallid Curkoo A single bird near camp. Horsfield Bronze Cuckoo A single bird in a paddock between camp and W arby Ranges. Tawny Frogmouth A dead specimen brought to us by one of the people living in the area. Spine-tailed Swift Large groups of hundreds of birds seen over Warby Ranges in vicinity of Taminick Gap on one day. Laughing Kookaburra Occasional sightings in all areas. An injured bird was brought to us by one of the people living in the area but it died soon after. Sacred Kingfisher Common around swimming area on northern side of the lake with odd sightings on southern side, and in Warby R anges. 18 COLLISTER [ Bird W atcher

Rainbow Bird Common around swimming area and other parts of lake. Odd sightings in Warby Ranges where it was nesting. DoUarBird Small numbers around farm houses where there were trees, along northern side of lake between the eastern end and swimming area. Welcome Swallow Common all areas. Tree Martin Common, though seen mostly around lake. Fairy Martin Also common around lake and open paddocks. Nests were found under a couple of roadside culverts. Australian Pipit Moderate numbers in areas of open fields. Black-faced Cuckoo-Shrike Occasional sightings, mainly around swimming area but also in Warby Ranges and around camp. White-winged Triller Three birds opposite an orchard near Taminick Gap. Blackbird A single bird at camp area. Grey-crowned Babbler Small party constantly around camp area. Two nests used for roosting in were also found in camp area. Little Grassbird Small number in amongst the reeds around parts of the lake. Reed Warbler Small number around swimming area. Golden-headed Cisticola Small numbers near the camp and around lake. Brown Songlark Several in areas of open paddock. Rufous Songlark Moderately common. Like the Brown Songlark, it was usually seen sitting on fences in open areas. Superb Blue Wren Small numbers around swimming area and in Warby Ranges. White-throated Warbler One adult and one immature in same tree with two White-tailed Warblers at Taminick Gap in Warby Ranges. White-tailed Warbler Two in company of two White-throated Warblers at Taminick Gap in Warby Ranges. Weebill Small numbers throughout Warby Ranges. A couple were feeding with the two species of Warblers mentioned above. Striated Thornhill A small party along the road between Glenrowan and camp area. March ] Birds of Warby Ranges & Lake Mokoan, Vic. 19 1977

Little Thornhill Small numbers throughout Warby Ranges. Brown Thornhill Small numbers in Warby Ranges and other suitable areas. Buff-romped Thornhill Moderately common in Taminick Gap area, and throughout Warby Ranges. Yellow-romped Thornhill Small numbers in an orchard at Taminick Gap. Southern Whiteface A party of ten on road at Taminick Gap. Speckled Warbler Three birds in Warby Ranges. White-fronted Chat A female bird by road near Taminick Gap. Jacky Winter Small number throughout area. Scarlet Robin Small number throughout area. Red-capped Robin A pair near an orchard at Taminick Gap. Southern Yellow Robin Small numbers throughout Warby Ranges. A few around swim­ ming area. Grey Fantail Common throughout Warby Ranges, swimming and camp areas. Willie Wagtail Common throughout Warby Ranges, swimming and camp areas. Satin Flycatcher A single bird in W arby Ranges. Restless Flycatcher Small numbers throughout the area. Golden Whistler Common throughout Warby Ranges and in other suitable areas. One nest found. Grey Shrike-Thrush Moderate numbers in the Warby Ranges and around camp area. Eastern Shrike-Tit Small numbers in Warby Ranges and at swimming area. Orange-winged Sittella Several small parties in W arby Ranges. Brown Treecreeper Common in Warby Ranges; swimming and camp areas. White-throated Treecreeper Not as common as the Brown Treecreeper, only a few being seen. Spotted Pardalote A pair in the Warby Ranges. Striated Pardalote Common throughout Warby Ranges. 20 COLLISTER [ Bird Watcher

Grey-breasted Silvereye Moderately common throughout area. Fuscous Honeyeater Small number in Warby Ranges. Yellow-faced Honeyeater Small numbers in Warby Ranges and around camp area. White-plumed Honeyeater Moderately common throughout area. Yellow-tufted Honeyeater Several in trees along road near Glenrowan. Brown-headed Honeyeater Small numbers at camp area and along road between Glen­ rowan and camp. Odd sightings in Warby Ranges. White-naped Honeyeater Party of about ten along road between Glenrowan and camp. Little Friarbird Moderate numbers around swimming area. Eastern Spinebill Small numbers throughout Warby Ranges and around camp area. Noisy Miner Common around swimming and camp areas, and along road between Glenrowan and camp. Red Wattlebird Small numbers around swimming area. Diamond Firetail A pair in an orchard at Taminick Gap. Red-browed Finch Small party along road between Glenrowan and camp. A few at an old ruined house near camp area. Zebra Finch Small party at an old ruined bouse near camp area. House Sparrow Very common, especially open areas and around human habi­ tations. Goldfinch Moderate numbers, open areas. Starling Very common, open areas, and around human habitations. Olive-backed Oriole A single bird at an orchard at Taminick Gap. Magpie-Lark Common, most areas. White-winged Chough Several flocks along the road between Glenrowan and camp. White-breasted W oodswallow Moderately common throughout the Warby R anges and at swimming area. Pied Butcherbird Three present around camp area. At one time one of the birds began taking sticks out of the nests that Grey-crowned Babblers March J KLAPSTE & KLAPSTE: Nesting notes 21 1977 had built. It seized a thin stick about 6" (15 em) long in its beak and flew to a branch where one of the other birds was waiting. Having difficulty in holding the stick in its beak, the Butcherbird began juggling it about to try and get a better grip on it but in doing so the Butcherbird dropped the stick altogether. They were about 25 feet (7 .6 metres) from the ground and as the stick dropped down, the other Butcherbird flew quickly down and grabbed it gracefully but firmly in its beak in mid-air and then flew back to join its mate on the branch. Black-backed Magpie Very common, all areas. White-backed Magpie Compared to the Black-backed this bird was rare; only a couple of single birds. Australian Raven Rare, only a couple of sightings. Little Raven Very common, all areas. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I thank the Forest's Commission of Victoria and State Rivers and Water Supply Commission of Victoria for providing relevant information on the Warby Range /Lake Mokoan area; the Bird Observers Club Young Members for supplying me with additional information from their own records, and Mr. W. Roy Wheeler for providing certain information needed. Mr. Noel Arnold guided the paper into publication and arranged for its refereeing. REFERENCE Gould League, Victoria, 1974. Survival3: 67-69 ; 92-93. Fairy Martin and Striated Pardalote - Nesting Notes. On Sep­ tember 30, 1975, we found a small nesting colony of Fairy Martins Cecropis aniel near Bealiba, Victoria (36° 48', S; 143 ° 33', E) . The colony of 22 nests was situated on a steep bank of what is known locally as Sandhill Creek. Despite the fact that the banks are some 3.5 metres high, the lowest nest is only 42 em above the bed. The creek carries water only after rains. The nests are above the creek bed as follows (height in centimetres) 42, 46, 55, 56, 59, 64, 65 , 68, 71 , 72, 72, 74, 83, 86, 93, 104, 114, 122, 126, 132, 138, and 151. At the same locality we found nests of the Striated Pardalote Pardalotus striatus. Their nesting holes on the steep banks were so close together that they had the character of a nesting colony. In a distance of 120 metres we found 48 occupied nesting holes. The lowest nesting hole was 38 em, the highest 265 em above the creek bed. The closest distance between nests was only 24 em. The Paradalotes were very abundant in the area. One pair of Striated Pardalotes was nesting in the township of Bealiba in the crevice of a wall of the General Store, 258 em above the ground. During our visit to the locality on October 18, 1975, we again observed the activities of Fairy Martins and Striated Pardalotes at their nesting places. On this occasion the Rainbow Bird