Eremaea Birdlines
Interesting and unusual bird observations
Birdline New South Wales

Archive

December 2015
Wed 30Latham's Snipe, Olive-backed Oriole
Cook's River, Marrickville (inner west, Sydney)
I was surprised to flush a snipe from the mangroves near the Marrickville Golf Club House this morning. Also of note in this stretch of the river recently has been some resident Olive--backed Orioles - heard almost daily this spring and early summer.
Alistair Poore 30/12 #226046
Hudsonian Godwit, Fairy Tern, White-winged Black Tern
Lake Wollumboola, Culburra
This morning the Hudsonian Godwit was located at the northern end of the Lake, about 500m west of the car park near where you enter the Lake. It was amongst a group 12 Bar-tailed & 8 Black-tailed Godwits, 22 Red-necked Avocets and about 10 Great and Little Black Cormorants. For the 2 hours under observation, it roosted all the time, only raising its head occasionally and in that time it raised its wings about 7 times! Little Terns and one Fairy Tern were seen, while at least two White-winged Black Terns flew past. The photo was provided by Greg Miles
Alan Morris, Greg Miles, Carla & Nigel Jackett, Dion Hobcroft & David James 30/12 #226054
Paradise Shelduck
south-east corner, Lake Wollumboola, Culburra
Earlier today a number of people reported seeing what was considered an unusual dark Australian Shelduck, in the south-east corner of the Lake, and it was photographed by Martin Potter. Early this afternoon, Dion Hobcroft and David James, after seeing the Hudsonian Godwit, moved around to the eastern side of the Lake to view the many smaller waders to be seen there. About 2 km south of the carpark, they reached an area where a large number of Black Swans were coming ashore to drink freshwater coming from a soak at the edge of the Lake, where they saw a Shelduck. It was Dion who identified the Shelduck as an adult male Paradise Shelduck and he call others over to look at the bird. It is not considered to be an escapee because the bird was very wary of us, it could fly OK and has no bands on its legs and for other reasons as outlined on Facebook!
Dion Hobcroft, David James, Alan Morris, Greg Miles & Martin Potter 30/12 #226055
Paradise Shelduck
Lake Wollumboola
Bird seen at 4pm Continuing bird as reported by Dion Hobcroft. Black head and neck, charcoal body, black bill and legs, white patch on wing, rufous patch on back lower body. Roosting with Chestnut Teal which it is much larger than, and Black Swans. Spent some time preening off and on and foraging on the vegetation close by. Never flew while there for over an hour. Photos taken. I have put one here that is from about 60 metres with only a 300mm lens. This shows the comparison size to Chestnut Teal.
Carla and Nigel Jackett, David Marshall 31/12 #226056
Tue 29Bell Miner
Lane Cove National Park--Fairyland
A few Bell Miners are in the area for over a month now. Haven't seen them around here except two very hot days in recent 6-7 years. Will be interesting to see if they make any damage to trees
Fatih Sam 29/12 #226041
Powerful Owl
corner of Best and Penrose Sts, Lane Cove, Sydney, NSW
Heard the owl calling strongly from across the road and located it in a tall Angophora before it flew to a shorter tree nearby. Clearly viewed but no camera to hand.
Sue Chatfield (and hsuband) 29/12 #226042
Mon 28Square Tailed Kite
Warriewood Business Park
Incidental sighting. Was circling low over the business/industrial area. I understand they have been sited a few times in the area recently. eBird checklist
David Vickers 28/12 #226023
Pacific Baza
Rear of 411A Pacific Highway Kanwal
Observed 3 of them,last couple of days working the treetops.Very distinct crest.
Geoff Leaudais 28/12 #226028
Superb Parrot
Cooks River path Earlwood
An adult male Superb Parrot was seen along path, when it flew off into casuarinas. (Moderator's Note: Presumably this is an escapee as the closest the wild populations come to Sydney is at Orange or Canberra ACT. AKM)
Kirsten Crosby 28/12 #226032
Plum Headed Finch
Narromine Wetlands
Had a quick look at the wetlands on my way through around 4 pm. Very dry but did find 5 Plumheads, 30 Magpie Geese and White-winged Fairywrens
Warren Chad 28/12 #226033
Square-tailed Kite, Red-necked Avocet, Sharp-tailed Sandpiper
Ansells Point, Geoffrey Rd Chittaway
Just as I was leaving Ansells Point, Geoffrey Rd Chittaway, and turned into Church Rd, there was a Square-tailed Kite being attacked by a number of Noisy Miners and Magpies, I had seen the same bird (or another immature bird) here on 12/12/15. At Ansells Point, the highlights were 10 Red-necked Avocets, a Buff-banded Rail that chased off a White-faced Heron, and 6 Sharp-tailed Sandpipers.
Alan Morris 29/12 #226035
Little Raven
Thredbo
Atleast 350 in a massed flock flying up and down the valley several times around sunset, with atleast another 50 visible on the roofs of buildings we were looking down upon from our accommodation . As described in Pizzey and Knight: "On winter/early spring evenings, flocks perform massed, noisy,aerial displays/chases" but this was late December. While largish sized flocks regularly occur in the high country in summer, the size of this congregation would seem an unusual event. On the previous and the following evening numbers would have been less than 100, but several days later were up to about 250 birds. eBird checklist
Cameron Ward 7/1 #226165
Sun 27Dollarbird
Cucumber Rd Canowindra
Spotted 10 Dollar Birds along my normal walking track today - along Cucumber Creek, 3 km from Canowindra and close to the Belabula River. The birds were disturbed by a young Whistling Kite, they all were making a tremendous noise and flying overhead. Also on this track are two pairs of Rainbow Bee eaters - very exciting. (Moderator's Note: These birds are on the western limit of the Dollarbird's range. At this point of time the young are leaving the nest so this could be two family parties joining together to warn off a threatening Whistling Kite. AKM)
Susan Mary Hodge 27/12 #226005
Black-necked Stork
Bucketts Way, south of Stratford, NSW
Seen flying about 100m west of the road as we drove south towards Craven. 6:40pm.
Anthony Albrecht 27/12 #226006
Hudsonian Godwit, Grey Plover
Lake Woolumbulla
Seen with Bar-tailed & Black-tailed Godwits around 11 am on sandbar NE area of lake. (bird group took to air - see large cropped pic). Group then MIA till located by Demetris Bertzeletos about 2.30 pm, approx 500-600 m further south - again eastern side of lake. Bird seen preening with other Godwits. ID confirmed when wings raised. 2 x Grey Plovers also at this later location.
John French, Demetris Bertzeletos, Mark Ley, Fiona Lumsden, 27/12 #226009
Squatter Pigeon
Woombah, west of Iluka NSW
Seen on the ground, on road edge, on north side of Iluka Rd. About 100m toward ocean from Bimbimbi Caravan Park. We went back for a second, clear view. Seen by 2 birders, no time for photograph. (Moderator's Note: Squatter Pigeons are on the NSWORAC Review List for NSW. There have been no reports for NSW for about 10 years? So this observation is posted subject to Confirmation by the NSW Rarities Committee of a submission from the observers. AKM)
Colleen and Wayne Lock 28/12 #226013
Lewin's Rail
Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park
Heard giving almost all of it's calls in wet heath near Elvina Trail. At one point it was probably only 2m away
Jayden Walsh 29/12 #226034
Red-browed Treecreeper, Southern Emu-wren and Flame Robin
Budawang National Park
Noteworthy sightings during a hike from Wog Wog campsite to Burrumbeet Brook. Two Southern Emu-wrens seen (male and female) and a party of 3 Red-browed Treecreepers.
Tom Hickman 29/12 #226040
Pied Butcherbird
Pitt Town
Two adults and two immatures seen along Hall Street, Pitt Town. Were foraging on edge of road, over open paddock and perching on power lines. eBird checklist
Kurtis Lindsay 30/12 #226043
Sat 26Hudsonian Godwit
Lake Wollumboola
Hudsonian Godwit was seen several times in flight and at rest between 11:30am-1:30pm. The bird was first identified by Demetris Bertzeletos yesterday. Distinct black underwing markings were visible when in flight. The bird was similar to a Black-tailed Godwit at rest which it was with at times (about 4 Blackwits) and also with Bar-tailed Godwits and Red-necked Avocets. The bird was seen on the north-eastern and northern sides of the lake on sandbars. Left about 1:30pm after a lighting storm arrived. More info on ebird checklist link below. eBird checklist
Carla jackett, Nigel Jackett 27/12 #226001
Fri 25Hudsonian Godwit
Lake Wollumbulla, Culburra Beach
Confirmed from observers photos on Facebook group Aus Twitchers. Birders currently en route. Observer notes - "Black underwing and all. It's a female" [Moderator's Note: Bird not present this afternoon despite extensive search by multiple birders. JB]
Demetris Bertzeletos per. Facebook 25/12 #225986
Plumed Whistling Duck, Yellow-billed Spoonbill
Bushells Lagoon
A flock (28 birds) of Plumed Whistling Ducks was flying around Bushells Lagoon. We found them on the causeway separating the lagoon on the west. There were also a single Yellow-bellied Spoon bill and juv. White-bellied Sea-eagle.
Ted Wnorowski 26/12 #225992
Wed 23Black Bittern
Long Beach, Batemans Beach, South Coast
Black Bittern & Swamp Harrier.Flew over my house
Tony & Stephanie Dawe 23/12 #225972
Western Sandpiper - possible
Lake Woolumboola
OBSERVATION DATE: 17 DECEMBER (LAST THURSDAY) Looking for the return of the White-rumped Sandpiper and noted this small wader with a largish bill. Took a long distance shot and it then flew off showing a stint type rump, so I continued on. Only looked at the photo on Sunday and went back today, 23/12/15, but could not see it. There were not as many Red-necked Stints but about 200 Sharp-tailed Sandpipers were still there. BARC submission will probably be prepared. [Moderator's Note: The general agreement is that this bird should be noted as a "probable Red-necked Stint, with a heavy bill". Western Sandpiper remains a possibility, though more photos would be required. Anyone travelling down to find the Hudwit over the next few days should keep their eyes peeled. JB]
Chris Brandis 23/12 #225975
Latham's Snipe and Cicadabird
Warriewood Wetlands
A single Latham's snipe has finally returned to it's usual haunt. 1 possibly 2 Cicadabird down in the Wetlands near the ponds. Also 3 Brown Goshawk flying over my street today
Jayden Walsh 23/12 #225980
Horsfield's Bronze Cuckoo
Randwick Environmental Park
Spotted in a tree on the dirt track on the western edge of the lake. Flitted around for a few minutes before flying off. First time I've seen one - this park just keeps throwing up new species day by day!
Stephanie Morse 23/12 #225983
Hudsonian Godwit
Lake Woolumboula - -34.948610, 150.767220
Hudsonian Godwit certainly a surprise, when it never dawned on us straight away, thinking it was a Black-tailed Godwit, plenty of waders at this site including a couple o hundred Sharp-tailed Sandpipers (Moderator's Note: I think that the last one to be recorded in NSW was 15 October 1988 at Kooragang Island. AKM))
Charles Dove, Chris Brandis 25/12 #225988
Powerful Owl
Abrahams Bosom Reserve, Currarong
Great view of an adult Powerful Owl sitting in the open on a horizontal branch just past the entrance to the reserve just after dusk. Sat and looked directly at me for maybe 20 seconds before flying off deeper into the forest.
Martin Stokes 28/12 #226027
Tue 22Australian Bittern
Murray Valley National Park - Gulpa Creek Reed Beds
Heard and sighted two Australian Bitterns and also heard one Little Bittern from the bird hide. eBird checklist Further information
Ron Sawyer 22/12 #225970
Golden Whistler
Randwick Environmental Park
Around 7 pm Tuesday evening overcast after heavy rain all day. 2 Golden Whistlers - plumage all grey with a whitish throat (female or immature) - Picking insects from the bark of the lower tree branches of a flooded tree in the wetland in front of the southern viewing platform.
Richard Murray 23/12 #225973
Mon 21Brush Cuckoo
Douglas Farm Rd, Kurrajong Hills
A small influx of this species here. Calls heard at all times of day for past few days, and at least 3 calling simultaneously on 20 Dec, following an immature-plumaged bird being harrassed by Little Wattlebird then Yellow-throated Scrubwren on 19 Dec. Previous summers this has been a very occasional visitor here. Also Peregrine Falcon, Grey Goshawks suspected nesting, and Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoos returning after some months absence. eBird checklist
Eric Finley 21/12 #225958
White-necked Petrel
Mistral Point, Maroubra
A floating piece of food was attracting a few Wedge-tailed Shearwaters, a lone Flesh-footed Shearwater came in for a sniff, the odd Short-tailed Shearwater also, a Pomarine Jaeger took control for a couple of minutes. Then, out of the blue a stunning White-necked Petrel appeared and put on a great show weaving backwards and forwards above the flotsam. Very unexpected and greatly appreciated, moments later torrential rain stopped play.
David Mitford 22/12 #225964
Sun 20Bassian Thrush
Lane Cove National Park--Browns Waterhole
Single Bassian Thrush seen foraging in the Great North Walk just north of Brown Waterhole approx 8:30am. Lost of Scarlet Honeyeaters along the track as well as 3 Rufous Fantails and species I'd expect to see. No Gang-gangs seen or heard.
Tom Wilson 20/12 #225943
Tawny-crowned Honeyeater
Randwick Environmental Park
In the small pine tree on the picnic oval hawking insects and landed briefly on the ground. It took off into the bush at the northern end of the wetland. This little suburban oasis has a good variety of birds which changes as the wetland fills and dries out.
Richard Murray 21/12 #225957
Royal Spoonbill
Centennial Park
Stephen Howard pointed out a Royal Spoonbill nest high in a Melaleuca on the western side of the Lily Pond. The nest held an immature Spoonbill. This nest is away from Cormorant and Darter nesting sites and in one of the busiest parts of Centennial Park. None of our regular birders noticed its development! Photos are posted on the Sydney East Birdwatchers Facebook Page.
Graeme Robinson 21/12 #225961
Sat 19Black-tailed Godwit
Lake Wollumboola
At least 5 Black-tailed Godwits spotted at the lake this morning, associating with Bar-tailed Godwits. Also ~60 Red Knots, ~150+ Sharp-tailed Sandpipers, 1 Greenshank, 1 Curlew Sandpiper
Lachlan Hall 19/12 #225927
Sanderling
Harington rock wall
2 Sanderlings observed hawking along shore-line at low tide, also 5 Pacific Golden Plovers seen and 30 Little Terns on sandbank
Stephen Gallivan 19/12 #225931
Fri 18Buff-banded Rail
The Ponds Creek Reserve Dundas Valley 2117
What a nice surprise to see a Buff-banded Rail in the creek this morning. Never seen this bird here eBird checklist
Corinne Carpentier 18/12 #225913
Common Sandpiper, Whimbrel, Azure Kingfisher & Nankeen Night Heron
Kooragang Dykes
My first visit to the Dykes, arriving before sunrise & fluking the low tide. Also had 2 Mangrove Gerygones singing, getting record photos of one. Note for other visitors, good footwear is required for walking across the oyster covered drainage ditch. eBird checklist
Paul Lynch 19/12 #225923
Black-necked Stork
Hexham Swamp Nature Reserve
Observed 4 Black-necked Stork (2 adults & 2 immature) on the track while heading east toward the Ironbark Creek end. Raptors included 1 Swamp Harrier, 3 Whistling Kites, 2 Immature WB Sea Eagles & 1 Peregrine Falcon. When they weren't harassing each other they were giving some of the other locals a hard time. One of the young Sea Eagles gave chase to a Little Pied Cormorant for about three minutes and while getting very close on a few occasions the L P Cormorant managed to avoid it's talons. Other birds included 1 White-winged Triller & 20+ White-fronted Chats. I will be submitting an Ebird list with photos when time permits.
Paul Lynch 19/12 #225925
Pacific Baza
Chisholm Avenue, Avalon Beach
Sat on a few tree branches in the high canopy. Never seen one before in the area. Trees are on the highest point of the ridge and overlooking Pittwater. Very easy to identify as Pacific Baza due to the stripped chest markings and the top knot in the head
Jane Pearce 19/12 #225935
Thu 17White-winged Black Tern
Newcastle Ocean Baths
Bird dropped in briefly just before 7:00pm, with good numbers of Crested Terns and Silver Gulls present. Further information
Allan Richardson 17/12 #225904
Tue 15Brolgas, Black-necked Stork, Sharp-tailed Sandpipers, Whiskered Terns, Jacanas.
Tucabia wetlands.
Great variety of wetland species in a number of locations close to Tucabia. Birds congregating in diminishing wetlands due to dry.
Michael Cheers 15/12 #225886
Mon 14Buff-banded Rail
Greenwich
2 birds [+?] foraging on the edge of Gore Creek [6.45 a.m.]
Ted Nixon 14/12 #225851
Black Kite
Intersection Ellis Rd and Armidale Rd.Braunstone nr Grafton.
One bird . In a direct line probably 1km from Sth Grafton Waste Facility.
Warren Thompson 14/12 #225871
Whiskered Tern, possible Black-backed Bittern
Pitt Town Lagoon
Two Whiskered Terns circling lagoon and feeding. Also a possible Black-backed Bittern (originally reported as Black Bittern) seen in short flight across reeds in front of the bird hide. Size no bigger than Dusky Moorhen, neck and bittern-like profile obvious. Black on the back, brown on the sides.
Daniel Kurzawa 16/12 #225892
Sun 13Striated Heron
Merimbula Boardwalk
Flying over mudflats into a mangrove around 5 pm.
Oakley H Germech 13/12 #225846
White-winged Trillers (confirmed breeding)
Eastlakes golf course
Found the nesting tree last week, but today I saw both adults going to different tree, where I eventually found a fledged juvenile. There maybe more than 1 young, but they were secretive and there was a strong wind. Also 1 Little Tern, 3 Rufous Whistlers, 1 Tawny Grassbird and 11 Red-rumped Parrots.
David Mitford 13/12 #225847
Sat 12Variegated Fairy-wren
Tathra Forest Wildlife Reserve
Male and female seen in sheoak/tea-tree bush on the hill next to Kianinny. Not an exceptional record, but certainly at the southern fringe of their distribution. Australasian Figbird also seen feeding in figs at Tathra Beach, and Nankeen Kestrel soaring over the bushland (unusual habitat).
Oakley H Germech 12/12 #225822
Wedge-tailed Eagle, Pacific Baza & Sea-Eagle
Murrumbung HSD Mardi
Highlights of the CCGBNSW Christmas Break-up early morning walk at John & Carole Carpenter's place, when 50 people checked out the birds in the Spotted Gum woodland around their house. Cicadabirds were calling but not seen, but a Wedge-tailed cruised overhead, a pair of Pacific Baza were feeding in the gums near to the house, a Sea-Eagle flew over, and Rufous Fantail, Scarlet Honeyeaters, many Brown Cuckoo-Doves were amongst the 33 species seen around the house.
Alan Morris & members CCGBNSW 12/12 #225827
Grey Goshawk, Tawny Grassbird,
McPherson Rd Swamp, Tuggerah
50+ CCGBNSW members visited McPherson Swamp this morning 1050-1130 hrs, 32 species seen, Koel and Channel-billed Cuckoos were present and calling loudly, a Grey Goshawk skulked in the gum trees, a Whistling Kite patrolled over the site, Tawny Grassbirds and Cisticolas were seen in the reed/sedge areas, and Torresian Crows were calling.
Alan Morris & CCGBNSW Members 12/12 #225828
Spotted Harrier, Grey Goshawk, Sharp-tailed Sandpipers
Central Coast Wetlands, Tuggerah
Visited by CCGBNSW members 1135-1235 hrs, 42 species seen including an immature Spotted Harrier flying low over creekside vegetation, where a Grey Goshawk had been seen 20 or so minutes before; Other highlights include 2 Sharpies and 3 Shovellers on the Dairy Swamp, along with Great and Intermediate and two Cattle Egrets; White-breasted Woodswallows, Tawny Grassbirds, Red-rumped Parrots and Fairy Martins.
Alan Morris & 50+ members CCGBNSW 12/12 #225829
Barking Owl
MacMasters Beach near Bouddi National Park
Pair plus two dependent young , the adults catching cicadas and other large insects at dusk, and the juveniles using begging/squealing calls and then taking the insects from the parents. Previously mis-identified as Sooty Owls The birds still present on 14/12/15 when photographed by Greg Miles..
Tony Burke, Alan Morris, Greg Miles etc. 12/12 #225831
Plains Wanderer, Inland Dotterel, Australian Pratincole, Orange Chat
Wanganella (Deniliquin area)
3 adult Plains Wanderers (one with 4 chicks) seen on a night out with Philip Maher. 30+ Inland Dotterels in a big group, and multiple pairs of Australian Pratincole also seen. At least 25 Orange Chats also seen on the same property.
Joshua Bergmark with Ashwin, Max, Nathan, Julian, Lachlan, Owen & David 13/12 #225839
Beach Stone-curlew
Long Reef Aquatic Reserve
The Beach Stone-curlew was still present on the rock shelf at 4:00pm. It was found right at the start of the shelf (to the right of the golf club) and was very confiding, allowing close approach while continuing to feed.
Jordan Webber 14/12 #225865
Fri 11Square-tailed Kite
Terrey Hills
Great views as one adult Square-tailed Kite glided low over trees and buildings along Tepko Road, Terrey Hills. Came in from the north and headed south. Spooked Noisy Miners and Masked Lapwings which sounded extensive alarm. eBird checklist
Kurtis Lindsay 11/12 #225807
Plumed Whistling-Duck
Eastlakes golf course
Ten Plumed Whistling-Duck present in the ponds at the northern end of the golf course. eBird checklist
Marie Lister, Margaret Murray and Greg McLachlan 11/12 #225814
Thu 10Dollarbird
Greenwich
At mouth of Gore Creek [9.45 a.m.] - quite vocal. Probably moving through.
Ted Nixon 10/12 #225802
Grey Goshawk
Merimbula Boardwalk
Sparse records for the area - though much of the Bega Valley is relatively little-birded. Two grey morph individuals seen (not together) scanning the Pittosporum, eucalypts etc. - one chased by a small honeyeater. No eBird record here from apparent (very) regular Patrick Wyllie in a long time. (Other good sightings included Little Tern, male Scarlet Honeyeater, confident Eastern Whipbird, Little Egret, courting Red-browed Finch, calling male Satin Bowerbird, low-flying Azure Kingfisher, Rufous Fantail and Eastern Curlew.) (Moderators Note: the Merimbula area is well surveyed by members of the Far South Coast Birdwatchers Group. Their records probably ho into the Birdlife Australia Bird Atlas.AKM)
Oakley H Germech 10/12 #225805
Square-tailed Kite
Basin View at St Georges Basin
Our local Square-tailed Kite (they come here every summer and we see one every few days) attacked the Magpie-larks nest that we can see out the back a couple of days ago - the two peewees defended and the Kite appeared to go empty-footed - at least one nestling still visible in the nest later in the day, but the following day it was gone - whether it fledged or whether the kite came back we don't know. After the attack, the female peewee spent a lot of time standing guard for the following couple of hours (instead of flying off to collect food). There are probably three pairs of Square-tailed Kites in the Nowra district.
Graeme Chapman 12/12 #225816
Black Petrel, White-faced Storm-Petrel, Sooty & Flesh-footed Shearwaters
Swansea-Norah Head pelagic
20 participants on the CCGBNSW Swansea-Norah Head pelagic, had a slow day at sea on an overcast day with little wind, 13 species of seabirds were seen, the highlights being 2 Black Petrels, a few Wilsons and White-faced Storm-Petrels, 20+ Sooty Shearwaters, 2 Fleshy-footed Shearwaters, 2 Hutton's Shearwaters, Wedge-tailed & Short-tailed Shearwaters, and small numbers of Arctic and Pomerine Jaegers. (Photo R.Jenkin)
Allan Benson, Dan Williams, Allan Richardson and members of CCGBNSW. 12/12 #225826
Wed 9Grey Plover (& Beach Stone-curlew)
Dee Why Lagoon (& Long Reef)
I was on my way to see the Beach Stone-Curlew at Long Reef (still there on the northern rock platform). At 12.30pm I saw one Grey Plover and one Red-Necked Stint on the sand flats of Dee Why Lagoon.
Kerry Allen 10/12 #225801
Tue 8Fork-tailed Swift
Leeton
When driving into town this morning just before 10am a pair of swifts were viewed from my vehicle flying low over the irrigation channel near the railway crossing on Toorak/Whitton Rd. I managed to get out and view one disappearing but was sure it was a Fork-tail. The weather front was just moving through but a search of likely areas didn't result in any further sightings. The front has now gone and by 2.30pm it was sunny with 9mms of gentle rain for the morning.
Max O'Sullivan 8/12 #225781
Plumed Whistling-Duck
Farm dam, 12 km South of Narromine
Flock of about 70 Plumed Whistling-Ducks seen on and around a farm dam next to the Tomingly Road 12kms south of Narromine. The birds were there at 10.30am but not seen on my drive home in the late afternoon. Co-ordinates: -32.309589, 148.235254 (from Google Maps).
Tiffany Mason 9/12 #225789
Mon 7MODERATOR'S NOTE
Riverstone
We have had many queries regarding access to Riverstone (Western Sydney), where there have been reports this season of Pectoral Sandpiper & Marsh Sandpiper (among other things). Please note that there is NO PUBLIC ACCESS to the wetland area at this point in time, and the landowner will not take kindly to trespassers. Additionally, viewing is not possible from any adjacent public land. JB
Birdline NSW 7/12 #225766
Sun 6Black-necked Stork
Hexham Swamp Nature Reserve
2 adults with juvenile
Janene Luff 6/12 #225751
Beach Stone-curlew, Great Knot
Long Reef Aquatic Reserve
Beach Stone-curlew as on main reef at 7am (just after high tide) and the Great Knot was seen approx 7:30am when all the waders moved to the south side of the reef flat as the tide dropped. Also 2 Ospreys sitting on the reef and a Peregrine passed through and flushed the waders.
Tom Wilson 6/12 #225754
Rainbow Bee-eater
Ben's Walk, Nowra
A pair of Rainbow Bee-eaters observed at the mouth of Nowra Creek. Have not seen them here for several years. Distant photo attached. eBird checklist
Martin & Penny Potter 6/12 #225757
Cinnamon Quail-thrush
Living Desert Park, 8 km East of Broken Hill-31.892721, 141.426987
A single bird was seen across the road in front of our car and stopped in the shade for a while at the Living Desert. Further information
Surong Gunn 6/12 #225760
Australasian Bittern
Irrigation storage dam near Deniliquin
One adult Australasian Bittern, seen in a storage dam with cumbungi. I think this is the first Australasian Bittern I've personally seen since 2010. R. Nevinson recorded one at the Reed Beds Bird Hide, Mathoura on 9 November this year. Further information
Philip Maher, Robert Nevinson and Plains-wanderer Weekend group 7/12 #225769
Glossy Ibis (4)
Spring Ck Reservoir Orange
Four Glossy Ibis seen at Reservoir, very rare bird in Orange District also 2 Latham Snipe in plain view
Bernard Huxtable 11/12 #225809
White-winged Triller
Orange Botanic Gardens
Pair nesting in Gardens and one Swamphen common in district ,very unusual in Gardens.
Bernard Huxtable 11/12 #225811
Sat 5Beach Stone-curlew, Great Knot
Long Reef Aquatic Reserve
BSC at 7.00am resting on the raised rocks. Left hand side. Seen again at 7:00pm by Mark Young.
Marie Lister, Greg McLachlan, Jayden Walsh, Robert Griffin & Carl Weber 5/12 #225739
Buff-rumped Thornbill, Glossy Black Cockatoo, Pied Butcherbird
Bushells Ridge Rd East, Wyee
There was good birding this morning in the Scribbly Gum Woodlands at the eastern end of Bushells Ridge Rd, including 3 Glossy Black Cockatoos, 5 Buff-rumped Thornbills, Leaden Flycatchers, Rufous Whistler, Sacred Kingfisher, Pied Butcherbirds, Koel Cuckoo & Brown-headed Honeyeaters.
Alan Morris & Mike Kuhl 5/12 #225741
Rainbow Bee-eater, Brush Cuckoo, Jacky Winter
Cedar Brush Creek Rd, near Yarramalong
There was good birding this morning at Cedar Brush Creek, near Fernaces Country, west of Yarramalong on the road that leads up though the hills to Bucketty. 4 Rainbow Bee-eaters were seen hawking from trees or fences, and other birds present included Jacky Winters, Sacred Kingfisher, Brush Cuckoos, Black-faced Monarchs, Catbirds, Brown-Cuckoo Doves and Bar-shouldered Doves, and two separate Bassian Thrushes on the road.
Alan Morris & Mike Kuhl 5/12 #225742
Turquoise Parrot, Dusky Woodswallow, Bassian Thrush
Mogo Camp, Yengo NP, Bucketty
There was also good birding at Mogo Camp this morning. Two Bassian Thrushes and an adult male Turquoise Parrot were feeding on the grass in the camping area despite the close proximity of 4 tents; a flock of 14 Dusky Woodswallows were calling constantly as there were two dependant young with them; 2 Little Lorikeets were also present, as were Brown-headed, Yellow-faced, White-eared and Yellow-tufted Honeyeaters, Tree Martins and Leaden Flycatchers. (Moderator's Note: There are previous records for Turquoise Parrots at Mogo Camp and the Bucketty Waterhole, but not for the past 10 years, as well as a recent record at Finns Rd Kulnura. AKM)
Mike Kuhl & Alan Morris 5/12 #225743
Eastern Osprey
Boys Walk, Avondale College, Cooranbong
An Osprey has been seen 3 times on the upper reaches of Dora Creek at Cooranbong in the last week. One appeared on the neighbouring Sandy Creek a couple of months ago.
Maurice Ashton 5/12 #225745
Wandering Whistling Duck
Farm dam on Cattai Road near Little Cattai Creek
Eight Wandering Whistling Ducks were seen at this site.
Elisabeth Karplus and six members of Birding NSW 5/12 #225746
White-throated Nightjar
Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park--Sphinx Memorial
At least 3 birds calling and 2 sightings of birds hawking over treetops from the carpark between 8:15 and 8:40pm. (20-45 minutes after sunset)
Tom Wilson 6/12 #225750
Square-tailed Kite
Murray Valley Regional Park (Willoughby's Beach area)
Adult bird, circled overhead in black box country. First one seen here since early spring. Further information
Philip Maher, Robert Nevinson and Plains-wanderer Weekend group 7/12 #225767
Ground Cuckoo-shrike
North of Wanganella (private property)
Three Ground Cuckoo-shrikes with a nest containing eggs or small young. Initially located by R. Nevinson on 4 December. This is the first nest we have located since December 2010, although juvenile birds have been seen in the district in more recent years. Further information
Philip Maher, Robert Nevinson and Plains-wanderer Weekend group 7/12 #225768
Fri 4Beach Stone-curlew
Long Reef Aquatic Reserve
8.30 am on the rock shelf to the east of the boat ramp near the golf club I saw a beach stone curlew halfway between the cliff and the ocean. 10.00am as I was leaving the area I checked again and it had moved towards the rocks beneath the cliffs.
Adrian Dick 4/12 #225729
Beach Stone-curlew
Long Reef Aquatic Reserve
Still present (and confiding!) at 7:00pm. Roosting with shorebirds on the raised rock platform. Flew in behind me as I was walking back along the northern side of the reef and started feeding (7:20).
Joshua Bergmark 4/12 #225733
White-throated Nightjar
Westleigh
Heard at 8.15pm. Nice to hear that our regular migrant has returned again.
Peter and Carol Abbott 4/12 #225734
Whimbrel
Sawtell, Bonville Creek mouth
Single whimbrel on sandflat in creek. Also observed: pied oystercatcher, sooty oystercatcher (on beach), osprey, white - bellied sea-eagle, silver gull crested tern and on nearby rocks ruddy turnstone.
Paul Burcher and Jacqueline Reifenstein 5/12 #225738
Thu 3Striated Heron Sacred Kingfisher
Gore Creek Bay, Sydney Harbour
Striated Heron pair feeding on mudflat at receding tide, occasionally one flew to rocky foreshore for a few moments and then returned to mate. Sacred Kingfisher perched on dead branch in mud, then flew to favourite perch among mangroves
Sheila Walkerden 4/12 #225725
Beautiful Firetail
Pigeon House Mountain, Morton National Park
At lease 3 Beautiful Firetail on the flat section of the path on the way up the mountain.
Nicole Courtman & Steve Edwards 4/12 #225726
Tue 1Australian Brush-turkey
Beattie Street, Balmain
Seen walking along fence fronting Little Beattie Street around 6:30am. Then flew onto our roof and down back onto the street. Last seen walking up Beattie Street!
LMC 1/12 #225701
Australian Brush-turkey
Macquarie Fields
1st one I have seen around here. 10 am.
Malcolm Daniels 1/12 #225703
Marsh Sandpiper, Sharp-tailed Sandpiper, Brolga, Black-chinned Honeyeater
Gwydir Wetlands SCA (restricted access)
Exactly a fortnight later since my last report #225569 and waterlevels have amazingly dropped considerably, with many sites now bone dry, resulting in less waterbirds. 105 species found, compared to 137 on 17 Nov. Highlights included 3 Marsh Sandpipers (reduced from 60 birds a fortnight ago), 2 Sharp-tailed Sandpipers (reduced from 30 birds a fortnight ago) and 1 Latham's Snipe (reduced from 6 birds a fortnight ago). A pair of Brolgas were present and a Caspian Tern flew over which hasn't been sighted here before. 2 Black-chinned Honeyeaters were observed and a Painted Honeyeater was heard calling. The 200+ Magpie Geese, Red-necked Avocets, Australian Pratincole and Black-necked Stork have all left. Common waterbirds such as Black-fronted Dotterels, Hardheads and Pink-eared Ducks have also vanished. eBird checklist
Curtis Hayne 1/12 #225704
Great Knot
Mill Stream, Sydney Airport
A single Great Knot feeding late afternoon at the mouth of the Mill Stream with 5 Bar-tailed Godwits. It's my first record for the species at the airport.
Nigel Coghlan 2/12 #225708
Wood Sandpiper
Cattai Ck Wetland, on the Harrington Rd Harrington
There were four species of wader at this wetland today. The two Wood Sandpipers were feeding quietly amongst Marsh Sandpipers, Bar-tailed Godwits and a single Sharp-tailed Sandpiper
Peter West / Sue Proust 2/12 #225711
November 2015
Mon 30Great Knot, Greater Sand Plover
Boat Harbour, Kurnell
Along with the usual suspects for this time of year there were good numbers of Common Tern with Little Tern numbers also increasing from previous visit. eBird checklist
Greg McLachlan 30/11 #225698
Pacific Baza
Murrays Road Conjola -35.219944, 150.444559
The Pacific is not that common in this area, Last believed sighting was around four years ago by Bob Rusk. This one was be harassed by a small group of Magpie Larks
Charles Dove 30/11 #225700
Eastern Bristlebird
Beecroft peninsula
One bird heard then seen on the main track from the car park at the end of Beecroft Parade
Nicole Courtman & Steve Edwards 4/12 #225724
Sun 29Wandering Whistling Duck
Dam off Wisemans Ferry Road south of Little Cattai Creek
12 Wandering Whistling Duck seen at the above location GPS -33.543313, 150.920303
Tom Wilson 29/11 #225684
Marsh Sandpiper, Pectoral Sandpiper, Red-necked Stint (5)
Riverstone
2 Marsh Sandpipers now present with the single Pectoral and at least 98 Sharp-tailed Sandpipers and 5 Red-necked Stints. There were at least 7 Red-kneed Dotterels, 3 young Black-winged Stilts amongst the 40 or so adults, a White-necked Heron, a Yellow-billed Spoonbill, 108 Pink-eared Ducks, about 260 Grey Teal, a few Spotless Crakes, a male White-winged Triller, Pallid Cuckoos and also saw my first White-throated Needletails for the season (about 10 of them). The Marsh Sandpiper now makes 238 species for the Blacktown LGA bird list!
Edwin Vella 29/11 #225688
Brush Bronzewing
Royal National Park--Wattamolla
Pair in picnic area
Barry Lancaster 29/11 #225690
Sat 28Caspian Tern, Brown Cuckoo-dove, Brush Cukoo
Yarramundi Reserve
An adult Caspian Tern still visiting the area (as per the last couple of months) and saw a Brown Cuckoo-dove (the first time I have seen one by the river). Also heard Brush Cuckoos amongst the 6 species of Cuckoo seen or heard there and saw a Grey Goshawk.
Edwin Vella and David Walker 29/11 #225685
Cicadabird, Little Lorikeets, White-winged Trillers
Yarramundi
We heard a Cicadabird beside Mahons Creek Rd. Beside Springwood Rd a number of White-winged Trillers and Little Lorikeets were present. Also a pair of young Wedge-tailed Eagles seen on the electricity towers beside Hillcrest Rd. We had 100 species for Yarramundi between 8 and and 12 pm!
Edwin Vella and David Walker 29/11 #225686
Wandering Whistling-duck
Broadwater Swamp, Cattai
There were 6 still present (though the other 7 may have been hidden from view).
Edwin Vella and David Walker 29/11 #225687
Hooded Plover
Sussex Inlet
1 Hooded Plover just left of the surf club.
Nicole Courtman & Steve Edwards 2/12 #225712
Fri 27Whistling Kite
Maloney Street, Rosebery
Saw a Whistling Kite struggling to fly into the strong westerly winds at lunchtime. It looked like it was heading towards the airport, very unusual around this area (never even seen one at Eastlakes Golf Course)
David Mitford 27/11 #225633
Wed 25Square-tailed Kite
Helensburgh
A single Square-tailed Kite was quartering over the cemetery and shortly afterwards the bush behind my house, mid-afternoon.
Troy Mutton 25/11 #225623
White-headed Pigeon
Sydney Olympic Park
Perched in mangroves near start of boardwalk behind administration area
Elisabeth Karplus and participants on Birding NSW outing 25/11 #225625
Tue 24Australian Brush-turkey
Balmain
A Brush-turkey at the corner of Darling and Mort Streets, Balmain at about 6pm today. It somehow managed to get through the peak-hour traffic on Darling Street and headed south down Palmer Street.
Robert Griffin 24/11 #225608
Beach Stone-curlew
The Entrance Channel, Tuggerah Lake
Beach stone curlew, north entrance side of channel spotted, late afternoon
luke ullrich 24/11 #225609
Grey Plover
Long Reef Aquatic Reserve
Two Grey Plovers continue to spend time at Long Reef, foraging with the other waders. Excellent views of both birds. A Whimbrel was also noteworthy. eBird checklist
Ashwin Rudder 24/11 #225610
Blue-billed Duck
Lake Wallace
At least 4 males and 2 females seen on Lake Wallace approx 4;30pm. 3 males and 1 female on the far side from where the caravans are parked. 1 male and female near (just beyond) the boating/rowing club building. Also, many pairs of Musk Duck, some with young.
Tom Wilson 24/11 #225613
Australian Owlet-nightjar
Douglas Farm Rd, Kurrajong Hills nw of Sydney
Calling from dusk until after midnight. 2nd local record in 17 years here following first on 28 Sep this year. Much more pleasant nocturnal sound than pair of Koalas mating most of the night of 22 Nov. Also this week Azure Kingfisher, Sacred Kingfisher juv (both species catching frogs from pool), and Superb Lyrebirds unusually vocal for late spring. Sugar Gliders vocal nightly.
Eric Finley 25/11 #225615
Mon 23Australian Magpie
Regent Street, Port Macquarie
Juvenile leucistic Magpie. Different individual to the bird i reported from another area of Port Macquarie a few months ago.
Liam Murphy 24/11 #225603
Sun 22White-winged Triller
Eastlake/Bonnie Doon Golfcourses
Male on bush at boundary fence near the practice area of Bonnie Doon G.C.[10.30 a.m.] Flushed 2 Latham's Snipe from side of paddock behind the Eastlake Maintenance Sheds. Twice 'bombed' half-heartedly by a male Collared Sparrowhawk along the spit which heads towards The Lakes Clubhouse. Nesting, perhaps?
Ted Nixon 22/11 #225582
Grey Plover
Long Reef Aquatic Reserve
Grey Plover still around this morning. Seen 2 individuals, possibly 3.
Alfred Schulte 22/11 #225584
Red-necked Avocet
Pattimores Lagoon Lake Conjola
A bit of a surprise this morning with 3 Red-necked Avocets at Pattimores Lagoon; first time I have seen them in this area
Charles Dove 22/11 #225586
White-Backed Australian Magpie
Randwick Environment Park
Bird sighted among a resident group of black-backed magpies. Never seen in this park before, and does not seem to be within the race leuconota regular range. [Moderator's Comment - white-backed magpies are generally not seen north of Canberra, so this is a very noteworthy sighting. AR]
Stephanie Morse 22/11 #225588
Wandering Tattler, Sanderling
Ballina, Flat Rock
Wandering Tattler, missing a few primary and secondary feathers but otherwise seems in good shape, on the outer rock shelf. Also a Sanderling.
Chris Gregory 22/11 #225589
Pectoral Sandpiper, Red-necked Stint, Red-kneed Dotterel (11)
Riverstone
Pectoral Sandpipers still present with 63 Sharp-tailed Sandpipers and a single Red-necked Stint. Other birds seen included 11 Red-kneed Dotterel, 145 Pink-eared Ducks, 5 Australasian Shoveler, about 160 Grey and 25 Chestnut Teal, 61 Black-winged Stilts, Spotless Crakes etc. Pallid, Horsfield's and Shining Bronze-cuckoos as well as Channel-billed Cuckoos and a Sacred Kingfisher were also heard. There were quite a numbers of water birds nesting or with young including the Black-winged Stilts (3 young), Purple Swamphen (an adult with 2 young), Chestnut Teal (2 seperate groups of baby ducklings) and with my scope I could see along South Creek that there were several pairs of both Little Pied Cormorants and Australasian Darters nesting (as I have seen in other years). I had almost 80 species of birds within about 3 hours at Riverstone.
Edwin Vella 22/11 #225591
Grey Plover
Lake Wollumboola
Bird that has previously been reported still present. Mostly at the southern end of the sand bar.
Lachlan Hall, Ian Bool, George Madani 23/11 #225601
Common Sandpiper
Pooncarie-Menindee Rd at -33.32833, 142.54778
Surong Gunn 27/11 #225642
Superb Parrot
Burrendong Arboretum
20 birds feeding in Hop Bush. This is my first record of Superb Parrot at the Arboretum. Other birds of interest, 6 Turquoise Parrots, Brown Goshawk nest with one young and recently fledged White-browed Woodswallow. 75 species recorded. eBird checklist
Darryl McKay 29/11 #225689
Sat 21Brush Bronzewing
Blue Mountains National Park--Linden Ridge
We had 3 fairly vocal Brush Bronzewing on the ridge. Also a good find was a Scaly-foot Legless Lizard.
Edwin Vella and Marke Fuller 22/11 #225592
Fri 20Black Bittern
Avondale College Boys Walk
A Black Bittern was photographed on Dora Creek this morning. It was very flighty and flew up stream quickly as soon as it was aware of my presence. This is the third time I have photographed one in this location in 2015.
Maurice Ashton 20/11 #225565
Brown Falcon
Katoomba
Landed on the chimney stack of the Carrington Hotel in Katoomba this morning about 6 am. Quite unusual
Link McArthur 20/11 #225573
Kelp Gull
Taren Point Shorebird Reserve
2 adult Kelp Gull; one bird offering the other food. Whimbrel, Bar-tailed Godwit and Eastern Curlew also about but unfortunately no Beach Stone-curlew [nor anywhere else in the region we tried] eBird checklist
Jenny Stiles, Marie Lister and Margaret Murray 20/11 #225576
Stubble Quail
Sydney Airport
Stubble Quail female (presumably a wild bird) 'dropped from the sky' from heat exhaustion during the sweltering 40deg+ temperatures at around 3pm. On the tarmac at terminal 3, near the Qantas service hangars. Bird was probably still alive but well beyond help unfortunately. Not really any suitable habitat nearby. Though I recall there was a report of a live bird several years ago, out on the airfield at night. eBird checklist
Rob Child 24/11 #225605
Thu 19Grey Plover
Lake Wollumboola
Observed this morning at 8.30 in company of a Red Knot. Seen foraging along eastern foreshore near saltmarsh area.
Deryk Engel 19/11 #225552
White-headed pigeon
Newport NSW
Immature landed during our dinner in marginal rain forest in our front yard. Stayed for some minutes. Uncommon. My first in 11 years on Northern Beaches.
Carl Weber 19/11 #225558
Wed 18Beach Stone-curlew
Tower Beach, Sydney Airport
Single bird sighted this morning at 0750 on airport land south of General Holmes Drive, but flew towards the Old Control Tower (Tower Beach) when disturbed.
Jade Kinchella 18/11 #225544
Southern Boobook
Wollstonecraft Railway Station
Owl was heard calling as I got off last train for the night, about 1am. It called for at least 10 minutes. Have heard them in the area around this time of year before, but they do not linger.
Lindy Jones 19/11 #225554
Tue 17Eastern Koel
West Albury
Bird heard calling to the north west of Patricia Gould Park.
David Parker 17/11 #225541
White-throated Needletail, Rufous Fantail
Kingsgrove St Ursulas Ladies College
What a day of tennis coaching! The needletails were great but seeing a Rufous Fantail in the city in a totally built in area was a great surprise!!!
Lorand Szucs 17/11 #225542
Black-necked Stork, Brolga, Marsh Sandpiper, Common Greenshank, Black-tailed Godwit, Pheasant Coucal
Gwydir Wetlands SCA (no public access)
Waterbirds highly abundant, with particularly high counts of migratory/shorebirds, which included 60+ Marsh Sandpipers, 30 Sharp-tailed Sandpipers (of which 6 Marsh and 19 Sharpies were photographed in flight), 6 Latham's Snipes, a Common Greenshank and 2 Black-tailed Godwits. Other noteworthy species included an adult female Black-necked Stork flying over, 3 Brolgas, 200+ Magpie Geese in a feedlot, 2 Australian Pratincoles, several Black-chinned and Painted Honeyeaters feeding in flowering gums and coobas, 3 Ground Cuckoo Shrikes and 15 Glossy Black Cockatoos feeding in belah, with a total of 11 drinking at a small farm dam at sunset. 2. A Leaden Flycatcher and 4 White-throated Needletails were observed which are possibly on the western edge of their range (uncommon on the plains). About 137 species were recorded by all of us during the surveys which is the most impressive number in the Gwydir for some time. eBird checklist
Curtis Hayne 20/11 #225569
Mon 16Beach Stone-Curlew
Taren Point Shorebird Reserve
Amongst the mangroves at the fishing club boat ramp. I walked onto the sand flats at a gap in the mangroves and the Beach Stone-Curlew was just walking slowly along the waterline. Plenty of photos taken. [Moderator's Note: -34.019585, 151.127010. JB] eBird checklist
Brian Deans 16/11 #225528
Grey Plover
Wollumboula Lake -34.947063, 150.764305
A Grey Plover is running around the foreshore at Wollumboula Lake near Culburra and possibly will only be around for a few days like last year. A good number of waders also present will list later on eBird later on,
Charles Dove 17/11 #225537
Tawny Crowned Honeyeater
High Range NSW
15/11: 1 individual sighted on the 15th and 16th - once associating with 4 Brown-headed Honeyeaters, and then with 2 Eastern Spinebill Honeyeaters. Very difficult to get the individual out of the dense bush, distinctive call was a giveaway. First time I have recorded one in this area after 4 years of observing. Seen on private property along the Wollondilly River, 10km NE of Bullio.
Kaye Varlow 18/11 #225547
Sun 15Plumed Whistling Duck
Burrumbuttock
Plumed Whistling Ducks camping out in my dam. Started with 4 on 31 October, growing steadily. Thirty two this morning, 45 at last count 4pm this afternoon.
Maggie J Watson 15/11 #225520
Brolga
Martindale
Bird seen flying north but not re-located, despite much effort searching.
Dan Williams, Stew Betts 16/11 #225522
Little Eagle, Cicadabird and Brown Quail
Ingleside Chase Reserve
All species seen between 5 and 6pm. Little Eagle probably nesting as I've heard it calling from exact same location several times this month. Brown Quail feeding on grass at the bottom of reserve in a paddock
Jayden Walsh 16/11 #225523
Sat 14White throated needletail
Rollands Plains
About 45 hawking and moving northwards. (Moderator's note: Rollands Plains is considered to be an "unusual location" so I have published this Needletail report, but since yesterday we will not be publishing general needletail/swift reports until the birds start heading northwards. AKM).
Phill Shelley 14/11 #225495
Wandering Whistling-duck (14), Little Egret, Brush Cuckoo
Broadwater Swamp, Cattai
There were 14 Wandering Whistling-ducks on the Broadwater Swamp (off Wisemans Ferry Rd) in Cattai which is my highest count there and were easily seen from the roadside. Also seen was a Little Egret feeding along side a group of Royal and a Yellow-billed Spoonbill, 2 Pink-eared Ducks, Australasian Grebes with young, a Swamp Harrier, White-bellied Sea-eagle and a Brush cuckoo heard calling in nearby forest.
Edwin Vella 14/11 #225503
Beach Stone-Curlew
Kissing Pt Park, Putney
50m west of boat ramp feeding among rocks near low tide. Apologies for poor photo. Only old phone on walk. [Moderator's Note: Fast-twitch muscles by Max Breckenridge confirmed the bird was still there at 7:20pm just before sunset. JB]
Catherine Goswell 14/11 #225502
Pectoral Sandpiper
Riverstone
Pectoral Sandpiper still present with at least 50 Sharpies, 60 Back-winged Stilts, 5 Red-kneed Dotterel, 144 Pink-eared Ducks, an Australasian Shoveler, a Hoary-headed Grebe, 2 Yellow-billed Spoonbill and a pair of Pallid Cuckoos on the fences.
Edwin Vella 14/11 #225504
Pallid Cuckoo
Marsden Park
One heard calling beside Jackson Rd.
Edwin Vella 14/11 #225505
Australasian Bittern; Magpie Goose
Campbell's Swamp, Griffith
1 bittern observed, 3 birds heard calling (including the one observed) at the south end of the swamp. 1 Magpie Goose observed flying long along western edge of swamp.
David Parker 14/11 #225506
Latham's Snipe
Lake Wyangan causeway, Griffith
Single bird observed foraging close to the cover of the reeds.
David Parker 14/11 #225507
Pheasant Coucal and Chestnut-rumped Heathwren
Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park
3 Heathwrens and one Coucal heard
Jayden Walsh 16/11 #225525
Fri 13White-throated Needletail
Seven Hills, w Sydney
31 birds hawking low over gardens and railway line just east of a huge fog bank. Likely many more present as counted from moving train. [Moderator comment: a reminder to all that needletail and swift reports should be sent directly to Prof. Michael Tarburton for his research (tarburton.m@optusnet.com.au). Include date, location, and numbers of birds. This will be the last report (barring those in unusual locations or exceptional numbers) that we will be publishing until at least March - AR]
Eric Finley 13/11 #225489
Wandering Whistling-duck
Wiseman Ferry Rd, Cattai
At The wetlands near Halcrows Rd, 13 Wandering Whistling duck. 2 were seen 2 weeks ago. eBird checklist
Jenny Stiles, Marie Lister and Greg McLachlan 13/11 #225494
Thu 12Grey Plover (3?)
Long Reef Aquatic Reserve
It appears there are now 3 Grey Plovers at Long Reef - two preferentially using the southern side and one on the north side. Still present when we left at 4pm (just after low tide). Only 2 birds seen together at the same time (chasing each other), but we are confident a third bird is present, unless covert teleportation was somehow achieved behind our backs.
Joshua Bergmark and Andrew Walker 12/11 #225484
Wed 11Grey Plover
Long Reef Aquatic Reserve
2 Grey Plover present today until at least 5:40 (last observation). Also 5x Nankeen Kestrel (1x adult male, 1x adult female, 3x juvies or imms).
Jenny Stiles, Jayden Walsh, Andrew Walker, Carl Weber and Mark Young 11/11 #225475
Orange Chat
Kiacatoo swamp
A brief stop at this roadside claypan was highly rewarding with quite a variety of birds. The undoubted highlight though was 5 Orange Chats running about between the bluebush shrubs. eBird checklist
Ashwin Rudder 11/11 #225481
Regent Honeyeater
Capertee National Park
9 Regent Honeyeaters were seen in the national park including several young birds. Other species seen in the valley include 3 Turquoise Parrots, White-browed Woodswallow, Painted Button-quail, Little Eagle & Diamond Firetail.
Robert Hynson, Colin Campbell, Michael Szabo & Angus Hogg 12/11 #225487
Australasian Bittern
Fivebough Wetlands
Not seen. Call heard in four widely separated locations on the pathway adjacent to dense reeds. At first mistaken for wind resonating in a broken reed or pipe, or even some strange irregularity in my own breathing. Sounded like someone playing pan-flute using an empty milk bottle. Careful listening detected a preceding up-beat note much shorter, fainter and more clipped, a minor third higher in pitch. I had to listen to the bittern calls from the BOCA CD on return to my accommodation to identify to species. To my best recollection, calls were heard in about the same location on the outward and return journeys along the pathway, and the two note calls were given exactly twice. Possibly at least four separate birds?
Jeff Melvaine 14/11 #225499
Tue 10Grey Plover, Eastern Osprey
Long Reef Aquatic Reserve
Grey Plover still present at 1700. Sitting down mostly, showing white rump well. Also 2x Eastern Ospreys seen, 1x adult feeding on a fish, with a younger bird nearby.
Jon Spicer-Bell 10/11 #225467
Glossy Black Cockatoo, Ground Cuckooshrike, Painted Honeyeater
Tullamore area (central west)
Two sightings of Glossy Black Cockatoos (a party of three south of Tullamore and a feeding group of eight north-east of the town) have been the most notable sightings of a few days in this area of the state. This further confirms that the species is thinly but continuously distributed through the central swathe of the state. The whole area looks in good condition, further evidenced by sightings of a family of Ground Cuckooshrike (two immatures) west of the town, and a single Painted Honeyeater foraging in mistletoe on the same stock route. A Latham's Snipe flushed from a stock route near Peak Hill was a particularly surprising sighting.
Ashwin Rudder 11/11 #225482
Freckled Duck
Lithgow Wastewater Treatment Plant
3 Freckled Ducks seen along with several hundred Pink-eared Ducks and 20 Australian Shoveler. [Moderator's comment: these Freckled Ducks have been present at this site for several months, possibly longer - AR]
Robert Hynson, Colin Campbell, Michael Szabo & Angus Hogg 12/11 #225488
Mon 9Grey Plover
Long Reef Aquatic Reserve
Present at 2:20pm
Simon Gorta per. Joshua Bergmark 9/11 #225450
Spectacled Monarch
Kulnura , Private Property opp Yengo NP
Single bird seen at 12-45 pm in Harpephyllum before been chased by Wattlebird.
David Peet 9/11 #225457
Powerful Owl
Wollstonecraft
In a small but densely planted gully that Nth Sydney Council has been doing bush regeneration in for some years. The gully in narrow and surrounded by blocks of flats but has a health population of possums. First time I have hear or seen one here.
Ralph Stadus 9/11 #225460
Sun 8Rufous Songlark, White-winged Triller, Tawny Grassbird; Black Bittern
Cornwallis Road, Windsor/Richmond
Up to 8 Rufous Songlarks displaying in the field opposite the football pitches on Cornwells Lane; 2 White-winged Trillers seen here too. Single Tawny Grassbird display flying in a field opposite where Cuppits Lane joins Cornwallis Rd. Single Black Bittern flew along creek line of Rickabys Creek (1st creek bridge crossed when coming from Windsor). Also small party of Nutmeg Mannikins at the stream that flows from Bakers Lagoon to the river. No Banded Lapwings at the normal turf farm location (or any other).
Tom Wilson 8/11 #225436
Pectoral Sandpiper (1), Pacific Golden Plover (6)
Riverstone
On private property a single Pectoral Sandpiper was still there amongst now 80 Sharpies and 6 Pacific Golden Plovers, 3 Red-kneed Dotterels, 50 Black-winged Stilts, 165 Pink-eared Ducks, about 150 Grey Teal, 2 Australasian Shovelers and both a Hoary-headed and Australasian Grebe in breeding plumage. Attached is a pic of the Pectoral Sandpiper taken the previous weekend there.
Edwin Vella and Mark Fuller 8/11 #225439
Striated Heron (1), Caspian Tern (1), Brush Cuckoo (2), Grey Goshawk (1)
Yarramundi Reserve
Species seen included a Striated Heron, a Caspian Tern, Azure Kingfishers a pair of Brush Cuckoos (amongst the 6 species of Cuckoo seen or heard there), Varied Sitellas with young and had a Grey Goshawk circling in the air with a Yellow-billed Spoonbill. Also, I am almost certain that we had a Square-tailed Kite circling high in the distance there which I only saw for a few seconds.
Edwin Vella and Mark Fuller 8/11 #225440
Plum-headed, Zebra and Double-barred Finches.
Ulamambri St Ulamambri near Coonabarabran
At 755 am when driving slowly along the short Ulamambri St in the small village of Ulamambri, I got the jackpot in that I saw a small flock of 8 Plum-headed Finches, then a single Double-barred Finch, then 7 Zebra Finches, along with House Sparrows, Rufous Songlarks, a single Dollarbird and Sacred Kingfisher and a Rufous Whistler was calling. In the past I have seen Diamond Firetails in this street! I have not had three species of finches on the one occasion in the street before.
Alan Morris 9/11 #225448
Common Terns, Shy Albatross and Shearwaters
Mistral Point, Maroubra
A very productive afternoon: Short-tailed Shearwaters going through at 10,000 per hour, 1500 Fluttering Shearwaters, 106 Common Terns, 5 Arctic Jaegers, 2 Pomarine Jaegers, 12 Black-browed Albatross, 3 Shy Albatross and 3 Hutton's Shearwaters.The very high count of 106 Common Terns is considerably more than the last ten years of records combined.
David Mitford and Robert Griffin 9/11 #225455
Sat 7Square-tailed Kite
Cumberland SF, Pennant Hills
An immature Square-tailed Kite was seen flying over Cumberland State Forest being mobbed by a large flock of Sulphur-crested Cockatoos. A Brown Goshawk also passed over. I also saw an adult Square-tailed Kite hunting low over Monash Country Club, Ingleside on October 28th - perhaps this species is becoming more frequently seen on the Sydney coastal plain?
Roger McGovern 7/11 #225426
Barred Cuckoo-shrike.
Mebbin National Park, Murwillumbah.
Barred Cuckoo-shrikes were the highlight from Mebbin National Park today.
michael ronan. 7/11 #225427
Fri 6White-throated Needletail
279/295 Mamre rd Erskine Park nsw
At least 10 white-throated Needletail passed overhead around 1030am (prof Tarburton emailed) eBird checklist
Adrian O'Hara 6/11 #225416
Pale-vented Bush-hen, Barred Cuckoo-shrike, Forest Kingfisher.
huonbrook, Mullumbimby
Pale-vented bush-hen, barred cuckoo-shrike, and forest kingfisher all seen well this morning.
michael ronan 6/11 #225417
Leaden Flycatcher, Osprey
Long Reef Aquatic Reserve
First ever ebird record of a Leaden Flycatcher (male) at Long Reef. Osprey also sited resting on the rocky platform. Photos with ebird checklist. eBird checklist
David Vickers 6/11 #225421
White-throated Nightjar, Australian Owlet-Nightjar
Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park
A single Nightjar was seen hawking for insects at about 8:15pm over West Head rd, it then flew low over our heads twice. An Owlet Nightjar along with another White Throated Nightjar was heard near Cottage Point.
Jayden Walsh & Leo Skowronek 7/11 #225424
Thu 5Black-necked Stork and Plumed Whistling Duck
Bulahdelah
One Black-necked Stork and three whistling ducks seen in wetland on south side of south bound lane of highway near southern on / off ramp to Bulahdelah (wetlands approximately 300m east of southern on/off ramps. Birds showing well at 7.40..
Deryk Engel 5/11 #225360
Wed 4Superb Fruit-dove, Alber's Lyrebird, White-eared Monarch
Minyon Falls, Nightcap National Park.
Superb fruit-doves, alberts lyrebird, and white eared monarch seen this morning.
michael ronan 4/11 #225349
Long-tailed Cuckoo
Mount Bates Track, Norfolk Island National Park
Local bird tour guide Margaret Christian reported a Long-tailed Cuckoo on a walk with some NZ birders this morning. Seen on the Mount Bates track, near the land slip area covered in bracken. This is the third report on Norfolk for the past fortnight, so it seems a few birds are moving through this year. Reported by Craig Doolan on Margaret's behalf.
Margaret Christian 4/11 #225350
White-throated Needletail
Transit Hill, Port Macquarie
Flock of 80-100 birds flying low, heading south. 4pm, overcast/light rain 23°C. (Moderator's Note: Obviously more Swifts are now on the move so don't forget to report your sightings to Dr. M.Tarburton as per the information on the Birdline Header. The birds have also been reported from the Central Coast including 2 Borisbrooke Rd Mangrove Mtn 26/10 (M.Pointer), 10 Ourimbah Rest Area M1 on 1/11 (K.Pointer) and 1 at Berkeley Vale on 2/11 (Christina Port). AKM)
Liam Murphy 4/11 #225354
Tue 3Superb Fruit-dove, White-eared Monarch, Rose-crowned Fruit-dove
Nightcap National Park - Rocky Creek Dam
Highlights from rocky creek today were superb fruit doves, white eared monarchs, rose crowned fruit doves,emerald doves and up to wompoo fruit doves.
michael ronan 3/11 #225336
Little Eagle
Streeton Lookout, Freemans Reach
Little Eagle above the escarpment 5pm working its way downriver. Wings level with upturned tips, short fanned tail. Hobby also spotted 5 mins later. Rufous Songlarks about the place at the moment
Mike Felstead 3/11 #225341
Mon 2Painted Button-quail
Douglas Farm Rd, Kurrajong Hills
Found dead on our roadside verge. Grey gum iron bark dominated slopes adjoining gardens and western Sydney rainforest remnants
Eric Finley 2/11 #225312
Cattle Egret
Gore Cove, Greenwich
6 Cattle Egrets in full breeding plumage on the mudflats, 6.45 p.m. They didn't linger, but flew north towards Chatswood [surely not their final destination!]. My 2nd record for the Lower N. Shore.
Ted Nixon 3/11 #225327
Sun 1Plumed Whistling Duck
Burrumbuttock, near Albury
Four plumed whistling duck flew in overnight and have been around our dam all day, on private land within the village of Burrumbuttock. Only the third time we've recorded this species on our property in ~13 years. Other notable species include Nankeen Night Heron, Crested Shrike-tit, Hobby Falcon and passing flocks of White-browed Woodswallows
David M Watson 1/11 #225285
Wedge-tailed & Fluttering Shearwaters
Clovelly Beach/Magic point, Sydney
Impressive numbers of shearwaters this WE from Sydney's Eastern suburbs. After a snorkel at Gordon's Bay yesterday I had a productive 45 minutes birding from the Clovelly beach car park with a variety of shearwaters passing by offshore - small numbers of short tailed & fluttering but close to 10,000 wedge-tails at every distance & degree. A long dense line of birds flying low to the water accounting for over 5000 birds. Today from Magic point (Malabar headland) I counted c1500 fluttering shearwaters and c.500 wedge tails over half an hour or so. All birds both days heading north. A couple of young arctic skuas chasing a crested tern completing some good sea-watching.
Michael Ellison 1/11 #225291
Logrunner, Paradise Riflebird, Emerald Dove and Sooty Owl
Chichester State Forest--Allyn River
The Logrunner and Sooty Owl were recorded around the White Rock camping ground. The Emerald Dove was feeding on the road up the hill from the Peach Tree picnic ground and the Paradise Riflebird was calling at the top of the hill.
Dodgy Drongos - Nick Livanos, Max Breckenridge, Robert Kilkelly & Grant Brosie 2/11 #225298
Red-backed Fairy-wren, Speckled Warbler, Buff-rumped Thornbill, Rainbow Bee-eater
Salisbury Road, Munni
All birds seen well along the road side.
Dodgy Drongos - Nick Livanos, Max Breckenridge, Robert Kilkelly and Grant Brosie 2/11 #225299
Australasian Bittern
Hexham Swamp Nature Reserve--Old Pipeline Track
Single bird seen flying above the reeds
Dodgy Drongos - Nick Livanos, Max Breckenridge, Robert Kilkelly & Grant Brosie 2/11 #225300
Brahminy Kite
Hexham Bridge
Seen flying up the Hunter River
Dodgy Drongos - Nick Livanos, Max Breckenridge, Robert Kilkelly & Grant Brosie 2/11 #225301
White-bellied Cuckoo-shrike./ Cicadabird
Mitchell Park NSW
ONE OF EACH SPECIES
Keith Brandwood/CBOC 2/11 #225306
Magpie Goose (2)
Kanahooka - (Restricted access)
Two birds at the small lake as seen in previous years.
The Eastern Mellow Robins - Carla Jackett, Nerida Hudspith, Joy Williams 3/11 #225319
Freckled Duck, Blue-billed Duck, Pink-eared Duck
Tallawarra Ash Ponds
One Freckled Duck was seen with several Blue-billed Duck, Pink-eared Duck and Australasian Shoveler. An Osprey was seen flying over and there were here 6 Sharp-tailed Sandpipers on one of the ponds.
The Eastern Mellow Robins - Carla Jackett, Nerida Hudspith, Joy Williams 3/11 #225320
Latham's Snipe (5)
Berkeley Boat Harbour
Five Snipes seen very early morning in estuary next to carpark, western side of Lake Illawarra. Also saw and heard one White-plumed Honeyeater at this site.
The Eastern Mellow Robins - Carla Jackett, Nerida Hudspith, Joy Williams 3/11 #225321
Painted Button-quail
Deans Quarry, St. Albans- Bucketty Rd, St Albans
A single Painted Button-quail was flushed from the side of the road in the vicinity of Deans Quarry, close to the boundary of Yengo NP. Also at this location was a calling Brush Cuckoo.
Nick Carson, Alan Morris & Mike Kuhl 3/11 #225322
Rufous Scrub-bird, Shining Bronze-Cuckoo
Surveyors Gully, Gibraltar Range National Park
Both species heard calling.
Greg Clancy, Gary Eggins, Russell Jago (Black-necked Stalkers) 5/11 #225390
Southern Emu-wren
Surveyors Creek, Gibraltar Range National Park
2+ Emu-wrens in swampy heath.
Greg Clancy, Gary Eggins, Russell Jago (Black-necked Stalkers) 5/11 #225391
Wompoo Fruit-Dove
Hills Lookout, Gibraltar Range National Park
One heard calling.
Greg Clancy, Gary Eggins, Russell Jago (Black-necked Stalkers) 5/11 #225392
Brush Cuckoo, Little Bronze-Cuckoo, Grey-crowned Babbler
Gwydir Highway at Cangai Bridge Road turnoff
Both cuckoos heard calling, 3+ babblers observed.
Greg Clancy, Gary Eggins, Russell Jago (Black-necked Stalkers) 5/11 #225394
Brahminy Kite
Hawthorn Park, South Grafton
Adult and recently fledged juvenile in nest tree (Forest Red Gum).
Greg Clancy, Gary Eggins, Russell Jago (Black-necked Stalkers) 5/11 #225396
Marsh Sandpiper, Black-winged Stilt
Brotherson Swamp, Coutts Crossing
2 Marsh Sandpipers feeding close to two Black-winged Stilts. Sandpipers had been present for a few days.
Greg Clancy, Gary Eggins, Russell Jago (Black-necked Stalkers) 5/11 #225397
Brolga
Coxs Creek, S of Lawrence
22+ Brolgas in paddock, probably more obscured by hill.
Greg Clancy, Gary Eggins, Russell Jago (Black-necked Stalkers) 5/11 #225399
Red-kneed Dotterel
Lawrence Egret Colony
3 Dotterels at edge of water, rare in valley in recent months.
Greg Clancy, Gary Eggins, Russell Jago (Black-necked Stalkers) 5/11 #225401
Rose-crowned Fruit-Dove, Regent Bowerbird
Iluka Nature Reserve
One Fruit-Dove observed perched in rainforest tree, adult male bowerbird flying over canopy.
Greg Clancy, Gary Eggins, Russell Jago (Black-necked Stalkers) 5/11 #225403
Swamp Harrier, White-throated Needletail
Sandon Road, Brooms Head
A very pale old male Swamp Harrier flying over heath, 4+ Needletails flying higher.
Greg Clancy, Gary Eggins, Russell Jago (Black-necked Stalkers) 9/11 #225447
October 2015
Sat 31Plumed Whistling Ducks
Jerilderie sawage ponds,Wilson rd
Well over 300+ Plumed Whistling ducks at this sewage facility, also you have your common purple swamp hens..
Brendan toll 31/10 #225262
White-throated Needletail
Gordon & North Turramurra
2 small parties seen at 9:30am (Gordon - 5-10 birds) and North Turramurra (10:45am - 30 birds). 1st sightings of spring/summer for me.
Tom Wilson 31/10 #225273
Ruddy Turnstone, Pectoral Sandpiper and other waders, Dollarbird
Riverstone
On private property in Riverstone there was a single Ruddy Turnstone (3rd full bird from right in attached photo) with a single Pectoral Sandpiper and about 60 Sharp-tailed Sandpipers, a Red-necked Stint, a Latham's Snipe, 4 Pacific Golden Plovers, 62 Black-winged Stilt, 2 Red-kneed and 3 Black-fronted Dotterel, 144 Pink-eared Ducks amongst hundreds of Grey Teal, a Buff-banded Rail, 2 Spotless Crakes, White-winged Triller, a pair of Pallid Cuckoos and a Dollarbird. Though quite unusual apparently this is not the first time I have seen a Turnstone well inland but is certainly a new addition to the Blacktown LGA list - now with 237 species!!
Edwin Vella and Mark Fuller 31/10 #225277
3 White-winged Triller & 2 Dollarbirds
Peel Park North Richmond
3 White -winged Trillers being chased through gumtrees by various honeyeaters near fenced dog park. Plus 2 Dollarbirds eBird checklist
Adrian O'Hara 31/10 #225278
Australian Pratincole, Banded Lapwing
Back Yamma Rd, Forbes
2 Pratincole and 4+ Banded Lapwing feeding in a sparsely vegetated field, located before, and during the NSW & ACT 2015 Twitchathon. Nearby Gum Swamp still holds lots of Freckled Ducks (conservatively 50 birds), while Back Yamma State Forest is in good form as usual with loads of Turquoise Parrots, Superb Parrots, Grey-crowned Babblers, Black-chinned and Striped Honeyeater, etc.
Fly By Nightjars - Joshua Bergmark, Ashwin Rudder & Nathan Ruser 2/11 #225303
Spotted Harrier, Crimson Chat
Lake Cargelligo airport
In the hope of finding Banded Lapwings and Australian Pratincoles we checked out Lake Cargelligo airport but alas found none of the target species. But we did find a small party of Crimson Chats, a Spotted Harrier, Black Kites and Nankeen Kestrels. Two weeks before in the Lake Cargelligo area we found Crimson Chats at four sites but they appear to have moved on this time.
Alan Morris, Mike Kuhl and Nick Carson 2/11 #225310
Brahminy Kite
Spencer Wharf and Store
During the Twitchathon , members of the "Which Is It?" Team (Margaret & Kaye Pointer, Michael Breheny) saw the adult Brahminy Kite at its usual spot at Spencer, on Mangrove Creek, just off the Hawkesbury River.
Alan Morris 4/11 #225352
Pallid Cuckoo
Mann River, Jackadgery
One on powerline near picnic area.
Greg Clancy, Gary Eggins, Russell Jago (Black-necked Stalkers) 5/11 #225380
Red-winged Parrot
Shannon Vale Road, Glen Innes
Adult female in hollow bearing tree. First spotted by Russell. Close to eastern edge of range. Observers' first record this site.
Greg Clancy, Gary Eggins, Russell Jago (Black-necked Stalkers) 5/11 #225381
Rufous Fantail, White-winged Triller, Eastern Koel, Common Blackbird
King Edward Park, Glen Innes
Fantail in tall exotic tree.
Greg Clancy, Gary Eggins, Russell Jago (Black-necked Stalkers) 5/11 #225382
Spotted Bowerbird, Little Bronze-Cuckoo, Plum-headed Finch, Nankeen Night Heron
Warialda Creek, Warialda
Two bowerbirds in shrub and on fence, close to eastern edge of range; 5+ Plum-headed Finches in long grass and reeds, adult Night Heron flushed from Creekside tree, Little Bronze-Cuckoo heard calling. Little Bronze-Cuckoo west of usual range but recorded at and near Warialda twice in recent years. Old record at Bukkulla, east of Warialda.
Greg Clancy, Gary Eggins, Russell Jago (Black-necked Stalkers) 5/11 #225384
Plum-headed Finch, Dusky Woodswallow
Sawpit Gully near Graman
8+ Finches in grass, 1 Woodswallow overhead.
Greg Clancy, Gary Eggins, Russell Jago (Black-necked Stalkers) 5/11 #225386
Hooded Robin, Zebra Finch
Ashford
Adult male Robin on fence post near showground, small flock of finches in backyard of residence.
Greg Clancy, Gary Eggins, Russell Jago (Black-necked Stalkers) 5/11 #225387
Barking Owl, Tawny Frogmouth
W of Strathbogie
Owl and frogmouth heard calling at night.
Greg Clancy, Gary Eggins, Russell Jago (Black-necked Stalkers) 5/11 #225388
Sooty Owl
W edge Of Gibraltar Range National Park
One owl calling with insect-type call at night.
Greg Clancy, Gary Eggins, Russell Jago (Black-necked Stalkers) 5/11 #225389
Yellow-throated Miner
Warialda to Graman, 10 km from Graman
Single bird in eucalypt. Close to eastern edge of range and unexpected here by the Black-necked Stalkers twitchathon team.
Greg Clancy, Gary Eggins, Russell Jago (Black-necked Stalkers) 9/11 #225446
Fri 30Painted Honeyeater, Hooded Robin, Diamond Firetail, Plum-headed Finch, Black-chinned Honeyeater
Capertee Valley--Genowlan Bridge
A total of four Painted Honeyeaters (two pairs) in Amyema cambagei mistletoe along the river. Calling frequently. One pair was observed feeding each other - courting? At least three Black-chinned Honeyeater at same spot in young Yellow Box, as well as a pair of Hooded Robin, Diamond Firetail, small flocks of Plum-headed Finch passing through, multiple pairs of Brown Treecreeper and many more species. eBird checklist
Kurtis Lindsay and Chays Ogston 30/10 #225250
White-fronted & Crimson Chats
McKays Lane, 4km west of Greenthorpe, west of Cowra
Approx. 40 White-fronted Chats and 12 Crimson Chats along 50 metres of fence at southern end of McKays Lane as well as a Horsefield's Bronze Cuckoo. Probably feeding on insects in adjacent lupin & canola crops. Chats were scattered all along Browns Lane & McKays Lane to S of Mid Western Hwy. Suggest they were breeding as several seen on fence with grubs from crops plus 2 more cuckoos and a Pallid Cuckoo.
Rosemary Stapleton 31/10 #225274
Pied/Black Honeyeaters
Mount Hope-Cargelligo Road
Incredible scenes with flocks of Pied/Black Honeyeaters descending into woodland with flowering Eremophila south of the railway along the Mt Hope-Lake Cargelligo Road on the Friday leading up to the Twitchathon. There were ~250 birds across 3 or 4 flocks, with Pieds outnumbering the Blacks by about 4-1 (so ~200x Pieds, 50x Blacks). We thought they were woodswallows when we first saw them! White-fronted, Yellow-plumed and to a lesser extent Grey-fronted, all in good numbers in the area.
Hunter Home Brewers (Craig Anderson, Lucas Grenadier and Mick/Steve Roderick) 2/11 #225305
Pied/Black Honeyeaters, Black-eared Cuckoo
Whoey Tank, Round Hill NR, Euabalong
The Central Coast Champion Choughs twitch team called at Whoey tank late afternoon on the Friday and returned there for the Twitch Saturday afternoon after 6.30 pm when the rain had started to ease. There were up to 10 Black Honeyeaters and 6 Pied Honeyeaters feeding on the flowering shrub Emu-bush (Eremophila longifolia) during the visits The plants were also providing a nectar source for White-browed and Masked Woodswallows, Yellow-plumed, White-eared, Spiny-cheeked, Striped and White-fronted Honeyeaters and Noisy and Little Friarbirds. Among the many Horsfield's Bronze-Cuckoos present,was one loudly calling Black-eared Cuckoo.
Alan Morris, Mike Kuhl & Nick Carson 2/11 #225309
Thu 29Blue-faced Honeyeater
Bluebell Park, Berkeley Vale
Over the past few weeks a number of sightings of single Blue-faced Honeyeaters have been made along Lake Edge Avenue at Chittaway & Berkeley Vale, on the south-west shores of Tuggerah Lake. On 24/10/15 David Peet reported an adult feeding a chick near Bluebell park, Berkeley Vale. On 29/10/15, I Iocated a pair of Blue-faced Honeyeaters feeding a large dependant young in the front yard of a house, 3 houses west of Bluebell Park on 29/10. The house had many exotic palm trees in the front yard. This is the first breeding record that I can find in the literature for Blue-faced Honeyeaters on the Central Coast.
Alan Morris & David Peet 2/11 #225311
Wed 28Channel-billed Cuckoo
St Clair
5 birds in tight formation flying past early morning, harassed by a mob of Noisy and Common Miners. [Moderator's Note - Channel-billed Cuckoos (and Koels) have now returned to all part of their regular range and we will no longer be publishing reports of these species from these areas. AR]
Johan Olsson 28/10 #225233
Black-necked Stork (Jabiru)
Buladelah
Wetlands on right 5klms down Ann road towards Myall Lakes national park - Hawks Nest rd. Single bird unmistakeable
Alf Forbes 28/10 #225234
Chestnut-rumped Heathwren
Near Baltzer Lookout, Blue Mountains NP, Blackheath
Single bird seen
Mark Hocking 29/10 #225244
Tue 27Whiskered Tern/Little Egret
Bushells Lagoon
1 Little Egret 2 Whiskered Terns
Keith Brandwood 28/10 #225227
Mon 26White-breasted woodswallow
Burrumbuttock township
Single bird seen calling and foraging for hoverflies beside flowering redgum, perching on dead branches beside dam. Private property opposite Wirramina Environmental Education Centre--only the second record of this species in the area over the last decade. Other noteworthy species include Red-whiskered Bulbul (at least two pairs), Australian Reed Warbler, Dollarbird (calling and courtship displays), Indian Ringneck (escapee has been seen around the village for past 18 months), White-winged Triller (one male, calling) and Mistletoebird (nesting pair).
David M Watson 26/10 #225204
White-winged Triller
Lake Wallace, Wallerawang
4 bird calling on west side of lake.
Neville Schrader 26/10 #225210
Gull-billed Tern
Lake Woolumboola, Culburra
A single Gull-billed Tern was sighted at the lake entrance this morning. Also half a dozen or so Red-necked Stints, as well as nesting Red-capped Plovers. A single White-throated Needletail was seen hawking above the car park.
Nigel and Bec Coghlan 26/10 #225212
Sun 25White-throated Needletail
Medowie NSW
5 flying South not feeding. [Moderator Comment - a reminder to all who see swifts this season to please report them to Mike Tarburton for his research, at tarburton.m@optusnet.com.au. AR]
Ben Abernethy 25/10 #225177
Freckled Duck, Blue-billed Duck
Gum Swamp (Forbes)
37 Freckled Ducks, 4 Blue-billed Ducks
Chris Gladwin 25/10 #225188
Red-winged Parrot
Between Condobolin and Forbes
2 birds over road near "Fairholme" on Lachlan Valley Way at -33.224594, 147.322523 [Moderator's Note: While birds turn up irregularly in Condobolin, this is pretty much the southern limit of RWP distribution. JB]
Chris Gladwin 25/10 #225189
Pacific Golden Plover
Riverstone
On private property had this time 4 Pacific Golden Plovers with 42 Sharp-tailed Sandpipers, 62 Black-winged Stilts, 2 Red-kneed Dotterel, 105 Pink-eared Ducks with 2 Australasian Shoveler, about 260 Grey Teal and a Spotless Crake also heard. In the surrounding paddock a male White-winged Triller and Horsfield's Bronze-cuckoo were present and I was watching a couple of Pallid Cuckoos calling and feeding on hairy caterpillars.
Edwin Vellaq 25/10 #225196
Glossy Ibis
Pitt Town Lagoon
No fewer than 28 Glossies on a sand spit [actually an island] to the r. as you look from the hide. Also 40 + Pink-eared Duck, one Shoveller and about 50 Pelicans. [2.50 p.m.]
Ted Nixon 25/10 #225198
Common Terns, Wandering Albatrosses
Offshore--Kiama Pelagic
The highlight of the Sunday 25 Oct SOSSA pelagic were several Common Terns. Other sightings were basically the same as Saturdays trip with Grey-faced and Solanders Petrels, Wandering, Black-browed and Shy-type Albatrosses, Wilson's Storm-petrels and the usual shearwater species. Summer birds included Pomarine and Arctic Jaegers. An irregular sighting was a trio of Black Swans, flying north on the seaward side of the blowhole and harbour. A full species list will be posted on the SOSSA website. Further information
Brook Whylie and all aboard the MV Kato 26/10 #225217
Sat 24Australian Pratincole
Cotton property 20 km West of Condobolin
6 Pratincoles seen at 2pm today on dry cotton field. Only my second record of this species in Lachlan Shire
Warren Chad 24/10 #225168
Rufous Songlark
Berry (Private property)
One bird seen perched for a while calling then it flew a little further away dropping in tall grassy field. Also saw and heard a second bird. I recorded the call on my phone. Time was 3:30pm overcast and light breeze.
Carla Jackett 24/10 #225170
White-throated Nightjar
Garigal National Park
1 White-throated Nightjar heard calling several times initially about 10 minutes after sunset and heard for the next 20 minutes near corner of Forestway and Mona Vale rd.
Jayden Walsh 24/10 #225175
White-browed Woodswallow, Black-faced Woodswallow
Opposite Scheyville NP gate on Pitt Town-Dural Rd just east of Whitmore Rd
Atleast 100 White-browed Woodswallows-80 circling overhead and another 20 in the gums and on the ground in the paddocks opposite the NP entry gate. Nice views of many pairs in the large old gums. Added bonus was atleast 4 Black-faced Woodswallows circling above but at a lower altitude than the White-brows, with the larger white tail-tips and the ashy grey brown underparts clearly indicating these were not the usual Dusky Woodswallows that are seen here quite often. Seen about 10.30AM but I also noted 2 White-brows on the roadside when passing at 5.40PM, plus a group of 4 birders I tipped off observed the White-brows early to mid afternoon at the same location. eBird checklist
Cameron Ward 24/10 #225176
Painted Honeyeater
Condobolin area
2 birds 3km south of Gunningbland (between Parkes and Condobolin), and 3 birds 9 km east of Condobolin on Forbes road - all in roadside Boree trees filled with flowering mistletoe
Chris Gladwin 25/10 #225186
Whiskered Tern, Marsh and Shrap-tailed Sandpipers
Lake Cargelligo Wastewater Treatment Plant
35 Whiskered Terns, 10 Marsh Sandpipers, 79 Sharp-tailed Sandpipers, 15 Black-tailed Native-hens, 135 Red-necked Avocet, 1 Glossy Ibis, 3 Australian Shelduck
Chris Gladwin 25/10 #225187
Beach Stone Curlew
Spencer Park, Merimbula
Was wandering around on the sand flats ,low tide,watching a pair of Pied Oystercatchers,when the Beach Stone Curlew flew down to the sand about 40 m.away ...it headed towards the mangrove area in the corner of the sandy area. Went today but no sighting ......have passed this on to Barbara Jones of the FSCB.
Liz Allen 25/10 #225192
Black Petrel, Wandering Albatrosses
Offshore--Kiama Pelagic
The highlight of the Saturday 24 Oct SOSSA pelagic was a single Black Petrel. Other sightings included Grey-faced and Solanders Petrels, Wandering, Black-browed and Shy-type Albatrosses, Wilson's Storm-petrels and the usual shearwater species. Summer birds included Pomarine and Arctic Jaegers. A Kelp Gull was also sighted just outside the harbour. A full species list will be posted on the SOSSA website. Further information
Brook Whylie on behalf of all aboard the MV Kato 26/10 #225216
Fri 23Gilberts Whistler
Nombinnie Nature Reserve (East)--The Old Wheat Paddock
3x vocal male Gilberts Whistler seen well across the paddock, with several more calling. Could not locate any Red-lored Whistlers. A group of 3x somewhat approachable Chestnut-backed Quail-thrush was also seen.
Jon Spicer-Bell 23/10 #225160
Eastern Ground Parrot
Barren Grounds Nature Reserve
One Eastern Ground Parrot at 10:28am on main track between Saddleback Trig and Illawarra Lookout turn-off. 4 Gang-gang Cockatoo (2 pairs) also seen on the Griffith Trail loop along with many vocal Pilotbirds (3 seen), Eastern Bristlebirds (6 seen) and a 'white morph' Grey Goshawk.
Derek Barber 23/10 #225161
Whiskered Tern
Bushells Lagoon
Flock of about 40 Whiskered Terns wheeling over the reeds at about 5:00pm
Barry Lancaster 24/10 #225163
Cicadabird
Cumberland State Forest
One female
Barry Lancaster 24/10 #225165
Thu 22Rainbow Lorikeet
Icely Road, Orange
Lots of mature Yellow Box coming into flower on the corner of the Icely Road and (western side of the) Northern Distributor. Stopped for a look and listen this morning and one Rainbow Lorikeet flew out from the canopy of a tree on private property. Unusual for the area. Also one male White-winged Triller. Co-ordinates from Google Maps: -33.290635, 149.127260.
Tiffany Mason 22/10 #225144
Painted Honeyeater
Charles Sturt University, Albury campus
Single Painted Honeyeater was heard calling and observed feeding on ripe box mistletoe fruit in a large Blakely's Red Gum in the carpark south of the School of Environmental Sciences building. Call first noted at 11am, bird still calling at 2:30 pm. Only the third time this species has been recorded on campus in the last 12 years. Also noteworthy: several Little Grassbirds calling from the reed beds near the David Mitchell wetlands this morning, within view of the daycare centre.
David Watson and Dale Nimmo 22/10 #225150
Wed 21Black Kite
River Road, Bathurst
Two Black Kites flew across the Macquarie River this morning, heading north. Have not seen this species in the region before.
Tiffany Mason 21/10 #225132
Latham's Snipe
Greenhills Beach Wetland.
Sited two Latham's Snipe from the board walk of the main pond. They were on the eastern shoreline. eBird checklist
Brian Deans 21/10 #225135
Painted Honeyeater, Banded Lapwing
Oolambeyan National Park
2x nights spotlighting for Plains-Wanderer with no success. A single Banded Lapwing was only bird spotlighted. Single Painted Honeyeater seen at dusk at the homestead calling often.
Jon Spicer-Bell 22/10 #225146
Blue-billed Duck
Lake Wallace--Foreshore on western side
3 Blue-billed Ducks present (2 male & 1 female) plus at least 5 Musk Ducks (3 male & 2 female) also Little Grassbird heard and seen.
Derek Barber 22/10 #225153
Tue 20Freckled Duck
Lithgow Wastewater Treatment Plant
3 Freckled Ducks, 500+ Pink-eared Ducks, 100+ Australian Shoveler, 1 male Blue-billed Duck and 50+ Hoary-headed Grebes were the highlights, but no Musk Duck!!!
Derek Barber 21/10 #225129
Sun 18Cockatiel
Bowna Waters Reserve, Lake Hume
Pair of cockatiels observed inspecting hollows of large dead tree beside Lake Hume, within view of the boat ramp; rarely seen near Albury in Spring. Also seen in the area were a pair of Caspian Terns engaged in courtship flghts, at least three Western Gerygone, Mistletoebird, nesting Rainbow Bee-eater and immature Pallid Cuckoo.
David M Watson 18/10 #225081
Brown Honeyeater
Burley Street, Griffith (Webster St intersection)
Three birds observed in garden trees, calling constantly. Were also observed yesterday (17 Oct) in the same area.
David Parker 18/10 #225082
Pink-eared Duck
Bawley Point
Three Pink-eared Ducks on farm dam on private property in Bawley Pt area, with Teals, Pacific Blacks and Hardheads. (Moderator's Note: This is a very rare record for the that section of the coast between Sussex Inlet and Batemans Bay. AKM)
Margaret Hamon, Maggie Mance, Sue Maple-Brown 18/10 #225093
Flesh-footed Shearwater,Pomarine& Arctic Jaeger, Brown Skua.
Long Reef Aquatic Reserve.
Good variety of seabirds off Long Reef this morning with my first Flesh-footed Shearwater for the summer. Also, 2 Arctic Jaegers 2 Pomarine Jaegers.and 1 Brown Skua.there is still a few albatross about with 2 Shy& 4 Black-browed Albatross seen .
michael ronan. 18/10 #225098
Eastern Koel
Dubbo
have been hearing two Eastern Koel's calling in east Dubbo residential area this afternoon. (Moderator's Note: Koels have been regular in Dubbo these past few years. AKM)
Andrew O'Brien 18/10 #225101
White-winged Triller, Rufous Songlark
Cornwallis Road, Cornwallis
Good numbers of both species present beside Cornwallis Rd and around Richmond and the Richmond Lowlands
Edwin Vella and Mark Fuller 18/10 #225108
Lathams Snipe
Pitt Town Lagoon
Fewer waterbirds present at Pitt Town Lagoon then usual with a single Latham's Snipe and 1 Sharp-tailed Sandpiper, 18 Red-kneed Dotterel, 10 Pink-eared Ducks with 8 Grey Teal, 10 Black-winged Stilt, 4 Hardhead, 2 Royal Spoonbill and 55 Australian Pelican fishing. Spotless Crakes and Tawny Grassbird also heard.
Edwin Vella and Mark Fuller 18/10 #225109
Black-necked Stork
Bucketts Way, Stratford
2 Black-necked Storks flying south along Bucketts Way just outside of Stratford, south of Gloucester at sunset.
Nigel Coghlan 20/10 #225120
Buff-banded Rail
Trumper Park (Paddington, Sydney)
I was surprised to hear calling and then see a single Buff-banded Rail in Paddington, Sydney. I am aware they hang out in the Botanical Gardens. Pleasant sighting. Great to see them hanging on in Sydney!
Charles Hunter 21/10 #225133
Sat 17Black Falcon, Zebra Finches, Cockatiels
Native Dog Swamp, Berrigan
This morning,black falcon was flying low to land on a fencepost as a flock of about 30+zebra finches scattered.6 cockatiels where in the trees in the back ground,also herd buggies aswell but could not see them...
Brendan Toll 17/10 #225054
Dusky Woodswollows, Plumed Whistling Ducks, Red-kneed Dotterels
Finely sewage ponds
With all the sewage ponds full so much activity here this morning.800+ plumed whistling ducks ,black winged stilts, pair of peregrine falcons , 200+ pink ear ducks, 200 + hardheads, 4 musk ducks, red-kneed dotterels,black-fronted dotterels, dusky woodswollows, australasian grebes,and the list goes on.. Warning within 70mts of gate entrance 4 large brown snakes... Further information
Brendan toll 17/10 #225059
Square-Tailed -Kite
Upper lane Cove Valley/ Lane Cove National Park
Pair of Kites this morning soaring and also low over the tree tops Pennant Hills Park area. May be the pair reported recently as building a nest in Lane Cove National Park. First I've heard of nesting in the park if this is correct.
Ian Francis 17/10 #225069
Black-chinned Honeyeater
Bundanoon township
Very surprised to hear a Black-chinned Honeyeater's distinct, ringing call a few times at home this morning, considering the local forest habitat isn't right for it. They are rarely recorded in the Illawarra. I'm not sure how often they'd turn up in the Southern Highlands. The Honeyeater must have been passing through - a search failed to produce it again. Bird 184 for Bundanoon.
Lorne Johnson 17/10 #225071
Banded Lapwing, Emu, Black Falcon, Painted Honeyeater
Jerilderie Rd, Hay
Heading down this dirt rd came across 18 emus,6 banded lapwings all spread out and the black falcon perched on over head power lines aswell as the whistling kite... 2 Painted Honeyeater at Eurolie Creek over pass.
Brendan toll 17/10 #225072
Scaly-breasted Lorikeet
Beecroft
About 10 birds mixed with Rainbow lorikeets on Wongala Crescent just beside the railway line. Most were feeding quite low (~3-4 m above the ground) so easily viewed.
Chris Watson 18/10 #225088
Freckled Duck, Australian Hobby, Pink-eared Ducks
Gum Swamp, Forbes
The Freckled Ducks have all gone from the Central Coast so it was interesting to see 21+ at Gum Swamp, Forbes with many hundreds of Pinkears there as well. There were multiple clutches of small ducklings of Grey Teal & Black Ducks, Fairy Martins were nesting in the base of a dead tree standing in the water, and there were Bee-eaters, Rufous Whistlers and Sacred Kingfishers in the woodland. Some Magpie-Geese were still present at nearby Lake Forbes.
Allan Benson, Alan Morris & Mike Kuhl 18/10 #225096
Magpie Goose
Cowra Wetlands
Three Magpie Geese on the wetlands along Elsie Vale Road about 5 ks south of Cowra township. They were resting on logs in the water in the middle of the day and later in the afternoon in an adjacent paddock with sheep. (Members from Cowra Woodland Bird Project) indicate this could be a first for the Cowra area). Also on site were two Latham's Snipe, 150 Straw-necked Ibis, 2 Night Herons... eBird checklist
Mark Ley 18/10 #225099
Buff-banded Rail
Chauvel Park, Chipping Norton
One bird flushed from long grass. Very good to see this discrete species still inhabiting an area where dogs, cats and foxes are common.
Ian Bailey 18/10 #225106
Red-necked Stint, White-winged Triller, Grey Goshwak
Riverstone
Still good numbers of waterbirds and shorebirds about on some dams on private property including a single Red-necked Stint with 25 Sharpies (only the 2nd time I have seen the stint at this site), 65 Black-winged Stilt, 6 Red-kneed and 3 Black-fronted Dotterel, 90 Pink-eared Ducks with 2 Australasian Shoveler and about 220 Grey Teal but only one Hoary-headed Grebe. A pair of White-winged Trillers and a Pallid Cuckoo were also close to the ponds. Elsewhere in Riverstone I had a Grey Goshawk and a group of Brown-headed Honeyeaters with 2 young birds.
Edwin Vella 18/10 #225107
Fri 16Channel-billed Cuckoo
Black Range, Bega
At least two Channel-billed Cuckoos heard very early this morning at the top of Black Range about 6 km south of Bega. Saw one of them fly over our property. Also lots of Scarlet Honeyeaters here at the moment.
Andrew McCutcheon 16/10 #225043
Buff-banded Rail
Darvall Park, West Ryde
4 juvenile Buff-banded Rails seen at Darvall park, West Ryde this afternoon.
michael ronan. 16/10 #225052
Thu 15White-throated Needletail
Over Wauchope CBD
About 50 WTNT over the centre of Wauchope at 9.50am. [Moderator's note: to all potential reporters of WTNT, please remember to also send your sightings to Prof. Michael Tarburton for his research: tarburton.m@optusnet.com.au. Include date, location, and numbers of birds. AR.]
Karen & Alastair Smedley 15/10 #225031
Varied Sittella, Little Grassbird
Voyager Point Wetlands
Both were new species for me at this location. The two Sittellas were both immature (juvenile?) but one was begging and the other feeding. Presumably post breeding dispersal, as I have not recorded them here before in weekly visits over last 2.5 years. Little Grassbirds were calling from the largest of the two open wetlands.
David James 15/10 #225032
Latham's Snipe
Berkeley Harbour Wetland
Two sighted. One on southern side of centre island and one on the northern side. eBird checklist
Brian Deans 15/10 #225035
Grey Goshawk
Cattai National Park--Mitchell Park
This morning I noticed a pair of Noisy Miners and a pair of Magpie Larks pursuing a Grey Goshawk in the sky above the tall eucalypts in the park. The Goshawk landed near the top of a tree which stopped the pursuit. It flew off after a few minutes, soaring and rising higher and higher.
Bob Sinclair 15/10 #225041
Australasian Bittern
Pitt Town Lagoon
1 Bittern flew from the lagoon towards the outlet creek before returning some mins later to settle on the n/e edge of the lagoon.
Keith Brandwood 16/10 #225049
Glossy Ibis, Baillon's Crake, Crimson Chat, Marsh Sandpiper
Lake Cargelligo STW
Plenty of good birds still at the STW including 2 Crimson Chats, 3+ Baillon's Crakes, Musk Duck, 14 adult Australian Shelducks + 5 ducklings, 5 Marsh Sandpipers, 26 Sharpies, 5 Red-necked Stints, 19 Glossy Ibis, 60 Avocets, 6 Red-capped Plovers, 1 Caspian Tern , I collared Sparrowhawk, 40 Whiskered Terns, Black-taioled Native-hens, Shovellers and 20+Red-kneed Dotterels plus 2 juveniles etc. Great birding!
Mike Kuhl, Allan Benson, Alan Morris 18/10 #225090
Gilbert's Whistler, Shy Heathwren, Yellow-plumed Honeyeater
Wheatfield Paddock, Nombinnie NR
Birds seen in the morning and in the afternoon when the temperature was 36C, included 2 Gilbert's Whistlers, a Shy Heathwren that responded to AKM's squeak, Yellow-plumed & White-fronted Honeyeaters, Crested Bellbird, Red-capped Robins and Rainbow Bee-eaters etc.
Allan Benson, Mike Kuhl & Alan Morris 18/10 #225091
Crimson & White-fronted Chat, Singing Bushlark and Brown Songlark
Chat Alley, west of Euabalong
It was great to see Chats for a change at Chat Alley. About 12+ White-fronted Chats and 2 Crimson Chat were seen along the fences, plenty of White-winged Fairy-wrens, Pipits, Brown Songlarks and at least 1 Singing Bushlark. Two days beforeanother birdwatcher found 2 Orange Chats there as well.
Alan Morris, Allan Benson & Mike Kuhl 18/10 #225092
Budgerigar, Horsfields's Bronze-Cuckoo, Black & Yellow-plumed Honeyeater
Whoey Tank, Round Hill NR, Euabalong
Plenty of birds to see at Whoey tank, including 4 Budgerigars, 20+ Black Honeyeater, 4+ White-fronted Honeyeater, Striped, Spiny-cheeked, White-eared and Yellow-plumed Honeyeaters, White-faces with dependent young, 3 Horsfield's Bronze-Cuckoos, Spotted Bowerbirds, White-browed Babblers, Hooded & Red-capped Robin, Noisy & Little Friarbirds, Inland and Chestnut-rumped Thornbills etc.
Mike Kuhl, Allan Benson & Alan Morris 18/10 #225094
Crimson & White-fronted Chat, Pink Cockatoo
2km N of Booberoi Creek, South of Round Hill NR (private property)
Seen from the road, we stopped to look at a Pallid Cuckoo, and also found 3 Crimson Chats, 4 Pink Cockatoos, 8 Brown Songlarks, 4 White-fronted Chats, Cockatiel, Blue-bonnets, White-winged Trillers and Yellow-throated Miners.
Alan Morris, Allan Benson, Mike Kuhl 18/10 #225095
Wed 14Red Knot
Boat Harbour, Kurnell
Two Red Knot at Boat Harbour. One was flagged and banded. Orange flag on right with metal band on left. Could not see any markings on flag. Photograph attached showing flagged bird stretching (left) and the two together (right). eBird checklist
Greg McLachlan 14/10 #225024
Brown Quail
Greenwich
At 7.15pm a Brown Quail was pecking its way up Greenwich Rd from the corner of Bay St.
Judy Clark 14/10 #225026
Painted Honeyeater
Condobolin, in Weeping Myalls south along West Wyalong Rd
Pair at nest in outer weeping branch of Myall tree. Several others heard and also along Humbug Creek further south.
Rosemary Stapleton 14/10 #225028
Lewin's Rail and Rufous Whistler
Warriewood Wetlands
2 or 3 Lewin's Rail heard calling at about 6:20pm near Katoa Close. Also of interest was a male Rufous Whistler, there seems to be an influx of Rufous Whistler's this season as I've recorded about 8 in the past month on the Northern Beaches.
Jayden Walsh 15/10 #225038
Painted Honeyeater, Diamond Firetail, Hooded Robin, Speckled Warbler
Goulburn River National Park
Five individual Painted Honeyeaters calling from clumps of mistletoe in Blakely's Red Gum and Yellow Box in grassy open woodland on the edge of Goulburn River National Park and privately-owned conservation land (-32.264319°, 149.828544°). 3 Diamond Firetail, 1 Hooded Robin, 2 Speckled Warbler, and 10 Little Lorikeet also present.
Kurtis Lindsay 15/10 #225040
Tue 13Latham's Snipe
Berkeley Harbour Wetland, Lake Illawarra
4 birds seen in the wetland area. 3 at the Southern end and a 4th seen on the Eastern side of the centre island.
Michael Crosland 13/10 #225010
Brown Quail
Lime Kiln Bay Reserve, Oatley
Heard Brown Quail calling from reeds on south eastern side of mangroves. Called twice then twice again after about 2 minutes. Time was about 6:15pm. eBird checklist
Brian Deans 14/10 #225018
Mon 12Australian Brush-turkey
Ryde Tafe Blaxland Road
A single young male wandering through a car park. My first sighting of the species in Sydney. [Moderator's Note: Brush Turkey can now be seen fairly regularly in areas of Lane Cove National Park, etc, close to Ryde. JB] Further information
Ian Bailey 13/10 #225013
White-throated Needletail
Coolgardie Plateau, south of Alstonville NSW
Small flock of 20+ Needletail seen flying over plateau. Flying NW to East. Preceding storm front. My first for the season. [Moderator's note: to all potential reporters of WTNT, please remember to also send your sightings to Prof. Michael Tarburton for his research: tarburton.m@optusnet.com.au. Include date, location, and numbers of birds. AR.]
David Charley 15/10 #225034
Sun 11Grey Goshawk
Riverside Park Chipping Norton SW Sydney
One adult bird perched some distance away
Brenda Parkinson 11/10 #224979
Superb Lyrebird
Golden Jubilee Field North Wahroonga - near SES HQ
Scratching in leaf litter on roadside in front of the SES headquarters 6pm in evening with light rain. Obtained a reasonably good photograph on my iphone.
Greg Rappo 11/10 #224988
Regent Honeyeater
Cox's River, Little Hartley
A single bird heard calling well from a flowering yellow box on the eastern side of the Cox's River about 600m north of Clarke Simpson Rd. The bird was encountered while on a university field trip and as far as I can tell it is on private property.
Max Breckenridge 11/10 #224989
Caspian Tern, Brush Cuckoo
Yarramundi Reserve
Had a good morning at Yarramundi today. At the Reserve beside the river saw a Caspian Tern foraging over the river (first time I have seen one there). There was also a Brush Cuckoo (good numbers of other cuckoo also about), lots of Sacred and a few Azure Kingfishers, Bar-shouldered and Peaceful Doves, Rainbow Bee-eater, Scarlet Honeyeaters, Mistletoebirds etc. A drive up Springwood Rd produced several White-winged Trillers, a pair of Jacky Winters, Restless Flycatchers, lots of Little Lorikeets in the flowering Forest red Gums, Wonga Pigeon, Common Bronzewings, more Peaceful Doves, Dusky Woodswalllows etc. Saw here a Channel-billed Cuckoo feeding on some red stick insect. Saw 88 species at Yarramundi well before noon. A terrific spot for birds!
Edwin Vella 11/10 #224992
Crimson Chat, Black Honeyeater, Budgerigar, Gilberts Whistler and Superb Parrot
Rankins Springs
Another great birding weekend at the annual Birds Of The Bush Festival at Rankins Springs. 95 species observed at mallee and woodland sites within a 30 km radius of the town. Crimson Chats were seen at each of the four sites visited and active nests were found. Black HE were found at two sites and Budgerigars were seen everywhere in small groups up to 50 birds. There were also numerous Woodswallows, Brown and Rufous Songlarks. Alate leaving pair of Superbs were seen at The Common Dam and a White-fronted HE was seen feeding in bottlebrush in the caravan park in town
Warren Chad 14/10 #225017
Sat 10Crimson Chat
Binya State Forest
5 birds drinking and bathing at Wattle dam, middle of the day.
Simon Starr 10/10 #224970
Bar-shouldered Dove
Pinecliffe, 10kms SW of Molong.
My first record here. In the garden, at the birdbath and seed table with the resident population of Peaceful Doves (and Crested Pigeons), along with about 10 other resident species who use these facilities.
Bruce Tinsey 10/10 #224973
Fri 9Painted Honeyeater
Back Creek State Forest
calling and seen at small dam just a few hundred metres into the forest, 16kms east of West Wyalong
Simon Starr 9/10 #224964
Cicadabird
Irrawong Reserve
Male Cicadabird seen and heard calling about 5m away from myself. Also of interest were 3 Yellow Tailed Black Cockatoos feeding on Allocasuarina. (Moderator's Note: This is not the first Cicadabird for the season, a female was seen at Mangrove Mountain by Kaye Pointer on 3 October 2015)
Jayden Walsh 10/10 #224967
Black Bittern
Ourimbah Creek Chittaway Point
I took a boat trip down Ourimbah Creek yesterday. Black Bittern seen in two spots, as well as Nankeen Night Heron, White-bellied Sea Eagle, Sacred Kingfishers calling and starting to nest. Darters are also starting to nest.
Christina Port 10/10 #224969
Thu 8Eastern Barn Owl
Richmond Lowlands
One bird flying over paddock.
Keith Brandwood 9/10 #224951
Pallid Cuckoo
Mullet Creek Southern Entrance. Illwarra
Heard Pallid Cuckoo calling continuously. Recorded call for verification. Call coming from island between the northern and southern entrances but could be easily heard from the viewing platform near Purrah Bay, Lake Illawarra. eBird checklist
Brian Deans 12/10 #224998
Wed 7Black Kite
Pimlico, south west of Ballina
Two groups (6 in each) of Black Kites scavenging around sugar cane harvesters. Appears as if there is now a small more or less resident population in the local area and a seasonal influx of nomads.
David Charley 7/10 #224926
Baillons Crake, Latham's Snipe
Lake Cargelligo Wastewater Treatment Plant
Crake has been present for some days, the Snipe is on the western edge of its range in NSW
Ann Millard 7/10 #224932
Orange, Crimson & White-fronted Chat, Brown Songlark
Chat Alley, Lake Cargelligo
A wonderful display of three chats, songlarks and pipits.
Ann Millard 7/10 #224934
Mon 5Australian Magpie
Coomba Park - Wallis Lake
Saw a group of Magpies with one notable odd one. He was red instead of white.
Barbra Schmidt 5/10 #224888
Crimson Chat
Capertee Valley, along road from Glen Davis to Wollemi NP
Five Crimson Chats (2 males & 3 females) seen about 5:30pm, just after the track passes close to a bend in the river, near some ruins on the left. This is before you enter the national park boundary.
Carol Probets, Carl and Mindee Poldrack 5/10 #224904
Pallid Cuckoo, Rufous Songlark
Bundanoon (Shangri la Road)
Species 182 and 183 for Bundanoon. My first record of Pallid Cuckoo for the Southern Highlands. On another note, there were many Masked and White-browed Woodswallows over home about 8am this morning.
Lorne Johnson 5/10 #224905
Eastern Osprey, White-winged Triller, Rufous Songlarks
Great River Walk, Penrith
Mark and I had a good morning along the Great River Walk in Penrith with 67 species recorded including an Eastern Osprey, 2 Rufous Songlarks, a female White-winged Triller, Horsfields Bronze-cuckoo (Channel-billed, Fan-tailed, Koel and Shining Bronze-cuckoos also heard), a Little Egret, Azure and Sacred kingfishers, Satin Bowerbird and quite a number of Mistletoebirds.
Edwin vella and Mark Fuller 5/10 #224906
Bassian Thrush
Goodenia Rainforest Walk, near Pambula
Several (~6) Bassian Thrush seen flying conspicuously around in the forest and walking quite near the path. Though records of birds for the far south coast are thinly spread in general, I wouldn't assume this is a rare species here. However, the number of Thrush and their lack of secrecy was very surprising. (Also, either a Scarlet Honeyeater or Mistletoebird seen from directly below - flew away before I could clearly ID between the two small red birds, but either way a notable extra sighting.)
Oakley H Germech 5/10 #224912
Crimson Chat
Seldom Seen Guest House, "Kiembah", 6 kms from Eugowra (restricted access)
Pair of Crimson Chats (M&F) observed on track at a distance of about 10 metres between two grassy paddocks with growth to a height of about 40 cms. Flew to the wire fence between the track and the right paddock, where they perched for about 10 seconds, offering crippling views, before disappearing into the grass. No time for a photo. Please note this is private property and we were fortunate to be overnight guests (with prior bookings essential) and therefore allowed free run over this large property. I note an E-bird report of the species at Back Yamma State Forest (forty minutes drive north west) in September 2009, and the sightings at Capertee Valley, well to the east ,over the weekend, so perhaps this may be suitable habitat for this eastward movement ? eBird checklist
Cameron Ward, Janette Ward 8/10 #224943
Sun 4Masked Woodswallow, White-browed Woodswallow, Powerful Owl
Boronia Park, Hunters Hill
A flock of 47 woodswallows passed overhead fairly quickly this morning around 8:30. I managed to pick out at least 3 Masked Woodswallows, while the others I got onto were all White-browed. An awesome encounter just 5mins from home! There were also two Powerful Owls (immature and adult) roosting in a paperbark just upstream from the waterfall. eBird checklist
Max Breckenridge 4/10 #224870
Square-tailed Kite
Lane Cove National Park
Currently there is a pair of square tailed kites nest building in the Lane Cove National Park.
michael ronan. 4/10 #224874
White-browed Woodswallow
Bellawongarah (Berry Mountain)
At 3:20pm about 60 or more Woodswallows appeared from the northeast flying over the property fairly high The calls were what alerted me. I could make out the details of one bird clearly showing dark body underneath, light wings and tail underneath and white edge to tail. The white brow was also seen. Hard to make out most as flying high and light was fairly bright. Warm day, medium winds and light cloud cover at the time. The Morcombe App seems to fit White-browed, although this may have been a mixed flock.
Carla Jackett 4/10 #224876
Southern Giant Petrel
Lighthouse Beach (Port Macquarie)
Dark brown / black juvenile washed up on shore amongst rocks on northern end of beach below lighthouse
Chris Slade 4/10 #224877
Crimson Chat, Regent Honeyeater
Capertee Valley
Crimson Chat (adult male) observed along the road between Glen Davis and the Wollemi NP campground, near the "ruins" on the left side of the road heading towards the campground after crossing Capertee Creek. About 2:30pm seen. 3 unbanded Regent Honeyeaters were recorded earlier in the day in Capertee during the survey.
Leo Skowronek 4/10 #224879
Masked Woodswallow
Bundanoon township
A pair of Masked Woodswallows were seen in a high flock of about twenty White-browed Woodswallows, mid-afternoon, over home. I've only seen WBWs once before in five years of living here. The MW is species 181 for my Bundanoon list.
Lorne Johnson 4/10 #224880
Caspian Tern (2), Little Egret (1), Horsfield's Bronze-cuckoo
Pitt Town Lagoon
Early this morning at Pitt Town Lagoon there were a pair of adult Caspian Terns busily patrolling the north-eastern side of the lagoon where there were 22 Red-kneed Dotterel, 5 Sharp-tailed Sandpipers and about 20 Black-winged Stilts. Like my last visit there about 2 weeks ago, there were very few ducks including only about 7 Pink-eared Ducks present and not much more Grey Teal. They've all gone to Riverstone instead!!
Edwin Vella 4/10 #224882
Plumed Whistling-Duck
Canowindra
60+ birds at Sewage Ponds.
Neville Schrader 5/10 #224886
Bar-tailed Godwit
Eastlakes golf course
No Woodswallows, but happy to see this single bird feeding very successfully on fairway. Only my second record here, still there on the 5/10/15.
David Mitford 5/10 #224911
Black Bittern, Mangrove Gerygone
Quibray Bay, southern Sydney
An adult Black Bittern flushed when kayaking inside mangroves on north side of Quibray Bay. Apparently not reported previously in Towra Point NR. Also several Mangrove Gerygone singing beautifully. eBird checklist
Andrew Taylor 6/10 #224914
Sat 3White-browed Woodswallow; Masked Woodswallow
Bobbin Head Rd, North Turramurra
Mixed flock of approx 70 birds circling quite low over my house approx 10:45am; low enough to be easily able to pick out both species with naked eye. Mix looked about 3:1 in favour of White-browed, but many higher up birds harder to pick. First time ever in this area for me (in circa 17 years in the area)
Tom Wilson 3/10 #224854
White-browed Woodswallow, Masked Woodswallow
Wahroonga
Mixed flock of over 30 White-browed and Masked Woodswallows flying just above tree height and circling over Burns, Rd Wahroonga for approximately 10 minutes before heading east. eBird checklist
Kurtis Lindsay 3/10 #224861
Painted Button-quail, Shorebirds
Riverstone
One Painted Button-quail seen briefly but quite well running on the ground off Farm Rd. Also nearby on the dams were at least 22 Sharp-tailed Sandpipers, 4 Red-kneed and 2 Black-fronted Dotterels, 75 Black-winged Stilts, 27 Pink-eared Ducks in with about 300 Grey Teal and a single Australasian Shoveler, 9 Hoary-headed Grebe and at least 3 Spotless Crakes heard. White-winged Choughs also nesting.
Edwin Vella and Mark Fuller 3/10 #224862
Pallid Cuckoo, White-browed Woodswallows
Wianamatta Regional Park
A Pallid Cuckoo heard calling for quite some time and a few White-browed Woodswallows also seen. Other birds present include Pacific Baza calling high above, 3 species of Accipiters seen or heard, Varied Sitellas, Sacred Kingfisher, several White-throated Gerygones, lots of Rufous Whistlers, etc
Edwin Vella and Mark Fuller 3/10 #224864
Fri 2Black Faced Monarch and Bassian Thrush
Strickland State Forest - Central coast NSW
Plenty of Black faced Monarchs on arboretum track Strickland state forest. Bonus sighting a pair of Bassian thrush. Great views of both species.
Luke Shelley and Paul Shelley 2/10 #224837
Western Gerygone
Singleton Training Area (north-east of Broke)
Single Western Gerygone in planted Eucalypts / bulloke vegetation. This is a fair way east for this species, at only 60km from the coast. There was also a flock of ~150 White-browed/Masked Woodswallows in the forested area. A Chestnut-rumped Heathwren was doing Rainbow Lorikeet and Galah mimicry and Horsfield's Bushlarks were also vocal and doing plenty of mimicry in the paddock areas. (Moderator's Note: I remember a time (1960s) when Western Gerygones were regular and nested at nearby Belford SF, which is even closer to the Coast. AKM)
Mick Roderick 2/10 #224852
Double-barred Finch
Wallaby Gully Road at Q4 Fire Trail, Ellalong
A flock of 12 Double-barred Finches on my father-in-law's property this morning. The first time I've seen them there in 11 years of visiting his farm. Other birds of note on and near his property - 2 Jacky Winters, a Brown Treecreeper, White-browed Woodswallows (circa 15), 2 Grey-crowned Babblers and 4 Torresian Crows.
Lorne Johnson 2/10 #224853
Lewin's Rail, Pale-vented Bush-hen, Southern Emu-wren, White-throated Nightjar
Koreelah National Park Camp Ground
Lewin's Rail calling at 06:19am in dense mixed grassland dominated by blady grass; emu-wrens nearby in similar habitat. Bush-hen calling on several occasions over two days, in closed cover of Lomandra tussocks along Koreelah Creek. White-throated Nightjar calling around midnight over eucalypt forest along the creek.
Roger Jaensch 7/10 #224929
Thu 1White-browed/Masked Woodswallows
Shortland (Hunter Estuary)
Today I heard several calls of White-browed or Masked (or both) Woodswallows from my house in Shortland, on the southern edge of Hexham Swamp. Thing is, I never saw them so cannot actually say which species it was, or could have been both of course. They were obviously very distant and I never got onto them with my bins ...there were several raptors soaring that distracted me too ;-) I tried in vain to find them by driving onto Hexham Swamp itself, where there was not a single shorebird owing to the water levels from the recent El Niño fuelled rains.
Mick Roderick 1/10 #224829
Black-necked Stork, Latham's Snipe & Restless Flycatcher
West Byron Wetlands
Male and a female Black-necked Storks also small flock of Black -fronted Dotterels, Buff-banded Rail and small flock of about 6 Latham's Snipe. The Australian Reed Warbler was also very noticeable on the ponds. The Restless Flycatcher was at the picnic table. All up excellent morning bird watching. (Moderator's Note: There is nothing unusual about a Black-necked Stork in northern NSW coastal areas north of Bulahdelah and reports unless it is an unusual aggregation, will not normally be published as there are 70 breeding pairs and an equal number of juveniles and non-territorial birds in that Region - note that they are not "Jabirus". Except for the number of Snipe and the Restless Flycatcher, there is nothing unusual about the rest of the sightings. AKM)
angela Powell 2/10 #224844
Red-necked Avocet & Sharp-tailed Sandpiper
Tuggerah State Conservation Area (South Tacoma)
62 Red-necked Avocets & 15 Sharp-tailed Sandpipers, as well as a roosting flock of about 20 Caspian Terns, a few Bar-tailed Godwits & a Striped Honeyeater calling from a casuarina by the lake shore.
Marc Anderson 2/10 #224847
Painted Honeyeater
Warkworth, Hunter Valley, NSW
Foraging in Mistletoe in Grey box ironbark woodland at base of sandstone escarpment between Bulga and Warkworth
Dan McKenzie 8/10 #224945
September 2015
Wed 30Noisy Pitta
Waterman track- Matcham- Central Coast
Observed Noisy Pitta in waterman track. Terrible mobile phone photo. Good views from track.
Luke Shelley and Paul Shelley 30/9 #224805
Rufous Songlark
Linden Ridge, Blue Mountains
Very unusual sighting for the Blue Mountains. Single bird seen on a large open rocky area adjacent to steep gullies and forest. eBird checklist
Mark Ley 30/9 #224808
Crested Bellbird, Crimson Chat, Major Mitchell's Cockatoo
Round Hill Nature Reserve
Other birds seen at Round Hill NR include Australian Ringneck, Mulga Parrot & Splendid Fairy-wren. Just a few of the highlights for us so far! So many birds to ID, beautiful weather and lots of birdlife
Sarah Moncrieff, Sam Webb, Josh Allen 1/10 #224823
Tue 29Black-chinned Honeyeater
Edward Street, Molong (NW of Orange)
Saw a single bird calling from top of a tree.
Stephen Gibbs 29/9 #224786
Masked and White-browed Woodswallows
Kurmond Road Wilberforce 2756
Mixed flock of both species heading east 12.30pm
Keith Brandwood 29/9 #224800
White-browed and Masked Woodswallows
Wentworth Falls in Blue Mountains
Large numbers of woodswallows on 29th and 30th, mostly White-browed with a few Masked. At one stage I counted 500 wheeling around over Jamison Valley and soaring higher and higher until they were just specks overhead.
Carol Probets 30/9 #224807
Australian Shelduck (juvenile), Crimson Chat, Wood Sandpiper
Lake Cargelligo Wastewater Treatment Plant
At least 5 Shelducks were present, with 1 juvenile seen. Other noteworthy birds included 2-3 adult Crimson Chats, a single Wood Sandpiper and about 150 Whiskered Terns.
Andrew Walker 2/10 #224843
Mon 28Bar-shouldered Dove
Bundanoon township
Very happy to hear a Bar-shouldered Dove calling near home this morning at 6:30am. Species 180 for my Bundanoon list and my first record of a BSD in the Southern Highlands!
Lorne Johnson 28/9 #224768
Channel-billed Cuckoo (and various spring migrants)
Scarborough Park, Kogarah
2 Channel-bills, my first sightings of the season. [Moderator's Note: From various reports on birdline, email servers, Facebook and eBird, it seems that most summer species are well and truly back to most of the NSW coast. In consequence, we will not be publishing more migrant reports of species such as cuckoos, dollarbirds, flycatchers, etc. JB]
Oliver Williams 29/9 #224798
Logrunner
Sea Acres Nature Reserve
Male. I've never seen at this site before.
James Oates 30/9 #224806
Sun 27Blue-faced Honeater, Australian Figbird, Channel-billed Cuckoo
Featherdale Wildlife Park
All of these birds were sighted in one of our well established figtrees in the park, really cool to see and hear all of these birds first thing in the morning!
Sarah Moncrieff 27/9 #224752
Litttle Eagle
McDonalds Rd Lizarow
A light phase Little Eagle observed for over an hour at private property . Initially perched in a Norfolk Island pine, it then flew to the ground to feed on what was probably a rabbit it had killed previously. It was then disturbed by the horses in the paddock and flew to perch. A pair reported there for a couple of days.
Allan Benson 27/9 #224763
Sharp-tailed Sandpiper, Red-kneed Dotterel
Riverstone
On private property, at least 400 Grey Teal with a single Australasian Shoveler, a pair of Black Swans with their young cygnet, 11 Hoary-headed and 4 Australasian Grebes, 50 Black-winged Stilts (several pairs gearing up to breed with one bird appearing to be already on a nest), 2 Red-kneed and 2 Black-fronted Dotterel, 6 Sharp-tailed Sandpiper and a few Spotless Crakes also heard. Conditions are looking very good for more shorebirds to arrive here like a few years ago when we had a number of different migratory shorebird species and a small group of Australian Painted Snipe also had turned up. Certainly more waterbirds here then at Pitt Town Lagoon last weekend!! Very sadly this very important site for both waterbirds and shorebirds is earmarked for development!
Edwin Vella 27/9 #224766
Arctic Terns, White-chinned Petrel, White-headed Petrel, plus usual pelagic species
Offshore--Kiama - continental shelf
The highlights of the postponed SOSSA pelagic trip were definitely the 2+ Arctic Terns as well as sightings of single White-chinned and White-headed Petrels. The trip went Sunday due to the unsafe conditions on Saturday, although it was still quite rough anyway. Altogether there were 28 species sighted offshore, other species included Wandering, Antipodean and Buller's Albatrosses, Cape, Solanders, Grey-faced and Great-winged Petrels, White-faced (20-30) and Wilson's Storm-petrels. There was also both species of Giant Petrels, as well as a Brown Skua. A full species list will be posted on the SOSSA website. Further information
Brook Whylie and all aboard the MV Kato 28/9 #224769
Ground Cuckooshrike
Simpson Drive, Grenfell
During our ninth survey weekend around Grenfell in the South West Slopes IBA, up to five Ground Cuckooshrikes were seen feeding in grassland along Simpson Drive. One or more birds were seen by many of the 27 surveyors.
Elisabeth Karplus and Birding NSW surveyors 28/9 #224774
Satin Bowerbird, Square-tailed Kite
South Turramrura
Female Satin Bowerbird on private land leaving chook house after eating the chook food. Have also been seeing a Square-tailed Kite on multiple occasions since early September.
Jenny Zvolanek 28/9 #224780
Sat 26Dollarbird
Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park
1 heard near Illawong Bay
Jayden Walsh 27/9 #224753
Square-tailed Kite
Bents Basin State Conservation Area
Single adult soaring over in mid afternoon
David James and Brigitte Dawson 27/9 #224759
Satin Bowerbird
Pinegrove Memorial Park, Minchinbury
One female bird seen near the lake. Also 2 active nests of the resident Apostlebirds also seen there too. There appears to be a few Satin Bowerbirds in the Blacktown LGA recently.
Edwin Vella 27/9 #224765
Wedge-tailed Eagle
Kurrajong
A family friend reported one of the local Wedge-tailed Eagles unsuccessfully tried to take her small dog, then later returned and took off with one of the chooks. Property is on the edge of Kurrajong village. Other raptor sightings over the weekend included a single Little Eagle, Peregrine Falcon and Grey Goshawk.
Eric Finley 28/9 #224770
Superb Parrot, Azure Kingfisher, Tawny Frogmouth, White-faced Heron, Long-billed Corella
Island Reserve, Deniliquin
One pair of Superb Parrots observed mating (photos show male feeding female then mating with her), One Azure Kingfisher observed on Tarangle Creek, Adult Tawny Frogmouth and White-faced Heron on nest, Long-billed Corellas inspecting nest hollows in River Red Gums.
Gould League Bird Study Camp per Greg Clancy 9/10 #224960
Ostrich
Thule, SW of Deniliquin
Adult pair in sheep paddock.
Gould League Bird Study Camp per Greg Clancy 9/10 #224961
Fri 25Regent Bowerbird
Murphys Circuit, Ashtonfield, Maitland
A male Regent Bowerbird in tree, unusual location
Mike Jacobs 25/9 #224729
Short-tailed Shearwater
Mistral Point, Maroubra
The annual Short-tailed Shearwater migration has massively ramped itself up with birds streaming south at a conservative 15,000 per hour at lunchtime. Later towards dusk still going through in similar numbers but further out.
David Mitford 25/9 #224739
Short-tailed Shearwaters, 1 Great-winged Petrel,
Norah Head and Soldiers Point
Between 1500-1600 hrs thousands of Short-tailed Shearwaters were streaming past Norah Head and Soldiers Point heading south. This was one continuous long line of birds about 100m wide, and about 300m offshore. Some feeding was taking place but most birds were just moving southwards. In the feeding flocks there were some Wedge-tailed Shearwaters present as well as Australian Gannets, one Great-winged Petrel flying north, many smaller terns probably White-fronted but they were too far offshore to tell, although 5 WF Terns were roosting on Soldiers Point, some Fluttering type Shearwaters were also seen. As the Tasmanians would say "The yowies are back".
Alan Morris 25/9 #224740
Budgerigar, Crimson Chat, White-browed Woodswallow, Masked Woodswallow
Norwood section of Lachlan Valley National Park
3+ Budgerigars, 2 inspecting hollow in Black Box, small groups of Crimson Chats, flock of woodswallows mainly White-browed but a few Masked.
Gould League Bird Study Camp per Greg Clancy 9/10 #224957
Black Falcon
N of Booroorban, S of Hay
Falcon swooped low over grass near highway then flew low across road in front of our vehicle.
Gould League Bird Study Camp per Greg Clancy 9/10 #224958
Thu 24Glossy Ibis
Sydney Olympic Park
In the ponds between Haslams Creek and Allphones Arena. Has been there for a couple of days now.
David Langley and Anita Mudge 24/9 #224724
Great-winged Petrel & Wandering (type) Albatross
Mistral Point, Maroubra
A Great-winged Petrel(gouldii) today was the only Pterodroma seen in 3 days of strong winds.15 Black-browed Albatross, 11 Shy Albatross, 1 immature Wandering (type) Albatross and 1 Giant Petrel (sp.) seen today. 30 Prions observed, 2 Fairy Prions the rest probably Fairy. Wedge-tailed Shearwaters were the most numerous Shearwater 300 approximately.
David Mitford 24/9 #224727
Black-necked Stork
Bungawalbin-Whiporie Road, aboout 6.5km from Whiporie
Lone female observed standing in long grass near small swamp. Photographed at a distance of about 65m through the open passenger side window of my car, but flew off when I stepped out for a closer view and a Masked Lapwing closer top the road gave the alarm. Nearer to the Elliotts Road intersection, two Wedge-tailed Eagles were seen, one of which had been feeding on road kill (wallaby).
Jeff Melvaine 27/9 #224754
Plains Wanderer, Inland Dotterel, Banded Lapwing, Brown Songlark, Horsfield's Bushlark
Private property between Booroorban and Wanganella, S of Hay
Two Plains Wanderers observed at night and were photographed mating, Brown Songlarks and a Horsfield's Bushlark were also present, 2+ Inland Dotterels on adjacent property with Banded Lapwings. All seen on Phil Maher's Plains Wanderer tour.
Gould League Bird Study Camp per Greg Clancy 9/10 #224956
Wed 23Blue-winged Parrot, Black Falcon, Crimson Chat, White-winged Fairy-wren
Oolambeyan National Park
One Parrot flushed from scrub, Falcon observed flying high over, small groups of Chats possibly associating with White-winged Fairy-wrens that were at the same location.
Gould League Bird Study Camp per Greg Clancy 9/10 #224955
Tue 22Blue-faced Honeyeater
Cowan
Single adult Blue-faced Honeyeater observed in a Bangalow Palm in my backyard. The invasion of northerners continues. (Moderator's Note: So far this year there have been 5 reports of isolated observations of single Blue-faced Honeyeaters right across the Central Coast, but the birds have not stayed. AKM).
Paul Burcher 22/9 #224699
Blue-faced Honeyeater
Streeton Lookout, Freemans Reach
Another Blue-faced Honeyeater, single bird seen regularly nearby in Cliff Rd/ Gormley St since 12th Sept, calling repeatedly most days for about 20mins from 5.30am, then again from 5.40pm
Mike Felstead 22/9 #224712
Black-faced Monarch
Erina Creek Erina
A single bird calling than sighted within the Riparian Zone near Lakala Ave. First for the season for me.
Paul Shelley 23/9 #224713
Pink-eared Duck, Diamond Firetail, Musk DUck
Pejar Dam, Crookwell Road
A flock of 17 Pink-eared Duck were on the reservoir, near the overflow along with a single Musk Duck. A single Diamond Firetail was flitting about the car park.
Martin Snowball 23/9 #224715
Short-tailed Shearwaters
Mistral Point, Maroubra
First Short-tailed Shearwaters of the spring with over 1000 noted, about 400 Wedge-tailed Shearwaters, Smaller numbers of Hutton's Shearwaters and Fluttering Shearwaters also passing south. 2 Brown Skuas, 1 Giant Petrel, just into double digit counts for Shy Albatross and Black-browed Albatross.
David Mitford 24/9 #224728
Mon 21Eastern Koel
Tamar Street Ballina
Female bird feeding on Bangalow Palm fruit. (Moderator's Note: It is interesting to note how the first Channel-bills and Koels turn up in Sydney-Newcastle and afterwards there is a gradual infilling of the places missed!-AKM).
David Charley 21/9 #224679
Black-eared Cuckoo, Painted Honeyeater
Merriwindi SCA
One BEC calling and seen well at intersection west of Trapyard Dam. Two Painted Honeyeaters calling strongly and displaying at Trapyard Dam itself. Painted Honeyeaters heard and seen at 4 other sites west and east of the Baradine-Pilliga Rd in the forest. Good numbers of White-winged Trillers, White-browed and Masked Woodswallows throughout the Pilliga Forest. White-backed Swallow at the creek crossing just east of Kenebri.
Max Breckenridge 21/9 #224684
Superb Parrot
Jugiong, private property
A pair showing well and looking for prospective hollows in large red gums on a private property 10kms east of jugiong
James lee Fong 21/9 #224687
Blue-faced Honeyeater, Pied Butcherbird
Wisemans Ferry
Single adult Blue-faced Honeyeater around the grounds of the Golf Club. Bred here several years ago and was reported nearby a few months ago. Two adult Pied Butcherbird near their nest behind the tennis courts and and a yearling in the same vicinity
David James & Dion Hobcroft 22/9 #224704
Superb Lyrebird, Rockwarbler
River Rd, Lower Portland
A freshly fledged Superb Lyrebird was very tame on the roadside. It had lots of down on the back and juvenile lyres. A pair of Rockwarblers where seen on the cliff above the road. A host of spring migrants including Rainbow Bee-eater, Rufous Whistler, White-throated Gerygone, Sacred Kingfisher. Several pigeons including Brown Cuckoo-Dove, Wonga Pigeon, Common Bronzewing and Bar-shouldered Dove.
David James & Dion Hobcroft 22/9 #224705
Sun 20Caspian Tern, Red-necked Avocet
Pitt Town Lagoon
Things appeared fairly quite with no sign of any migratory shorebirds despite the water level coming down and exposing a bit of mud. The highlight was a Caspian Tern in breeding plumage with a Silver Gull and a single Red-necked Avocet with only 5 Black-winged Stilts and 4 Red-kneed Dotterel. There appeared to be no more then 50 ducks (mainly Grey teal) on the lagoon which included a single Australasian Shoveler amongst them.
Edwin Vella 20/9 #224674
Dusky Moorhen in aberrant plumage
Marsden Park
Saw an aberrant plumaged Dusky Moorhen beside Glengarrie Rd as per attached photo.
Edwin Vella 20/9 #224675
Black-faced Monarch, Fan-tailed Cuckoo, Green Catbird
Wattle Flats Royal National Park, Sydney
Quite a bit of activity in the morning along this track which unfortunately has become overgrown half way through making it impossible to continue through to where we had more chance of finding a Lyrebird. As it's not an official track we were told maintenance would not be done, which is a pity. ( Moderator's Note: One of the first Black-faced Monarch records for the season. AKM)
Ted Blackmam, Sharon Gotleib, Lorna Bloom 21/9 #224676
Leaden FLycatcher
Ingleside Chase Reserve, Warriewood
My first record for the season.
Jayden Walsh 21/9 #224678
Rainbow Bee-eater
Castlereagh Rd, Castlereagh NSW
2 birds hawking from fence line perch halfway along. Castlereagh rd
Adrian O'Hara 21/9 #224686
Freckled Duck, Blue-billed Duck
Gum Swamp (Forbes)
Three Blue-billed Duck males were observed from the hide, as well as at least 3 Freckled Duck with the other regulars; e.g. White-bellied Sea Eagles are nesting successfully with a well-grown chick.
Harry Nyström, Markku Nurminen, Peter & Penny Madvig, Chris Dwyer 21/9 #224696
Magpie Goose, Yellow-billed Spoonbill
Lake Forbes, near corner of Newell Highway and Cross Street
A stunning flock of 23 Magpie Geese along the shore of Lake Forbes, near the corner of Newell Highway and Cross Street. A local lady told that they have been there for three weeks already. While watching them a single Yellow-billed Spoonbill flew overhead to East.
Harry Nyström, Markku Nurminen, Chris Dwyer 21/9 #224697
Sat 19Pacific Baza
Mehi River, 25km west of Moree
A lone Pacific Baza was observed performing an amazing tumbling flight - possibly in courtship. This is very far west for this species although one was sighted at the same location in December 2013. The closeby Whittaker's Lagoon is now full and thriving with life. Watering was put in place last month by the LLS with the help of a neighbouring irrigator. Also note that the nearby Gwydir Wetlands SCA is currently open to the public until 30 October, it coincides with a season of environmental water releases and gives an opportunity for people to see the amazing response of these wetlands to water flows. eBird checklist
Curtis Hayne 19/9 #224655
Blue-faced Honeyeater
Lorikeet St Terrigal
One adult Blue-faced Honeyeater observed from my verandah foraging on flowering Turpentine at about 10am this morning. This is my first record for Terrigal.
Paul Shelley 19/9 #224656
Red-lored Whistler.
Nombinnie Nature Reserve
We chose to avoid well-documented sites in the region in the belief that the species had probably been chased too hard, too often. That decision probably caused the loss of a lot of shoe-leather. Birds finally located at a previously unreported site in the western region of the reserve. One bird seen and heard and disappeared quickly. Further on two seen, whistled in and posed happily for happy snaps.
Paul Newman and Jean Newman 19/9 #224659
Double-barred Finch
Colo Vale
Stoked to see fourteen Double-barred Finches on private property in Colo Vale today. My first record of this species in the Southern Highlands. A pair of Scarlet Robins also seen.
Lorne Johnson 19/9 #224661
Bassian Thrush
Munghorn Gap NR
One Bassian Thrush observed foraging on floor of tall Rough-barked Apple, Grey Gum and Yellow Box forest in a deep spring-fed gully in Munghorn Gap NR. Small area of rainforest adjacent. Good views. My first sighting in Munghorn Gap. eBird checklist
Kurtis Lindsay and John McCrea 19/9 #224662
Rainbow Bee-eater, Jacky Winter
Cedar Brush Creek, west of Yarramalong
Located on powerlines, about 1 km west of Spring Valley Lane on the Yarramalong-Cedar Brush Creek Rd, were a group of 8 Rainbow Bee-eaters and a pair of Jacky Winters. These are the first Bee-eater records for the Central Coast this spring.
Alan Morris & David Peet 21/9 #224677
Shy Heathwren
Round Hill NR, Murrin Bridge Rd 1km S of railroad crossing
Single bird heard singing loudly on the West side of the road at around 33°3'23" S 146°13'7" E.
Harry Nyström, Markku Nurminen, Peter & Penny Madvig, Chris Dwyer 21/9 #224689
Pied Honeyeater, Chestnut-backed Quail-thrush
Round Hill NR, Old Wheat Paddock and surroundings
Pied Honeyeater was heard well for quite some time and at last briefly seen flying overhead towards NE. A Chestnut-backed Quail-thrush was seen in Nombinnie NP and two others were observed (other one was seen and the other heard) at the old Wheat Paddock.
Harry Nyström, Markku Nurminen, Peter & Penny Madvig, Chris Dwyer 21/9 #224690
Australian Shelduck, Banded Lapwing, Glossy Ibis, Black-tailed Native-hen, Baillon's Crake
Lake Cargelligo Wastewater Treatment Plant
Several (at least 4) Australian Shelducks were seen in the ponds, also 2+6 Glossy Ibis, a single Banded Lapwing, 2 Native-hens and 7 Baillon's Crakes were seen at the ponds. Including Variegated and White-winged Fairy-wrens, White-breasted Woodswallows, Red-capped Plovers, Red-necked Avocets, Cockatiels etc.
Harry Nyström, Markku Nurminen, Peter & Penny Madvig, Chris Dwyer 21/9 #224694
Lewin's Rail.
Wattamolla, Royal National Park.
Surprised to see a Lewin's Rail up near the top of a steep heath covered slope in the Royal National Park on the 19 th.
michael ronan 2/10 #224842
Fri 18Dollarbird, Channel-billed Cuckoo, Pacific Koel and Lewin's Rail
Warriewood Wetlands
Spring has well and truly arrived, with all species either heard or seen well.
Jayden Walsh, Henry Coleman and Stanley Tang 18/9 #224644
Lathams snipe
Cut Hill Reserve Cobbity NSW
Lathams Snipe have returned again this year to Cut Hill Reserve
John Dodd 18/9 #224647
Pied Honeyeaters, Crimson Chats, Red-backed Kingfisher, Hooded Robin
Cobar, road on the way to Fort Bourke
Great bird activity in the scrub either side of the road just before it climbs to the lookout at the reservoir at Fort Bourke. Also very vocal Crested Bellbirds, Horsfields Bronze-Cuckoos and other honeyeaters.
Rosemary Stapleton 19/9 #224649
Spotted Bowerbird
Banora Point
Private residence overlooking Tweed River, Fingal peninsula (south bank of river) and Pacific Ocean. Rear balcony backs onto steep slope with vine scrub containing fruit trees and exotic pest plants. Pointed out by occupant who had not seen it before. Conspicuous nuchal crest suggests male bird. Observation made in short interval between extended rain periods, during which 1 female and 1 male Regent Bowerbird were seen, also several Spangled Drongo and Australasian Figbird (both sexes). Unusual habitat for Spotted Bowerbird suggests an escapee.
Jeff Melvaine 20/9 #224669
Crested Shrike-tit
Lake Cargelligo STW
Male appeared briefly on dead tree beside pond at dusk. Pizzey says they occur along the darling. Perhaps they also occur along the Lachlan. [Moderator's Note: While there is a hole in CST distribution centred on Cobar, Lake Cargelligo is still within the range of this species, and a number of (sparse) records occur in the region. The closest proper population centre would be in Cocoparra to the south. JB]
Carl Weber 21/9 #224685
Thu 17Spotted Quail-thrush
Bald Rock National Park
Seen on the roadway at 6.30 am this morning about 3 kms north of Bald Rock Bush Retreat. It was on the main dirt roadway through the area, between Bald Rock National Park and Boonoo Boonoo National Park.
Robert Shore 17/9 #224639
Wed 16Gang-Gang Cockatoo
Johnston Park, Canley Vale
[Moderator's Note: We are regarding this as likely to be an escapee due to poor quality habitat at the site and surrounding area. JB]
Michael Barton 16/9 #224608
Whistling Kite (1) Topknot Pigeon (2) Channel-billed Cuckoo (2) Nankeen Kestrel (1)
Yaralla Estate, Concord
First ever Whistling Kite on the local patch! Also of note Caspian Tern in Major's Bay.
Dion Hobcroft and Janene Luff 16/9 #224619
Magpie Goose
Orange Botanical Gardens
Four birds perched in Pine trees at 0900 in the morning.
P. Bannatyne (report submitted by Neville Schrader) 16/9 #224623
Bell Miner
Deepwater Park, Milperra
The last bird I wanted to see at Deepwater was Bell Miner (2+) this morning. There are lots of colonies on the other side of the Georges River in Liverpool LGA but these might be the first in Bankstown LGA.
David James 16/9 #224624
Eastern Grass Owl
Pacific Highway, Shark Creek
Fresh roadkill on edge of highway - collected for Australian Museum via Grafton NPWS freezer.
Greg Clancy 16/9 #224629
Glossy Black-Cockatoo
McCarrs Reserve, Church Point
One female drinking from a roadside puddle and calling at 5:30pm - just before sunset. Very happy to see her.
Henry Coleman and Stanley Tang 17/9 #224634
Tue 15Dollarbird, Leaden Flycatcher
Sawtell
Single Dollarbird seen on northern side of Boambee Creek (which is at northern end of Sawtell) in morning (~09:30). Late in day (~17:30) single adult male Leaden Flycatcher heard calling, and seen, near top of Boambee Headland. Both are first returns for Sawtell this year. Noisy Pitta also heard near Leaden Flycatcher.
Peter J Higgins 16/9 #224618
Mon 14Channel-billed cuckoo
Featherdale Wildlife Park
We house a nber of channel-bills in captivity and this time of year when the wild birds migrate down this way we see a number of wild birds hangout around the park! This was the first spot in the park for the season.
Sarah Moncrieff 14/9 #224580
Black Bittern
Deepwater Park, Milperra
Adult male fishing in mangrove roots on the western pond on Maxwell Ave about 07:45
David James 14/9 #224581
Pallid Cuckoo
59 kurmond Road Wilberforce 2756
one bird calling in dawn chorus
Keith Brandwood 14/9 #224585
Rainbow Bee eater
Streeton Lookout, Freemans Reach
Pair of Rainbow Bee Eaters hawking over the escarpment at lunchtime. Also a Varied Sitella on ironbark saplings
Mike Felstead 14/9 #224587
Grey-headed Lapwing
Penrith Lakes and Regatta Centre
Security continued to permit access to this unique species on condition of not crossing roped off areas. Although timid, patience provided good views and photographs at quite close range.
John Balding, Nigel and Rebecca Coghlan 14/9 #224589
Eastern Grass Owl
Highway 1 near Taree
Fresh road kill. Picked up by Trish Evans & delivered to the Aust Museum in Sydney. Apologies for the delay in reporting this but saw the other entry:- Eastern Grass Owl Pacific Highway, Shark Creek Fresh roadkill on edge of highway - collected for Australian Museum via Grafton NPWS freezer.
Ann Millard for Trish Evans 25/9 #224735
Sun 13Sacred Kingfisher and Common Koel
Bonnie Vale Bundeena NSW
Both heard calling whilst bird watching in the locality.
Deryk Engel 13/9 #224565
Rainbow Bee-eater
Lower Portland, Hawkesbury River
A loose flock of about 30 migrating Rainbow Bee-eaters seen at Lower Portland - first spring record for Sydney? Also at least 10 White-throated Gerygones seen and heard along the Hawkesbury on a perfect spring day.
Roger and Louise McGovern 13/9 #224569
Grey-headed Lapwing, Musk Duck, Rainbow Bee-eaters
Castlereagh
Security were kind to allow birders this morning into the grounds of the International Regatta Centre in Castlereagh. However unfortunately, access will not be permitted over the next few weeks but the lapwing may still be viewable from outside the gate. Here I was able to get crippling views and photos of the Grey-headed Lapwing from my car at and near the original site where at times it came foraging within a few metres from my car. I watched it even chase away the Noisy Miners. A drive around the Lakes beside Castlereagh Rd produced a Musk Duck, about 10 Great Crested and about 50 Hoary-headed Grebe, a Little Egret, quite a number of Rainbow Bee-eaters, Restless Flycatchers etc.
Edwin Vella 13/9 #224575
Sharp-tailed Sandpiper
Riverstone
On private property, 3 Sharp-tailed Sandpipers have returned with 48 Black-winged Stilts, a White-necked Heron, 11 Hoary-headed Grebe and Spotless Crakes. Interestingly there were no Pink-eared Ducks (there were 155 seen on my last visit there and being the most abundant duck species) but there were about 160 Grey and about 10 Chestnut Teal. In surrounding bush land there were lots of Rufous Whistlers, White-throated Gerygones, Scarlet Honeyeaters, Noisy Friarbirds, Shining Bronze and Fan-tailed Cuckoos, Olive-backed Orioles, White-winged Choughs, Crested Shrike-tits, Varied Sitellas, Double-barred Finches etc.
Edwin Vella 13/9 #224576
Spotted Quail-thrush
Putty Rd
Also Sacred Kingfisher, White-throated gerygone, Blue-faced Honeyeater, Scarlet Honeyeater, Buff-rumped Thornbill and a few Speckled Warblers.
Lorand Szucs 14/9 #224583
Southern Giant-petrel, Cape Petrel, Wandering Albatross
Port Stephens pelagic
Highlights of a very enjoyable day at sea off Port Stephens yesterday were singles of both giant-petrel species, with this being only the 2nd Port Stephens pelagic with a Southern recorded (the only other trip was 23-09-2012 when we had 2 birds). A Cape Petrel (australe) that arrived at the boat about 6 miles inside the shelf on the return leg was a bonus. We also had 4 Wandering-types, comprising 2x Wandering (exulans) and 2x Antipodean (both gibsoni). Attached image shows a tussle between the SGP and one of the exulans birds for a piece of chicken skin. Also good numbers of Hutton's Shearwaters with at least 70 counted, including 33 in one photographed group. Numerous and widespread Wedge-tailed Shearwaters too.
Mick Roderick and all aboard the M.V.Argonaut 14/9 #224588
Magpie Goose
Bathurst
Two bird looking nervous and out of place. Standing on flattened reeds on edge of Macquarie River. Access from Hereford Rd Carpark. Have been told that up to six are present on the Macquarie River in Bathurst at present. eBird checklist
Kurtis Lindsay 15/9 #224594
White-breasted Sea-Eagle
Nepean Gorge
The Nepean Gorge White-breasted Sea-Eagles have two chicks in the nest at the present moment.Good views from the Nepean Belle lunch cruise.
Graham Groves 15/9 #224598
Major Mitchell Cockatoo, Blue Bonnet
Yarranjerry State Forest, Ariah Park
A pair flew over this Reserve and another was seen at Ariah Park Recreation Ground, and at nearby Arbortree Reserve on 11/9 one was seen and photographed by Barbara Melville. Several pairs of Blue Bonnets were seen in around Ariah Park, while one pair were seen on 11/9 near the former village site of Mimosa, SE of Temora. Both species are on the eastern edge of their range at these locations.
Alan Morris & 28 other members of CCGBNSW 15/9 #224601
Brown Gerygone
Sydney Olympic Park
Single Brown Gerygone vocal and seen well at Wentworth Common, my second record for SOP, fourth for patch (other records at Yaralla). Also present Sharp-tailed Sandpiper (2), Little Egret (1), Red-necked Avocet (150).
Dion Hobcroft 16/9 #224620
Sat 12Varied Sitella
Near intersection of Rockvale Road and Apple Tree Drive, Armidale
Good views of a pair of Sitellas observed foraging in trees on the edge of Armidale township, moving to the south east.
Adam Fawcett 12/9 #224545
Grey-headed Lapwing
Penrith Regatta
Between Gates B and C (opposite Gate 19)
John Rogers 12/9 #224546
Swift Parrot
Armidale State Forest (west side)
Single bird observed flying out from mature trees on PP to the south of the native re-plantings within the western side of the Armidale State Forest. Bird looped around in full sun and moved back in these trees, good views as it flew, calling the whole time.
Adam Fawcett 12/9 #224551
White-throated Nightjar
Mount Sugarloaf, near Newcastle
One bird seen briefly flying at treetop height over George Booth Drive near the beginning of Mount Sugarloaf Road, at 6.06pm. Did not call. eBird checklist
Michael Kearns 12/9 #224553
Sooty Owl
Bundanoon (Bonnie View, Morton National Park)
A Sooty Owl uttered its falling bomb call 4 times between 6:30-7pm. It was in a densely vegetated gully below the escarpment I was on. First time I've heard a Sooty there since 2012. Two Australian Owlet-nightjars also heard.
Lorne Johnson 12/9 #224554
Common Redpoll
Mt Pitt National Park Norfolk Island
Update on the Redpolls. Still easily seen on the Summit track where it joins the Mt Bates track. Flock contains 16 birds with a good ratio of males to females, usually encountered feeding amongst the grass along the track. The previously reported SIPO at the Kingston heritage area has appeared to have gone, having not been seen since Tuesday morning
David and Sue Harper 13/9 #224564
Antarctic Prion, Sperm Whales, Striped Dolphins
Offshore--Sydney Pelagic
An Antarctic Prion was the only minor avian highlight on a very quiet day for pelagic birds. However, there was huge compensation provided by close range views of a group of 8 Sperm Whales and a pod of about 40 Striped Dolphins, the first record of this latter species off Sydney for many years. (Dolphin photo courtesy of Nigel Miller)
Roger McGovern and all on the MV Avalon 13/9 #224568
3 species of Accipiter including a white-morph Grey Goshwak
Laughtondale Gully
Beside Laughtondale Gully Rd, we saw all 3 species of Accipiter with a white-morph Grey Goshawk (see attached pic showing the nice translucent plumage), a Brown Goshawk and a Collared Sparrowhawk!
Edwin Vella and Follow That Bird 13/9 #224577
Eastern Barn Owl
Richmond Lowlands Richmond nsw
one bird perched on roadside post the other one in flight some distance away.
Keith Brandwood 14/9 #224584
Australasian Bittern
Rowes Lagoon
2 birds visible at the N end of the site. eBird checklist
Viv Rolland 14/9 #224590
Sacred Kingfisher, Rufous Whistler and Rufous Songlark.
Springdale near Temora
The first Sacred Kingfisher returned to the Temora Area on 12/9 when one was seen on powerlines near Springvale, which is 19 km east of Temora. The following day another was seen at Arbortee Reserve, Ariah Park, 30 km W of Temora. In my experience, usual arrival time is about 20 September. The only other migrants that were obvious in the woodlands around Temora were Rufous Whistlers and Rufous Songlarks.
Alan Morris & 28 other members of CCGBNSW 15/9 #224602
Rainbow Bee-eaters
Sawtell
Large flock of 100+ Bee-eaters flew from trees bordering Boambee Creek (northern edge of Sawtell) at about 17:15; flock continued to swirl about over the creek and riparian vegetation before settling in a small group of large mangroves on an isolated 'island' in the Creek. The entire flock, or large subsets of it, repeatedly seen to lift off and swirl about for several minutes before again settling in mangroves. I left as it got dark and most birds apparently settled in mangroves at that time (~17:45). This number of Bee-eaters highly unusual for area - in fact birds not normally present here in summer - and no Bee-eaters seen at the site a couple of days later. (There are a number of pairs of Bee-eaters 1-2 km further north, but nowhere near this number of birds.) Interesting behaviour.
Peter J Higgins 16/9 #224621
Fri 11Pacific Koel
Warriewood
Heard calling from near Boondah Rd at 4:00
Jayden Walsh 11/9 #224533
Rainbow Bee-eater
Orange
Four birds flying south and feeding with mixed flock of Dusky Woodswallows (10) and Welcome Swallows (12) low over houses.
Neville Schrader 11/9 #224536
White-fronted Honeyeater
Cowra
In a Cowra town garden - just near the high school. A possible first for the Cowra area. No known sighting records from the current BA Cowra Woodland Bird Program -13 yrs running. EBird map shows nearest other sightings to be just west of Lk Cargelligo , being + 230 kms west of Cowra.
Neale Coutanche (report submitted by John French) 11/9 #224537
Barn Owl
Exeter
Stoked to see a Barn Owl fly over Bundanoon Rd, Exeter, early evening. First living Barn Owl I've seen in the Southern Highlands (dead specimen at Aylmerton years ago).
Lorne Johnson 12/9 #224543
Superb Parrot
Narraburra and Combanning South areas, east of Temora.
During a 5 day visit to the Temora Shire, 29 members of the CCGBNSW birded across the Shire seeing 115 species and checking out the local reserves as part of the monitoring for the South West Slopes Important Bird Area. Superb Parrots were seen at 6 locations, usually in small numbers of 2-6 birds in and around Temora. The largest two groups were near Mirrool Creek Bridge, Nurraburra (12 birds) and on 12/9, 22 near the site of the old Combanning South Public School, east of Temora. This compares with 8 being seen at 4 sites in and around Temora over three days 21-23/8. Obviously the return southern migration had then only just commenced.
Alan Morris & 28 m,embers of the CCGBNSW 15/9 #224604
Thu 10Grey-headed lapwing
Penrith Lakes and Regatta Centre
The bird was first seen around 6.15am and stayed around until I left at about 8.30am. It spent most of its time on the grass around Gate C. We were lucky enough to be granted access at around 7.30 am which gave us greater views. Bird still present until late afternoon, and has been seen again by Ashwin Rudder, Shoshana Rapley today (11th).
Bernie OKeefe, Carla Jackett, and others 10/9 #224523
Grey Goshawk, Tawny Grassbird
Deepwater Park, Milperra
Single bird singing and eventually seen well at the abandoned market gardens at Deepwater Park. My first record for Bankston LGA. Also a male and female Grey Goshawk following each other, looking like they might nest.
David James 10/9 #224529
Sacred Kingfisher, Crested Shrike-tit, Black-chinned Honeyeater
Southgate State Forest
Kingfisher being chased by Fuscous Honeyeaters - first return of season; 2 Shrike-tits, one seen one heard, rare near Grafton, Black-chinned Honeyeater heard calling.
Greg Clancy & Warren Thompson 12/9 #224557
Brolga, Nankeen Night Heron, Black-necked Stork
Tullymorgan
Adult pair of Brolgas with large juvenile in wetland, second pair with one bird sitting on infertile egg; Adult female Stork on nest with young nestling, one Night-Heron perched in Moreton Bay Fig.
Greg Clancy 12/9 #224559
White-bellied Sea-Eagle
Orara River, Coutts Crossing
Nestling Sea-Eagle on nest.
Greg Clancy & Warren Thompson 12/9 #224560
Wed 9Grey-headed Lapwing
Penrith Lakes and Regatta Centre
The GHL was easily visible this morning about 9 am from outside Gate C. It to the right along the fence line as we were leaving. [Moderator's comment: it appears birders are no longer being let into the site at Gate A, so viewing from Gate C appears the best option. AR]
Peter Struik 9/9 #224516
Shy Heathwren
Bushland south of Albert (central NSW)
While stopped for lunch by the roadside, found a pair of Shy Heathwrens at -32.444136, 147.530046. This is 65km north-east of the nearest known site for them (Woggoon NR) and is an extension in their known range (from what I can see, looking at the Atlas and eBird maps). The habitat was degraded mallee/cypress adjacent to ironbark woodland.
Ashwin Rudder 9/9 #224519
Dollarbird
Harrington
Dan Williams 10/9 #224522
Grey-headed Lapwing
Penrith Lakes and Regatta Centre
Observed through Gate C from about 10:25 for around one hour, though it did fly off for about five minutes. Access not allowed at Gate A. Several birders present during that time. I returned at about 2pm. The bird was still viewable, but a bit further away. It then had an extended bath (5 mins at least) in a roadside puddle, but then disappeared from view. eBird checklist
Christine D 10/9 #224525
Powerful Owls X3
Coffs Harbour Botanical Gardens
Two adults plus a juvenile roosting by day in a Turpentine tree in the "Rainforest proteaceae " section of the Coffs Harbour Botanic gardens.
Phil O'Shea 21/9 #224693
Tue 8Grey-headed Lapwing
Penrith Lakes and Regatta Centre
GHL still present this morning near gate C. Good views from the gate. Management has now closed the area to private vehicle access in preparation for music festival.
John French, Fiona Lumsden, Mark Ley, & Paul & Dave Newman. 8/9 #224499
Magpie Goose
Taronga Western Plains Zoo
A flock of 28 magpie geese have been hanging out in the zoo. Have been spotted between the savannah lake (where the primate islands are, at the front of the zoo) and at the Australian wetland lake. Seen roosting amongst the ibis today
Andrew O'Brien 8/9 #224501
Leaden Flycatcher
Port Macquarie Golf Club, Ocean Drive, Port Macquarie
Female Leaden Flycatcher on track behind golf course. My first return record for the season.
Tim Morris 8/9 #224503
Black-necked Stork
McPherson Road Swamp, Tuggerah
An immature Black-necked Stork was seen and photographed by Diana Hogan at McPherson Swamp late this afternoon. In late 2014 one was present around Tuggerah Lake and the Central Coast Wetlands, Tuggerah from Nov-Dec 2014, last seen Chittaway Bay, Tuggerah Lake on 4/1/15.
Diana Hogan per Alan Morris 8/9 #224505
Swift Parrot
Boyne State Forest
Up to 100 Swift Parrot feeding on ironbark and Spotted Gum blossom on Big Bit Road. The site is approximately 500 metres west of the Princes Hwy. Also present were Little and Musk Lorikeet, Fuscous, Yellow-faced, White-cheeked, White-naped and New Holland Honeyeater.
Julie Morgan 8/9 #224506
Grey-Headed Lapwing
Penrith Lakes and Regatta Centre
Still present at around 1700, visible from gate C, though some long spells in hiding during the afternoon.
Andrew Wood, Kevin Bartram, Eddie, Lachlan, and various others 8/9 #224507
Flame Robin, Olive Whistler, Forest Raven
New England National Park
Good numbers of all three species plus Red-browed Treecreeper, Scarlet Robin, Superb Lyrebird etc eBird checklist Further information
Greg Roberts 10/9 #224520
Square-tailed Kite
Black Range, Bega
A single Square-tailed Kite was seen circling low over our property high up on Black Range about 6 km south of Bega. Two days earlier three kites were seen by other members of the family and after asking about the description and behaviour of the birds I am almost certain these were also Square-tailed Kites.
Andrew McCutcheon 11/9 #224540
Masked Woodswallow
Hunter Economic Zone (south of Kurri Kurri)
Single Masked Woodswallow in HEZ, photographed by Bruce Watts. This is a somewhat remarkable record in that it is an early return to this sub-coastal site and of just a single bird. It is always HEZ that these birds (Masked/White-browed Woods) gravitate back to!
Bruce Watts per Mick Roderick 12/9 #224555
Mon 7Grey-headed Lapwing
Sydney International Regatta Centre Penrith
Still showing well much of this morning. View from outside gate C. Photo by Rob Morris.
Rob Morris, Deryk Engel, and a few others 7/9 #224486
Australian Magpie
Clifton Drive, Port Macquarie
Leucistic bird, almost completely white. Seen on power lines at south end of Clifton Drive.
Liam Murphy 7/9 #224489
Rufous Fantail
Upper Terrys Creek, Epping
Single bird observed along Terrys Creek walk track at start of Grey Myrtle rainforest section.
Paul Burcher 7/9 #224491
Australasian Bittern
Pitt Town Lagoon
Single bird working the edge of the reeds, viewed from the left from the hide. Good scope views out in the open for a few minutes at about midday. No sign of the Blue-billed Duck.
Dion Hobcroft and David James 7/9 #224492
Grey-headed Lapwing
Sydney International Regatta Centre, Penrith
Showing well from Gate C mid-morning. Security may allow access inside if you ask politely from Gate A but this may change from day to day depending upon site work. [Moderator's Note: I have been informed that by answering the magic question "what are you here to see?", security will continue to let birders in at least for another few days. Lapwing seen well by many all day. JB]
Dion Hobcroft and David James 7/9 #224493
Sun 6Grey-headed Lapwing
Penrith Lakes and Regatta Centre
Grey-headed Lapwing was still present this morning in the same spot as reported earlier by Matt Hughes. At about 7:50am flew southwards out of the Regatta Centre, over the road to the quarry works (not relocated). It does move around though because at 6am was not around but flew in from the direction of the lake. If the Regatta Centre is closed the area would be viewable from Old Castlereagh Rd (second gate back from main entrance)
Simon Blanchflower et al 6/9 #224462
Magpie Geese
Condobolin STW
4 Magpie Geese on the ponds today at 11 am. First reported to me by Council Ranger on Friday 4th feeding at the grain silos. Brown Honeyeater reported earlier is still being heard in and around my street feeding in flowering gums and bottlebrush
Warren Chad 6/9 #224467
Grey-headed Lapwing - DETAILS AND SITE ACCESS
Penrith Regatta Centre
Bird seen well at Gate C during the morning before disappearing over the road (see attached image of Gate C, Lapwing just visible behind the Purple Swamphen). Access through Gate A is closed as of tomorrow for one month for a festival, but security is aware of and happy to allow viewing through Gate C on Old Castlereagh Rd. Please be aware that any tresspassing over the gate may result in them closing off the road to public access, so please respect your fellow birders (AND THE LAW). In regards to the bird itself, seemed quite comfortable feeding 10m away from our large group, though was eventually spooked by a dog walker. Was seen briefly on the mud pond directly south of Gate C but disappeared shortly after. Associates closely with two Masked Lapwings which were also using the same patch of grass, and flew around with them at intervals. Reappeared at the same grass patch around 11:30 and was still present at 2pm. Assuming it sticks, viewing from outside Gate C tomorrow, or inside the centre until 5:30 today will be possible. Note that at times the bird was right next to Gate C, so a scope is not a necessity. Thanks again to Matt for this incredible find, and for quickly getting the word out! UPDATE: Still in the same place 5pm
Joshua Bergmark 6/9 #224471
Channel-billed Cuckoo
Field of Mars Reserve, East Ryde
A Channel-billed Cuckoo heard calling near Pittwater Road, Field of Mars Reserve, at dusk today. [Moderator's Note: CBCs are now back in numbers for Sydney it seems, however we will still accept reports from more regional areas over the next week or two. JB]
Robert Griffin 6/9 #224473
Bar-shouldered Dove
Turrella Reserve - Turrella
A single bird was seen calling at about 2pm. Was first seen in late July, where a pair was observed. It was the furthest south I've seen a BSD in a while. The area is a patch of remnant bushland from Wolli Creek to Bexley North, but is surrounded by heavily built up urban jungle. It was seen in the weedy bush near Turrella Station near the bridge crossing the creek.
Leo Skowronek 6/9 #224474
Pacific Koel
Manly, Sydney
Single calling this evening. EDIT: I also had one in Glebe this afternoon. Maybe I'm just lucky (no other reports have come though?) but probably won't publish many more after the next couple of days. Submitting eBird checklists will be the best go for individuals recording their own noted arrival dates.
Joshua Bergmark 6/9 #224476
Sat 5Channel-billed Cuckoo
Quakers hill (parklea correctional centre) bushland
One bird observed flying around the bushland surrounding the correctional centre. I could hear the call throughout the morning then went for a drive to try find it! Heard the calls afew days ago but could find it, so was happy to have seen it today.
Sarah Moncrieff 5/9 #224447
Channel Billed Cuckoo
Killara
Flew over calling loudly at 7:30am. Mobbed by magpies and lorikeets. (If Sydney sightings becoming too common, feel free not to publish).
David Vickers 5/9 #224450
Grey-headed lapwing
Penrith Lakes and Regatta Centre
Single bird with Masked lapwings at Penrith International Regatta Centre. Southern side of rowing lake, eastern end near learn to ride motor bike area. Spotted with Ryley who was learning to drive @ 4pm - still there at Centre close 5.30pm. [Moderator's Note: Confirmed from photos. I'll be there at sunrise! JB] Further information
Matt Hughes 5/9 #224454
Australian Logrunner
Royal National Park--Lady Carrington Drive (south end)
At the south end, 5 minute walk past the old picnic table on the river side of the track, I was surprised to find 3 Logrunners out in the open just on the track' sedge, foraging for worms and grubs in the leaf litter. Interestingly, this was at 1pm and there were plenty of passing cyclist and chatty hikers, yet the birds seemed unphased. They were completely accepting of my presence, allowing for some photographs!
Leo Skowronek 5/9 #224461
Australian Shelduck, Grey & Brown Goshawk, Southern Emu-wren
Central Coast Wetlands, Tuggerah
The Bird Interest Group (BIGnet) half yearly meeting was held at the Central Coast Wetlands 5-6 September - 48 people present. When not discussing important matters relating to IBAs, Birdlife and Conservation issues etc, there were good birds to see like the Australian Shelduck, 2 Brown Goshawks, 1 Collared Sparrowhawk, Peregrine, Buff-banded Rail, Sharp-tailed Sandpipers, Southern Emu-wrens,158 Hardheads (big number for this site), Australian Pipit, Swamp Harrier, Sea-eagle, Black-shouldered Kite, Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo and Striped Honeyeaters.
Alan Morris 6/9 #224472
Regent Honeyeater, Swift Parrot
Capertee Valley
Around 18-20 Regent Honeyeaters noted over the weekend at several sites in the valley - primarily in the Capertee NP and along the river near the Glenowlan Rd Bridge. Several nests under construction and in use, with courtship behaviour also observed. Stunning views were also had of 8 Swift Parrots feeding low down on lerps in a stand of angophora just before the Glenowlan Rd Bridge. Rufous Songlarks and Pallid Cuckoos calling strongly were the most notable signs of spring. Turquoise Parrots, Gang-Gang Cockatoos, Speckled Warblers and Diamond Firetails all seen in various places.
Max Breckenridge, Ross Crates, Robert Hynson 6/9 #224477
Fri 4Grey Plover
Windang Island
First Sighted & reported by G Barwell at 4.15pm. Arrived at 4.30pm & bird was SW of the island feeding along the beach shoreline. Other birds in the area were 2 RC Plovers & 9 DB Plovers. Update: Grey Plover not sighted on Sat or Sun. Possibly headed south to the Shoalhaven area. eBird checklist Further information
Paul Lynch 7/9 #224498
Thu 3Sharp-tailed Sandpiper, Australian Shelduck, Latham's Snipe
Central Coast Wetlands, Tuggerah
A group of 9 Sharp-tailed Sandpipers were seen today, first CC record for the season, feeding on the muddy margins of the Dairy Swamp, Tuggerah. Also on the Dairy Swamp, was a female Australian Shelduck, first seen on 1/9 by Shane Blackmore (first CC record for 2015). The first returning Latham's Snipe was seen on one of the smaller wetlands there on 30/8, joining the Fairy Martins and White-breasted Woodswallows that have returned to the wetlands for summer. Central Coast Wetlands are open to the public 10 am to 4 pm Saturdays and Sundays.
Alan Morris, photo by Vicki Barnes 3/9 #224428
Channel-billed Cuckoo
Glenning Valley Central Coast
The Cuckoo was heard calling as it was moving into the bushland adjacent to a private acreage, first Central Coast record this spring!
David Peet 3/9 #224429
Brolga
Hastings River Dr. Port Macquarie
One pair, this afternoon
Phill Shelley 3/9 #224430
Pied Butcherbird
Wisemans Ferry Recreation Reserve
An adult Pied Butcherbird was building a nest in a tree near the tennis courts, while an immature (1st cycle) bird was foraging on the ground nearby. This is presumably the first confirmed breeding record for the County of Cumberland, although 2 adults with 2 dependent juveniles were seen at same spot in May this year. Also 3 White-winged Choughs and a White-headed Pigeon behind the ferry kiosk.
David James 4/9 #224433
Australian Reed Warbler
Riverside Park, Chipping Norton
Single bird singing is my first local record for this season.
David James 4/9 #224434
Brahminy Kite
Hawkesbury River Bridge, M1 Motorway
Single adult bird circling over the river to the east of the bridge (do I recall someone reporting from here before?). Also a Black Kite circling over the motorway near the Warnervale Interchange. [Moderator's Note: Simon Gorta has seen Brahminy at this bridge once or twice over the last few years. Possibly the same bird recorded recently at Spencer. JB]
Mick Roderick 4/9 #224435
Magpie Goose, Black Kite
Wetland adjacent to Pacific Highway, Clarenza
c.70 Geese loafing at edge of wetland. Kite landed in dead tree while I was counting the Geese.
Greg Clancy & Warren Thompson 4/9 #224437
Freckled Duck, Pink-eared Duck, Australian White Ibis
Lawrence Egret Colony
5 Freckled Ducks, 100+ Pink-eared Ducks, 13+ nests of Ibis probably with eggs.
Greg Clancy & Warren Thompson 4/9 #224439
Gull-billed Tern, Plumed Whistling-Duck, Royal Spoonbill, Common Starling
Ulmarra
c.60 Terns loafing on ground in ploughed paddock N of village, 200+ Whistling-Ducks, 120+ Spoonbills and 20+ Common Starlings at dairy on Watkins Lane. Large number of terns. Starlings uncommon in the Clarence Valley.
Greg Clancy & Warren Thompson 4/9 #224440
Torresian Crow
Briner Bridge, Tucabia
200+ Crows flying around fruiting Camphor Laurels. Large number.
Greg Clancy & Warren Thompson 4/9 #224441
Fairy Martin
Alumy Creek, N of Grafton
2+ flying low over creek. Observer's first record for season.
Greg Clancy & Warren Thompson 4/9 #224442
Leaden Flycatcher
Washpool Road, Clarenza
Adult female in trees near creek. Observer's first record for season.
Greg Clancy & Warren Thompson 4/9 #224444
Wed 2Channel-billed Cuckoo
Kissing Point Road and Barlett street Ermington
One bird calling from a tree along the kissing point Road and Barlett street Ermington at 8:15am today. Channel-billed Cuckoos are back eBird checklist
Corinne Carpentier 2/9 #224423
Tue 1Pacific Koel
Fort Street Highschool, Petersham
One bird calling from a tree along Elswick Street as I was crossing the footbridge at 4pm today. First bird this season?
Simon Gorta 1/9 #224419
Cape Petrel, Fluttering Shearwater, Brown Skua
Sydney, offshore
A single cape petrel was seen about 10kms out from the heads towards 12mile. Numerous Fairy Prions and the usual young shy albatrosses. Brown Skua mooching around and following boats out near long reef. Big mobs of fluttering shearwater (maybe 800 total?) moving up and down the coast all day. Pic of Skua.
Henry Cook 5/9 #224446
August 2015
Mon 31Plumed Whistling Duck
Taronga Western Plains Zoo (Dubbo)
A pair of Plumed Whistling Duck's landed for a brief pit stop at the hippo lake around midday.
Andrew O'Brien 31/8 #224395
Inland Dotterel
Private property 20 km north-west of Brewarrina
Saw a pair of Inland Dotterels on private property (no public access) in a chenopod shrubland. Photo of the male attached. Also two Ground Cuckoo-shrikes, several Banded Lapwings, a small flock of Crimson Chats and many Brown Songlarks.
Lachlan Copeland and Becky McCue 31/8 #224403
White-breasted Woodswallows, Rainbow Bee-eaters
Green Hills Fire Trail, N of Red Rock
10+ Woodswallows flying around over heathland interspersed with feral pine trees and some paperbarks; at least two birds seen flying with long lengths of nesting material. Many Bee-eaters also present.
Peter J Higgins 11/9 #224531
Sun 30Glossy Black Cockatoo
Bundanoon (Old Argyle Rd)
I was privileged to spend 30 minutes with a male and two female Glossy Black-cockatoos this afternoon. The birds were either munching on casuarina seedpods or gnawing eucalyptus branches. At one stage, the females were allopreening. Funny to see the male clambering over one of the females to get to seedpods. GBCs are very rare visitors to Bundanoon. Other species of note: 2 Gang-gang Cockatoos, 1 Wedge-tailed Eagle, a small flock of Varied Sittellas and 7 Buff-rumped Thornbills.
Lorne Johnson 30/8 #224373
Pacific Baza
Bents Basin Recreation Reserve
Birding at the site is greatly restricted by the flooding. Still great morning activity! Also Rock Warbler (3), Scarlet Honeyeater (common), Wonga Pigeon, Wedge-tailed Eagle, Noisy Friarbird (10+).
Lorand Szucs 30/8 #224376
Plumed Whistling Ducks
Quandialla Silo - adjacent dam to east
Over 450 ducks visible and more heard on banks out of sight & 2 Pelicans. Maybe the farmer was from here rather than Narromine? Amazing amount of water around. May be regulars as smaller numbers seen here in previous years with 20+ in 2012 and 66 in November 2014.
Rosemary Stapleton 30/8 #224380
Spotted Quail-thrush; Red-browed Treecreeper
Big Yango HSD, Yengo NP
A brief sighting of the quail-thrush near Blue Gums campsite was highlight of a weekend based at the homestead. Red-browed Treecreepers seen near Blue Gums area and on entrance road. 2 pairs of Brown Quail also seen at Blue Gums. Big flock of Red-browed Finch (200+) seen on the entrance road early morning. Heard a White-throated Gerygone on afternoon of 29 August. Very surprising was only 1 raptor sighting all weekend (Collared Sparrowhawk)
Tom Wilson 30/8 #224383
Painted Honeyeater
Medhurst Bridge, Martindale
Single Painted Honeyeater heard at Medhurst Bridge today, along with Spiny-cheeked HE and Horsfield's Bronze-Cuckoo. Another early report from this location (there have been August reports from here in the past, e.g. 18/08/2013).
Peter Alexander per Mick Roderick 31/8 #224389
Spotted Harrier
Pacific Highway near Ballina exit (north)
Adult Harrier flew low across highway after being attacked by Nankeen Kestrel.
Greg & Val Clancy 31/8 #224391
Black Kite
Pacific Highway, Woodburn
Kite circling over between Highway and Richmond River, northern edge of town in afternoon.
Greg & Val Clancy 31/8 #224392
White-headed Pigeon
Longneck Lagoon Scheyville National Park
Seen a White-headed Pigeon perched near a Brown Cuckoo-Dove at Longneck Lagoon . eBird checklist
Corinne Carpentier 31/8 #224393
Rainbow Bee-eaters
Sawtell
Small group (unknown number) flew over coastal strip bordering beach, flying south. Small flock also heard overhead flying south on 1 September, 200 m inland from beach.
Peter J Higgins 11/9 #224530
Sat 29Channel-billed Cuckoo
Warriewood
A single Channel-billed Cuckoo seen and heard calling in the vicinity of Fernbrook Housing Estate. [Moderator's Note: First NSW record for the season it seems. JB]
Jayden Walsh 29/8 #224356
Red-capped Plover (breeding record)
Tuggerah Lake
Red-capped Plover with egg seen in afternoon. [Moderator's Note: A rare breeding record for the greater Sydney region. Exact location censored. JB]
luke ullrich 29/8 #224364
Channel-billed Cuckoo
Carey Bay (Lake Macquarie)
Bird heard at 8:50am at Carey Bay, on the western side of Lake Macquarie.
Liz Crawford and Chris Herbert per Mick Roderick 29/8 #224365
Magpie Goose, Plumed Whistling Duck
Narromine
At a small dam just West of Narromine wetlands at 7;30 this morning there were 6 Magpie Geese. When I returned around 4 pm there were 50-60 Magpie Geese and several thousand Plumed Whistling Ducks on the same dam. Just further along the Tullamore Road in a wetland behind the big silo complex there were about 2000 more Whistlers and big numbers of Pink-eared, Shoveller and Hardhead Ducks. Other birds included Whistling and Black Kites. Quite a spectacle. (Moderator's Note: On a recent Country Hour ABC program there was a farmer complaining about the impact of Plumed Whistling Ducks on his crops, maybe he comes from Narromine?. I can remember a time when there were virtually no PWD in NSW at all! AKM)
Warren Chad 29/8 #224369
Ground Cuckoo Shrike
Minore Rd Dubbo
5 Ground Cuckoo Shrikes seen along Minore Rd at around 3 pm , 11 km from Dubbo happily grazing with a herd of American Bison
Warren Chad 29/8 #224370
Magpie Goose
Private Property, 5 km South West of Gwabegar, nr Pilliga
3 Magpie-Geese on a farm dam. Unusual report for the Pilliga Region
David Johnston, per Alan Morris 30/8 #224375
Blue-faced Honeyeater, Grey-crowned Babbler, Yellow-billed Spoonbill
Whitings Lane & Heaton Rd Quorrobolong
Good birds to see on the drive around Whitings & Swans Lanes, and Heaton Rd including interesting woodland birds like 1 Yellow-billed Spoonbill, 4 Blue-faced Honeyeaters, 5 Grey-crowned Babblers, group of Tree Martins, Striated Pardalotes, Red-rumped Parrots, a Brown Falcon, Pied Butcherbirds, and many Fuscous, Yellow-tufted & Yellow-faced Honeyeaters and Little Lorikeets in flowering ironbarks at the end of Swans Lane on private property. Also breeding Black Swans, Wood Ducks, Noisy Friarbirds, Red-rumped Parrots and Spotted Pardalotes.
Alan Morris & 20 members CCGBNSW 30/8 #224378
Marsh Sandpiper, Musk Duck, Flame Robin
Little Llangothlin Nature Reserve
Pair of Marsh Sandpipers feeding along northern edge of lagoon at ~1pm - good views and ID confirmed by other people on site. Wide range of other species present including Pink-eared Ducks, Australasian Shoveler, Musk Duck, Hardhead, Black-winged Stilt, Black Swans with cygnets, Australian Darter, Eurasian Coot, Purple Swamphen, Swamp Harrier, Australasian and Hoary-headed Grebes and White bellied Sea Eagle. A pair each of Flame Robins and Brown-headed Honeyeater also observed amongst a number of other bush birds.
Adam Fawcett 31/8 #224387
Fri 28Blue-billed Duck
Pitt Town Lagoon
First seen by Andrew Patrick. Still present this afternoon - confirmed by Keith Brandwood and others. Good Sydney county "tick".
Via John Duranti (on behalf of K. Brandwood) 28/8 #224351
Swift Parrot
Private Property off Swans Lane, Quorrobolong
Around 8 Swift Parrots seen/heard on the same property I had a similar number back on the 21st May when I was last there. 3 birds were seen feeding on the blossom of Eucalytpus siderophloia (Northern Grey Ironbark). There were many (totalling several hundred) small honeyeaters in the area and ~50 Little Lorikeets as an estimate. Many of the honeyeaters were passing through I think.
Mick Roderick, Mark Allen, Ross Crates et al 29/8 #224359
Pacific Baza, Buff-banded Rail, Azure Kingfisher
Nurragingy Reserve
All 3 seen during a short visit to the swamp area near the Lorikeet Marsh. Baza still with juvenile colouring.
Johan Olsson 29/8 #224362
Painted Button-quail, Double-barred Finch, Australian Owlet-nightjar
Kurrajong Hills
Button-quail standing on tarmac along Mill Rd, first local record in a couple of years. Double-bars also an occasional visitor here. Owlet-nightjar must be hanging around after first local record earlier in the week. Other good sightings White-necked Heron, Collared Sparrowhawk, returning Noisy Friarbirds and Rufous Whistlers. eBird checklist
Eric Finley 29/8 #224366
Grey-crowned Babbler
Yango Creek Rd, Nr Laguna
Party of 10 birds seen beside road not far from turn-off from George Downes Drive approx 1pm
Tom Wilson 30/8 #224384
Black-eared Cuckoo
Umberumberka Reservoir, Silverton
Cuckoo seen in trees of small picnic area at top of hill amongst numerous Spiny-cheeked and White-plumed Honeyeater.
Jeffrey Martin Byron & Julie Elaine Byron 31/8 #224386
Magpie Goose
Small wetland adjacent to Pacific Highway, Clarenza
30+ Geese loafing at edge of water, probably more obscured by reeds. Had been absent from this site for some months, presumably having finished breeding in the Coldstream Wetlands near Tucabia and returning to non-breeding haunts.
Greg & Val Clancy 31/8 #224390
Thu 27Pied Butcherbird
Castleragh Nature Reserve Post office road.
One Pied Butcherbird seen on power line and in trees very vocal seen at Castleraegh nature reserve, Post office road. Photo is not very good.
Josh Allen, Sarah M, Ben H 27/8 #224341
Wandering Albatross
Bellambi Point, NSW
Spotted while viewing Black-browed Albatross from the point. Managed some LQ record photos as it headed south. Other birds sighted: A. Gannets, Kelp Gulls & Sooty Oystercatchers. eBird checklist
Paul Lynch 28/8 #224353
Grey Goshawk (white Morph)
Pacific Motorway, Brunswick, Tyagarah, Bangalow area
Last month or so, pretty regular sightings of White Morph Grey Gos, whilst driving along highway. Favouring Mullumbimby turnoff lately.
Duncan Fowler, Carmen Ludcke 30/8 #224371
Wed 26Grey Goshawk (White morph)
Cattai National Park--Mitchell Park
A single Grey Goshawk (white morph) was seen perched and then flying at Mitchell Park.
Elisabeth Karplus, Coleen Southall, Judy Clark 27/8 #224331
Rainbow Bee-eater, Olive-backed Oriole
Sawtell-Coffs Harbour Airport
Minimum of 21 Rainbow Bee-eaters at northern end of a track beside North Coast Rail Line, between railway and northern end of airport runway. Bee-eaters do not winter here. Oriole heard along same track and one seen in Sawtell Reserve.
Peter Higgins 27/8 #224335
Swift Parrot
Private Property near Ellalong
3 Swift Parrots on the edge of a Bell Miner colony on a large block of bush off Ellalong Road; flew off before much could be seen behaviour-wise. Posting here as there have been relatively few reports of Swifties in NSW this year.
Mick Roderick 29/8 #224360
Tue 25Hooded Plover
Bellambi Point
An unbanded immature-plumaged bird sheltering behind beachcast seaweed at high tide in constant rain. Very rare visitor to the Illawarra and not seen it here during regular visits over the last 12week years.
Martin Schulz 25/8 #224321
Brown Goshawk
Marayong near Blacktown
Brave enough to fly over my mother-in-law's house. [Moderator's Note: Published for comedic value. BG are relatively common flyovers in areas all over the Sydney basin. JB]
David Potter 25/8 #224325
Mon 24Glossy Black Cockatoos
Walter Road, Bayview
Family trio of Glossy Black Cockatoos drying out on the wires above Walter Road, Bayview this afternoon.
Judy Christie 24/8 #224307
Common Redpoll, South Island Pied Oystercatcher, Common Greenfinch
Lord Howe Island Airport
SIPO still grazing on the swamp near the airport after more than a week. Common greenfinch (20+) in shrubs and on grass between the swamp and the airport. "Common" redpoll (3) seen off Anderson Rd.
Ann Millard 25/8 #224315
Sun 23Red-necked Stint
Manyana
Two Red-necked Stint at Manyana/Lake Conjola today, maybe a couple of early birds to arrive as I have not seen any around all winter in this region. A number of Double-banded Plovers dressed up and ready to go mixed in with the regular Red-capped Plovers and the Eastern Curlew which stayed over winter.
Charles Dove 23/8 #224298
Australian Owlet-nightjar
Douglas Farm Rd, Kurrajong Hills
Shrieking call heard repeatedly after midnight. Addition to my home/local list. Other good species over a weekend of greatly increased vocalization of many local birds included Scarlet Honeyeater, White-headed Pigeon, Shining Bronze-cuckoo, Bassian Thrush, Little Eagle. Sugar Glider and a potoroo species probably Long-nosed.
Eric Finley 24/8 #224299
Eastern Osprey
Mariners Stadium, Gosford
An Eastern Osprey was seen to fly across the Central Coast Highway from the Bay and onto a set of floodlights on the bayside of the Mariners Stadium on the Gosford Waterfront of Brisbane Water. It appears that a nest has been constructed on top of a flood lights tower. This is now the third nesting pair of Eastern Ospreys on Brisbane Water, the other nesting pairs are at the Erina Works Depot and the Kincumber STW Plant (on a floodlights tower). This is a further expansion of range on the Central Coast and it is of interest because Eastern Ospreys have now successfully fledged two young on the northern side of St Georges Basin, at the southern end of the Illawarra Region, and the nest is on a floodlights tower. The St Georges Basin nesting event is the most southern successful breeding event for Ospreys in NSW.
Alan Morris 24/8 #224306
Eastern Osprey
Northbridge - Strathallen Ave
Brother reported that it was sitting on the old-style "Northbridge" on one of the light-posts, early Sunday afternoon (~1:30pm). [Moderator's Note: Another strange record for Sydney, as the nearest known nests are at Narrabeen Lake and Botany (discovered last week), although a bird was seen at Balmoral Beach near Northbridge last year. Other pairs in Sydney occur along Georges River (seen over Milperra, etc) and the Hawkesbury (where at least one pair has previously nested in the vicinity of Nepean Weir. Please submit Osprey records to eBird, however Birdline NSW would appreciate updates on any nesting activity observed in the region. JB]
David Vickers for Matt Vickers 24/8 #224308
Regent Honeyeater (2)
Capertee Valley - Glen Alice Road
Glen Alice Road, a few hundred metres south of the Dunville loop intersection. 2 associating, un-banded birds seen feeding in roadside flowering eucalypts and eventually flew off to the north above the canopy. Friarbirds, wattlebirds, white-plumed honeyeaters and little lorikeets were also feeding on blossoms along this stretch of road. I returned later that afternoon but couldn't locate any Regents and spent a little bit of time at Genowlan Bridge without any luck. eBird checklist
Lachlan Hall 24/8 #224310
Olive Whistler
Toonumbar Dam
I heard but did not see an Olive Whistler at Toonumbar Dam, close by Richmond Range NP. I am familiar with the bird and it's call from my property in Dandenong Ranges, Victoria. We heard the call clearly at about 10am, it called twice. When I played the call back to the two people with me they immediately agreed it was the same call. I have asked a well known bird expert in this region if it was likely to see one there and he said it was possible because they are altitudes migrants and the small population in the McPherson/Border Ranges move to lower altitudes in winter. He has seen them at Richmond Gap and Mt Nardil.
Val Curtis 28/8 #224350
Sat 22Ground Parrot, Eastern Bristlebird, Southern Emu-wren
Ground Parrot Site, Hyams Beach Rd, Jervis Bay
A brief late visit to the Heath in the last light of the day was well rewarded. 2-3 Ground Parrots tentatively practising their scales, 1 Bristlebird calling. 1 Emu-Wren flitting through the bushes, plenty of honeyeaters (New Holland, Yellow-faced, Brown-headed, Eastern Spinebill) an obliging Fan-tailed Cuckoo and a pair of amorous Bronzewings all good. Lots of flowering sprengelia, epacrids and peas providing a lovely spring backdrop in this beautiful spot
Michael Ellison 23/8 #224282
Northern Giant Petrel, Antipodean & Other Albatross, Fairy Prions
Offshore--Sydney Pelagic
2 Northern Giant Petrels were the highlight of a very quiet Sydney pelagic that netted only 14 species outside the heads. Other good species were 2 Antipodean Albatross, about 20 Yellow-nosed Albatross and frequent Fairy Prions seen regularly from just offshore to out wide (none of which showed Antarctic Prion properties). Pteradroma numbers were low (about 15 Providence Petrel; only 2 confirmed Great-Wing Petrel) and only 2 Huttons Shearwaters were seen well enough to call as such. Wedge-tailed Shearwater numbers are already building.There were no skuas or storm-petrels seen. Also saw a pod of Short-beaked Common Dolphins, Humpback Whales and a Fur-seal sp.
Tom Wilson and all aboard the MV Avalon 23/8 #224288
Blue and Gold Macaw
Corner of Ocean Street and Oxford Street Bondi Junction
Very stressed sweeping in circles. [Moderator's Note: I assume someone has lost their expensive pet - maybe they will see this report. JB] Further information
Libby Cregan 24/8 #224300
Fri 21Swift Parrot (but no Regent HE)
Hunter Economic Zone (south of Kurri Kurri)
Steve Roderick and I failed to relocate the Regent HE this morning, but there was a consolation in finding 2 Swift Parrots feeding on foliage amongst a Bell Miner colony a couple of hundred metres to the west. Despite a huge number of budding Eucalypts in the area, we only managed to find a single stand of Forest Red Gums in blossom (in another part of HEZ) which was being guarded by Noisy Friarbirds.
Mick and Steve Roderick 21/8 #224275
Lewin"s Rail
Lions Park Burrill Lake
Its good to see the Lewin's Rail once again at Lions Park - Burrill Lake along with several Buff-banded Rail and the usual water birds around. The Lewin's is very jumpy and only comes in and out of the reeds for a brief moments wereas the Buff-banded will stay out and feed on sand bar on a lowish tide Further information
Charles Dove 22/8 #224278
Black Kite
Temora
Single Black Kites were seen at Ingalba Nature Reserve, Centenary Lakes and Trigalong Creek all very close to Temora on 21/8/15. Yet in the period 1998-2015, out of 520 atlas sheets submitted, there has been only one report of a Black Kite.
Alan Morris 24/8 #224305
Powerful Owl
Sydney's Botanic Garden
Power Owl was found roosting at its well known "Waterhousea" tree behind the visitor centre. Please check with volunteer at the centre on the latest whereabout of the owl.
Tun Pin Ong 25/8 #224319
Thu 20Eastern Osprey
Penrhyn Estuary, Botany Bay
An Osprey and nest upon light-posts in the Hutchinson Port Facility. Osprey flew in and was feeding on top of one post, and briefly stopped at the nest (one bird sitting down mostly out of sight on the nest). The lightposts are in an open area to the south east of where the container cranes are usually parked, three of them with clusters of lights on top across the open area of the port. Can be seen from near the hide at Penrhyn Estuary. eBird checklist
Graeme Robinson 20/8 #224265
Regent Honeyeater
Hunter Economic Zone (Crown Land)
A single Regent Honeyeater was found in a Crown Land section of HEZ in Spotted Gum Ironbark forest about 1km south of the spine road this afternoon. The bird was being chased by a Fuscous HE and both landed in a Spotted Gum for a brief time. As I fumbled to get my camera out of my bag both birds disappeared. This is an interesting record as there is very little blossom in there currently (only a small amount of Narrow-leaved Ironbark, which no birds were seen using). There are masses of budding trees; most notably the Spotted Gums, which will almost certainly flower in autumn/winter 2016, but close to flowering are Forest Red Gums and holding bud are Grey Gums and Broad-leaved Ironbark. The widespread flowering of the latter is what largely supported the breeding event here in 2007/08. Very active woodland, with Brown Treecreepers, Varied Sittellas, Spotted Quail-thrush, Black-chinned HEs, Chestnut-rumped Heathwren, Little Lorikeets, Gang-gang Cockatoo, Common Bronzewing, White-bellied Cuckoo-shrike, Dusky Woodswallows also seen/heard ...to name a few! ;-)
Mick Roderick 20/8 #224271
Powerful Owl
Irrawong Reserve
A visit in the late afternoon at the site of Noisy Pitta (no signs of Pitta) produced a roosting Powerful Owl about 5m past the Cabbage Tree Palms, visible from the raised wooden path from next to the large fallen log.
Tun Pin Ong 25/8 #224318
Wed 19Mallee form Australian Ringneck
Mudgee. (Bombira area)
Single male sighted briefly before flying away. This must be about the limit of their easterly range. (Moderator's Note: Could still be an escapee as the nearest that I am aware that Ringnecks occur closest to Mudgee is at Cobbora, west of Dunedoo, about 80 km NW of Mudgee. AKM)
Mark Leary 19/8 #224256
Swift Parrot, Glossy Black-Cockatoo
Bushland south of Paxton
On private property south of Paxton (Cessnock LGA) 15 Swift Parrots were seen feeding amongst the foliage in Rough-barked Apple trees, alongside a slightly larger number of Little Lorikeets feeding on flowering stringybark. Not at any point were the Swifties seen on the blossom. Also a pair of Glossy Black-Cockatoos flew over and a small number of Black-chinned Honeyeaters seen/heard. Photo by Dick Jenkin.
Mick Roderick and members of Hunter BOC 20/8 #224270
Tue 18Sooty Owl
Bellawongarah (Berry Mountain)
Heard calling from the rainforest on property at 5:50am for 10 minutes.
Carla Jackett 18/8 #224237
Pheasant Coucal
End of Lake Rd, Tuggerah
Photo taken through car window. As soon as I got out of the car the bird disappeared into the bush. [Moderator's Note: Coucal's are fairly regular in this area, though possibly underreported on databases. JB]
Andrew Melville 18/8 #224243
South Island Pied Oystercatcher
Lord Howe Island & Norfolk Island
One SIPO at Ned's Beach reported by Ian Hutton on Sunday. Another seen on Norfolk Island today at Kingston by Craig Doolan.
Birdline NSW per. Facebook 18/8 #224246
Spotted Quail-Thrush, Chestnut-rumped Heathwren
Marramarra National Park
One male quail-thrush flushed off the track to Coba Point, about 2km from the end. Seen well next to the track making high-pitched call. One heathwren heard calling strongly, but not visible along the track to Marramarra Creek Campground about 3km from the creek. A very interesting yet seemingly neglected park in close proximity to the city relatively.
Max Breckenridge 18/8 #224248
South Island Pied Oystercatcher
Kingston, Norfolk Island
A single oystercatcher reported by Margaret Christian, local bird guide on Norfolk Island. Able to confirm it was a South Island Pied Oystercatcher feeding on open paddocks in the heritage area. More details at http://naturalnorfolk.com/wp/?p=374. Further information
Craig Doolan 18/8 #224249
Rose Robin
Pinecliffe, 10 kms SW of Molong
Rarely recorded here, and indeed, the last sighting was August of last year. Is it the same bird? Only a male observed both times. [Moderators Note: Birds are known to winter in Goobang NP and Nangar NP, to the west and south of Molong respectively, so potentially passage occurs in August as they move back towards the Blue Mountains. JB]
Bruce Tinsey 18/8 #224252
Eastern Osprey
Mc Phersons Road Swamp, Wyong
A pair of Ospreys seen late in the day ,around 5.15pm out at the swamp ,heading east with lots of Masked Lapwings trailing the pair. (Moderator's Note: Interesting record as there have been no previous reports of Ospreys at this wetland. The closest breeding pair is 17 km away at Erina on Brisbane Water. AKM)
luke ullrich 19/8 #224257
Mon 17Brown Falcon
Pacific Ocean 29.06.33 156.32.93
approx 400 kilometers from Sydney on the Sun Princess a Brown Falcon circled the ship for approx 1 hour.
Tony & Stephanie Dawe 20/8 #224263
Sun 16Australasian Shoveler
Mill Pond, Botany
A single female Australasian Shoveler observed on the Mill Pond this morning.
Nigel and Bec Coghlan 16/8 #224221
Regent Honeyeater
Wiseman's Ferry
I checked the small public reserve opposite the ferry wharf and adjacent to the golf course and was surprised to hear then see one Regent Honeyeater calling in a lemon-scented gum despite the little flowering about. Also seen where several White-headed Pigeons and Bar-shouldered Doves, several King Parrots, White-winged Choughs and lots of Mistletoebirds.
Edwin Vella 16/8 #224229
Glossy Black-cockatoo, Lewin's Rail
Singleton Mills Rd, Laughtondale
I drove along the Singleton Mills Rd in Laughtondale with runs along the south (Sydney) side of the Hawkesbury to the east of Wisemans Ferry and saw at least one pair of Glossy Black-cockatoos, at least 2 Rock Warblers, 3 White-bellied Sea-eagles, a Wedge-tailed Eagle and heard a Lewin's Rail calling beside the river.
Edwin Vella 16/8 #224230
Regent Honeyeater, Rufous Songlark, Pallid Cuckoo
Capertee Valley (various sites)
Over the course of the 12-16th August a total of 31 Regent Honeyeaters were recorded across various sites in the Capertee Valley (minimum actual count). Most birds were found along the river, including some birds north and south of Genowlan Bridge. Others were found on private property (including roadsides) feeding on flowering Yellow Box trees (e.g. south of Noola Road turn-off). One pair has nearly completed building a nest on one of the these private properties (see image). There is already some mistletoe blossom in the she-oaks along the river and birds were seen feeding in this. Some Mugga Ironbarks are also in bud with very early blossom appearing (e.g. Bogee). 3 banded birds have been seen, including two banded in the Capertee (2012 & 2013) and one banded near Cessnock in June 2012. 4 additional birds were banded on the weekend. There are quite a few vocal Rufous Songlarks and Pallid Cuckoos back in the valley also.
Mick Roderick, Dean Ingwersen, Ross Crates, Mark Allen, Dick Turner et al 17/8 #224232
Little Eagle, Red-winged Parrot
Ringwood Road (Goulburn River National Park)
Along Ringwood Road, perched alongside each other in an ironbark was a pale and dark morph Little Eagle. I managed to get a fuzzy image through the windscreen before the pale bird took flight (see image here). I've never seen the two different morph birds perched together before and I find dark birds to be generally scarce in the Hunter. Two Red-winged Parrots at -32 16 14 / 150 4 59, which is close to the furthest south I have seen them. There was a pair of Striated Pardalotes subsp substriatus inspecting a small hollow here too.
Mick Roderick 17/8 #224235
White-backed Swallow
Trap Yard Dam, Pilliga Scrub
2 birds soaring over dam and perched in top of dead tree.
David Charley 20/8 #224259
Sat 15Nutmeg Mannikin
Meadowbank Park, Meadowbank
Just between oval 10 and the hockey oval. A group of about 12
Steve Edwards 15/8 #224211
White-fronted Tern, Caspian Tern
The Entrance Channel and Estuary
There were 19 White-fronted Terns, 17 Crested Terns and 7 Caspian Terns roosting on the sand flats in The Entrance Channel at 1500 hrs yesterday with another 30 White-fronted Terns feeding at the mouth of the channel as it enters the sea. 49 White-fronted Terns is one of the largest reports for the Central Coast.
Alan Morris 16/8 #224228
Fri 14Glossy Black Cockatoo
Tascott
2 adults and one juvenile. Have seen all 3 feeding frequently in the garden of late. No doubt same birds as I have reported previously - returning after several months absence.
Andrew Whitaker 14/8 #224193
Bush Stone Curlew
Rozelle
Dispersing young bird found in good condition this morning by Mel Hall on Foucart St. Caught with help from WIRES and NPWS, transferred to a site around Brisbane Water, Central Coast, where the bird was banded and colour-banded, and released where there is a small existing breeding population.
NSW Moderators 15/8 #224203
Thu 13Diamond Firetail
Kandos
Flock of 73 Diamond Firetails seen on the outskirts of Kandos on the road towards Glen Alice. I've never seen this many together before. There were also many (at least 20-each) Yellow-rumped Thornbills and Double-bar Finches, making for a very impressive sight. Attached is an image showing part of the flock (they were never together close enough to capture in the one frame).
Mick Roderick 13/8 #224188
Magpie Goose
Stanthorpe Drive, Kanahooka (restricted access)
2 x Magpie Geese at this location. 3.30pm
Michael Crosland 14/8 #224192
Wed 12Black Kite
Clarence Regional Waste Depot, South Grafton
5 birds circling over depot and road. First records at this site for many months.
Greg Clancy & Warren Thompson 12/8 #224168
Freckled Duck, Pink-eared Duck, White-breasted Woodswallow, Forest Kingfisher, Shining Bronze-Cuckoo
Lawrence Egret Colony
8+ Freckled Ducks mostly loafing on logs, a couple foraging (upending); 500+ Pink-eared Ducks. One Woodswallow over swamp and adult Kingfisher on powerlines towards River from wetland. Bronze-Cuckoo heard calling.
Greg Clancy & Warren Thompson 12/8 #224171
Pair Black-necked Storks
West Byron Waste Treatment Works
Also Forest Kingfisher perched on wires on road to carpark
June Harris 13/8 #224187
Tue 11Fluttering Shearwater
North Curl Curl
1000+ Fluttering type Shearwaters were flying by and feeding alongside Silver Gulls for over an hour.
Jayden Walsh 11/8 #224152
Yellow-billed Spoonbill
Wilton Lane Wetlands ( private property)
Another unusual sighting and possibly the first in this area is that of the Yellow-billed Spoonbill, first sighted in one of the ponds and was in the trees today and stayed all day there just resting. Further information
Charles Dove, Chris Brandis and Bob Rusk 11/8 #224155
Mon 10Brown Honeyeater
Condobolin township
Very surprised to hear and then see a Brown HE just near my house this morning in a flowering Grevillea. Only my second record for Condobolin Just in relation to the Glossy Black Cockatoos seen last week at Tullamore. There is a small population, that are seen occasionally in the Boona Hills an area bounded by Tullamore, Fifield, Yellow Mtn and Melrose. I have only ever seen 3 birds at any given time and only in areas with lots of Belah trees. (Moderator's Note; In 20-22 September 2013, the Central Coast group of Birding NSW held a Camp at Tottenham, 13 campers saw 110 species and visited 13 ten minute grid blocks (including all the areas mentioned by Warren) but saw no Glossies, despite visiting a number of areas where there were seeding Belah trees - so yes they are rare around Tullamore & Tottenham! AKM).
Warren Chad 10/8 #224145
Black Kite
Woy Woy Landfill
Single Black Kite soaring high above landfill. 2 Whistling Kites plus numerous Australian, Ravens, White Ibis and Pelicans scavenging on the tip face.
Allan Benson 10/8 #224146
Grey Goshawk (white morph)
Campbelltown - close to UWS Campbelltown - Englorie Park 1' Cell
Stunning white morph Grey Goshawk sitting on streetlight where southbound Narellan Rd off-ramp meets Hume Highway late this afternoon. I've not see a white morph Grey Goshawk in the Macarthur area before.
Lorne Johnson 10/8 #224147
Sun 9Grey Fantail
South Boambee Rd, Boambee
20+ Grey Fantails hawking for insects in small sheltered gully. Similar numbers were here for a week in Autumn.
Michael Cheers and Kevin Cheers 9/8 #224127
Speckled Warbler (6), Scarlet Robin, Spotless Crake
Air Services site, Shanes Park
I was very pleased to see at least 6 Speckled Warblers at Shanes Park this morning (I haven't had that many there for quite a while). Buff-rumped Thornbills were quite abundant and just about everywhere where I went. There were also good numbers of Varied Sitellas and Brown-headed Honeyeaters, about 10 Rose Robins, a pair of Scarlet Robins (saw them in a recently burnt but different area where we saw them yesterday), White-winged Choughs, a pair of White-throated Treecreepers (a local rarity), a few Striated Pardalotes and also heard Spotless Crake.
Edwin Vella 9/8 #224131
Pink-eared Duck (155), Australasian Shoveler
Riverstone
On private land, I had 155 Pink-eared Ducks (my highest count there so far), 18 Australasian Shovelers, about 15 Hardhead, c 140 Grey and a few Chestnut Teal, 5 Black Swan (with one on nest), 9 Hoary-headed and 4 Australasian Grebe, c11 Black-winged Stilt and also heard Spotless Crake. A number of Striated Pardalotes were also about in the surrounding paddock.
Edwin Vella 9/8 #224132
Arctic Tern
South Ballina
Still on the beach just south of the break wall late morning, as per Steve McBride's sighting on 7 Aug. In amongst a large flock of Crested Tern with a few White-fronted and Common Tern also present.
Andy Jensen 10/8 #224138
White-faced Storm-petrel, Wedge-tailed Shearwater
Pelagic off Port Stephens
Highlight of the Port Stephens August pelagic was the number of White-faced Storm-petrels seen. We saw at least 10 on the journey out, including 2 birds half way to the shelf. Once we arrived, we were surrounded by them, with about 30 around the boat. A conservative estimate for the day's count was 80 birds, but I suspect this would be an undercount (it's just hard to judge turnover of birds like storm-petrels). No Wilson's were seen. There were good numbers of Fairy Prions and about 50 Yellow-nosed Albatross. Two Northern Giant-petrels were also at the shelf. 3 early-returning Wedge-tailed Shearwaters are the first I'm aware of for NSW this season. Image shows numbers of prions and stormies behind the boat.
Mick Roderick and all aboard the M.V.Argonaut 10/8 #224148
Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater
Pokolbin,NSW
3 Spiny-cheeked + 2 Striped Honeyeaters at Alpaca barn, Corner Broke Rd & Ekerts Rd, Pokolbin --glorious sunny day.
Eric Sticklen, Catherine Davies 10/8 #224150
Sat 8Glossy Black-Cockatoo
Traveling Stock Route 11km north of Tullamore
While conducting a survey in open woodland at -32.560, 147.655, we were excited to hear two Glossy Black-Cockatoos (which Kim saw). This is more than 80km west of the most western nearby record in the Birdlife or eBird databases in this district. Other good birds in this patch were a pair of Brown Treecreepers, a group of Grey-crowned Babblers, 30+ Double-barred Finches, and a mixed feeding flock dominated by c.30 Striated Pardalotes! [Moderator's Note: From Warren Chad: There is a small population, that are seen occasionally in the Boona Hills an area bounded by Tullamore, Fifield, Yellow Mtn and Melrose. I have only ever seen 3 birds at any given time and only in areas with lots of bellah trees
Ashwin Rudder & Kimberly Maute 8/8 #224114
Spotless Crake
Warriewood Wetlands
Single Spotless Crake seen well at 1645 from the northern boardwalk. Water levels are low and the crake was foraging between areas of cover and out in the open.
Jon Spicer-Bell 8/8 #224115
Chestnut-rumped Heathwren
Cuumbeun Nature Reserve--Link Trail near dam
Pair seen together, including one bird feeding another on the ground. Same pair later seen together at top of an open acacia sapling, male singing strongly with much mimicry. Our observations were suggestive of breeding behaviour, which is interesting in that this species is said to be a non-breeding vagrant in the nearby ACT. eBird checklist
Kim Farley-Larmour and Christine D 8/8 #224116
Australian Brush Turkey
Grey Street, Glenbrook
Saw a brush turkey on the track at the end of Grey Street, Glenbrook. Rare in the Blue Mountains, my first record for the lower mountains.
Graham Turner 9/8 #224117
Scarlet Robin, Speckled Warbler
Air Services site, Shanes Park
Highlights for the outing included a pair of adult Scarlet Robins, a Speckled Warbler and an Azure Kingfisher
Edwin Vella, Mark Fuller and members of Birding NSW 9/8 #224128
Emu
Wianamatta Regional Park
An Emu showed well for us in the afternoon.
Edwin Vella, Mark Fuller and members of Birding NSW 9/8 #224130
Brush Cuckoo
Upper Colo Rd, Colo River
2 birds calling and seen along the roadside. Also present was a White-bellied Sea Eagle possibly inspecting a nest site, Wedge-tailed Eagle, plenty of Brown Cuckoo-doves, Wonga Pigeon and both Striated and Spotted Pardalotes in good numbers.
Eric Finley 10/8 #224142
Fri 7Arctic Tern
South Ballina
Single Arctic Tern resting with other Terns on the beach near south break-wall. Also 4 Common Terns & 5 White-fronted Terns. eBird checklist
Steve McBride 7/8 #224109
Double-banded Plover, Beach Stone-curlew, Red-capped Plover, Australian Pied Oystercatcher
Dart Island Nature Reserve, Clarence River Estuary
Birdlife Australia winter count - 13 Double-banded Plovers, 3 adult Stone-curlews, 1 Red-capped Plover (the only one observed all day), 2 Pied Oystercatchers, 1 Whimbrel, 7 Eastern Curlews.
Greg Clancy, Gary & Margaret Eggins, Jeff Thomas (NPWS) 9/8 #224122
Eastern Curlew, Double-banded Plover, Australian Pied Oystercatcher, Caspian Tern
Rabbit Island sandbar, Clarence Estuary
Birdlife Australia winter count - 17 Eastern Curlews, 2 Plovers, 2 Oystercatchers, 4 Caspian Terns.
Greg Clancy, Gary & Margaret Eggins, Jeff Thomas (NPWS) 9/8 #224123
Red-necked Avocet, Great Knot, Caspian Tern, Gull-billed Tern, Australian Pied Oystercatcher
Wooloweyah Lagoon, Clarence River Estuary
56-60 Avocets roosting on sandbar, 1 Great Knot present with 48 Bar-tailed Godwits, 14 Caspian Terns, 8 Gull-billed Terns, 2 Oystercatchers.
Greg Clancy, Gary & Margaret Eggins, Jeff Thomas (NPWS) 9/8 #224124
Black-tailed Godwit, Red-kneed Dotterel, Australasian Shoveler, Gull-billed Tern, Grey Teal
Micalo Island, Clarence River Estuary
Birdlife Australia winter count - 2 Black-tailed Godwits loafing, 3 Red-kneed Dotterels (uncommon in valley in recent months), 11 Gull-billed Terns, 8 Shovelers, 100+ Grey Teal.
Greg Clancy, Gary & Margaret Eggins, Jeff Thomas (NPWS) 9/8 #224125
Whimbrel
Palmers Island, Clarence River Estuary
Birdlife Australia winter count - 10 birds flushed from edge of channel, landed in saltmarsh.
Greg Clancy, Gary & Margater Eggins, Jeff Thomas (NPWS) 9/8 #224126
Thu 6Little Lorikeet, Fairy Martin, Tree Martin
Riverside Park, Riverside Rd, Chipping Norton
2-3 pairs of Little Lorikeets feeding and apparently prospecting for nest hollows in the Forest Red Gums in the riverflat forest. Die-back caused by Bell Miners is severe here, but ironically the dead limbs may provide nesting habitat for lorikeets. A flock of swallows over grassland included at least 2 Fairy Martins and 10 Tree Martins, the first certain sign of spring migration I've seen locally this year.
David James 6/8 #224097
Curlew Sandpiper
Wilford Lane Wetlands - Milton - (private property)
The Curlew Sandpiper was a bit of a surprise today, another unusual sighting for the hidden wetland at Milton, it maybe overwintered or is and early arrival. I was hoping to see the Marsh Sandpiper which was there last week - unfortunately no sign of it
Charles Dove 6/8 #224101
Sacred Kingfisher (1) adult Caspian Tern (5)
Sydney Olympic Park--Waterbird Refuge
My first Sacred Kingfisher this year on the patch. Five Caspian Terns might be my highest count in Sydney ever and a record for me at SOP.
Dion Hobcroft 7/8 #224103
Wed 5Rufous Whistler
South of Wooloweyah, near Yamba
Single male Rufous Whistler foraging in heathland a probable early return; unusually in this habitat, a White-bellied Cuckoo-shrike also nearby. Other species included Tawny-crowned Honeyeaters, Eastern Spinebills, Noisy Friarbirds, Little Wattlebirds and bucket-loads of White-cheeked Honeyeaters.
Peter Higgins 6/8 #224094
Black Bittern, Pink-eared Duck
Deepwater Park, Milperra
A male Black Bittern on the eastern-most pond on Maxwell Ave about 08:30. 7 Pink-eared Ducks still on the pond in Kelso Park North, down from 19 in April.
David James 6/8 #224096
Swift Parrot
Mulgoa, NSW
A flock of 20 Swift Parrots flew over my head in the late afternoon while I was chopping wood. Definitely all Swifts, Definitely Swifts. I spent last summer doing surveys for them in Tasmania. Their call is etched into my brain. I haven't seen them since- if you seen any around Sydney give me a shout on twitter (@manic_henry) or facebook (search "teamswiftparrot"). Cheers!
Henry Cook 18/8 #224238
Tue 4Swift Parrot, Diamond Firetail
Singleton Training Area (restricted access)
Additional flock of 12 Swift Parrots found today on the STA lands, feeding on Grey Box (E. moluccana) blossom. Posting here as there have been very few Swift Parrot reports in NSW this winter. Amongst all the other great woodland birds, we had our 3rd record of Diamond Firetail for the site in recent years. This location was right near the eastern edge of the site too.
Mick Roderick and Lucas Grenadier 4/8 #224087
Mon 3Swift Parrot, Striated Pardalote (substriatus)
Singleton Training Area (restricted access)
4 Swift Parrots at 2 distinct sites about 2km apart this morning on the Singleton Training Area (Dep't of Defence lands; no public access). The first couple were feeding in a planted White Box tree that I was scanning because of Noisy Friarbirds being present. The Swifties did not vocalise and it was pure chance that I found them as I looked through the tree. The second two were feeding on foliage in a Spotted Gum tree in the forested areas. Awful proof shot attached of one of these birds. A pair of Striated Pardalotes of the subspecies substriatus were attending a nest site nearby where I suspect they may have bred last year. The Singleton Training Area is the most easterly location we have found this subspecies in the Hunter (which to my knowledge is the only coastal catchment in NSW that has this subsp.?).
Mick Roderick 3/8 #224080
White-throated Gerygone
Tower Rd, Pembrooke (Near Wauchope)
A single White-throated Gerygone was heard calling around 9:15 this morning. Nice to think that Spring is on the way.
Clive Meadows & Louise Earnshaw 3/8 #224081
Straw-necked Ibis (50) Pink-eared Duck (1)
Sydney Olympic Park-Lake Belvedere
A large flock of SNI in flight was a rare sight at SOP, my third record for the patch. Single Pink-eared Duck still at Lake Belvedere-likes to loaf on green plastic behind the island you walk out to.
Dion Hobcroft and David James 7/8 #224104
Sun 2Scarlet Robin
Tallong
An immature male and a female bird near Badgerys Lookout. Other species of note: Superb Lyrebird, Buff-rumped Thornbill, White-eared Honeyeater, Wedge-tailed Eagle and Bell Miners.
Lorne Johnson 2/8 #224072
Brolga
Port Macquarie
One pair in grassland corner of Hastings River Dr and Willow Close, Port Macquarie
Phillip Shelley 2/8 #224074
Fluttering-type Shearwater, White-fronted Tern
Stockton Bight (off Stockton Beach)
Two large flocks of Fluttering-type Shearwaters getting into the action amongst a 'feeding frenzy' in Stockton Bight. Both flocks were around 2000 birds strong and I watched them for over an hour. I only had binoculars so had no hope of actually identifying any birds. In previous years August/early-Sept is when we see large flocks of these birds off Newcastle (some of them immense, e.g. >10,000 birds 24/08/2008). There were also 130 'commic terns' which would almost certainly have been all or nearly all White-fronted.
Mick Roderick 3/8 #224082
Sat 1Black-chinned Honeyeater, Pheasant Coucal and Rockwarbler
Chiltern Trail, Ingleside
A single Black-chinned Honeyeater was heard calling near the start of the trail (15m in) at around 11:00am today. A Pheasant Coucal was also heard calling and a Rockwarbler was seen extremely well (hopping around, about 2m away) on large boulders 20m off the track. 2 Glossy Black Cockatoos were feeding on Casuarina nuts at the start of the trail.
Jayden Walsh 1/8 #224061
Shining Bronze Cuckoo
Sackville, Hawkesbury River
Highlight of a pleasant winter day around Kurrajong, Wilberforce and Sackville was a pair of Shining Bronze Cuckoos (ssp plagosus) foraging together at the old Sackville Cemetery - presumably early returnees. Other species recorded included Pink-eared Ducks (in Sackville), Wonga Pigeon, Bar-shouldered Doves, Peaceful Doves, Common Bronzewings, Olive-backed Oriole, Rose Robin, Jacky Winters, Restless Flycatcher, Yellow-throated Scrubwren and White-bellied Sea Eagle.
Roger and Louise McGovern 1/8 #224062
July 2015
Fri 31Striated Heron
Manly Wharf
Grey morph Striated Heron sitting on the pylons on the eastern side of Manly Wharf around 18:30.
Peter Diegutis 31/7 #224057
Thu 30Australasian Shoveler
Bundanoon
Eleven Australasian Shovelers were on main pond of Bundanoon Sewage Treatment Plant mid-afternoon. The most Shovelers I've seen together in Bundanoon. 6 Hardheads also present.
Lorne Johnson 30/7 #224045
Freckled duck
Lawrence Egret Colony
3 birds perched near the far side of the lake.
Robyn Duff and the Sunshine Coast U3A bird group 30/7 #224047
Black Bittern
Deepwater Park, Milperra
An adult male was flushed from the shore of the eastern pond on Maxwell Ave at about 10:10. At 11:10 he was perched on a snag along the southern shore of the same pond. My 3rd sighting here this year.
David James 31/7 #224050
Swift Parrot
Coates Park Road, Cobbitty
Observed 8 Swift Parrot's flocking within Cumberland Plains Woodland remnant. The birds were foraging on Lerp's whilst at the same time avoiding Bell Miner attack. Also, a friendly reminder that the National Swift Parrot/Regent Honeyeater survey is on this weekend.. So please be sure to get the binos out as clearly based on other peoples ob's and mine that the birds are still about!
Brendon Levot 31/7 #224058
Wed 29Spotted Harrier, Peregrine Falcon
Barton Park South--Landing Lights Wetland
A quick late afternoon visit to see what was about produced a Spotted Harrier soaring high above. Also sighted was a Peregrine Falcon cruising across the site. Photograph attached. eBird checklist
Greg McLachlan 29/7 #224031
Marsh Sandpiper
Wilford Lane Wetlands - Milton (private property)
The Marsh Sandpiper is an unusual sighting especially this time of year at Wilford Lane,in Milton which does turn up up few surprises now and then.
Charles Dove 30/7 #224036
Black-chinned Honeyeater
Chiltern Trail, Ingleside
One adult and one apparently dependent juvenile perched together, the adult preening the youngster. [Birding NSW outing]. Possible local breeding??
Ted Nixon [for the group] 31/7 #224053
Tue 28Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo
north Orange
12 birds flying north-east,t he frequency of sightings in and around Orange suggest this species is now a permanent resident.
Neville Schrader 29/7 #224029
Brown Honeyeater
Riverside Park, Chipping Norton
2 Brown Honeyeatyers,were my first local sighting after 2 years of birding regularly along the Georges River.
David James 30/7 #224041
Mon 27Greater Sooty Owl
The pocket, Billinudgel, Far North Coast
Sooty calling a lot tonight up gully on private property with mixed remnant large brush box, riparian, mature camphor and rainforest re growth on hillside. Quite a wonderful revelation for this site which is only 2 miles from the Pacific Motorway
Duncan Fowler 27/7 #224000
Cattle Egret
Spring Creek Orange
Two non-breeding plumage Cattle Egrets sheltering with cattle from cold breeze.
Neville Schrader 28/7 #224007
Sun 26Black Kite
Dulwich Hill
Single bird seen flying over the corner of Marrickville Rd and New Canterbury Rd around 3:15pm, with several Noisy Miners hassling it.
James Schlunke 27/7 #223990
White-headed Pigeon, Brown Cuckoo-dove, Wedge-tailed Eagle - all breeding
Kurrajong Hills
All breeding records. Pair of Brown Cuckoo-doves feeding 2 juveniles at our backyard feeder. Pair of White-headed Pigeons with 2 dark juvs on Mill Rd - there are several White-headeds in the area at present. Pigeon spp breeding may be in response to the heavy privet fruiting season now finishing. Pair of Wedge-tailed Eagles with a small pale 3rd bird which has not been seen with them before, appeared to be begging mid-air. Have not seen this resident pair with young for the past 2 years. Also seen a fine large Koala in Grey Gums on Hermitage Rd at the entrance to The Islands - my first local record in about 5 years. eBird checklist
Eric Finley 28/7 #224006
Sat 25Apostlebird, White-winged Chough, Blue-faced Honeyeater
Nurragingy Reserve
Small group (7) of Apostlebirds near visitor centre and a single Blue-faced Honeyeater there too; Party of 6 Choughs near the Currawong Picnic area. Also an Azure Kingfisher at the swamp (Cockatoo Picnic area) and lots of Yellow Thornbills along the track that follows Eastern Creek. Bell Miners present in this area too.
Tom Wilson 25/7 #223981
Pacific Gull
Botany Bay National Park--Cape Banks
2 immature birds roosting on rocks. Also several Fairy Prions and Black-browed Albatross feeding just off shore
Chris Chafer 25/7 #223982
Slender-bill and Antarctic Prion's, Wandering, Antipodean and Bullers Albatrosses
Offshore--Kiama Pelagic
Highlights from the July SOSSA pelagic off Kiama were a Slender-bill and an Antarctic Prion, which were picked out from amongst the Fairy Prions. 10+ Wandering and Antipodean Albatrosses, as well as Buller's, Shy, Black-browed and Indian Yellow-nosed Albatrosses. There were also 3 Brown Skuas and a Northern Giant Petrel. Mammals sighted included 2 Humpbacked Whales, Common and Bottle-nosed Dolphins, along with 2 NZ Fur Seals. Further information
B. Whylie and all aboard the MV Kiama and MV Kato (we took 2 boats) 26/7 #223983
Sooty Owl
Burrow track Blue Mountains NP near Billbird Hill
One Sooty Owl seen about 9pm on the Glow worm track.
Josh Allen, Jess 27/7 #223991
Fri 24Marbled Frogmouth
Nightcap National Park--Protestors Falls
Male and female heard calling once at 9.30pm close to Terania Creek. Stayed another hour and a half and they didn't call again.
Charles Hunter 31/10 #225267
Wed 22Regent Honeyeater
Northern end of Woodbury Street, Woodford
Single adult bird observed through binoculars at 4:30pm. Watched closely for a good 10 minutes flying between two trees and softly calling while perched. No bands noticed, within 10m and clear line of sight at best view!
Daniel Kurzawa 22/7 #223965
Barking Owl
Ladysmith region
This bird was not seen - however it screeched and barked consistently for 20 minutes around 3am. The bird was on a rural property. Not heard on the next night.
Jean Casburn 23/7 #223969
Tue 21Black Bittern
Grasslands HSD, Mullumbimby
Adult bird flushed from creekside.
Rob Morrow 21/7 #223956
Black Bittern
Boys Walk (Avondale College, Cooranbong) (restricted access)
Immature bird seen feeding on the banks of Dora Creek. A mature bird was seen in the area in January, 2015. The water-level in Dora Creek is particularly low at the moment exposing muddy areas. This is the same conditions as when the previous Black Bittern was found.
Maurice Ashton 22/7 #223961
Square-tailed Kite
Pheasants Nest
One bird soaring over the Nepean River and Hume Highway mid-afternoon. I've not seen STKs in this location before (and I've driven that Hume stretch often over the last 6 years).
Lorne Johnson 22/7 #223963
Eastern Ground Parrot
Barren Grounds Nature Reserve
Single bird flushed from beside track on Griffith Circuit. Half dozen Eastern Bristlebirds also on track.
Robert Shore 23/7 #223972
Mon 20Glossy Black-Cockatoo
Inverary Homestead, Dthinna Dthinnawan National Park
10 Glossies flew into eucalypt near dam, drinking at dam and possibly roosting in nearby eucalypts.
Greg & Val Clancy, Russell Jago 29/7 #224024
Emerald Dove
Bareena Drive, Balgowlah Heights
Lynda Green reported seeing an Emerald Dove on Bareena Drive (almost at the entrance to Tania Park) at 2.30 pm. Lynda has lived here for 21 years and has not seen an Emerald Dove here before.
Elisabeth Karplus for Lynda Green 29/7 #224028
Sun 19Noisy Pitta, Rose Robin, Varied Sitella
Warriewood Wetlands / Irrawong
Single Varied Sitella in the mahoganies on the main boardwalk. The resident Noisy Pitta was seen well at Irrawong reserve near the little palm jungle. Male Rose Robin and Sea Eagle overhead also seen well.
David Vickers 19/7 #223943
Black Kite
Tascott
2 x black kites gliding above edge of bushland. Stayed in locality for apprx 20 mins.
Andrew Whitaker 21/7 #223953
Wompoo Fruit-Dove, Green Catbird
South Yabbra Road, Yabbra National Park
20+ Fruit-Doves and 4+ Green catbirds feeding on fruits of Simple Water Vine Cissus antarcticus
Greg & Val Clancy, Russell Jago, Boyd Essex 29/7 #224021
Sat 18Regent Honeyeater
Lake Cathie village track
Pair still present
James Oates 18/7 #223931
Masked Owl
Koreelah National Park Camp Ground
One Owl heard calling at night in flight over campground.
Greg & Val Clancy, Russell Jago, Boyd Essex 29/7 #224020
Fri 17Wandering Albatross, Buller's Albatross and Great-winged Petrel
Mistral Point, Maroubra
First Wanderer of the year today, also 15 Shy Albatross, 30+ Black-browed Albatross, 1 Buller's Albatross, 3 Brown Skuas, 10 Great-winged Petrels, 3 Giant Petrel (sp), 2 White-fronted Terns and hundreds of Fairy Prions. Surprisingly no Antarctic Prion candidates and no Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross. Some of the Albatrosses were close-in feeding on the Cuttlefish die-off.
David Mitford 20/7 #223947
Swift Parrot
Lake Burrendong State Park
First seen in same eucalyptus tree with other Musk lorikeets but was soon after chased away by Musk lorikeets. No other Swift Parrots with it. eBird checklist
Emi Callaway 23/7 #223973
Varied Triller, Rainbow Bee-eater, White-bellied Cuckoo-shrike, Shining Bronze-Cuckoo
Moore Park Nature Reserve
Adult male Triller in rainforest trees, 2+ Bee-eaters foraging near river, 3+ Cuckoo-shrikes including one bird with mottled black head and another with barring on the flanks, flew to rainforest trees from the north, Australian race of Shining Bronze-Cuckoo in trees. At least one, and probably two, of the cuckoo-shrikes were of the race robusta which doesn't breed N of the Hunter River but is known as a non-breeding migrant/visitor to northern NSW and southern Queensland (HANZAB).
Greg & Val Clancy, Russell Jago 29/7 #224018
Thu 16Pied Butcherbird
Warriewood Wetlands
Had great views of a Pied Butcherbird being harassed by Noisy Miners near the Garden St entrance. I often see Grey Butcherbirds in Warriewood but never Pied
Jayden Walsh 17/7 #223915
Gang-gang Cockatoo
Werakata National Park--Kearsley South Firetrail
Two gang-gangs heard in the reserve mid afternoon. Didn't realise this was the northern edge of their range and didn't make much effort to find them. Not much else around - the usual abundant Yellow-tufted Honeyeaters and a couple of Little Lorikeets flying through (although nothing appeared to be flowering).
Ashwin Rudder and Shoshana Rapley 18/7 #223933
Wompoo Fruit-Dove, Albert's Lyrebird, Pale-yellow Robin, Marbled Frogmouth
Wollumbin National Park
Three Fruit-Doves in apparent dispute over flimsy nest balanced on petiole of Bangalow Palm along Summit Trail, 2 Albert's Lyrebirds heard calling, 2+ Pale-yellow Robins foraging along trail, 3 Marbled Frogmouths heard calling at night.
Greg & Val Clancy, Russell Jago 29/7 #224016
Wed 15Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo
Woolwich Road, Hunters Hill
10 birds flying over Woolwich Road at 8 am. Rarely seen in Hunters Hill.
Elisabeth Karplus 15/7 #223904
Painted Button-quail
Shoplands Rd Annangrove
A male Painted Button-quail walked through my carport this afternoon, a good view through the window. Only my third record for this species in 15 years residence in Annangrove. The previous two were of pairs, also walking through my carport!
Darryl Smedley 15/7 #223906
Scarlet Robin and Freckled Duck
Lake Canobolas, Orange
One male Scarlet Robin observed at the far end of the walking track. Two Freckled Duck observed loafing with Pacific Black Duck and Eurasian Coot against the southern shore near the picnic area.
Paul Shelley 17/7 #223918
Freckled Duck, Pink-eared Duck, Restless Flycatcher
Lawrence Egret Colony Swamp
One Freckled Duck observed upending, 500+ Pink-eared Ducks, Restless Flycatcher heard calling
Greg & Val Clancy, Russell Jago 29/7 #224014
Tue 14Australian Brushturkey
Deepwater Park, Milperra
The highlight this morning was a small (young) Australian Brushturkey. This appears to be the first record for Bankstown LGA and the most southerly record within the Sydney Basin. There are only 2 records south of the Harbour/Parramatta River in the Eremea Archives and no historical records. Also a male Australasian Shoveler and a calling Striated Pardalote were my first local records of each this year.
David James 14/7 #223897
Freckled Duck, Magpie Goose
Narrabri Lake
Single flock of 24 magpie geese plus some roosting and many flying from the pond earlier in the morning. Also a single flock of 8 freckled ducks. eBird checklist
Ryu and Emi Callaway 18/7 #223932
Mon 13Pacific Baza
Cumberland State Forest
In the gums near the entrance (Moderator's Note: It looks like an invasion of Bazas is happening, if this keeps up we will have to stop reporting them, as they are getting so common. There was another at North Gosford, seen by Danny O'Brien, on Sunday. AKM)
Gabrielle Rees 13/7 #223888
Pacific Baza
Blue Mountains National Park--Glenbrook entrance
spotted high in a gum tree, but it was soon chased away by noisy miners
Jason Goodes 13/7 #223892
Pacific Baza
Forest Lodge
Pacific Baza in reconstructed woodland not far from Sydney University. 33°52'59.62"S 151°10'40.58"E.
Judy Christie 13/7 #223893
*possible* Black-naped Tern
Sandbank in Richmond River, Ballina
A tern seen roosting among Crested Tern. Today looked at Little Terns for comparison and think it was a Black-naped Tern.
Val Curtis 17/7 #223920
Sun 12Black kite
Pennant Hills Park, Pennant Hills
Gliding at a moderate height in the strong westerly today around 2.30 pm heading north, fork tail prominent.
Ian Francis 12/7 #223876
Sat 11Sooty Oystercatchers
Dolls Point Botany bay
2Sooties,3 juvenile Pacific Gulls,3 Caspian Terns
Oliver Williams 11/7 #223865
Antarctic Prion, Cape Petrel
Offshore--Sydney Pelagic
Highlights of a lovely winter pelagic trip which promised more than it delivered were two Antarctic Prions and Sydney's first Cape Petrel since 2012. Also of note were 6 White-fronted Terns, 8 Brown Skuas, 80 Australasian Gannets and a Northern Giant Petrel.
Roger McGovern and all on the MV Avalon 11/7 #223867
Nutmeg Mannikin, Little Eagle
Helles Park, Moorebank
Was down at Helles Park, Moorebank shooting arrows again at Liverpool City Archers on Saturday and saw a flock of about 20 Nutmeg Mannikins and got great views of a Little Eagle. Not seen either of these in the ten years I've been shooting there.
Andy Firth 13/7 #223885
Pacific Baza
Waitara
One Baza observed being mobbed by Noisy Miners about midday in Sydney Blue Gums in Netherby Street Bushland Reserve.
Paul Burcher & Jacqueline Reifenstein 13/7 #223886
Fri 10Pacific Baza
St Ives
Pacific Baza spotted hunting late morning in Eucalypt tree-tops in backyards between Iluka Place and Gibran Place. After about half an hour of hunting in the area it appeared to make a kill, and flew off towards the east. Link to photo taken from same location about three weeks back. Further information
David Field 10/7 #223854
Little Eagle
Bundeena
Around 11am a Little Eagle attracted a lot of attention from neighbourhood birds as it circled and headed from Jibbon towards the west over Yarmouth Swamp, which is generally the haunt of our White-bellied Sea-Eagles.
Bruce Roubin 10/7 #223860
Fan-tailed Cuckoo
Scarborough Park Monteray
A common bird in the spring and summer months but have never heard one in full voice mid winter before
Oliver Williams 11/7 #223863
Thu 9Pacific Gulls
Dolls Point Botany Bay
8 Pacific Gulls (7 juveniles)on beach at low tide
Oliver Williams 9/7 #223847
Regent Honeyeater
Lake Cathie NSW
While birding at Lake Cathie NSW 2 Regent Honeyeaters landed in a flowering gum . Pictures were taken and we have seen them there before (Moderator's note: I am assuming that this spot is the commencement of the Lake Cathie Village Track where they were reported on the 25th and 30th June 2015.AKM).
Kathinka Linihan Mark Strangwidge 9/7 #223849
Buller's & Shy Albatross. Brown Skua
Swansea Pelagic Boat Trip
Highlights of a very disappointing day were 2 Buller's. 100+ Yellow-nosed, 3 Shy and 5 Black-browed Albatross along with 2 Brown Skua, 15+ Fairy Prion, some Fluttering Shearwaters inshore and a couple of Crested Terns. The sea off the shelf had a glassy/oily look and we attracted nothing new to the boat out wide.
Allan Benson, Mick Roderick plus 19 others on board 12/7 #223872
Wed 8Varied Sittella
Terrigal Lagoon Reserve, Florida Road, Terrigal
A group of 6 Varied Sittellas were active in the Swamp Oaks (Casuarina glauca), around the northern edge of Terrigal Lagoon, and Michael Scobie reported seeing them at this site a few days before. Varied Sittellas have declined in coastal areas of the Central Coast in the past 20 years, so this is an important sighting
Judy Clark, per Alan Morris and 24 memnbers of a CCGBNSW Outing 9/7 #223846
Tue 7Black - necked Stork
Swamp near Ironbark Creek, Minmi Rd, Wallsend
Seen next to Bunnings around 0830 while driving past.
Ben Abernethy 7/7 #223836
Gang-gang Cockatoo
Burramoko fire trail Blackheath
Saw about 13 (!) gang gangs (males and females) feeding from some Eucalyptus racemosa at about 4 pm.
Lindsey Gray 19/7 #223934
Mon 6Caspian Tern, Little Egret
Homebush Bay Waterbird Refuge
2 Caspian Terns (unusual for this site) present this morning, also 1 Little Egret, 1 Red-kneed Dotterel, and c. 150 Avocets
Brian Downer 6/7 #223821
Pacific Baza
Mt Annan Botanical Gardens
A single Pacific Baza was seen this afternoon actively hunting in the upper foliage of tall eucalypts in the gully nearest to the Banksia Garden in this park.
Bob and Pauline Sinclair 6/7 #223823
Spotted Harrier
Streeton Lookout, Freemans Reach
Great time of year for raptors in the Hawkesbury. Sit on the verandah and hop up for a look when the alarm calls go off. Brown Goshawk, Black Kite and male Collared Sparrowhawk today 7/7/15. Wedgetail, Spotted Harrier, Whistling Kites and a few unidentifieds yesterday 6/7/15. Whistling Kites and Spotted Harrier on 5/7/15. Sea Eagle and Square tailed Kite on 2/7/15. Orioles have suddenly turned here up too. All in the vicinity of the lookout or directly north
Mike Felstead 7/7 #223834
Wandering Whistling Duck, Freckled Duck, Horsfield Bronze-Cuckoo
McPherson's Rd Swamp, Tuggerah.
Since the sighting and post to Birdline of the Wandering Whistling Duck at this site on 2 July, the Duck has remained on site although some times it is hard to find. However with all the visitors to the Reserve over the weekend other interesting birds have been seen, including up to 6 Regent Bowerbirds, a pair of Horsfield's Bronze-Cuckoo (first for CC this year), Hobby, Swamp Harriers, Shovellers, Sea-Eagle, Whistling Kite, Brown Goshawk, Grey Goshawk, Little Eagle, Swamp Harrier, Emu-wrens & White-headed Pigeon, Chestnut-breasted Mannikins, not to mention the easy to see and photograph Freckled Ducks, making this small wetland reserve a good place to visit at present.
Alan Morris 7/7 #223837
Scarlet Robin
Scheyville National Park - Longneck Lagoon
A single female Scarlet Robin was seen feeding at the intersection of Pitt Town Dural Road and the track between the NP and homes. A Rose Robin was in the same area.
Elisabeth Karplus 10/7 #223855
Pacific Gull
Off St Michael's golf course just north of Cape Banks.
Greg McCarry 29/7 #224030
Sun 5Crescent Honeyeater, Grey Currawong
Narrow Neck Peninsula, Katoomba
About a dozen Crescent H/Es in the trees about 500-750m from the furthest (locked) gate approx 2:45pm. Single Grey Currawong at the end of the track that looks out over the Ruined Castle & Mt Solitary approx 2pm. Also, 2 Crested Shrike-tits at the locked gate car park at 2;50pm. Plenty of White-naped and Yellow-faced H/Es scattered in with New Hollands along the tracks. On Kings Tableland earlier in day, approx 100 Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoos seen flying over.
Tom Wilson 5/7 #223813
Regent Bowerbird
Picketts Valley Rd, Picketts Valey, Central Coast
Adult male at end of Picketts Valley Rd. A little further south than sites where they are usually reported. (Moderator's Note: Regent Bowerbirds are regularly sighted at Kincumber and McMasters Beach, which are to the south of this location, AKM) eBird checklist
Andrew Taylor 5/7 #223815
Swift Parrot
Back Yamma State Forest
Along with the usual good birds in this reserve (Turquoise Parrot, Bluebonnet, Painted BQ etc) a loose group of about 20 Swift Parrots was seen very well in flowering woodland (whether they were lerping or feeding on blossom we could not ascertain). A group of at least 70 Dusky Woodswallows was also the biggest I have seen. eBird checklist
Ashwin Rudder, Max Breckenridge, Andrew Walker and Nathan Ruser 7/7 #223833
Sat 4Scarlet Robin
Kioloa Coastal Campus (ANU)
A pair of Scarlet Robins on fenceline, feeding on ground below.
Margaret Hamon 4/7 #223797
Fairy Prions, White-fronted Tern, Pacific Gull
Botany Bay National Park--Cape Banks
Great views this afternoon of at least 12 Fairy Prions only a few metres from the shore at the tip of Cape Banks. 4 Black-browed Albatross were also very close in (as well as several more further out to sea). A single White-fronted Tern and an immature Pacific Gull over the seaward rock platform.
Iain Blake 4/7 #223800
Arctic Tern
Flat Rock, Ballina
Arctic Tern seen resting on Flat Rock, just after midday. Last seen about 1:50pm. heading due east. It might worth a look tomorrow about the same time. Also 7 x Common Tern, 2 x White-fronted Tern & a couple of Wandering Tattlers.
Steven McBride, Hans Wohlmuth 5/7 #223804
Australasian Grebe
Veterans Hall Wharf Saratoga
A group of 14 Australasian Grebe were observed in a tight group on Brisbane Water at around 0930. This grouping is known to occur with Hoary-headed Grebe on Tuggerah Lakes however this is the first that I have noted on Brisbane Waters after over 40 years of birdwatching in the area.
Paul Shelley 6/7 #223820
Pacific Baza
Mulgoa Nature Reserve, Western Sydney
We had a fantastic 45 minutes watching a Pacific Baza flying from branch to branch before plunging into foliage to take a stick insect or mantid. It had no fear or even interest in us and often came within just a few metres. Uncropped photo attached. Other good birds were Rose Robins, Restless Flycatchers, Buff-rumped Thornbills and WeeBills.
Paul Johnstone, Stephen Hey 6/7 #223824
Fri 3Wandering Whistle Duck
Pottsville
~100 Wandering Whistlers at artificial wetland north of Seabreeze Estate Pottsville
Bob Moffatt 3/7 #223792
Grey-fronted Honeyeater
Nombinnie Nature Reserve
Several Grey-fronted Honeyeaters were located on the old wheatfield and along the rail line in Nombinnie during a two day visit this week. They were outnumbered by good numbers of Yellow-plumed and White-fronted Honeyeaters. Scrub-robins were numerous, but Quailthrush were scarce and no notable whistlers were either seen or heard. Of concern were small numbers of both Yellow-throated and particularly Noisy Miners in the wheatfield.
Ashwin Rudder, Max Breckenridge, Andrew Walker and Nathan Ruser 7/7 #223838
Thu 2Wandering Whistling Duck, Hobby and Grey Goshawk
McPherson Rd Swamp, Tuggerah
At 8.30 am this morning when the Temp was 7C, a single Wandering Whistling Duck was seen amongst 82 roosting Hardheads and 19 Freckled Ducks that could be observed through the break in the fence, two thirds away westwards along McPherson Rd. Also seen were a pair of Grey Goshawks and an Australian Hobby on the wires. Later a Sea-eagle and a Nankeen Kestrel were seen at this site. This is the first record for a WWD on the Central Coast since when a pair were observed at nearby Gavenlock Rd Swamp on 28 October 2012.
Alan Morris & Allan Benson 2/7 #223783
White-bellied Cuckoo-shrike
Powers Rd, Seven Hills
While going for a short walk during my lunch break, I was surprised to find a dark-morph White-bellied Cuckoo-shrike in the weedy vegetation alongside the creek beside the southern side of Powers Rd a few hundred metres north of the railway station car park. I was able to watch it at close range for a couple of minutes before it was chased off by a White-plumed Honeyeater.
Edwin Vella 2/7 #223785
Wed 1Wilson's Storm Petrel
7 km off Nambucca Heads
Several Storm Petrel's together with Indian Yellow Nosed Albatross and a lot of Prions, close but not close enough to ID. The best of the day was by far about 25 Humpback Whales doing what they do best to impress. They were no more that 50-70m from the boat. The best day ever.
Peter Mackey 2/7 #223784
June 2015
Tue 30Regent Honeyeater
Cathie Village Track
A pair of Regent HE present at the original pollarded Swamp Mahogany as reported in mid/late May. Other birds here included Spangled Drongo, Eastern Spinebill, Red and Little Wattlebird, Figbird, Lorikeets, corvids... 3.30 p.m. Sunny, 18*C
Ted & Robbie Giblin 30/6 #223765
Diamond Firetail
Warrabah Station Rd, west of Kingstown.
30+ Diamond Firetails in mixed flock of Double-barred Finches, Yellow-rumped Thornbills, Crested Pigeons and Magpie-larks. All feeding in open paddock.
Peter Higgins, Robert Tatham, David Read and Michael Cheers 3/7 #223794
Mon 29Powerful Owl
Featherdale wildlife park
On my morning round myself and my head keeper heard noisey minors hanging out in a tree on the main pathway. When he went to see what the noise was about he spotted a powerful owl (wild) bird hanging out which was awesome because they haven't been spotted in our park for quite a long time. We do house captive powerful owl which could have attracted this bird in- however pretty cool way to start our morning!
Jake Webb & Sarah Moncrieff 29/6 #223740
Broad-billed Prion
South Ballina beach
A beach washed Broad-billed Prion along with a Black-browed type Albatross found on South Ballina beach this afternoon.
Steven McBride 29/6 #223753
Sun 28Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross, Prions, Pacific Gull, Kelp Gull, White-fronted Tern
Mistral
A calm, warm afternoon at Mistral Point was excellent for whale-watching (c.17 humpbacks seen between 2.30-5) and a number of decent seabirds including a juv pacific gull & white-fronted tern close in, more distant kelp gull, distant prions & BB albatrosses and a good closer view of an adult Indian yellow-nosed albatross. Gannets & cormorants to finish.
Michael ellison 28/6 #223736
Southern Giant Petrel, Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross
5km North-east of Cabbage Tree Island, Port Stephens
A Southern Giant Petrel circled around a whale-watching boat 5km NE of Cabbage Tree Island so close I could see the greenish bill tip. At this point of time (c 1605 hrs) there were 62 Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross sitting on the water in three small flocks, no other species of Albatross were seen in the 3 hours. 70+ Australasian Gannets were also present due to school of bait fish passing by. I had a count of 22 Australian Fur Seals roosting on rocks at Cabbage Tree Island, I wonder what impact these might be having on the Fairy Penguins that nest on Cabbage Tree, and nearby Broughton & Boondelbah Islands?
Alan Morris 29/6 #223744
Sat 27Prions, Giant-Petrels
Ballina Lighthouse Lookout
Great day for "sp." seabirds, with poor light, frequent showers, and the birds being a long way out. At least 150 Prions and min. 3 brown Giant-Petrels, a Fluttering-type Shearwater and a winter Jaeger.
Hans Wohlmuth, Steven McBride 27/6 #223721
Fri 26Fairy Prion
Tacking Point Lighthouse, Port Macquarie
Approximately 20 Fairy Prions feeding in close to Tacking Point. An immature White Breasted Sea Eagle appeared and made two stooping attacks on individual prions and missed on both occasions. Fluttering type shearwaters and Gannets were present further out to sea.
Tim Morris 26/6 #223707
Beach Stone-curlew
Hastings Point
Two birds on sand flats including one with engraved leg flag yellow A2
Bob Moffatt 26/6 #223709
Brahminy Kite
Spencer Township
Brahminy Kite observed flying across the river & coming to roost in a gum tree high on the hillside behind the local cafe this afternoon.
Jenny Stiles, Marie Lister, Carol Abbott & Margaret Murray 26/6 #223711
Powerful Owl, Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo, Grey Butcherbird
Royal Botanic Gardens (Sydney)
Powerful Owl roosting at a fat Waterhousea tree a short walk behind gift shop - check with volunteer at the gift shop. A flock of 10+ Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo flew over the park. A Grey Butcherbird was found foraging in the restricted Government House area, flew out briefly in the Harbour shore area.
Tun Pin Ong 27/6 #223713
Nutmeg Mannikins
Kyeemagh
11 Nutmeg Mannikins behind the St George Soccer ground, Black-shouldered Kite hovering nearby. 13 Avocets still in nearby wetlands.
Oliver Williams 27/6 #223718
Thu 25Regent Honeyeater
cnr Dirah & Karikernie Sts Lake Cathie
Two birds, as previously reported, seen feeding on lerps in a Swamp Mahogany at the start of the Lake Cathie Village Track. All the Swamp Mahogany trees have now ceased flowering. The birds were seen at the same site the previous day by other observers.
Alan Morris 29/6 #223742
Wed 24Pacific Gull
South Maroubra Beach
2 immature Pacific Gulls resting together on the rockshelf at the Southern end of Maroubra Beach. Seen while whale watching mid afternoon on a mild & calm winter's day. Also seen 1 Kelp Gull and a Peregrine Falcon
Kerry Allen 25/6 #223694
Wandering Whistling Duck, Pink-eared Duck, Jacana
Kings Creek Road Swamp, Wauchope
For the first time this year, I found 11 Wandering Whistling Ducks on this a swamp, along with the lone Pink-eared Duck (previously reported ) and a lone Jacana. Striped Honeyeaters were feeding and calling in adjacent Swamp Oaks.
Alan Morris 29/6 #223743
Tue 23Swift Parrot
Boorolong Creek, Armidale
A group of 8-10 Swift Parrot in regular attendance throughout the day at this site.
Gary Phillips 20/7 #223952
Sun 21Sacred Kingfisher
Wiseman's Ferry
Unusual winter record of Sacred Kingfisher on the Hawkesbury River near Mill Creek. (Moderator's Note: Some Sacred Kingfishers over-winter in mangroves along the coast and in River Red Gum forests along the major inland rivers. AKM). Also of note were a Spotted Harrier at Maroota and a pair of Glossy Black Cockatoos near Spencer.
Roger McGovern 21/6 #223670
Sat 20Black Kite
Neutral Bay
Noisy Miner alert, Black Kite being chased by Magpies and Currawongs with Rainbow lorikeets circling around. At my home in Neutral Bay,13:45 Saturday. Could clearly see its forked tail as it soared off to Milsons Point. Slight southerly breeze, Sunny and cloud patches. Further information
Dick Dallimore 20/6 #223656
Cape Petrel, Buller's Albatross,Fairy Prions, Campbell's Albatross.
Wattamolla, Royal National Park,
Large numbers of sea birds off Wattamolla today including Buller's Albatross,also seen my first Cape Petrel for the winter and at least 1000 prions also 2 Campbell's Albatross,4 Giant Petrels and 3 Brown Skuas.
michael ronan. 20/6 #223660
Black Kite
Bakers Lagoon, Richmond
One seen in the distance flying over the lagoon.Also a nice adult Spotted Harrier seen quartering over the long grass beside Bakers lagoon in the late afternoon.
Edwin Vella and Follow That Bird 21/6 #223676
Musk Duck
Richmond Lowlands
The female Musk Duck was still present beside Powells Lane Also seen was a flock of about 100 Zebra Finches, 5 Dusky Woodswallows, a female Brown Goshawk on the ground plucking away at what appeared to be a Cattle Egret, a light morph Little Eagle being mobbed a few times by a flock of Galahs and a Black-shouldered Kite giving an a adult Sea-eagle a hard time.
Edwin Vella and Follow That Bird 21/6 #223677
Fri 19Antarctic Prion and Buller's Albatross
Mistral Point, Maroubra
Stacks of birds today: 150 Fairy Prions, some of which came close enough to identify easily, with them at least 2 Antarctic Prions, 25+ Black-browed Albatross, 1 Shy Albatross, 1 Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross and a single Buller's Albatross. Early signs are promising for seabird sightings this winter.
David Mitford 21/6 #223672
Thu 18Fluttering Shearwater, White-fronted Tern & Black-browed Albatross
Soldiers Point, Norah Head
A three hour seawatch this morning 9.30 to 12.30 turned up over 400+ Fluttering Shearwaters feeding relatively close in to the reefs at Soldiers Point at high tide. There were 23+ White-fronted Terns roosting on the rocks or feeding in the surf, 2+ Black-browed Albatross that hung around the whole time, one adult and one immature; 200+ Gannets well out, many pods of Humpback Whales, while on the rocks there was 1 Great Knot, 19 Red-capped Plovers, 6 Double-banded Plovers, 4 Sooty Oystercatchers, 20+ Red-necked Stints, 8 Ruddy Turnstones and 2 Grey-tailed Tattlers and a Nankeen Kestrel and Sea-eagle were also present.,
Allan Benson and Alan Morris 18/6 #223642
Tue 16Hoary-headed Grebe
Woodford Dam, Blue Mountains
A single Hoary-headed Grebe seen on the lake. Uncommon in the Blue Mountains, this is the first I have seen here. eBird checklist
Mark Ley 16/6 #223624
Barking Owl
Howlong, NSW
A Barking Owl was observed sitting on the Russell Street street sign about 11 pm. It was a quite foggy night but the bird was seen clearly in the headlights
John Harris and Fred Bohner - Wildlife Experiences P/L 19/6 #223652
Mon 15Noisy Pitta
Kooloonbung Creek Nature Park
100 m north of the guide hall
Ian Kerr 15/6 #223617
Bush Stone-curlew
Pottsville
Loose flock of 11 individuals northern end Pottsville North caravan park
Bob Moffatt 15/6 #223620
Pacific Baza
Centennial Park
A pair of birds seen around the depot in the middle of the park at c1pm. Very confiding - within 30m & moving from tree to tree whilst being mobbed by noisy miners & a magpie. Finally moved off over the Brazilian Fields. Possibly same as pair observed at Bradley's Head, Mosman in early May?
Michael Ellison 16/6 #223623
Superb Parrot
Whittakers Lane, Howlong
7 Superb Parrots seen flying in the vicinity of Whiitakers Lane during a very dull and misty day.
John Harris - Wildlife Experiences P/L 19/6 #223653
Sun 14Arctic Tern
Austinmer Beach
Thrilled to see an imm. Arctic Tern a little off Austinmer Beach this afternoon at 2pm while scanning for whales. Watched the Tern for five minutes as it fished behind breaks and several surfers. It eventually headed north. White rump/tail clearly visible; black outer tail feathers also obvious. Illustrations in latest Slater most match its flight appearance. A tick for me. Additional ID Notes: The clear bright-white rump meeting grey back was one deciding point. There’s a clear cut off point between white and grey, unlike more of a smudge in WFTs. Also, dark smokey-grey-meets-black in shoulders. Wingtips darker on a WFT imm in my experience. Also, the black cap seemed to start above middle of the eye, with a dagger-like bill.
Lorne Johnson 14/6 #223610
Little Eagles
Sydney
A pair of Little Eagles flew from Centennial Park over Moore Park, one dark and one light phase. [Moderator's Note: We have received 20+ reports of Little Eagles over the last two weeks from the Sydney region, so we will refrain from publishing any more sightings from this apparent "influx" for the moment - please refer to eBird. This is an interesting occurence, as for the last few years only a couple of pairs have been resident in Sydney. JB]
Eric Finley 14/6 #223615
New Zealand/New Caledonian (type) Storm-Petrel
Pelagic off Port Stephens
Highlight of an amazing winter pelagic off Port Stephens was a New Zealand/New Caledonian (type) Storm-Petrel, the identification of which is being discussed and will likely remain unresolved for some time. The bird looks like a New Zealand SP but has similar traits to the 'New Caledonian / Coral Sea Storm-Petrels' that have been seen off the Qld coast, in waters around New Caledonia and off Ulladulla in March 2010. The bird was essentially identical in appearance to the NZSP accepted by BARC off Swansea in April 2013 and in behaviour to the one seen off Port Stephens on 28 March 2010 (being the first Australian record of NZSP and literally the day before the Ulladulla bird was seen). It was very similar in size and behaviour to (and thus easily lost within) the numerous Wilson's Storm-Petrels that were around the boat, though some on board commented that it may have been marginally bigger. This is the first winter record of either a NZSP or CSSP type bird in NSW waters. It was an outstanding day for albatross, with >130 Indian Yellow-nosed seen (70-80 alone behind a trawler 3 miles from the heads), good numbers of Campbell (x7 adults), Shy-types (all adults), but only 3 Black-broweds. There were 3 Buller's also and likely just the one Gibson's (images need to be scrutinised). There were moderate numbers of Fairy Prion, 20+ Solander's Petrels, 2 Hutton's/1 Sooty Shearwater and a single Northern Giant-Petrel. Most unusual was an unseasonal Arctic Jaeger just a few miles inside the shelf harassing a flock of Silver Gulls that were with us the entire day (photo of the stormy by Allan Richardson).
Mick Roderick and all aboard the M.V.Argonaut 15/6 #223618
Forest Kingfisher, Jacky Winter
Googik Track, Lake Innes Nature Reserve
2 Forest Kingfishers seen in swamp at southern end of Googik Track adjacent to garbage tip perimeter fence. 3 Jacky Winters at same location, perched on posts on inside of the fence. eBird checklist
Liam Murphy 15/6 #223622
Sat 13Brush Bronzewing, Little Eagle, Dusky Woodswallow
Wianamatta Nature Reserve, Cranebrook, Western Sydney
Spent the morning searching for the recently reported - and banded - Pink Robin. No sign of it but lots of activity otherwise. Thornbills are very conspicuous. Honeyeaters are across the reserve with the greatest concentration - and variety - centered around a few isolated flowering eucalypts. Photograph attached showing Yellow, Buff-rumped (banded) and Striated Thornbills, Varied Sittella, Brush Bronzewing, Little Eagle (dark morph) and Dusky Woodswallow. eBird checklist
Greg McLachlan 13/6 #223598
Chestnut-rumped Heathwren, Jacky Winter
Laughtondale Gully Rd, Maroota
Good numbers of honeyeaters were about beside Laughtondale Gully Rd - Noisy Friarbirds, Little and Red Wattlebirds, White-eared, New Holland, White-cheeked, Yellow-tufted, White-naped, Yellow-faced and Eastern Spinebills. Also saw a Chestnut-rumped Heathwren, 3 Jacky Winter (all perched together on the same power line), Bar-shouldered Doves etc.
Edwin Vella 13/6 #223599
Regent Honeyeater (5)
Wiseman's Ferry
At the golf course I was to surprised to hear first, then locate 5 Regent Honeyeaters feeding in a number of flowering Lemon Scented Gums with numerous Noisy Friarbirds and fewer other species of honeyeaters (including a few Scarlet Honeyeaters). The Regents appeared not to be faithful to a particular eucalypt and I observed one male perch and display in a non-flowering Lemon Scented Gum for quite some time and opposite where the other 4 where spending more time feeding in with the Friarbirds. I could not see any of these Regents with leg bands. I then went back to the golf course about 2 hours later and could not locate any Regent Honeyeaters despite the same sort of honeyeater as before. I did however see 5 Blue-faced Honeyeaters, a pair of adult Satin Bowerbirds and 9 White-winged Choughs in the nearby picnic area.
Edwin Vella 13/6 #223600
Brahminy Kite
Spoon Bay, Wamberal
A single bird seen hunting along the shoreline between North Wamberal Beach and Spoon Bay late in the afternoon. Roosted in the dune vegetation however was hunted out by Australian Raven and flew back south. Maybe its the same one recently seen on the Hawkesbury? (Moderator's Note: An adult Brahminy Kite was seen at The Entrance Channel on 8/6/15 by Tim Faulkner and there has been no recent reports from the Hawkesbury so that I assume it is the same one.AKM)
Paul & Luke Shelley 14/6 #223602
Antarctic Prion
Offshore--Sydney Pelagic
Highlight of an excellent pelagic trip off Sydney were several (perhaps six) Antarctic Prions amongst good numbers (c.100) Fairy Prions. Also six albatross species including more than 30 Indian Yellow-nosed, 10 Providence Petrels, 7 Great-winged Petrels (six appeared to be nominate macroptera and one gouldi), 2 Brown Skuas and one Northern Giant Petrel. A Humpback Whale breaching clear of the water close to the boat was another great spectacle. (Antarctic Prion photograph courtesy of Steve Hey)
Roger McGovern and all on the MV Avalon 14/6 #223603
Fri 12Turquoise Parrot
Middle Road, Paxton
Single Turquoise Parrot seen in bushland on private property off Middle Road, just north of Paxton. This species is extremely scarce in the Cessnock woodlands with less than one record a year reported on average these days (in fact the last reported birds I can find were from HEZ in October 2011).
Mick Roderick 12/6 #223586
Lewins Rail, Mistletoebird
Warriewood Wetlands
At about 4:25pm this afternoon I heard a Lewins Rail calling from about 3m away near where the hybrid ducks hang. I could see the bush moving and saw a tiny bit of the bird but as per usual not good views. Also heard a Misteltoebird in the same spot
Jayden Walsh 12/6 #223588
Wed 10Black Kite (1) Pink Robin (1) female
Wianamatta Nature Reserve
Another attempt for Pink Robin this time turned up a reasonable candidate, a female plumaged robin with two rich tan wing bars in thick paperbark woodland in NE corner of reserve. Silent and shy views were quick and no chance for photo. Could not see if banded. I did find a banded Rose Robin with a pink chest, calling frequently in the same location, where there are quite a few banded birds (Yellow Thornbill, Eastern Yellow Robin, Eastern Spinebill). A single Black Kite flew over the same area with several Aust. Magpies in pursuit giving a very good view. A rare bird in the Sydney county.
Dion Hobcroft 11/6 #223578
Tue 9Spangled Drongo
Pacific Highway, Turramura
2 drongoes seen flying around the Community Gardens opposite Rohini St approx 6:50am. Being harassed by Noisy Miners. [Moderator - Spangled Drongos are regular winter migrants to the Sydney area. Today's reports are the last ones that will be published this season as it is now clear that they have arrived in good numbers - AR]
Tom Wilson 9/6 #223550
Varied Sittella (5) Brush Bronzewing (1 male) Whistling Kite (1)
Wianamatta Nature Reserve, Cranebrook
Wandered around hoping I might jag the Pink Robin, no luck with this. Also White-cheeked, White-eared and Brown-headed Honeyeaters, Brown Gerygone, Striated, Brown and Buff-rumped Thornbills..
Dion Hobcroft 9/6 #223559
Red-necked Avocet
Ettalong Beach NSW
Single bird landed on water then swam into shore and settled amongst the seagulls.
Jill Davis 10/6 #223571
Mon 8Swift Parrot
Dharawal Nature Reserve (restricted access)
Swift Parrots were seen on a number of occasions with a maximum of 12 individuals observed flushed out of a single tree. It is likely more individuals were present. All sightings were in 'atypical' Swift Parrot habitat - widely scattered and stunted Scribbly Gums/Sydney Peppermint above a dense closed shrubland of Dagger Hakea and Banksia ericifolia. They appeared to be feeding in the Scribbly Gums which were not in flower - so unsure what they were targeting. This sighting indicates usage of habitat (like Royal NP sighting last year) likely to have been overlooked in the past (especially as most of such areas have restricted access on the Woronora Plateau) and has important management consequences such as potential impacts of current and proposed longwall mining on the plateau.
Martin Schulz and George Madani 8/6 #223545
Little Eagle, Lewin's Rail
Air services site, Shanes Park
A pair of Little Eagles were showing quite well and also seen was a dark morph Brown Falcon (one took off from the ground in the Melaleuca woodland), lots of Rose Robins (at least 8 in various plumages), 4 Crested Shrike-tits, a single White-throated Tree-creeper (a very rare resident in Shanes Park with probably only one or a pair still around there), lots of Buff-rumped Thornbills but unfortunately no Speckled Warblers (they appeared to be getting harder to find here). There were also quite a number of Spotless Crakes calling in the swamp and we also heard a Lewins Rail call from it usual location.
Edwin Vella and Mark Fuller 8/6 #223548
Spangled Drongo
Irrawong Reserve
2 Spangled Drongos seen extremely well and heard calling. [Moderator - Spangled Drongos are regular winter migrants to the Sydney area. Today's reports are the last ones that will be published this season as it is now clear that they have arrived in good numbers - AR]
Jayden Walsh 9/6 #223552
Sun 7Little Eagle
Bobbin Head Rd, North Turramurra
Single pale phase bird cruised over my house heading west approx 1:50pm. Quite high, stopped and circled a couple of times.
Tom Wilson 7/6 #223531
Eastern Osprey, Double-banded Plover
Long Reef Aquatic Reserve
Single Osprey flew along and then perched on south side of cliff for approx 10 mins at about 11am. 2 plovers seen on the rocks at the far end of the reef. No sign of the Pacific Gull reported recently.
Tom Wilson 7/6 #223532
Pink Robin
Wianamatta Nature Reserve, Cranebrook, Western Sydney
Adult female retrap caught in mist net in banding project. This bird is the same one that was caught and banded at the same location in August 2014. Australian Bird Study Association
Darryl McKay 7/6 #223535
Regent Honeyeater
Lake Cathie
Our male & female pair are still at the same site, but in a wider area.
Ted Giblin & Raul and Sandra Orcajo 7/6 #223536
Fairy Prion, Brown Skua
Soldiers Point (Norah Head)
A 2 hour sea watch produced not a single Albatross probably due to the calmness of the sea but I did see about 10 Fairy Prion, about 25 Fluttering Shearwaters, about 50 Australasian Gannets (several offshore diving for fish) and a Brown Skua chasing the Crested Terns. I saw one Humpback Whale and about 20 Bottlenose Dolphins during the 2 hours I was there.On the rocks were 21 Double-banded Plovers (all but one on the reef at the southern end of Soldiers Beach), 7 Red-necked Stints, 6 Ruddy Turnstones, 2 Grey-tailed Tattler, 3 Sooty Oystercatchers and a single White-fronted Tern.
Edwin Vella 8/6 #223546
Freckled Duck, Southern Emu-wren
McPherson Road Swamp
Saw 9 Freckled and a couple of Pink-eared Ducks, 2 Intermediate Egrets, a couple of Tawny Grassbirds and a White-bellied Sea-eagle flying over. I also came back later in the day to see if any Australasian Bitterns were about as the habitat looked ideal for them. I did not see any bitterns but I did find a pair of Southern Emu-wrens (male and female) in thick vegetation beside the western end of the swamp.
Edwin Vella 8/6 #223547
Pacific Baza
R.A.A.F Memorial Park, Whalan, Mount Druit
A grouped 3 Pacific Bazas in the trees of the Park
Robert Coveny per Alan Morris 10/6 #223564
Sat 6Australian Logrunner
Royal National Park--Lady Carrington Drive
After many attempts over the last few years, today we finally managed to nail a showy pair of Logrunners for our Sydney Basin Lists. A few kms north of the southern gate. Lots of Scarlet Honeyeaters about and many many Superb Lyrebirds too. Several deer seen too.
Josh Bergmark, Max Breckenridge, Ashwin Rudder, Andrew Walker, Julian Teh, Lachlan Hall, Simon Gorta 6/6 #223514
Buller's Albatross, Fairy Prion, Brown Skua
Royal National Park--Wattamolla
Highlights of a sea watch of the royal national park today were 3 Buller's Albatross, 25+ Fairy Prions, 1 Brown Skua. Also about 50 Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross.
michael ronan. 6/6 #223518
Black Bittern
Deepwater Park, Milperra
The Black Bittern was observed again today at noon at the western pond on Maxwell Avenue.
Iain Blake 6/6 #223520
Shining Bronze Cuckoo, Humpback Whale
Royal National Park--Wattamolla
In addition to visits to Lady Carrington Drive and Wattle Flat (see respective reports), we spent an hour and a half at Wattamolla. Standout bird, in addition to the usual Rockwarblers, Heathwrens and Tawny-crowned Honeyeaters, was a Shining Bronze Cuckoo - seemingly bizarre habitat. Some among our group set up a scope for seawatching. Conditions were flat with a very light westerly. In spite of our best and constant efforts, we saw very few seabirds, with only five albatross (all Black-browed) among the more regular handful of Crested Terns, and Silver Gulls. A group of c.50 Gannets was observed feeding some way offshore. No prions or any other winterish species were recorded. The highlight however was two Humpback Whales slowly moving north barely 200m off the cliffline, with some breaching observed.
Josh Bergmark, Max Breckenridge, Ashwin Rudder, Andrew Walker, Julian Teh, Lachlan Hall, Simon Gorta 6/6 #223521
Turquoise Parrot
Kulnura
I was driving slowly along Finns Rd looking for Blackbirds when a pair of Turquoise Parrots flushed from the grass and flew up into a tree. A big surprise. Didn't find any Blackbirds!
Nick Carson 9/6 #223555
Varied Sitella
Leura Cascades
6 Varied Sitellas seen at midday in my garden (Cliff Drive) opposite the national park. Feeding on Robinia trunk, about 2 metres from me. Seen again on following day, 7th, at around 8am amongst maple tree. Fine day , excellent viewing.
Judith Gillespie 12/6 #223590
Fri 5Bush Stone-curlew
Pottsville North Caravan Park
Loose flock of (at least) 7 individuals - northern end of park
Bob Moffatt 5/6 #223505
Southern Giant petrel
The Pass, Byron Bay
Large petrel 100m off the beach drew attention by sitting on the water resting it seemed. Large dark figure was approachable to within 5m (by surfboard) and then attracted to 2m away by finger wiggling like a fish. Juvenile bird with plain tan like bill with green grey tip. Bird gradually floated out to sea.very light winds but cold.
Duncan Fowler 5/6 #223506
Swift Parrot
Phil Adams Park, Corrimal, Illawarra
6+ individuals feeding in flowering Ironbarks in small park with remnant ironbarks, Woolybutts and Forest Red Gums. Left area when a Brown Goshawk appeared and flew to nearby flowering trees in Corrimal High School to the east. Yesterday seen some 750m to north west in flowering planted gum on edge of Corrimal Memorial Park.
Martin Schulz 5/6 #223507
Freckled Duck
Wonga Wetlands
Saw at least 15 Freckled Ducks along with some Shovelers and a couple of Pink-eared. They were mixed in with lots of teals
roslyn king 6/6 #223510
Red-necked Avocet
Kyeemagh Wetlands
14 Red-necked Avocets again today outnumbering the regular stilts in the wetlands behind the Bestic St Stadium.
Oliver Williams 6/6 #223513
Red-necked Avocet, Black-winged Stilt
Tuggerah Bay Saltmarsh, Lake Rd Tuggerah
There was a group of 46 Red-necked Avocets & 30 Black-winged Stilts at the Tuggerah Bay Saltmarsh on Friday. Other species present were Swamp Harrier, Swan, White-faced Herons, Little Egret, and White Ibis. This site is located at the end of Lake Rd Tuggerah, 800 m down the Lake Rd Firetail, that passes through Tuggerah NR and Tuggerah SCA..
Alan Morris 7/6 #223530
Thu 4Bar-tailed Godwit
Botany Bay Boat Ramp
A group of 8 youngsters enjoying the winter sun in Botany.
Richard Murray 4/6 #223489
Pacific Baza
East Ryde
I was alerted to a single baza circling overhead by a group of ravens at home this morning. As I was watching it, another baza joined it and then a third. They circled lazily, occasionally stooping on one another and eventually heading west over the Field of Mars before being lost from sight. A long overdue local tick!
Max Breckenridge 4/6 #223493
Square-tailed Kite
Coutts Crossing, SW of South Grafton
Adult kite soaring low over village at 11:35 hrs.
Greg Clancy & Warren Thompson 4/6 #223495
Freckled Duck, Pacific Baza
Walka Water Works
Counted 57 Freckled Ducks on the water at Walka Water Works. Group was largely resting in sparse, sheltered reed-type plants close to the shoreline; a few (around 10) birds swam on the open water. A single Baza was also seen flying over Scobies Lane. eBird checklist
Shoshana Rapley 5/6 #223500
Swift Parrot
Coates Park Road, Cobbitty
Single Swift Parrot seen on private property within a remnant patch of Cumberland Plain Woodland.
Brendon Levot 9/6 #223557
Wed 3Freckled Duck, Brown Quail, Regent Bowerbird
McPherson Rd Swamp, Tuggerah
During a 40 minute survey 7.30-8.10 am I was able to count 17 Freckled Ducks that had been roosting amongst the reeds but a raptor had flushed them out so an accurate count was possible. This is currently one of the largest concentration of Freckled Ducks in the Hunter/Central Coast/Sydney/Illawarra area at present. Other birds seen included adult male Regent Bowerbird, Brown Quail, Grey Goshawk, Tawny Grassbird & 2 White-necked Herons [Moderator's Note: there are at least 50 Freckled Ducks also present at Walka Waterworks near Maitland, suggesting a coastal movement by this species is currently underway again- AR]
Alan Morris, Carole and John Carpenter 3/6 #223474
Pink-eared Duck, Black-fronted Dotterel
Central Coast Wetlands, Tuggerah
There were 20 Pink-eared Ducks & 2 Shoveler amongst the Grey Teal, Black Ducks & Wood Ducks at the Dairy Swamp this morning. 2 White-necked Herons, 2 Black-fronted Dotterels and an Intermediate Egret the only other birds of interest. After being closed for 42 days due to flooding caused by the gale of 21-24/4, and the loss of power when power poles and wires came down, the CCW is now opened again Saturdays and Sundays 10 am to 4 pm.
Alan Morris 3/6 #223475
Ruddy Turnstone
Soldiers Point (Norah Head)
5 individuals actively feeding on rock shelf.
Carl Clifford 3/6 #223476
Spangled Drongo
Randwick
Spangled Drongo in fruiting fig tree south of Joongah St near Randwick Environment Park, then another sighting ten mins later inside the park.
Hazel Watson 3/6 #223481
Regent Honeyeater
Cathie Village Track , Lake Cathie
The pair of unbanded Regent Honeyeaters still present at the same location as reported over the last few days. Observed from 4pm-5pm, Wednesday 3/6. Feeding on flowering blackbutt, hawking insects and aggressively defending the tree from Red and Little Wattlebirds.
Liam Murphy 3/6 #223482
Sooty Owl
Mount Kembla Fire Trail
One bird observed near creek, Sugar Gliders heard calling nearby. Boobook also seen along fire trail.
Penny Potter, Graham Bardwell, Terrill Nordstrom 3/6 #223485
Black Bittern, Pink-eared Duck
Deepwater Park, Milperra
An adult male Black Bittern at the usual spot on the Maxwell Ave ponds was the first I've seen here since January. 19 Pink-eared Ducks on the Kelso Park pond is a local high count for me. 2 Hoary-headed Grebes at same pond. I could only find 2 Musk Lorikeets, a local low count for more than a year.
David James 4/6 #223486
White-fronted Tern
Sydney Harbour
Single White-fronted Tern in 1st winter plumage near Shark Island about 13:45
David James 4/6 #223487
Spotted Harrier
Four Mile Lane, Swan Creek
Adult Harrier landed in clump of weeds 20 m from road.
Greg & Val Clancy, Casey & Jan Noom 4/6 #223494
Bush Stone-curlew
Salt Beach, Casuarina
3 birds in urban park near major roundabout - one bird carrying engraved leg flag yellow A8
Bob Moffatt 5/6 #223504
Sooty Owl
McKeowns Valley, Jenolan Caves
Single bird seen perched soon after dusk
Mark Hocking 8/6 #223538
Tue 2Grey Goshawk (white morph)
Taronga Western Plains Zoo, Dubbo.
Spotted a white morph Grey Goshawk sitting in creek side vegetation at the back of the zoo (no public access).
Andrew O'Brien 2/6 #223461
Pacific Baza
The Ranch HSD Kennebri
A single Pacific Baza was seen on David Johnston's property "The Ranch" which is located east of the small village of Kennebri and north-east of Baradine. The property is well timbered and is within the Pilliga Scrub landform. Bazas are rare visitors to the Pilliga Scrub.
Bruce Threw and David Johnston per Alan Morris 2/6 #223466
Regent Honeyeater
Cathie Village Track, Lake Cathie
The 2 Regents, male & female, first reported on22nd May, are still at the same site, in the same tree. They are feeding on insects and lerps, despite the occasional attention of a large Red Wattle bird, and numerous Little Wattlebirds. White-cheeked Honeyeaters in same vicinity.(But no Drongos or Lorikeets). Cold 13*C sunny, windy day, at 10.15 a.m.
Ted Giblin & Steve Gallivan 2/6 #223467
Powerful Owl
Avondale College, Cooranbong
The Powerful Owl was sitting in the tree holding a Ring-tail Possum
Maurice Ashton 2/6 #223468
Juvenile Pacific Gull
Little Congwong Beach, La Perouse
Juv. Pacific Gull harassed by Australian Ravens, flew slowly along the beach.
Alex Barley 2/6 #223469
Mon 1Regent Honyeater
Lake Cathie Oval
Feeding on flowering blackbutt, and also eating tiny green fruits on tea-tree leptospermum, hawking for insects. In the same trees as friday.
Darin Rounsevell Silva Vaughan-Jones & Ian 1/6 #223458
Powerful Owl, Pacific Baza
Coffs Harbour Botanical Gardens
Adult Powerful Owl perched high in Turpentine. Adult Baza in Blackbutt near main entrance, being mobbed by Noisy Miners.
Greg Clancy 4/6 #223492
Pacific Baza
Chowder Bay, Mosman
In the trees beside the road leading to Chowder bay. I watched it for several minutes and saw it well.
Guy Troughton 15/6 #223619
May 2015
Sun 31Noisy Pitta (and Black Bittern)
Irrawong Reserve, Warriewood
Same place as always near the little waterfall. [Moderator's Note: Since this now annual bird is probably going to stay in exactly the same place for some months now, we will refrain from publishing updates. Please submit eBird checklists, which will allow any interested parties to check when it was last seen without cluttering up Birdline NSW. A similar case exists for the Black Bittern which is almost always found near the bridge on Jacksons Rd, and has been for the whole year. JB]
Chris Pollard 31/5 #223436
Emerald Dove, Green Catbird
Mt Keira Ring Track, Illawarra Escarpment State Cons. Area
Two Emerald Dove flushed in a clearing among dense forest on the eastern section of Mt Keira Ring Track. Two Green Catbirds also seen well.
Max de Beer, Stacey Sirol 31/5 #223440
Pacific Gull, White-fronted Tern
South Ballina
A juvenile Pacific Gull & 6 species of Tern on the beach at South Ballina today, including my 1st White-fronted Tern for this season, also a White-winged Black Tern, 2 Common Terns, Little Terns, Gull-billed Terns, & Crested Terns. eBird checklist
Steven McBride 31/5 #223444
Swift Parrot, Spangled Drongo, Rose Robin
Nurragingy Reserve
Four Swift Parrots were gleaning for lerp near Bell Miner colony. They were constantly harassed by Bell Miners. Other birds in the reserve: Spangled Drongo (1), Crested Shrike-tit (4), Rose Robin (2 males), Rufous Fantail (1), Blue-faced Honeyeater (3 - 1 adult and 2 juvs), Satin Bowerbird (1 female).
Ted Wnorowski 1/6 #223456
Sat 30Swift Parrot
Acacia Gardens
2 seen and heard flying over in the early morning. Lots of Lorikeets and various honeyeaters about.
Edwin Vella 30/5 #223422
Scarlet Robin & Crested Shrike-tit
Mogo Camp, Yengo NP, Bucketty
Highlights of a visit to the Bucketty area today as a regular outing of the Central Coast Group, Birding NSW, was at Mogo Camp, a pair of Crested Shrike-tits, and 4+ Scarlet Robins, including 2 pairs and possibly some immature birds on the track that connects the camp to the Old Great North Rd. This track passes through a section of a fairly intensive hazard reduction carried out in March 2015. The usual residents, White-eared, White-naped, Yellow-tufted and Yellow-faced Honeyeaters were all present. (First Scarlet Robins for the CC this season!).
Kaye Pointer, Alan Morris & 28 members CCGBNSW 30/5 #223425
Pacific Gull
Long Reef Aquatic Reserve
Immature Pacific Gull observed this morning during the shorebird count. Also 2 White-fronted Terns.
Jenny & Rod Stiles, Jayden Walsh, Robert Griffin and Judy Wolfe 30/5 #223427
Pacific Gull, Kelp Gull, Double-banded Plover
Botany Bay National Park--Cape Banks
Single immature Pacific Gull, adult Kelp Gull and Double-banded Plover on the rock platform at the tip of Cape Banks. A fur seal was also observed fishing only a few metres off-shore.
Iain Blake 30/5 #223428
Rock Warbler
Kangaroo Valley Bush Retreat, Kangaroo Valley
Group of 3 Rock Warblers seen along the cliff edge by 4 observers.
Pat Muller 31/5 #223433
Fri 29Plum-headed Finch
Capertee Valley - Genowlan Bridge Road
6 Plum-headed Finches perched while approximately another 100 circled twice then flew off. At the bridge a single New Holland Honeyeater.
Graham Blackwell, Alec & Catherine Gillespie 29/5 #223417
White-fronted Tern
Soldiers Point Rocks, Norah head
There were three White-fronted Terns, roosting with Crested Terns, on the rocks at Soldiers Point at 1600 hrs yesterday. These are the first birds reported for the Central Coast this season.
Alan Morris 30/5 #223426
Beach Stone Curlew
Wooli Wooli River estuary
A pair about 1km upstream from the Wooli oyster works.
Rob Elvish 31/5 #223429
possible South Island Pied Oystercatcher
Beach between Red Rock and Station Creek
Possible SIPO alone on beach. Not seen well enough to confirm [no bins!] Bird was south of the 4WD access point for Station Creek/Pebbly Beach, mid afternoon on an incoming tide.
Rob Elvish 31/5 #223430
Freckled Duck
Narrabri Lake
Three non-breeding Freckled Ducks amongst Pink-eared Ducks and Grey Teals. Good views us they swam near the drooping Sally Wattle on the island. See list for all species seen. eBird checklist
Kurtis Lindsay and Emily Mowat 1/6 #223449
Thu 28Grey Goshawk (White Morph)
Batemans Bay
Seen between Hanging Rock Place and the beach. Sorry for the bad quality photo. It was through the telescope and phone!
Steve Edwards 28/5 #223391
Pacific Baza
Bents Basin State Conservation Area
5 Pacific Baza in Bents Basin picnic area. Photo with captured insect.
Michael Rutkowski 28/5 #223401
Varied Triller
Harrington rainforest
Male and female Varied Trillers present in the Harrington Rainforest yesterday. Male calling. Posting here as seasonal movements of this species in NSW appear to be poorly understood.
Mick Roderick 29/5 #223406
White-backed Swallow
Capertee Valley--Genowlan Bridge
One White-backed Swallow was the highlight of a quick trip to the Capertee today. Lots of honeyeaters about at Glenowlan Bridge including Black-chinned, White-napped, Fuscous, Yellow-tufted, White-plumed and New-Holland Honeyeaters plus 40 Little Lorrikeets, Hooded Robin and 2 Diamond Firetails.
Robert Hynson 29/5 #223407
Regent Honeyeater
Lake Cathie
The two Regent HE's reported by Duncan Fowler et al were still at the site yesterday afternoon (a male and female). They appear to be 'working' a circuit between a small flowering Blackbutt, a slightly larger flowering Swamp Mahogany and some banksias in the area. As Duncan pointed out, the birds are defending the Blackbutt tree from other HE's. The male was doing mimicry of Figbird calls, interspersed with the single 'chack' note of a Little Wattlebird (see link for some 'bumpy footage'). Further information
Mick Roderick, Ted Giblin and Tim Morris 29/5 #223408
Pacific Gull
Town Beach (Port Macquarie)
Immature Pacific Gull (2nd year?) still present at Town Beach.
Tim Morris 29/5 #223413
Wed 27Scarlet Robin, Musk Duck
Powells Lane Richmond
1 female Scarlet Robin feeding in Casuarina's, and the female Musk Duck present also.
Keith Brandwood 28/5 #223394
Little Eagle
Windsor Town
1 Little Eagle circling over Moses St Windsor was 1 of 9 species of raptor recorded in the Hawkesbury on 27-5-15. [Moderator's Note: There have been a fair few LE reports from Sydney over the past few weeks, including two light and dark morph birds around the turf farms. JB].
Keith Brandwood 28/5 #223395
Noisy Pitta
Irrawong Reserve
Noisy Pitta seen extremely well by Jayden this morning at 7am. Also seen by Colin Bradshaw (attached photo). Bird is residing in the same area as last year, just west of the small raised boardwalk. [Moderator's Note: A young pitta was released at Irrawong last week by a wildlife carer after rehabilitation - it is unclear whether the bird pictured here is this rehabilitated individual, or the site faithful regular. JB].
Jayden Walsh and Colin Bradshaw 28/5 #223396
Scarlet Robin
Mount Annan Botanical Gardens, Mt Annan NSW
Perching in araucarias and feeding on the ground eBird checklist
Adrian o'Hara 28/5 #223404
Tue 26Pacific Gull
Nobbys Beach (and ocean)
Whilst having a quick look to see if any prions were visible from Fort Drive this afternoon (which they were not) I scanned along Nobbys Beach and saw what are presumably the 2 young Pacific Gulls that were seen here last Thursday (but had not been seen since). They were loafing with a group of Silver Gulls and Crested Terns (and as it turned out, an adult White-fronted Tern). I decided to get a closer look by walking out onto the breakwall but by the time I rounded Nobbys Head the birds were gone. They were then seen behind a fishing trawler that had anchored just off Nobbys. The birds were sitting near the boat along with lots of Silver Gulls and about 80 pelicans when I left. The very distant (cropped) image shows one of the birds flying left-to-right under the second right-most window.
Mick Roderick 26/5 #223378
Topknot Pigeon
Coffs Harbour Lawn Cemetery Karangi
60+ Topknot Pigeons flying east above lawn cemetery on the Coramba Rd. 1.30pm.
Warren Thompson 27/5 #223384
Black Bittern
Warriewood Wetlands
150 metres west of weir
colin bradshaw 27/5 #223385
Turquoise Parrot, Black Falcon
Back Yamma State Forest
We encountered a pair of Black Falcons perched on a dead tree beside the Back Yamma road and a small flock of Blue Bonnets before entering the western side of the forest. Within the forest, we also had a number of Red-capped Robins, more Blue Bonnets, Superb Parrots, lots of Speckled Warblers, a dozen or so Turquoise Parrots (including some young birds seen), White-browed Babblers, Brown Tree-creepers, White-bellied Cuckoos-shrike, Black-chinned Honeyeater and some Diamond Firetails beside their nest.
Edwin Vella and Mark Fuller 29/5 #223416
Mon 25Zebra Finch (4) Rose Robin (1)
Sydney Olympic Park
A pair of adult Zebra Finches with two dark-billed juveniles feeding on the first grassy hill overlooking Newington NR suggest recent breeding. A Rose Robin was my fourth record, in a large mixed flock on the edge of the nature reserve containing Golden and a single Rufous Whistler, several Grey Fantails and the usual suspects. No sign of Pink-eared Ducks at Lake Belvedere.
Dion Hobcroft 25/5 #223367
Square-tailed Kite
Narrabri Township
One bird hawking low over buildings in Narrabri Township near the bowling club. Saw a STK in the same location over a year ago. Further information
Kurtis Lindsay and Emily Mowat 25/5 #223371
Ground Cuckoo-shrike (10)
Euabalong
Along the Lake Cargelligo to Lake Cargelligo Rd , Mark and I noticed a number of birds having a go at a Brown Falcon we saw some Black-faced Cuckoo-shrikes amongst those mobbing the falcon and noticed also some longer tailed versions which after pulling over realised the later were 10 Ground Cuckoo-shrikes. The Cuckoo-shrikes flew over to the paddock on the other side of the road which had about 20 Banded Lapwing and some Magpies. There were a few young dark-eyed birds amongst the yellow-eyed adults.
Edwin Vella and Mark Fuller 29/5 #223414
White-backed Swallow, possible Blue-winged Parrot
Lake Cargelligo
At the Sewerage works, only one pond (the one closest to the bird hide) was deep enough to support the ducks with the larger ones almost all dried up despite recent rainfall in the area. We saw here a couple of Black-tailed Native-hen, a couple of Red-necked Avocet, a Spotted Harrier, 3 Major Mitchell Cockatoos, Blue Bonnets, Mallee Ringnecks, a few Cockatiel but best of all at least 6 White-backed Swallows. Also, I am almost certain that I heard a Blue-winged Parrot fly over the town which could be expected feeding on the saltmarsh around the area at this time of year.
Edwin Vella and Mark Fuller 29/5 #223415
Sun 24Brolga
Rushforth Rd. Poley Bridge nr Grafton.
Two birds about 200 north of the Orara River. Flew down creek line towards river. Not previously seen before in this location.
Warren Thompson 24/5 #223331
Rock Warbler
Maianbar
I have a Rock Warbler that has moved into my backyard. Today I saw it dropping its wings and dancing a figure eight. But it was doing it in front of our resident Whipbird. Does anyone know if this dance is supposed to be an intimidating dance or is it trying to attract a partner?
Julie Keating 24/5 #223335
Pacific Gull
Port Macquarie breakwall
1 immature
James Oates 24/5 #223337
Musk Duck, dark morph Little Eagle
Richmond Lowlands
A single female Musk Duck was a surprise to see on the small pond/flood channel beside Powell's Lane, along with 40+ busily feeding Pink-eared Ducks, a Black-winged Stilt and several other waterbirds. No sign of any Plumed Whistling Ducks around though. Other nice birds around the lowlands included a dark morph Little Eagle, a Peregrine Falcon, several Bar-shouldered Doves, and a Golden Whistler that was heard and very unusual at this site.
Ashwin Rudder, Joshua Bergmark and Nathan Ruser 24/5 #223339
Crescent Honeyeater
Martin's Lookout, Springwood
Three Crescent Honeyeaters actively calling and chasing each other in vegetation along Glenbrook Creek below Martin's Lookout. Rockwarbler and Peregrine Falcon also seen on the walk up to Lost World.
Max Breckenridge 24/5 #223343
Swift Parrots
Chiltern Trail, Ingleside
[Moderator Note: these two reports have been combined. It would be excellent if someone was able to verify if the parrots are staying in the area, and to observe what they are foraging on - AR] J. Walsh: 3 or 4 Swift Parrot seen flying (and head calling ) over the trail this morning, unfortunately they didn't stop. T. Hickman: Swift Parrots were heard at approximately 4:00pm today 100 or so meters south of where the Regent Honeyeaters were located last year. I only heard two very brief calls, which meant that I was not 100% certain on the ID, until I returned home and saw Jayden's post from earlier this morning. It sounded like the birds had settled down for the night. This sighting seems unusual, as there is not much in flower, with exception for Banksia ericifolia.
Jayden Walsh and Thomas Hickman 24/5 #223344
Plumed Whistling-ducks
Ulmarra-Tucabia Rd, 1km from Ulmarra
4000+ PWDs on small dam.
Michael Cheers 24/5 #223350
Fairy Prion
Terrigal
Four Fairy Prions feeding about 100 metres off The Skillion at 1615. Also present were 3 Australasian Gannets and 20+ Silver Gulls.
Nick Carson 25/5 #223358
Pacific Gull
The Entrance Channel, Tuggerah Lake
1 juvenile landed in channel. Stayed for bout half an hour then Silver Gulls chased it off. (Moderator's Note: This is the 4th Central Coast record, the last record was for an immature bird seen at Flat Rock, Munmorah SCA on 1 June 2013. AKM)
Shayne Weston 25/5 #223364
Swift Parrot
Pindar Cave track, Brisbane Waters NP
2 Swift Parrots resting about 3 metres up a stunted eucalypt amongst thick foliage. On higher ground with low eucalypts and angophoras above a mixed understorey dominated by Banksia Ericifolia in blossom. Directly above the walking track and flew off in surprise, without calling, when we were only a few metres away. Brief but clear view. No other parrot or lorikeet seen on this track in the 5 hours we were on it. Masses of honeyeaters on this walk, good numbers of Silvereye and Dusky Woodswallow, and a single Rock Warbler at Pindar Cave, as per e-bird checklist. A long, difficult but rewarding walk on a rough, hard to find track (not signposted) with Pindar Cave and the creek beyond well worth a look at. eBird checklist
Cameron Ward 25/5 #223370
Regent Honeyeater
Capertee Valley--Genowlan Bridge
4+ birds among 100's of smaller honeyeaters. [Moderator's Note: This is probably the largest congregation of wild birds recorded nation-wide since spring last year. Follow up observations noting exact numbers and presence/absence of rings would be excellent. JB].
David Hair 26/5 #223376
Sat 23Regent Honeyeater
Lake Cathie, mid North coast
Second morning observing 2 unbanded birds in a flowering gum and other nearby trees and bushland. Quite a thrilling and convenient sighting 20m from home. Hours of observations unperturbed by dogs, Hawks and other Honeyeaters which were sent on their way when trying to share the tree which is owned by the Regents for now. Even Rainbow Lorikeets weren't allowed in. Photos, video and sound recordings of course.
Duncan Fowler, Carmen Ludcke, Madeline Sanders 23/5 #223321
Square-tailed Kite, Australian Shoveler & Pink-eared Duck
Tuggerah STW, Tuggerah
Good birding at Tuggerah STW in late morning. I stopped along Wyong Rd (adjacent to the STW) to investigate a raptore being mobbed by Masked Lapwings and it turned out to be an immature Square-tailed Kite & a pair of Nankeen Kestrels also mobbed this bird. In at the STW there was a Swamp Harrier and later a Whistling Kite. There were 53 Australian Shovelers, 26 Pink-eared Ducks and about 40 Hoary-headed Grebes amongst the other waterbirds present.
Alan Morris 23/5 #223323
Flame Robin, Little Eagle
Western Sydney Parklands, Glendenning
While we were having lunch at Joe McAleer Park (adjacent to the Western Sydney Parklands) in Glendenning, Mike Rutowksi spotted a brown Robin sitting beside the fence of the oval at and was seen occasionally dropping to the ground. On closer inspection, we found it to be a female Flame Robin (only the second time I have seen one in Sydney and my first for the Blacktown LGA but apparently not the only record for the Blacktown LGA). We also had several and some good sightings throughout the day of at least one pair of Little Eagles (one at Glendenning and an adult, a juvenile and possibly another adult bird at the Quakers Hill section of the Western Sydney Parklands).
CBOC members per Edwin Vella 23/5 #223325
Fairy Prions, Albatross sp
Mistral Point, Maroubra
Sightings during a brief late afternoon seawatch at Maroubra today included a steady stream of Prions heading north (too far out for specific ID) and then 4 Fairy Prions close in to the point; 3 Yellow-nosed Albatross; 12+ Black-browed Albatross; 2 Shy Albatross; a late Arctic Jaeger (heading south!) and a pair of Little Penguins.
Robert Griffin 23/5 #223326
Gang-gang Cockatoo
Cataract Dam, Wilton
Pair of Gang-gang Cockatoo feeding in pine trees at the picnic area above the dam. Flew away before we could photograph them. Difficult to bird in a water supply area because of the need to stay on the road. eBird checklist
Jenny & Rod Stiles 23/5 #223327
White-headed Petrel, Wandering Albatross, Fairy Prions.
north head-sydney harbour national park.
Highlights from a sea watch from north head today was a white-headed petrel also an all dark wandering albatross with a white face and belly my first for the year. And there were hundreds of prions moving north from 2pm onwards.
michael ronan. 24/5 #223330
Pacific Gull
Illuka Bluff, Illuka.
Immature Pacific Gull sheltering on Northern side of bluff out or 30km southerly. Large pinkish bill with black tip. Also present 1 Red-necked Stint, 4 Ruddy Turnstones and 2 Lesser Sand Plovers.
Michael Cheers 24/5 #223349
Fri 22Pacific Gull, Buller's Albatross and Great-winged Petrel
Mistral Point, Maroubra
Two young Pacific Gulls (together), 2 Buller's Albatross, 15 Black-browed Albatross, 2 Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross, 1 Shy Albatross, 1 Brown Skua, 3 Giant Petrel (sp) and 33 Great-winged Petrels all seen today. I would assume the Pacific Gulls were the two at Newcastle yesterday.
David Mitford 22/5 #223314
Great-winged Petrel
Fort Drive (Newcastle Rock Platform)
There were several Great-winged Petrels visible from Fort Drive late this afternoon, maybe 15-20 birds all up? Some were quite close in and were flying well over 100m above the sea surface with the strong southerly wind. Only two other species seen; a lone Black-browed type Albatross and ~200 gannets, interestingly every single bird seen an adult bird. No sign of the Pacific Gulls anywhere.
Mick Roderick 22/5 #223316
Brahminy Kite
Marra Marra National Park at 33 28 21S 151 0 40E
Single adult Brahminy Kite seen flying distantly against cliff line in Marra Marra National Park from Spencer. Rare visitor to Hawkesbury River and rare for the Sydney/Gosford counties. Previously reported on 9 May-thanks Alan! Poor record shot attached.
Dion Hobcroft and David James 22/5 #223317
Pied Butcherbird
Wiseman's Ferry Bowling Club
Two adults and two juvenile Pied Butcherbirds in weedy field behind the bowling club well spotted by DJ. Probably indicates they nested here. A rare bird in the Sydney county-not sure if previously known to have bred here previously.
Dion Hobcroft and David James 22/5 #223318
Glossy Black Cockatoo
Spencer Township
Five Glossy Black Cockatoos 300 metres beyond the "Licensed Tree" towards Brooklyn. Something else to look for if you are hoping to see the Brahminy Kite.
Dion Hobcroft and David James 22/5 #223319
Thu 21Swift Parrot
Quorrobolong (private property)
8 Swift Parrots flushed from a creekline on private property at Quorrobolong this morning. The creekline is dominated by a Bell Miner colony and presumably the birds were lerping. These are the first Hunter Valley Swifties reported for the season. [Moderator's Note: I'm sure Mick would like to remind everyone to please report all Swift Parrot sightings this season to Birdline and include accurate details of date, count and location. This will be forwarded to Mick and BirdLife Australia who maintain the mainland sightings database. JB]
Mick Roderick 21/5 #223305
Grey Goshawk, Painted Button-quail, Rose Robin
Mulgoa Nature Reserve
Two Painted Button-quails came out from the bushes at the entrance to the Dillwynia Trail. We also observed Grey Goshawk (grey morphology) eating young Crimson Rosella (perching on a large Grey Gum tree near ruins). Other birds: Rose Robin (2 males on Jamison Trail), Little Lorikeet (5), Australian Brush-Turkey (1 - Dufa TraIL).
Ted Wnorowski 21/5 #223306
Rockwarbler
Warrah Trig Lookout
Two birds rock-hopping and flying into low hanging branches. Manged to get some photos, unfortunately ipad cannot load them.
Kim Cumes & Cath Cooper 21/5 #223308
White-bellied Sea-Eagle
Nepean Weir, Penrith
Trio of White-bellied Sea-eagles (Adult, Sub adult and juvenile) soaring over the weir around midday. Juvenile and the sub-adult even got into some aerial acrobatics, locking talons with each other. Other species spotted included Yellow Thornbill, Eastern Osprey and Azure Kingfisher.
Johan Olsson 21/5 #223309
Pacific Gull, White-fronted Tern
Nobbys Breakwall / Newcastle Baths
Two young (possibly first immature) Pacific Gulls were seen hawking amongst a few Silver Gulls along the inside of the outer end of Nobbys Breakwall yesterday afternoon by Richard Nicholas. An hour later (presumably) one of the birds was seen roosting at the Newcastle Baths rock platform with a large number of Silver Gulls and Crested Terns (an estimate by a different observer later in the day put the count at 1500 gulls and 500 terns in the area). The birds have not been reported since. For the sake of tracking arrivals, the first White-fronted Tern for the season in the Newcastle area was seen at Newcastle Baths on the 19/05 (also Richard Nicholas).
Richard Nicholas per Mick Roderick 22/5 #223313
Wed 20Pink-eared Duck (2) Caspian Tern (1)
Sydney Olympic Park
Two Pink-eared Ducks at Lake Belvedere, one Caspian Tern at Waterbird Refuge where also 160 Red-necked Avocets and 5 Red-kneed Dotterels. In woodland areas one male Rufous Whistler, at least five Golden Whistlers and five Grey Fantails.
Dion Hobcroft 20/5 #223294
Horsfield's Bronze-Cuckoo
Pinecliffe, 10 kms SW of Molong
An immature, the barring not complete and certainly a record for late May for this site. (Moderator's note. I would suggest that the record is not a "late record" rather it is an "early record" because with the lengthening of the day light period from 20 June onwards, the host species, mainly Fairy-wrens and Thornbills, start their nesting season at that time so that Horsfield's, Shining Bronze and Black-eared Cuckoos have to be ready then to lay their eggs too! AKM).
Bruce Tinsey 20/5 #223298
Glossy Black-Cockatoo
Lake Conjola - Thorne St. 35°16'23.9"S 150°29'21.3"E
Great to see 4 Glossy Black-Cockatoo today and they were not the bit concerned that I was standing right next to them as they continued feeding in the Casuarina trees - a few small birds around as well Brown Thornbill, Striated Thornbill, Brown Gerygone and Silvereye all very busy
Charles Dove 20/5 #223299
Tue 19White-bellied Cuckooshrike
Fire Trail Lake Conjola
A surprise today was the White-bellied Cuckoo Shrike high in the gum trees at lake Conjola not a bird you would expect to come across around this area, lots of honey eaters, White-eared, White-naped, White cheeked, Scarlet and Lewin's also The Red Wattlebird flocking in groups of up 40 at a time and also surprised to so many Rose Robins around 7 in two days.
Charles Dove 19/5 #223284
Pink-eared Duck
Kelso Park North, Milperra
15 Pink-eared Ducks today on the stormwater detention pond is my highest count locally. They've been here since early January and numbers have built up gradually. Also 1 Hoary-headed Grebe and a Grey Goshawk in scapular moult.
David James 19/5 #223285
Square-tailed Kite
Coffs Harbour CBD South
A pair of Square-tailed Kites circling together for about 10 minutes to the south of Coffs Harbour CBD around midday today.
Allan Richardson 19/5 #223290
Southern Emu wren
McPherson Road Swamp, Tuggerah
Seen and photographed several birds flitting around the bushes and grass area. Female and male birds Further information
Kim & Rachel Cumes, Cath Cooper and Robin Walker 20/5 #223300
Mon 18Superb Lyrebird
Crommelin Native Arboretum Pearl Beach
Seen and took recording of vocal display. One bird seen
Kim & Rachel Cumes, Cath Cooper & Robin Walker 20/5 #223301
Sun 17Black Bittern, White-plumed &, Brown Honeyeater, Pheasant Coucal and Misteltoebird
Warriewood Wetlands
A great morning at the wetlands with lots of activity! Highlights were a Black Bittern seen near the weir along with 2 Nankeen Night Herons. White-plumed and Brown Honeyeater seen near the Water Quality Ponds. Pheasant Coucal heard calling near the ponds along with 3 Bell Miners.Finally a male Mistletoebird was seen in the main section of the wetlands, lots of Scarlet Honeyeaters present also.
Jayden Walsh 17/5 #223268
Southern Boobook, Tawny Grassbird and Golden Whistler
Eastlakes golf course
My first record of Southern Boobook at this location, flushed and seen poorly in very dense scrub. Took me a week to get another view to confirm which species. Also a Tawny Grassbird, initially located from its call then subsequently seen and a Golden Whistler (first record this year) A couple of Grey Fantails have taken up winter territories and at least one Australian Reed warbler still lurking around.
David Mitford 25/5 #223359
Sat 16Pacific Gull
Mistral Point Maroubra
Lots of the usual stuff, lots of Black-browed Albatross and Australasian Gannets, no whales observed as yet. This young Pacific Gull was causing havoc amongst the Silvers there, also an adult Kelp too
Chris Pollard 16/5 #223250
Little Eagle, Australian Hobby
Milperra
Alarmed Noisy Miners alerted me to a light morph Little Eagle soaring out from the former Riverlands Golf Course site and over my yard mid morning. It was quickly chased off by a pair of Australian Hobby.
David James 16/5 #223253
Freckled Duck, Pink-eared Duck and Australian Shoveller
McPherson Rd Swamp, Tuggerah
Highlights at McPherson Rd Swamp this morning in the drizzling rain were 7 Freckled Ducks, 2 Pink-ears and 2 Australasian Shovelers and a Sea-Eagle.
Alan Morris, Paul; Johnstone, David Peet & Steve Hey 16/5 #223265
Brown Falcon, Southern Emu-wren, Hobby
Central Coast Wetlands, Tuggerah
Highlights at the Central Coast Wetlands today where it was showery and overcast, was a Brown Falcon (very uncommon at this site), a party of 5 Emu-wrens in the long grass along Tuggerah Creek, a Hobby around the Dairy buildings, Whistling Kite, Intermediate Egret and White-necked Heron, Scarlet Honeyeaters, Mistletoe-birds and a Fan-tailed Cuckoo. Note that this wetland is currently closed due to a number of the power poles coming down in the big storm so that there is no power, water or sewage connected to the site.
Alan Morris, Paul Johnstone, Steve Hey and David Peet 16/5 #223266
Pacific Baza
Keep Reserve, The Rampart, Castlecrag
The Pacific Baza was around on both days on the weekend and may be building a nest. Noisy Miners were doing their best to drive the bird away.
Matthew Keighery 18/5 #223277
Fri 15Swift Parrot
Cataract Dam, Wilton
Viewed 4 Swift Parrots fly into large yellow flowering gum tree at the western end of the top picnic area carpark at 10am. They remained there for about 15 minutes feeding before eventually flying north after being harassed by Red Wattlebirds. Composite photo of 1 of the birds included (not the best photos but good enough for ID purposes) eBird checklist
Paul Lynch 16/5 #223256
Brown Skua, Albatross sp
Mistral Point, Maroubra
Sightings during a 90 minute sea-watch at Maroubra late this morning included 2 Yellow-nosed, 10+ Black-browed, 1 Campbell's and 4 Shy Albatross; a pair of Brown Skuas hunting in amongst a flock of 30+ Australasian Gannets; many pairs and small flocks of Fluttering Shearwaters with at least 2 Huttons Shearwaters; an immature White-fronted Tern and a pair of Kelp Gulls.
Robert Griffin 17/5 #223276
Thu 14Crested Shrike-tit
Overett Park, Kemps Creek
Single male was foraging silently in remnant river flat forest mid afternoon
David James 16/5 #223254
Wed 13Brahminy Kite, Glossy Black Cockatoo
Spencer Wharf and Store, Wisemans Ferry Road.
Warren Brown observed an adult Brahminy Kite at Spencer on 9/5/2015, subsequently today when the CCGBNSW met at Spencer for the start of an outing to Spencer, Gunderman and Dharug NP, presumably the same adult Kite, flew over the meeting point. Other birds at this site included 3 Glossy Black Cockatoos and a Whistling Kite
Alan Morris & 12 others 13/5 #223234
Swift Parrot
Murray St Bateau Bay
The Swift Parrots are still being seen at this location. They are feeding in flowering Blackbutts and have been present the past two mornings between 7.15 to 7.30 am only, max 4 at any one time. Over the past few days I have not been able to locate them anywhere else in Bateau Bay. Mick Roderick advised today that no other Swifties have been reported elsewhere in NSW during the past week.
Alan Morris 13/5 #223235
Tue 12Little Eagle
Fort Street High School, Petersham
One bird circling low over the houses nearby to the school, flying towards Lewisham at about 13:00. Very surprising sight and amazingly the second record of this species at the school for me. Upperwing was clearly seen, the pale coverts showing well in the sun. Short, quite stubby square tail also noted. Sadly without binoculars I wasn't able to make out the shadowed underwing.
Simon Gorta 12/5 #223223
Sun 10Black Falcon, Ground Cuckoo-shrike, White-backed Swallow
Condobolin Sewage Treatment Works
Lots of ducks at the ponds this morning, mostly Pacific Black, Grey Teal and Pink-eared Ducks. There is a small wetland forming on the southern side where I found the Black Falcon and Ground Cuckoo-shrikes (6). There were about 6 White-backed Swallows over the ponds and White-fronted Chats with Zebra Finches in the boxthorns along the bank. The immature Swamp Harrier is still present along with the resident Black Kites.
Warren Chad 10/5 #223198
Yellow-tufted Honeyeater
Mills creek, Wisemans ferry
4 seen on top mountain on the 11km walk that leaves the camp grounds
Shayne Weston 10/5 #223203
Glossy Black Cockatoo
Nth Big Brother Mountain Laurieton NSW
Pair of birds observed flying along the edge of the forest, calling.
Stephen Gallivan 10/5 #223210
Eastern Bristlebird
Governors Head, Booderee National Park, Jervis Bay
2+ Eastern Bristlebirds heard singing in Heath on Governors Head Trail. Also good numbers of honeyeaters in both forest & heath: New Holland, Yellow-faced, White-naped, White-cheeked, Lewin's & Tawny-crowned plus Noisy Friarbird, 1 Varied Sitella, wattlebirds & 2+ WB Sea Eagles on a breezy & rather overcast but nonetheless beautiful day.
Michael Ellison 10/5 #223212
Sat 9Rose Robin male
Kings Point Road Ulladulla
Rose Robin was a surprise whilst in the Bush at Kings Point the first I have seen this year and a male which is great even though it was at a distance
Charles Dove 9/5 #223184
Noisy Pitta
Minnie Waters
Single adult Noisy Pitta observed in thick vegetation on headland.
Darryl and Gary Eggins 10/5 #223196
Freckled Duck
Wetlands 7.5km east of Ulmarra
Single Freckled Duck observed among mixed flock of ducks on pond beside Gillet's Ridge Road.
Darryl and Gary Eggins 10/5 #223197
Ground Parrot
Ground Parrot Site, Hyams Beach Rd, Jervis Bay
2 Ground Parrots heard calling at dusk on the Heath above Hyams Beach, in open Heath west of fire trail that bisects heath. Not seen (alas!) Tawny-crowned Honeyeater & Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoos also present
Michael Ellison 10/5 #223211
Thu 7Southern Boobook
Mulgoa Nature Reserve
At 11am I found a Southern Boobook sleeping on a horizontal branch in the forest understory of black wattle trees.The site was at the back (southern) end of the reserve near the DAFA trail signpost.
Bob Sinclair 7/5 #223169
White-headed Pigeon
Brelogail Road, Northmead
Single bird seen perched on powerlines.
Elisabeth Karplus 8/5 #223181
Wed 6Swift Parrot
Bateau Bay
The numbers of Swift Parrots around Murray St Bateau Bay continues to rise with a maximum of 8 being seen at any one time, small numbers came and went between 7.15 am and 4.30 pm. Max 6 were seen at nearby Sutton Reserve, Bateau Bay, particularly feeding in a flowering Swamp Mahogany that is adjacent to a new toilet block being built by NPWS in Reserve Drive at Bateau Bay. Other birds also seen today at 3 Murray St include a Square-tailed Kite, a Peregrine Falcon and this evening, a Pacific Swift.
Alan Morris 6/5 #223162
Brush Bronzewing
Porters Creek Road - off Princes H'way - Shoalhaven
Brush Bronzewing - not all that common and was great to see on the side of the road in the late morning, very windy conditions and most birds very unsettled mainly Honeyeaters migrating north.
Charles Dove 6/5 #223164
Tue 5Swift Parrot
3 Murray St Bateau Bay
For the 10th year out of the last 13 years, the Swift Parrots have turned up at my home in Bateau Bay. This afternoon there were 5 Swift Parrots, first identified by call at 4.35 pm, feeding in a large flowering Blackbutt in the front yard. If they stay around they can be easily be observed from the street.
Alan Morris 5/5 #223156
Regent Honeyeater
Mount White, Central Coast
Two Regent Honeyeaters have been observed on private property at Mount White from 1-5/5/15. The birds have been seen hawking for insects in Peppermint and Grey Gums and taking nectar from some flowering Banksia ericifolias. The site is not accessible, this report is only given as a record of the presence of this rare bird on the Central Coast.
Alan Morris 5/5 #223157
Australian Ringneck
Taronga Western Plains Zoo, Dubbo
Spotted a trio of "Mallee ringnecks" foraging amongst eucalypt and cypress pines at the back of the zoo (behind the scenes). Very surprised to see them in the zoo
Andrew O'Brien 6/5 #223163
Sun 3Swift Parrot
Livingstone NP via Wagga Wagga
6 Swift Parrots were seen in a eucalypt beside the car park. Also seen on the walk were Buff-rumped Thornbill, Flame Robin, Diamond Firetail and Dusky Woodswallow. The rifle range beside the main entrance to the park was active and noisy but the birds seemed undisturbed. [Moderator's Note: Please report all Swift Parrot sightings this season to Birdline and include accurate details of date, count and location. This will be forwarded to BirdLife Australia who maintain the mainland sightings database. JB]
Nella Smith and Max O'Sullivan 3/5 #223140
Buller's Albatross and Great-winged Petrel
Mistral Point, Maroubra
9 Buller's Albatross, 9 Arctic Jaegers, 50 Black-browed Albatrosses, 1 Yellow-nosed Albotross, 2 Great-winged Petrels, 5 Wedge-tailed Shearwaters, 1 Fluttering Shearwater, 250 Australasian Gannets and a few Short-tailed Sheawaters seen today. No Shy Albatross but the most Buller's I have ever seen from land, possible Fairy Prion as well but very brief view.
David Mitford 3/5 #223142
Red-necked Avocet, Lewin's Rail, Brown Honeyeater & Double-barred Finch
Landing Lights Wetland/Barton Park near Sydney Airport
18 Red-necked Avocets - a new record for this site which has been recently rehabilitated to make more suitable for waders. eBird checklist
Andrew Taylor 5/5 #223154
Sat 2Wilson's Storm Petrel's, Fregetta sp.
Ballina Lighthouse
After strong winds overnight several storm petrels seen feeding just beyond breakers. Mostly Wilson's with one assumed fregetta showing white underparts. Also Crested Terns, Common Terns, Australasian Gannets, All dark shearwater sp., and Pied cormorants.
Gus Daly 2/5 #223128
White-headed Pigeon
Hermitage Rd Kurrajong Hills
28 birds on power lines just before sunset. Likely more in roadside privet heavy with fruit at top of Mill Road. By far largest group I've seen locally.
Eric Finley 3/5 #223132
Common Noddy, Wandering Tattler(4)
Flat Rock, Ballina
The only blow-in found at Flat Rock on Sat morning after the east coast low had passed, was a single Common Noddy. Also of interest was 4 Wandering Tattlers, all with a significant amount of breeding plumage, haven't migrated north yet! eBird checklist
Steven McBride 4/5 #223146
Fri 1Buller's Albatross, Yellow-nosed Albatross, Fairy Prion
Ben Boyd National Park--Green Cape
A single Buller's Albatross sighted far offshore (700+m - hence poor image at such great distance). A few Fairy Prion's observed closer to shore along with Shy Albatross and Gannet's (juv and adults). A single Yellow-nosed Albatross seen resting on the water for around 20 minutes at around 600+m offshore.
Jason Caruso 6/5 #223165
April 2015
Wed 29Black Falcon, Black Kite, Wedge-tailed Eagle
Lismore Waste and Recycle Facility
2 Black Falcons, 8 Black Kites and 2 Wedge-tailed Eagles seen to-day soaring over the tip and Recycle Facility. Also an early Rose Robin in the Botanical Gardens (which is adjacent to the Waste Depot.) plus 4 Koalas were the standout sightings at our local outing to-day.
June Harris 29/4 #223107
Tue 28Plumed Whistling-Duck
Powells Lane Pond
Approx 100 Plumed Whistling-Ducks at the pond on Triangle Lane / Powells Lane Richmond. I lost count at 89. The pond is well and truly flooded.
Carol Abbott 28/4 #223101
Black Kite
Wyong
Gliding low over the trees and houses on Margaret St at 930am, this compliments another seen at Forresters Beach by Rowena Wallace on 6/4/2015 . First Black Kites on the Central Coast for over a year.
Nick Carson 29/4 #223104
Swift Parrot
Martindale Travelling Stock Reserve, 7km north of Corowa
Two Swift Parrots observed trying to utilise Grey Box habitat on this reserve, but were constantly and aggressively being chased by *@#$% Noisy Miners!
Chris Tzaros 5/5 #223155
Sun 26Black Kite
George St, South Windsor
Flew above car at tree top level. Very clear view.
Pat Muller 27/4 #223081
Glossy Ibis, Spotted Harrier, Black Kite
Llewellyns Lane Swamp, 8 km W of Casino
There were 42 Glossy Ibis feeding in this shallow, seasonal fresh wetland, with many Cattle Egrets, Intermediate Egrets, Black Swans and Straw-necked Ibis. An adult Sea-eagle had caught some prey and was feeding on a post in the middle of the wetland harassed by a Whistling Kite. A Spotted Harrier, Swamp Harrier, 5 Black Kite and a Hobby were feeding on and or over this and adjoining wetlands. The number of Spotted Harriers, Black Kites and the Black Falcons seen in and around Casino was most unusual and must reflect the drought in western Qld.
Alan Morris & 20 members CCGBNSW 29/4 #223113
Sat 25Azure Kingfisher and Eastern Spinebill
Eastlakes golf course
Finally some autumn movement, an Eastern Spinebill, Azure Kingfisher and 30 Silvereyes all at the southern end of the site. Also a couple of Lewin's Rails calling in the reedbeds just before the storm hit.
David Mitford 25/4 #223068
Spangled Drongo
Deep Creek Reserve, Narrabeen
Where the water pipe crosses the creek
Gabrielle Rees 26/4 #223075
Great Crested Gebe, Spotted Harrier, Black Kite
Fairy Hill Wetlands, 12 km NNW Casino
This constructed wetland for irrigation purposes, contained about 600 Coots, smaller numbers of Hardheads and Black Ducks, and 2 pairs of Great Crested Grebes. A Spotted Harrier, 8 Black Kites, a Black-shouldered Kite, a Kestrel and a Brown Falcon and many Straw-necked Ibis were seen close by.
Alan Morris & 20 members CCGBNSW 29/4 #223112
Fri 24Powerful Owl
Milner Cres, Wollstonecraft
Heard female calling around 12.35am. She was sitting on stinkpipe in backyard and called only for a few minutes. Then she spent the next half hour preening her feathers and paying close attention to her feet. In that time, she was circled three times by another owl (presumably the male) a couple of metres lower than where she was perched. She would stop preening and on two occasions emitted a low soft cooing sort of noise. The other bird flew back around her at her level and she dropped off the perch and flew down with him out of sight, but I heard the 'coo' once more! Worth getting a crick in the neck and a gap in the night's sleep to see!
Lindy Jones 24/4 #223061
Black Falcon, Black Kite, Magpie-Geese, Black-necked Stork
Jabiru-Geenbingeni Wetland, Casino
Two hours at this Reserve found 57 species, the highlights included a pair of Black Falcons harassing two Black Kites, a Swamp Harrier, Sea-Eagle, 7 Magpie-Geese, 60+ Chestnut-breasted Mannikins, Jacanas, Australian Shovelers, a Black-necked Stork, a party of Red-backed Fairy-wrens and a Hobby
Alan Morris & 20 members of CCGBNSW 29/4 #223110
Plum-headed Finch, Pink-eared Duck, Musk Duck, Restless Flycatcher
Casino STW (access by arrangement)
2 Hours were spent at this wetland, 52 species seen, including 10 Plum-headed Finch including juveniles, 56 Pink-eared Ducks, 4 Red-kneed Dotterel, a Restless Flycatcher, juvenile Brush Cuckoo, Chestnut-breasted Mannikins, an adult male Musk Duck, a Hoary-headed Grebe and the only raptor sighted was a pair of Whistling Kites.
Alan Morris & 20 members CCGBNSW 29/4 #223111
Thu 23Plum-headed Finch
Eulah Creek
Although common out in the plains, it has been a while since I have found Plum-headed Finches here at Eulah Creek, in the foothills of the Nandewar Range (20 km east of Narrabri). There was a mob of about 12 birds at about 8, with juveniles amongst them (photo; on the right). They were spooked by an Australian Hobby when I found them. Further information
Michael Dahlem 23/4 #223050
Diamond Firetail, Magpie Goose
Mehi River, Moree
A population of about 20-40 Magpie Geese has still been present over the last months, even following the 400 birds including 37 pairs nesting (in trampled down clumps of cumbungi) in the Gwydir Wetlands SCA in March (The wetlands are now opened for public access during April-May 2015). A single Diamond Firetail was also observed foraging, the first sighting for the township, and also in the area for years.
Curtis Hayne 25/4 #223066
Wed 22Grey Goshawk
Alstonville
A quick walk this morning to Rossmore Park (south-east Alstonville) was rewarded with my first sighting of a group of Grey Goshawks. Two white morphs and two grey morphs were seen together calling to each other and flying between gum trees. None appeared to be immature, although I can't rule out that it wasn't a family. Always exciting to see one, let alone several!
Ashwin Rudder 22/4 #223040
Bell Miner
Warriewood Wetlands
3 Bell Miners and 2 Grey Goshawks seen well at the water quality ponds today by Jayden Walsh. Greg McCarry reports that the birds were also present before the storm in Irrawong Reserve on the 15th of April. Interesting record for the Northern Beaches. JB.
Jayden Walsh, Greg McCarry 22/4 #223046
Brown Noddy, White Tern
Kurnell Peninsular
A Brown Noddy and a White Tern were the highlights of a seawatch from the whale watching shelter at Kurnell today. Also seen were 5 Shy Albatross, 25 Black-browed Albatross, 15 Fairy Prions, 50 Wedge-tailed Shearwaters, 3 Short-tailed Shearwaters, 1 Fluttering Shearwater, 1 Hutton's Shearwater, 2 Arctic Jaegers and 20 Australasian Gannets.
Rob Hynson 22/4 #223047
Australian Hobby
Fort Street Highschool, Petersham
1 birds flew over the oval at about 2pm, flying towards Lewisham. I tried my best, but couldn't string it into a Gould's Petrel. Uncommon in the Inner West, and my second record for the school.
Simon Gorta 22/4 #223048
Tue 21Budgerigar
Eulah Creek
A single male Bugerigar was found feeding on flowering grasses in our garden, 20 km east of Narrabri, moving around with a mob of Yellow-rumped Thornbills in drenching rain around noon today. Further information
Michael Dahlem 21/4 #223029
Gould's Petrel, Fairy Prion, Short-tailed Shearwater
Stockton Channel, Hunter River North Arm (just upstream from Stockton Bridge)
At least 3 Gould's Petrels seen 'working' a patch of river just up from Stockton Bridge, first found by Ian Benson about an hour before I arrived there. I suspect there were more than 3 birds but conditions were atrocious to say the least (there were others seen subsequently off Queens Wharf, about 5km to the south; see separate report). I also saw and photographed one Fairy Prion (Ian Benson had 3) and about 15 Short-tailed Shearwaters. There were no birds on the south side of the bridge at all. Also of note, there were no birds whatsoever seen during a brief seawatch over the ocean at Fort Drive (but visibility was such that only whitewash water could be seen). It would be worth checking for exhausted birds tomorrow.
Mick Roderick 21/4 #223030
White-faced Storm-petrel, Fregetta sp. Storm-petrel, Gould's Petrel
Off Queens Wharf Brewery, Newcastle Harbour
A White-faced Storm-petrel and a Fregetta sp. Storm-petrel were seen about 45 mins after the Stockton Channel observations. I had initially seen a stormy from the tug wharves that looked like a Fregetta from a distance, but after seeing a White-faced quite well (after relocating to Queens Wharf) I considered that I'd made a mistake earlier. When a 2nd stormy arrived on the scene I only saw it through the camera lens as I was getting quite wet and so just kept firing images off. Plus 2 more Gould's Petrels caused another distraction! Upon reviewing the images the second bird was a Fregetta, which appears in some images to lack black markings on the belly. The attached photo shows the Stockton Foreshore for context and has the White-faced on the left, Fregetta on the right. The White-faced Stormy was a milestone bird for me, being my 300th species seen within the boundaries of the Newcastle City Council area.
Mick Roderick 21/4 #223031
South Island Pied Oystercatcher, Australian Pied Oystercatcher
Rose Bay Beach
Whilst looking for seabirds in Sydney Harbour, noticed the South Island Pied Oystercatcher, then an Australian Pied Oystercatcher joined it feeding on the sand. Not a good day for photography, so excuse the pic.
David Mitford 21/4 #223032
Mon 20Glossy Black Cockatoo
Ulladulla
I was alerted by the call of Glossy Black Cockatoos flying over the house. Whilst looking I saw 20 birds and approximately 2/3rds of these were Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoos, though at no time did the YTBC call. On the 29/3 I also saw a flock 43 Black Cockatoos flying over the Princess Hwy just west of Racecourse Beach appearing to be a large number of Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoos with Glossy Black Cockatoos interspersed throughout. I haven't noticed this mixed species flocking before.
Bob Rusk 20/4 #223022
Fairy Prion
Mistral Point, Maroubra
Two Fairy Prions feeding in the relative shelter of north Mistral Point. 10 Black-browed Albatross and a handful of Wedge-tailed Shearwaters also observed.Very difficult to bird, set scope up in car looking north.
David Mitford 20/4 #223026
Sun 19Black-tailed Native-Hen
Lake Wallace
Single bird seen skulking in water's edge among reeds and overhanging trees. [Moderator's Note: This is probably the same individual which has been hanging around the picnic area at Lake Wallace for >2 years now. JB]. eBird checklist
Mark Ley & John French 20/4 #223019
Eastern Reef Egret
Avalon Beach
A single Dark Morph Reef Egret was feeding on the rocks around the pool at about 3:00pm
Jayden Walsh 20/4 #223023
Regent Honeyeater
Burragorang Valley
2 Regent Honeyeaters feeding amongst Yellow-faced, White-naped, White-plumed and Fuscous Honeyeaters plus Little Lorikeets in an early flowering White Box in grassy woodland on lower slopes above the Wollondilly River.
Martin Schulz 20/4 #223024
Black Kite
North Richmond
Seen gliding over road before round about. (-33.554032, 150.727444)
Alana Lindsay via Kurtis Lindsay 29/4 #223114
Sat 18Cattle Egret
Moss Vale
60 birds with five cows in a paddock on the corner of Headlam St and Argyle Rd. The most Cattle Egrets I've seen together, ever! [Moderator's Note: Unusual for the Southern Highlands, though not unexpected on passage at this time of year]
Lorne Johnson 18/4 #222996
Common Sandpiper
Burns Point, West Ballina
Single Common Sandpiper flushed from the rocks at the boat ramp near the ferry to South Ballina. eBird checklist
Steve McBride 18/4 #222997
Noisy Pitta
Matcham (Private Property)
Heard calling loudly at dusk adjacent to our backyard creek. It was likely heard foraging on the ground, but due to dense vegetation and poor light it could not be seen. Recording: https://soundcloud.com/bahoogas/noisy-pitta-trim. (Moderator's Note: Noisy Pittas since about 2000 have become regular winter visitors to rainforest gullies on the Central Coast, some even over summer. There have been regular autumn/winter reports at some Matcham-Holgate locations. AKM).
James Panetta & Anna Schutz 18/4 #223003
Little Lorikeet
Cnr Penshurst and Boundary St, Willoughby
10 birds flew over the car calling. Some spotted gum blossom is around in the area and a few Swamp Mahoganies are also flowering.
Simon Gorta 18/4 #223005
Fri 17Diamond Dove
Orange
Single bird feeding on lawn, possible escapee.
Neville Schrader 17/4 #222990
Ground Cuckoo-shrike
Eulah Creek
Alerted by the racket they were making in the air, at first I thought there were 8 Ground Cuckoo-shrikes, but later it turned out that a family of 5 (2 adults, 3 juveniles; begging calls were heard) was upsetting a local family of 3 Black-faced Cuckoo-shrikes. When they separated, the Ground Cuckoo-shrikes went to ground, while the BFCS hunted from fences. At times the Ground Cuckoo-shrikes had a sentry on a fence too (photo). Sound recordings were also taken (yet to be processed). Further information
Michael Dahlem 17/4 #222992
Thu 16Pied Butcherbird
Scheyville National Park
Two birds heard calling around 9am in/near the Pistol Range (opposite Dormitory Hill Rd). Jacky Winter observed on fences on 15/04.
Paul Burcher 16/4 #222980
Pink-eared Duck
Newington Nature Reserve
A single bird seen in the pond near the Armoury.
Lisa Abra & Lyall Naylor 16/4 #222983
Mangrove Honeyeater (2), Collared Kingfisher (1)
North Creek, Ballina
David Charley 16/4 #222987
Pacific Baza
Bellawongarah (Berry Mountain)
Heard calling in the distance at 2:15pm. One adult seen flying over trees on my boundary about 5 minutes later.
Carla Jackett 16/4 #222988
Stubble Quail
Eulah Creek
First heard on 5 April 2015, it took me a while to identify a series of calls that I had recorded. It turned out to be a male Stubble Quail issuing contact calls just after sunset. The same calls were heard again on the morning of 16 April (no visual ID; but confirmed call ID). The calls confounded me; so I am quite confident that I had not heard them before (here, 20 km East of Narrabri, or elsewhere). Recordings available in the link. Further information
Michael Dahlem 17/4 #222993
Radjah Shelduck
Bulahdelah
Found the remaining Radjah Shelduck beneath the roadbridge adjacent to the picnic grounds/riverside park. The bird then joined me at a picnic table whilst I had breakfast-many photos taken so I have posted one that identifies the location. Third time in about 5 years I have seen the bird here, after having previously observed and photographed the pair (the order bird subsequently disappeared) when they visited our campsite at The Wells campground in nearby Myall Lakes NP near a decade ago. eBird checklist
Cameron Ward 20/4 #223027
Wed 15Noisy Friarbird
Murrays Beach, Lake Macquarie
Have noticed good size congregations of Noisy Friarbirds in the afternoons. Activity seems to be concentrated on one or two large Spotted Gums, along with many Scaly-breasted and Rainbow Lorikeets in the same trees. (Moderators Note: It is usual at this time of the year for Noisy Friarbirds to move into the Central Coast and Lower Hunter Regions to feed on the flowering Swamp Mahogany and Spotted Gum, hopefully Swift Parrots and Regent Honeyeaters might follow suit as the flowering of Swamp Mahogany this year is more extensive than usual. AKM)
Rebecca Citroni 15/4 #222973
Plum-headed Finch
Llewellyn Road Casino
One Plum headed Finch only sighted associating with Double Bars. Not common on the North Coast.
June Harris 16/4 #222975
Sooty Oystercatcher
Katoomba Falls
Today and yesterday spotted a lone Sooty Oystercatcher soaring above The Jamison Valley near Katoomba Falls while traveling on the Scenic Skyway at Scenic World (where I work) in Katoomba. Very odd to see this bird in Katoomba! Will report if I see it again. [Moderator's Note: Being such an unusual record (ie away from the coast) there has been a discussion with the observer before posting. Although there are no photographs the observer is a biologist who is familiar with oystercatchers both in Australian and NZ. The bird was seen down to distances of ~10 m and the all black plumage, red bill and red eye were all noted. JB]
Lindsey Gray 23/4 #223051
Tue 14Black-necked Stork
Bombah Point Rd, Bulahdelah
Two adults and one juvenile seen beside road in wetland/paddock, feeding along with Black Swans and White-necked Heron. Photo taken with iPhone+binos.
Dan Barnet 14/4 #222961
Eastern Osprey
Werai
I was most surprised to see an Eastern Osprey perched on power lines towards the Moss Vale end of Mt Broughton Rd late this afternoon. The first time I've ever seen an Eastern Osprey away from the coast in almost 30 years of birding.
Lorne Johnson 14/4 #222963
Mon 13Brolga and Australian Shelduck
Fivebough Wetlands, Leeton
7 Brolgas and 27 Shelducks on NE site
Bob Moffatt 13/4 #222952
Powerful Owl
Steyne Rd Saratoga Waterfont
Powerful Owl sitting on the fence with adjoining property at 7:00pm. It was dark and I was outside. Due to my movement the sensor light came on and illuminated the owl when I was about 3 m away. It flew off towards the bushland to the south. I suspect that it might have been after the native Noisy Miners that roost on a nightly basis in a Cheese Tree adjacent to the fence.
Peter Sansom 13/4 #222953
Sun 12Lewin's Rail
Lions Park, Burrill Lake
The Lewin's Rail has returned after its Summer break and has joined the Buff-banded Rail at Lions Park Burrill Lake South of Ulladulla - also present are Chestnut Teal, Nankeen Night Heron, Purple Swamphen, Eastern Great Egret and Little Egret plus others Further information
Charles Dove 12/4 #222938
Chestnut-rumped Heathwren, Rose Robin, Cicadabird, White-throated Gerygone
Cattai National Park--Mitchell Park
Good morning birding in Mitchell Park this morning including a Chestnut-rumped Heathwren along the firetrail, Also present were 3 Cicadabirds, a single White-throated Gerygone was heard calling, and a few Rose Robins.
Simon Blanchflower 12/4 #222939
Little Woodswallow, Pacific Swift
Euligal State Forest, Kenebri
Atleast 15 Little Woodswallows at the southern end of Cadet Rd (-30.784096,149.176005). They were perched, feeding young, flying overhead and bombing me. There were also good numbers of White-browed Woodswallows nearby. Six Pacific Swift over the creek crossing just east of Kenebri an hour earlier. Two White-backed Swallow and 10 Turquoise Parrots were seen at The Aloes en route.
Max Breckenridge 13/4 #222947
Sat 11Grey Ternlet
29 nm E Sydney
Single Grey Ternlet gave repeat excellent views on todays Sydney pelagic trip.
Dion Hobcroft, Roger McGovern, Steve Anyon-Smith, David James et al. 11/4 #222918
White-chinned Petrel
29 nm E Sydney
Single White-chinned Petrel was another good record off Sydney on the pelagic today.
Dion Hobcroft, Roger McGovern, Steve Anyon-Smith, David James et al. 11/4 #222920
Buller's Albatross (3) Wandering Albatross (1) Campbell Albatross (1)
Offshore--Browns Mountain
Good diversity of seabirds today on the Sydney pelagic in good conditions.
Dion Hobcroft, Roger McGovern, Steve Anyon-Smith, David James et al 11/4 #222921
Barbary Dove
Wellbank St. Concord
Single bird associated with Spotted Doves.
Dion Hobcroft and David James 11/4 #222922
South Island Pied Oystercatcher, Australian Pied Oystercatcher, Sooty Oystercatchcher
Shark Island, Sydney Harbour National Park
We were joking this might be the first time three species of oystercatcher have been seen and photographed at one spot anywhere in the world! Singles of each species. A successful conclusion to the Sydney pelagic today.
Dion Hobcroft, David James, Roger McGovern, Steve Anyon-Smith et al. 11/4 #222923
Square-tailed Kite
Loop at end of Kooringal Avenue, Thornleigh -Home
Alerted by alarm calls and large movements of Noisy Miners and Rainbow Lorikeets to the arrival of a Square-tailed Kite gliding overhead at about 4PM. Disappeared and reappeared about 4 times over the next 15 or so minutes. The local pair of Magpies were the only birds to harass the raptor, as per the attached photo. First time we have seen this species here in our 20 years of residence. I note the Birdline sighting by Tom Wilson 5 days ago at relatively nearby North Turramurra, so a possibility it is the same bird. eBird checklist
Cameron Ward 11/4 #222927
Fri 10Buff-banded Rail
Macquarie University - Mars Creek
Single Buff-banded Rail observed in revegetated riparian zone of Mars Creek between Epping Highway and Link Road
Stephen Bloomfield and Paul Burcher 10/4 #222901
Kelp Gull
Coogee Beach
One adult and one juvenile Kelp Gull flying close to beach. [Moderator's Note: A number of Kelp Gulls are resident around Coogee and Botany, and are seen regularly from coastal areas. JB].
Chris and Jane Gregory 11/4 #222915
Turquoise Parrot, Red-capped Robin, Diamond Firetail, Spotted Bowerbird
Warrumbungle National Park
Four Turquoise Parrot (including a juvenile bird), a pair of Red-capped Robins and a trio of Diamond Firetails (one juvenile and an adult pair) on the slope just opposite the entrance road to the Visitor Centre site. A single Spotted Bowerbird was observed at a cattle yard just west of the park boundary. [Moderator's Note: these are exciting breeding records, providing further evidence of the area's recovery since the January 2013 fires - AR]
Max Breckenridge 13/4 #222950
Thu 9Red-browed Treecreeper, Crescent Honeyeater
Royal National Park--Lady Carrington Drive
A pair of Red-browed Treecreepers showed well today. Also seen and mostly heard was a male Crescent Honeyeater at the Waterfall Ticket booth (NE corner-where previously reported). A second Crescent Honeyeater was also heard.
Dion Hobcroft and David James 9/4 #222889
Southern Emu-wren
Fortress Ridge track, off Mount Hay Road, Blue Mountains National Park
2 females and 1 male
Mark Hocking 9/4 #222893
Regent Honeyeater
Capertee Valley--Crown Station Road at 33 09 05S 150 07 40E
1 Regent Honeyeater seen in a flowering white or maybe yellow box with Mistletoe. Masses of Red Wattle Birds, Yellow Tufted, White Plumed &Yellow-Faced Honeyeaters in a feeding frenzy. No other trees in the immediate surrounds in flower. Also seen at the junction were Diamond Fire-Tails, White-Browed Babblers, Crimson Rosellas & Little Lorikeets. A delightful end to 2 days in Capertee Valley.
Kerry Allen 9/4 #222895
Pallid Cuckoo
Eulah Creek
An immature Pallid Cuckoo was seen hunting off fence pickets around midday, 20 km east of Narrabri; it let me get quite close on the mower (unfortunately I did not have a camera with me for a photo). Further information
Michael Dahelm 10/4 #222896
Forest Raven
Gibraltar Reserve, Gwydir Highway
Two Forest Ravens seen and heard by 3 observers and the local Australian Ravens (they were less pleased than the birders). Although present a few Km's west of here in Gibraltar Range NP, they rarely visit us at the foot of the range.
Simon Clayton 10/4 #222899
Buller's Albatross
Royal National Park--Wattamolla
1 Buller's Albatross seen at a moderate distance in a late afternoon seawatch. Flew next to an adult Shy Albatross for a short while, allowing us to easily compare the relative sizes of the birds, and their underwings. The grey head on the Buller's was also visible although we could not make out the yellow on the bill. Black-browed Albatross were common, as were Wedge-tailed Shearwaters. Two, possibly three distant Commic terns were also seen, but were too distant to identify further. Also heard and glimpsed the Crescent Honeyeater with Dion and David near Waterfall.
Simon Gorta, Ashwin Rudder and Aaron Payne 10/4 #222905
Rufous Fantail
Great Buckingham St., Redfern NSW
A late migrant returning northwards.
Michael Edwards 22/4 #223041
Wed 8Pectoral and Wood Sandpipers and Brolgas
Fivebough Wetlands
A visit this morning after some rain yesterday produced 6 Pectorals, 1 Wood and 1 Marsh Sandpiper plus Sharpies but a dive bombing Peregrine sent them scattering and they didn't return. Also 3 Swamp Harriers kept putting everything up as they flopped past overhead. There are now 9 Brolgas plus Shelduck, and Stilt. Spotted and Spotless Crake are about but require patience and luck to see.
Max O'Sullivan 8/4 #222881
Freckled Duck, Blue-billed Duck
Lithgow Wastewater Treatment Plant
Six Freckled Duck and four Blue-billed Duck. More than a hundred Pink-eared Duck and around 40 Australian Shovelers also present. Another 6 Blue-billed Duck at Lake Wallace, but no Musk Ducks.
Max Breckenridge 13/4 #222948
Spotted Quail-Thrush
8km N of Capertee
A single female flushed from the side of the Castlereagh Hwy north of Capertee (-33.098265,149.957407).
Max Breckenridge 13/4 #222949
Tue 7Channel-billed Cuckoo
Centennial Park
Channel-billed Cuckoo being chased by Noisy Miners (11.30am)
Marie Lister 7/4 #222874
Mon 6Plumed Whistling-Duck
Taronga Zoological Park (Sydney)
23+ Plumed Whistling-Ducks seen this morning associating with captive PWDs at the Top Wetlands Ponds near the main entrance of the zoo. These birds were seen by other people as well and spent quite a lot of time circling low above the Ponds and spent some time on the Top Pond (Lignum Pond) with the captive PWDs.
Barton Tait 6/4 #222854
Square-tailed Kite
Bobbin Head Rd, North Turramurra
Single bird passed east-west over my house approx 11:30 am.
Tom Wilson 6/4 #222856
possible Brahminy Kite
South Creek, Windsor
what appeared to be a Brahminy Kite - distinctive white head and chestnut body - perched high on an exposed branch along South Creek. About 100m east of Windsor Rd midway between Pitt Town Rd and Macquarrie St at 2.30pm while driving along Windsor Rd. [Moderator Comment: this would be a range extension, both south and inland. It is being published in the hope that someone will see it and take photos - AR]
Mike Felstead 6/4 #222858
Sun 5Glossy Black-Cockatoo
Long Beach
6 Glossy Black Cockatoo Blairs rd Long Beach
Tony Dawe 5/4 #222846
Chestnut-breasted Quail-thrush
Gundabooka National Park--Dry Tank Campground
At the end of my walk on the little Mountain trail, I stumbled across a female Chestnut-breasted Quail-thrus, approximately 150m from the track start point. The female was caught in the open trying her best to find cover.
Andrew O'Brien 5/4 #222848
Sat 4Eastern Koel
Mascot
Adult male being mobbed by Noisy Miners in park, corner Coward Street & Botany Road, flew into large fig tree.
David Mitford 5/4 #222844
Red-tailed Black Cockatoo, Red-backed Kingfisher
Gundabooka National Park--Yanda Creek Road dam
Had two Red-tailed Black Cockatoo's fly over the Darling river late in the afternoon. Then at the five mile heritage site on the Yanda trtrack, found a lone Red-backed Kingfisher sitting in a tree at the car park.
Andrew O'Brien 5/4 #222847
Fuscous Honeyeater, Eastern Spinebill
Goobang NP, east of Peak Hill
Two or three of each in the mixed euc. forest N of Gingham Gap in the 32.45/148.25 10 min. grid. I report these with some diffidence, but was encouraged to do so by people who thought that these would be towards the western edge of their regular distribution. [Moderator's Note: Yes, both species are at the western edge of their distribution and known from Goobang as not particularly rare, however worth publishing for interests sake. JB].
Ted Nixon 8/4 #222883
Fri 3Freckled Duck
Farm dam at Glandore Winery, Broke Road, Pokolbin
Single bird. Aust. Shoveler and Hoary-headed Grebe also present.
Ivor Jones 3/4 #222823
Chestnut-breasted Mannikin
Tallawarra Ash Pond 3, Yallah
Party of 12 in bulrushes SE drainage channel observed & photoed from Hayward Bay Dr . Mixture of juvenile, immatures & adults. Other birds in that area, large flock of European Gold Finches, 6 Red-browed Finches & 3 Golden-headed Cisticolas. eBird checklist
Paul Lynch 4/4 #222832
Diamond Dove
Durridgere State Conservation Area (Upper Hunter Valley)
A Diamond Dove was seen by several members of the Hunter Bird Observers Club Easter campers at Durridgere SCA (north of Ulan) on Friday. I wasn't with them but I understand that the bird was seen around the campsite (which incidentally you need special permission to use) on Friday and people arriving mid-afternoon missed it and it wasn't seen again. This is a very rare bird in the Hunter, or any coastal catchment in NSW. There was apparently a Black-eared Cuckoo seen regularly at the camp as well, amongst 104 species, which isn't bad considering there are no wetlands and it is early April. Photograph by Lorna Mee.
Hunter Bird Observers Club members per Mick Roderick 7/4 #222879
Thu 2White-throated Needletail (190)
Wentworth Falls Blue Mountains
Two flocks of Needletails passed slowly high overhead about 30 minutes apart at Kings Tableland this morning. The first had about 70 birds and the second about 120, they were moving slowly north with the south-westerly wind in warm and overcast conditions. This is the largest number I have seen for many years in the Blue Mountains. eBird checklist
Mark Ley 2/4 #222807
Leaden Flycatcher
Cowan - Old Tollgates
One female Leaden Flycatcher observed about midday just west of Pacific Highway northbound land. Species infrequently observed in area. Also seen: Superb Fairy-wren, Fantailed Cuckoo, Brown Thornbill, Australian Raven, Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike, Red Wattlebird, Masked Plover.
Paul Burcher 2/4 #222812
Brolga
Fivebough Wetlands
7 Brolgas and 16 Australian Shelducks as well as about 28 other species were seen.
Anthony Katon 2/4 #222813
Rose Robin (3)
Royal National Park--Lady Carrington Drive
It was nice to see Rose Robins mixing with the summer holidaymakers like Leaden Flycatcher, Rufous Fantail and Black-faced Monarch. Also a pair of Crested Shrike-tit.
Lorand Szucs 2/4 #222814
White-throated Needletail
The Southern Highlands
There were dozens of White-throated Needletails flying over various Southern Highland towns this arvo... Bundanoon, Exeter (where some were flying low over rooftops), Sutton Forest, Moss Vale, Bowral and Mittagong... the most I've ever seen down here.
Lorne Johnson 2/4 #222818
Wood Sandpiper (3)
Bruxner Highway at Emigrant Creek
3 Wood Sandpiper in wetland adjacent the new Bruxner Hwy bridge being constructed over Emigrant Creek just west of Ballina. Also 4 Marsh Sandpiper, 42 Sharp-tailed Sandpiper & 1 Shoveler amongst the more common wetland birds. eBird checklist
Steven McBride 4/4 #222829
Blue-winged Parrot, Orange Chat
Balranald-Ivanhoe Road (Saltbush plains)
Three Blue-winged Parrots seen by the roadside. Perhaps migrants or on transit. Also a least a couple of Orange Chats with White-fronted Chats on the saltbush plains. eBird checklist
Michael Ramsey 12/4 #222935
Wed 1Square-tailed Kite and Powerful Owl
Murray St Bateau Bay
An adult Square-tailed Kite circled low over my house at 1000 hrs today when I was out in my yard and then at 1030 hrs, I saw another (but looked like the same bird) 2kms west of my house on Eastern Way Killarney Vale. On 31/3/15 between 3.10 to 4.30 hrs a Powerful Owl was calling outside my house. On 28/3/2015, at 3.15 am two Powerful Owls were heard calling while on 10/3/15, one bird was seen and heard same place at 10.45 pm, and another was heard calling in the distance. Finally today at 1630 hrs an adult Powerful Owl was roosting in the forest at the northern end of Bateau Bay Beach, about 500m north of my house. As it is over two years since a Powerful Owl was heard at my place, it looks as if some one is setting up a territory around here now.
Alan Morris 1/4 #222803
Rose Robin, Azure Kingfisher
Newmans Rd Glenorie
2 Azure Kingfishers and 1 male Rose Robin.
Keith Brandwood 2/4 #222804
Square-tailed Kite
Scheyville Nat Park Scheyville
1 Adult STK hunting over woodland junction of Scheyville and Pitt Town Dural Rd
Keith Brandwood 2/4 #222805
Black-backed Wagtail (Possible and likely Wagtail sp.)
North Tuncurry
SIGHTING FROM APRIL 1ST: One individual observed in open grassland in the foredunes adjacent to Tuncurry Golf Course. -32.158611, 152.504722. The bird was very approachable (we almost ran over it) before it flew approximately 15 m away. Had distinctive up and down tail motion. [Moderator's Note: Today (15th April) iPhone quality photo received which is non-conclusive although basic impression of the bird looks like a Wagtail sp. SB)
Sue Gould 11/4 #222911
March 2015
Tue 31White-winged Triller & Brown Honeyeater
Pippi Point, nr Lintern St Wharf, Davistown
An immature brown White-winged Triller was seen on a foreshore reserve at Pippi Pt Davistown, the only vegetation being Swamp Oak, Banksias and mowed grass of the Reserve. Also present were a group of 5 Brown Honeyeaters that were feeding in the mistletoe flowers of the Swamp Oaks, Brown Honeyeaters on the Central Coast are normally associated with mangroves.
Alan Morris & Steven Edwards 1/4 #222802
White-winged Chough
West Lindfield Shopping Centre
A party of 4 choughs observed in the rear car park of the West Lindfield shopping centre at midday
Lorna Bloom 3/4 #222819
Mon 30Little Woodswallow
Cox's Rd, Pilliga forest
A small flock of about 12 Little Woodswallows were a nice surprise on an otherwise very quiet morning in the Pilliga.
Marc Anderson 30/3 #222774
Glossy Black Cockatoo, Musk Lorikeet
Berowra Valley Regional Park - Hornsby Hts
1 Pair of Glossies arrived on the afternoon of the 28th. Third year running now, back to their large Angophora nesting tree, hopefully we see chicks this year. Though the Sulpher-crested cockatoos are not making it easy for them to resettle. Also a substantial flock of Musk Lorikeet feeding in the flowering red gums on Rofe Crs over the past 2 weeks. A first for me!!
Lian Gallacher 30/3 #222776
Streaked and Buller's Shearwaters, Antipodean and Shy Albatrosses
Port Stephens pelagic
Few of the 20 species seen outside of the heads on the Port Stephens pelagic today were in deep water, with most of the more 'interesting' birds seen on the way out or way back in. These included Streaked and Buller's Shearwaters (amongst 7 spp. of shearwaters), a banded Antipodean (Gibson's) Albatross and a Shy-type Albatross that looks good for a steadi. There were a few Grey-faced and Solander's Petrels at the shelf as well as the first Port Stephens storm-petrels (Wilson's and White-faced) since November 2014, 5 trips ago! Quite a few first year Australasian Gannets about too.
Mick Roderick and all aboard the MV Argonaut 30/3 #222778
Wandering Tattler (5)
Flat Rock, Ballina
5 Wandering Tattlers on Flat Rock again yesterday 30th Apr. 3 in breeding plumage, 1 in partial breeding plumage & 1 in non-breeding. eBird checklist
Steven McBride 31/3 #222791
Turquoise Parrot, Diamond Firetail
Warrumbungle National Park--Camp Blackman
About 6 Turquoise Parrots seen along the main creek near park HQ (Camp Blackman) as well as a couple of Diamond Firetails.
Marc Anderson 1/4 #222798
Sun 29Plumed Whistling-duck
Pughs Lagoon
14 Plumed Whistling-ducks observed in the lagoon during a CBOC outing this morning. eBird checklist Further information
Jenny & Rod Stiles, Peter & Carol Abbott & CBOC members. 29/3 #222759
Pink-eared Duck
Powells Lane, Richmond Lowlands
A pair of Pink-eared ducks with 4 ducklings seen this morning on a CBOC outing this morning. A rare breeding event for Cumberland County. eBird checklist Further information
Jenny & Rod Stiles, Peter & Carol Abbott & CBOC members. 29/3 #222760
Pink-eared Duck
Taronga Western Plains Zoo, Dubbo
Spotted a solitary Pink-eared Duck at the waters edge on the wetlands lake. Don't get them in the zoo very often, but nice to see any way.
Andrew O'Brien 29/3 #222761
South Island Pied Oystercatcher
Shark Island, NSW
Flying around the eastern side of the island late this morning
Biggles Csolander 29/3 #222762
Little Lorikeet
Lower Pappinbarra
8 Little Lorikeet seen this afternoon flying low towards the North East. Lots of flowering gums here. Rainbow, Scaly-breasted and Musk Lorikeets also around every day lately, as well as many Honeyeaters. eBird checklist
Ian Kerr 29/3 #222765
Brown Honeyeater, Sacred Kingfisher and Latham's Snipe
Eastlakes golf course
2 Brown Honeyeaters back again near track that separates the two golf courses feeding on flowering paperbarks. A Sacred Kingfisher and 6 Latham's Snipe also present, the latter I'm sure won't be around for much longer.
David Mitford 30/3 #222775
Sat 28Scarlet Honeyeater
Warriewood Wetlands and Irrawong Reserve
This morning in Warriewood Wetlands there were roughly 40 Scarlet Honeyeaters however there is little flowering but plenty of buds.
Jayden Walsh 28/3 #222743
Crescent Honeyeater
Royal National Park - McKell Avenue
Site as described my Marc on Thursday - at least 2 (probably more) Crescent Honeyeaters heard and observed. Difficulty arose as they were very cryptic (more so than usual), keeping surprisingly low in dense shrubs, calling infrequently.
Joshua Bergmark, Ashwin Rudder, David Mitford 28/3 #222749
NO South Island Pied Oystercatcher
Chowder Bay
No signs of the SIPO at Chowder Head at low tide this morning. When I checked the tide levels, I found that the low tide level last Sunday (when I saw the bird feeding on exposed rocks) was at .2 meters. Today low tide was at .6 meters, which means the rocks visible last Sunday were under water today. The next tide coming below .5 meters will be on the 15th of April. Not sure it this is really relevant, but I think it is likely. There was also significantly more activity in the harbour today compared to last week.
Alfred Schulte 28/3 #222750
Powerful Owl
Murray St Bateau Bay
A male Powerful Owl was calling strongly and persistently at this site at 3.15 am. This follows on from when the same bird (?) was calling strongly at 10.15 pm on the evening of 10 March 2015 and was kept under observation in a tree in my front yard for 15 minutes. At that time another Powerful Owl was heard calling some distance away. These are the first Powerful Owls at this site for two years.
Alan Morris 29/3 #222769
Buller's Albatross and Yellow-nosed Albatross
SOSSA Wollongong pelagic
2 Buller's Albatross and an Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross were the highlights of the March pelagic. One of the Buller's was a 3rd year bird based initially on the incompletely developed bill pattern and paler grey head and confirmed based on the primary moult pattern. Also seen were good numbers of Pomarine Jaegers, 1 Long-tailed Jaeger, Grey-faced Petrel, Black-browed, Shy and Campbell Island Albatross, Short-tailed Shearwaters and 1 Sooty Shearwater.
Robert Hynson on behalf of all on board the Sandra K 30/3 #222780
Pacific Emerald Dove
Royal Botanic Gardens (Sydney)
A single Emerald Dove, of the eastern race, seen perched in a eucalypt in the gardens near the Maiden Pavilion. No bands present - suggests that this bird is a wild one moving through.
Genemar Ignacio per Ashwin Rudder from Facebook 10/4 #222906
Fri 27Double-banded Plover and Eastern Curlew
Deeban Spit, Port Hacking
First sighting of the 7 Double-Banded Plovers that are regular winter visitors in the grass area at the end of the spit. Also 3 eastern curlews that may be overwintering like they did last year at 2.30, high tide.
Julie Keating 27/3 #222737
Pink- eared Duck, Freckled Duck
Cowra Sewage Works
There were 100-150 Pink-ears at the Cowra sewage ponds along with Grey Teal, Pacific Black Duck , Hardhead and 6+ Freckled Ducks when a group of us from Ulladulla visited the area. These will be entered on eBird checklist
Bob Rusk 30/3 #222772
Beach Stone-curlew
Urunga Boardwalk
A single Beach Stone-curlew arrived on the mudflat at Urunga Heads on the morning of 27 March, at about 8 am. It is banded on both legs - one yellow, one grey. Further information
Michael Dahlem 31/3 #222783
Diamond Firetail
TSR adjacent to Daisy Hill Station - 30deg 29min 34sec, 152deg 09min 24sec, c50km east of Armidale
10+ Diamond Firetails ca400m N of TSR entrance gate. An old Diamond Firetail nest (last season?) at site. An easterly record for the species?
Richard Jordan and Mike Jarvis 6/4 #222850
Thu 26Double-barred Finch
Botany 1' Cell
During a short stop at the Engine Pond, I heard the nasal call and found one bird (white rump) loosely associating with a group of yellow-rumped thornbills on the ground among the Casuarinas, along the western end. Possibly an aviary escapee as it was alone, but it's the right subspecies to be a wild bird. I've never seen this species anywhere near here. [Moderator's note: the nearest breeding population is Sydney Olympic Park, 15km north-west of here - AR] eBird checklist
Rob Child 26/3 #222731
Crescent Honeyeater
Royal National Park - McKell Avenue
A Crescent Honeyeater was heard singing along the creek near the small entrance booth on Mckell Ave. Park at the old picnic area next to the ticket booth on the way out of the Waterfall end and the bird was calling high up in trees in the creek gully at the far east end (downstream). Rarely reported from Royal NP and this is the first time I've heard one there myself.
Marc Anderson 27/3 #222734
Marsh Sandpiper, Wood Sandpiper, Red-necked Avocet
Pitt Town Lagoon
2 Marsh S P AND 1 Wood SP 1 Red-necked Avocet
Keith Brandwood 27/3 #222739
Wed 25Powerful Owl
Russell St Wollstonecraft
Male Powerful Owl called for approximately 5 minutes just before 12.15am. Couldn't see him, but fairly sure he was at the top of bushy tree in the yard.
Lindy Jones 25/3 #222710
Topknot Pigeon, Superb Fairy-wren with leucism
Penrith Railway Station (North Side)
At 2pm a single Topknot Pigeon was perched in a tall tallowwood tree on army land. I observed it with my binnies for some time. My first ever sighting of TP in Penrith suburbia. I rushed home for my camera to no avail - it had left while I was away. I noticed a group of Superb Fairywrens, one of which had leucism of its tail feathers. It has been present here for at least 6 weeks. (Photo attached was taken today).
Bob Sinclair 25/3 #222716
White-rumped Sandpiper
Shoalhaven Heads--Inlet
This bird flew in to where Red-necked Stint and Golden Plover were foraging near the waters edge and around me in the area of very extensive mud flats. I observed the bird for 30 minutes.
Jean Casburn 26/3 #222726
Tue 24Kermadec Petrel, White-bellied Storm Petrel
Ball's Pyramid Lord Howe Island
3 light phase and 2 dark phase Kermadec Petrel seen at Ball's Pyramid along with 1000's of Grey Ternlet and few Common Noddy. 10 White-bellied Storm Petrel seen in deep water along with Masked Booby, Wedge-tailed and Flesh- footed Shearwater. 500-1000 Providence Petrels noted -most closer to LHI
Allan and Rob Benson, Mike Kuhl and Michael Scobie 28/3 #222748
Mon 23Kelp Gulls
Lake Illawarra estuary (Windang)
2 adult Kelp Gulls roosting on the exposed sandspit near Pine Tree Park this morning.
Bec and Nigel Coghlan 23/3 #222694
Long-billed Corella
South Cowra sports Grounds
6 Long-billed Corella's, with two feeding flying young. 500+ Little Corella's also present on the sports ground.
Neville Schrader 25/3 #222713
White-bellied Storm Petrel
5 km NE Admiralty Islands Lord Howe Island
30+ White-bellied Storm Petrel, Kermadec Petrel(1), Black-winged Petrel (5), Providence Petrel (10), Masked Booby(10), Grey Ternlet(100's), Flesh-footed(20) and Wedge-tailed Shearwater(20), Red-tailed Tropicbird (50), Common Noddy(100's) and Black Noddy (10) were seen on boat trip to and beyond Admiralty Islands. Wandering Tattler and Sooty Tern also seen.
Allan and Rob Benson, Alan Morris, Mike Kuhl, Michael Scobie and Judy Leitch 28/3 #222746
Sun 22Pectoral Sandpiper
Pitt Town Lagoon
2 Pectoral Sandpipers were still present at the Lagoon this morning at the same spot as previously reported
Jayden Walsh and Matt Hansen 22/3 #222677
Brown Booby
Potato Point
A single bird. probably a juvenile roosting on rocks with Great Cormorants
Roger Williams Jane Wright 22/3 #222679
Emerald Dove
Yallah Bay Road, Tallawarra
Observed & photoed in woodland on south side of road. 6 Bar-shouldered Doves also viewed & photoed. See checklist for other bush passerines observed. eBird checklist
Paul Lynch 22/3 #222680
South Island Pied Oystercatcher
Chowder Bay
South Island Pied Oystercatcher Chowder Head SIPO seen feeding on a rock to the RIGHT of the track comming down to the shore line at low tide. When the rock got under water it relocated to the usual site it had been reported before. Thanks for the description how to get there. Further information
Alfred Schulte with Dave, Ian and Hazel (I hope I got this right) 22/3 #222685
White-rumped Sandpiper
Shoalhaven Heads
Observed at high tide roost on dune between ocean and inlet as described by others. Lots of double-banded plovers also present. Red necked stints and bar-tailed godwits colouring up nicely.
Mel Mitchell & Joy Sanderson 22/3 #222687
Sooty Owl
Springfield
At 11pm I heard the bomb whistle call of a Sooty Owl outside my house closely followed by another. I went outside and found the owl trilling excitedly, high up in a hollow bearing Blackbutt. A second bird was trilling from another Blackbutt 50m away. After 5 minutes, the second bird joined the first and they both moved lower down in the tree towards the hollow, trilling all the time. Five minutes later they went quiet and disappeared into Rumbalara Reserve. My first record of this species in Springfield.
Nick Carson 23/3 #222690
Grey-tailed Tattler
Fern Bay oyster-racks
High number of 34 Grey-tailed Tattlers loafing on a very ricketty, long, narrow timber "wharf" at the Fern Bay oyster-beds at high tide (very high on this particular day). They were spread fairly evenly, mostly in pairs, along the full length of the structure, as per the attached photo. Apologies for the extremely poor quality of the photo, as they were taken on a waterproof compact during light rain whilst seated in my kayak. Whilst participating in a Farewell Shorebirds count of Bar-tailed Godwits at Stockton Sandspit several hours later this species along with Red-necked Avocets were about the only likely wader species who put on a "no show", although I was told that 21 to 25 had been reported on a recent count. eBird checklist
Cameron Ward 24/3 #222708
Herald Petrel
Offshore - Eden pelagic
Single bird sighted by Canberra Ornithologists Group pelagic trip from Eden last Sunday. ID verified from photographs. Other birds sighted included Kermadec Petrel, Black-browed Albatross, Campbells Albatross, Gibson's (Wandering) Albatross - including all-chocolate young bird - Buller's Albatross, Shy Albatross, Streaked Shearwater. Further information
Sandra Henderson + 11 other observers 28/3 #222742
Black-tailed Godwit,
Lord Howe Island Airport
1 Black-tailed Godwit observed feeding with Bar-tails. This is a rare sighting for Lord Howe. Only 1 Song Thrush seen once - obviously becoming scarcer. However, Buff banded Rail and Lord Howe Island Woodhen numbers have exploded since last visit in 1995 presumably reflecting the removal of cats from the island.
Allan Benson and Mike Kuhl 29/3 #222753
Sat 21Eastern Koel
Bobbin Head Rd, North Turramurra
Single bird heard calling (but not seen) at 9am. Getting a bit late in the year I would have thought.
Tom Wilson 21/3 #222654
Kelp Gull
Long Reef Aquatic Reserve
A juvenile Kelp Gull seen today at Long Reef during the monthly wader count. We haven't seen one there before in the several years of wader surveys that we have done. Also 2 Caspian Terns and several Pacific Golden Plovers in near complete breeding plumage.
Jenny and Rod Stiles 21/3 #222659
South Island Pied Oystercatcher
Chowder Head
The SIPO is still present at the place previously reported at Chowder Bay. It fed happily on the rocks to the joy of many bird photographers around 3.30 pm. It was still there when I left.
Bernie OKeefe 21/3 #222664
South Island Pied Oystercatcher
Chowder Head
SIPO at the usual site 2 hours before low tide. Path down to beach can be confusing. Go right at 3 forked/trunked tree which eventually leads to steps to beach. Go straight on path at this point and path ends at a cliff. SIPO preening, feeding and seems to be at home on outer rock platform.
Chris Gregory 21/3 #222665
Probable Satin Flycatcher, Australasian Figbird, White-bellied Cuckoo-shrike, Australian Hobby,
Douglas Farm Rd, Kurrajong Hills
Flock of 16+ Aust Figbirds in remnant rainforest along creek - first record for me west of Windsor. All female-type plumage except one partially-coloured male. Female type flycatcher in roadside acacias (extensive orangey wash from throat to lower breast but also a darker grey sheen to the crown and upper sides of head indicative of Satin, however I have seen neither species here before) and a dark phase White-bellied Cuckoo-shrike were also both new for my local list as was a New Holland Honeyeater and White-necked Heron. Also of interest a Rufous Fantail and an Australian Hobby. eBird checklist
Eric Finley 22/3 #222675
Brown Booby and Streaked Shearwater
Mistral Point, Maroubra
A late Streaked Shearwater seen today, but the highlight was a Brown Booby flying south hot on the heels of an Australasian Gannet, only my second Brown Booby ever here. This following behaviour mirrored that of the Masked Booby we saw in 2013. Record shot attached, massively cropped of course, as the bird was a long way out.
David Mitford 22/3 #222681
Rockwarbler
Brisbane Water National Park
4 birds northern end of Patonga Drive Further information
Greg Roberts 23/3 #222689
Fri 20Oriental Cuckoo
Tallawudjah Creek, Glenreagh
A pair of cuckoo were observed at dusk last night and confirmed as Oriental Cuckoo this morning. They were coming to the ground under a defoliated white cedar to feed on the collar of hairy caterpillar gathered at the base. Now i keep a year list and a life list (like most i guess) but also a block list ie birds recorded within the property boundary only. With a flock of white-breasted woodswallow also observed this morning the block list stands at 145 species.
Pete Knock 20/3 #222638
Fork-tailed Swift (4)
Royal National Park--Lady Carrington Drive
An excellent morning with great birds. Also 15+ White-throated Nedletails, Grey Goshawk (white morph), Rufous Fantail, Crested Shrike-tit (3), Topknot Pigeon(25+), Wedge-tailed Eagle (pair), Azure Kingfisher and a White-throated Treecreeper.
Lorand Szucs 20/3 #222642
Australasian Shoveler (>350) + numbers of other water/shore birds
Deep Pond North, Kooragang Island (Hunter Estuary)
There were 353 Aussie Shovelers on Deep Pond North this morning during the monthly count. I thought this number of this species on the coast was report-worthy. There are many hundreds of other water/shore birds also present, e.g. Black-winged Stilt (444), Red-necked Avocet (611), Black-tailed Godwit (8), Marsh Sandpiper (41; these birds have been faithful to Deep Pond North for the whole summer), Grey Teal (650), Chestnut Teal (1310) and Pink-eared Duck (309). 5 Freckled Ducks were reported here 2 weeks ago but I could not find them amongst the hordes today. There are now two 'Deep Ponds' due to the recent construction of a rail flyover that has severed the 'old' Deep Pond. The northerly of the two remnant ponds is by far the most significant of the two. This northerly pond (referred to as 'Deep Pond North') lies beneath the site of the proposed (and recently recommended for approval) T4 project, so its days may be numbered.
Mick Roderick 20/3 #222643
South Island Pied Oystercatcher
Chowder Head
SIPO at the usual spot at 2.30pm
David Hair 20/3 #222644
Speckled Warblers
Scheyville National Park
Four Speckled Warblers seen feeding on a track near the back gate. eBird checklist
Elisabeth Karplus 20/3 #222646
White-rumped Sandpiper
Shoalhaven Heads - Inlet
Reported yesterday by Lachlan Hall. Bird still present this morning between 10:00-11:15 with the Red-necked Stints and a good number of Double-banded Plovers. Located near waters edge about 30 mins after high tide roosting and preening in small sand dune. Was flushed by a Hobby and ended up back at beach side dunes a little later. Strong winds and stormy weather approaching as I left. Two Sydney birders were leaving as we arrived who saw it before 10:00am roosting in the sand dunes with the RNST. Nice to see a Red-bellied black snake walking back to the car park. eBird checklist
Carla Jackett, Phil Craven 20/3 #222648
Red-tailed Tropicbird
Warden Head Ulladulla
A lone Red-tailed Tropic bird was one of the many seabirds present this afternoon at wardens head, 4 Black-browed Albatross, 2 Shy Albatross, 2 Wandering Albatross, 10+ Wedge-tailed Shearwaters, various Terns and Cormorants along with over 35 Sooty Oystercatchers.
Charles Dove 20/3 #222649
Thu 19White-rumped Sandpiper
Shoalhaven Heads
Hanging out with the many stints on the sandbar. It was a nice surprise to catch up with this little fellow again, back where it was first sighted at Shoalhaven Heads.
Lachlan Hall, Duade Paton, Matt Jones 19/3 #222624
Pacific Baza
Rosebank
I was looking to see if about 25 White-throated Needletails that I saw earlier were still around, but instead there were 11 Pacific Bazas circling overhead in midday heat of 33C.
Phil Murray 19/3 #222628
Ground Parrot
Hyams Beach Rd, Jervis Bay
Two parrots feeding on the edge of the road on the way out of Hyams Beach at 5.45pm. They allowed close viewing from the car to within 2m without being disturbed.
Max O'Sullivan 19/3 #222633
White-bellied Cuckoo-shrike
Terrigal
Single WBCS heard calling and then seen flying over Star of the Sea primary school. WBCS are uncommon on the Central Coast and this is the first one I've seen east of the M1 having lived locally for 35+ years.
Nick Carson 20/3 #222639
Glossy Black Cockatoo
South West Rocks
Total 8 birds in Arakook Reserve Further information
Greg Roberts 23/3 #222688
Wed 18Pectoral Sandpiper
Pitt Town Lagoon
3 Pectoral Sandpipers still present at Pitt Town Lagoon at the Lagoon Rd end. Large mixed flocks of juvenile Nutmeg & Chestnut-breasted Mannikin feeding in the reeds and grasses.
Jenny Stiles and Carol Abbott 19/3 #222630
Regent Honeyeater
Crown Station Road, Capertee Valley
50 metres to the south of Capertee Valley bird trail # 5 sign. Also White-plumed Honeyeaters in adjacent trees eBird checklist
Paul Jensen 19/3 #222635
‘Striped Storm-Petrel’, White-bellied Storm-Petrel, Collared Petrel, Long-tailed Jaeger
Britannia Seamount off far northern New South Wales
Highlights were 1 ‘Striped’ and 3 White-bellied Storm-petrels (see photograph), 5 Antipodean/Gibson’s Albatross (one with an off-white DARVIC band with the code ‘014’ on its left leg), 2 Red-tailed Tropicbirds, 1 Red-footed Booby, 1 Long-tailed Jaeger and 3 White Terns. A Collared Petrel (intermediate morph) was seen by two participants. In addition we saw Wedge-tailed and Flesh-footed Shearwaters, Tahiti, Kermadec, Grey-faced, Providence (2), Gould's and White-necked Petrels, a Pomarine Jaeger, Sooty Terns and Oceanic Bottlenose Dolphins. For more photographs click link. Further information
Nikolas Haass & Raja Stephenson and everyone else on Paul Walbridge's SEQ Seamount Pelagic 28/3 #222740
Tue 17Gang-gang Cockatoo
Bloom Hill Road, O'Connell (between Bathurst & Oberon)
Flock of at least 40 Gang-gangs flying between large old Yellow Boxes on a creekline adjacent to the road, just before dusk. I've never seen a flock of this size before. Landholder was surprised to hear that the species is threatened, since there were so many of them here! She reported that they come into her yard to feed on the Cotoneaster berries (which I've seen them do elsewhere in the Central West). -33.56107, 149.71565
Tiffany Mason 18/3 #222607
Mon 16South Island Pied Oystercatcher
Chowder Head
The SIPO is still showing very well at its usual spot (described in earlier postings) and we were able to easily observe and photograph it. It was undisturbed by nearby fishermen. It also did a brief circular flight and enabled us to observe all of its features. A great Sydney sighting!
Dave Koffel and Bob McKenzie 16/3 #222579
Wandering Tattler (5), Common Noddy
Flat Rock, Ballina
5 Wandering Tattlers roosting on the rock this evening, my highest count ever for Flat Rock. Also an immature Common Noddy & a White-winged Tern amongst the other regular Terns & waders. eBird checklist
Steven McBride 16/3 #222582
Sun 15Rainbow Bee-eater
Eulah Creek
30 Rainbow Bee-eaters congregating and preparing for migration seen this morning around 9:00, flying about 100 m high up. Later in the day, at around 15:00, saw another flock of 20 congregating about 15 km east of Burren Junction (near Pian Creek). No photos, but recorded calls at Pian Creek. Further information
Michael Dahlem 15/3 #222562
Brush Cuckoo
Knudsen Reserve, Riverstone
Seen an adult and juvenile Brush Cuckoo this afternoon between 4pm and 5pm
Stephen and Antonella Gilmour 15/3 #222566
Australian Shelduck
Hexham Swamp Nature Reserve
The pair of Shelducks was present in the same pond as reported by Mick Roderick (10th March). Other nice sightings included 10 Common Greenshanks, several Pacific Golden Plovers (c.10), a Buff-banded Rail, good numbers of Royal Spoonbill (25+), White-fronted Chat (c.20) and teal (1000+ combined of both sp.).
Ashwin Rudder 15/3 #222569
White-tailed Tropicbird
Lord Howe Island
Photographed while on day 1 of Birdweek with Ian Hutton's Lord Howe Island Nature Tours. [Moderator's Note: Initially identified and published as a Red-billed Tropicbird, which would be Australia's third record, the consensus is that this is in fact a (probably subadult) White-tailed Tropicbird, as Red-billed would not have 8-9 pure white primaries, and should have a much more obviously barred rump. AR] Further information
Jim Allen 15/3 #222570
Eastern Ground Parrot, Eastern Bristlebird
Barren Grounds Nature Reserve
Eastern Ground Parrot flushed at the start of the service trail on the way back from walking to the end. Very windy day. Flew off towards the hut and then took a sharp right back around and then called once (assuming it was the same bird). Single Eastern Bristlebird also seen at the start of the service trail.
Charles Hunter 16/3 #222572
Buller's Albatross and Long-tailed Jaegers
Mistral Point, Maroubra
My first Buller's for a couple of years at Maroubra. Also lots of Jaegers: 9 Long-tailed, 30 Pomarine and 1 Arctic. A large feeding event occurred with 700 'brown' birds feeding in a rolling flock. 20 Flesh- footed Shearwater, 2 Sooty Shearwater, 5 Short-tailed Shearwater, 5 Fluttering Shearwaters and 2 Shy Albatross seen today as well
David Mitford 16/3 #222584
Pectoral Sandpipers
Pitt Town Lagoon
3 Pectoral Sandpipers observed at the Lagood Rd end of the wetland mid afternoon, 2 feeding together and a third bird located approximately 200m away. Also present were 30+ Pink-eared Ducks, 2 Black-fronted Dotterels as well as various cormorants, pelicans, teals Masked Lapwings and a Great Egret.
Nigel and Bec Coghlan 17/3 #222591
Regent Honeyeater
Nangahrah Bird Route
A single Regent Honeyeater was taking a bath at Nangahrah Creek (near creek crossing) and later landed on a casuarina branch and was grooming itself for ages oblivious to other honeyeaters slashing water around (Striped and Fuscous HE). On the farmland near Nangahrah Creek crossing: Hooded Robin (3), Diamond Firetail (12), Double-barred Finch (100+), Brown Songlark (1 male), Spotted Harrier (1). Other birds from this location: Crested Shrike-tit (1), Turquoise Parrot (1), White-bellied Cuckoo-shrike (1 dark morph), Speckled Warbler (4), Little Lorikeet (100+).
Ted Wnorowski 17/3 #222599
Barking Owl, Budgerigar
Borah Travelling Stock Reserve
Evening visit to the site to look for night birds. A small flock of Budgerigars (16) was roosting near the creek. Collared Sparrowhawk was still mobbed by other birds (magpie-larks, honeyeaters but did not move from his hiding. During the early night Southern Boobooks and Australian Owlet Nightjar were calling. Tawny Frogmouth came to investigate insect near my camping lamp. When I was leaving a Barking Owl started to call (woof woof call) from the hills.
Ted Wnorowski 17/3 #222600
Sat 14Rufous Fantail, Sacred Kingfisher.
Meadowbank Park, Sydney.
A rufous fantail was seen flitting around in the tops of the mangrove trees along the Parramatta river this morning and 4 juvenile sacred kingfishers were also feeding on crabs in the mangroves.
michael ronan. 14/3 #222542
Sooty Oystercatchers
Warden Head, Ulladulla
There were 31 Sooties resting on the rock shelf below Warden head. This number is unusually high ,13 to16 are frequently seen on the rocky shelf part of Racecourse beach in the winter but nothing like these numbers have been seen before. Last Friday at Comorong island at Shoalhaven we seen 20 Pied Oystercatchers.
Bob Rusk 14/3 #222546
Black Bittern
Mullet Creek, Warriewood
A Black Bittern was seen hunting on the edge of Mullet Creek upstream from the Warriewood Wetlands.
Elisabeth Karplus and nine people on the Birding NSW outing 14/3 #222547
Plumed Whistling-Duck
Pitt Town Lagoon
Atleast 15 Plumed Whistling-Ducks close together in the centre of a group that included atleast 31 Pink-eared Ducks and also Grey Teal and Masked Lapwing. All were standing in very shallow water to the left of the left hand grouping of pelicans as one observes from the bird hide. Scope required for a good view, as quite distant. eBird checklist
Cameron Ward 14/3 #222555
Red-tailed Tropicbird, White-tailed Tropicbird, White Tern, Buller's Albatrosss
Offshore--Sydney Pelagic
Highlights of an excellent late summer Sydney pelagic were a Red-tailed Tropicbird, two White-tailed Tropicbirds, a White Tern, a Buller's Albatross and an unidentified fregetta storm petrel. Also a Long-tailed Jaeger, five Shy Albatross, an Antipodean (gibsoni) Albatross and three Black-browed Albatross.
Roger McGovern and all on board the MV Explorer 15/3 #222556
Pink-eared Duck, Yellow-billed Spoonbill
Marsden Park
2 Pink-eared Ducks and a Yellow-billed Spoonbill on small dam on west sde of Richmond Road. Sadly this little waterbody looks likely to disappear under the ongoing widening of this road.
Eric Finley 15/3 #222567
Common Tern - red bill and legs - plus Sanderling
Flat Rock Ballina
We dropped in to Flat Rock at Ballina for a break on the way home. There were plenty of terns but one took our interest as it had a red bill with black tip and bright red legs and feet. The bird did not have the expected full black cap (see photo) After advice from others we believe this to be a Common Tern of ssp tibetana or hirundo. Either way being well out of range. There were also three Sanderlings amongst the waders
Peter West and Sue Prouist 16/3 #222580
Turquoise Parrot, Little Eagle, Painted Button-quail
Attunga State Forest (20 km noth of Tamworth)
Two Turquoise Parrots were investigating the hollow in a large Box tree near the archery club shelter, another bird on the track. A single Painted Button-quail feeding near track. Little Eagle flying over my head near the entrance. Very good birding spot. Box gum trees were in full bloom so there were heaps of honeyeaters, mostly Fuscous HE, Noisy and Little Friarbirds but others such us Striped HE (21), Blue-faced HE (1), Black-chinned HE (3) were also there. Other interesting birds: Western Gerygone (1), Hooded Robin (3), C. Cicadabird (1 female), Rainbow Bee-eater (8), Brown Treecreeper (5). When I was leaving the forest Peregrine Falcon just caught a starling, landed on the water tank and was plucking its feathers one by one few meters from the road.
Ted Wnorowski 17/3 #222596
Fri 13Spotted Harrier
Matraville, Bunnerong Road
Seen flying low over allotments next to Shirley Crescent.
David Mitford 13/3 #222533
Arctic Jaeger
Warden Head, Ulladulla
A pale morph Arctic Jaeger in breeding plumage was sighted off the head at app 4.00pm chasing a WT Shearwater until the Shearwater disgorged its food. Really good views of it at app 300- 400 mtrs, the sun showing the vivid white belly and primary patch of the under wing. These have seen regularly down here but not usually with the breeding plumage so clear. The BB and Shy Albatrosses have been seen off the head for the first time this season. Further information
Bob Rusk 14/3 #222545
Eastern Bristlebird
Barren Grounds Nature Reserve
2 Eastern Bristlebirds seen at 3pm about 500 metres up Flying Fox Pass walk. One of them showing very well about 6-7 metres away in the open. White-throated Treecreeper, Beautiful Firetail, White-browed Scrubwren also see at the same location.
Charles Hunter 16/3 #222573
White Tern
Wybong Road, near Castle Rock (17km W of Muswellbrook)
A White Tern was observed flying between trees on Friday morning along a section of Wybong Road, about 3km west of Castle Rock and 17km west of Muswellbrook. The location is about 125km from the coast at its nearest point. The description provided to me is that the person "saw the bird fly erratically through the trees and land on the ground (he did not see it fly around, only straight through the tress to the ground). Then the bird stayed in one spot, put its head down and tried to berry itself in the dirt/leaf litter, it did not attempt to walk away." It was taken into care but unfortunately did not make it through the weekend. There have been a few storms recently but nothing that exceptional I wouldn't have thought. An interesting record and remarkable that the person actually witnessed it fly in.
un-named observer via Tas Willis per Mick Roderick 16/3 #222577
Thu 12Brown Quail
Balls Head Reserve, Waverton
This afternoon at approx 2pm a brown quail ran across Balls Head Rd from the bushland adjacent to the shore to the centre strip where the road divides, before the Coal Loader. It appeared to hide under a large stump near the lower road.
Judy Clark 12/3 #222525
Pacific Baza
Kurrajong Greggs Road
Single bird feeding on Phasmids in the treetops Mobbed by noisy Miners, King Parrots & Butcherbirds eBird checklist
Adrian O'Hara 12/3 #222528
Powerful Owls
Sailors Bay Track, Castlecrag
Adult pair - daytime roost in coachwood near waterfall
David Potter 13/3 #222532
Tue 10Black Kite
Colo Vale
Single bird by the western side of the Hume Highway about 2 km south of Church Ave turn off. The first Black Kite I've seen in the Southern Highlands.
Lorne Johnson 10/3 #222501
Australian Shelduck
Hexham Swamp (Old Pipeline Track)
Male and female Aussie Shelducks present on Hexham Swamp this afternoon, on the east side of the first pond to north of the Shamrock Street T-intersection. Also present, amongst other things, were ~3000 Sharp-tailed Sandpipers (a small group trying to photobomb the attached image after being flushed by a hobby), a few shoveler and half a dozen greenshank.
Mick Roderick 10/3 #222509
Channel-billed Cuckoo
Double Bay (Sydney)
flying around being chased by Noisy Miners at junction of Victoria Road and New South Head road at 6:45pm
Chris Gladwin 10/3 #222511
South Island Pied Oystercatcher
Chowder Bay, Sydney Harbour
Feeding on rock as photographed by Cameron Ward on 9th. Was still present when I left at 6:20pm (low tide was at 5:50pm). Fisherman on same rock did not cause it any concern, (Park at crnr Iluka & Morella Rds and take concrete steps down and then left and walk the formed flat path until sharp left hand bend, take sandy narrow track at this point and walk all way down to "beach")
Chris Gladwin, Murray Lord, Simon Blanchflower 10/3 #222512
Regent Honeyeater
'Highfield' farm, adjacent to Ellerslie Nature Reserve, Mt Adrah NSW 2729
Single regent honeyeater appeared at elevated birdbath near our farmhouse in company with several noisy friarbirds. First sighting of this species in 2.5 years of residence at this property. Bird bathed briefly a couple of times, groomed itself in nearby peach tree for a few minutes then flew off into nearby box-gum woodland.
David Bray 10/3 #222513
Mon 9South Island Pied Oystercatcher
Chowder Head, Sydney Harbour NP
Bird appeared around 4:45pm after a fisherman vacated the rock. Was showing well whilst feeding. It was further observed from 6PM to 6.20PM on the rocks just off a small stretch of sand at Chowder Head. Distant record photo attached (my camera only has a 18-200ml lens) that may help others in finding this exact location. The bird is visible to the right of centre beneath the larger rock formation. Spent at least 15 to 16 minutes within a metre of this location before moving to the top of the smaller rock on the right and facing seaward. eBird checklist
Cameron Ward and Dave Vink 9/3 #222496
Channel-billed Cuckoo
Killara
Sitting outside at 9:50pm and heard the very loud unmistakable sound of a single cuckoo calling as it flew. It was dark, so hard to tell which distance it was flying (I'm assuming North).
David Vickers 9/3 #222497
South Island Pied Oystercatcher
Balmoral Beach
The SIPO seen enjoying the delights of the northern end of Balmoral Beach this afternoon at about 3.00pm. Soon after it flew off southwards along the beach.
Sylvia Griffin 9/3 #222499
Sooty Oystercatcher
Dolphin point, Ulladulla
6 birds seen feeding around the rocks around midday, still present at 6pm. One has been leg banded but to distant to make out any markings.
Johan Olsson 10/3 #222503
Sun 8Brown Honeyeater
Condobolin
Very surprised to hear a Brown HE calling from my back yard at 9 am this morning. On further investigation there were two birds feeding in a flowering gum along with Silvereyes and Yellow Thornbills. Only my second record of this species in Condo
Warren Chad 8/3 #222460
South Island Pied Oystercatcher
Chowder Bay, Sydney Harbour NP
Present this afternoon at 330-430 pm although absent on Saturday at the same time. Tame, some kayakers getting within a few metres of the feeding bird.
Dion Hobcroft 8/3 #222472
Channel-billed Cuckoo
Bellevue Hill - Bondi 1' Cell
a single, silent bird flying over Victoria Road. This is a very late bird, most have already left NSW (Moderator).
Marie Lister 8/3 #222473
Buller's Albatross, Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross, Streaked Shearwater.
Sydney Harbour National Park--North Head
Another good day for seabirds off north head with 10 to 15 early season Buller's Albatross, also my first Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross for the year and 2 Streaked Shearwaters.
michael ronan. 8/3 #222474
White-winged Chough
Parklea
Saw 6 birds flying over Sentry Drive and into the grounds of the Parklea prison. First time I have seen them in that area and the closest I have seen them to the coast in Sydney
Edwin Vella 8/3 #222475
South Island Pied Oystercatcher
Chowder Head
Saw the bird at same place this afternoon at about 1630 just after Dion Hobcroft but after ten minutes or so of foraging on the rocks it was spooked by a passing Cormorant and flew westwards and out of sight along the shoreline heading towards the Zoo.
Edwin Vella 8/3 #222477
Black Kite
Streeton Lookout, North Richmond
Black Kite flying SE over Terrace Rd/ Gormley St/ Cliff Rd adjacent to the Lookout, heading toward river and Cornwallis. Mobbed by Ravens. 6.30pm. Last seen hereabouts July 2014
Mike Felstead 9/3 #222494
Sat 7Apostlebirds, Azure Kingfisher, White-winged Choughs
Nurragingy Reserve
A pair of Apostlebirds seen, and single juvenile Azure Kingfisher at the reserve today at about 10am near the lake. Also 2 Rainbow Lorikeets and a family of about 5 Choughs.
Stephen and Antonella Gilmour 7/3 #222451
Buller's Albatross, Streaked Shearwater, Shy & Black-browed Albatross.
Long Reef Aquatic Reserve
Good afternoons birdwatching off long reef this afternoon with good numbers of albatross including 3 Buller's albatross,10+ shy albatross, 8 black browed albatross and 6 streaked shearwaters.
michael ronan 7/3 #222457
Little Penguin, Hutton's Shearwater
Boat Harbour, Kurnell
Observed a Little Penguin chasing schools of small fish - in knee deep water - on the tide covered rock shelf for close to an hour. It became stranded by the receding tide. Fortunately the few dog owners obliged when asked to leash their dogs once they realised the penguin was present (According to the signs dogs are forbidden on the shelf, but hey). I ended up herding the bird back into a channel which it was able to safely follow back to open water. The other interesting bird was a lone Hutton's Shearwater in amongst the Silver Gulls. Kelp Gull, Red-capped Plover, Reef Heron etc. present. Excuse the poor quality phone/scoped photos. eBird checklist
Greg McLachlan 9/3 #222493
Fri 6Beautiful Firetail
Royal National Park--Wattamolla
A very quite day in the Royal National Park. Two Beautiful Firetails seen at the point where the path from the car park splits.
Marie Lister and Giuilia Masoero 6/3 #222446
South Island Pied Oystercatcher
Chowder Bay
Seen again today at 5.45pm on the off-shore rock. Later time of observation suggests that movements to this location (from Shark Island) are tide related.
Bob Way, Steve Mannix 6/3 #222448
Thu 5Eastern Osprey
Willinga Lake, Bawley Point
Single juvenile bird, calling while perched.
Margaret Hamon 5/3 #222424
Glossy Black-Cockatoo
Eulah Creek
On 5 January 2015 I reported a group of 5 Glossy Black-Cockatoos flying over Eulah Creek (#221618). Earlier in the season (12 December 2014) I did not report a fly-over at Upper Bullawa Creek, 5 km from here. Then on 5 February 2015 there were another 3 Glossy Black-Cockatoos flying over and today another 2 (no photo). I report this in the context of this being the driest summer in the Pilliga scrub in a long time and today's birds preceded smoke coming from bushfires in the Pilliga scrub (3 fires burning right now). Prior to December 2014 I had only ONCE (in 8 years) seen a Glossy Black-Cockatoo fly over Eulah Creek - ca. 40 km NE of the Pilliga scrub (now 11, in 4 separate events, within 3 months). Although small numbers, this may indicate that the Glossy Black-Cockatoo population in the Pilliga scrub is unsettled (note also increased human activity in the Pilliga over the last few years in regards to CSG exploration). Further information
Michael Dahlem 5/3 #222426
South Island Pied Oystercatcher
Chowder Head
3.30 pm. Feeding on rocks just offshore at low tide. Great close view. Access from path at junction Iluka and Morella St. Turn left at main Chowder Bay Track. After 60 m take unformed path on right down to shoreline. Also observed at 5:00pm by David Stowe and Jayden Walsh.
Carl Weber, David Stowe, Jayden Walsh 5/3 #222432
South Island Pied Oystercatcher
Shark Island, Sydney Harbour
As previously reported, the bird was not visible at first but then found emerging from large rocks near ferry wharf (see photo), SE end of Island. It stayed mostly hidden roosting with Silver Gulls until it sat up and started preening. About half an hour later it flew down to the sand and rocks next to where roosting and began feeding on Oysters. Good views and 3 other birders also were there taking photos. The bird stayed in the same location until we left on the 12:30pm ferry. Very windy day. eBird checklist
Carla Jackett, Lorand Szucs, etc 6/3 #222435
Raibow Bee-eater, Common Cicadabird, Pacific Baza
Nurragingy Reserve
Autumn migrants started to appear in the reserve and also along the Eastern Creek north of Power St. Heaps of Silvereys and Yellow-faced Honeyeater also Dusky Woodswallow (10), Rainbow Bee-eater (2), Common Cicadabird (male - 1), Dollarbird (2). In the reserve also Pacific Baza (still present, feeding on stick insects), Mistletoebirds (heaps), Satin Bowerbird (2 juv or female).
Ted Wnorowski 6/3 #222438
Long-tailed Jaeger and Shy Albatross
Mistral Point, Maroubra
At least 5 Shy Albatross and 5 Long-tailed Jaegers this evening. 25+ Pomarine Jaegers & a Black-browed Albatross also seen.
David Mitford 8/3 #222469
Grey Goswawk, White-Bellied Sea-Eagle
Streetons Lookout, North Richmond
Grey Goshawk seen from the Lookout, above paddocks adjacent to Terrace Rd 5.30 pm, appeared to be pursuing a Magpie, mobbed by 3 other Magpies, then gave up pursuit. Seen shortly afterwards quartering downstream along the Terrace. Also a White-Bellied Sea-Eagle – quartering slowly downstream at tree canopy height along the Terrace 5.15pm, later seen flying upstream above river at low height. Seen regularly here.
Mike Felstead 9/3 #222495
Wed 4Grey Goshawk, white morph
Lyn Gordon Reserve, Thirlmere NSW
Perched on Branch of Eucalyptus then gliding to another tree with an expansive wing span. Magnificent, breath taking!!!!!!
Sophie Stringer 4/3 #222413
Square-tailed Kite
Riverside Park, Riverside Rd, Chipping Norton
Juvenile Square-tailed Kite quartering and circling about 9 am was my first record for Riverside Park. Male Satin Bowerbird was my 3rd record for the park. Male Grey Goshawk. Female Crested Shrike-tit
David James 4/3 #222415
Common Noddy
Tacking Point Lighthouse, Port Macquarie
2 Common Noddy foraging in surf line along rocks below the Lighthouse. Birds last seen heading north close in to shore. A single Common Noddy was seen in mid February at this same location and stayed around for a few days. eBird Checklist S21976956 refers to that bird.
Clive Meadows 4/3 #222416
South Island Pied Oystercatcher
Shark Island
was seen at island from about 11 am to 12:10 pm when it took off and headed towards the north side of the harbour.
Elisabeth Karplus, Martyn Moffat, Noel Luff 4/3 #222418
South Island Pied Oystercatcher
Sydney Harbour - Chowder Bay
South Island Pied Oystercatcher seen this afternoon at the previously reported spot at Chowder Bay.
Robert Hynson 4/3 #222421
Eastern Osprey
Tallawarra Foreshore, Lake Illawarra
1 Osprey flying north over the lake near the boat ramp carpark
Michael Crosland 4/3 #222422
Tue 3White-bellied Cuckooshrike - dark morph
Yellomundee Regioanl Park
Single bird observed taking insects from foliage of casuarina and acacia near old homestead site.
Mark Ley 3/3 #222404
Pacific Baza
Lawrence - private property
Reported on behalf of Bill Shillam. At least 12 birds were noted today feeding in the tops of eucalypts on the property. This species is not uncommon at this site and has bred in the past. The numbers were surprising. However it should be noted that 14 birds were also seen on the 7th February at the same site
Peter West 3/3 #222408
Glossy Black Cockatoo
Taronga Western Plains Zoo, Dubbo
A flock of 8-10 Glossy Black Cockatoo's did a fly over of the zoo. They were seen by a number of keepers, many commenting that this is the first time they have seen them in the zoo.
Andrew O'Brien 3/3 #222409
Streaked Shearwater, Shy-type Albatross
Pelagic off Port Stephens (BirdLife Photography Group outing)
2x Streaked Shearwaters were the highlights of another low-diversity day at sea for the BirdLife Australia Photography Group (11 spp. outside the heads). 2x Shy-type Albatrosses were also seen. Conditions were glassy for most of the day and activity was generally low. For the 3rd consecutive PS trip (totalling nearly 9 hours wide of the shelf break) no storm-petrels were seen. It was also the first PS trip with no cetaceans of any sort seen, but it was still an enjoyable day at sea!
Mick Roderick and 13 others aboard the M.V. Argonaut 4/3 #222410
South Island Pied Oystercatcher
Sydney Harbour
Update: Bird has been splitting time evenly between Shark Island and Chowder Bay at -33.843928,151.254304. Can be seen from the Captain Cook Loop Ferry on passing the above site, and the tour guide on board has allowed birders to re-direct the ferry briefly to get in closer to shore in order to see the bird. Note that if flushed, the bird almost always flies straight across the harbour to the secondary site, so please be considerate both in regards to the bird's welfare and other birders.
Max Breckenrdige, David Stowe, Simon Gorta, etc. per. Facebook 4/3 #222412
Autumn migrants, Freckled Duck
Wurrungwuri Reserve, Moorebank
Influxes of Rufous Whistler, Golden Whistler, Rufous Fantail, Grey Fantail seem to indicate some Autumn movements. Not sure if White-eared Honeyeaters are Autumn migrants or just dispersed from nearby Voyager Point Bushland. Single male Freckled Duck still at stormwater pond at edge of reserve on Brickmakers Road.
David James 4/3 #222414
Lewin's Rail, Bassian Thrush, Black-faced Monarch
Warriewood Wetlands
A short visit to the wetlands in the early morning. Three Lewin's Rails (adult and 2 large juvs) came out of sedges near Katoa Close entrance. I got an excellent view of them. Nearby 2 Bassian Thrushes and near shopping centre one Black-faced Monarch in swamp oak trees.
Ted Wnorowski 4/3 #222417
Mon 2South Island Pied Oystercatcher
Shark Island, Sydney Harbour National Park
Bird relocated today at 11:15 feeding on the NW corner of the island. Appears to be slowly moving counterclockwise feeding along the shoreline. Still present from midday next to the jetty. Numerous photos obtained, will write up a BARC submission soon. Ferry access through Captain Cook Cruises, $20 return departing Circular Quay 10:30, 12:05, 1:30, 2:15.
Joshua Bergmark, Nathan Ruser, Henry Coleman, Carol Abbott, Peter Abbott 2/3 #222396
Sun 1Spotless Crake
Pitt Town Lagoon
3 Spotless Crakes were the birds of the morning at Pitt Town Lagoon this morning also still good numbers of Pink-eared Ducks there too.
michael ronan 1/3 #222390
Topknot Pigeon, Gang Gang
Bellawongarah - Berry Mountain
Approximately 150 Topknots flew very fast across my house yard at 4:40pm. Very strong winds and stormy weather this afternoon. Yesterday we had 9 Gang Gangs here, with some identified as 2 adult males, 1 adult female, 2 immature males (some red on head/crest), and 1 immature female were identified. Not uncommon here generally but don't often see them in these numbers.
Carla Jackett 1/3 #222392
South Island Pied Oystercatcher
Shark Island (North), Sydney Harbour
Single bird around lunchtime on the northern side of the island, identified through Facebook.
Biggles Csolander per. Joshua Bergmark 1/3 #222393
Eastern Osprey, Rufous Fantail
Deepwater Park, Milperra
Adult female Eastern Osprey at the ponds on Maxewell Ave about 10:00 am. A Rufous Fantail was my first of the Autumn migration.
David James 2/3 #222395
Masked Woodswallow
Pambalong Nature Reserve - Hexham Floodplain West
Five observers viewed eight birds flying west prior to strong storm activity over Pambelong causeway road. Grey Goshawk also made a flyby appearance.
Allan Richardson 2/3 #222398
February 2015
Sat 28Whimbrel
Deeban Spit, Port Hacking
All the summer migratory birds have left, except for this one Whimbrel.
Julie Keating 28/2 #222368
Pacific Swift, Peaceful Dove
Bundanoon
A single Pacific Swift in a loose flock of 15 White-throated Needletails (high over the sewage works) and a Peaceful Dove (at Bundanoon Oval) bring my town tally to 178 species. The first time I've seen a Pacific Swift in NSW. My second record of a Peaceful Dove in the Southern Highlands.
Lorne Johnson 28/2 #222371
Black-tailed Godwit, Marsh Sandpiper, Greenshank, Osprey, Avocets
Wagtail Way, Ash Island Ponds
CC Group, Birding NSW had an outing to Ash Island and between 1040-1140 am saw about 1500 Red-necked Avocets and 1000 Black-winged Stills, along with about 40 Black-tailed Godwits, 60+ Bar-tailed Godwits, 10+ Greenshanks, 40+ Marsh Sandpiper, breeding White-fronted Chats, an Osprey, a Sea-Eagle, Black-shouldered Kite, and nearby Brown Falcon, Whistling Kite and a Little Eagle, as well as the usual ducks and cormorants and Mangrove Gerygones..
Alan Morris & 23 members of Birding NSW 28/2 #222381
Brown Noddy
Nobby's Rock Platform (Newcastle)
Single Brown Noddy working the wash between Groper Rock and Newcastle Baths this afternoon. I only saw the bird flying (hence distant cropped image), but apparently it was loafing on the rocks with the Crested/Little Terns from about 4:15pm onwards. Also ~40 Sooty Oystercatchers on the rocks (max count this year here has been 50 birds).
Mick Roderick 28/2 #222384
Terek Sandpiper, Black-tailed Godwit, Pacific Golden Plover
Stockton Sand Spit
The tides were not right for a view of the Migratory waders today being high tide at 5.40 am and 6.40 pm, however because of the high river there was not much drop in the tide so that while there were virtually no Eastern Curlews or Bar-tailed Godwits, there were 435 Pacific Golden Plover, with about 300-400 Curlew Sandpipers and 300+Sharp-tailed Sandpipers roosting on the shell banks and hard to count. Also there were 4 Terek Sandpipers , 2-3 Double-banded Plovers, a few Whimbrel & Black-tailed Godwits, and Red-necked Stints. No terns or Avocets.
Alan Morris & 23 members of CCGBNSW 28/2 #222385
Sharp-tailed Sandpiper, Hobby, Sea-Eagles & Swamp Harrier
Hexham Swamp Nature Reserve
Our group finished the day 3-4pm down at the Hexham Swamp Nature Reserve and were treated to some great massed flights of Sharp-tailed Sandpipers of 3000-4000 birds that coursed and swoop over the reedbeds and marshes. It was a great sight also there were 2 Swamp Harriers, a Little Eagle, 2 Hobbies and 2 Sea-Eagles present. There were also a few Marsh Sandpipers and Greenshanks and a Buff-banded Rail.
Alan Morris & 23 members of CCGBNSW 28/2 #222386
Fri 27Black Bittern, Grey Goshawk
Deepwater Park, Milperra
Female Black Bittern flushed from side of 2nd pond and disappeared in mangroves. Male Grey Goshawk seen 2 days in a row. Adult White-bellied Sea-eagle carrying a fish over the river.
David James 27/2 #222363
Thu 26Rufous Fantail
Centennial Park
A Rufous Fantail was in the enclosed Eastern Suburbs Banksia Scrub remnant on York Road, adjacent to Moriah College.
Graeme Robinson 26/2 #222356
Black Bittern, Square-tailed Kite
Cattai National Park--Mitchell Park
Single kite flying low over the trees near park entrance. Also a Black Bittern at the first little crk/ cattai crk junction.
Mike Rutkowski 26/2 #222358
Bush Stone-curlew
Karuah Big 4 Caravan Park
Heard calling at 3 am from mangrove / saltmarsh area.
Paul Shelley 26/2 #222359
Black Petrel, Buller's Shearwater, Antipodean Albatross
Pelagic off Port Stephens (BirdLife Photography Group outing)
A single Black Petrel and 2 Buller's Shearwaters were the highlights of a BirdLife Australia Photography Group pelagic organised by the Hunter Bird Observers Club today off Port Stephens. Also of note was an adult Antipodean Albatross (Gibson's) and 2 individual adult Shy-type Albatrosses. There were also 2 'getaway' sightings; one a likely 'Cookilaria', the other almost certainly a Long-tailed Jaeger. For the 2nd Port Stephens pelagic running, there were no storm-petrels seen.
Mick Roderick and 13 others aboard the MV Argonaut 26/2 #222360
White-rumped Sandpiper
Lake Wollumboola
The sandpiper is still at the location which has been widely reported associating with Red-capped Plovers and Red-necked Stints. It happily stayed around for the two hours I was there.
Bernie OKeefe 26/2 #222362
Magpie Goose
STP Ponds, Lake Road, Port Macquarie
A pair of Magpie Geese have been present at the Port Macquarie STP ponds since 10 February 2015. It is understood that Council has now identified that they have a nest with eggs.
Tim Morris 27/2 #222367
Wed 25Freckled Duck
Moorebank
A male Freckled Duck on a cruddy stormwater detention basin along Brickmakers Rd opposite the Georges Fair housing development
David James 25/2 #222348
Mottled Petrel
Booderee National Park - Bherwerre Beach
One found beachwashed. Attached is a poor quality image from my phone but visible are the diagnostic combination of characters: white throat, white undertail, grey belly patch; white underwing with prominent black diagonal bar. Also along the beach were 100+ low flying White-throated Needletails hawking insects just above the sand or adjacent dunes.
Martin Schulz 26/2 #222355
possible Kamchatka Leaf (Phylloscopus) Warbler
Werri Beach, Gerringong
Received an email forwarded from a British birder who reported a Kamchatka Warbler at the above site. The information provided reads: "Had it calling and sounded spot on the recording. The bird was in the scrub/small trees north of fish and chip shop". This sighting is being posted in the hope that someone can follow it up. Any Phylloscopus Warbler in that location would be a mega.
Ashwin Rudder for Kester (surname not given) 26/2 #222361
Red-backed Fairy-wren
Private property Booral
Small family group mixed with Superb Fairy-wrens. This is by far my most southern observation of this species.
Paul Shelley 27/2 #222365
Tue 24Crimson Rosella
Eulah Creek
A single Crimson Rosella appeared at our place today, together with a family of Eastern Rosellas. This is my first sighting ever (in 8 years) outside the contiguous bushland of the ranges, in open (sheep and cattle) farmland with scattered trees. Further information
Michael Dahlem 24/2 #222338
Wompoo Fruit-dove, Glossy Black Cockatoo, Little Lorikeet
Tallawudjah Creek, Glenreagh
In the first bit of sunshine on the property for almost a week, a fly-over from a pod of 5 Glossies heading out to forage. Soft close contact calls between 3 Wompoo's with short flights to sunbathing perches before heading off deeper into the forest to hit the rainforest fruit bounty available at the moment. Overhead small flocks of Little Lorikeets about although there have been varying numbers around since beginning of spring. That's it for the sun, rain has set in again.
Pete Knock 24/2 #222339
Streaked Shearwater and Long-tailed Jaeger
Mistral Point, Maroubra
A feeding pod of False Killer Whales produced an entourage of birds, including 3 Streaked Shearwaters. Earlier, uncharacteristicly close, 3 Long-tailed Jaegers were also seen.
David Mitford 24/2 #222346
Mon 23White-rumped Sandpiper
Lake Wollumboola
WRSP still present this morning. Resting in sand furrows, with many Red-necked Stints and Red-capped Plovers, and a single Double-banded Plover.
Jon Spicer-Bell 23/2 #222331
Spotless Crake
Putta Bucca Wetlands, Mudgee
Not previously recorded at this sight. Not sure if it's unusual though. Seen near reeds on edge of mudflats closest to car park.
Marl Leary 23/2 #222335
Common Noddy
Pelican Pt Norah Head
A single Common Noddy was photographed on the rocks at Pelican Point, c. 3 km south of Norah Head. This is the first confirmed record for the Central Coast, becoming the 379 th species reported for this Region since 1900!
Andrew Robinson per Alan Morris 1/3 #222389
Sun 22White-winged Chough
Bowral
5 birds by the side of Oxleys Hill Rd. I've not seen WWCs this close to the centre of Bowral before.
Lorne Johnson 22/2 #222319
Plumed Whistling-Duck
Richmond Lowlands
Stopped by ponds on Triangle Lane on my way back to Sydney. 8 Plumed Whistling-Duck present. There may be more as I didn't hang around to see if more were present. eBird checklist
Greg McLachlan 22/2 #222323
Streaked Shearwater
Sydney Harbour National Park--North Head
2 Streaked Shearwaters were seen off North Head this afternoon one flying south and one flying north with flocks of Wedge-tailed Shearwaters.
michael ronan. 22/2 #222325
Gang-gang Cockatoo (10)
Kulnura
I stopped to check a stand of Liquid Ambers for Gang-gangs at the corner of Springs Rd and George Downes Dr Kulnura just in time to watch a flock of 10 fly in from nearby Eucalypts. Largest flock I have seen on the Central Coast. 3 were adult males.
Nick Carson 22/2 #222328
Sat 21Little Eagle
Streeton Lookout, Freemans Reach
Little Eagle dark morph soaring above Cornwallis Rd flying east, then flying west directly above river from Cornwallis to North Richmond at 40-50m height adjacent to the terrace, flew NW over the terrace near Wire Lane. 5.15-5.30pm
Mike Felstead 21/2 #222307
Glossy Black-Cockatoo
Wairo Beach near Ulladulla
A pair feeding in a casuarina tree.
Kay Stuart 22/2 #222324
Fri 20Brown Quail
Sydney Olympic Park--Waterbird Refuge
A small covey of Brown Quail (saw 1, reckon 6 based on locations of calls) in the long grass/scrub just to the right when looking out of the hide. There was a single sandpiper seen working in and out of the the samphire to the right of the hide, initially thuoght to be a Pectoral, but subsequently proven to be a strange Sharpie.
Tom Wilson 20/2 #222297
Little Penguin
Clarke Point
10.20am a pair of Little penguins were swimming close to the rock retaining wall at Clarke Point.
Adrian Dick 20/2 #222298
Blue-billed Duck
Lithgow Wastewater Treatment Plant
At least 6 Blue-billed Ducks in the second pond. Also present Freckled Ducks, Australasian Shovelers, Pink-eared Ducks. Thks to Bob Sinclair for telling they were there.
Mike Rutkowski 20/2 #222304
Grey-tailed Tattler
Shoalhaven Heads
Grey-tailed Tattler found roosting amongst the PG Plovers between the beach & the estuary. Good numbers of Bar-tailed Godwits, PG Plovers, RN Stints & Eastern Curlews present. 10 or so D'banded Plovers also there. eBird checklist
Paul Lynch 23/2 #222333
Thu 19Pacific Baza
The Ponds Creek Reserve, Dundas valley
Yesterday and this morning I saw 3 Pacific Baza. 2 adults and one juvenile.
Corinne Carpentier 19/2 #222290
Black Bittern
Warriewood Wetlands
5.50 PM. Seen when crossing the bridge on Jacksons Rd. About 7 metres away on the south-east side, perfectly still but well camouflaged on a dead branch barely above the water. A "very brown bird" but the yellow patch down the side of the neck and yellow eye were distinct. Possibly the same bird reported by Jayden early in the month? eBird checklist
Cameron Ward 19/2 #222295
Wed 18Pacific Baza
Nurragingy Reserve
2 birds seen in the treetops right outside the Colebee Center feeding on grasshoppers, both likely juveniles. Constantly harassed by Noisy Miners but stayed for the whole hour I was at the reserve.
Johan Olsson 18/2 #222283
Peregrine Falcon (Northern)
Barren Box Storage, Griffith
Whilst visiting Barren Box storage this morning, Keith Hutton and David Webb came across another Northern Peregrine Falcon, possibly an adult male calidus. Views were not great and unfortunately they had no camera but will try to borrow a camera and go back for some pics. [Moderator's Note: F. p. calidus breeds in the Arctic tundra of Eurasia, travelling south in winter as far as South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. This follows a sighting from 2010 by the same observers (at the same time of year at the same site), reported on Birding Aus last year as follows. JB] Further information
Keith Hutton and David Webb per. Mike Carter 18/2 #222287
White-rumped Sandpiper
Lake Wollumboola
White-rumped Sandpiper still showing.
Tim Dolby 18/2 #222289
Tue 17Sooty Tern
Sawtell Headland
Fresh remains of a dead bird on the headland this morning.
Peter Higgins & Michael Cheers 17/2 #222266
Square-tailed Kite, Pink-eared Duck, Nankeen Night-Heron
Deepwater Park, Milperra
Excellent views of an adult Square-tailed Kite soaring over the Maxwell Ave section of Deepwater this morning. My first sighting of this species locally and 17th raptor species I've seen along the Georges River in Milperra. 6 Pink-eared Ducks on the pond at Kelso Park North (my 2nd local record). Nankeen Night-Heron and Striated Heron on the island in the 1st pond on Maxwell Ave. Peregrine Falcon and Collared Sparrowhawk too.
David James 17/2 #222269
Square-tailed Kite
St Clair
One bird circling low over the reserve next to the Mark Leece Sporting complex, second sighting in less than a month.
Johan Olsson 17/2 #222276
Mon 16Topknot Pigeon, Australian Shoveler, Pink-eared Duck
Sydney Olympic Park and Mason Park
Flock of 12 or so Topknot flew low and slowly over the WQCP near Wentworth Common. Atleast two shoveler at the Waterbird Refuge along with good numbers of Red-necked Avocet and Black-fronted Dotterel. The single Pink-eared Duck remains at Mason Park along with 40 or so Sharp-tailed Sandpiper and a Little Egret.
Max Breckenridge and Ross Crates 16/2 #222255
Pacific Golden Plover
Mason Park, Homebush
1 lonely Pacific Golden Plover about 0630 this morning
Derek Willcox 16/2 #222257
Spotted Quail-thrush
Bucketty Camp Site
4 birds in long grass near to the car park.
John Swanson 16/2 #222263
Dusky Woodswallow, Grey Goshawk, Little Lorikeet
Riverside Park, Riverside Rd, Chipping Norton
About 10 Dusky Woodswallows present at Riverside Park for the first time since September. Last year they were present from mid March to late Sept., and I expect they will winter here again. Also present was a female Grey Goshawk, and a single pair of Little Lorikeets amongst numerous Rainbow and Scaly-breasted Lorikeets and several Musk Lorikeets.
David James 17/2 #222268
White-rumped Sandpiper
Lake Wollumboola
The White-rumped Sandpiper was still there roosting on the sand between the lake and the beach, with Red-capped Plovers.
Graeme Robinson 17/2 #222274
Sun 15Lewin's Rail
Warriewood Wetlands
Lewis Rail heard calling and seen moving in very deep cover in an area near the Katoa Close entrance. Also a single Lathams Snipe and Great Egret seen at water treatment ponds in housing estate and 4 Rufous Fantail in Irrawong Reserve. No sign of the Black Bittern this morning.
Tom Wilson 15/2 #222246
Double-banded Plover (5)
Shoalhaven Heads--Inlet
5 Double-banded Plover feeding on mudflats with some Red-capped Plover. Also present were 150 Bar-tailed Godwit, 40 Red-necked Stint, 12 Eastern Curlew, 1 Grey-tailed Tattler with about 45 Pacific Golden Plover on mudflats, 2 White-fronted Chat. Fine warm morning, light breeze, arrived 2 hours after high tide. eBird checklist
Carla Jackett, Barry Virtue 15/2 #222248
Sat 14Glossy Black-Cockatoo
Wakehurst Parkway, Narrabeen
Pair preening each other in Gum tree overlooking the Narrabeen Athletics Track during major athletics carnival. They were not distracted by all the noise and people. About 7 mtrs up the tree, stayed for 15 minutes, then flew towards bush, with Oak trees nearby.
Craig Little 14/2 #222235
Streaked Shearwater
Long Reef Aquatic Reserve
1 Streaked Shearwater off Long Reef this afternoon in with large numbers of Wedge-tailed Shearwaters.
michael ronan 14/2 #222239
Red-tailed Tropicbird, Sooty Tern
Offshore--Sydney Pelagic
Highlight of a good summer pelagic trip was an adult Red-tailed Tropicbird well seen by all on the boat. Also seen were a Sooty Tern, a beautiful old Wandering Albatross (D. exulans), three Long-tailed Jaegers and an unexpected immature Black-browed Albatross. In the 25.5degC water, many large groups (up to 50 at a time) of flying fish were seen coming out of the water. (Photograph courtesy of Stephen Hey)
Roger McGovern and all on the Sydney Pelagic 15/2 #222245
Fri 13Black -faced Monarch
Mascot
A juvenile Black-faced Monarch flew into a window at the Graphic Arts Club, Mascot. Seemed uninjured, and quickly recovered, and took shelter in shrubs at the rear of the car park. Noisy Miners were active in the area.
Graeme Robinson 13/2 #222221
Black-browed Albatross, Flesh-footed Shearwaters.
Offshore Sydney
While working offshore of Sydney (~5-10km offshore) I observed large numbers of Flesh-footed and Wedge-tailed Shearwaters. Largest count of Flesh-footed Shearwaters was 26 attending the boat. Around 3-4 Jaeger sp. followed the boat over the course of the day, and after midday a solitary young Black-browed Albatross flew in and attended the boat. Other species seen was a single Australasian Gannet and a distant Fluttering-type Shearwater.
Jon Spicer-Bell 15/2 #222244
Australasian Shoveler
Sydney Olympic Park--Waterbird Refuge
3 Australasian Shoveler still associating with the Grey Teal at the Waterbird Refuge. eBird checklist
Jenny Stiles 15/2 #222251
Straw-necked Ibis, Australian White Ibis, Eastern Great Egret, Intermediate Egret, Cattle Egret,
Lawrence Egret Colony Swamp
4+ Straw-necked Ibis nests with adults sitting, 5+ White Ibis nests some with large nestlings, 20+ Eastern Great Egret nests, some with small nestlings, 1 fledged young, 5+ nests of Intermediate Egrets, hundreds of nests of Cattle Egrets, mostly with nestlings. This is only about the third nesting of Straw-necked Ibis at this site and these records are the only breeding records of the species east of the Great Dividing Range in NSW. 14+ Pink-eared Ducks also present on swamp.
Greg Clancy 15/2 #222254
Thu 12Grey Plover and White-rumped Sandpiper
Lake Wollumboola
Both birds showing well. The WRS was on the sand dune on its own, sheltering from the southerly wind. The Grey Plover, also solitary and easily identified, amongst the mossy area on the edge of the lake.
Ann Millard 12/2 #222209
Little Eagle, Grey Goshawk
Coutts Crossing Village
Pale morph Little Eagle soaring low over village, attacked by 4 Australian Magpies. Grey Goshawk still present.
Greg Clancy 12/2 #222213
Red-tailed Tropicbird
Sydney Harbour National Park--North Head
A Red-tailed Tropicbird was seen off North Head this afternoon flying north in close.
michael ronan 12/2 #222214
"Green-headed" Eastern Yellow Wagtail
Chindera STW
Observed on the 8th of January, and not seen since. Access is restricted. A second wagtail was also present, but not photographed.
Rob Mackenzie & 12 others, mostly Birdlife N Rivers local club members) 12/2 #222215
Wed 11Square-tailed Kite
Pacific Hwy, Wahroonga
Single bird seen flying along the highway.
Grant Brosie and Robert Kilkelky 11/2 #222199
Australian Little Bittern
Tallawarra Ash Pond 3, Yallah
Flew past and entered into the reeds near us. Excellent view. Also 30+ Pink-eared Ducks, Freckled Ducks and Blue-billed Ducks with young. [Moderator - this location is private property and is currently the site of a proposed development. Any birders interested in pursuing this bird are encouraged to contact the local council, where expressing concerns that such valuable habitat could be destroyed would no doubt not go unnoticed - AR] eBird checklist
David and Michelle Rower 11/2 #222200
Sooty Owl
Mount Kembla
One bird seen along the fire track at night.
Terrill Nordstrom 11/2 #222206
Tue 10White-winged Chough
Corner of Rememberance Drive and Cawdor Rd, Camen Pk
Group of at least 5 birds flew across Remembrance Dr this morning. Never seen this species in this area before.
Mike Miller 10/2 #222186
Pink-eared Duck, Latham's Snipe, Southern Boobook,
Mason's Park, Sydney
A fairly quick walk around the wetland was very productive around midday today. A single Pink-eared Duck was seen in the company of some teal, the Snipe was flushed while walking among the casuarinas on the western side of the wetland, and some 'alarming' Noisy Miners alerted me to the Boobok at the southern end. Other birds of interest were Little Egret, Royal Spoonbill, and a couple of Sharp-tailed Sandpipers.
Paul Johnstone 10/2 #222187
Grey Plover, White-rumped Sandpiper
Lake Wollumboola
The Grey Plover was present again today at around 10.30am. The White-rumped Sandpiper was also present. A Double-banded Plovers was seen as well. The Stint with the Orange Flag was also present.
Carol Abbott 10/2 #222191
Square-tailed Kite
John St, Belmont North
Circling lazily and low over suburban back yards in the street. Been sighting this bird for several months now.
Bill Boyd 12/2 #222211
Mon 9Grey Plover, White-rumped Sandpiper
Lake Wollumboola
A single Grey Plover seen at the lake around midday after being reported by others yesterday afternoon and this morning. White-rumped Sandpiper still present, also 4 White-winged Terns seen associating with the Little Tern flock.
Lachlan Hall 9/2 #222181
Sun 8Pacific Baza
Frogs Hollow, NSW (15km south of Bega)
Seen in flight and heard calling above remnant forest 10am. [Moderator's Note: Bega is very far south for this species, however despite a lack of atlas records, apparently a pair or two have been present since 2008 in this area, and are seen regularly by the Far South Coast Birdwatchers. JB]
David Faulkner 8/2 #222160
White-rumped Sandpiper
Lake Wollumboola
Still there looking pretty!
Lorand Szucs 8/2 #222170
Double-banded Plover
Shoalhaven Heads
A single DBP observed at Shoalhaven Heads this afternoon. Other highlights were 14 Pied Oystercatchers and 2 White-fronted Chats. eBird checklist
Martin & Penny Potter 8/2 #222172
Oriental Pratincole
Norfolk Island Airfield
Three Oriental Pratincoles were seen on the southern end of the older runway amongst about 400 Pacific Golden Plovers. The large white rump area initially got our attention and the plainer olive-brown of the wings and back differentiated them from the PGPs. The chestnut underwing helped make the positive identification. They were seen the following day as well and reported to local birders.
Brian & Meg Johnson 11/2 #222201
Sat 7Streaked Shearwater, Shy Albatross.
Long Reef Aquatic Reserve. Dee Why
A Streaked Shearwater and a Shy Albatross were the highlights from Long Reef this afternoon.
michael ronan 7/2 #222156
Spotted Quail-thrush, Common Bronzewing
Mogo Camp, Yengo NP, Settlers Rd Bucketty
Within the Camp Ground a pair with two large dependent young were feeding in the grass, another pair were on the road leading into the camp; two others were flushed from Settlers Rd between the Camp and Bucketty, 8 within an hour is not bad! The Common Bronzewing was on the road, and Yellow-tufted Honeyeaters were seen at a number of places.
Alan Morrius and John Weigel 8/2 #222159
Fri 6Pallid Cuckoo, Red-browed Treecreeper, Gang-gang (4), Wonga Pigeon (2)
Bucketty 10' Cell
Cuckoo and Juvenile Red-browed Treecreeper seen at intersection of George Downs Drive and Settlers Rd. Gang-Gang and Wonga Pigeon at the Waterhole.
Allan Benson 6/2 #222138
Thu 5White-rumped Sandpiper
Lake Wollumboola
Still present (thankfully), feeding on lake shore in usual spot.
Joshua Bergmark, Max Breckenridge, Lachlan Hall, Ashwin Rudder 5/2 #222116
Eastern Ground Parrot, Crescent Honeyeater
Barren Grounds Nature Reserve
A couple of hours spent in misty rain and overcast conditions yielded several good birds including two Ground Parrots, one of which was flushed and seen well in flight by three of us. Several Crescent Honeyeaters were also heard and eventually seen near the main road. In addition, the Eastern Bristlebirds were their usual confiding selves, a Beautiful Firetail was seen, and Southern Emu-wrens and a Pilotbird were heard. A nest-building Brown Antechinus and an Echidna were non-avian highlights.
Ashwin Rudder, Joshua Bergmark, Lachlan Hall and Max Breckenridge 5/2 #222127
Spotted Quail-thrush, Scarlet Robin, Rockwarbler
Cataract Dam and surrounds
On the fringes of the bushland and roads to/around Cataract Dam (Appin Rd entrance), some excellent birds were seen, including several Spotted Quail-thrush. A single male Scarlet Robin and a few Rockwarblers were also seen. The area showed a lot of promise to be potentially home to several birds unusual or rare within the Sydney region.
Ashwin Rudder, Max Breckenridge and Joshua Bergmark 5/2 #222128
Scaly-breasted Lorikeet
Wee Waa
This morning at the Wee Waa lagoon I found 2 Scaly-breasted Lorikeets feeding in eucalypts together with Rainbow Lorikeets. While I have seen Rainbow Lorikeets this far west before, this is a first for Scaly-breasted Lorikeets. Further information
Michael Dahlem 5/2 #222130
Streaked & Sooty Shearwaters
Long Reef Aquatic Reserve
Seawatch from about 5:40-7pm. A single Streaked Shearwater passed southwards approx 6:40 quite close to the reef. 4 Sooty Shearwaters seen (all singles) also and a few small packets (5-10 birds) of Short-tailed Shearwaters also headed south. Amongst the Wedge-tailed and Fluttering type shearwaters were also some heavy looking jaegers chasing Crested Terns, but too far off to discern between Pomarine or Arctic. Nothing unusual on the reef itself.
Tom Wilson 5/2 #222133
Wed 4Grey Goshawk
Coutts Crossing Village
Large, probable female, Grey Goshawk flew from ground to tree in our yard this afternoon with dead prey - one of the neighbour's domestic pigeons. Chevrons on chest suggest a first year bird. Has been present in the area since 31 January. Only one or two previous records at this site and not recorded for some years.
Greg Clancy 4/2 #222111
Blue-billed Ducks
Tallawarra Ash Pond 3, Yallah. Restricted Access.
2 males sighted & one female with 4 ducklings. The second breeding event for this species at the pond. What effect will the impending housing development have on this precious site. Other highlights were Freckled, Pink-eared, Shoveller & Musk Ducks. Plus 2 Southern Emu-wrens. eBird checklist
Paul Lynch 4/2 #222114
Black-tailed Godwit, Common Sandpiper, Greater Sand Plover, Beach Stone Curlew
Clarence Estuary
Shorebird Survey in Clarence Estuary at several count areas - highlights: Micalo Island: 77 Black-tailed Godwit Rabbit Island: 3 Beach Stone-curlew Dart Island: 29 Black-tailed Godwit, 78 Bar-tailed Godwit, 57 Red Knot, 7 Great Knot, 1 Greater Sand Plover 1 Common Sandpiper observed in nature reserve near Chrystal Waters Estate canal development.
Darryl and Gary Eggins and Greg Clancy 5/2 #222115
White-rumped Sandpiper
Lake Wollumboola
Continuing bird. After a search in the dunes/sandbar area south of where the Little Tern area was fenced off, the WRSA was located roosting close to the Red-necked Stints. Hard to detect as was behind a sand ridge a little away from most of the RNST. Flew down to the lakeside to feed a short time later mainly at the southern end towards Chestnut Teal. Photos taken by myself and Narelle. Two Lesser Sand Plover and 1 Fairy Tern still around but many birds have left and there is still a number of Crested and Little Terns with juveniles. eBird checklist
Carla Jackett, Narelle Wright 5/2 #222126
Eastern Osprey
Moruya Heads
One bird seen and photographed along South Heads rd between Moruya and Maruya Heads on the opposite side of the bridge from Preddeys Wharf rd. Approximately 2pm. Further information
Julie Marten via Kurtis Lindsay 6/2 #222140
Tue 3Long-tailed Jaeger and Black-browed Albatross
Mistral Point, Maroubra
Amazing passage of :75 Long-tailed Jaegers, 92 Pomarine Jaegers, 4 Arctic Jaegers, 4 Black-browed Albatross, 1 Sooty Shearwater and 6 Flesh-footed Shearwaters plus many commoner seabirds, it was all over by 7:30 am. A probable Yellow-nosed Albatross also seen, but I couldn't see the bill properly due to lack of light.
David Mitford 3/2 #222085
Square-tailed Kite
Tura Beach, NSW
Sighted at 4:00pm. Two birds were sighted. They landed in branches, and were also swooping around, looking for something to eat. Observed them for about 5 minutes. -36.870329, 149.925178
Peter Buggy 7/2 #222152
Sun 1Rufous Scrub-bird, Olive Whistler
Barrington National Park (Gloucester Tops)
Rufous Scrub-bird seen well on road edge, bird flew in front of car. Watched for ten minutes while bird was vocalising and displaying in open. RSB seen briefly at other site, three other birds heard calling over 2 days at other sites. Great bird! Olive Whistler heard and seen with limited views, with only 1 other OW heard calling on trip. Several Crescent Honeyeaters seen and heard. [Moderator note: the literature suggests scrub-birds only call Aug-Nov, so this is a good record - AR]
Tom Petty and Orlando Bennett 1/2 #222061
Southern Boobook (juvenile)
Nepean Weir, Penrith
I found this young bird roosting in a grevillea bush at head height this evening.
Ákos and Donata Lumnitzer 1/2 #222065
Black Kite
M4 Western Motorway, 1km East of Bennett Rd, St Clair
1 Black Kite observed gliding low over the highway. In serious moult. A single Goldfinch also flew over ahead of the kite.
Simon Gorta 1/2 #222066
Little Friarbird
342 Singles Ridge Road, Yellow Rock (Private Property)
Surprised to see one Little Friar foraging in the trees around the house. Responded well to my whistling and flew in close providing great views. There appear to be only six other records of these birds in the Blue Mountains, the latest being 21/3/2005 at Echo Point and 10/3/2005 at Blue Gum Swamp. eBird checklist
Simon Gorta 1/2 #222067
Osprey
Balmoral Beach
An Osprey seen doing a long glide over Balmoral Beach around mid-day today. After a slow circle over Wyargine Point it headed north towards The Spit, pursued by a pair of Masked Lapwings.
Robert Griffin 1/2 #222068
Black-chinned and Yellow-tufted Honeyeaters
Mates Creek Stock Reserve via Wagga
Black-chinned, Yellow-tufted and Fuscous Honeyeaters along with White-bellied Cuckoo-Shrike, Fan-tailed Cuckoo and an immature Little Eagle seen at this stock reserve on Mates Creek Road east of Wagga.
Nella Smith and Max O'Sullivan 2/2 #222074
Powerful Owl
Pymble
Heard a Powerful Owl calling along with a chick also calling loudly in a southerly corner of Pymble Ladies College grounds around 9pm onwards. The chick has been calling on and off for the past week.
Ella Murray 2/2 #222080
January 2015
Sat 31Glossy Black Cockatoo
Tascott
First sighting for 4 or 5 months. One young and two adult birds.
Andrew Whitaker 31/1 #222032
Note on the South Island Pied Oystercatcher (Subject to submission to BARC)
Bundagen Headland
There is/was apparently a second bird at the site that is either a 'very strange' Australian Pied Oystercatcher or an Australian x SIPO hybrid. The last positive report including photographs of the original 'true' SIPO (pending BARC decision) came from Lachlan Hall on the 13th January. Photos from later show a bird which did not match the photos by Lachlan Hall and Peter Higgins (both on Eremaea), but appeared intermediate between Australian and SIPO in both structure and plumage. I am not sure when the original SIPO was last seen. Do other observers from after the 13th January get photographs of their oystercatcher? This could help resolve this issue. Thanks a lot!
Nikolas Haass (I have only seen photos of both birds, I did not see them in the field) 31/1 #222034
White-rumped Sandpiper
Lake Wollumboola
Sandpiper present in same area as observed in post for 30 January, associating loosely with Red-necked Stints and Red-capped Plovers on the sand. However, was seen at least twice on its own away from other birds hunkered down in a small scrape in the sand. Also seen around the lake today were 7 Red Knot, 2 Eastern Curlew, 1 Lesser Sand-Plover and 2 Grey Goshawks (1 each of Grey and White morphs). NB - The Knots flew off over the lake somewhere so if the waders are not around, there must be another area on the lake shore where the birds are congregating.
Tom Wilson 31/1 #222047
Black Bittern
Warriewood Wetlands
Good views of a Black Bittern were a highlight at Warriewood today.
Fiona Brook and Ray Gobbe 31/1 #222052
Australian Owlet-nightjar
Llandilo
In a patch of remnant bush not far from the pet cemetery at Berkshire Park. I initially noted the bird sitting in a hollow that is one I know and have been watching for months for anything interesting. Today, voila. I returned later in the day to take photos of this little bird as it sat sun baking at the edge.
Ákos and Donata Lumnitzer 31/1 #222053
Shy Albatross
Mistral Point, Maroubra
Light south-easterlies winds produced very little today. 20+ Pomarine Jaeger, 1 Arctic Jaeger (dark morph ) and 2 Long-tailed Jaegers were par for the course but Shy Albatross cruising north was a very welcome bonus, interestingly, it showed an obvious, symmetrical primary wing moult pattern.
David Mitford 1/2 #222054
Arctic Jaeger, pale morph
Boiler Point, Port Kembla
6.45pm photoed this bird pirating between the point & Big Island. Earlier in the week I observed & photoed a dark morph & pale morph Artic Jaeger from Red Point, pirating from Silver Gulls & Crested Terns in the same area. eBird checklist
Paul Lynch 1/2 #222057
Wandering Whistling Duck
Macksville Sewerage treatment Works
About 12 Wandering Whistling Ducks sighted on the pond on both Saturday and Sunday.
Evan Cleland 2/2 #222076
Fri 30Square-tailed Kite, Pale-vented Bush-hen
Gibraltar Reserve
Pair of Square-tailed Kites, Pale-vented Bush-hen, Lewin's Rail & 8 Chestnut-breasted Mannikins the highlights of this mornings tour. 62 species before lunchtime.
Simon Clayton & guests 30/1 #222022
Common Greenshank
Lake Wollumboola
4 Common Greenshank 2 Eastern Curlew
Tony Dawe 30/1 #222023
Square-tailed Kite
Umina Beach
One Square-tailed Kite flew over our backyard on Neptune Street this afternoon. Very good views. This was my first sighting of the species in this area, having lived here since October 2013.
Andrew Walker 30/1 #222026
Great Egret, Little Egret, Cattle Egret White Ibis.
Kirchner St Grafton NSW 2460
11.30am. Egret colony very active with birds carrying nesting material. Large numbers of Cattle Egret. White Ibis on site for first time and nest building. Also Great Egret seen to fly into trees and land and Little Egret seen overhead leaving site.
Warren Thompson 30/1 #222027
White-rumped Sandpiper
Lake Wollumboola
The White-rumped Sandpiper was relocated (thanks to Frank's efforts)around noon today sheltering from the wind in the Little Tern nesting area. A word of advice to birders heading that way this weekend is that all signage and fencing of the tern breeding area has been removed by the council and there is no way of knowing where it is unless you have visited before. The site is almost directly across the lake from the car park steps.
Roger and Louise McGovern, Frank Antram 30/1 #222028
Barn Owl
Kooringal Avenue, Thornleigh -loop at end
Found by torch after hearing unfamiliar call at our backyard birdbaths then high in neighbours trees. Excellent views shortly after when the owl landed on the road adjacent to the gutter then promptly flew off over our house, clearly showing white beneath and facial disc. Further confirmed when checked the call on my smartphone bird app. First one seen or heard in the 20 years we have lived here. eBird checklist
Cameron Ward 30/1 #222031
Thu 29Pectoral Sandpiper, Marsh Sandpiper
Turkey-nest dam, about 30 km east of Deniliquin, private property
The Pectoral Sandpiper is of note because it's the first one seen in the Deniliquin district since December 2002. Several other waders at the dam. Further information
Philip Maher 30/1 #222024
Wed 28Sooty Terns
Fort Drive, Newcastle
2 Sooty Terns seen flying past Fort Dr. Newcastle, Adult and Imm..
Steve Roderick 28/1 #221996
Little Shearwater
Booderee National Park--Bherwerre Beach
One washed up in the tideline along with a number of Fluttering, Wedge-tailed & Short-tailed Shearwaters after several days of onshore weather. Several Streaked Shearwaters seen close in off nearby Cape St George. The Little Shearwater was identified by its small size compared to the Fluttering Shearwater and its blue legs. Submission will be prepared for NSWORAC and photos of the carcase will be provided.
Martin Schulz 28/1 #222002
Streaked Shearwater, Buller's Shearwater
Mistral Point, Maroubra
1 Buller's Shearwater seen early in the morning quite close in travelling south. A Streaked Shearwater was seen later in the morning, also travelling south. Numerous Pomarine and Arctic Jaegers were observed along with at least one Hutton's Shearwater. eBird checklist
Simon Gorta and Ray Gobbe 29/1 #222015
Tue 27Streaked Shearwaters, Great-winged Petrel
Fort Drive, Newcastle
Short seawatch due to heavy rain, 2 Streaked Shearwaters plus a Great-winged Petrel in close. Good numbers of Shearwaters mainly Wedgeys with a few hundred Short-tailed, also 1 Fleshy and Fluttering Type.
Steve Roderick 27/1 #221988
Streaked Shearwater
North Wall, Ballina
Single Streaked Shearwater seen on 6 occasions during 2 hour seawatch, possibly same bird. Also Onychoprion type Tern, likely Sooty Tern but very distant, 2 Pomarine Jaegers plus a number of unidentified Jaeger species & a single Fluttering type Shearwater. eBird checklist
Steve McBride 28/1 #222008
Square-tailed Kite
Jaspers Brush, Princes Hwy
Gliding low close to highway just north of Silo's restaurant. Adult Wedge-tailed Eagle also seen nearby.
Carla Jackett 29/1 #222009
Mon 26Red-tailed Black Cockatoo
Condobolin Memorial Park
While attending local Australia Day ceremony this morning was surprised to see a pair of Redtail Blacks fly over. Only the second time I've ever seen them here. Other birds of note were White-breasted Woodswallows nesting in a palm tree close by. My first sighting of these birds in Condobolin
Warren Chad 26/1 #221963
Wonga Pigeon
Long Beach, Batemans Bay
In our front yard 1 Wonga Pigeon 4 Common Bronzewing & 7 White-Headed Pigeons
Tony & Stephanie Dawe 26/1 #221964
Buller's Shearwater, Streaked Shearwater
Mistral Point, Maroubra
Highlights of a two hour sea watch at Maroubra this morning were 2 Buller's Shearwaters and 2 Streaked Shearwaters. Also many flocks of Short-tailed Shearwaters, a continuous stream of Wedge-tailed Shearwaters, several Fluttering Shearwaters, a Sooty Shearwater, a Black-browed Albatross, 1 Long-tailed Jaeger, 2 Pomerine Jaegers and an Arctic Jaeger and a pair of Little Penguins.
Robert Griffin 26/1 #221972
Streaked Shearwater.
Sydney Harbour National Park, North Head.
Highlight of a sea watch from north head today were 27 Streaked Shearwaters this is my 2nd highest count of streaked shearwater off Sydney.
michael ronan. 26/1 #221976
Streaked Shearwaters & Long-tailed Jaeger
Mistral Point, Maroubra
At least 11 Streaked Shearwaters seen today. Also noted were 4 Long-tailed Jaegers and about 10 Pomarine Jaegers. Only 2 Flesh-footed Shearwater were seen all day amongst the hundreds of of Wedgies and Short-tailed Shearwaters.
David Mitford, Ray Gobbe and Fiona Brooke 26/1 #221979
White-winged Fairy-wren
The Living Desert, Broken Hill
Leucistic White-winged Fairy-wren, male Further information
Surong Gunn 26/1 #221981
Glossy Black-Cockatoo
Loadstone NSW [about 33km N of Kyogle]
Pair landed high in a Forest Red Gum, female solicited with "begging" call and swaying "dance"and approached male. 3 copulations followed then they flew off, female leading. Also a single bird flew over calling.
Rob Elvish 28/1 #221995
White-necked Petrel, White Tern, Kermadec Petrel
About 100 nm east of Brooms Head
Seen from cruise ship 29'43'39"S, 155'40'40"E in 4000m. Further information
Greg Roberts 1/2 #222059
Sun 25Powerful Owl
Lovers Jump Creek Reserve, North Turramurra
Single bird seen roosting over the stream at south end of reserve approx 7:30am
Tom Wilson 25/1 #221953
White-throated Needletail (1000)
Sydney Olympic Park
The biggest flock I have seen since the 1980s in Sydney covering a kilometre plus in size with hundreds and hundreds of birds centred over Meadowbank. Despite a half hour scour no sign of Fork-tailed Swift. Other good birds today included Australian Hobby (1 female), Tawny Frogmouth (2), Nankeen Night-Heron (1), Glossy Ibis (1) Mangrove Gerygone (2), Australasian Pipit (1) Black-shouldered Kite (1 juv), WB Sea-Eagle (2), Dollarbird (8)
Dion Hobcroft 25/1 #221955
Rainbow bee eaters
Tallong Drive, Lake Cathie
Small flocks of birds,heading north all day
Darin Rounsevell 25/1 #221959
South Island Pied Oystercatcher and Common Noddy
Bundagen Headland -South of Sawtell
Single SIPO observed with three Sooty Oystercatchers. SIPO in same location as previous observations. Also 200+ Common Terns, Little Terns resting on rocks with lone Common Noddy. Large groups of Common Terns and Wedge-tailed Shearwaters working close to shore feeding on scaps from pelagic fish feeding.
Michael Cheers, Kevin Cheers and Anthony Moore 26/1 #221968
Sat 24White-rumped Sandpiper
Lake Wollumboola, Culburra
Bird showing exceedingly well all morning. Also 2 Fairy Terns, 1 Great Knot, 2 Red Knot, 3 Curlew Sandpipers, 9 White-winged Black Tern.
Chris Gladwin, Murray Lord 24/1 #221922
Square-tailed Kite
Nowra
Two birds on Kalandar Road about 1.5 km from the highway towards Culburra in the early afternoon.
Murray Lord and Chris Gladwin 24/1 #221923
Mangrove Gerigone
Liberty Grove Wetlands, Rhodes
One Mangrove Gerygone singing beautifully came to say hello when I attempted to mimic him. He was spotted and photographed Between the bridge and the bird lookout toward the Rhodes side of the bridge.
Richard Hardiman 24/1 #221925
Magpie Goose
Putta Bucca Wetlands, Mudgee
4 birds in dead trees on eastern side of wetlands.
Mark Leary 24/1 #221927
Streaked Shearwater
Sydney Harbour National Park--North Head
2 Streaked Shearwaters flying in with Wedge-tailed Shearwaters off north head today.
michael ronan. 24/1 #221930
Pectoral Sandpiper
Lake Chickiba, Ballina
Single Pectoral Sandpiper observed at Lake Chickiba today. My first for this site.
Steve McBride 24/1 #221931
Glossy Ibis, Latham's Snipe, Collared Sparrowhawk
McPherson Rd Swamp, Gavenlock Rd Tuggerah
There were a group of 4 Glossy Ibis feeding in this swamp this morning, where at least 10 Latham's Snipe were seen on the Swamp. A Sparrowhawk was escorted across the wetland by Magpies and Noisy Miners; 2 separate small groups of Chestnut-breasted Mannikins were seen that included juvenile birds; a pair of White-breasted Woodswallows were feeding dependant young; and Cisticolas, Tawny Grassbirds, Sacred Kingfisher and Dollarbirds were seen by 14 members of the Cumberland Bird Club.
Alan Morris and 12 members of CBOC 25/1 #221947
Sooty Tern & White-winged Black Tern (2)
Wollongong pelagic
1 Sooty Tern and 2 White-winged Black Terns were the highlights of this months SOSSA Wollongong pelagic. The White-winged Black Terns were well offshore and were flying north. Other sightings include many Wedge-tailed Shearwaters, Pomerine and Long-tailed Jaegers, Black-browed Albatross, Wilson's Storm-petrels and unseasonably low numbers of Flesh-footed Shearwaters and Grey-faced Petrels. eBird checklist
Robert Hynson for all on bord the Sandra K (SOSSA pelagic) 28/1 #221994
Fri 23White-rumped Sandpiper (Update)
Lake Wollumboola
White-rumped Sandpiper feeding at water's edge
Tony Dawe plus other birders 23/1 #221915
Thu 22Black-necked Stork
East Maitland
A single bird was seen at the water's edge in intermittent wetlands down from Rathluba Ridge in East Maitland. It stayed for some hours and was observed until dark, but had gone the next morning. There were also over 40 Black-winged Stilt, along with numerous Pelican, ducks, Coot, cormorants, and gulls
Mandy Anderson 29/1 #222013
Wed 21White-rumped Sandpiper
Lake Wollumboola
The White-rumped Sandpiper was resting within the electric fence with Red-capped Plover and Red-necked Stint at Lake Wollumboola today. Also present, a Common Tern, ten White-winged Black Tern, Little and Fairy Tern, eight Lesser Sand Plover, five Red Knot and a Great Knot, a Sanderling, four Curlew Sandpiper as well as a number of Sharp-tailed Sandpiper.
Dimitris Bertzeletos and Julie Morgan 21/1 #221884
Black-necked Stork
Oxley Hwy, Port Macquarie
One adult Black-necked Stork seen at 7:30 am just 700m west of the Base Hospital on the North side of the Hwy. Very uncommon in this area of late.
Ian Kerr 21/1 #221886
Square-tailed Kite
Beechwood
One seen very low, being harassed by magpies as it circled at 4:38pm.
Ian Kerr 21/1 #221887
Freckled Duck (1), Little Pied Cormorant (nesting)
Harrington Park Lake (about 6km North-east of Camden)
A single Freckled Duck observed. Also, at at least three Little Pied Cormorant nests (in the trees on the man-made island in middle of lake) that contained Adults brooding young birds.
Michael Paul 22/1 #221902
Tue 20Common Noddy, Sooty Terns, Pomarine Jaeger
Fort Drive, Newcastle, Hunter Valley
1 Common Noddy seen flying past, also 2 Sooty Terns and 2 Pomarine Jaegers, many thousands of Shearwaters, mostly Wedge-tailed. Only a 1hr session.
Steve Roderick 20/1 #221869
Glossy Ibis
McPherson Road Swamp
3 seen near the McPherson Road edge of the swamp from about 250 metres west of Gavenlock Road intersection.
Graeme Robinson 20/1 #221870
Common Noddy, White-winged Black Tern
Flat Rock, Ballina
1 Common Noddy & 4 White-winged Black Tern resting on Flat Rock late this afternoon. The Noddy appeared to have an injured wing, but seemed to be flying without a problem. eBird checklist
Steve McBride 20/1 #221878
Barking Owl, Black-faced Monarch
Burrlow track Blue Mountains national park near bellbird hill
One Barking Owl heard calling at about 9pm we did not see the bird.
Kareena, Josh Allen 20/1 #221879
Mon 19Glossy Black-Cockatoo
Lower Pappinbarra
6 GBC seen this morning at 6:08am eBird checklist
Ian Kerr 19/1 #221853
Pacific Baza
Wareemba Avenue Thornleigh
3.15pm perch high in blue gum in front yard. Took photos from deck. Quiet cry as it left - flew east
Elizabeth Baxendale 19/1 #221859
Freckled Duck, Marsh Sandpiper
Cotton farm, Ashley
6 Freckled Ducks were observed in a full 80 hectare (200 acres) irrigation farm dam. There were no other ducks present in this particular dam either and no vegetation at all. At least 250 Glossy Ibis were observed altogether in another irrigation dam, the highest count for this site. At another (low) irrigation dam, 75+ Red-necked Avocets, 200+ Black-winged Stilts, 6+ Marsh Sandpipers and 12 Sharp-tailed Sandpipers were found. 250 Whiskered Terns, 100 Gull-billed Terns, 10 Caspian Terns and 10 Silver Gulls were found resting in another irrigation farm dam. eBird checklist
Curtis Hayne and Ainslee Lines 19/1 #221861
Australasian Shoveler (6) Peregrine Falcon (1 juv)
Sydney Olympic Park--Waterbird Refuge
Highest ever count of Shovelers here, all feeding along the far edge in amongst the teal, so quite distant and not easy to make out. Recently fledged Peregrine Falcon repeatedly chasing gulls and avocets causing a lot of panic-great views. At Mason Park there were 15 Sharp-tailed Sandpipers, 1 Curlew Sandpiper and 1 Red-kneed Dotterel.
Dion Hobcroft 19/1 #221863
Black-necked Stork
1931 Pacific Hwy, Cowper, east of Ulmarra
Two seen in a water meadow on north side of Highway.
Colleen Lock 19/1 #221865
Onychoprion-type Tern, Buller's Shearwater, Great-winged Petrel
Mistral Point, Maroubra
One Onychoprion-type Tern was observed late in the day. It was flying south incredibly fast. No gliding involved. Sadly it was too distant to rule out either bridled or sooty, although it did appear to have a greyish back, with an intermediate wingspan between sooty and bridled (when compared with shearwaters), but it remains unidentified as no definite ID features were observed. One Buller's Shearwater was seen by a few of the observers a fair distance out. 2 Great-winged Petrel were seen earlier in the day. All other species seen can be found on the list attached. False Killer Whales (5) and a Whaler Shark (1) was also observed. eBird checklist
Simon Gorta, John Graff, Ray Gobbe, Biggles, Adrian Dick 20/1 #221868
Streaked Shearwater
Sydney Harbour National Park--North Head
1 Streaked Shearwater heading south of north head this afternoon.
michael ronan. 20/1 #221874
Magpie Goose
South Grafton
98 Magpie Geese seen beside the Pacific Hwy 1.5km east of South Grafton.
Brett Allen 22/1 #221896
Common Noddy
Nambucca Heads
One seen resting on a rocky outcrop 50m north of the Nambucca River entrance.
Brett Allen 3/2 #222094
Sun 18Crested Shrike-tit
Riverstone
Early morning between 6:30am and 7am spotted 2 Crested Shrike-tits. Also photographed Olive-backed Orioles, Scarlet Honeyeater, Yellow- faced Honeyeater, juvenile Red-rumped Parrots, Eastern Spinebills, and juvenile Rufous Whistler and golden whistler. All seen just behind the cemetery.
Stephen and Antonella Gilmour 18/1 #221847
Streaked Shearwater,Long-tailed Jaeger, Black-browed Albatross.
Sydney Harbour National Park-North Head.
Seen my second Streaked Shearwater flying south with Wedge-tailed Shearwaters this afternoon also 20+Black-browed albatross and 3 Long-tailed Jaegers.
michael ronan. 18/1 #221849
White-headed Pigeon
Epping, corner Beecroft Road and Kandy Avenue
One adult White-headed Pigeon in a garden on the corner of Beecroft Road and Kandy Avenue. First time I see this species in the area.
Wouter Maes 19/1 #221854
Golden Whistler, Satin Bowerbird,
Coutts Crossing Village
Immature Golden Whistler, probably 2nd year bird as rufous on wings very slight. This is an early record of this species which is usually an autumn-winter migrant-visitor to the local area. Adult female Bowerbird feeding two juveniles in backyard. Adult had been banded in the backyard on 22 Oct 2011.
Greg Clancy 19/1 #221856
Wood Sandpiper
Hexham Swamp
Wood Sandpiper photographed along the old pipeline track (exact location can't be confirmed) on Sunday. Very few shorebirds have been visible from the track in recent times. Hopefully these rain events may change things out there.
Jeff Jones per Mick Roderick 19/1 #221858
Brown Quail
The Living Desert, Broken Hill
Two Brown Quails were spotted and heard on the walking track in the Living Desert, Broken Hill after 4 days rain.
Surong Gunn 26/1 #221982
Sat 17Whiskered Tern, Caspian Tern, Common Tern, Pied Oystercatcher
Clarence River, near Lawrence
Large mixed flock of terns roosting on sandpit in Clarence River 1.5km SE of Lawrence (observed approx 1km south of Lawrence ferry from Woodford Dale Rd). Approx 20-30 Whiskered Tern, 2 Caspian Tern, 1 Common Tern, many Crested Tern. Also 2 Pied Oystercatchers. Many Silver Gull. Whiskered Terns have been present on Clarence River (observed from Grafton downstream to Maclean) for previous few months.
Darryl and Gary Eggins and Maureen O'Shea 18/1 #221837
Brown Booby
28km east of Terrigal
Brown Booby seen on a fishing trip 28km due east of Terrigal, circling the boat twice at close range.
Obi Gabriel per Mick Roderick 18/1 #221838
White-rumped Sandpiper
Lake Wollumboola
White-rumped Sandpiper still present in the usual spot feeding adjacent to the Little Tern breeding area. Also several Red Knot and single Great Knot and a single White-winged Black Tern. Didn't see the reported Broad-billed Sandpipers.
Simon Blanchflower 18/1 #221839
South Island Pied Oystercatcher
Bundagen Headland
Went on a grueling pilgrimage in searing 36 degree heat to see the SIPO. Walked from the Surf Club all the way to the point, where the bird was associating with up to three Sooty Oystercatchers on the rock platform at Bundagen Point. Also fresh Juv. Little Tern.
David Mitford 18/1 #221846
Fri 16Grey-fronted Honeyeater
The OId Wheatfield, Nombinnie Nature Reserve, Mt. Hope
A single Grey-fronted Honeyeater, was seen in the Old Wheatfield, Nombinnie NR. The bird was very flighty and disappeared quickly.
Andrew Walker 18/1 #221842
Red-tailed Tropicbird & Brown Skua
Sydney (Coast)
Went fishing out through the heads towards 12 mile (about 20kms) and saw a lot of seabirds. I'm a pretty ordinary sea-birder, but I certainly saw a lot of the same shearwaters (probably wedgetailed) and petrels (great-winged I think). A few singles though- a single Shy Albatross, a single Brown Skua, a lone Long-tailed Jaeger, a Sooty Shearwater, 2 Fairy Penguins and a single Red-tailed Tropicbird. [Moderator: the observer, while familiar with Pomarine Jaegar, is unable to, with complete certainty, rule out that species in place of the Brown Skua. AR]
Henry Cook 20/1 #221871
Eastern Osprey
Wurrungwuri Reserve, Moorebank
Single bird in heavy moult soaring over the woodlands of the Reserve close to the Georges River
David James 16/4 #222979
Thu 15White-rumped Sandpiper
Lake Wollumboola
Showing well throughout late morning-early afternoon. Two Broad-billed Sandpipers, two Lesser Sand-Plovers, two White-winged Black Terns and a Whiskered Tern. No sign of Great Knot or Fairy Tern for us.
Dion Hobcroft, David James and Dean Purcell 15/1 #221810
Lesser Sand Plover & Curlew Sandpipers
Soldiers Point (Norah Head)
A Lesser Sand Plover and 15+ Curlew Sandpipers were observed between 10:45 and 11:18 out the front of the rock self (Low Tide) Other species were 76+ Red-necked Stints, 20+ Ruddy Turnstones and 4+ Grey-tailed tattlers.
Steve Merrett 16/1 #221813
Wed 14Plumed Whistling-duck
Waterbird Refuge, Sydney Olympic Park
30 Plumed Whistling Ducks at the Waterbird Refuge at 10:00 am today. In a tight group about halfway down the long side.
Jenny Stiles, Rod Stiles, Geoff Hutchinson, Marie Lister and Margaret Murray. 14/1 #221783
Latham's Snipe, Wandering Whistling Duck.
Swamp near Ironbark Creek, Minmi Rd, Wallsend
Flushed at least 40 Latham's Snipe which were on the drying out SW area of the swamp - (swimming pool carpark end). Also spotted a Brown Honeyeater. Saw 3 Wandering Whistling-Ducks at the Bunnings pond next door.
John French & Fiona Lumsden 14/1 #221788
Great Frigatebird
Shelley Beach, Port Macquarie.
A female Great Frigatebird was observed flying North along Shelley Beach at 11:30 this morning. (Moderator's Note: Great Frigatebirds are on the NSWORAC Review List and therefore this sightings should be referred to the that committee for review, a urrf can be down loaded for this purpose. (AKM).
Liz Hawkins per Clive Meadows 14/1 #221789
Square-tailed Kite
Culburra Beach
One bird flying low over The Lake Circuit (close to shops) about 9am. Tremendous views. 3 Australian Magpies chased it away.
Lorne Johnson 14/1 #221790
White-rumped Sandpiper
Culburra Beach
Bird still present this morning in same spot - despite strong westerly - and seen by many birders. Other birds of note: Broad-billed Sandpiper, Great Knot, Red Knot, Lesser Sand Plover, Little Tern, Fairy Tern.
Lorne Johnson 14/1 #221791
Plumed Whistling-Duck
Sydney Olympic Park--Waterbird Refuge
28 Plumed Whistling-Duck resting at low tide 9.00am
Marie Lister 14/1 #221792
Wedge-tailed Eagle (x4)
Castlereagh
Four Wedge-tailed Eagles were observed by my friend at approximately 17:40 today. I am awaiting photographs. They were near gate 12 of the quarries.
Ákos Lumnitzer for Peter Phealan 14/1 #221794
Pacific Emerald Dove
Coutts Crossing Village
Adult male Pacific Emerald Dove returned to our backyard today at about 16:50 hrs. I heard its call at first and then later it was feeding on the fallen fruits of Cockspur Thorn, probably just eating the seeds, and later was seen to eat the seeds of a native Basket Grass Oplismenus aemulus. I took some photos but as the bird was continually moving they weren't as good as I had hoped for.
Greg Clancy 14/1 #221796
Scarlet Honeyeater
Ulan
Foraging and singing from flowering Rough-barked Apple (Angophora floribunda) near Corporate Rd. Up two two birds but more may have been present.
Kurtis Lindsay 14/1 #221800
Tue 13White-rumped Sandpiper
Lake Wollumboola
The bird was located in the fenced-off tern breeding area. It made no attempt to move off and was quite busy just preening before it sat down to rest.
Ben Weston 13/1 #221770
Emerald Dove
Coutts Crossing Village, SW of Grafton
Adult male Dove observed walking on ground in our backyard at 16:05 hrs, disappeared when I rushed to get camera/scope. Reappeared at 16:35 hrs walking on path near our bird bath at our back door. Disappeared again as I went for the camera. This is our first backyard record of the species, my first for the Coutts Crossing area and my first for the Clarence Valley for some years. This bird appears to be a rare, unpredictable, visitor to the Clarence Valley.
Greg & Val Clancy 13/1 #221772
Little Tern
Long Reef
I observed a single Little Tern this morning at Long Reef at 8am this morning. I saw it in flight, calling and also perched on the rockshelf. I had clear views of the black tip on the beak to distinguish it from a Fairy Tern
Jayden Walsh 13/1 #221778
Grey Ternlet, South Island Pied Oystercatcher
Tucker's Rocks to Bundagen Headland
SIPO was finally found at ~5:30pm, about 400m South of Tuckers Rocks - bird was solitary and eventually flew North past the rocks. Aus Pied Oystercatchers also seen with 3 feeding just to the north of Tuckers Rocks and 5 or so roosting on the rocks at Bundagen Headland but the SIPO was not seen with these birds at any time. Another notable sighting was a Grey Ternlet seen briefly, offshore from the Bundagen Headland rocks.
Lachlan Hall 14/1 #221780
Black-eared Cuckoo, Painted Honeyeater, Speckled Warbler
Bobadeen Rd, near Ulan
Four Black-eared Cuckoos seen over the 12-13th Jan in Ironbark - Acacia linearifolia woodland. Speckled Warblers breeding (seen at five locations) and Painted Honeyeater seen and heard at three locations. Some Mistletoe in fruit.
Kurtis Lindsay 14/1 #221799
Long-tailed Jaeger
Mistral Point, Maroubra
20+ Long-tailed Jaegers, including a flock of 14 birds together. 17 Pomarine Jaegers, 4 Flesh-footed Shearwaters, moderate numbers of Wedge-tailed Shearwaters and Short-tailed Shearwaters also noted. One or two Sooty and Fluttering Shearwaters also mixed in.
David Mitford 15/1 #221804
Mon 12Powerful Owl, Scarlet Honeyeater
Nurragingy Reserve
A young Powerful Owl was perching in a turpentine tree at the Currawong Picnic site and eating freshly killed ringtail possum early morning (7:15am). Ravens, magpies and miners were making a terrible noise and constantly harassing it. It didn't bother the bird at all. I left it after 30 minutes with few pieces of possum left under its foot. Other birds have forgotten about the owl and moved away. Also in the reserve: Scarlet Honeyeater ( 8 feeding in mistletoes near the Creek), Brown Honeyeater (1).
Ted Wnorowski 12/1 #221751
White-rumped Sandpiper
Lake Wollumboola
Still present today, despite somewhat miserable conditions on the beach at times! At least 3 Broad-billed SP, 2 Sharpies, and 2 Curlew SP as well. Same location as previously reported. Seen resting, feeding and in flight. I'll put up my full site list when I get home!
Elliot Leach, Lori Leach and others 12/1 #221753
Square-tailed Kite
Kooloobong Park, Keiraville
At 1:45pm, one Square-tailed Kite was gliding low - then higher - above Kooloobong Park's canopy and the forest at the base of Mt Keira. I was somewhat surprised to see a STK here, considering the habitat is closed forest and rainforest; Pizzey & Knight do mention that STKs frequent these habits though. Not sure how many records of STKs there are for Wollongong area.
Lorne Johnson 12/1 #221754
Red-necked Avocet, Black-necked Stork
Wooloweyah Lagoon, W of Angourie
32 Avocets at high tide roost at western edge of lagoon with other shorebirds. They had to to move as tide inundated their roost. Adult Black-necked Stork foraging at north-western edge of Lagoon flew to site at western edge. Possibly one of the local adult pair which hasn't been recorded breeding since 2001.
Greg Clancy & Russell Jago 13/1 #221771
Wedge-tailed eagle
Castlereagh Rd near Penrith Regional Lakes
2 circling wedge tails over trees on East side of road. A raven chased the rather ineffectually eBird checklist
Adrian o'hara 13/1 #221776
Pacific Baza
Warriewood Wetlands
Nesting site on eastern side of Powderworks road.
John Taylor 14/1 #221787
Sun 11Whimbrel
Deeban Spit Port Hacking
1 Whimbrel standing in with 16 eastern curlews at high tide.
Julie Keating 11/1 #221739
White-rumped Sandpiper, Broad-billed Sandpiper, Lesser Sand-plover, Fairy Tern
Lake Wollumboola
White-rumped Sandpiper located on the lake near the south western corner of the little tern nesting area before it flew with the other waders to within the fenced off area. It then moved between the two spots, but appeared most comfortable inside the fence. At least 4 Lesser Sand-plovers and 2 Broad-billed Sandpipers were also present. One Fairy Tern, two White-winged Black Terns and both knot species were also noted. eBird checklist
Simon Gorta, Julian Teh, Lachlan Hall & others 11/1 #221746
Painted Honeyeater
15 km Sth of Condobolin
The four or five pairs of Painted HEs are still present and breeding. Found a nest today with two large chicks just about to fledge. Also present were Superb Parrots and numerous Mistletoebirds with juveniles. Finally good rains recently have given the area some kind of Spring as a lot of the small birds are now starting a late breeding.
Warren Chad 11/1 #221750
Kermadec / White-necked Petrels, Buller's Shearwater, Sooty Tern (60+)
Pelagic off Port Stephens
Highlights of a very wet pelagic off Port Stephens yesterday were a dark Kermadec Petrel, White-necked Petrel, 2 Buller's Shearwaters and at least 60+ Sooty Terns. Most activity was inside the last 3 or 4 miles landward of the shelf break (in fact there was very little wide of the shelf, though rain was heavy there). We also had a distant 'Cookilaria' that got away on us. 12 White-faced Storm-petrels was a good number of this species in recent times for these pelagic trips. Photo of the Kermadec by Allan Richardson.
Mick Roderick and all aboard the MV Argonaut 12/1 #221752
Spotless Crake, Baillon's Crake
Pitt Town Lagoon
Had good views of 2 Spotless Crakea and 5 Baillon's Crakes at Pitt town lagoon today.
michael ronan 12/1 #221761
Wood Sandpiper
Belmore Swamp, Seales Rd, Kempsey
A single Wood Sandpiper was a nice surprise at this location. Bird landed on verge of swamp close to the road and provided great all round views. 10 Glossy Ibis present as well a several pairs of Australian Shoveler amongst the numerous Chestnut and Grey Teal. There were also 200+ Straw-necked Ibis feeding across a couple of wet paddocks on the south side. eBird checklist
Clive Meadows & Louise Earnshaw 15/1 #221802
Sat 10LIttle Egret
Nepean Weir, Penrith
2 Little Egrets at different times. One hunting along weir itself, then a second bird about two hours later arriving from downstream. An interesting note is that the previously dense population of nesting cormorants (for several years) across the river is no more. For some unknown reason the only nesting birds I've seen were three darters (3 nests), but the rest of the large quarry lake appeared just about devoid of life.
Ákos Lumnitzer 10/1 #221719
South Island Pied Oystercatcher
Bundagen Headland
Originally we saw the SIPO on the beach about 2km North of the end of Tuckers Rd. It then flew north about 500m to the rocks on Bundagen Headlands. There it rested with Australian Pied Oystercatchers allowing good comparison, until a Sea Eagle flew over and flushed all the birds present. In flight the SIPO was noticeably smaller than the APO, with a broad white trailing edge to the wing, joining the body, and a pointed white mark going up the back. After they had settled again a pair of APOs began to hassle the SIPO, eventually driving it south down the beach. It returned ten minutes later and was again driven off to the north, eventually flying out of sight. Under observation from approximately 2pm to 2:30pm.
Elliot Leach; Louise Ashton; Chris Burwell; Antonia Burwell-Rodriguez 10/1 #221723
Peaceful Dove
High Range, Wombeyan Caves
One bird heard mid-morning today, by Wombeyan Caves Rd. My first record for the Southern Highlands.
Lorne Johnson 10/1 #221725
Lesser Sand Plover
Boat Harbour, Kurnell
Amongst the usual mix for this time of year was a lone Lesser Sand Plover. Photographed attached. eBird checklist
Greg McLachlan 10/1 #221728
White-rumped Sandpiper & Broad-billed Sandpiper
Lake Wollumboola
White-rumped Sandpiper still present in same spot. Also noteworthy were 3 Broad-billed Sandpipers briefly 6-6:15pm
David Mitford 10/1 #221729
Black Falcon
Hiney Road, Orange
Two Black Falcons perched in dead tree over paddock with calling Brown Quail, one flew when disturbed.
Neville Schrader 10/1 #221730
Wandering Whistling-duck, Black-backed Bittern, Australasian Bittern
Fivebough Wetlands
Two Wandering Whistling-duck were observed and photographed in the central pond off Petersham Rd (the first one you get to taking the gravel track past the entrance building). Subsequently, two Australasian Bittern were flushed (see ebird for details). 3 Black-backed Bittern were flushed near the dirt mound overlooking the central pond the ducks were on, and a further single male was flushed on the sewage ponds. eBird checklist
Simon Gorta, Julian Teh, Meredith Thomas 10/1 #221731
Streaked Shearwater, Common Noddy.
Sydney Harbour National Park-North Head.
Seen my first Streaked Shearwater for the summer today in with Wedge-tailed Shearwaters and 2 Common Noddys flying north close to the water.
michael ronan. 10/1 #221733
Ostrich
Barham-Moama Rd and Lashbrooks Rd, NSW
Observed 12 adult Ostriches and 6 young ones at known site at Lashbrooks Rd. We were approx 1 km down Lashbrooks Rd looking east. Birds were well away from Lashbrooks Road but could be seen with bins and scope.
Jim and Greg Caine 11/1 #221737
Fri 9White-rumped Sandpiper
Lake Wollumboola
Good views at close range with about 9 others from 10:30-11:45am. Good comparison views next to Red-necked Stint. WRSA slightly larger, browner and duller, bill slightly decurved, tail feathers protrude past the tail. Speckles and some streaking on flanks. Overcast, no wind about 26C. First seen at Shoalhaven Heads on 5/1/15. Photo attached and eBird list attached but not complete. eBird checklist
Carla Jackett 10/1 #221724
Thu 8Great Frigatebird
Newcastle Harbour
Adult female Great Frigatebird once again observed by a number of observers in Newcastle Harbour today from early morning till approx. 10:15am. The bird disappeared to the north into Stockton Bight for sometime after that and was observed again in the Harbour just before midday. When present the bird appears to be moving between two areas, the inner Harbour and Nobby's Lighthouse. Conversations with local walkers, enquiring about this "strange bird", suggests that the bird may have been present since at least January 5. There is also an unconfirmed report that there may have been two birds present earlier in the week. Due to its rarity this bird will be subject to an ORAC submission.
Allan Richardson 8/1 #221692
Spotted Harrier
South Maroubra
Quartering the scrub between Magic Point and the Rifle Range, 8. 30 a.m. Also a Horsfield's Bronze-Cuckoo.
Ted Nixon 8/1 #221696
White-rumped Sandpiper
Lake Wollumboola, Culburra Beach.
The White-rumped Sandpiper was found today at Lake Wollumboola and kept under observation between 11.30 and 1430 hrs. It fed unconcerned by the people present, only flying off when the other waders were disturbed by presumably potential avian predators and then returning to its favoured feeding spot along the lake foreshore near the aforementioned Little Tern nesting area, and at a distance of about 300m from the car park that is located at the junction of Lake Circuit and Eastern Circuit Rds, Culburra Village. Other birds present included Red-necked Stints, 7 Red Knots, 1 Great Knot, Red-capped & Lesser Sand Plover, Curlew and Sharp-tailed Sandpiper, nesting Little Terns both on eggs and feeding young. More observers arrived after 1.30 pm.
Alan Morris, Greg McLachlan, Michael Scobie & Narelle Wright (photo) 8/1 #221702
Wedge-tailed Eagle
Matcham NSW
Seen 500 m Central Coast Hwy. There is evidence of feeding at the location as there are multiple rabbit kills near a large eucalyptus. Seen in flight being hassled by magpies. This is the 3rd sighting since 25 th Dec.2014
T.Jones 8/1 #221703
Little Bronze-Cuckoo, Forest Kingfisher, Coastal Emu
Brooms Head Road, Taloumbi
While observing an adult male Coastal Emu with 8 black-headed juveniles foraging actively in a paddock we heard two Little Bronze-Cuckoos in a nearby paperbark. When I located the Cuckoos I could see that they were both adult males. One was displaying to the other by spreading its wings and one was calling with a harsh call that I had not heard before. It was neither of the calls described for the species in HANZAB. I thought I saw a third Cuckoo but as the two males were moving about a fair bit it was hard to tell if there was an additional bird. A Forest Kingfisher was heard calling in the distance. The Emus disappeared suddenly when two Dingoes showed up.
Greg Clancy & Russell Jago 9/1 #221711
Wed 7Eastern Osprey
Nepean Weir, Penrith
I received an sms from my friend at 8:30am. She saw an Osprey at the weir! It was across the river at the weir itself in a dead branch :)
Ákos Lumnitzer for Sue Thomson of BMBO 7/1 #221668
Pacific Baza
Laurieton Retirement village
2 sub-adult birds observed calling and circling the local area, a third bird also heard calling apart from the two for the past 3 days.
Stephen Gallivan 7/1 #221669
South Island Pied Oystercatcher
Tucker's Rock
The SIPO was apparent at 7:30AM very close to the beach access from carpark, perhaps 100m north. In close association with a single Pied Oystercatcher.
John Weigel 7/1 #221675
Bush Stone-curlew
Featherdale Wildlife Park Doonside
One bird seen at about 5pm yesterday it was not an escape from the park
Joshua Allen 8/1 #221686
Great Frigatebird
Hunter River, between Nobbys and Carrington
First sighted by John Cockerell at ~1330 from Queens Wharf. Several independant observers viewed the bird by ~1630 from different locations and ID confirmed. Still on river on 8/1/2015 @0830.
Adam Fawcett 8/1 #221687
Great Frigatebird
Newcastle Harbour (incl. Nobby's Beach and Carrington Basin)
An unidentified frigatebird was first seen by John and Beth Cockerell at around 1pm yesterday (7 Jan) flying west up Newcastle Harbour towards Carrington. Word went out and it was then a chase to try and locate the bird for an ID, with Lucas Grenadier providing (distant) updates from his workplace along Honeysuckle Drive. At about 5pm Ian Benson and Adam Fawcett (both on opposite sides of the harbour) found it flying over the Hunter River near the Carrington terminals. They both identified it as an adult female Great Frigatebird through bins/scopes. Later, Dan Williams got some close images from Nobby's Breakwall showing the sullied pale throat, a brownish hind collar, broad-based belly patch, lack of spurs in the underwing and one dorsal shot showing narrow and brown alar bars, all confirming the ID as a female Great (one image attached). This species is on the NSW ORAC review list and will be assessed. If accepted, it would be a first for the Hunter Region. The bird has been seen today in the same areas as well. Of interest, a long trade flow causing consistent easterly winds stretching across the West Pacific has dominated recently and there seems to be potential for a tropical cyclone to develop in the Coral Sea over the weekend too. Maybe this bird is a pre-cursor of things to come?
John and Beth Cockerell and several others, per Mick Roderick 8/1 #221690
Sooty Tern
N of Corindi River mouth (Red Rock)
Adult beachcast.
Russell Jago 8/1 #221695
Bush Stone-curlew
Featherdale Wildlife Park Doonside
Yesterday afternoon a Bush Stone-curlew was in the main car park of Featherdale and then flew into the park it was not one of the parks birds that had excaped I'm a keeper at Featherdale and I counted all our birds and it was definitely not one of our birds did not stay for long before flying away and was not seen today. (Moderator's Note: The nearest breeding population of BSC is around Brisbane Water, in Gosford LGA. Here there is a breeding population of 3-5 pairs, most of which fledge one or two chicks per annum. Banding studies of this population has shown that there is some dispersal south of juvenile birds to Sydney's northern beach side suburbs and parklands along the Parramatta River. It is possible that this bird came from the Gosford LGA population, however the bird is too far way to indicate whether it was colour-banded.AKM)
Joshua Allen 8/1 #221697
Square-tailed Kite
Silverdale rd, Silverdale nsw
bird circled low over road and houses, harassed by butcher birds at one point when it tried to land in some trees eBird checklist
Adrian o'Hara 13/1 #221777
Tue 6White-rumped Sandpiper, Fairy Tern
Lake Wollumboola
Came across the White-rumped Sandpiper on the lake shore near the Little Tern breeding area early this morning. We are guessing it's the same bird from Shoalhaven Heads seen yesterday. Also, a single Fairy Tern identified, as well as 3 White-winged Black Terns.
Lachlan Hall, Henry Coleman, Stanley Tang and Andrew Walker 6/1 #221646
Brahminy Kite
Tuggerah
An adult Brahminy Kite was circling high in the sky near the Red Rooster Chicken restaurant. I got out of the car before entering the restaurant, and spied a kite sp. Reaching for the binoculars, to my astonishment, it turned out to be a Brahminy.
Logan Lalonde 6/1 #221657
Freckled Duck (5), Pink-eared Duck (2), Red-necked Avocet (45)
Tuggerah Wastewater Treatment Plant
Five Freckled Ducks were sitting on the mud shoreline at the main pond in the treatment plant. To access it, the main gates are closed, so walk on the right-hand side track, ( from Ibis Rd ), which leads to the ponds. A warning - be careful of snakes; Red-bellied Black are thought to be around. There were also 2 Pink-eared Ducks and exactly 45 Red-necked Avocets in the main pond as well. Logan Lalonde - 14 years old - visiting birder from Canada
Logan Lalonde 6/1 #221659
South Island Pied Oystercatcher
Between Tuckers Rock and Bundagen Headland, S of Coffs Harbour
Following up on Phil Gilmour's excellent sighting yesterday, we observed a single likely SIPO in the same area, associating with Australian Pied Oystercatchers. We walked all the way to Bundagen where at least 6 pied-type and 2 Sooty Oystercatchers were present on the rocks. Three pied oycs flew off to the south - from where we had walked - and we followed these up, getting good views. As reported yesterday, the bird showed clearly shorter legs, longer bill with less deep base, much more extensive white on upperwing, clearly reaching the trailing edge of the inner secondaries, the pointed/tapered white patch on the upper back, and extensively white underwing, including whole of innermost secondaries, bases of remaining secondaries and inner primaries, and most greater primary coverts. Other species at Bundagen included Pied and Great Cormorant, Ruddy Turnstone, Crested Terns and Silver Gulls. Could anyone looking for the bird, whether successful or not, please let me know via northernnsw@birdlife.org.au - thanks.
Peter Higgins, Michael Cheers & Peter Richards 6/1 #221660
Mon 5Glossy Black-Cockatoo
Eulah Creek
Group of 5 flying over to the North at 9:45 this morning, calling one another (no photo). Further information
Michael Dahlem 5/1 #221618
White-rumped Sandpiper
Shoalhaven Heads
A White-rumped Sandpiper was seen roosting at high tide amongst a flock of 80 Red-necked Stints on the foredune at the old rivermouth. See attached link for approximate location. Park at eastern end of River road and head south for about 500 metres. Also 2 Lesser Sand Plover and 1 Whimbrel seen. eBird checklist Further information
Nigel and Carla Jackett 5/1 #221626
Possible South Island Pied Oystercatcher
between Tuckers Rock and Bundagen Headland, about 15kms south of Coffs Harbour
This bird was seen this morning with two Australian Pied Oystercatchers. It had clearly shorter legs and longer bill and more white on trailing edge of upper wing and more white on underwing. Poor photo of flying bird attached. I also have photo on beach with Australian Pied Oystercatchers I will include in a separate post (see sighting #221633). [Moderator: this bird appears an extremely good candidate for SIPO - with luck more photos will confirm this incoming days. AR]
Phil Gilmour 5/1 #221632
Possible South Island Pied Oystercatcher
between Tuckers Rock and Bundagen Headland, about 15kms south of Coffs Harbour
another photo
Phil Gilmour 5/1 #221633
Sun 4Regent Bowebird, Green Catbird, Spectacled Monarch
Ourimbah RTA Reserve
Male Regent and 2 females feeding on kangaroo apple. This is just past the old generator site. Also attracting Lewin's Honeyeater, Green Catbirds and Silvereye. Male Satin Bowerbird seen nearby. Seen yesterday was a Spectacled Monarch, Black-faced Monarchs, Rufous Fantails, 2 European Blackbird & Bul Buls.
Allan Benson & Alan Morris 4/1 #221596
Red-necked Avocet, Shoveler, Fecked Duck and Pink-eared Ducks
Tuggerah Waste water Treatmnet Plant, Wyong Rd Tuggerah
There are still 32 Red-necked Avocets on the back of the STW, along with 78 Black-winged Stilts, 9 Shovelers, 2 Pink-eared and 2 Freckled Ducks. Black-shouldered Kites and a Swamp Harriers also present as well as about 460 Grey Teal, 120 Hardheads, 80 Hoary-headed Grebes and many Little Grebes plus the usual waterbirds, great birding at present!
Alan Morris 4/1 #221597
Topknot Pigeons
Ferdinand Street, Hunters Hill
4-5 Topknot Pigeons flying and then landing in Liquid Amber tree in our garden around 9 am.
Elisabeth Karplus 4/1 #221599
Black-faced Monarch, Baillon's Crake, Spotless Crake, Spotted Harrier
Pitt Town Lagoon
Highlights from Pitt Town Lagoon this morning were 4 Baillon's Crake, many Spotless Crakes were heard calling but remained hidden in the reeds and a Spotted Harrier cruising over the reeds. What I thought was pretty unusual for Pitt Town was a Black-faced Monarch in the trees on the edge of the lagoon.
michael ronan 4/1 #221602
Whistling Kite
Bay Street, Greenwich, edge of Lane Cove River
A whistling kite flew close to the coastline heading westward at 10.20am this morning. I have not seen this species in this part of the municipality before.
Judy Clark 4/1 #221603
Mangrove Gerygone
Royal National Park--Bonnie Vale
Mangrove Gerygone heard singing from mangroves near the Bonnie Vale/Maianbar bridge this afternoon.
Marc Anderson 4/1 #221611
Regent Honeyeater
Myall Lakes National Park--Mungo Brush
I stumbled across a Regent Honeyeater low in the foliage as I was walking back to my car after a swim at North Broadwater on Mungo Brush Drive (between the Bombah Ferry and Boomeri camping ground) around 1pm. The bird was not calling nor had noticeable leg banding. The bird hung around for 5 minute as I tried to call it in to get a picture on my phone to no avail. It was chased by a Lewin’s Honeyeater and Noisy Friar Bird before disappearing. Best tick I have made this year!
Dr Andrew C M Smith 7/1 #221678
Wonga Pigeon, Eurasian Tree Sparrow
Wagga Wagga Botanical Gardens
1 Wonga Pigeon observed near the little zoo wandering around freely. It had no bands or any sign that it was an escapee bird, and flew up onto a tree when it was approached too closely. According to eBird, there are only a handful or records from North Eastern Victoria and a single 1991 record from Jerilderie which are worth noting as similar records. Two Tree Sparrows were also observed inside the amphitheatre where there are numerous records for them. eBird checklist
Simon Gorta, Julian Teh, Owen Lishmund 13/1 #221779
Sat 3Nankeen Night Heron
Nepean Weir, Penrith
In the nearly eight years of me visiting this area, not once have I seen this bird here. I am sure they are around, but it was a surprise landing of one in a small eucalyptus along the upper part of the walk, which alerted me to its presence. I got some great views, especially as a couple of walkers by flushed it and it descended down to the river from up near the sake brewery where I saw it.
Ákos Lumnitzer 3/1 #221583
Peregrine Falcon
Coutts Crossing Village, SW of Grafton
Two birds, appeared to be adults of the same sex (same size), probably males, in aerial display high to the south of the Village. Circling together then one would rise up stall briefly and fly towards second bird. Both birds presented their talons to each other but no contact was made. This was repeated a few times until the birds moved out of sight in an easterly direction and appeared to be still displaying.
Greg Clancy 3/1 #221585
Lesser Sandplover (2), Wandering Tattler (2)
Boat Harbour, Kurnell
On high tide this morning there were a pair of Lesser Sandplovers and a pair of Wandering Tattlers at Boat Harbour, Kurnell. For Wandering Tattlers see the 2 images for Jan 3 taken by Gary Dunnett in the Further Information link to his Flickr photo album. Further information
Gary Dunnett, Ken Gilmour, Bruce Roubin 3/1 #221592
Grey Goshawk, Regent Bowerbird, Topknot pigeon
Strickland State Forest
One Grey Goshawk flushed from the creek vegetation next to the trail. One Female/imm Regent bowerbird (poor photo attached) and two Topknot Pigeons. Rufous Fantails and Black Faced Monarchs also.
David Vickers 3/1 #221593
Black-necked Stork, Latham's Snipe, Grey Gosdhawk
McPhersons Rd Swamp, Tuggerah
The Black-necked Stork has been present the past 3 days at this site, however this morning (4/1/15) from 600-1000 hrs it has been present along the foreshore off Tuggerah Bay, seen from Geoffrey Rd Chittaway (per Dellas Johnson). Other birds at McPhersons Swamp include 2+ Latham's Snipe, White-necked Heron, Intermediate Egret, Grey Goshawk, Black-shouldered Kite, 2 Red-kneed Dotterel & 2 Chestnut-breasted Mannikin. A Wedge-tailed Eagle & White-throated Needletails were sighted there on 1/1/15
Alan Morris, photo Dellas Johnston 4/1 #221598
Australian Hobby (3)
Erina
Over the last couple of months, I have had almost daily sightings of a pair of Hobbies at the corner of Central Coast Hwy and Terrigal Dr, Erina. They appeared to be using an old Australian Raven nest at the top of a Hoop Pine and today I saw the pair sitting with a fledgling about 8 metres below the nest. This is only the second recorded breeding site for Hobbies on the Central Coast, the other being in an old Raven nest atop the Telstra tower in Wyong in 2012 and 2013.
Nick Carson 7/1 #221682
Square-tailed Kite
Basin View, St Georges Basin, South Coast
adult foraging at tree-top level around houses in Basin View Parade eBird checklist
Andrew Taylor 9/1 #221708
Fri 2Black-necked Stork, Latham's Snipe
McPherson Road Swamp
Swamp very full with limited bird life. Black-necked Stork the stand out bird. 2 Latham's Snipe flushed
Allan Benson 2/1 #221572
Latham's Snipe, Red-rumped Parrot
Tuggerah, Central Coast Wetlands
3 Latham's Snipe flushed. 8 Red-rumped parrots including adults and immatures. Red-rumps are uncommon on the central coast so this is significant breeding record
Allan Benson 2/1 #221573
Red-necked Avocet, Pink-eared Duck
Tuggerah Wastewater Treatment Plant
20+ Avocets still on back pond. Single Pink-eared amongst mass of Hardhead, Grey and Chestnut Teal and Australasian and Hoary-headed Grebe
Allan Benson 2/1 #221574
White-fronted, Painted, Brown Honeyeaters, Major Mitchell's Cockatoo
"The winery", Whitton Stock Route Rd, Binya SF
An early morning visit to this site started with a flock of 12 Major Mitchell's Cockatoos landing in a dead tree beside the car. In the winery block itself, a Brown Honeyeater (rare for the area) and then a White-fronted Honeyeater (even rarer) plus a Painted Honeyeater showed themselves albeit briefly. A group of 8 Turquoise Parrots also flew overhead and 12 Superb Parrots flew over the car as I was driving off. A good start to my 2015 list!
Max O'Sullivan 2/1 #221576
Pacific Baza
Armidale Street, South Grafton
Adult with heavy wing moult gliding north over residential area.
Greg Clancy 3/1 #221586
Pacific Baza
Coutts Crossing Village, SW of Grafton
Baza heard calling in morning. Two observed the day before (01 Jan 15) flying into eucalypts at edge of village near Cemetery.
Greg Clancy 3/1 #221587
Pheasant Coucal
Royal National Park--Mt Bass
One Pheasant Coucal heard calling from low trees adjacent to heath near the south end of the Mt. Bass Fire Trail.
Logan Lalonde 4/1 #221606
possible Rawnsley's Bowerbird (young male)
Border Ranges National Park--Sheepstation Creek
In a group of normal Satin Bowerbirds there was a female-coloured bird with conspicuous yellow primary panels and a more slender and longer appearing bill but with the overall size and jizz of a Satin Bowerbird. Normal Regent Bowerbirds were nearby. As neither female Satin nor female Regent Bowerbirds show yellow wing panels, we believe that this bird was a young male 'Rawnsley's Bowerbird' (Satin x Regent hybrid). A mutant Satin Bowerbird with aberrant primary colouration should have a stouter and shorter bill. So far only adult male 'Rawnsley's Bowerbirds' have been described. So, this observation might be of general interest. Unfortunately, we weren't able to get photographs.
Nikolas Haass & Frank Valckenborgh 6/1 #221664
Superb Lyrebird
North Turramurra
Group of 4 birds foraging for food in undergrowth and leaf litter. 1 male displaying to female.
Narelle Barden 7/1 #221667
Thu 1Black Falcon, Glossy Ibis
Bushells Lagoon, Wilberforce
There were at least six Glossy Ibis at the lagoon and five Whistling Kites were harassing them at various times during mid-afternoon. I suddenly noticed a larger falcon appear from the south and join the kites harassing the waterbirds. The falcon then flew on towards the town of Freemans Reach. Only a poor ID shot was taken of the falcon, but the characteristics of plumage and its flight made ID a snap.
Ákos Lumnitzer 1/1 #221563
Spotted Harrier
Freemans Reach
Adult Spotted Harrier spotted and photographed near corner of Argyle Reach Road and Freemans Reach Road this afternoon. It was interesting to note the harrier's behaviour from a distance, as initially I thought it may have been a Square-tailed Kite. The harrier was hovering over the treetops with feet fully down for a while.
Ákos Lumnitzer 1/1 #221564
Spotted Harrier (I'mmature)
Cornwallis
While I spent time photographing two recently fledged Brown Falcon chicks (one still had down on its head), an immature Spotted Harrier flew over the treetops coming from Bakers Lagoon. Sadly, I had to take shots into the sun, so it is very contrasty, but I still managed some good images of this beautiful young bird. I believe there may be at least one nesting pair in the Nepean-Hawkesbury region, as for the last two or more years I have been seeing young birds (photos taken too) as well as many adults. However, it would be difficult to locate a nest if there were one.
Ákos Lumnitzer 1/1 #221565
Satin Flycatcher
Pope's Glen track, Blue Mountains National Park, Blackheath
Two active nests found 70 metres apart along the Pope's Glen track. At least six adult Satin Flycatchers (and one nestling) seen along the track.
Mark Hocking 1/1 #221568
Caspian Tern
Stockton Sandspit
Oranged flagged bird "77" spotted 9 am on Jan 1. Can't find anywhere to report on the net. Silver on other leg ? Victorian. (Moderator's Note: Go onto the Australian Wader Study Group Website, there is a option there to report siightings.AKM)
Michael Rutkowski 6/1 #221661
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