| Mon 9 | | White-throated NeedletailLong Jetty The Entrance |
|
| This morning I saw a group of about 250 - 300 White-throated Needletail along the edge of Tuggerah Lake at Long Jetty. One even drinking in front of me. The photograph shows a portion of the group. |
| Christina Port 9/12 #209577 |
| | White-throated NeedletailJamisontown Public School |
| About 15 White-throated Needletails hawking low as dark, stormy clouds were approaching. |
| Ákos Lumnitzer 9/12 #209566 |
| | Regent HoneyeaterCapertee Valley (Glen Alice Rd near Tambo Rd turnoff) |
|
| Regent Honeyeater Feeding in blossom at location 18 of Capertee Valley Bird Trail brochure (Glen Alice Rd near Tambo Rd turnoff). Full list |
| Jon & Alison Elliott 9/12 #209529 |
| | Bush-henTerania Creek Rd private property |
| Bush-hen (2) Heard all morning until roughly 1pm, One seen skulking on edge of lantana thicket. Full list |
| Gus Daly 9/12 #209496 |
| | White-throated NeedletailWollstonecraft/Waverton |
| Approx 12 or more White-throated Needletails seen flying south around the railway stations late morning. Thought I'd seen a few in the area a fortnight ago, but this was a better sighting - they were fairly low and easily seen. |
| Lindy Jones 9/12 #209509 |
| Sun 8 | | Square-tailed Kite, WeebillAcacia Gardens |
|
| Saw a Weebill amongst a group of Yellow Thornbills in my backyard in the early morning and later in the afternoon a beautiful adult Square-tailed Kite flying low beside my fence and then circling over no doubt trying to raid nests like many Pied Currawongs have been doing. Have had a group of Weebills visit once here before but the Square-tailed Kite on a few other occasions. |
| Edwin Vella 9/12 #209572 |
| | Sanderling, Grey-tailed TattlerComerong Island Nature Reserve |
| 2 Sanderling among the usual migrants which included 40 E. Curlew, 40 Pacific Golden Plover, 2 Little Tern, 50-60 Bar-tailed Godwit etc.... Found 1 Grey-tailed Tattler at the rocks near the ferry on Comerong Island side. No Asian Dowitcher but very windy with most birds facing NE with bills obscured. At the carpark there were 4 Bar-shouldered Doves on the track. While heading back to ferry we counted 11 Sharp-tailed Sandpipers in a billabong/marsh (freshwater) on the south? side of the road with Chestnut Teal. |
| Carla Jackett, Jill Molan, Nerida Hudspith 9/12 #209468 |
| | Speckled WarblerRazorback NSW (Spring Creek Road) |
| Two Speckled Warblers seen in woodland off Spring Creek Road, Razorback - about 6 km from Burragorang Road. |
| Michael Paul 8/12 #209391 |
| | White-throated NeedletailCaniaba, Lismore. |
|
| 50+ White-throated Needletails seen flocking over ridges at Lismore NSW. I have had regular sightings of this species for the past three weeks with 100+ on the 15th Nov (see separate post)`. |
| paul griffin 8/12 #209377 |
| | Australian Little Bittern Deniliquin |
| A pair of Australian Little Bitterns recorded in a lagoon in Deniliquin. The male is showing a flush of red to the face, indicating he's coming in to breeding condition. |
| Philip Maher, Robert Nevinson and PW Weekend group 8/12 #209375 |
| Sat 7 | | Cattle EgretMoree Common |
| A single Cattle Egret in breeding plumage was observed flying over scrub. This is the first sighting of the species for this site, in over a decade of monthly surveys. They are also uncommon in the whole area, possibly the first for the township. Further information Full list |
| Curtis Hayne and Ainslee Lines 7/12 #209198 |
| | Pacific Heron, Little Eagle, Gray Goshawk, Azure Kingfisher, Black-faced MonarchMill Road and Little Wheeney Creek, Kurrajong HIlls |
| Pacific Heron (2), Little Eagle (1), Gray Goshawk (1), Azure Kingfisher (1), Black-faced Monarch first sighting this summer in this regular location. Juvenile Rufous Fantail. Very close encounter with Red-bellied Black Snake on the ridge. This stretch of L Wheeney Creek is in beautiful condition. Birding at present hampered by severe cicada noise! Full list |
| Eric Finley (2906) 9/12 #209487 |
|  | Plains-wanderer, Little CurlewNorth of Wanganella |
| A total of nine plains-wanderers seen on the Plains-wanderer Weekend, including one male with four chicks, a pair and two males. The Little Curlew also present. Further information |
| Philip Maher, Robert Nevinson and PW Weekend group 8/12 #209374 |
| | White-winged TernAsh Island (Wagtail Way) |
|
| A single non-breeding White-winged (black) Tern observed foraging over Swan Pond on Ash Island. Some 150 Whiskered Terns observed foraging over a well-watered Hexham flood plain some 5 km to the west earlier in the afternoon, but the White-winged Tern was foraging at Swan Pond in absence of other terns. A single Red Knot and Marsh Sandpiper present with a spattering of Sharp-tailed Sandpipers and good numbers of both Black-winged Stilts and Red-necked Avocets. |
| Allan Richardson 8/12 #209361 |
| | Powerful OwlRoyal Botanic Gardens, Sydney |
| High in the fig near Government House. |
| Michael Barton 7/12 #209313 |
| | Square-tailed KiteEastern Way, Killarney Vale |
| A single adult Square-tailed kite was sailing close to the tree tops along Eastern Way , Killarney Vale. This is the 4th sighting in this area in the past 2 years, the last occasion was February 2013. The site is a moderately treed urban area, and is at leas 600m from any forested area. |
| Alan Morris 7/12 #209262 |
| | Black BitternTuggerah Creek, Central Coast Wetlands, Tuggerah |
| During a walk along the "Greenfleet" section of Tuggerah Creek, in the Central Coast wetlands, an adult Black Bittern was flushed , and it landed at eye level on an overhanging branch. Other birds present along the Creek inclued Variegated Fairy-wrens, Dollarbird, Golden Whistler & Yellow-faced Honeyeaters. A Black Bittern was seen here previously in February 2013., |
| Alan Morris & 6 others 7/12 #209260 |
| | Freckled & Pink-eared Ducks, Latham's SnipeMcPhersons Rd Swamp, Tuggerah |
| Highlights of a mornings walk 9.30-11am at this wetland, were 18 Freckled Duck, 2 Pink-ears, 1 Black-tailed Native-hen, Whistling & Black-shouldered Kite, a Horsfield's Bronze-Cuckoo (not previously recorded for this site), a Grey & a White Goshawk presumably in courtship display, 2 Latham's Snipe, a Yellow-billed Spoonbill and c. 7 Chestnut-breasted Mannikins. |
| Alan Morris & 5 members of Follow That Bird 7/12 #209259 |
| | Pheasant Coucal, Grey GoshawkMehi River, Moree West (behind Moree Golf Course) |
| Pheasant Coucal still present, only heard calling again. Still in dense vegetation along the Mehi River at the west side of town, behind the Golf Course. Still yet to see one. A Grey Goshawk was also observed which are quite rare for this time of year; also new for site. Further information |
| Curtis Hayne and Ainslee Lines 7/12 #209197 |
| | Glossy Black-CockatooErina Fair, Central Coast |
| A small group of 4-5 Glossy Black-Cockatoos landed outside the mall opposite JB HI-FI, on one of the eucalypts right next to the foot bridge giving very good views. Both males and females were identified. |
| Andrew Walker 7/12 #209196 |
| | White-throated NeedletailWarriewood |
| At least 100 WTNTs hawking above Warriewood early Saturday morning. Difficult to estimate more precise numbers. |
| Jon Spicer-Bell 7/12 #209190 |
| Fri 6 | | Pacific BazaNarrabri |
| Observed along the Newell Highway before Spring Creek bridge (driving south from Narrabri). Pacific Baza (1) Flew over Newell highway into a crown of a tree (near the Brigalow growth). Full list |
| Kurtis Lindsay 9/12 #209462 |
| | Little Curlew (Subject to submission to NSW ORAC)North of Wanganella |
| One Little Curlew recorded in association with the two Oriental Plovers previously reported and Banded Lapwings, Australian Pratincoles and Inland Dotterels. [Moderator's note (NH): Exciting! As with the Oriental Plovers, Little Curlews in NSW should be submitted to NSW ORAC] Further information |
| John Nevinson 8/12 #209371 |
| | Shy Albatross, Black-browed Albatrossnorth head manly |
| Still good numbers of albatross of north head with about 35 Black-browed Albatross and 10 Shy Albatross in two and a half hours this afternoon. |
| michael ronan. 6/12 #209176 |
| Thu 5 | | Oriental Plover (Subject to submission to NSW ORAC)North of Wanganella |
|
| Two Oriental Plovers recorded in the company of twenty Australian Pratincoles. The plovers were last recorded on the property in December 2008. [Moderator's note (NH): Yet another puzzle piece for this year's influx of this species! Sightings of Oriental Plovers in NSW should be submitted to NSW ORAC] Further information |
| Philip Maher, Robert Nevinson et al 8/12 #209369 |
| Wed 4 | | White-winged Black Tern and Whiskered TernLake Rosendahl Reservoir, Port Macquarie |
| Two terns were feeding on the reservoir during strong winds about 4.30 pm. One was a White-winged Black Tern in non-breeding plumage and the other was a Whiskered Tern in partial breeding plumage. Niether species are regular at this site. |
| Alan Morris 5/12 #209016 |
| | Caspian, Gull-billed, Common and Crested Terns, Pied OystercatchersLake Cathie entrance |
| Lake Cathie, south of Lake Macquarie, is currently open to the sea, and there was a big tide racing into the lake. Seen on the sanbar at the entrance to the Lake were 2 Caspian Terns, 2 Common Terns, 5 Gull-billed Terns, many Crested Terns and 8 Pied Oystercatchers. The number of Gull-billed Terns and Oystercatchesr were high for this site. |
| Alan Morris 5/12 #209015 |
| | Little EaglePacific Highway, Cowan |
| One pale morph Little Eagle sitting on a dead rabbit north of old toll gates, Old Pacific Highway, Cowan at 7:15pm. [Moderator's note (NH): The German name for Little Eagle is Kaninchenadler = Rabbit Eagle, a bit sad that an Australian bird is named for an introduced mammal...] |
| Paul Burcher 5/12 #208977 |
| Tue 3 | | Olive WhistlerBarrington Tops at 31 55 9S 151 30 53E |
| Olive Whistler (1) male seen in Beech forest. Full list |
| Mark Ley 8/12 #209339 |
| | Beach Stone-CurlewSouth Cabarita Beach, North Coast |
|
| Tagged (#A2) Beach Stone-Curlew, feeding on surf beach early morning. |
| Carol Easton 8/12 #209334 |
| Mon 2 | | Regent HoneyeaterCapertee Valley (Glen Alice Road) |
|
| Birds were observed at several places along Glen Alice Road including the number 18 spot on the brochure [Tambo Rd junction] & number 12 on the brochure. Weather was sunny & becoming hot. Regent Honeyeater (3) Feeding in blossom near Tambo Rd. None were banded. Full list |
| Jenny Stiles 3/12 #208847 |
| | Powerful OwlCorner of Prince Albert Rd and Hospital Rd, Sydney |
| Powerful Owl (1) Seen roosting above the foot path. Plenty of droppings and pellets. Full list |
| Grant Brosie 2/12 #208757 |
| | Barking Owl and Southern BoobookLakeside Track, Narrabeen Lake |
| A Barking Owl was calling and then sighted near the wooden bridge on the track. The Southern Boobook was closer to the Jamieson Park end of the track. Photo taken. |
| Peter Kelly and Adrian Dick 2/12 #208735 |
| | Magpie Goose, Plumed Whistling-DuckDam NE of Coutts Crossing (former poultry farm) |
|
| 67 Magpie Geese and 8 Plumed Whistling-Ducks in shallows and on edge of dam at 12:00 hrs |
| Greg Clancy 2/12 #208700 |
| Sun 1 | | Australian Little Bittern, Spotless CrakeByron Wetlands |
| Single Australian Little Bittern flushed from reedbed close to path, good flying views obtained. Single Spotless Crake on nearby mud (Key needed to access site). Full list |
| Russ Lamb, Jo Wieneke 3/12 #208820 |
| | Great Knots, Eastern OspreyPenhryn Reserve off Foreshore Road Botany |
| 7 Great Knots. Eastern Osprey nesting on a light tower at the end of Patrick's container terminal. Several Little Terns resting on the man made island and 3 Bar-tailed Godwits feeding with 13 Sharp-tailed Sandpipers and 2 Red-capped Plovers |
| Marie Lister, Chelsea and the CBOC birders 2/12 #208750 |
| | Little Woodswallow, White-throated NeedletailTimallallie National Park (Salt Caves) |
|
| Ca.15 White-throated Needletails were observed over Salt Caves Dam. 2 Little Woodswallows were also observed and heard calling repeatedly in the car park area where they were rather active. Masked & White-browed Woodswallows were also observed. A Jacky Winter was feeding young, a female Red-capped Robin was observed and heard calling, a male Hooded Robin flew through the scrub and many Eastern Yellow Robins were observed. A lone male Turquoise Parrot was observed at the dam. A Brown Falcon flew over (which was the only raptor seen through the whole Pilliga scrub). Further information Full list |
| Curtis Hayne, Michael Dahlem 2/12 #208645 |
| | Asian DowitcherComerong Island Nature Reserve |
|
| Lots of waders still arriving, trying to keep track and ID them is a bit of a task as they all mingle in together. The Asian Dowitcher still has not been verified by BARC/NSWORAC, also a few Great Knots and the Beach Stone-Curlew are new arrivals this week, Little Terns, Common Terns, Caspian Terns, Crested Terns, Bar-tailed Godwits, Pacific Golden Plovers, Red-capped Plovers and Red-necked Stints, White-bellied Sea-Eagle, Eastern Osprey and White-throated Needletail covers most of them. more pics on the IBOC facebook link Further information |
| Charles Dove & Ron Imisides 2/12 #208712 |
| | Turquoise Parrot, Superb Parrot and BluebonnetBack Yamma State Forest |
|
| Over 20 Turquoise Parrots! Also a pair of Superb Parrots and a pair Bluebonnets. |
| Lorand Szucs 2/12 #208705 |
| | Plum-headed Finch (10+)Back Yamma State Forest |
|
| Never seen this species at this site! Must have been a decent breeding season as almost every species was hanging around with their young! Here on the picture the Plum-headed Finches with some young Diamond Firetails. |
| Lorand Szucs 2/12 #208704 |
| | Musk LorikeetConcord, Sydney |
| Flocks of up to 35 around Cintra Park tennis courts. At least 50-60 birds present could be much higher. Also 3 Channel-billed Cuckoos, a Collared Sparrowhawk and a few Tree Martins, |
| Eric Finley 2/12 #208683 |
| | Pheasant CoucalEulah Creek |
| The Pheasant Coucal reported several weeks ago near the Bullawa Creek bridge, 15 km East of Narrabri (which I had not heard calling for quite a while), is still present. Called at 7:00 this morning from dense underbrush, possibly African Boxthorn. Further information |
| Michael Dahlem 2/12 #208676 |
| | Brown and Rufous Songlark, White-browed WoodswallowRiverstone |
|
| Had a good few hours this morning at Riverstone with 90 species in less than 4 hours. There were still all 13 species of honeyeaters reported last weekend at the end of Marsden Rd with still plenty of mistletoe in flower. Other interesting birds at Riverstone included both Brown and Rufous Songlarks, a number of White-winged Trillers, 2 male Leaden Flycatchers, a Rufous Fantail, 3 White-browed Woodswallows feeding in the mistletoes with the honeyeaters, Dusky Woodswallows, Pallid Cuckoo etc. |
| Edwin Vella 1/12 #208656 |
| | White-bellied Sea-Eagle, Brown Goshawk, Southern BoobookGlebe, Sydney |
| Southern Boobook (1) First I have seen here. Landed in a tree outside my house at around 8:15pm. I briefly got a weak torch on it before Pied Currawongs mobbed it. Haven't heard it call. White-bellied Sea-Eagle (1 - photographed) Immature bird flying low over house. Gradually rose heading north west. Appeared to come from over the city. Brown Goshawk (1 - female). Full list |
| Simon Gorta 1/12 #208581 |
| | Pacific Baza and dead (Short-tailed) ShearwaterIrrawong Reserve |
| Perfect views (within 4m) of a Pacific Baza preening in a tree 50m in from the Garden St entrance. Perfect views (within 0.5m) of a rotting shearwater on the forest floor just after the first boardwalk - most likely a Short-tailed Shearwater. |
| Peter Diegutis 1/12 #208624 |
| | White-throated NeedletailTimallallie National Park |
|
| Since reports of White-throated Needletails in inland NSW have been rare this season, it may be worth noting that we have had at least 3 independent sightings in the Pilliga scrub today. First above the Newell Highway, about 30 km south of Narrabri, at 8:15, then at Salt Caves Dam (Timallallie NP) at 16:45, then about 5 km north of Salt Caves Dam (still in Timallallie NP) at 17:15 (photos) and once more above the Newell Highway, about 30 km south of Narrabri, at 18:30. Counts were not possible due to restricted fields of vision in the scrub. Further information |
| Michael Dahlem, Curtis Hayne 1/12 #208619 |
| | Australian Painted-Snipe, Wood SandpiperLake Cowal |
| 1 male Australian Painted-Snipe was seen this morning in amongst 100s of Red-kneed Dotterels and Black-tailed Native-hens. There are miles of mudflats around the shoreline now but the lake is still quite big. There were 100s of Whiskered Terns and one lone Wood Sandpiper. Site was at the public access reserve about 10 km West of the gold mine on the Sth shore. If you visit make sure you have gumboots. |
| Warren Chad 1/12 #208616 |
| Sat 30 | | Lesser Sand-Plover, Sanderling, Red Knot, Caspian TernLong Reef Aquatic Reserve |
|
| A good selection of shorebirds was seen including a Lesser Sand-Plover, 12 Pacific Golden-Plovers, 3-4 Sanderling, c100 Red-necked Stints, 2 Red Knot, 2 Grey-tailed Tattler, c12 Ruddy Turnstone, 3 Sooty Oystercatchers and a Caspian Tern |
| Edwin Vella and Mark Fuller 1/12 #208652 |
| | Common CicadabirdBundanoon |
| One Common Cicadabird heard near home early this morning. For some reason, it's been many, many years since I've heard/seen one. My first Southern Highlands record. Bird 161 for town. |
| Lorne Johnson 30/11 #208478 |
| | Fork-tailed SwiftM1 Motorway, Warnervale |
| At about 945am there was a flock of 8 Fork-tailed Swifts hawking low over the motorway just south of the twin service stations on the edge of Porters Creek Wetland. |
| Nick Carson 30/11 #208474 |
| | Little TernBurrill Lake Estuary |
| Eight Little Terns were seen inspecting the sand spit where Little Terns attempted to breed last year. Unfortunately this smallish sand spit has eroded to 1/5 th of its original size since last year so we don't hold much hope for any breeding attempts. Besides all the usual suspects there were 2 Common Terns and a single Red-necked Stint. |
| Bob Rusk 30/11 #208472 |
| | Pacific Baza, Peregrine Falcon & Whistling kiteSpencer Wharf |
| The CCGBNSW Monthly outing to Spencer and Dharug, met this morning at the Spencer Wharf at 8.30 am, where opposite the wharf, a pair of Pacific Bazas were found nesting in a clump of mistletoe in a Liquid Amber Tree. Also seen at this spot was a pair of Peregrine Falcons and a pair of Whistling Kites |
| Alan Morris and 24 members CCGBNSW 30/11 #208455 |
| | Freckled DuckLouth Park, Maitland |
| 23 Freckled Duck opposite the Dagworth Road turnoff on Louth Park Road. Full list |
| Grant Brosie 30/11 #208385 |
| | Pheasant Coucal, Chestnut-breasted MannikinMehi River, Moree West (behind Moree Golf Course) |
|
| The Pheasant Coucal that was reported on 17 November was still present today, but only heard calling again. It was still in dense vegetation along the Mehi River at the west side of town, behind the Golf Course. Still yet to see one. The small resident flock of Chestnut-breasted Mannikins that have been present for most of the year are still again present, feeding in rank grasses along the riverbank, their number has risen to about 10 birds. Further information |
| Curtis Hayne 30/11 #208374 |
| | Brush Cuckoo, Rainbow Bee-eater, Little FriarbirdSackville Reach (St Thomas Cemetery) |
| A quick roadside stop in search of Regent Bowerbirds, which were in Sackville in the early 1980s. Brush Cuckoo: several calling and perched on overhead wires. Rainbow Bee-eater (2): a pair foraging from overhead wires. Little Friarbird: a small flock passed through Full list |
| David James 30/11 #208369 |
| Fri 29 | | Plum-headed FinchLake Cargelligo STW |
| Late in the afternoon there were still 6 adult Plum-headed Finches just inside the gate on the left in boxthorns, Breeding Budgerigars were evident along with Baillon's and Spotless Crakes, 50+ Black-tailed Native-hen, Freckled Duck,Whiskered Terns, Sharp-tailed Sandpipers and Red-necked Avocets. Starting to get busy around the ponds as the surrounding area dries out and a few mudflats start to appear. |
| Warren Chad 30/11 #208373 |
| | Channel-billed CuckooAnzac pde Chifley. Long Bay Gaol. |
|
| There have been a group of about 7 feeding in the fig trees on the road island. They turned up about a week ago, I have lived here for 35 years and have never seen them before. [Moderator's note (NH): CBC is a very common species in Sydney, however, 7 together is a good number.] |
| Sandra Taylor 29/11 #208346 |
| | Freckled Duck, Australasian Bittern, Australian Crake, Crested Shrike-titPitt Town Lagoon |
| It was just a quick visit and with guests we did not venture far due to the high water levels and inundated ground. No evident wader habitat.
Freckled Duck (2) Seen from Lagoon Rd, Australasian Bittern (2) 2 calling but not seen, Australian Crake (2) calling, Crested Shrike-tit (1) female plumaged birds in the Phragmites reeds was surprising Full list |
| David James 29/11 #208338 |
| | Eastern Ground ParrotBarren Grounds Nature Reserve |
|
| Eastern Ground Parrot (1) on the path to the right of the main track 150 meters past the weather station Further information Full list |
| Robert Hynson 29/11 #208322 |
| | Scaly-breasted LorikeetNarrabri |
| 2 Scaly-breasted Lorikeets seen and heard calling around 9 this morning near the Tourist Village (Narrabri Creek bridge). My first sighting of the species in Narrabri. Further information |
| Michael Dahlem 29/11 #208300 |
| Thu 28 | | Noisy Pitta, Superb Lyrebird, Paradise Riflebird, Bassian ThrushDorrigo National Park (Wonga Trail) |
| Good views of single Bassian Thrush working its way through leaf litter on track, and of male Paradise Riflebird. Superb Lyrebird heard in gully below canopy walk, and Noisy Pitta heard near Glade picnic area Full list |
| Russ Lamb, Bob Cook 5/12 #208931 |
| | Black-necked Stork, Brolga30 27S 152 59E 1' Cell |
| Single adult Black-necked Stork on natural wetland with Brolga along North Bank Road. Full list |
| R.Lamb, M.Dam, B.&S.Cook 5/12 #208985 |
| | Black-bellied Storm-petrelBirdie Beach, Munmorah State Conservation Area, Central Coast |
|
| As I was idly checking out the numerous carcasses of dead Short-tailed Shearwaters on Birdie beach, one caught my eye. It looked to me like a Black-bellied Storm-Petrel. I photographed the bird and took some rough measurements. As the measurements appeared to match that of a BBSP, I returned to the beach late this afternoon today armed with a pair of callipers and a ruler and took as many measurements as I could: Wing 168mm, Bill 15.5 mm, tail 79mm, midtoe and claw 29 mm, tarsus 42.5 mm. They fit a Black-bellied Storm-petrel. The carcass was dried out and full of sand but you can see some features and the feet are all black and slightly extend beyond the tail. There was a broad area of white under the wing and a white rump. |
| Alan Morris 30/11 #208451 |
| | Brush Cuckoo, Varied Sittella, Beautiful FiretailRoyal National Park (Lady Carrington Drive) |
| Brush Cuckoo quite a few calling and 2 seen well, Varied Sittella (2) collecting spider webs for nest, Beautiful Firetail (1) single bird outside nest Full list |
| David James 29/11 #208334 |
| | Curlew Sandpiper, Latham's Snipe, Baillon's CrakeSpring Creek Reservoir, Orange |
| 2 Curlew Sandpipers, Latham's Snipe, Baillon's Crake feeding on exposed mud on edge of cumbungi late in the afternoon. |
| Neville Schrader 29/11 #208293 |
| | White throated NeedletailWarrimoo |
| One appeared from the south followed by groups of two to four to become a wheeling flock of over 20 between 16.30 and 16.55. Weather was sultry, over 34 degrees and a light southerly change was on its way. |
| Paul Lester 29/11 #208278 |
| | Brown Honeyeater, Australian Spotted, Spotless and Baillon's CrakesJunee Wetlands |
|
| Several Brown Honeyeater were seen at the Junee Wetlands. The water level at the wetland is also perfect for crakes and rails at the moment, with large numbers of Australian Spotted, Spotless and Baillon's all seen feeding in the open within moment of arriving. Other birds here included Latham's Snipe and Spotted Harrier. Further information |
| Tim Dolby 28/11 #208141 |
| Wed 27 | | Marbled Frogmouth, Powerful Owl, Paradise Riflebird, Little Shrike-thrushNightcap National Park (Whian Whian) |
| We camped at Rummery Park for two nights and recorded some excellent birds, the highlight of which was seeing one, and hearing at least two additional Marbled Frogmouths in the creekline that runs through the camp area. A Powerful Owl was also heard here on both nights. Other nice birds around the camp included a female Paradise Riflebird, and a Little Shrike-thrush seen well on two occasions. Full list |
| Ashwin Rudder and Max Breckenridge 29/11 #208274 |
| | Eastern Osprey, Musk LorikeetBurns Bay Reserve, Riverview |
| Pair of Eastern Osprey got chased by Masked Lapwings and Australian Magpies this afternoon. Also heard a few Musk Lorikeets flying around. |
| Fatih Sam 27/11 #208106 |
| | Baillon's Crake, Hoary-headed Grebe, Sharp-tailed Sandpiper, Red-necked AvocetSydney Olympic Park |
| Hoary-headed Grebe (5), Glossy Ibis (1), Baillon's Crake (1), Red-necked Avocet (50), Sharp-tailed Sandpiper (70), Musk Lorikeet (4) |
| Dion Hobcroft 27/11 #208095 |
| | Wandering TattlerFlat Rock, Skennars Head |
| A single Wandering Tattler observed foraging on the rocks among a hundred or two of terns and a few Red-necked Stints, Ruddy Turnstones and Sharp-tailed Sandpipers. A lot of beachcast Short-tailed Shearwaters, but all were long dead. Full list |
| Ashwin Rudder and Max Breckenridge 27/11 #208078 |
| Tue 26 | | RuffJetty Beach, Coffs Harbour |
|
| One Ruff seen for a few days with Bar-tailed Godwits |
| Garth McGilvray per Geoff Ryan per Greg Clancy 2/12 #208698 |
| | Pacific BazaGlenbrook Lagoon |
| I was on the lagoon in a canoe surveying aquatic vegetation. Rather few waterbirds, perhaps due to recent herbicide treatment to eradicate Cabomba Weed and a consequent increase in BOD. Pacific Baza 4 sightings in 2 days (26th and 27th) perhaps indicates a resident or temporary resident bird or pair nearby Full list |
| David James 29/11 #208332 |
| | Shy Albatross, Black-browed AlbatrossWhites Head, Lennox Head |
| Highlight of a sea watch this afternoon were a Shy Albatross and a Black-browed Albatross. |
| michael ronan. 26/11 #208002 |
| | White-throated NeedletailPokolbin, Upper Hunter |
| 20 White-throated Needletails in a loose flock high above the vines of Tintilla Estate in Upper Hunter. [Moderator's note (NH): Given the paucity of reported sightings, we will publish some. Prof. Mike Tarburton works with swifts. It would be highty appreciated if observers could send their sightings directly to him: tarburton.m@optusnet.com.au] |
| Andrew Taylor 26/11 #207940 |
| Mon 25 | | White-throated NeedletailWoolgoolga |
| Large flock, min. 200, probably many more, between 0720 and 0845 on 29/11/13 over Woolgoolga Lake. All heading north in advance of storm front from south, most between 150-200m. Small number flying very low over water, looking like minature Short-tailed Shearwaters. Full list |
| R.Lamb, M.Dam, B.&S.Cook 5/12 #208997 |
| | Grey PloverRed Rock Creek estuary near Corindi |
| A single Grey Pover has been present at the estuary since 4 November. |
| Russell Jago per Alan Morris 27/11 #208054 |
| | Superb ParrotTAFE Rural Studies Forest Road Orange |
| Single male Superb Parrot feeding on acacia pods at head height. Checked for others but only found Eastern Rosellas on the grass nearby or Crimson Rosellas and Galahs in the trees. About eight Musk Lorikeets in flowering eucalyptus at Orange Botanic Gardens. |
| Rae Lister 26/11 #207943 |
| | Ring-necked PheasantAlbion Park Wollongong |
| Female with two chicks (nearly adult size but with short tails) crossed the road on the way to Wollongong just after on the Albion Park outskirts. [Moderator's note (NH): Ring-necked Pheasant has not been reported in NSW, so this record of successful breeding of this introduced species is certainly of interest. Thanksgiving is coming up soon...] [Update (NH): Stephen Gallivan just told me, that some 15 years ago he observed a healthy population of Ring-necked Pheasants on Bowen Island, Jervis Bay. It would be interesting to find out if this population is still around and thriving.] |
| Ted Wnorowski 25/11 #207935 |
| | Grey Goshawk, Large-billed Scrubren, Yellow-throated ScrubwrenFitzroy Falls Morton National Park |
| A short visit to the falls. Grey Goshawk caught a Satin Bowerbird fledgling but was attacked by 3 Pied Currawongs and lost it. The wounded chick was hiding under the branches of fallen tree and all 4 birds were trying to get it. I left them when they were still trying. Other birds on the East Wild Flower Track - Large-billed Scrubwren, Yelow-throated Scrubwren. Fitzroy Dam - Great Crested Grebe (5), Musk Duck (2 males) |
| Ted Wnorowski 25/11 #207933 |
| | Pilotbird, Rockwarbler, Crescent Honeyeater, Black-faced Monarch, Gang-gang CockatooMorton National Park (Bundanoon Sector) |
| Good afternoon birding even in bad weather. Pilotbird at Erith Coal Mine track. Crescent Hneyeater was calling at the Echo Point Carpark. Three Rockwarblers on the rocky outcrops on the way to Beachamps Cliffs. Other intersting birds: Gang-gang Cockatoo (1 male), Wonga Pigeon, Peregrine Falcon, Black-faced Monarch and plenty of Superb Lyrebirds constantly calling. |
| Ted Wnorowski 25/11 #207928 |
| | Black-breasted Buttonquail (Subject to submission to NSW ORAC), White-eared Monarch, Noisy PittaMallanganee National Park, 35 km west of Casino |
| 3 Black-breasted Buttonquail (2 females and 1 male, all adult birds) early this morning in Mallanganee National Park. Also 2 White-eared Monarchs and large numbers of Noisy Pittas. [Moderator's note (NH): BBBQ is listed as Critically Endangered in NSW (Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 (NSW), September 2013). In NE-NSW, BBBQ is restricted to the Northern Rivers and Tablelands (Marchant & Higgins 1993). There have been only 10 confirmed records from NSW in the past 20 odd years, all from six areas in the far north-east (Garnett & Crowley 2000; Milledge & McKinley 1998). In NSW the species is found as far south as the Walcha-Yarrowitch area and near Dorrigo (Smyth & Young 1996). BBBQ should be submitted to NSW ORAC] [Update (NH): Martin Schulz just told us that between 1993 and 1998 he regularly encountered the BBBQ and feeding signs in Mallanganee NP] |
| michael ronan. 25/11 #207892 |
| | Common KoelHill Street Parkes |
| Very surprised to hear what I thought were two Koels calling while working in Hill Street this morning. It was confirmed about half an hour later when a female Koel flew directly overhead. Would not have thought these birds would be this far West |
| Warren Chad 25/11 #207872 |
| | Scarlet HoneyeaterRiver Road, Bathurst |
| Heard, and very soon after seen, in garden, calling from wattle next to flowering bottlebrush - which might be what attracted him in the first place. Haven't seen them here before and there aren't many records in the region, so I was pretty excited... |
| Tiffany Mason 25/11 #207860 |
| Sun 24 | | Freckled Duck, Plum-headed FinchPutta Bucca Wetlands, Mudgee |
| One Freckled Duck seen easily. Brief view of a single Plum-headed Finch from the hide. |
| Elisabeth Karplus 26/11 #207994 |
| | Eastern Osprey Long Reef Aquatic Reserve |
|
| We both saw a female osprey dive after high tide three times into shallows out over rock platforms. After unsuccessfully trying, she returned a few minutes later for a victory lap of the reef from Fisherman's Beach with a big fat Luderick (Girella tricuspidata) in her talons and flew right in front of me. She is probably the Narrabeen female. There were at least 100 Red-necked Stints, 1 Curlew Sandpiper, 20+ Pacific Golden Plovers, 20+ Ruddy Turnstones, 4 Sooty Oystercatchers, 2 Grey-tailed Tattlers, 8-10 Sanderlings, 1 Caspian Tern, 20+ Crested Terns, 3 Common Terns and two incredibly "tame" Bar-tailed Godwits, which allowed an approach of within 6 meters while on my knees. I was able to take some super close-ups of them snoozing and of their feathers with my 1,400mm lens. Bumped into Greg (McLachlan?) who said there was a Beach-stone Curlew the day before, but we had no idea. It is quite amazing how ignorant the general public were at high tide with the shorebirds trying to roost on a small finger of sand with people, surfers all walking straight at them sending them off even though I was laying on the sand about 8 meters away in plain view of the walkers. (will add more files to web gallery as I get time) Further information |
| Ákos Lumnitzer and Chris Martinez 26/11 #207980 |
| | Freckled Duck, Plumed Whistling-Duck, Pink-eared DuckBarnett,s Lagoon 3km west of Gladstone on South West Rocks- Kempsey Rd |
| The lagoon is full of water at the moment, so no waders. There were 34 Freckled Ducks, 54 Plumed Whistling-Ducks and 2 Pink-eared Ducks. Also Black Swans, Pacific Black Ducks, 200+ Chestnut Teal, Australasian Grebes, Royal and Yellow-billed Spoonbills, Red-kneed Dotterels. |
| Allen Hamilton 26/11 #207949 |
| | Fuscous and White-cheeked Honeyeaters, Black-faced Monarch Riverstone |
|
| Early morning around Riverstone about 85 species within 3 hours. There were 13 species of honeyeater at the end of Marsden Lane attracted to lots of flowering mistletoe - Red and Little Wattlebirds, Noisy Friarbird, Noisy and Bell Miners, Eastern Spinebills as well as Brown-headed, Yellow-faced, White-plumed, Fuscous, White-cheeked, New Holland and Scarlet Honeyeaters. Other interesting birds in the area included Fan-tailed and Pallid Cuckoos, Shining Bronze-cuckoo, White-winged Triller, Rufous Songlark, Dollarbird, Sacred and Azure Kingfishers, Black-faced Monarchs, White-throated Gerygones, Olive-backed Orioles, Crested Shrike-tit, Dusky Woodswallows, Black-winged Stilts, Spotless Crakes etc. |
| Edwin Vella 25/11 #207923 |
| | Black Bittern, Dollarbird, Double-barred FinchNurragingy Reserve |
| I spent morning birdwatching along Eastern Creek (area between Power St and Richmond Rd. Highlight - a single Black Bittern flushed from branches of Casuarina tree hanging over a little billabong (near the bridge near Richmond Rd). There was a mass influx of fledglings of many different species constantly begging for food (eg Long-billed Corrella with two chicks, Grey Bucherbird, Musk Lorikeet, Rose Robin feeding two chicks, Varied Sittella group trying to feed one chick, Red Wattlebird feeding a huge Koel chick on the ground). Other birds include: Dollarbird (2), Double-barred Finch (5 in grass near the track), Brown Quail (7), Nankeen Night Heron (3), Azure Kignfisher, Scarlet Honeyeater (4), |
| Ted Wnorowski 25/11 #207905 |
| | Swamp HarrierBundanoon |
| One Swamp Harrier being harassed by Little Ravens mid-afternoon at the end of Shangri la Rd. That's bird 160 for town. 2 immature Brown Falcons were also hunting Starlings at this spot. |
| Lorne Johnson 25/11 #207897 |
| | Great CormorantBundanoon township |
| 2 Great Cormorants over the centre of Bundanoon was unexpected mid-morning. |
| Lorne Johnson 25/11 #207896 |
| | White-throated NeedletailWarriewood Beach |
| 5 birds seen hawking over the headland at about 7:30am. There was unusually little wind at ground level and no storm fronts visable.
(Moderator's Note: I published this record because there appears to be few reports at present? AKM) |
| Nathan Ruser 25/11 #207858 |
| | Masked Booby,Gould's Petrel, Sooty Tern, Long-tailed JaegerPort Stephens Pelagic |
|
| A sub-adult Masked Booby (different to the Wollongong bird - this bird had a whiter head for example) was the highlight of the Port Stephens pelagic yesterday. This is only the 2nd confirmed record for the Hunter Region (the other being a beachcast bird from 1979). It hovered low over the boat and threatened to land on the roof of the canopy at one point. 2 Sooty Terns followed immediately and the booby and terns flew south together moments later. Also seen were 2 Gould's Petrels (as well as 2 Grey-faced and a late Solander's) and an unidentified 'Cookilaria' which was almost certainly a Cook's. 3 Long-tailed Jaegers, including one that fed at the rear of the boat for over an hour and 6 Shy-type Albatross rounded out a great day. Shearwater numbers were thus: Wedge-tailed (150), Short-tailed (400) and Flesh-footed (20). [Moderator's note (NH): The dark iris at this stage indicates that the Masked Booby is from Lord Howe or Norfolk Island - Sula dactylatra fullagari] |
| Mick Roderick and others aboard the MV Argonaut 25/11 #207855 |
| | Osprey Middle Creek, Narabeen. |
| Driving past early Sunday morning I saw three birds on the nest tree. Two were Ospreys but I did not get a good enough look to confirm the third bird but I suspect it was an osprey too. It is understood that these birds were unsuccesful in breeding this year, can anyone advise? |
| Nathan Ruser 25/11 #207847 |
| | Grey GoshawkMurwillumbah, Private Property |
| Mmale & female at the nest in which I presumed has chicks as I heard something calling in the nest that was a high pitched "chip chip". There were also many squeels but I have yet to see any chicks. |
| Jed Knight 25/11 #207825 |
| | Greenshank, Whiskered Tern and Freckled DucksEastlakes Golf Course |
| This evening a Greenshank flushed on the main lake was only my second record here, a roosting Whiskered Tern was next to it and also unexpected. The two Freckled Ducks still in the sames spot as reported on 21.11.13. |
| David Mitford 24/11 #207781 |
| | Pied OystercatcherPicnic Point, Mimosa Rocks National Park, far south coast of NSW. |
|
| Single bird on beach.
Tagged, metal tag on right leg & yellow plastic tag on left leg.
(Moderator's Note: This bird was banded as a chick at Jerusalem Ck, near Iluka 20/10/2006, and subsequently sighted at Botany bay 13/9/08 and Stockton Beach 16/07/09-AKM) |
| Mal Earnshaw 24/11 #207759 |
| | Freckled Duck, Red-kneed DotterelWetland at Lower Kangaroo Creek, near Coutts Crossing |
| 7 Freckled Ducks and 10 Red-kneed Dotterels were a surprise at this small wetland. |
| Greg Clancy 24/11 #207745 |
| | Black HoneyeaterPhillip St Molong NSW |
|
| Saw a small party of 3 females and at least 1 male feeding on a bottle brush in a garden. First time I have seen Black Honeyeaters in this area. |
| Stephen Gibbs 24/11 #207692 |
| | Pheasant Coucal, Azure Kingfisher, Dusky Woodswallow, Singing HoneyeaterTerry Hie Hie |
|
| Clear, sunny morning, 30 degrees. 2 Azure Kingfishers were observed on Tycannah Creek in the village (photo attached), where they were nesting. Next to them, were a flock of 8 Dusky Woodswallows, including a nesting pair and two juveniles. Nearby, a pair (M & F) Red-capped Robins were observed, collecting nesting material. A Singing Honeyeater and a Common Bronzewing both gave great views in the locality (both new for site). A Pheasant Coucal which was heard calling only, was present in dense scrubland about 300m from the creek surrounded by broad-acre farmland, north of Terry Hie Hie, second record of the season but first for this location (new for site) (last Sunday, the 17th, another bird was heard calling further west, in Moree).
40+ Emus, flocks of tens in surrounding farmland, several in woodlands in the village.
A Brown Goshawk was flushed out of low, dense riparian vegetation along the creek, before retreating to a dead tree a short distance away, which caused a huge disturbance to the all the other birds along the creek (new for site).
Noticed a large decrease in waterbirds (and much fewer species), no wetlands; they have all dried up, so all the waterbirds were observed either on creek or by roadside, the 5 species were: Australian Wood & Pacific Black Ducks, Little Black Cormorant, Straw-necked Ibises, and Masked Lapwings.
Several pairs of Blue Bonnets were observed, 12 birds altogether. Red-winged Parrots were feeding juveniles. Zebra and Double-barred Finches were nesting. Further information Full list |
| Curtis Hayne 24/11 #207669 |
| Sat 23 | | White-throated NeedletailGlenbrook Gorge |
| Saw approximately 20 birds down low at around 19:30 hours hawking. A storm was approaching from the NW. |
| Ákos Lumnitzer and Chris Martinez 25/11 #207924 |
| | Banded Lapwings Conrnwallis |
|
| At the Windsor end of Cronwallis Rd, there were 11 Banded Lapwings including 4 chicks with one of the adults carrying all 4 under its wings at one time (see attached pic). |
| Edwin Vella and David Walker 25/11 #207922 |
| | White-throated NeedletailCornwallis, corner Cupitts Lane/Cornwallis Road |
|
| about 50 seen over the turf farms off Cornwallis Rd. |
| Edwin Vella and David Walker 25/11 #207921 |
| | DollarbirdMeadowbank, Ryde Riverside Park (near Parramatta River) |
| Dollarbirds (7) were perching on treetops or hawking for insects along Parrramatta River. I've never seen so many dollarbirds in this location. Two White-bellied Sea-eagles were also seen soaring over the river. |
| Ted Wnorowski 25/11 #207902 |
| | Spotted HarrierTumbulgum, Murwillumbah |
| It was about 2km past Tumbulgum. There was 1 but I have seen him in the same area before. The Spotted Harrier has been seen along side a nest in a big tree vbut not actually in the nest, although nesting is expected to be taking place. I plan to return to confirm the nesting. |
| Jed Knight 25/11 #207827 |
| | Masked Booby, Black PetrelsWollongong Pelagic |
|
| A sub-adult Masked Booby and 5 Black Petrels were the highlight of the November Wollongong pelagic. Other sightings included 15+ Wandering Albatrosses (at least 2 exulans), along with 30+ Black-browed and Campbell, 30+ Shy and White-capped Albatrosses, 35+ Grey-faced Petrels, 1 Wilsons and 1 White-faced Storm-petrel. Short-tailed Shearwater numbers were still abnormally high (350+) with extremely low numbers of Wedge-tailed (35) and Flesh-footed (2). [Moderator's note (NH): The dark iris at this stage indicates that the Masked Booby is from Lord Howe or Norfolk Island - Sula dactylatra fullagari] |
| Brook Whylie 24/11 #207784 |
| | Beach Stone-curlewLong Reef Aquatic Reserve |
|
| Beach Stone-curlew (1) Single bird on the reef amongst all the other Shorebirds (Moderator's Note: This must surely be the same bird that was at The Entrance on Friday 22/11/13, it seems to have the same plumage patterns. AKM) Full list |
| Mark.Young 23/11 #207600 |
| | Swamp Harrier, Grey-tailed Tattler, Red Knot, Common TernBoat Harbour, Kurnell |
|
| Despite the threatening weather I had a great hour or so at Boat Harbour, Kurnell. Highlights were a single Red Knot and Grey-tailed Tattler, three Common Terns and a Swamp Harrier being harassed by a pair of Masked Lapwings. Photograph attached of Knot and Tattler.
Red Knot (1) Still had hints of red plumage on breast.
Grey-tailed Tattler (1)
Swamp Harrier (1)
Common Tern (3) Full list |
| Greg McLachlan 23/11 #207580 |
| | Yellow-tailed Black-CockatooOrange north |
| Single Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoo flying east, loudly calling. |
| Neville Schrader 23/11 #207488 |
| | Superb LyrebirdGore Creek |
| At 11.15 this morning a male Superb Lyrebird was on the track between the oval and River Road, near the Fleming Street turn off. The tail is in poor condition. It stayed scratching in the same area for at least 15 minutes and was not disturbed by thunder. |
| Judy Clark 23/11 #207466 |
| | Major Mitchell's Cockatoo, Superb ParrotWade Ave, Leeton |
| After a report of a sighting of Major Mitchell's Cockatoo in Wade Ave last night I checked this morning at 9 and found a pair, plus 8 Little Corellas, a pair of Sulphur-crested Cockatoos and many Galahs feeding in pine trees in the street just up from the PO. Plus a pair of Superb Parrots flying over.
On the Narrandera Rd on the Catholic High School oval there were over 80 Long-billed Corellas feeding on the ground. Not bad for an urban area. |
| Max O'Sullivan 23/11 #207461 |
| | Freckled Duck, Plumed Whistling-DuckCondobolin STW |
| About 200 Plumed Whistling-Ducks were at the ponds this morning along with two Freckled Ducks, one Black-tailed Native-Hen, numerous Pink-eared Ducks and Hardheads and a pair of Australian Shelducks with four young. |
| Warren Chad 23/11 #207456 |
| Fri 22 | | Beach Stone-CurlewThe Entrance Channel, Tuggerah Lake |
|
| This bird was seen in the low sand dunes on Karagi Point which is the northern side of The Entrance channel |
| luke ullrich 23/11 #207480 |
| | Little Lorikeets, Musk Lorikeets & BudgerigarNarrabri |
| 4 species of Lorikeets in the same gum tree ! Little, Musk, Scaly breasted & Rainbow at the Big Sky caravan park. Lots of parrot activity in this park. About 20 Budgerigars at Lake Narrabri. |
| G. Santos 22/11 #207359 |
| | Banded LapwingCornwallis Road Richmond Lowlands |
| Adult with one young chick observed on a turf farm on south side of Cornwallis Road near farm called "Riley's". Farm located between Cupitts and Cordners Lanes. Seen around 10.00am. |
| Deryk Engel 22/11 #207286 |
| Thu 21 | | Painted HoneyeaterMedhurst Bridge, Martindale Creek |
|
| At least 2 Painted Honeyeaters, one seen well. Very vocal. Full list |
| Tim Wunsch 21/11 #207227 |
| | Superb Fruit-dove, White-eared Monarch, Barred CuckooshrikeRocky Creek Dam (Nightcap National Park) |
| No less than 10 Superb Fruit-doves in Nightcap National Park today. Also a nesting pair of White-eared Monarchs. Also there were still about 5 Barred Cuckooshrikes which were showing signs of breeding. |
| michael ronan. 21/11 #207038 |
| Wed 20 | | Little TernComerong Island Nature Reserve |
|
| A visit to follow up on a report of an Asian Dowitcher here on 16th November; unfortunately no trace of the bird could be found.
2 Little Terns seen along with 200+ Bar-tailed Godwits, 120+ Pacific Golden Plovers, 7 Red Knot, 2 Sharp-tailed Sandpipers + 4 Red-necked Stints. I have put up on Birding-Aus directions if you are thinking of a visit. Full list |
| Martin Potter 22/11 #207265 |
| | Barred Cuckooshrike, Rose-crowned Fruit-doveMebbin National Park, Murwillumbah |
| Large numbers of fruit eating birds today including 20+ Barred Cuckooshrikes and up to 50 Rose-crowned Fruit-doves. |
| michael ronan. 21/11 #206955 |
| | Freckled DuckEastlakes Golf Course |
|
| Two present on the 'Wagtail' pond, (the next one downstream from the main lake), also a Tawny Grassbird still nearby. The 25-30 Sharp-tailed Sandpipers appear to have moved on after their long stay, a few Latham's Snipe still floating around. |
| David Mitford 20/11 #206926 |
| Tue 19 | | Singing HoneyeaterSouth Ballina |
|
| I followed up yesterday's report of Singing Honeyeaters at South Ballina, & found a single bird adjacent the road, about 400m west of the south wall car-park. |
| Steve McBride 19/11 #206699 |
| | Superb LyrebirdGreenwich [Gore Creek] |
| I finally caught up with the Lyrebird that has been sighted here and near the Greenwich Ferry Wharf over the past 3-4 weeks. It was singing its head off, unseen, at 6.15 this morning from undergrowth at the top of a cliff. Photographs had led to the bird being reported as a female, but methinks it's an immature male, unless we have 2 individuals. It is many years since a Lyrebird has been seen locally [in Lane Cove].
Also unusual [here] was a small flock [6-7 birds] of White-cheeked Honeyeaters feeding on eucalyptus blossom. Also a Dollarbird and Black-faced Monarch. Lots of Musk Lorikeets are still about. |
| Ted Nixon 19/11 #206568 |
| Mon 18 | | Singing Honeyeaters, White-winged TrillerSouth Ballina brake wall car park. |
| Had my first coastal record of singing honeyeater this morning also a pair of white winged trillers. |
| michael ronan. 18/11 #206338 |
| | Long-tailed Jaeger and Flesh-footed ShearwaterMistral Point, Maroubra |
| 6-8am this am had:
3 Long-tailed Jaeger, 14 Pomarine Jaeger, first Flesh-footed Shearwater of the season, 1 Shy and 2 Black-browed Albatross. Fewer birds this morning, compared with the weekend. |
| David Mitford 18/11 #206262 |
| | Crescent HoneyeaterLane Cove National Park (Blue Gum Creek) |
| First I have seen here. Watched feeding on Grevillia (Robin Gordon) in our garden at <3m. This grevillia is a regular for E Spinebill but despite the bird being wet, the yellow windows were very obvious.
Maybe this is the payback for the cold wet & windy days at present. |
| Chris Charles 18/11 #206245 |
| Sun 17 | | White-cheeked Honeyeatergarden next to Gore Creek Reserve Lane Cove |
| Four feeding late afternoon in callistemon; my first sighting in Gore Creek for 21 years when the Noisy Miners moved in. |
| Sheila Walkerden 19/11 #206537 |
| | Wood SandpiperCampbell's Swamp Griffith |
| A single Wood Sandpiper close to the hide. |
| Max O'Sullivan 18/11 #206372 |
| | Great-winged Petrel, Providence Petrel and Long-tailed JaegerMistral Point, Maroubra |
| Very good variety of seabirds this arvo: 16 Black-browed Albatross, 4 Shy Albatross, 4 Long-tailed Jeager, 27 Pomarine Jaeger, 40 Fluttering Shearwater, 4 Hutton's Shearwater (+10 'Fluttons'), 1 Great-winged (Grey-faced) Petrel, 1 Providence Petrel and 1 Giant Petrel (sp) (Ray Gobbe). Still 1000's of Wedge-tailed and Short-tailed Shearwaters travelling south. |
| David Mitford 18/11 #206261 |
| | Wood SandpiperWest Ballina STW's |
|
| One Wood Sandpiper roosting on mud in settling pond.
We couldn't find the previously recorded Ruff, in spite of trying 3 times this weekend. It was seen at 0630 on Sat. (16th). |
| June Harris 17/11 #206185 |
| | Black HoneyeatersCondobolin |
| About 8 birds have been feeding on Jacaranda blossoms for the last three days in a garden on the outskirts of town. At least two birds were juveniles. Very unusual to see them away from the bigger state forests and nature reserves. Other birds seen were Crimson Chats and Spotted Bowerbird. The Chats also had juveniles with them |
| Warren Chad 17/11 #206182 |
| | Superb Fruit-Dove, Rose-crowned Fruit-Dove, Wompoo Fruit-DoveRocky Creek Dam (Nightcap National Park) |
| Had a great morning birding in Nightcap National Park this morning with the highlight being 6 or 7 sSuperb Fruit-Doves also 25 to 30 Rose-crowned Fruit-Doves and about the same number of Wompoo Fruit-Doves. |
| michael ronan. 17/11 #206125 |
| | Pheasant CoucalMehi River, Moree West (behind Moree Golf Course) |
| A Pheasant Coucal was heard calling several times in dense vegetation along the Mehi River at the west side of town, behind the Golf Course. This is the second time, this species has been present in the region (the first time, the Pheasant Coucal was at the same exact site, and again heard calling only - years ago). Further information |
| Curtis Hayne 17/11 #206082 |
| Sat 16 | | Black FalconJaramlee Gate - border of ACT/NSW |
| Single bird showing signs of tail and inner secondary moult thermaling on the NSW side of the border at around 10.00 am |
| Peter Christian 19/11 #206642 |
| | Asian Dowitcher (Subject to submission to NSW ORAC)Comerong Island Nature Reserve |
|
| Asian Dowitcher --On Saturday I led the IBOC group on our monthly outing to Comerong Island Nowra amongst the many Godwits and odd one out that looks like maybe an Asian Dowitcher? (as I have not seen one previous) the only record we have of this species is 1977 at the same location. other species Pacific Golden Plover, Red Knots, Sharp-tailed Sandpiper, Eastern Curlew and Red-capped Plovers. Lots of deceased Shearwaters along the beach itself. [Moderator's note (NH): Sightings of Asian Dowitchers in NSW should be submitted to NSW ORAC] |
| Charles Dove and members of IBOC 19/11 #206560 |
| | Square-tailed KiteEllerman Park, Dural |
|
| Two Square-tailed Kites hunt, quite often, in this park. |
| Susan Kim Lee 17/11 #206133 |
| | Superb Fairy-wren, Little Grassbird, Grey-crowned BabblerPian Creek, Rossmore Lane, near Burren Junction |
|
| At the Rossmore Lane TSR waterhole of Pian Creek, 10 km East of Burren Junction (#6 of the "Bird Routes of the Western Namoi Floodplains") the following were found (amongst others): Superb Fairy-wren (near the inland boundary of its range) in lignum (photo), Little Grassbird in reeds and lignum ("More information" link) found amongst many Australian Reed-Warblers, and Grey-crowned Babblers calling from nearby acacia scrub. Further information |
| Michael Dahlem 17/11 #206078 |
| | Arctic Jaeger, Pomarine Jaeger and Black-browed AlbatrossMistral Point, Maroubra |
| One dark phase Arctic Jaeger seen today, also 3 Pomarine Jaegers and one Black-browed Albatross. Also of note were Wedge-tailed Shearwaters heading south at the rate of at least 3,800 per hour, similar numbers of Short-tailed Shearwaters, but they were further out. |
| David Mitford 16/11 #206066 |
| | Black & Painted Honeyeaters, Latham's Snipe, Swamp Harrier, Brolga, Black-necked Stork, Cattle EgretGwydir Watercourse Wetlands |
|
| Birded the Gwydir Watercourse Wetlands. The area is very dry, Sunny, clear, 32 degrees. 110 species.
A pair of Black Honeyeaters, M & F, were feeding in flowering coolibahs and river coobahs.
A pair of Painted Honeyeaters were also present, both calling strongly, feeding in flowering coolibahs, river coobahs and casuarinas.
Waterbird highlights included 20 Black Swans, an adult male Black-necked Stork, 2 Cattle Egrets, an Intermediate Egret, 3 Nankeen Night Herons, 40 Glossy Ibises, 100 Royal & 100 Yellow-billed Spoonbill, 150 Eurasian Coot, 60+ Masked Lapwings, 50+ Red-kneed Dotterels and Black-fronted Dotterels, 110+ Brolgas, 120+ Black-winged Stilts, 50+ Sharp-tailed Sandpipers, 15 Gull-billed Terns, 10 Whiskered Terns, and finally the first Latham's Snipe for the season was flushed.
3 Wedge-tailed Eagles including a juvenile were observed as well as a Swamp Harrier and 5+ Brown Falcons. A pair of Rainbow Bee-eaters were heard calling as well as an Olive-backed Oriole. Cockatiels were in abundance, 300+. 30 Budgerigars were observed calling. Grey-crowned Babblers were also in abundance.
Only 4 White-browed Woodswallows were present, separate pairs, first time no flock was seen.
4 Jacky Winters were observed.
Australian Reed-Warblers, Tawny Grassbirds and Golden-headed Cisticolas were very vocal.
150+ Plum-headed Finches and 40+ Zebra Finches were observed as well as a single Double-barred Finch (unusually scarce, single bird amongst flock of Zebras). Further information Full list |
| Curtis Hayne and Ainslee Lines 16/11 #206032 |
| | Banded Lapwing, Pink-eared Duck, Black-tailed Native-henBurren Junction |
|
| In a dam just east of the Burren Junction Bore Bath, about 100 m from the pond where Marsh Sandpipers were found (separate report), 25 Banded Lapwings were present (got up to 23 in one photo). This is the first time I see them outnumbering Masked Lapwings (just a few around). Also seen: about 15 Black-tailed Native-hens, 100 Pink-eared Ducks (in addition to those seen on the other pond), another 50 Grey Teals, maybe 20 Hoary-headed Grebes, some more Black-winged Stilts. Further information |
| Michael Dahlem 16/11 #206042 |
| | White-cheeked Honeyeater Riverstone |
|
| There is currently loads of mistletoe in flower around Riverstone attracting good numbers of honeyeaters. At the end of Marsden Lane there were at least 8 White-cheeked Honeyeaters (and I'd say even more), numerous Scarlet and lesser numbers of Brown-headed, Yellow-faced and White-plumed Hoenyeaters, Spinebills, Red and Little Wattlebirds and Noisy Friarbirds. Tried playback for Painted Honeyeaters but no success on this occasion.
The White-cheeked Honeyeater now makes species number 234 for the ever impressive Blacktown Shire list. I also must note that I have seen 174 of the 234 species during 2013!!! |
| Edwin Vella 16/11 #206040 |
| | Marsh Sandpiper, Black-winged Stilt, Pink-eared DuckBurren Junction |
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| In a pond on the western side of the parking lot at the Burren Junction Bore Bath (bath closed now, but parking/toilets/picnic facilities available), amongst about 100 Pink-eared Ducks and a similar number of Grey Teals, 3 Marsh Sandpipers were found on a sand bank. About 20 Black-winged Stilt were present too (see separate report on birds found in nearby dam). Further information |
| Michael Dahlem 16/11 #206039 |
| | Ruff, Pectoral SandpiperPitt Town Lagoon |
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| Despite higher water levels then previous weekend, there was still at least one Ruff, 1 or 2 Pectoral Sandpipers, at least 110 Sharpies, 10 Red-kneed and 3 Black-fronted Dotterels, 3 Hardheads amongst lots of Grey Teal, etc. There was also a Swamp Harrier, Tawny Grassbird and lots of finches.
Along nearby Pitt Town Bottoms Rd there were still a number of birds attracted to flowering mistletoe - Scarlet and White-cheeked Honeyeaters, Mistletoebirds and Spinebills. A Rainbow Bee-eater was seen and a Brush Cuckoo was heard here. |
| Edwin Vella 16/11 #206038 |
| | Glossy Black-Cockatoo5 km south of Wee Waa |
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| A group of 11 Glossy Black-Cockatoos was found feeding in roadside casuarinas south of Wee Waa. The group included both adults and several immature birds (photo) and is the largest single group I have ever found. They were in the scrawniest-looking casuarina in the whole area, almost no foliage, but full of seed cones. Quite easy to approach once a nervous clan of Apostlebirds had cleared out, but then spooked by two passing cars (in the middle of nowhere). Further information |
| Michael Dahlem 16/11 #206029 |
| | Curlew Sandpiper, Little Egret . . .Hen & Chicken Bay (inner west, Sydney) |
| Walked Wareemba shoreline yesterday afternoon and this pm. Fri: tide halfway out - usual species plus group of Curlew Sandpipers (nr bottom
of Hill St), Striated Heron on the open beach, welcome swallows getting mud. Sat: tide further out. Little Egret, viewed from near children's play-ground. No sandpipers seen. |
| Barrie Ayres 16/11 #206018 |
| | Black Falcon, possible Swamp HarrierOakhurst, western Sydney |
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| This morning an Australian Raven was chasing what looked like a Swamp Harrier, a new record for my backyard (distant ID shot attached). Luckily I had my camera on me this afternoon when I got a second record of the Black Falcon in the nearby causeway this afternoon. |
| Mark Fuller 16/11 #206019 |
| | Black-faced Monarch, Nankeen Night-heron, Striated HeronDragon Rock on Wolli Creek, lower track off Turella Reserve, Earlwood |
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| A single Black-faced Monarch seen in a dense patch of weeds (lantana, balloon vine, tobacco vine) at the end of the lower track along Wolli Creek. The end of a nice survey which included Nankeen Night-herons, a Striated Heron and a pair of Channel-billed Cuckoos being mobbed by pretty much any bird that saw them! Further information |
| Melissa Mason, Fiona Vaughan 16/11 #205963 |
| Fri 15 | | Pheasant CoucalRiver Ave, Chatswood West |
| One Pheasant Coucal in breeding plumage flew across River Ave to the Lane Cove River side as I was driving. Proceeded to land in a casaurina allowing fantastic views until I moved on. Quite unexpected here. Full list |
| Max Breckenridge 15/11 #205848 |
| | White-throated NeedletailCaniaba, Lismore |
| 100+ White-throated Needletails seen flocking over ridges at Lismore NSW |
| paul griffin 9/12 #209476 |
| | Freckled Duck, Pink-eared DuckWonga Wetlands, Albury |
| 11 Freckled Duck (no breeding males), 4 Pink-eared, 6 Musk (1 female with 3 fluffy ducklings) amongst other common species. Crested Shrike-tit, 1 White-browed Woodswallow and Dollarbird also seen. |
| Carla Jackett 18/11 #206236 |
| | Spotless CrakeEastlakes Golf Course |
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| Two Spotless Crakes were seen flying to and from a small reed island at regular intervals, with food. Good to know they have been breeding here! Baillon's Crake was seen again in the small round pond around Lachlan Swamps and also near the vehicle shed. |
| Andrew Walker 16/11 #206014 |
| | Caspian Tern, Lewin's Rail, Baillon's CrakeEastlakes Golf Course |
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| One Caspian Tern over the main lake, kept flying NE. Lewin's Rail calling in two locations, ca. 500 m apart, either side of Fairy Martin colony.
Baillon's Crake. Did not see/hear the Black-faced Monarch which was around 2 days ago. 1 Swamp Harrier near the hill. |
| Bas Hensen 15/11 #205884 |
| | Musk LorikeetOrange North |
| 30+ noisily feeding in a flowering Red Ironbark |
| Neville Schrader 15/11 #205853 |
| Thu 14 | | Red-necked Avocets, RuffPitt Town Lagoon |
| 10 Red-necked Avocets, 1 Ruff |
| Keith Brandwood/Marie Lister 16/11 #205956 |
| | Eastern Barn OwlTop end of Cormack Road. Beacon Hill Sydney |
| After dark a loud screeching/hiss coming from neighbours very tall Tallowwood tree in back garden, my deck is a good observation platform. It eventually flew out of tree and went down the hill. However, it returned later in the evening. |
| David Simpson 16/11 #205950 |
| | Baillon's Crake, Latham's SnipeEastlakes Golf Course |
| After looking for Latham's Snipe in the small pond on the northern side of the main lake, a secretive Baillon's Crake made a brief appearance, giving good enough views to confirm striped under-tail patterns. Seven Latham's Snipe were counted in the morning in the pond alone. |
| Andrew Walker 14/11 #205818 |
| Wed 13 | | Crested Shrike-tit and Diamond FiretailGlen Davis Camping Area |
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| Many species photographed, including a first for me: Crested Shrike-tit (twice). Also seen 2 Diamond Firetails and a fascinating hiding routine of a young Brown Falcon.
. |
| Ken Glasson 25/11 #207873 |
| | DollarbirdNielsen Park Vaucluse |
| Sitting high up in dry branches overlooking the harbour. Also present were Spotted Pardalotes, Crested Terns, Fairy Martins and good views of a female Eastern Koel. [Moderator's note (NH): While none of the mentioned species are unusual in Sydney, they are at this specific site] |
| Marie Lister 13/11 #205672 |
| | Red-necked AvocetEttalong Beach Central Coast NSW |
| 5 Red-necked Avocets were on the beach on a sunny day with little wind. The tide was almost in. I was quite close to the group of birds as I was walking along the beach and they took off and flew around me to settle back down on the beach. |
| Rob Evans 13/11 #205648 |
| | White-throated NeedletailMacquarie Park, North Ryde |
| At least a dozen White-throated Needletails flying very low over the tree tops and morning rush hour traffic. |
| Iain Blake 13/11 #205620 |
| | Square-tailed KiteRiverstone |
| One Square-tailed Kite seen flying low over trees near the corner of Clarke and Cranbourne Streets around 4pm. |
| Carl Corden 13/11 #205615 |
| | Apostlebirds (2)Alroy Park, Plumpton |
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| Originally introduced and now an established isolated population. This location is a reliable spot (at breeding time) for anyone wishing to see this species in Sydney. |
| Mark Fuller 13/11 #205602 |
| | Yellow-tailed Black-cockatoosPlumpton Park, Plumpton |
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| I found a group of four YTBCs feeding in a fruiting White Cedar, suprised to note that its grubs were the attraction rather than its copious berries. |
| Mark Fuller 13/11 #205601 |
| Tue 12 | | White-throated NeedletailLower Pappinbarra |
| 15 White-throated Needletail seen flying high after rain. The first seen this season here. Satin and Regent Bowerbirds building nests with both collecting material by breaking off dead twigs on a Leptospermum very close to both nests. The Satin was aggressive towards the Regent when it was trying to collect twigs. Three times a male Regent came to chase off the Satin female when it was aggressively chasing the female Regent out of the Leptospermum. This allowed to Regent female to obtain material. Male Regents may not help by building the nest but it sure looked like it was assisting the female to collect material. |
| Ian Kerr 13/11 #205673 |
| | White-eared Monarch, Wompoo Fruit-Dove, Emerald DoveHuonbrook Mullumbimby |
| I observed this morning a pair of White-eared Monarchs copulating (probably not many birdwatchers have seen this before). Also seen Wompoo Fruit-Doves and a Emerald Dove. |
| michael ronan 12/11 #205469 |
| Sun 10 | | Short-tailed ShearwaterArakoon National Park (Trial Bay) |
| A total of 13,000 beach-cast Short-tailed Shearwaters at Arakoon National Park (Trial Bay) since migration began. |
| Ken Shingleton 11/11 #205350 |
| | Southern EmuwrenCattai Wetlands, near Coopernook |
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| Drizzly and cold. Southern Emuwren (3) 1 male, 2 female. Photographed. Full list |
| Jenny Stiles 11/11 #205298 |
| | RuffWest Ballina STP |
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| Single Ruff found amongst large group of other small waders, (estimated 200), mostly Sharp-tailed Sandpipers with a few Curlew Sandpipers & Red-necked Stints. Full list |
| Steven McBride 11/11 #205218 |
| | 'Western Slopes Crimson Rosella'Camp Kurrajong, Wagga Wagga, NSW |
| A single bird seen at close range briefly on ground then in the trees. [Moderator's note (NH): This bird was originally posted as an Adelaide Rosella, which should not occur in the Wagga Wagga area. However, there is the Western Slopes population of this rosella group, which is also a phenotypic intermediate between Crimson Rosella and Yellow Rosella (similar to Adelaide Rosella). For details on the complicated genetics see Joseph et al. 2008 Proc. R. Soc. B 275: 2431–2440: 'Ring-species hypothesis in rosellas.'] Further information |
| Sue Young 10/11 #205146 |
| | Glossy Black Cockatoo, Grey GoshawkOurimbah Ck Rd residence |
| Threesome of Glossies feeding atop a loan she-oak tree on wet sclerophyll hillside this afternoon - a 'property' tick. This follows first sighting here of Grey Goshawk, a low flyover with Magpie fan-club in tow. During the last week or so a noticeable influx of Cicadabirds, Olive-backed Orioles and Brush Cuckoos - a couple of weeks after arrival of pair of Dollarbirds. Rose Robins and Black-faced Monarchs appear to be here for the duration, and Crested Shrike-tits are intermittent. Ponds have mostly dried, but at least one Latham's Snipe appears to still be residing near the next-door neighbour's pond. |
| John Weigel 10/11 #205123 |
| | White-fronted TernNewcastle Ocean Baths |
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| 2 late-staying White-fronted Terns at the baths today. They completely dwarfed the 20-odd Commons around them. Also 2 Little Terns in breeding colour along with usual Cresteds. |
| Mick Roderick 10/11 #205082 |
| | Bar-tailed GodwitFivebough Wetlands Leeton |
| A single Bar-tailed Godwit found this morning feeding with 100s of Sharp-tailed Sandpipers and 10s of Marsh Sandpipers despite the fact that the water is rapidly disappearing. According to Keith Hutton this is only the second record at Fivebough for the past 32 years of records. This makes a total of 20 shorebirds seen at the wetlands this Spring. |
| Max O'Sullivan, Keith Hutton 10/11 #205067 |
| | Sacred KingfisherOakhurst, western Sydney |
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| I was stunned this morning to see a Sacred Kingfisher sitting on a Cocos Palm outside my bathroom window. An uncommon but regular visitor to the area. |
| Mark Fuller 10/11 #205048 |