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July 2014

Wed 23		Swift parrot Bursana trail Scheyville NP
		One swift parrot in crown of tall eucalyptus warbling away for 30 minutes before departing northwards at noon. Also one Crested Shrike-tit bathing in a muddy pool.
		Steve Hale 23/7 #218824
		Little Penguin Darling Harbour, Sydney
		4 birds seen by my dad when he was out rowing. Moving quite quickly, often only seen in we wake of passing ferries. They were heard calling as well. Seen later on near Goat Island.
		Simon Gorta 23/7 #218823
		Noisy Pitta Deep Creek, Narrabeen
		Noisy Pitta well seen at 7.15 am initially on track to left of green bridge just past first corner where track starts to run alongside creek. Subsequently seen in undergrowth and along track just to left of green bridge.
		Elisabeth Karplus 23/7 #218821
Tue 22		Square-tailed Kite, Little Lorikeet Tancreds Lane, Clarenza
		Adult Square-tailed Kite foraging at canopy level at 1330 hrs. Two Little Lorikeets heard calling as they flew overhead.
		Greg Clancy & Russell Jago 23/7 #218815
		Yellow-billed Spoonbill, Swamp Harrier, Gull-billed Tern The Washpen, Swan Creek
		5 Spoonbills actively foraging in wetland, adult male Harrier perched on fence post in wetland and then flew to N, 1 Tern in breeding plumage landed on fence post in wetland.
		Greg Clancy & Russell Jago 23/7 #218814
		Hoary-headed Grebe Wetland at Swan Creek, Clarenza
		1 grebe on wetland. This is the first local record since the small influx of this species a few months back.
		Greg Clancy & Russell Jago 23/7 #218813
		Plumed Whistling-Duck Watkins Lane, Ulmarra
		350+ around a dam
		Greg Clancy & Russell Jago 23/7 #218812
		White-winged Chough Coutts Crossing Public School
		9 Choughs foraging on ground in playground, including 2+ juveniles, unusual at this site.
		Greg Clancy 23/7 #218811
		Cattle Egret Smeaton Grange
		2 Cattle Egrets feeding on Magdalene Catholic High School's back oval mid-afternoon. The first time I've seen them here in 5 yrs.
		Lorne Johnson 22/7 #218801
		Freckled Duck, Magpie Goose, Pink-eared Duck, Little Grassbird Narrabri Lake
		All three species reported recently (#218716) are still present. Most of the Freckled Ducks (the corrected total count for the earlier report on 16 July 2014 is now 29) were hard to find while preening under overhanging branches on the bird refuge island. In addition, heard a Little Grassbird calling for the first time this season. White-breasted Woodswallows have returned after their winter absence. Further information
		Michael Dahlem 22/7 #218798
		Striated Pardalote (Yellow-tipped) Black Hill (Newcastle)
		At least 4 Yellow-tipped Striated Pardalotes seen today in bushland near Black Hill, likely several others present (calling birds) but not seen.
		Mick Roderick and Tom Clarke 22/7 #218793
		Bassian Thrush, Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoo Irrawong Reserve
		A single Bassian Thrush was seen this morning near the Noisy PItta spot at 7:10-7:40 am. 2 Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoos were seen in lilly pilly and casuarinas near the small bridge adjacent to Irrawong Rd.
		Jayden Walsh 22/7 #218792
Mon 21		Powerful Owl Irrawong Reserve
		I stopped by Irrawong Reserve briefly after visiting Deep Creek for the first time on my way to Long Reef (No Black Bittern but Bassian Thrush (2) and Topknot Pigeons (~24) flying over being the highlights at Deep Creek). I didn't find the Noisy Pitta this time at Irrawong Reserve but did spot a Powerful Owl more or less in same spot I've observed them previously, complete with Common Ringtail Possum. Photo of the Owl attached
		Greg McLachlan 22/7 #218800
		Common Greenshank, Curlew Sandpiper, Red-necked Avocet, Lewin's Rail Hexham Swamp
		Loads of bird life at the swamp. Two Common Greenshanks, both species of Grassbird, Curlew Sandpipers, good numbers of Red-necked Avocet, Australian Spotted Crake, Spotless Crake, a single Lewin's Rail, Buff-banded Rail, an individual female Australian Shelduck, and a Pied Butcherbird. Several species of raptor also included Nankeen Kestrel, Black-shouldered Kite, Marsh Harrier and White-bellied Sea-Eagle. Many other species observed resulting in a very active day. No luck with the Eastern Yellow Wagtail unfortunately.
		Chris Dryburgh 22/7 #218797
		Red-necked Avocet Deeban Spit, Port Hacking
		14 Red-necked Avocet along the shoreline of Deeban Spit on high tide this afternoon, roosting with some occasional feeding, standing not far from fishermen. Attached photo has 13 of them in frame.
		Bruce Roubin and Deryk Engel 21/7 #218786
		Little Penguin Long Beach
		1 Little Penguin &112 Great Cormorants at Long Beach.
		Tony Dawe 21/7 #218782
Sun 20		Wandering Albatross Black Head (Gerroa)
		Sea watch 2.50pm spotted this Wandering Albatross. We saw it do 2 passes first heading north and then 15 minutes later returning south, passing just near the end of the rock-shelf. [Moderator's note (NH): Likely a Gibson's Albatross] eBird checklist Further information
		Paul & Carol Lynch 23/7 #218822
		Great-winged Petrel Fort Drive (Nobby's, Newcastle)
		4 Great-winged Petrels seen yesterday afternoon during a brief seawatch. Also 2 Black-browed type and one Shy-type Albatross. Notably, there were only small numbers of Fluttering Shearwaters (<50), which have been off the Newcastle coastline in their 1000's over the past week or so (including Saturday 19th, when there was also a Brown Skua, unidentified Giant-Petrel and a Shy-type seen). Also present just off the rocks yesterday were 2 White-fronted Terns and oodles of gannets. 2 Ruddy Turnstones flew past (both known to be over-wintering at in the area).
		Mick Roderick 21/7 #218780
		Zebra Finch Camden , cnr Cawdor Rd and Westbrook rd
		Interesting sighting yesterday. While collecting kindling on the side of Westbrook Rd I heard the distinctive call of Zebra Finches. There was a flock of 100+ feeding on the ground in a paddock around 200 m along Westbrook Rd. They easily flushed and flew into the small trees along the paddock border.
		Michael Miller 21/7 #218776
		Scarlet Robin, Speckled Warbler Air Services site, Shanes Park
		Quite a lot of bird activity this morning at the above location. We were delighted to find an adult male Scarlet Robins in a recently burnt patch (I have seen them a number of times at Shanes Park over the years but not last year), a few Rose Robins, lots of Buff-rumped Thornbills, a pair of Collared Sparrowhawk and heard a couple of Speckled Warblers. It was interesting to see (an over-wintering/early returning) adult male Rufous Whistler land on a twig in the crown of a eucalypt and a second or so later an adult male Golden Whistler land on exactly the same small twig. Also we had 40 or so Eastern Grey Kangaroos on the site.
		Edwin Vella and Mark Fuller 20/7 #218772
		Wandering-type Albatross, Buller's Albatross, Sooty Shearwater, Great-winged Petrel Royal National Park--Wattamolla
		Highlights from a seawatch off Wattamolla today were 4 Wandering-type Albatross including 1 juveniile bird, 10 Buller's Albatross, 2 Sooty Shearwaters and 1 lone Great-winged Petrel.
		michael ronan. 20/7 #218769
		Chestnut Teal Hiney Road Dam outh of Orange
		Pair (my first sighting for Orange) on Orchard dam with Aust Shovelor and Pink-eared Ducks.
		N.W. Schrader 20/7 #218762
		Freckled Duck Spring Creek Reserve, Orange
		Eight immature Freckled ducks.
		N.W.Schrader 20/7 #218761
		Noisy Pitta. Black Bittern Deep Creek Reserve, Narrabeen
		Noisy Pitta seen on both sides of creek between small green footbridge and waterfall. The immature Striated Heron also here but no Bassian Thrush. Black Bittern (possibly 2) seen upstream of the pipeline footbridge on the right side looking upstream. Also a Great Egret, White necked Heron and 2 Royal Spoonbill on the little freshwater pond.
		Tom Wilson 20/7 #218760
Sat 19		Great-winged Petrel, Wandering type albatross, White-fronted Tern, Fairy Prion Mistral Pt, Maroubra
		Before I arrived David had a couple of Wandering type Albatross which have been scarce lately off Maroubra. We also had about 20 Great-winged Petrels, c120 Black-browed, at least one Campbell, 3 Yellow-nosed and c 15 Shy Albatross, an unidentified Giant Petrel, up to 4 Fairy Prions, c25 Fluttering Shearwaters, 4 Brown Skua, a White-fronted Tern and an Eastern Reef Egret also flew past. An Eastern Curlew flew south, against the wind about 50-100m out. Also had a Humpback Whale, a few Bottle-nosed Dolphins and I had good views of a Fur Seal within 30 metres from shore.
		Edwin Vella, David Mitford, Simon Gorta 20/7 #218771
		Great-winged Petrel Kurnell peninsula
		29 Great-winged Petrels were seen flying north in a 20 minute sea watch this afternoon. Also seen were 9 Black-browed and 1 Shy Albatross.
		Rob Hynson 19/7 #218755
		Great-winged Petrel, Wandering-type Albatross, Buller's Albatross wattamolla royal national park.
		Great conditions for seabirds today with over 200 Great-winged Petrels also 1 Wandering-type Albatross. 4 Buller's Albatross and at least 120 Shy Albatross, 25 Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross, 200 Black-browed Albatross, 5 Brown Skuas and 20 Fairy Prions.
		michael ronan 19/7 #218752
		Great-winged Petrel Headland at Gerroa
		20+ Great-winged Petrels flying close inshore including over the actual headland in SW galeforce conditions. Unusual to see this species flying over land. Possible indication of numbers about to be washed ashore?
		Martin Schulz 19/7 #218746
		Osprey Combadello Weir, 25km West of Moree
		An Osprey was observed flying over the Mehi River at around 11:45am. This is the first sighting of the species at this location and in the area. They are also rare locally and this is the farthest west I have seen one so far. eBird checklist Further information
		Curtis Hayne and Ainslee Lines 19/7 #218740
Fri 18		Flame Robin The Lagoon via Bathurst
		At least 15 (probably up to 10 more) Flame Robins foraging together on a bitterly cold day among the reeds and weeds on the edge of Apsley Lagoon south of Bathurst. The lagoon is filling again after being dry recently attracting waterbirds including 300+ Grey Teal, Pacific Black Ducks, Pink-eared Ducks and Straw-necked Ibis. Also three species of raptors. eBird checklist
		Mark Ley 21/7 #218774
		Brown Falcon Bundeena
		A Brown Falcon calling in flight over Bundeena today heading NW around 10am.
		Bruce Roubin 18/7 #218733
Thu 17		Lewin's Rail Ocean Drive, Port Macquarie
		Walking along a track and flushed a cat which dropped a Lewin's Rail, in the bush near the Golf Course. It was still alive but died shortly after.
		Tim Morris 17/7 #218730
		Regent Honeyeater Chiltern Trail, Ingleside
		One juvenile Regent Honeyeater around 10.30 a.m.
		Colin Morrison 17/7 #218728
Wed 16		Black Kite Seaham Rd, Raymond Terrace
		1 Black Kite flying low over the road near the Hinton Rd turnoff.
		Clive Meadows 18/7 #218731
		Eastern Osprey Hawkesbury River, Laughtondale (near Wisemans Ferry)
		One juvenile Eastern Osprey observed perched in a Swamp Oak over lagoon near Hawkesbury River at midday.
		Paul Burcher 16/7 #218724
		Pink-eared Duck, Whistlng Kite, Nankeen Kestrel, Australasian Shoveller Dairy Swamp, Central Coast Wetlands, Tuggerah
		Today we counted 148 Pink-eared Ducks on the Dairy Swamp. This is the most ever Pink-ears recorded on the Central Coast since the CCGBNSW records started in 1995.A Nankeen Kestrel was feeding close to the Swamp, 2 Whistling Kites were sighted and 12 Shovellers were seen with the Pink-ears.
		Alan Morris and Wayne Hodgkinson 16/7 #218718
		Black-necked Stork, Freckled Duck, Brown Goshawk McPherson Rd Swamp, Tuggerah
		A brief visit confirmed today that the immature male Black-necked Stork was still present at this wetland, having been seen daily since first reported on 11/7/14. Also present were 8 Freckled Ducks, single Brown Goshawk, Swamp Harrier and Black-shouldered Kite.
		Alan Morris and Wayne Hodgkinson 16/7 #218717
		Freckled Duck, Magpie Goose, Pink-eared Duck Narrabri Lake
		For the first time ever I have found Freckled Ducks at Narrabri Lake (Narrabri West) this morning. There were about 20 Freckled Ducks on open water. Also present were Magpie Geese (hidden in dense reeds) and some Pink-eared Ducks (semi-regular visitors). It looks as if the local Whistling Kites already had a fluffy chick in their nest. Further information
		Michael Dahlem 16/7 #218716
Tue 15		Noisy Pitta, Scarlet Honeyeater Irrawong Reserve, Ingleside.
		Single Noisy Pitta hopping around to the left of the boardwalk under the cabbage palms near the first waterfall.
		L. Morgan 16/7 #218712
		Double-banded Plovers, Pacific Golden Plovers Port Macquarie, Pelican Island and River Park Road
		18 Double-banded Plovers seen on Pelican Island and two Pacific Golden Plovers were roosting. One Pacific Golden Plover was taken by an Eastern Osprey as we watched. Then we went to the River Park Road to look for other PGP and found 8 feeding on a vacant block of land next to the canal. Seen on our Hastings Birdwatcher monthly wader count outing. eBird checklist Further information
		Ian Kerr, Sue Lipscombe and Bryce Taylor 15/7 #218699
Mon 14		Grey Falcon x 2 Broken Hill, Stephens Creek Resorvoir
		S 3153.811 E 14132.798; approx 3.45 pm seen two birds fly over a hill from the south towards me. One was ahead of the other slightly one went to my left. The one in front went past to my right and was closer. I noticed it was all grey and lighter grey underneath with light lacing or wavy pattern underneath on wings. It had a black tear drop under its eye and it looked to have very large eyes black in colour. No other black on it at all. When they came over the hill, they dropped into the valley over me, then went over the hill behind me. They were in view for about 20 seconds before disappearing over the hill in a northerly direction. I didn't see any yellow cere and upon checking my Slater field guide when I got home it matched the juvenile description 100%. Unfortunately, I couldn't get my camera off my shoulder quick enough. I have seen 3 others over the years 2 near Cameron Corner about 2 years ago in June and one other near Broken Hill but what year i can't tell you. [Moderator's note (NH): With regards to an ongoing research project on Grey Falcons, we would appreciate if Todd and/or other observers can corroborate the sighting and ideally provide photo documentation]
		todd robert murphy 14/7 #218680
		Noisy Pitta Bermagui Boardwalk
		At least two Noisy Pittas observed today. Still in the same location as previous two records. One probable immature, as the partial pale gape was noticeable, but it did not have the streaking described in HANZAB. We were able to observe this particular bird for about an hour from only about 10 m away - it did not seem overly perturbed by our presence. Stood very still for some periods but also foraged amongst the leaf litter. A second bird called from several metres away, and there was the movement of a possible third.
		Mandy Anderson, Richard Nipperess 14/7 #218679
		Black Kite Grafton Regional Waste Depot, South Grafton
		1 in flight over Armidale Road at 09:24 hrs. First record at this site for quite a while.
		Russell Jago 14/7 #218676
		Yellow-faced Honeyeater Caniaba, Lismore NSW.
		Small numbers of overwintering Yellow-faced HE's and Scarlet and White-throated HE's responding to beginning of flowering of Grey Ironbark. Shining Bronze Cuckoo also overwintering.
		paul griffin 14/7 #218674
		Noisy Pitta Bermagui Boardwalk
		Following up from the recent post, only one Noisy Pitta was spotted near Bermagui.
		Steve Sass, Andrew Morrison, Harrison Warne 14/7 #218670
Sun 13		Black-browed and Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross Off Port Macquarie
		A single Black-browed Albatross and seven sightings of Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross plus at least six Fairy Prions and numerous Australasian Gannets were identified on the Hastings Birdwatchers Pelagic. With a six metre swell other sightings of Giant-Petrel sp. and two brief sightings of petrels were not identified.
		Peter West and eleven members from Hastings Birdwatchers 15/7 #218710
		Black Falcon 10km nw of Wagga Wagga
		Single Black Falcon flying low and fast across crops.
		Neville Schrader 15/7 #218698
		White-necked Heron Bobbin Head Rd, North Turramurra
		Single White-necked Heron flew east-west quite low (15-20 m) over my house approx 10:45am. Struggling a bit against the wind and a lot against the 3 or 4 Noisy Miners harassing it.
		Tom Wilson 14/7 #218673
		Noisy Pitta, Striated Heron Deep Creek Reserve Narrabeen
		Juvenile Striated Heron (photograph by Dave Vink) & Noisy Pitta in the area between the waterfall and the green bridge in late afternoon.
		Mike Barrow, Dave Vink 13/7 #218653
		Ruddy Turnstones Cowrie Hole near Newcastle Beach
		2 Ruddy Turnstones feeding on rock shelf
		Chris and Kate Aisbett 13/7 #218645
Sat 12		Buller's Albatross, Brown Skua Offshore--Sydney Pelagic
		Quiet trip with total lack of 'classic' winter species (such as Wandering-type Albatross, Cape Petrel...). Totals of 50 Black-browed Albatross, 4 Campbell Albatross (3 adult, 1 first year), 6 Shy/White-capped Albatross, 20 Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross, 6 adult Buller's Albatross (including a nice show of a trio), 1 juv. Northern Giant-Petrel, 30 Fairy Prion, 5 Providence Petrel, 3 Fluttering Shearwater, 6 Australasian Gannet, 100 Silver Gull, 5 Crested Tern, 3 adult White-fronted Tern, 5 Brown Skua (all at the same time!), 2 Humpback Whale, 5 Inshore Bottlenose Dolphin. For more detail see my eBird Checklist. The full trip report will be uploaded to the SOSSA website soon (under 'Further Information'). eBird checklist Further information
		Nikolas Haass for all on the Sydney Pelagic 15/7 #218700
		Black Falcon, Black Kite Lenaghan Drive, Lenaghan
		When we arrived at Lenaghan about 2 pm, we were greeted by another Black Falcon perched on top of a power line pole. After a minute or so it then took off and landed in a nearby tree and then came again to land on top of the same power line pole where we again got close up views of this Falcon. Other raptors present included several White-bellied Sea-eagles (in all stages of plumage), a few Swamp Harriers, a single Black Kite with several Whistling Kites. On my last visit to this site (29/3/14) I had 8 Black Kites as well as a single Black Falcon.
		Edwin Vella and Mark Fuller 13/7 #218668
		Australian Shelduck, Lewin's Rail, Black Falcon, over-wintering shorebirds Hexham Swamp Nature Reserve
		Good numbers of waterbirds present including a female Australian Shelduck, c 100 Red-necked Avocet and c 400 Black-winged Stilts, 3 Gull-billed Tern, 15-20 Australian Spotted and 3 Spotless Crakes, Lewin's Rail (good but brief view of a Lewin's Rail feeding out in the open where we also had both Crakes just mentioned in the same spot), an over-wintering Common Greenshank as well as a Marsh and 25 Sharp-tailed Sandpipers, at least 50 Red-kneed Dotterel, White-fronted Chats and a Black Falcon.
		Edwin Vella and Mark Fuller 13/7 #218667
		Noisy Pitta Bermagui Boardwalk
		At least two Noisy Pittas were seen at Bermagui on the NSW far south coast, the second bird (not photographed) did not have blue on the wing, but there appeared to be more than two birds. The boardwalk at end of Wallaga Street, Wallaga Lake. Walk to end of boardwalk then just past little hut you will come to shaded bush area along path where we found the pittas [Moderators' notes: This represents Australia's most southerly record for this species (TD). To get more than one vagrant Noisy Pitta is extraordinary (AKM). The records of the Eurobodalla Natural History Society show that the first record of this species in the area was of a juvenile in 2002 at nearby Akolele (Julie Morgan, Recorder, ENHS)] Further information
		Chris Hemmingsen 12/7 #218633
		Noisy Pitta, Bassian Thrush, Superb Lyrebird, Peregrine Falcon Deep Creek Reserve, Narrabeen
		Observed the Noisy PItta and Bassian Thrush foraging near the 1st birdge (small green wooden one) this afternoon. The Lyrebird was seen briefly near the freshwater dam on the other side of the creek. Finally the Peregrine Falcon was seen hunting for about 10 minutes above the dog park performing several short dives and then gliding through the top of the trees.
		Jayden Walsh 12/7 #218632
		Bassian Thrush Robertson area
		One bird by the side of Jamberoo Mountain Rd between Pheasant Ground Rd and Illawarra Fly turnoff.
		Lorne Johnson 12/7 #218627
		Pink-eared Ducks Wilford Lane Wetlands
		Three Pink-ears, which are seldom seen down this way, were seen this afternoon mixed in with a dozen Shovellers. These along with the usual suspects ie Chestnut & Grey Teal plus Wood Ducks. I strived to make some resting Grey Teal into Freckled ducks but failed badly when they moved off and showed themselves. Although there's 25 or so Freckled ducks and Hardhead still around the pond at Bada Cres in Dolphin Point which is at the opposite end of Burrill Lake from the wetlands.
		Bob Rusk 12/7 #218626
		Buff-banded Rail, Eastern Spinebill Scarborough Park Ramsgate
		Rail emerging from dense undergrowth in swampy area(near short bridge by tennis courts when it got bombed by the Noisy Miners and made quick retreat. Three Eastern Spinebills(in the horse paddock) were a surprise, as I haven't seen one here for years
		Oliver Williams 12/7 #218621
Fri 11		Black-necked Stork, Freckled Duck, Swamp Harrier McPherson Rd Swamp, Tuggerah
		An immature Black-necked Stork was first seen by John and Carole Carpenter at 800hrs at McPherson Rd Swamp, Tuggerah. The bird was still present at 1330hrs. This is the first Black-necked Stork report for the Central Coast in 2014. Two birds were present at the nearby Central Coast Wetlands in 2013 on a number of occasions. At least 3 Freckled Ducks and a Swamp Harrier were also seen there this morning, the Freckled Ducks roosting at the far western edge of the wetland.
		Carole & John Carpenter, Alan Morris, Steve Merrett photo 11/7 #218604
		Pale-headed Rosella Tracker Walford trail, Walgett
		2 Pale-headed Rosellas close to the start of the track. [Moderator's note (NH): While there are no records of Eastern Rosella in the Walgett area, there is a number of records of Pale-headed Rosella for this area logged on Eremaea]
		Martin butterfield 13/7 #218664
		Pale-headed Rosella Wagga Wagga, NSW
		Single individual observed 4 times between 7:45am and 9:00am, by Kirk Koschel. Individual initially observed in a Cassia sp tree, later in a Melaleuca sp tree, and finally photographed in a Eucalyptus sp. tree at the intersection of Edney Street and Faye Avenue, Kooringal, Wagga Wagga, NSW (35º08’26.58”S 147º22’43.70” E, 214m ASL) before dispersing out of sight within the time-frame stated as above. 3 possible explanations account for this birds presence: 1) its possible the individual may have been an escapee however the bird’s behaviour suggests a wild individual, & no bands or tags evident indicative of captive history; 2) the bird is a pioneer due to range shifting / displacement due to climate change / variability; or 3) the bird may be a disorientated vagrant due to recent inclement weather. Whichever explanation applies, this bird is a LONG way outside of its natural range. (Moderator's note: The normal range for NSW in western NSW is north of Coonamble, so I go for an escapee, especially when you consider that the recent inclement weather was from the south-west and not from the north; this bird is of the northern race found in Cape York (P.a.palliceps) and not the normal race for NSW;and the bird was in the suburbs.AKM)
		Kirk Koschel 11/7 #218608
		Australian Wood Duck Eulah Creek
		The attached photo shows two clutches of Australian Wood Ducklings on a farm dam 20 km East of Narrabri seen today. They must be a few weeks old already, having hatched in June, meaning that the birds are breeding right through the coldest part of winter. The LOCAL night time temperatures, here on a shallow slope in the foothills of the range, so far have been moderate, down to 0 or -1 C. Elsewhere in the region where cold air settles at night (Narrabri township; South of town; at distances of 15-35 km) I have not observed breeding activity. There the night time temperatures currently go down to -3 to -5 C, suggesting that Australian Wood Ducks may have a sense of very localized weather conditions. Further information
		Michael Dahlem 11/7 #218607
		Ground Cuckoo-shrike Eulah Creek
		When last reported on 25 June 2014 (report #218382), a family clan of Ground Cuckoo-shrikes had been observed several times flying to the South in the mornings. Today I saw a group of 5 come in FROM the South at about 13:00. They settled down in the area to forage in paddocks (both recently cut and others with tall grass), calling repeatedly and loudly. They were still busy in a nearby paddock when last seen - their direction of departure is unknown. More calls were recorded ("Further information" link). Further information
		Michael Dahlem 11/7 #218605
		Australian Brush-turkey Yellomundee Regional Park, near Penrith
		One Brush-turkey seen along the privet and lantana infested Shaw's Creek about 200m from the Nepean River. This is the first of this species I have seen at this location or indeed in outer western Sydney. Yellomundee is on the western side of the Nepean abutting the Blue Mountains NP where there have been rare sightings although more common at Mt Wilson on the Bells-line-of-road.
		Mark Ley 11/7 #218602
Thu 10		Red-necked Avocet, Black Falcon Barooga
		A small flock of Red-necked Avocets seen on a large wetland by the Mulwala Rd. A very rare bird locally. A pair of Black Falcons flew over the wetland as well spooking a large flock of Grey Teal. Further information
		Michael Ramsey 10/7 #218598
		Black Bittern Deep Water Park Milperra
		Black Bittern at the first pond along the Blue Gum Farm entry to Deepwater Park this morning at about 8 am. ML got this record shot despite the poor light. Looks like it might be an immature bird, not adult female owing to pale forehead and short yellow neck stripe, but not juvenile owing to absence of buff fringes on upperparts. Immature plumages and transition to adult poorly known (HANZAB). Comments on the ageing are welcomed. 2nd sighting this week and 5th this year at the site for DJ.
		David James and Marie Lister 10/7 #218597
		Pink-eared Duck Royal National Park (Wattle Flat)
		A single Pink-eared duck this morning about 8:45. On the water opposite the picnic area.
		Roger Giller 10/7 #218596
		Black-necked Stork Private property on Ivers rd Kew
		Single bird observed in marshland by Camden Haven Bird Group. Other highlights included; Wedge-tailed Eagle, Whistling Kite, Swamp Harrier. Some 60 species observed by the group in the Kew area.
		Stephen Gallivan 10/7 #218594
		Noisy Pitta, Bassian Thrush, White-headed Pigeon Deep Creek Reserve, Narrabeen
		Saw the Noisy Pitta today at sunrise, and two Bassian Thrushes with it. The Pitta came very close and I snapped some ID shots with my phone. In the area around the waterfall. Also, two White-headed Pigeons hanging around, and a lot of smaller bird action later on. I was most surprised and delighted to catch a brief glimpse of what I think was a Spot-tailed Quoll on the escarpment above the waterfall. [Moderator's note (NH): The possible Spot-tailed Quoll is very exciting. Has anyone else seen this species in this area?]
		Henry Coleman 10/7 #218593
		White-backed Swallow, Grey Goshawk Biniguy
		A pair of White-backed Swallows were observed hawking above the Gwydir River near Biniguy. A very active and secretive Grey Goshawk was also found. Further information
		Curtis Hayne and Ainslee Lines 10/7 #218592
Wed 9		Black-breasted Buzzard approximately 30km south of Louth, western NSW
		2 Black-breasted Buzzards seen soaring over floodplain woodland.
		David Charley 15/7 #218692
		Black Falcon Paroo-Darling Natinal Park, NE of Whitecliffs
		A pair observed hunting and flying through and over Mulga woodland near Peery Lake.
		David Charley 15/7 #218690
		Lewin's and Buff-banded Rails, Spotless and Australian Spotted Crakes Hexham Swamp
		Whilst looking for wintering shorebirds on Hexham Swamp yesterday 3 Lewin's Rails, 8 Buff-banded Rails, 6 Spotless Crakes and 20+ Spotted Crakes were seen. Photograph taken by Chris Herbert of 3 species feeding together attached.
		Chris Herbert and Liz Crawford per Mick Roderick 10/7 #218591
		(Eastern) Yellow Wagtail, Sharp-tailed Sandpiper, Marsh Sandpiper Hexham Swamp
		The (Eastern) Yellow Wagtail is still being seen on Hexham Swamp. I saw it twice briefly on Tuesday afternoon 08/07, on both occasions quite obviously associating with White-fronted Chats. It has now been more than 2 weeks since the initial sighting (22nd June) and given the number of Yellow Wagtails present here in summer/autumn it is plausible that this is an over-wintering bird. A photo taken on the 2nd July by Max Blanch is attached. I have found the bird extremely difficult to photograph as it has been favouring vegetation away from the track when I have seen/heard it. It would be great if we could get some high-resolution images of the bird. A bit of a surprise was 4 Sharp-tailed Sandpipers seen yesterday 09/07 (although distant, considered likely juveniles), for which there are very few July records in the Hunter. Also 2 Marsh Sandpipers, 5 Greenshanks 4 Curlew Sands. Some good numbers of crakes and rails seen by other observers (will post separately) and the 2 Black-necked Storks still present. There are still 100+ Red-kneed Dotterel and 1500+ Grey Teal along with the supporting cast. The place is stunning at the moment!
		Mick Roderick 10/7 #218590
		Australian Shelduck Awabakal Nature Reserve (Dudley)
		Whilst watching whales out to sea from Dudley Bluff in Awabakal Nature Reserve, a single Australian Shelduck flew past, about 50 m above the ocean, headed in a northerly direction. I did a big double-take as it was a most unexpected bird in the situation. Australian Shelducks are very scarce in the Newcastle area too. Lots of gannets (>100) out to sea too - every bird seen was an adult.
		Mick Roderick 9/7 #218583
Tue 8		Regent Honeyeater Chiltern Trail, Ingleside
		Still returning to its favourite place, the clump of gums with some rusted metal fragments among the fire-blacked trees. Also seen: Red and Little Wattlebirds. Yellow-faced, White-naped, New Holland, White-cheeked and Yellow-tufted Honeyeaters, Eastern Spinebill and Rainbow Lorikeet. Noisy Friarbird sounding off out of sight.
		Jeff Melvaine 10/7 #218589
		Swift Parrot Terrace Road, North Richmond
		10+ Swift Parrots feeding on lerps and ironbark blossoms. Previous site for Swift Parrots.
		David Potter 8/7 #218576
		Eastern Osprey Milperra
		1 Eastern Osprey flying over the former Riverlands Golf Course about 1 pm, viewed from my yard.
		David James 8/7 #218567
		Little Lorikeet Riverside Park, Riverside Rd, Chipping Norton
		Over 50, perhaps a hundred Little Lorikeets feeding in flowering Blue Boxes, Euc. baueriana. 1 female Satin Bowerbird in a Syzigium, 5+ Dusky Woodswallows, several Yellow-rumped Thornbills, an adult Olive-backed Oriole (not calling), a few Fuscous Honeyeaters amongst the numerous winter flocks of Yellow-faced Honeyeaters, and a calling Striated Pardalote. Fan-tailed Cuckoos were calling and one that flushed (with a ruffled vent) from knee-high in a dense bush may have been looking to lay in a nest of White-browed Scrubwren?
		David James 8/7 #218566
Mon 7		Olive Whistler immature Porter Creek Dam Road, 15 km north of Milton
		Olive Whistler was a great surprise today, I have been after one for a long time and finally came across one along with a few honeyeaters: White-naped Honeyeater, Yellow-faced Honeyeater, Fuscous Honeyeater and New Holland Honeyeater, over 10 Grey-shrike Thrush, Crimson Rosellas, Superb Lyrebird and a number of Satin Bowerbird along the road all in a cold windy overcast day.
		Charles Dove 7/7 #218559
		Sacred Kingfisher Newington Nature Reserve
		One late Sacred Kingfisher, also Double-barred Finches
		Tony & Stephanie Dawe 7/7 #218555
		Noisy Pitta, Russet-tailed Thrush, Australian Spotted Crake. Kooloonbung Creek Nature Park
		Both the Noisy Pitta and Russet-tailed Thrush were seen on the western side of the park on the ground feeding, close to the Guide Hall about mid day. Later at the south eastern end of the walk around the park an Australian Spotted Crake was heard calling right beside the board walk where the creek from Wyandra Crescent flows under the board walk.
		Ian Kerr 7/7 #218554
		Black Falcon Berrima Rd, Moss Vale
		Seen flying over paddocks not far from Charlston Dam site.
		Martin Filipczyk 7/7 #218549
		Black Bittern Deep Water Park Milperra
		A female Black Bittern flushed from the margins of the first pond at the Blue Gum Farm entrance, and perched in the open for over a minute. My fourth sighting here since early April. Otherwise an average visit with 51 species recorded in 1.5 hrs
		David James 7/7 #218547
Sun 6		Hall's Babbler, White-backed Swallow, Black Honeyeater, Pied Honeyeater, White-fronted Honeyeater Mutawintji National Park
		Honeyeaters common on plains where they were displaying and feeding on various Eremophila. Small part of 3 Hall's Babbler seen in Mulga woodland at approximate area where seen in the mid-1980's. White-backed Swallows seen daily flying over camp and gorges.
		David Charley 15/7 #218691
		White-fronted Chat Mutawintji National Park, NE of Broken Hill
		Small party observed feeding on flat - 2 adult males and 2 adult females.
		David Charley 15/7 #218689
		Glossy Black-Cockatoo Dharug National Park -Mill Creek area
		Nice view of 3 Glossy Black-Cockatoos quietly feeding in casuarinas about 4 km along the 11-km Mill Creek Track circuit if you head out in an anticlockwise direction. [Moderator's note (NH): The main picnic site at Dharug National Park has been a reliable site for this species]
		Cameron Ward, Janette Ward 6/7 #218542
		Wedge-tailed Eagle (x2) Castlereagh
		I saw my local female hunting low near Castlereagh Road with her young from last year at 15:30 today. It was amazing to watch the pair float with the strong westerly winds. Picture of young eagle attached. Yesterday, I also saw one adult in the same area at around 12:00, midday.
		Ákos Lumnitzer 6/7 #218540
		Swift Parrot Mulgoa Nature Reserve, Glenmore Park, Western Sydney
		4 Swift Parrots feeding silently on lerps in Grey Box, 490 m from gate eastwards on Dillwynia Drive fire trail. Bell Miners all around and unsuccessfully trying to shift the parrots 33deg 47' 57"s 150deg 40' 21"E at 2 pm.
		Chris Gladwin 6/7 #218533
Sat 5		Spotted Harrier Coomaditchie Lagoon, Primbee
		My first sighting in 25yrs of this species at this site (Coomaditchy Lagoon Reserve, Port Kembla). It was hunting along the ridge on the east side of the lagoon. It disappeared in a westerly direction. Note: The Barbary Dove reported a week ago has not been seen in 3 visits.
		Paul Lynch 5/7 #218527
		Wandering-type Albatross, Buller's Albatross, Fairy Prion, Eastern Osprey Wattamolla, Royal National Park
		Highlights from a sea watch off the Royal National Park today was 1 Wandering-type Albatross and 4 Buller's Albatross, 10+ Fairy Prions and 1 Eastern Osprey just off the headland.
		michael ronan 5/7 #218523
		Spotless Crake Warriewood Wetlands
		Three Spotless Crakes sighted and photographed at about 10:30 a.m. at Warriewood Wetlands near the housing development ponds, where previous sightings have occurred.
		Michael Hanvey, Chris Chafer 5/7 #218521
		Nankeen Kestrel Menai
		Perched on power wires on Old Illawarra Road, just south of Barry Rd. Appeared to be hunting as it flew into scrub below and returned to perch several times. Our first local sighting in the 12 years we have lived here.
		Roger and Bev Giller 5/7 #218512
Fri 4		Letter-winged Kite Hume Hwy 25 km east of Yass
		One Letter-winged Kite seen from passenger side of travelling car at 20 to 30 m distance. A clear view of the black under wing mark extending to the body. [Moderator's note (NH): There were very few reports of Letter-winged Kite in recent years].
		Ian Samson 9/7 #218586
		Ruddy Turnstone, Black-browed Albatross Soldiers Point, Norah Head
		5 Ruddy Turnstones were feeding on the rock shelf. 4 Black-browed Albatross were loafing on the water approx. 6-700 m offshore.
		Carl Clifford 5/7 #218515
		Regent Honeyeater Chiltern Trail, Ingleside
		One Regent Honeyeater seen; still in the clump of gums 650 m from gate. Also both Wattlebirds, White-naped, New Holland and Yellow-faced Honeyeaters, Eastern Spinebill, Spotted Pardalote, Spangled Drongo
		Jeff Melvaine 5/7 #218514
		Noisy Pitta; Southern Boobook Deep Creek Reserve, Narrabeen
		A single Noisy Pitta was seen foraging under palms between first bridge and waterfall; a pair of Southern Boobooks were roosting in the casaurinas below the rockface.
		Sue Chatfield (in company) 4/7 #218508
		Red-rumped Parrot Long Reef Sydney
		Long Reef carpark, northern end, near the walking track behind the surf club. SIngle male Red-rumped Parrot flew in from the beach side over the surf club, fed on the grass seeds for about five minutes then flew off in the direction of the golf course.
		Paul Oudhof 4/7 #218506
		Restless Flycatcher Slade's Park Budgewoi
		A very vocal Restless Flycatcher was photographed in the tree tops at Slades Park Budgewoi at 11am yesterday, it was still there at 4pm. I have checked at 10am this morning and it is still vocal and present.
		Steven Merrett 4/7 #218490
		Lewin's Rail, Superb Lyrebird (3), Bassian Thrush (2) Bangalee Reserve, Nowra.
		Very exciting to see that the Lewin's Rail is still around despite weed control that threatens its habitat. My third recording of this bird over 2-3 years. Superb Lyrebird (3) and Bassian Thrush (2) in the picnic area.
		Ann Millard 4/7 #218488
Thu 3		Black-eared Cuckoo, White-fronted Honeyeater Broken Hill
		Black-eared Cuckoo hunting hairy caterpillars in Acacia shrublands. Several honeyeaters - including White-fronted Honeyeater - in same area.
		David Charley 15/7 #218696
		Jacky Winter, Torresian Crow Wallaby Gully Road, Ellalong
		3 Jacky Winters on private property on corner of Wallaby Gully Rd and Q4 fire road. Other species of note: 2 Torresian Crows, 10 White-winged Choughs, Rose Robin, Brown Cuckoo-Dove, Wonga Pigeon and one Bar-shouldered Dove heard mid-morning. [Moderator's note (NH): Mick Roderick just told me that Jacky Winter is likely locally declining; Torresian Crow now occurs regularly on the Central Coast and have recently been reported around Kariong/Wamberal (AKM)]
		Lorne Johnson 4/7 #218497
		Square-tailed Kite Seahampton area
		One Square-tailed Kite gliding near Sugarloaf Mountain Reserve - seen from George Booth Drive.
		Lorne Johnson 4/7 #218495
		Emerald Dove, Grey Goshawk, Little Eagle Coledale
		1 Emerald Dove in subtropical rainforest on private property at the back of Coledale. Uncommon species in the Illawarra. Also 2 Grey Goshawks chasing a Little Eagle circling low overhead.
		Martin Schulz 3/7 #218485
		Scaly-breasted Lorikeet, Nankeen Night-heron Deep Water Park, Milperra
		Scaly-breasted, Musk, Little and Rainbow Lorikeets present, although in lower numbers than a few weeks ago. Scaly-breasted and Rainbow Lorikeets checking out nesting hollows. Nankeen Night-heron still present on island. Further information
		Troy Mutton 3/7 #218483
		(Eastern) Yellow Wagtail, Black-necked Stork, White-fronted Chat Hexham Swamp
		The Yellow Wagtail reported from Hexham Swamp last week was seen today by Dan Williams and myself. It was also seen yesterday by Max Blanch. It appears to be favouring a section of track about 1km north of the intersection with the Shamrock Street track. We only had poor flight and 'flitting about' views into the sun, which was frustrating as I had the camera at the ready (to no avail). Also on the swamp were ~25 Curlew Sandpipers, 5 Red-necked Stint, 5 Common Greenshank and 1 Marsh Sandpiper. Amongst many other birds (the swamp is in good form!), there were also 2 adult Black-necked Storks perched in a stand of she-oak trees, ~100 Red-kneed Dotterel, 30 Black-fronted Dotterel, a Red-capped Plover, a Gull-billed Tern, a few Buff-banded Rails and Spotted Crakes, ~1000 Grey Teal and small flocks of White-fronted Chat (the largest being 11 birds counted).
		Mick Roderick and Dan Williams 3/7 #218476
		Flame Robin, Scarlet Robin, Spotted Quail-thrush, Varied Sitella Old Adaminaby
		Several excellent views of Scarlet and Flame Robins over the last few days, with snow on the ground and frozen ponds and puddles. 3 Spotted Quail-thrush this morning, a single Red-browed Treecreeper (amongst many White-throated Treecreepers) and a single Varied (Orange-winged) Sittella. Surprised to see a flock of 30+ Brown-headed Honeyeaters, I thought they left the snow country in winter. The most common woodland birds are Striated, Yellow-rumped and Brown Thornbills, White-eared Honeyeater, Grey Shrike-thrush and Crimson Rosella.
		David James 3/7 #218475
Wed 2		Pacific Baza Milray Street Lindfield Sydney
		Spotted a juvenile Pacific Baza for the first time, perched at the top of a tree in our garden. It was being hassled by every bird in the neighbourhood who seemed to take great exception to it being there and it hasn't returned since.
		Richard Wilkins 8/7 #218561
		Marsh Sandpiper, Red-necked Stint, Red-capped Plover, Brolga, Black-necked Stork Cotton Farm, Ashley
		Large flocks of 50+ Red-capped Plovers have arrived once again, in winter to several farm irrigation dams. They have not been seen here since last July (2013). 7 Red-necked Stints were also found among them which are very rare here. A single Marsh Sandpiper (best photo attached) was also observed, a very unusual observation for the middle of winter. A total of 18 Red-necked Avocets were spotted. 2 Brolgas were also observed in an irrigation dam which we have not seen here before. An adult male Black-necked Stork was observed closely in a channel. 2 Black Falcons were observed beautifully. Also seen were 500+ Pink-eared Ducks, 4 Spotted Harriers & 4 Brown Goshawks (mostly immature). Further information
		Curtis Hayne and Ainslee Lines 5/7 #218528
		Beach Stone-Curlew Shark Bay, Bundjalung NP
		A single bird at the sandy point near the reef at Shark Bay. Wasn't banded, and I understand many of the birds in this stretch of coast are 'known', so would be interesting to know its origin. Also on the reef a couple of Double-banded Plovers and some overwintering Red-necked Stints.
		Nick Leseberg 5/7 #218510
		Powerful Owl Wallaby Gully Road, Ellalong
		One Powerful Owl calling at 8pm.
		Lorne Johnson 4/7 #218494
		(Regent Honeyeater), Superb Lyrebird Chiltern Trail, Ingleside
		I didn't see any Regent Honeyeaters on Wednesday but someone else had a brief sighting of one before I arrived. Close sighting of a Superb Lyrebird at about 1:30 pm in dense bushland about 30 metres to left of trail, well past the Regent Honeyeater spots. Nothing else of interest aside from some Spotted Pardalotes.
		Michael Hanvey 2/7 #218470
		Double-barred, Red-browed & Zebra Finches Castlereagh River, on Merryula rd, 6 km SW Ulamambri
		A mixed flock of 20+ Red-browed Finches, 5 Double-barred Finches and 12 Zebra Finches feeding on the river bank at the side of the road. Other birds present included Nankeen Kestrel, Pied Butvcherbird, Superb Fairy-wren and White-plumed Honeyeaters. I have not previously had any Finches at this site.
		Alan Morris 2/7 #218468
		Spangled Drongo Scarborough Park,Ramsgate
		In backyard tree near the baseball pitches/ behind Darrell Lea
		Oliver Williams 2/7 #218464
Tue 1		Little Eagle, Yellow-tufted Honeyeater Chiltern Trail, Ingleside
		In addition to the two Regent Honeyeaters (see #218463), at around 3pm, further down the track on the horizon a Little Eagle was spotted and was confirmed by another person's photograph and careful comparisons with published wing patterns on the internet. 1 Eastern Whipbird came into view for 2 minutes in the same vicinity, as well as great views of Spotted Pardalotes, Yellow-tufted and White-naped Honeyeaters.
		Leo Skowronek 2/7 #218466
		Regent Honeyeater Chiltern Trail, Ingleside
		Two Regent Honeyeaters sighted amongst their usual habitat at Chiltern Trail - one afforded excellent close views as it briefly settled in low undergrowth. The Regent Honeyeaters were observed by myself and about six other birders between approx 12 pm and 3:30 pm. For most of the period, I only had views of a single bird but had brief sighting of a second Regent Honeyeater, confirmed by others present. At various times, the Regent Honeyeater in view was driven off to other locations by Little Wattlebirds or Yellow-faced Honeyeaters. I also sighted two yellow-tipped Striated Pardalotes at about 3:30 pm. (Photographed).
		Michael Hanvey 2/7 #218463
		Southern Boobook Canterbury
		While walking home along Canterbury Road this evening I spotted a Southern Boobook perched on an overhead wire near the BMW centre. Nice to see these birds are in the area. Photograph attached.
		Greg McLachlan 1/7 #218458
		Noisy Pitta Forest of Tranquility, Ourimbah (Central Coast)
		1 Noisy Pitta 50 m along bangalow palm track from Sarah's cave end
		Colin Bradshaw 1/7 #218455

June 2014

Mon 30		Hooded Robin, Jacky Winter Woolshed, Warrumbungles National Park, Coonabarabran
		I have been surveying this site since 1978, the area was badly affected by the bushfires in February 2013. On this day a 20 minute survey found 9 Yellow-rumped Thornbills, 2 Yellow Robins, 4 Superb Fairy-wrens, 2 Jacky Winters, 4 White-plumed Honeyeaters, 7 Double-barred Finches, 2 Hooded Robins and a Willy Wagtail, in a feeding group that moved through the site.
		Alan Morris 3/7 #218474
		Banded Lapwing Between Cobar and Wilcannia
		3 Banded Lapwings seen on open flat near highway.
		David Charley 15/7 #218693
		Gang-gang Cockatoo Smiggin Holes, Kosciuszko National Park
		A pair of Gang-gang Cockatoos climbing and flying in and out of the snow gums for around 15 minutes at Smiggin Holes near Perisher ski resort, while it was snowing, late afternoon.
		Craig Little 6/7 #218544
		Shining Bronze-Cuckoo, Fan-tailed Cuckoo Ruth Leitch Bridge, 25 km West of Moree
		A single Shining Bronze-Cuckoo was heard calling repeatedly before being observed in open dry woodland near the Mehi River. This is an unusual location and habitat for this species. Possibly also the wrong time of year since it being the middle of winter? Several Fan-tailed Cuckoos were heard calling which weren't recorded either in past years. [Moderator's note (NH): Regarding the time of year: There are plenty of records of Shining Bronze-Cuckoos in winter in NSW and C&S QLD. Currently there are Shining Bronze-Cuckoos around in the Brisbane area] Further information
		Curtis Hayne and Ainslee Lines 1/7 #218449
		Flame Robin Cornwallis Rd, Cornwallis
		1 male Flame Robin, Cornwallis Rd
		Tony Dawe 30/6 #218445
		White-winged Chough Henley Park, Enfield (opposite Flower Power)
		3 White-winged Choughs turning over leaf litter near children's playground at approximately 9.40 AM.
		Robert Curran 30/6 #218441
		White-winged Chough Killara Golf Club, Killara
		3 individuals seen on Lady Game Drive at 11.30am.
		Harry O'Donovan 30/6 #218439
Sun 29		Hooded & Red-capped Robin, Plum-headed & Double-barred Finch Castlereagh River Crossing, Merryula Rd Ulamambri
		About 1600hrs just past the crossing there were 4 Hooded Robins, 2 Red-capped Robins and 2 Jacky Winters on the fence on one side of the road and on the other side, 1 Fantailed Cuckoo, 8 Plum-headed and 5 Double-barred Finches, Yellow-rumped Thornbills, Superb Fairy-wrens and a Grey Shrike-thrush.
		Alan Morris 2/7 #218467
		Spotted Harrier 1.2km east of Grafton near the Pacific Highway
		Hunting over long grass.
		David Charley 15/7 #218695
		Black Kite Tyndale east of Grafton
		Single Black Kite soaring over Pacific Highway.
		David Charley 15/7 #218694
		Dusky Myzomela (Subject to submission to NSW ORAC) Terranora Broadwater
		A young Dusky Myzomela feeding in a tree close to the walking track. [Moderator's note (NH): Sightings of Dusky Myzomela in NSW are subject to submission to NSW ORAC. There have been no documented records since 2008 and apparently only two prior to 2008 in NSW.]
		Nick Talbot 7/7 #218553
		Little Eagles Lower Pappinbarra
		Three Little Eagles seen 10:25 am heading west. They were low, just over the tree tops heading into the wind. Collared Sparrowhawk calling earlier and Grey Goshawk calling late this evening, both were calling from near last seasons nests.
		Ian Kerr 29/6 #218436
		Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross, Fairy Prion, Buller's Albatross, Brown Skua Wattamolla, Royal National Park
		Good numbers of Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross off the Royal National Park today with up to 40 birds seen. Also 1 Buller's Albatross, 1 single Fairy Prion and 2 Brown Skuas.
		michael ronan 29/6 #218431
		Australasian Shoveler Bundanoon
		9 Australasian Shovelers at sewage treatment plant. Also present: Hardhead, 2 White-necked Herons, 35 European Goldfinches.
		Lorne Johnson 29/6 #218428
		Regent Honeyeater Chiltern Trail, Ingleside
		Single juvenile Regent Honeyeater a little before midday, about 650 metres down the track from Chiltern Rd, sitting low in fire damaged understorey and afforded a nice view. Very windy and cold, 13.2 Celcius and winds gusting to about 10 knots, according to my Silva ADC. One Regent at the same location about 1.30PM, this time feeding in mistletoe. I highly suspect it was the same juvenile bird. Twelve other species of honeyeater observed on the track: Scarlet Honeyeater -1, Fuscous Honeyeater-1, Noisy Friarbird-1, Yellow-tufted Honeyeater-1, Lewin's Honeyeater-heard, White-cheeked Honeyeater-1, White-naped Honeyeater- 5+, Red Wattlebird- 5+, Little Wattlebird-20+, Eastern Spinebill-20+, New Holland Honeyeater-20+, Yellow-faced Honeyeater- 40+; plus a single Eastern Yellow Robin.
		Cameron Ward, Janette Ward 29/6 #218425
		Brown Gerygone Triangle Pond, Sydney Olympic Park
		Single Brown Gerygone in the vicinity of the papyrus bed was my third record for the local patch and first in SOP proper, the others being in Mason Park and Yaralla. Good views, first found by call.
		Dion Hobcroft 29/6 #218423
		Varied Sittella (white-headed form) Caniaba, Lismore NSW
		These birds are nomadic in the area, visiting this site about weekly. Family group of at least one adult plus this immature, scouring the trunks of eucalypts on the forest edge of an east-facing hillside, to take advantage of sun.
		paul griffin 29/6 #218418
		Rose Robin, Spotless Crake Warriewood Wetlands
		Observed 3 Spotless Crakes once again and heard more. My highest count being 6 or 7 of them on the 22nd of June. Also a female Rose Robin was seen in the Casuarinas near the start of the walk at the Katoa Close end.
		Jayden Walsh 29/6 #218413
		Noisy Pitta Irrawong Reserve
		Observed and photographed the Noisy Pitta at Irrawong Reserve this morning at about 8:30 am. It was seen about 5-10 m before the small waterfall on the left-hand side of the track. I observed it feeing about 5m away from me successfully catching several grubs.
		Jayden Walsh 29/6 #218412
Sat 28		White Goshawk, White-breasted Sea-Eagle, Rose Robin, Whistling Kite Tuggerah Nature Reserve, South Tacoma
		An hours birding 9.40-10.40 am in the Tuggerah NR located at South Tacoma, found a White Goshawk being mobbed by Sulphur-crested Cockatoos and Little Corellas, which flew with the Goshawk for several minutes, hunting it away from their nesting area in the Spotted Gums. A Whistling Kite and an Immature Sea-Eagle were also seen here. A female Rose Robin was with Grey Fantaiols, Yellow Robins and Golden Whistlers in the woodland.
		Alan Morris & 18 members of CCGBNSW 28/6 #218406
		Freckled Duck, Brown Quail, Pied Butcherbird, Swamp Harrier McPherson Rd Swamp, Tuggerah
		An hours birding 8.30-9.30 am at the Swamp produced 52 species including a Swamp Harrier, 3 Freckled Ducks, a Brown Quail, 2 Pied Butcherbirds and both Cisticolas and Tawny Grassbirds.
		Alan Morris & 18 members of CCGBNSW 28/6 #218405
		Square-tailed Kite, Pacific Baza, Topknot Pigeon, Crested Shrike-tit Cumberland State Forest, West Pennant Hills
		Today whilst leading the Beginners Birders Course for Follow That Bird we were fortunate to get some excellent views of an adult Square-tailed Kite soaring quite low over the open area on the western side of the nursery and just above the tree line over several minutes. Also see around this same open area was a male Crested Shrike-tit foraging in the lantana (probably sheltering from the strong winds at the time) as well as 2 Topknot Pigeons flying over. In the forest surrounding the nursery, we also had good views of a pair of adult Pacific Bazas which were there over several hours during the day.
		Edwin Vella with Follow That Bird 28/6 #218409
		Freckled Duck, Pink-eared Duck, Shoveler and Swamp Harrier. Dairy Swamp, Central Coast Wetlands, Tuggerah
		Two hours 10.40-12.40 pm were spent at Central Coast Wetlands. On the Dairy Swamp were 8 Freckled Ducks, 18 Pinkears, 12 Shovelers, a Nankeen Kestrel, a Swamp Harrier, a Sea-eagle and two Whistling Kites were hanging around. Both Red-kneed and Black -fronted Dotterels were seen, as well as an Intermediate Egret and and White-necked Heron, and one Fairy Martin. Two nesting pairs, and a loose flock of 36 Masked Lapwings kept reacting to the Harrier and Kites thus causing plenty of action around the swamp..
		Alan Morris & 18 members of the CCGBNSW 28/6 #218407
		Osprey, Peregrine Falcon Monash Rd, Gladesville
		I was alerted to a solitary Osprey cruising overhead in a SW direction by the local miners. Although irregularly sighted along the Lane Cove River, this is the first I've seen over home. Less than half an hour later the miners yet again helped me by spotting a pair of Peregrines circling low overhead. A nice reminder of the considerable size difference between male and female of this species.
		Max Breckenridge 28/6 #218397
Fri 27		Ground Cuckooshrike Collingullie Jerilderie Rd between Brookdale and Collingullie
		Six Ground Cuckooshrikes were originally seen on 27th June en route to Deniliquin. On the 1st July, on the trip back from Deniliquin we found three (possibly four) Ground Cuckooshrikes at the same site. Amongst them was at least one young bird. They were on the right hand side of the road approaching Collingullie. At a guess, I would say at these google MAPS coordinates: -35.147207, 146.957928. Black Falcon, Flame Robin, Black-faced Woodswallow and Golden-headed Cisticola also observed (the first three only on the 27th).
		Simon Gorta, Julian Teh, David Stowe and Fatih Sam 3/7 #218484
		Barbary Dove Coomaditchie Lagoon, Primbee, Port Kembla
		Friday 3.50 pm I spotted this bird flying low & land in Melaleuca tree on small island at lagoon. I was half expecting some possible sightings of birds outside their normal range because of the past weeks gale force sth-westerly winds. I would have preferred native instead of introduced species all though this one could obviously be just an aviary escapee. OOF leftside photo included to show distinct black neck collar. [Moderator's note (NH): This is indeed more likely an aviary escapee, but as there is a chance that it came up from the feral population it is certainly worth documentation; the only other report of this species was of an obvious escapee from 6th January 2008 at Beauty Point, Sydney (Steve Mannix, Birdline NSW#26262). If you use the default setting (Clements) you will need to search for African Collared-Dove Streptopelia roseogrisea.]
		Paul Lynch 29/6 #218416
		Crescent Honeyeater, Eastern Bristlebird, Beautiful Firetail Barren Grounds Nature Reserve
		2-3 Crescent Honeyeaters sighted in car park calling loudly for 5-10 minutes male and female sighted possible 3rd bird nearby. Beautiful Firetail seen on a walking track, and 3 Eastern Bristlebirds seen on variety of tracks. Good still morning plenty of birds about, only had 30 minutes there. When arrived back at car park Crescent Honeyeaters were not sighted or heard, but when driving back through ranger's residence Crescent Honeyeaters heard calling in the area.
		Tom Petty 29/6 #218414
		Eastern Osprey Tallawarra Power Station
		On south side of Yallah bay Rd, flying & perched on high voltage electricity tower. Further information
		Paul Lynch 28/6 #218411
		Blue-billed Duck Tallawarra Ash Pond 3, Yallah
		Very happy to report all 4 young Blue-billed Ducks first reported back in May are all still alive & kicking or should I say paddling. See photos, top one is video still capture with their mum from May & bottom is Friday's dslr shot, apologies for poor focus. Further information
		Paul Lynch 28/6 #218410
		Nankeen Kestrel Schofields NSW
		on private property Pelican Rd, Schofields, 3:30 pm
		Antonella Gilmour 28/6 #218404
Thu 26		Australian Shoveler West Byron Sewage Treatment Plant, Byron Bay
		One female Australian Shoveler shovelling around the main Lilly pond with the bird hide at sunset. Not a regular here.
		Duncan Fowler 28/6 #218396
		Noisy Pitta Irrawong reserve, Mona Vale
		Seen at 8am on left of boadwalk that is just past start of what is the path to the waterfall. Also Bassian Thrush.
		Colin Bradshaw 26/6 #218388
		Regent Honeyeater Chiltern Trail, Ingleside
		Update - 11:20am Regent Honeyeater still there. Possibly more than one, although it would come in and out of view, so hard to tell. There was one unlucky gentleman there who walked away about 5 min before it flew down and allowed excellent views (see photos).
		David Vickers 26/6 #218387
Wed 25		Ground Cuckooshrike Eulah Creek
		Since 14 February 2014, when I first reported a family group of 4 Ground Cuckooshrikes flying over our property (report #216163), such passages have been seen repeatedly (at least 5 times in total), most recently on 21 June and 25 June. There are always 4 birds, always passing over between 9-12 am, always flying due South and always calling each other. Twice they had a short (less than a minute) stop-over in a dead tree on a crest at the back of our property before heading on. On one occasion (21 June) their calls were recorded ("further information" link). Unless there are several clans in the area doing exactly the same thing, this is probably a family clan commuting locally from roost to feeding grounds. So far I have not seen or heard them on the return leg (presumably late afternoon). Further information
		Michael Dahlem 26/6 #218382
		Swift Parrot, Musk Lorikeet Doonside (Karuah St to Power St Block)
		I was following a flock of Musk Lorikeets (~40 birds). They were feeding on the Ironbark gum flowers moving from tree to tree. Four Swift Parrots were also among them. After 1 hour the whole flock disappeared at Nurragingy Reserve.
		Ted Wnorowski 25/6 #218377