Day Trip Reports
Figbirds and Tawny Frogmouths Trip Report
Saturday 25 February 2006
Guide:John Gale
Rose and John sorting it out |
We began on a glorious summer's day with a full busload of eagle eyes at Duckholes Track, Ku-ring-gai Chase NP. We saw Peaceful Dove and flowering Red Bloodwoods (urn-shaped stalkless fruit) were targeted by several honeyeaters including White-eared, White-cheeked, New Holland, Brown-headed, Yellow-tufted, Little Wattlebird and Eastern Spinebill, and Eastern Yellow Robin came to check up on us. Morning tea at McCarr's Creek produced White-throated Treecreeper, distant views of a cryptic Striated Heron (well spotted Gordon) and a pair of Sacred Kingfishers feeding on the mangrove flats. Kookaburras and a Tawny Frogmouth offered photo opportunities. Next stop at Warriewood Wetlands, Daphne found our target bird, the most beautiful and confiding female Painted Button-quail. Our stroll beside the Swamp Mahogany forest at DY gave us Red-whiskered Bulbul, Silvereye, Grey Fantail, Yellow Thornbill, White-browed Scrub-wren, and Eastern and Crimson Rosella, before the lagoon showed Great Cormorant, Pelican, Chestnut Teal, Silver Gull, Red Wattlebird, and Superb Blue Wren, of which several males were moulting into eclipse plumage. After lunch a merry chase led to wonderful views of Black-fronted Dotteral and Welcome Swallow - wings and back a beautiful sheen of iridescent blue. Finally, Greendale Creek offered ducks - Pacific Black, Hardhead, Grey and Chestnut Teal, an Australasian Grebe bobbed around, Cormorants - Little Pied and Little Black, White-faced Heron, Dusky Moorhen, Purple Swamphen, Eurasian Coot, Olive-backed Oriole, Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike, White-plumed Honeyeater, and Red-browed Finch, among others. No raptors today, however the Noisy Minor alarm calls alerted us to a lone (or last of a scything flock) White-throated Needletail, it's silhouette close enough to a Peregrine's to be worried.
Welcome to the bird bus Daphne and Ellie - thanks for your botanical knowledge, and Deborah and Tricia, welcome to the rewarding world of birding.
Thanks one and all for sharp eyes, questions and jokes (Alan - groan) and a great day, good birding, John Gale.
Wild Watagan Birds Trip Report
Saturday 4 February 2006
Guide: Alan Morris and Dion Hobcroft
Group Wild Watagans |
32 keen birders, including many new birdwatchers, headed for the Watagan
Mountains, located west of Lake Macquarie, on the NSW Central Coast on an
overcast but sunny morning, including two guides and drivers in two
coaches to sample the birding in the Lake Macquarie LGA. First stop was
the Gap Creek Road, in the Watagan NP section of the Mountains.
Unfortunately once we gained some height in the mountains the mists
embraced us but plenty of birds were calling and we soon located a number
of Topknot Pigeons roosting in some of the high rainforest trees.
Bellminers were present all around us and for some people this became the
first time that they had seen such birds up close. White-browed &
Large-billed Scrub-wrens were seen and Brown Cuckoo-Doves called and flew
past us, while Lewin's Honeyeater, Rufous Fantail, King Parrots and Wonga
Pigeons were also located.
Easy Day for Alan Morris |
We moved onto the Gap Creek picnic area for morning tea where we had great views of a family of Red-browed Treecreepers which could be viewed along
side a pair of White-throated Treecreepers. Other interesting birds here
found in the tall Blue Gums and rainforest trees were Yellow-faced
Honeyeaters, Golden Whistler, Black-faced Monarch, Brown & Striated
Thornbill, Grey Fantail, Eastern Spinebill and an obliging family of
Crested Shrike-tits that enabled all the relevant features of the
different plumages to be noted!
We moved onto the Pine Plantation in the State Forest section of the
Ranges and at the Pines Picnic Area, despite the now heavy mist and
drizzle we were able to participate in some good birding. Although the
Superb Lyrebirds could not be seen, the damp overcast weather had them
singing about good things to come and they gave a great audio background
for our bird watching and later during our lunch. Many of the species that
they included in their repertoire were observed in the vicinity including
Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo, Pied Currawong, Eastern Yellow Robin &
Black-faced Monarch. Other birds seen here included Rose Robin, Rufous
Fantail, Brown Gerygone.
Wild Watagans with Dion too |
Our final point of call was at Wood Point, on the western shores of Lake
Macquarie and within the Lake Macquarie State Conservation Area, where we
left the mist behind us but the weather had become generally overcast and
hot. However there were plenty of birds in the mangroves and casuarinas
along the banks of Pourmalong Creek and in the adjacent Forest Red Gum
woodland where both the Red Gums and Bloodwoods were in flower. Rainbow
and Scaly-breasted Lorikeets were moving and calling between flowering
trees, and overhead Welcome Swallows and a few White-throated Needletails
were feeding. In the woodland were Fantailed Cuckoo, Eastern Whipbird,
Variegated Fairy-wren, White-throated Gerygone, Yellow & Brown Thornbill,
Rufous & Golden Whistler and Dollarbird. Along the banks of the creek both
Azure and Sacred Kingfishers were located, Darters, Black Duck & Chestnut
Teal, and both Little Pied & Little Black Cormorants were roosting and
feeding. Satin Bowerbirds must have had a bower nearby as there were much
coming and going, and just as were leaving some protesting Noisy Miners
and Grey Butcherbirds led us to a pair of roosting Southern Boobooks in a
dense grove of casuarinas and gum tree saplings. Altogether a great days
birding, many people experienced close up views of species not seen before
and it was a good time of fellowship as well. 72 species were seen for the
day
by Alan Morris Leading for FTB.
Northern Birdwatching : Hot Spot Trip Report
Saturday 14 January 2006
Guide:Keith Brandwood
Whtie-throated Gerrygone by Nevil Lazarus |
Pitt Town Lagoon was the premiere location of this year's Hot Spots, where we hoped to see the elusive King Quail. The other species on the list of bird to see were Cicada Bird, Wandering Whistle Duck and Powerful Owl. However the Whistle Duck's location was too boggy from the previous day's rain to allow access. They say there is a silver lining to every cloud; ours was spending more time in Cattai N/P where we enjoyed a number of good sightings, having morning tea with a family of White-winged Choughs and great views of a White-throated Geryegone.
Pitt Town was in great condition with Little Grassbird, Clamourous Reed Warbler and Chestnut Breasted Manikin showing well. Despite our best efforts we could not flush the bird we had come to see the King Quail and had to be satisfied with hearing them call. The final part of the day we spent in Mitchell Park where our target birds were Powerful Owl and Cicada Bird. The walk under the rainforest looking for the owl was steamy and we were not able to find them, but the silver lining came into play again with Crested Shrike-tit and Black-faced Monarch added to our list.
We started the day with three target species and had not seen one of them as yet; I was getting to the desperate stage and was banking on the Cicada Bird a new bird for most to restore my reputation. So it was with great relief that on leaving the rainforest the call of the Cicada Bird was heard. Calling in the bird, it did the right thing and perched in a tree above our heads giving everyone fantastic views. Eighty two species for the day was the final tally as we headed for the ice cream shop and home.
By Keith Brandwood guding for Follow That Bird
Holiday Hot Spot Trip Report
Saturday 17 December 2005
Guide:Alan Morris
Curlew Sandpiper by Neil Fifer |
On Saturday 17 December 2005 I led a party of birders from "Follow That Bird
Tours" to the Hunter Region to see what the birding "hotspots" of Stockton
and Ash Island had to offer. We had a perfect summers day, sunny, fine and
the temp about 28 C. The tide was forecasted to be 1.85 m which is a good
height and should ensure that there were plenty of waders at the Spit. We
arrived at the Stockton Sandspit just as the tide was turning and although
the Godwits and some of the Avocets had remained over at the Dykes on the
southern side of the Hunter River, there were were plenty of waterbirds to
see. By far the most numerous were 450+ Red-necked Avocets, c.250 Eastern
Curlews and 120 Curlew Sandpipers. However also present were Red-capped
Plovers, Sharp-tailed Sandpipers, Black-winged Stilts and Red-necked Stints.
Four Pied Oystercatchers made several passes over the Spit, Superb
Fairy-wrens, Yellow Thornbills and Grey Fantails were active in the wattles,
Silvereyes and Mangrove Gerygones were seen in the mangroves, and Little
Egrets, Great Egret and White-faced Herons were feeding in the saltmarsh.
We had morning tea in the shade of the bridge and then walked around to Fern
Bay where we could only locate 1 Tekek Sandpiper and 2 Grey-tailed Tattlers
on the oyster lease posts. We then moved onto the Stockton wreck and other
that pelicans and Little Black Cormorants, we drew a blank but managed to
find 12 Golden Plovers roosting further along on the rocks. There were
Yellow-rumped Thornbills, plenty of Figbirds, a Koel Cuckoo and a Whipbird
along the River parklands at this point. We moved across to Stockton Beach
for lunch, where from the shade of the pavilion, we were able to watch the
Stockton Cricket team play Belmont on the Cricket Oval, the birds on
Stockton Beach not being very exciting today although Common & Crested Terns
were present. We returned to the Stockton sandspit after lunch, having given
the falling tide, time to exposed the sand flats. First we checked out the
Fern Bay oyster leases and this time we were not disappointed, finding a
group of 19 Terek Sandpipers, 4 Whimbrels and more Tattlers. Back at the
Sandspit, Bar-tailed Godwits & Golden Plovers had come to join the other
waders feeding on the sandflats, while White-breasted Sea-eagles were seen
over the Spit.
Black-winged Stilt by Neil Fifer |
The higher than usual tide had meant that the saltmarshes of the Ash Island
ponds were well covered in water and there were plenty of Egrets feeding on
the fish, Great, Intermediate, Little and Cattle Egrets all being present
with most in their breeding plumages so enabling comparisions to be made of
the different colour combinations of legs, beak and the skin around the eye.
Over 35 Greenshanks were present along with a large flock of Black-winged Stilts which were being harassed by Whistling Kites, Swamp Harriers and a
beautiful adult Peregrine Falcon. The Peregrine gave wonderful views when
perched on the power poles. Alas no Yellow Wagtails to be seen, but Pipits,
Clamorous Reedwarblers and White-fronted Chats showed well. Eastern Curlews,
White Ibis, Swan, Chestnut Teal and White-faced Herons were the main other
waterbirds, while Welcome Swallows, Fairy Martins and White-breasted
Woodswallows were present in large numbers and Kestrel and Black-faced
Cuckoo-shrike were seen in the nearby paddocks.
Our birding at both sites was enhanced because of the work being currently
undertaken by the Hunter Bird Observers Club in carrying out mangrove
seedling removal in the saltmarshes of the Ash Islands Ponds in order to
enhance the wader feeding habitat there, and at Stockton Sandspit, where
under the leadershipo of Tom Clarke, mangrove seedling and Bitou Bush
removal removal works continue so as to improve the bird habitats and keep
the wader feeding grounds clear. Congrats to the HBOC for work well done.
Overall the participants for the day saw over 67 species at these two top
birding spots and had a good time of christmas fun and fellowship. Happy
Christmas everyone! We were ofcourse somewhat disappointed that not one
searched the coach for baseball bats or tried to confiscate our telescopes
deeming them to be weapons that could be used in the beach wars!!
By Alan
Morris guding for Follow That Bird
Mount Banks & Wilson -
The Bells Line of Road Trip Report
Saturday 19 November 2005
Guide:Carol Probets
Rufous Fantail by Neil Fifer |
On a hot November's day what better place is there to be than the
cool mountain forests and heaths along the higher parts of the Bell's
Line of Road. Named after Archibald Bell who found this alternative
route across the Blue Mountains in 1823, it's a more scenic drive
than the highway and the drive itself imparts a real feeling of being
in a wild, untamed landscape.
So with Chris at the wheel, we headed up the eastern escarpment at
Bellbird Hill - windows open so we could hear the Bell Miners after
which this steep winding section of road is named. Our first stop was
in the fruit-growing district of Bilpin, where we had morning tea
amongst the rose gardens in the company of a little party of Superb
Fairy-wrens. Yellow-faced Honeyeaters were across the road in a large
flowering eucalypt and a Silvereye was found red-handed, or rather
red-beaked, stealing raspberries off the vine!
Mount Banks and Mount Wilson are two of the basalt-capped peaks which
dot the northern part of the Blue Mountains, islands of volcanic
lushness in a sea of nutrient-poor sandstone. At Mt Banks we opted to
explore the beautiful heathland areas on the sandstone flanks of the
mountain, low windswept vegetation which is surprisingly diverse
botanically. The flannel flowers were in bloom along with a varied
mixture of other flowers which kept many of the group spellbound in
between bird sightings. The first bird seen was a White-eared
Honeyeater, a handsome bird which posed on a dead branch long enough
for everyone to admire him through the scope. We also saw Rufous
Whistler, Brown Thornbill and New Holland Honeyeaters and heard a
Crescent Honeyeater.
Daphne Checking the Wild Flowers |
A freshly dead snake-like creature was found on the track; close
examination revealed it to be a legless lizard, the Common Scaly-Foot.
The majesty of the cliffs over the Grose Valley and the gentle midday
breeze suggested perfect conditions for eagles. As if beckoned by our
searching, a Wedge-tailed Eagle appeared in the sky just as we were
getting back on the bus.
It was then on to Mount Wilson for lush forest habitat and a
completely different suite of birds. A quick stop at a promising site
along the way produced great views of a pair of Yellow-tailed
Black-Cockatoos, with another calling nearby, a Dusky Woodswallow, a
Little Wattlebird and two more Wedge-tailed Eagles circling overhead.
After lunch at the Cathedral of Ferns picnic area we set off on our
rainforest walk, between towering Coachwoods and through forests of
tree ferns much taller than us. Two Lewin's Honeyeaters chased each
other back and forth in the canopy, while Brown Gerygones were
attending a small hanging nest above the track. Further on we found
another pair of Brown Gerygones in the process of building, one bird
repeatedly gathering cobweb or other material from the underside of a
sloping log. A much larger hanging nest belonged to Yellow-throated
Scrubwrens but the owners were not to be found.
Dorothy with Blue Mountains Vista |
A Rufous Fantail was admired by everyone and a male Rose Robin was
seen nearby. We also saw Eastern Yellow Robins, Golden Whistlers and
further along the road in eucalypt forest, an Eastern Spinebill
feeding in flowering mistletoe as well as a Black-faced Monarch
moving through the treetops. As always, the Crimson Rosellas and
King-Parrots added more splashes of colour. A patch of Potato Orchids
were an interesting find here, so named because of its tuberous
rhizomes (not, as someone suggested, the colour of the flowers).
Finally, while driving back through Mt Wilson a pair of Wonga Pigeons
flew up from the roadside and retreated to a nearby garden while we
watched from the bus.
It was not only the birds and wildflowers which fascinated us; the
butterflies also featured on this day with a number of Swordgrass
Browns and Caper Whites seen at Mt Banks as well as a Painted Lady
and a Wonder Brown picked up on the drive home. All in all, it proved
to be a day of splendid scenery, fabulous wildflowers and of course
those special mountain birds.
By Carol Probets guiding for Follow That Bird
Killalea Lagoon Trip Report
Saturday 22 October 2005
Guide:Bob Ashford
Golden-headed Cisticola by Nevil Lazarus |
Black clouds hovered over the escarpment as we headed down the bush track toward the Lagoon. Any concerns about rain, however, slipped from our minds as we watched an edgy pair of Willie Wagtail's flit around us until one settled on a beautifully constructed nest. As we left them to it a pair of Eastern Whipbirds bounced across the track playing 'see me if you can' and several Red-browed Finches peaked out at us from the lantana. A little further on a Bar-shouldered Dove 'coo cooed' us invitingly then decided it had other things to do. A good start to what proved to be a thoroughly enjoyable day.
Well, almost. It got hotter and muggier and inevitably, a shower tried to dampen our spirits, not the sort of day to be lugging a large scope and tripod. However, we were glad we did. Golden Headed Cisticolas 'zitted' enticingly from the reeds just a bit too far for great views with binoculars but through the scope they proved to be stunningly good-looking performers.
As we strolled around the northern end of the lagoon, the scope proved its worth again. We heard the thin, piercing, descending whistle of a Horsfield's Bronze Cuckoo that obligingly maintained its perch while we set up the scope. The incomplete breast barring was very obvious and it was plain for all to understand why it was called a bronze cuckoo.
As we selected a good spot to view the lagoon as we had lunch, a female Hobby, flying like a sharply pointed boomerang, sliced over the water in front of us. It caused mayhem among the small birds among the reeds, niftily plucking one out of the air and carrying it to a leafless tree right in front its delighted audience. As it devoured its catch, we 'scoped' it and everybody enjoyed splendid views of this very smart raptor. It spent the rest of lunch entertaining us and proving its claim to be an aerial acrobat 'el supremo'.
Horsefield's Bronze-Cuckoo by Neil Fifer |
Buzzed up with the Hobby's show we set off again down the track to the shoreline. A White-faced Heron took up the lead and led us along the reeds for several hundred metres. Along the way, we scoured the water for Musk Duck, Australasian Grebe and several species of Cormorant. Recent rains had raised the water levels so there was not a lot of 'edge' to entice waders or Teal. There was, however, a large number of Black Swans. Many had cygnets that followed their parents in a long line reminiscent of old WW11 film footage of battleships moving in convoy. There were large ones, small ones and some Swans were still building nests and sitting on eggs. The consensus was that Killelea would be all right for Swans this season!
Cisticolas flitted above our heads, Clamorous Reed Warblers rattled away in the reeds offering occasional tantalising glimpses, but the Little Grassbird simply sent out its mournful three-toned whistle and refused to show itself!
A flurry of raptors, Nankeen Kestrel, Black-shouldered Kite and Brown Goshawk, marked our arrival at the beach. As we checked the swell for birds, a sharp chattering 'kikikikiki' alerted us to a possible Hobby. Sure enough, there it was, only this time there were two and once again, we watched in awe at the bird¼s flight skills as the pair playfully tumbled and turned their way southward.
As excitedly tallied up our list the wonderfully dedicated Janene served us tea and biscuits. A respectable sixty-one species but for sheer quality of birding the Hobby was voted by all of us as one of the most memorable birding experiences.
By Bob Ashford guiding for FTB
Northern Birdwatching :
West Head and The Basin Trip Report
Saturday 24 September 2005
Guide:Andrew Patrick
New Holland Honeyeater
by Nevil Lazarus |
Whilst on the bus and heading towards our first stop, we reviewed how to use
and get the most out of our binoculars. Bush birds are notoriously difficult
to see as they flit from bush to bush, so being familiar with our binoculars
is essential if we are get good views.
Arriving at West Head in Ku-ring-gai National Park we were greeted with the
most beautiful coastal scenery in Sydney. We started our bird list with the
sound, and eventual sighting, of a Spotted Pardalote gleaning insects from
the surface of eucalypt leaves. As we strolled along a path to the picnic
area we came across two male Variegated Fairy-wrens chasing each other, a
Grey Fantail hawking insects and a small flock of Silvereyes sipping nectar.
At Red Hand Cave we saw Aboriginal hand stencils whilst nearby we saw a
Rufous Fantail, a Black-faced Monarch and a female Golden Whistler all
searching for insects in the foliage. We were accompanied for morning tea by
two inquisitive Laughing Kookaburras and a Lace Monitor, no doubt looking
for free handouts.
We started a lengthy but gentle walk to the Basin by first visiting some
Aboriginal engravings where we had good views of New Holland Honeyeaters,
Brown Thornbills and Red-browed Finches. Along the way we observed the plant
regrowth following a recent burn-off on one side of the track, were
momentarily surrounded by a few hundred honey bees as they swarmed past, and
saw another monitor and some Swamp Wallabies.
At the Basin we enjoyed a pleasant picnic lunch on the grass and had
excellent views of a pair of Whistling Kites soaring overhead. These birds
are regulars at this spot. We also saw 26 Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoos
noisily fly by and a White-bellied Sea-Eagle floating around above the
ridge.
We crossed Pittwater by ferry, saw Pied Cormorants and Pelicans on the way,
met the bus at Palm Beach and headed directly to North Narrabeen to look at
a special pair of birds. Ospreys are only occasionally seen in Sydney but
our pair had recently built a nest atop a Norfolk Island Pine which meant we
got quite good views through the telescope of the bird sitting on the nest.
Conveniently the nest was near a milk bar so everyone enjoyed an ice-cream
before heading back home.
Lovely day, special birds, gorgeous scenery, enjoyable stroll, cruise on
Pittwater, good company ... today had it all.
By the lovely Andrew Patrick guiding for FTB
Ourimbah, Hidden Valley and Sunshine Reserve
Trip Report
Saturday 10 September 2005
Guide: Alan Morris
Golden Whistler by Neil Fifer |
The weather was decidedly warmer than usual as 11 birders (including a two
new birders and a visitor from Singapore) headed for the Ourimbah Creek
Valley for a days birding where our first stop was Askania Park and its
Forest of Tranquillity, a well know sample of Narrabeen Warm Temperate
Sub-Tropical Rainforest. Typical birds of this habitat like Brown
Cuckoo-Dove, Wonga Pigeon, King Parrot, Satin Bowerbird & Brush Turkey were
quickly found and all of these plus Eastern Rosella, 2 species of Corella
and Galah were soon coming to the bird feeders. Good views were had of all
these species. Then a walk into the rainforest where Large-billed and
White-browed Scrub-wrens were common in the understorey, along with a pair
of Yellow-throated Scrub-wrens building their nest over a watercourse, and
many Golden Whistlers and Brown Gerygones calling loudly. There were plenty
of Lewin's Honeyeaters and a lonely Olive-backed Oriole. However three
species that called loudly and persistently close by but were not seen were
Superb Lyrebird, Scarlet Honeyeater and a Fan-tailed Cuckoo. A Green Catbird
flew across the road near the entrance to the Park and Masked Lapwings were
guarding a chick near the morning tea spot.
We then drove up the Valley to the property Hidden Valley and walked into
Ourimbah Creek State Forest along the fire trail. Once again we were in a
good example of Sub-tropical Rainforest and the track skirts Ourimbah Creek
itself. Initially the noise of the Bell Miners was pretty overwhelming but
after a while as the canopy darkened, their numbers decline and we could
concentrate on Eastern Yellow Robin, Red-browed Finch, all the Scrub-wrens,
nesting Brown Gerygone and another Yellow-throated Scrub-wren nest. Grey
Fantail were found and Bul Bul, Brown Thornbill, White-throated Treecreeper
and Variegated Fairy-wren added to our list. Had we been another month
later, we then could have expected to find Black-faced Monarch and Rufous
Fantail, common birds at this site. We returned to Askania Park for lunch to
use their excellent picnic facilities and check out the bird feeders once
again!
Brown Thornbill by Nevil Lazarus |
Our first afternoon stop was the RTA Reserve at Ourimbah Exchange were the
Ourimbah Creek Landcare Group is doing an excellent job at re-planting and
regenerating the Galley Rainforest along this lower section of Ourimbah
Creek. The best birds here were great views of Scarlet Honeyeaters and a
female plumage Regent Bowerbird. Silverye and Eastern Spinebill were added
to our list while Swallows were nesting under the F3 overpast near where we
had parked our coach. Lewin's Honeyeater, Superb Fairy-wren and Red-browed
Finch were common at this site.
Our final stop of the day was at Chittaway Point, where Ourimbah Creek opens
out from its delta, into Tuggerah Lake. Plenty of Stilts around, including
a pair nesting. A lone Sharp-tailed Sandpiper, a Bar-tailed Godwit & 2 Pied
Oystercatchers were the only waders! However there were plenty of
Cormorants, a number of Darters in various plumage stages and both Great and
Little Egrets. Striped Honeyeater & Red Wattlebird were busy in the
casuarinas, 9 Caspian Terns were roosting with Crested Terns, and a pair of
Chestnut Teal were busy caring for 5 tiny ducklings. Plenty of other common
water and bush birds to end the day, with an overall count of 73 species.
By Alan Morris guiding for Follow That Bird
Warriwood Wetlands and
Chance Albatross at Long Reef Trip Report
Saturday 6 August 2005
Guide:John Gale
Azure Kingfisher by Neil Fifer |
We began sensationally with a pair of Azure Kingfishers sitting patiently for us at Deep Creek, followed by Whistling Kite, Little Wattlebird, Chestnut Teal, and a close encounter with a female Spotted Pardalote surveying both us and possible nesting tunnel sites. Red-browed Finches were active, as well as Brown Thornbill and Yellow Robin. On the return to the bus we had a small flock of Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo floating along a ridge, and a thermalling pair of White-bellied Sea Eagle.
A quick detour through Irrawong Reserve produced a magnificient Powerful Owl, a King Parrot pair, and after some searching, a Horsfield's Bronze Cuckoo.
At Warriewood Wetlands we saw Rose Robin, Royal Spoonbill, a glimpse of a Tawny Grassbird, an early White-throated Gerygone (Warbler), Golden Whistler, and several family groups of Superb Fairy-Wren.
Our lunch break at Long Reef gave us Black-shouldered Kite, Australasian Gannet, White-bellied Sea Eagle (in and out for a quick lunch stop) and Australian Pelican, then climbing to the bluff - Hardhead, Eurasian Coot (golf course lakes), Red Wattlebird, Australian Pipit, Nankeen Kestral, New Holland Honeyeater, then the rock platform - fleeting distant views of Black-browed and Yellow-nosed Albatross, Sooty Oystercatcher (including a wonderful small squadron flypast), Double-banded Plover, Grey-tailed Tattler, and Red-necked Stint - sharp eyes by Janene found one which actually had a red neck and back!
Around 65 species seen including several great birds and close encounters, and good weather ; congratulations to an observant group (thanks Alan and Brian) and welcome to the infectious world of birding Margret and Sidney.
Thanks, John Gale.
Magic Point Seabirds and Whales Trip Report
Saturday 25 June 2005
Guide: Keith Brandwood
Yellow-nosed Albatross by David Simpson |
A wet morning did not dampen the enthusiasm of those gathered for this seabird watch from the cliffs, but it did delay the start giving us time to brush up on the important methods used to identify Albatross, namely the under wing pattern.
On the walk to the cliff top we had great views of some European Greenfinch, one of the rare species of the Sydney area and some obliging Brown Quail that gave close views. A Fantailed Cuckoo was observed perched in a bare tree.
Once we had reached our lookout point we got ourselves comfortable for the next four hours of sea watching.
The prevailing winds are of great importance to the quantity and quality of birds you are likely to see when sea watching from land. The wind needs to be onshore and the stronger the better as this blows the birds landwards.
There had been onshore winds the previous day so my expectations were high. Our first true sea bird we saw was a Black-browed Albatross followed by a Great Skua which was sat on the water. Giant Petrel and Yellow-nosed Albatross followed with hundreds of Fluttering Shearwaters heading south, with the odd Hutton's S/W intermingled with them. Many Australian Gannets were observed fishing and a lone juvenile Kelp Gull flew directly overhead. There were two or three whales heading north but none that came in close to land, but one did give us a good tail display as it dived. After lunch we headed back to the bus with the intentions of looking for a Lewins Rail which is recorded quiet often from this location. New Holland Honey eaters were in great numbers in the heath on our way back with the odd Silvereye and Superb Blue Wren. Taking up positions on the edge of a small lagoon where we were hoping to see the Lewins Rail, I was watching a Little Grass bird through the telescope when what should come into view but the much sought after and elusive Rail. Every one who was there had great views of this most difficult of species to find and we should consider ourselves privileged to have seen it. There are many regular birdwatchers in Australia who have yet to add this bird to their list. The day was finalized with a cup of tea and the appearance of a juvenile White-breasted Sea Eagle and Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoos a great finish to a great days birding.
By Keith Brandwood guiding for FTB
Marelous Midweek Part 1:
Budgewoi, Colongra Swamp Reserve & Bateau Bay
Trip Report
Wednesday 22nd June 2005
Guide:Alan Morris
Pelican Landing by Neil Fifer |
Wednesday dawned bright and sunny and the 8 birders on this trip were looking forward to some good birding on the Central Coast. Our morning tea spot was at McKenzie Park, Budgewoi where the usual waterbirds were seen including a Darter, and while drinking our tea, we were able to check out the finer points that distinguish Long-billed Corellas from Little Corellas, while they cavorted on the lawn in front of us. Then off to the 3 km walk into Colongra Swamp, where we passed through heathlands with their Variegated Fairy-wrens & Spinebills in the Lambertia formosa and flowering banksias, Scribbly Gum Woodland with its Yellow-faced Honeyeaters & Grey Fantails, the Swamp Forest with its flowering Swamp Mahogany & Broad-leafed Paperbarks where there were plenty of White-cheeked & Lewin's Honeyeaters, Golden Whistlers & White-throated Treecreepers, Yellow & Brown Thornbills and finally to Colongra Swamp itself. This swamp was mostly dry for the first half of the year but due to recent heavy rains, the swamp is full but a large expanse of sedgeland was evident with the waterlily-covered open water on the far side of the swamp. However there were atleast 700 Hardhead & 300 Coots on the Swamp, Swans with cygnets, and Shoveler & Black Duck. A Sea-Eagle was flying overhead and Rainbow & Musk Lorikeets were busy in the fringing Paperbarks.
On the way back we had good views of Red-browed Finches, Grey Shrike-thrush, Scrub-wrens and Superb Fairy-wrens. Then we were off to Soldiers Point to check out the seabirds and look for Whales. Two pods of Humpback Whales were seen but the seabirds were mainly Australasian Gannets with some Fairy Prions way out because the sea was too flat to provide good birding conditions. However there were a variety of waders present on the rocky reef below including Double-banded Plover, Sooty Oystercatcher, Ruddy Turnstone & Red-necked Stints. A Kestrel flew over the Point.
We took our lunch at Terilbah Picnic Area at North Entrance, which allowed us to check out the waders at North Entrance and theses included Common Greenshanks and Bar-tailed Godwits. All four Cormorants were to be seen as well as more Darters and a large number of Black Swans along with Great and Little Egrets. In the Entrance Channel were over 30 Caspian Terns, while Red-capped Plovers & Pied Oystercatchers were feeding on the sandbars. Our final stop was at Bateau Bay where we explored the Blackbutt Forest at the northern end of the beach. Plenty of Silvereyes, White-browed Scrub-wrens, Grey Fantails, Spotted Pardalote and Golden Whistlers were present along with a few Red Whiskered Bul Buls & Little Wattlebirds. All up a lovely winters day birding with 79 species being seen for the day.
By Alan Morris guiding for FTB
Shearwaters & Albatross Pelagic Trip Report
Sunday 6 June 2005
Guide: Alan McBride
Wandering Albatross by Nevil Lazarus |
On Sunday at 7.15am hardy FTB patrons met at Balmoral Wharf to spend a day on HMAS Halicat pelagic birwatching. The weather was gorgeous as we left with Silver Gulls escorting and a Little Pied Cormorant drying its wings on a rock outcrop not far away.
No sooner were we through Sydney's beautiful "Heads" than we were watching Australian Gannets soaring past and excitement was building. Then a Yellow-nosed Albatross banked in towards the boat giving our birdwatchers the first albatross of the day, and for some the first of a lifetime!
A Minkie Whale leapt close enough for a good look, thrilling even the most hardline "birds only please" birder, with its black and white agility. Four Risso's Dolphins were next, their scarred whiteness gleaming throught the waves whilst feeding quite lazily.
A trawler sorting its catch provided much delight as 50 plus Yellow-nosed Albatross sat on the waves behind the fishing boat. Such great long looks at these bautiful birds are too be envied. Amongst them a couple of Black-browed Albatross, one Great-winged Petrel sat for most of the time, stretching its wings occationally and a Wandering Albatross cruised in on its massive wingspan. Providence Petrels showed themselves clearly as they winged past besides the boat, a great reward for those of us that had only seen them at Lord Howe early in the season at a great height over Mount Lidgberg. And a Great Southern Skua swept to and fro with chocolate markings that were making me anything but hungry.....
Leaving the trawler we headed to Browns Mountain (under the sea of course, with no coast in sight!) which was unusually quiet, most likely due to the very fine boating weather we were enjoying, which is not the best for sea birds unfortunately.
Travelling back to to within sight of the coast a few Crested Terns followed being fed burley by the boat owner, but nothing else coming in for the freebies. A Fluttering Shearwater was seen by some up the top of the boat but most missed them skimming there way narrowly over the waves.
A change of course to the south brought amazing views of Humpback Whales ploughing through the water close to the boat and slapping their tails to the roars of the crowded boats surrounding them. All in all a very good day out with good views of 10 bird species.
By Janene Luff in lieu of reluctant Alan McBride
Honeyeater Migration in the
Blue Mountains Trip Report
Saturday 30 April 2005
Guide:Carol Probets
Gordon Falls Picnic Area with FTB Birdwatchers Picnicing |
The day started well with a Wedge-tailed Eagle at Lawson, seen by the
group before I joined the bus at Wentworth Falls in the upper Blue
Mountains. The autumn honeyeater migration was in progress across the
mountains and the fine weather on 30th April boded well for another
good migration day.
Our hopes proved right as we drove out onto Narrow Neck with many
flocks of small birds flying across the road in front of the bus.
This long narrow peninsula divides two large valleys and provides not
only some of the best scenery in the mountains but also a good
opportunity to watch the migrating flocks as they follow the
escarpments northwards along a narrowing front.
At our viewing site we were able to watch waves of Yellow-faced and
White-naped Honeyeaters dashing low across the top of the heath.
Landing only momentarily in the stunted trees, they proved
challenging targets for our binoculars but our main focus was on
recognising the different contact calls and picking out the cleaner,
whiter underparts of the White-naped. Occasionally groups of
Silvereyes and pardalotes would move through as well.
As we walked up the hill, a confiding male Spotted Pardalote
continued to forage in low branches beside the track for a full ten
minutes, affording everyone spectacular views of this little gem of a
bird. Further along, Diann finally got her Striated Pardalote when
one became visible in the crown of a low eucalypt.
New Holland Honeyeaters, Eastern Spinebills, Brown Thornbills and
White-browed Scrubwrens were all common but the most noteworthy
sighting was a single Fuscous Honeyeater which landed momentarily in
a tree above us before continuing on its journey.
Lunch at Gordon Falls was accompanied by many Red Wattlebirds
attracted to the flowering banksias, and some saw a Grey Butcherbird.
Out near the lookout, Crescent Honeyeaters could be heard, and
Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoos were seen as they took flight up the
gully.
In the afternoon we visited two sites at Kings Tableland. After being
tantalised by several quick glimpses of Beautiful Firetails, we were
eventually rewarded with a good view of two of them feeding from
fallen Allocasuarina seed cones on the road. I heard the silvery
melody of a Chestnut-rumped Heathwren drifting across the heathland,
a bird which is always difficult to see. Finally, a Peregrine Falcon
flew over, disappearing into the distance at the breathtaking speed
for which it is legendary.
Carol Probets
Belanglo State Forest Trip Report
Saturday 16 April 2005
Guide: Bob Ashford
Spotted Pardolote by David Simpson |
It was a grey overcast sky as the group arrived at the Belanglo Rest Area, adjacent to the Hume Highway, but the Skylarks were busting their lungs and on the nearby dam Australasian Grebes were trilling and chasing each other furiously while Hardheads, Grey Teal, Black and Wood Duck feigned disinterest. In the bushes resting Crested Pigeons watched us with interest but a pair of Grey Shrike Thrush and a small flock of Yellow Tailed and Brown Thornbills were far too busy to acknowledge us. In the next paddock a lone Hare watched. Normally we'd find several there. So far the birding looked promising but was it going to be a bad Hare day?
We drove on in to the forest to our morning tea spot (this was a very civilised bunch of birders!) at Daly's Road picnic area and parked next to the dam. Almost immediately small flocks of Yellow Tailed Black Cockatoos started arriving and the decibels started building. We estimated over seventy YTBC's in the surrounding trees with many coming to the waters edge to drink providing us all with stunning views and, naturally, we were immensely impressed with the welcome.
Other visitors to the picnic ground included a few trail bike riders and a surprising number of mushroom pickers. The most common mushroom we saw was Fly Agaric (Amanita muscaria), a poisonous European species that probably arrived as spores in imported plant material. The most common edible species was the Saffron Milk Cap (Lactarius deliciosus) and you could tell where they were by the little groups of pickers, all bums in the air, all happily chatting away.
Pushing on we arrived at the start of our walk, Miners Despair Loop. It wasn't long before we heard the call of a Scarlet Robin and very shortly afterward a pair of them arrived to welcome us (this happens on FTB trips). They brought with them White Throated Treecreepers, Crimson Rosellas, Grey Fantails, Brown Thornbills and both Striated and Spotted Pardalote, though the latter were hard to find in the foliage.
Further on we heard and saw fleeting glimpses of White Eared and Yellow Faced Honeyeaters, Rufous Whistler and several more Scarlet Robins. Excitement rose when a flock of Varied Sittella's flew in and entertained us by hanging under branches and walking head down on the trunks to feed (how does Janene organise this?)
Eventually I confessed that I had missed a turning and we ended up retracing our steps. Above the calls of Black Faced Cuckoo Shrikes I'm sure I heard something about Bob's Despairing Troop! But splendid views of a couple of pairs of Gang Gang Cockatoos, barely a metre above our heads, and a pair of Wedge Tailed Eagles and I was forgiven, give or take the odd comment about 'Where does Janene find her guides?'
Stopping off at Colishaws Road we searched for a family of Emus that are often found there but the trail bike riders had probably seen them off earlier. Still we had some good views of Common Bronzewing and in all we had a very pleasant walk, some excellent sightings and all with very sociable companions.
Bob Ashford guiding for FTB
Eagles and Robins Trip Report
Saturday 26 February 2005
Guide:Carol Probets
White-browed Scrubwren by Neil Fifer |
It was a beautiful warm morning in the mountains as two buses filled
with eager participants made their way up the highway. No sooner had
we stopped for morning tea at Blackheath when a party of 6 Varied
Sittellas appeared in the treetops, busily feeding up and down the
branches and providing a great opportunity for the new birdwatchers
in the group to practise their binocular skills. Further practise was
obtained on a pair of Crimson Rosellas which proved to be much more
stationary focussing targets!
The Megalong Valley is always an interesting place to visit because
of the varied range of habitats. First up it was a walk in the
rainforest amongst magnificent coachwood and sassafras trees and
ancient ferns. The small creek was rushing after some good rain
earlier in the week, but everyone made it across the stepping stones
without falling in! The shady forest provided challenging birding
conditions with the highlights here a Yellow-throated Scrubwren
glimpsed on the forest floor and a Lewin's Honeyeater seen well by
those at the back of the group.
Next it was down into more open country. A party of Superb
Fairy-wrens delighted all, especially the resplendent blue male
darting in and out of the shrubs. We ate lunch to the accompaniment
of Bell Miners at the Old Ford Reserve while Yellow-faced Honeyeaters
and both Rufous and Golden Whistlers provided the visuals.
After lunch a walk along the historic Six Foot Track took us across
more open rolling country and down to Megalong Creek. The day was
heating up but the River Oaks contained plenty of birds, like the
Yellow, Brown and Yellow-rumped Thornbills, a Grey Fantail and the
charming Willie Wagtail. Everyone got excellent scope views of
European Goldfinches and three Jacky Winters, including a streaked
juvenile.
The more energetic members of the group continued on across the
paddocks, trying to catch a glimpse of a Stubble Quail which was
calling, while the rest relaxed in the shade of the River Oaks.
Red-browed Finches were seen, and Silvereyes feeding on the ripe
blackberries, but the bird of the day was a Double-barred Finch, seen
by one lucky participant.
The cliffs towering around the valley provided a stunning backdrop to
the day's birding and a different perspective to the more usual views
in the Blue Mountains.
Carol Probets guiding for FTB
Cool Coast Birdwatching Trip Report
Saturday 5 February 2005
Guide:Alan Morris
White-throated Needletail
by Neil Fifer |
Twenty one birders made the trip to the NSW Central Coast on Saturday 5 February 2005 for some "Cool Coast Birding" A fine pleasant summers day eventuated and provided some great settings for plenty of birding opportunites. Our first stop was at the Saratoga Wetlands, a mangrove and saltmarsh area that also had some pleasant picnic facilities. Eager birders were met by Yellow and Brown Thornbills & Silvereyes in the mangroves, and Red & Little Wattlebirds and Black-faced Cuckoo-shrikes in the stands of Swamp Oaks.
From here we travelled around the foreshores of Brisbane Water to Veterans Hall where the road passes close by a known day time roost of a pair of Bush Stone-curlew. Alas they were not there today, but Eastern Curlew, Darter and Cormorants were seen around the foreshore while Chestnut Teal, Wood Ducks and Kookaburras were there much to the delight of our overseas birders and some new birders. Our destination was Cochrone Lagoon at Copacobana. A favourite stop for Follow That Bird Tours and we were not disappointed. Summer breeding was in full swing as overhead 3 pairs of White-breasted Woodswallows were busy feeding two young each. Moorhens and Masked Lapwings both had large young, Sharp-tailed Sandpipers and Black-winged Stilts fed around the Lagoons margins, and Sulphur-crested Cockatoos and Rainbow Lorikeets were noisy overhead, Black Swan, Chestnut & Grey Teal were busy feeding on the Lagoon, again much to the interest of the overseas birders.
While travelling between here and Terrigal enroute to our lunch stop we passed some large flocks of White-throated Needletails. Our lunch stop was the Katandra Bushland Reserve at Holgate. In this rainforest reserve Bellminers appear to be the commonest birds so everyone had good views. In the forest Brown Cuckoo-Doves and Wonga Pigeons were seen, good views were had of Black-faced Monarchs and Rufous Fantails, Brown Gerygones and White-browed Scrub-wren, and Golden Whistler and Grey Shrike-thrush. A walk through the rainforest found several recent nests of Yellow-throated Scrub-wrens but no one actually saw the birds!
Our final stop was at Wamberal Cemetery where Satin Bowerbird, Musk Lorikeet, Dollarbird and Crested Pigeon were added to the days tally of 72 species. Overall a pleasant days birding on the Cool Coast.
Alan Morris
New Years Hot Spot Trip Report
Saturday 8 January 2005
Guide:Dion Hobcroft
Male Mistletoebird by Neil Fifer |
With cool weather ensuring we were going to have a good day we picked our group up from the city and Killara. We made it quickly to Laughtondale Gully and enjoyed action-packed birding almost immediately with a stunning male Mistletoebird and equally stunning male Variegated Fairy-wren, Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoos plus a tame White-eared Honeyeater getting us of to a good start. Further down the road we squeaked in a couple of smart looking Yellow-tufted Honeyeaters. We continued to Mill Creek, Dharug National Park, crossing the Hawkesbury River by vehicular ferry. We pretty much had the area to ourselves and enjoyed an excellent morning tea. Birds were active in the picnic ground with a male Golden Whistler singing his head off, Leaden Flycatchers building a nest plus great views of the obscure Large-billed Scrubwren, a species people can have trouble identifying.
Continuing on a walk I managed to whistle in a Brush Cuckoo that we watched in the scope, allowing us to appreciate his rather dun-coloured plumage. Then we had a great encounter with at least three Superb Lyrebirds, the males looking particularly stunning with their recently fresh moulted tail feathers and warming up their powerful vocal chords. To put the icing on the cake by following up a call we managed to scramble up a slope and get up close and personal with a female and young Glossy Black Cockatoo.
Post lunch saw us retracing our steps back home. A further good sighting was of a perched Bar-shouldered Dove at Laughtondale where we also enjoyed a top performing Dollarbird. We also glimpsed a Collared Sparrowhawk and a distant Wedge-tailed Eagle soared across the next ridge. We finished up in Lane Cove National Park that was highlighted by a beautiful nest of a Brown Gerygone freshly built and active right over our heads. We finished up with 75 species and everyone had a great time.
Traffic went smoothly and we made it home with plenty of sightings to tell our friends. Thanks for a great day.
Dion Hobcroft
Holiday Hot Spot Trip Report
Saturday 18 December 2004
Guide:Alan Morris
Follow That Bird Tours organised a "Hot Spots Bird Tour" to the Central
Coast on Saturday 18th October on a very pleasant mild summers day and first
stop was the Ourimbah Creek RTA Reserve at Ourimbah where the hoped for
Regent Bowerbirds failed to show for us but Black-faced Monarch, Golden
Whistler, Brown Gerygone, Rufous Fantail and Red-browed Finch were found. We
soon moved onto the Tuggerah Reserve to check out the Dairy Swamp & Tuggerah
Lagoon, seeing a Great Egret in one of the drains at Tuggerah en route!
At the Dairy Swamp, Channel-billed & Koel Cuckoos were busy annoying their
hosts, Pelicans came and went from the Swamp, Black-winged Stilt and
Sharp-tailed Sandpiper were busy in the muddy margins, and Black Duck,
Hardhead, Grey and Chestnut Teal were loafing amongst the reeds. A flock of
9 Royal Spoonbills were feeding in the shallow water, many Fairy Martins &
Swallows were hawking over the Swamp, and a Swamp Harrier kept buzzing a
flock of 29 Masked Lapwings. Four Cormorants species and at least 6 Darter
were roosting in the paperbarks and Sacred Kingfisher and Cisticola were
present. We moved off to Tuggerah Lagoon which has a large areas of reeds
and there plenty of Reedwarblers present here! Superb Fairy-wrens and
Emu-wrens were found in the sedges at the edge of the lagoon, while
White-breasted Woodswallow, Olive-backed Oriole, Dollarbird & Striped
Honeyeaters were present in the fringing Swamp Oaks. Overhead a small flock
of 20+ White-throated Needletails were counted.
Little Tern by Neil Fifer |
We lunched at Sunshine Reserve, Chittaway along Ourimbah Creek, and here
nesting Willy Wagtail & Crested Pigeon were seen, 30+ Needletails overhead,
plenty of Red & Little Wattlebirds and Dollarbird but the expected Tawny
Frogmouths could not be located. A brief stop at Lions Park, Chittaway on
the shores of Tuggerah Lake had us checking out the waders, and we managed
to find a lone Greenshank and some Red-necked Stints amongst the more common
Sharpies, as well as Great & Little Egrets and plenty of Swans.
At Picnic Point, The Entrance there was a good roost of Terns, including 29
Caspian Terns and a small number of Little Terns. Fortunately, after some
searching of the Bar-tailed Godwit flocks, we were able to find 3 Red Knots
and a Great Knot roosting with tem. Other waders present included a Curlew
Sandpiper and Red-capped Plover, 3 Whimbrel, 3 Greenshank, 1 Eastern Curlew,
many Sharpies, and lesser numbers of Red-necked Stint. In the Swamp Oaks &
Bottle Brush there were nesting White-breasted Woodswallows, Magpielarks and
Willy Wagtails, and plenty of European Starling, House Sparrow and
Yellow-rumped Thornbill werte feeding on the grass. Across at North Entrance
opposite Terilbah Island, we found more waders including two Ruddy
Turnstones, about 800 Swans and a Red Wattlebird feeding young.. There is a
good ice-cream shop here so we finished the day in style with a bird list of
84 species for the day!
Alan Morris
TAMS Mystery Hot Spot Trip Report
Saturday 27 November 2004
Guide:Andrew Patrick
Great Cormorants by Neil Fifer |
This day trip was promoted as a 'Hot Spot' trip and it lived up to its name
alright with temperatures in the 30s making it a bit tiring for everyone.
But we did see some great birds. Firstly we visited Mason Park at Homebush where we had glorious close views of Sharp-tailed and Curlew Sandpipers and two Pacific Golden Plovers. These birds breed in Siberia and fly 15,000km to Australia for the summer. The park also contained nesting Black-winged Stilts and we saw some of the small fluffy chicks walking about picking up insects. It was interesting to watch a Silver Gull being chased away by an angry parent stilt. Gulls will quite happily eat a stilt chick or two for lunch if given the chance.
Day Old Black-winged Stilt by Neil Fifer |
We then went for a walk in neighbouring Bicentennial Park were a grove of
flowering grevilleas gave us a chance to compare the larger Red Wattlebird with the smaller Little Wattlebird. A possum stuck its pink nose out of its roosting box to see what all the fuss was. Later we saw a White-faced Heron skulking along the edges of the creek in the shade of the mangroves. The Brown Honeyeater was occasionally calling its sweet song at its regular spot near the saltmarsh but we had a bit of trouble seeing it. Only when the bird moved to a different branch within the shade of the casuarina did we see it. The Waterbird Refuge lacked quantity but made up for it with quality - a flock of 17 Avocets. What a lovely bird and an unusual one for Sydney. We all had great views from the bird hide through the telescope.
After lunch we looked at the Darters and cormorants with their nests on an island in Lake Belvedere. We could clearly see the differences between male and female Darters and the size differences between Pied and Little Pied Cormorants. A Fairy Martin landed on a dead stick right in front of us and small flock of Red-rumped Parrots nibbled seed in the shade nearby.
We headed off to Hen and Chicken Bay near Five Dock where we were hoping to see Bar-tailed Godwits feeding on the mud exposed at low tide. Happily, the birds were there as expected along with some of the Sharp-tailed Sandpipers we had seen earlier in the morning.
Our final stop for the day was Centennial Park at Randwick where the highlights included Channel-billed Cuckoos making raucous cries overhead, Long-billed Corellas feeding a youngster, Black Swans with large cygnets and a female Musk Duck preening her characteristic tail. All of this was followed by a delicious ice cream.
In all we saw 57 species with most species giving us very good views.
By Andrew Patrick guiding for Follow That Bird
-sydney's birding company
Birding Ellalong Lagoon and
Aberdare State Forest Trip Report
Saturday 20 November 2004
Guide:Alan Morris
Olive-backed Orilole by Neil Fifer |
28 eager birders travelled to Quorrobolong, near Cessnock in the lower Hunter
Valley to check our the woodlands and wetlands of this special place located
about 180 km NW of Sydney. Our first stop was the farm dams alongside Heaton
Rd, Quorrobolong, where Australasian Grebes were nesting; Dusky Moorhens,
Black Ducks and Swamphens were present, Red-rumped Parrots were feeding in
an adjoining paddock; Tree Martins were flying overhead and a pair of
Wedge-tailed Eagles were perched on a low branch close to the dam! That was
a surprise! As we travelled across the private road to where we were to spend
our morning, we stopped for a group of Grey-crowned Babblers, some busy
feeding two dependent young while others appeared to be taking food to a
nearby nest! Brown Falcons were located nearby on the way out!
In the box woodland we were greeted by a noisy group of 16 Gang Gangs,
mostly immatures but we never got to see what was upsetting them and the
other birds but presumably a raptor was harassing them! White-throated
Gerygones and Rufous Whistlers called constantly, Fuscous and Yellow-tufted
Honeyeaters were very busy feeding low down, White-throated & Brown
Treecreepers called loudly, and everyone had good views of Little Lorikeets
and Olive-backed Orioles which were both feeding in the flowering Grey Box.
Red-browed Finches were building a nest, Shrike-tits and Dusky Woodswallows
were heard and seen, and we were constantly kept busy checking all the other
honeyeaters like, Scarlet, White-naped & Brown-headed & Noisy Friarbirds.
Choughs were also part of the bird song here! A Painted Button-quail was
flushed as we walked along a track. We finally had to reluctantly leave this
site and head for Kitchener where lunch was organised.
Willie Wagtails by Neil Fifer |
The Kitchener lunch site is beside a former coal mine washery dam, and it
was good for ducks and herons, cormorants and a darter, while the ironbark
woodlands in the nearby forest held Bar-shouldered Dove, Striped Honeyeater,
Yellow Thornbill and more Scarlet Honeyeaters.
Our final stop was Ellalong Lagoon, located between Ellalong and Paxton. At
the Ellalong end, we had good views of Kestrel, Australian Pipit, 3 Brown
Quail and a Sea-Eagle. At the Paxton end, the Sea-Eagle joined us with its
mate, and there were also Swamp Harrier & Sparrowhawk to watch flying over
the Lagoon. The Sparrowhawk flew round and round with its prey, which
appeared to be a small brown bird with a long tail (fairy-wren?). Around the
edge of the Lagoon we were able to count 10 Red-kneed Dotterels & about 60+
Sharp-tailed Sandpipers, while a Swamphen was seen with 2 chicks. There were
plenty of Black-winged Stilts, Coot, Grey Teal, Black Duck & White-faced
Herons on the Lagoon. Single Little & Great Egrets were seen along with
Royal Spoonbills and three species of Cormorants.
All up a good days birding, with over 80 species being seen and we all
enjoyed good company and great birding on lovely spring day.
Alan Morris leading for Follow That Bird
Twitching the Hot Spots Trip Report
Saturday 30 October 2004
Guide:John Gale
Olive-backed Oriole |
Chiltern Trail was unusually quiet but did produce Yellow tufted, New Holland and White cheeked Honeyeaters, and later we witnessed an adult male Variegated Wren offer his mate a yellow petal (unsure of success).
Down at McCarr's Creek Brown Quail, Black faced Monarch, Sacred Kingfisher and Leaden Flycatcher were seen, and at morning tea Noisy Friarbird squabbled at us.
At the track to Dee Why Lagoon we were blessed with a family of five Tawny Frogmouths, the juveniles about five weeks old. Also seen were Red browed Finch, Red whiskered Bulbul, Black winged Stilt, Swan with 5 cygnets and Golden headed Cisticola calling. Glendale Creek was buzzing with Olive backed Oriole, Figbird, White faced Heron, Great Heron, Clamorous Reed Warbler, Hardhead, Grey and Chestnut Teal, Coot, Yellow Thornbill, Sharp tailed Sandpiper, Royal Spoonbill, and pair of Red rumped Parrots zoomed past.
Our day ended at Red Hill which was also quiet, but we did have great views of Red browed Finch having a drink, and for a lucky few, Double barred Finch - a beautiful bird. A great day with a combined total of 80 species. Thanks everyone for good spotting.
John Gale leading for FTB
Wadalba and Craigie Reserve Trip Report
Saturday 18 September 2004
Guide:Alan Morris
EasternYellow Robin |
25 people arrived at Craigie Reserve, Wyongah all looking forward to a days birding on the Central Coast and they left not disappointed! The first stop included a short walk along the Lake foreshore where Bar-tailed Godwit, Caspian Tern, Black Swan, Whistling Kite, Darter and Cormorants were quickly found but the best find was a pair of Black-winged Stilts with nest and 4 eggs! There was plenty to talk about at morning tea before we headed down the road to the Wadalba Reserve. This patch of Spotted Gum/Ironbark woodland was fairly buzzing with birds and Boris Branwhite was on hand to help identify the terrestrial orchids! The nest of a Grey Fantail was soon found but more difficult was trying to locate the calling White-throated Gerygone which flitted from tree to tree in the same place. King Parrot, Channel-billed Cuckoo, Yellow-faced & Brown-headed Honeyeaters were busy calling, while Rufous Whistler, Golden Whistler, Bellminer, Noisy Miner, Noisy Friarbird were everywhere and a Drongo was watched for some time. A pair of Little Lorikeets flew over and a Square-tailed Kite, a rare bird on the Central Coast gave good views to all birders as it glided over the hill!
Birders |
We moved off to lunch in the sun on the banks of the connecting creek between Budgewoi Lake and Lake Munmorah at McKenzie Park, Budgewoi. In the casuarinas and paperbarks, Striped Honeyeaters and White-breasted Woodswallows were located, Great Egrets and 4 species of ducks fed around us, and Scaly-breasted & Rainbow Lorikeets fed in the flowering Forest Red Gums. We moved from here to Macumba Reserve, Buff Point where 30+ Swift Parrots were still to be found feeding in the flowering Forest Red Gums. Everyone had good views of these Tasmania winter visitors. Also at this site were Great Egrets, Darter, Crested Tern, Red Wattlebird and Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike.
Our final stop for the day was at Picnic Point, The Entrance. Amongst the waterbirds, 7 Sharp-tailed Sandpipers and 24 Caspian Terns were a good find, as well as nesting Yellow-rumped Thornbills & Magpie-larks. A Willie Wagtail was on a nest near the Magpie-lark's nest, we were swooped at by a nesting Masked Lapwing, and White-breasted Woodswallows and Striped Honeyeaters were found. Altogether 76 species were seen for this fine spring morning and good company & good birds enjoyed by all.
Alan Morris
Marie at Long Reef |
Warriwood Wetlands and Chance Albatross
at Long Reef Trip Report
Saturday 30 July 2004
Guide:John Gale
Deep Creek greeted us with 20 Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoos overhead, followed by a White-bellied Sea Eagle gliding in the distance. We then watched Great, Little Pied and Little Black Cormorants and Pelicans fishing, with White-faced Herons, Intermediate Egret, Whistling Kite and Raven all keeping an eye on proceedings. Several Coral trees provided abundant nectar for Eastern Spinebill, Little Wattlebird, White-cheeked and Yellow-faced Honeyeaters, and we chanced upon on an old but still intact Leaden Flycatcher's nest beautifully decorated with lichen fragments. Other birds included Silvereye, Noisy Friarbird, Golden Whistler, and a very early or perhaps over-wintering Shining Bronze-Cuckoo, perched in iridescence, before being flushed by a Yellow-faced Honeyeater.
Spangled Drongo by Neil Fifer |
Long Reef produced Purple Swamphen, Galah, Masked Lapwing, Red and Little Wattlebirds revelling in the Banksias, Australian Pipit, and wonderful views of a male Nankeen Kestrel soaring and hovering over the headland. The rock platform gave us White-fronted and Crested Tern, Sooty Oystercatcher, Silver Gull, Australasian Gannet, great views of White-bellied Sea Eagle with fish feast, and closer searching/scanning revealed Common Sandpiper, Red-necked Stint, Double Banded Plover, and Ruddy Turnstone.
Warriwood Wetland Walk Way |
Our last stop at Warriewood Wetlands began with Superb Fairy-wren, Red-browed Finch, a quite brazen White-browed Scrub-wren, Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike, Purple Swamphen, Dusky Moorhen, Pacific Black Duck, Grey Teal, Clamerous Reed Warbler, and Australian White Ibis, after which we were taunted by an ventriloquial Olive-backed Oriole mimicing Spangled Drongo, - it totally fooled me! Deeper into the prolifically flowering Swamp Mahogany forest we had good views of Scaly-breasted Lorikeet (outnumbering Rainbows) and neck breaking ones of Fuscous Honeyeater. Also seen were Golden Whistler, Kookaburra, Spotted Turtle-Dove, Crested Pigeon, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Grey Fantail, Spotted Pardalote, Red-whiskered Bulbul, and we heard the downward trill of a Fan-tailed Cuckoo in the distance, and several Whipbirds. Lastly, the Drongoes emerged, 2 juveniles with brown eyes gave us great closeups. Our full bus was rewarded with a beautiful day and 64 species, thanks one and all.
John Gale
Peregrine by Neil Fifer |
Hawkesbury Raptors Trip Report
Saturday 10 July 2004
Guide:Keith Brandwood
Not so Rapturous Outing
Full coach, smiling faces soft rain falling and a pair of beautiful Black-shouldered Kites in the mist what more could a leader ask for, well a few more Raptors I suppose.
Pitt Town produced a Brown Falcon and Wilberforce under cover produced our lunch. Dog Phoo! was the outstanding feature at our next stop at Streetons Lookout with a elusive Swamp Harrier over the turf farms. You must have qualified as a Farrier Janene the way you handled those fetlocks. Final stop was the best with Hobby, two adult Black-shouldered Kites with four juveniles, crippling views of a Swamp Harrier and to complete the day a Kestrel.
Keith Brandwood
PS. A really exciting day despite the rain which we were so pleased to see as the area is desperate for a week's worth ! 70 species on the day, with juvenile black shoulder kites, four of them, so cute in the misty light and, not a bit on dog poo in the bus !!!
I was rapped as were the rest of the birders,
Janene
Birds Australia AGM
Cessnock Box Ironbark Woodlands Trip Report
Monday 31st May 2004
Guide:Alan Morris
Yellow-faced Honeyeater by Neil Fifer |
In conjunctionwith the Birds Australia Members Day and AGM, a trip to the Cessnock Box Ironbark Woodlands was also organised for Monday 31 May 2004. However in the lead up to this tour the conditions at Cessnock had become particularly dry so that it was decided to vary the tour by starting first at Galgabba Pt South Swansea, in some of the flowering of stands of Swamp Mahogany. The chances of seeing Regent Honeyeaters and Swift Parrots at Galgabba Point are high because they had been seen there 3 times in the past 6 years. Again it was a beautiful sunny autumn morning and remained so for the whole day.
While the two target species were not found, the Swamp Mahoganys were alived with birds, including 11 species of very vocal honeyeaters (Noisy Friarbird, Bell & Noisy Miners, Red & Little Wattlebird, Spinebill, White-cheeked, White-naped, Yellow-faced, Scarlet & Lewin's Honeyaters), all the local Lorikeets viz Rainbow, Scaly-breasted, Musk & Little, as well as Spotted Pardalotes, Silvereyes, Olive-backed Oriole, Yellow Robin and Brown Cuckoo-Dove. Finally we tore ourselves away and headed for out morning tea spot at Freemans Waterholes. Here Gang gangs called but could not be found, as well as a number of Scarlet & Yellow-faced Honeyeaters, Yellow, Striated & Brown Thornbills..
Yellow-tufted Honeyeater by Neil Fifer |
We spent the rest of the morning on a private property at Quorrobolong, part of about 400 ha of box-ironbark woodlands. The 11 mm of rain received a few days before our visit had freshened the area up and once again there were plenty of honeyeaters, this time dominated by Yellow-tufted and Fuscous Honeyeaters. Good views were had of Brown-headed Honeyeaters & Bell Miners, as well as Jacky Winter, Chough, Brown Falcon, Golden Whistler, Grey Shrike-thrush, Striated Pardalote and other woodland birds. We took lunch at the park at Kitchener, where Blue-faced Honeyeaters were found feeding dependent young, and Scarlet & White-cheeked Honeyeaters fed in the planted flowering Mugga Ironbarks, that is, when they were not being chased by Noisy Friarbirds. In the Dam in the park, were darters, Cormorants, Moorhens, Swamphens and Coots. During our walk into the nearby Aberdare SF, again consisting of a box ironbark woodland, we happened onto a mixed feeding flock of Weebills, Buff-rumped & Striated Thornbills, Sitellas, Golden Whistler, Mistletoebird, White-throated Treecreeper, Grey Fantail, Yellow Robin and a male Rose Robin, among other species..
Alan at Ellalong |
Our last stop for the day was at Ellalong Lagoon, looking from the Paxton end, and giving great afternoon light as the sun was shining from behind. There was nothing really unusual here but a White-breasted Sea-eagle was hunting over the wetland, and Black-winged Stilts, Shovelers, Royal Spoonbill and Intermediate & Great Egret were some of the birds seen here. A really great day with over 94 species seen, including 14 species of honeyeaters, during the day..
Alan Morris.
Birds Australia AGM
Gloucester Tops Trip Report
Sunday 30th May 2004
Guide:Alan Morris
In conjunction with the Birds Australia Members Day and AGM, a trip to
Gloucester Tops in Barrington Tops National Park was organised for Sunday 30
May 2004. The day started well, it being fine and sunny and remained so for
the whole day which is most unusual for a visit to Gloucester Tops which is
about 1250 m a.s.l. Seasonal conditions have been good in the Gloucester
District this autumn so that there were plenty of birds to see as we
approached the lower slopes of the Barrington Range. Just prior to entering
the National Park, a Pheasant Coucal was seen flying along parallel to the
coach, while Wedge-tailed and White-breasted Sea-eagles, Crimson & Eastern
Rosellas, Jacky Winter and Pipits were passed.
Brown Cuckoo-Dove by Neil Fifer |
Our first stop was at the Sharpes Creek picnic area just inside the Park
boundary which turned out to be agreat place for morning tea while we
watched Brown Cuckoo-Doves, Satin Bowerbird, a large group of feeding Crested
Shrike-tits. Catbirds were heard calling, Shining Bronze-cuckoos seen while
Yellow-throated, Large-billed and White-browed Scrub-wrens were busy
feeding. A Lyrebird ran ahead of the coach as we started up the hill to our
next stop which was the Kerrapit Trail. It was cold here and the bird life
was much harder to find. Fleeting views were had of Crescent Honeyeters and
Olive Whistler, with a few Yellow Robins, Striated Thornbills and
White-throated Treecreeper being seen. In the Antarctic Beach Forest further
along the trail we did manage to get better views of a female Olive
Whistler, and see more scrub-wrens and thornbills. A Lyrebird and a
Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo were also found.
We lunched at Gloucester Falls and managed to catch up with a feeding flock
of birds which included Red-browed Treecreepers, Crescent & New Holland
Honeyeaters, Eastern Spinebill, Yellow Robin, Mistletoebird etc which made
for an enjoyable time. We made a short stop at Sharpes Creek on the return
and managed to see 5 Bassian Thrushes feeding in the picnic area and a male
and female Lyrebird, allowing us all to have close views of both species.
Altogether a very pleasant day with 72 species sighted which was good for
the many interstate visitors on board.
Alan Morris
Cumberland State Forest Trip Report
Saturday 22 May 2004
Guide:Andrew Patrick
Black-fronted Dotterel by Neil Fifer |
What a bonza day today turned out to be. We started in Cumberland State Forest with a male Satin Bowerbird displaying to a female. It was the wrong time of year but that didn't stop him flicking his wings, flatenning his tail sideways, singing and prancing around with some blue objects in his bill. It was quite a sight. We continued through the forest searching out the LBJs (Little Brown Jobs) many of which were high up in the canopy on migration. There were Grey Fantails, Brown Thornbills, Silvereyes, Yellow-faced Honeyeaters and the resident Brown Gerygones. We also spotted some truly stunning birds - male Golden Whistlers and Rose Robins. They took our breath away. At the top of the forest we saw Bell Miners and had excellent views of three types of lorikeet - Rainbow, Musk and Scaly-breasted. Kookaburras were eyeing our sandwiches at lunch time and a Brown Goshawk circled high above us, looking for lunch of its own.
None of this sort of Precision
was noted on this Day |
We then headed out to Little Bushells lagoon at Wilberforce where we saw plenty of waterbirds in particular a Yellow-billed Spoonbill sifting through the shallow water, a pair of Australasian Shovellers paddling about with their oddly shaped bills and Australasian Grebes diving under water and then popping back up like a cork. Many birds sat on the bank allowing us to compare the different colourations of the Chestnut and Grey Teals as well as the size differences between the various duck species. A Sea Eagle and two Wedge-tailed Eagles cruised on thermals above us, causing some consternation amongst the ravens. We headed out to the turf farms and saw the beautiful Red-rumped Parrot as well as countless Magpie-larks searching the well-watered land for insects. Last stop was at Pughs Lagoon which proved exciting with more than 40 Plumed Whistling-Ducks, an uncommon sight in Sydney. It was a lovely day out with 77 species seen during the day.
Mittagong-BelangloState Forest Trip Report
Saturday 17 April 2004
Guide:Chris Chafer
Eucalyptus Punctata - Italian Chocolate? |
Miners Despair Loop |
Chris Chafer & Gordon Sturart
-the boys stick together |
A pictorial report for a change, as it tends to say it all - wonderful weather on the day, and excellent guiding by Chris.
The birds did not stay still for me to photogragh. But the highlights were : Rockwarblers, Scarlets Robins with juveniles, Emu with juveniles, Spotted Quail-thrush, Australian Shelduck, Fan-tailed Cuckoo, Buff-rumped Thornbill and Whilte-eared Honeyeater. Just a wonderful warm day out birding.
Strickland State Forest Trip Report
Saturday 27 March 2004
Guide:Andrew Patrick
Ourimbah Sewage Treatment Works may not sound like a place you would want to visit but it turned out to be a great place for water birds. We saw Pelicans, Royal Spoonbills, lots of teal, Black Ducks, Hardheads and even a male Musk Duck which is a fairly uncommon bird. On the edges of the water we had excellent views through the telescope of Black-winged Stilts and overhead we could identify the differences between a Swamp Harrier and a Whistling Kite as they soared past.
In the nearby undergrowth right beside the bus we encountered a mix feeding flock of small bush birds ´ Silvereyes, Yellow and Brown Thornbills, Variegated Fair-wrens and a Brown Gerygone. It was a good spot to start the dayÜs birding.
White-cheeked Rosella |
We continued to nearby Chittaway Point where we got very good views of a Little Egret using its feet in the water to stir up its dinner. Nearby a lone Bar-tailed Godwit prepared for its upcoming journey to Siberia and a Noisy Friarbird and Red Wattlebirds lapped up nectar in a flowering tea-tree. At morning tea we saw juvenile Darters with their lovely light rufous chests.
We spent the afternoon in Strickland State Forest which has magnificent rainforest in the gullies so we were preparing to see some special birds. Unfortunately the forest was unusually quiet although we did manage to glimpse delightful birds like Rufous Fantails busily dashing here and there in the shadows. A male Golden Whistler sang for us, two Green Catbirds looked down at us and King Parrots flashed by overhead. We finished this delightful day with 67 species.
Andrew Patrick
Collaroy Beach |
West Head and The Basin Birding Trip Report
Saturday 13 March 2004
Guide: Andrew Patrick
The weather reports promised wet conditions but we actually encountered sunshine at our first stop
of Long Reef at Dee Why. We started with good views of some waddling Crested Pigeons, a yodelling
Little Wattlebird and then a hovering Nankeen Kestrel diving on prey in the long grass.
Long Reef at Low Tide |
We descended to the rock platform and were delighted to see dozens of tiny Red-necked Stints plus
a few Ruddy Turnstones. All these birds were busily feeding in preparation for their upcoming
flight to their breeding grounds in Siberia. In the next month they will have departed Australia
and we won't see them again until October. Crested Terns and Great Cormorants were taking it easy on the
rocks and a flock of Sooty Oystercatchers gave us excellent views as they chiselled off limpets with their solid bills.
Long Reef Birders |
A spot of rain appeared at morning tea promising to ruin the rest of our day. However at West Head
the rain had gone and we had great views of Palm Beach and Lion Island. A young Olive-backed
Oriole seemed unconcerned by our presence. A quick walk through the bush found a beautiful Rufous
Fantail jumping here and there along with some other small bush birds such as Brown Thornbill and
Variegated Fairy-wren. At lunch we were joined by a large Lace Monitor (who clearly had his eyes
on our lunch) and a few White-throated Needletails zipped overhead.
Long Reef Pelicans |
Most of us then set off on a two hour walk from the road down to the Basin, taking a look at
Aboriginal carvings on the way. A male Rufous Whistler gave everyone an excellent view as did a
White-cheeked Honeyeater and a Swamp Wallaby. One of the most interesting things we saw was a pair
of Black-faced Cuckoo-shrikes repeatedly jumping into the foliage at the top of a eucalypt,
emerging with a stick insect (phasmid), bashing it on a branch and then gulping it down.
Alan Helping the Sisters |
As we took the ferry from the Basin over to Palm Beach we saw Sea Eagles and Whistling Kites
soaring overhead. Luckily the weather was kind to us and we had a great day with 49 species of
birds.
Andrew Patrick
Trip Report for Birding at Watamolla Lagoon in Royal National Park
Saturday 7 February 2004
Guide: Steve Anyon Smith
Eighteen observers were rewarded with superb views of a wedge-tailed eagle taking an active interest in a recently deceased swamp wallaby before starting our walk along part of the Coast Track in Royal National Park. We were to look for heathland birds north from Wattamolla on a hot and humid.
White-faced Heron |
As so often happens, the car park produced yet again, with a large flock of yellow-tailed black cockatoos being harassed by both a brown falcon a very young white-bellied sea-eagle. As we were keen not to expire whilst in the sun we marched at a fair pace to be frustrated by some of the most elusive of the park's birds : the beautiful firetail and southern emu-wren. Eventually we all had superlative views of the latter, whilst the firetails were at their cryptic best for all but a few of the group. All along were the delta-winged white-throated needletails, doing what they do best : showing off. Our early lunch spot, strategically sited in full sun on a cliff top at the edge of the Great Eastern Fire Break did give distant views of wedge-tailed shearwaters and a young Australasian gannet. The heath produced a number of interesting reptiles including a common scalyfoot, White's skink, jacky lizard and numerous copper-tailed skinks. After a restorative tea stop at the picturesque Wattamolla we adjourned to Wattle Forest Flat to harass a few picnic area and rainforest birds. Although it was in the middle of the day, most of the birds had been secretly bribed the day before and had been lurking in the forest to await our arrival. Naturally the superb lyrebirds were a real nuisance underfoot, but we spotted a few nice things as well, these among them : wonga pigeon, topknot pigeon, dollarbird, satin bowerbird, rufous fantail and fantailed cuckoo. Steve Anyon-Smith
Katandra Reserve Trip Report
Saturday 18 October 2003
Guide: Alan Morris
Alan Morris with Birders |
Seventeen birders, including two visitors from the United Kingdom visited the Central Coast on 18 October and had a great days birding, seeing over 84 species. The main event commenced with a visit to Burge Road reserve, Blackalls Bay, Woy Woy from where you can look onto Ramsay Island to see our local Pelican rookery. There were about 30 juvenile Pelicans in a loose creche while about another 40 pairs of birds had recently commenced nesting, so that there was much coming and going. Also on this little sandy island there were about 20 nests of White Ibis on the one low She-oak but the main highlight was seeing a juvenile Pied Oystercatcher feeding with its parents because successful breeding of Oystercatchers on the Coast is not a common event. At the waters edge near where we were standing, good views were had of a Striated Heron, Little Egret & Great Egret, a pair of White-breasted Woodswallows were nesting on a mooring pole, while our overseas visitors were able to compare the differences of Long-billed and Little Corellas which were feeding together on the grass.
Our next stop was the Katandra Reserve at Matcham but on route to that rainforest reserve we passed briefly by Kincumber Pony Club grounds where the resident pair of Bush Stone-curlews were quickly located close to the coach which acted as a great hide so that no one needed to alight! Katandra Reserve has missed out on some of the local rains so was somewhat dry and a bit quiet so that birds like the Cicadabird, Rufous Fantail, Rose Robin, Catbird and Brown Cuckoo-Dove were heard calling but showed little activity. However here we did get good views of Rufous & Golden Whistlers and Black-faced Monarchs,a Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike was loacted nesting in the car-park during our lunch, and Sacred Kingfishers were seen constructing a nest in a termites mound. Scarlet Honeyeaters, a Shining Bronze-Cuckoo, Olive-backed Orioles and Leaden Flycatchers were some of the other birds seen.
Leaden Flycatcher by Neil Fifer |
Our third main site for the day was the Tuggerah STW which provided great bird watching experiences. First a Brown Goshawk gave good views enabling easy identification, and then a Swamp Harrier made a number of swoops over the wetlands trying to catch some of the coots and lapwings, enabling all to see its under and upper wing and tail patterns. Good views were had of Clamorous Reedwarblers and more Scarlet Honeyeaters, some sneaky Black-fronted Plovers were found hiding in the grass at the edge of the ponds, Fairy Martins and Welcome Swallows were busy overhead, while Cattle Egrets, Royal Spoonbills and the three common cormorant species were roosting side by side and so helped with identification purposes, while the usual ducks were present. Yellow-faced and White-cheeked Honeyaters were feeding in the Coral Trees and Dollarbirds were swopping over the ponds. Altogether a very pleasant day on the Coast with good company and great birds.
Alan Morris
|
