Moderators' Note

Birders are encouraged to post lists to eBird Australia, where sightings are incorporated into the atlas. To do this you need to register with eBird Australia then login. Please send any White-throated Needletail or Fork-tailed Swift sightings directly to Prof. Michael Tarburton for his research: tarburton.m@optusnet.com.au. Include date, location and number of birds. All Regent Honeyeater and Swift Parrot reports should be forwarded to Mick Roderick to assist in the recovery of these severely declining species: mick.roderick@birdlife.org.au. Note we will not be publishing reports of Accipiter raptors (Collared Sparrowhawk, Grey/Brown Goshawks) unless they are in unusual locations, are seen with unusual prey or have been seen performing atypical behaviour.

• Reports
• Criteria

October 2017

Thu 19		Great Knot, Little Tern Boat Harbour, Kurnell
		A good morning at Boat Harbour - the highlight a Great Knot at the shorebird roost in company with 2 Red Knot, 101 Red-necked Stint, 29 Pacific Golden Plover, 20 Ruddy Turnstone, 10 Sharp-tailed Sandpipers, 5 Sooty Oystercatcher, 6 Pied Oystercatcher (unusual here) 22 Common Tern and an impressive c.240 Little Tern flying/feeding over the bay - with up to 70 of these roosting on the rocks later.
		Michael Ellison 19/10 #232369
		Orange Chat Swamp Road, Kiama Downs
		2 spotted in the paddocks near the bike track. Confirmed with photo's and ID'd by members of Illawarra Birders eBird checklist
		Patricia Knight 19/10 #232368
Wed 18		White-winged Triller, Latham's Snipe, James Lane, Trenayr
		Pair of Trillers in trees and on fence; 1 Snipe foraging in wetland.
		Greg Clancy 18/10 #232355
		Forest Kingfisher Tomago Wetlands (Hunter Estuary)
		A female Forest Kingfisher was found yesterday (17/10/2017) during a routine survey of Tomago Wetlands by Michael Paver, Peter Weinstock, Ann Lindsey and others. The bird was relocated today at the same location, perched in a dead mangrove, calling occasionally.
		Mick Roderick and Alex Berryman 18/10 #232344
Tue 17		Freckled Duck, Pink-eared Duck, Australian White Ibis Lawrence Egret Colony swamp
		5+ Freckled Ducks and 236+ Pink-eared Ducks, numerous other water birds including Australian White Ibis at nests.
		Greg Clancy 19/10 #232364
		Scarlet Honeyeater Pilliga State Conservation Area
		Two weeks of intensive bird surveys in the northern Pilliga yielded several interesting records, most notably several very vocal Scarlet Honeyeaters. The Pilliga is generally considered west of the western edge of their range. Other good sightings during the surveys have included: Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo (western edge of their range), Glossy Black Cockatoo, Black and Painted Honeyeaters, and Diamond Dove.
		Ashwin Rudder 18/10 #232359
		Peregrine Falcon Near Lawrence
		Adult pair with two nestlings in former Osprey nest. Both adults circled overhead calling in alarm as I photographed the nest and young. (Moderator's Note. Peregrines nesting in other raptor nests, while not unusual, are of interest here because usually cliff sites are used in coastal areas.AKM).
		Greg Clancy 18/10 #232357
		Inland Dotterel Harris Lane (near Quandialla)
		14 Inland Dotterel were seen about 4-5 km North of the Quandialla Road. I could not find any reports of this species from this area. Orange Chats and Banded Lapwing still present as reported on 13/10/2017, but we could not locate any Pratincole. (Moderator's Comment: A great sighting indeed. There is one previous record of Inland Dotterels at this site from December 2007 [per Birdata]. MR) eBird checklist
		Stephen Wallace and Christine D 18/10 #232339
		Powerful Owl Chatswood
		Came across a family of four perched high in the canopy while bushwalking
		Glenn Vickery 17/10 #232335
		Glossy Black Cockatoo Wheeler Heights
		One calling at daybreak, near the grave of the original James Wheeler, near the mouth of South Creek. Located roosting, apparently alone, in the top of the tallest eucalypt in the locality. It soon flew off to the west.
		David Sawyer 17/10 #232326
Mon 16		Rose-crowned Fruit-Dove Coffs Harbour Botanical Gardens
		3 Fruit-doves in flight landed in exotic tree then perched in Coastal Blackbutt along Coffs Creek. Poor photo of one included. Not on bird list for Gardens so probably first record for site.
		Greg Clancy 16/10 #232322
		Wedge-tailed Eagle Near Wondabyne train station
		Seen flying along side the train perhaps 10m away
		Rafael Furniss 16/10 #232311
		Pacific Baza, sharp-tailed sandpiper Sydney Olympic Park--Waterbird Refuge
		1 pop-eyed pacific baza in trees at north end of Narrawang wetland being hassled by miners. At the refuge 7 spp of shorebird: 23 sharp-tailed sandpipers, 1 bar'wit, 190 red-necked avocet, 135 black-winged stilt, 1 red-kneed dotterel, 3 black-fronted dotterel & a masked lapwing.
		Michael Ellison 16/10 #232309
		Powerful Owl Warriewood Wetlands
		Heard calling after daybreak, 5.35 a.m., the call seemed coming from within the swamp-mahogany forest, about 100 metres south of No.15 Watergum Drive. Last April one heard calling well, after midnight at Dee Why in the "Roche forest", Campbell Avenue. A Roche employee told me the owl regularly roosted in a certain tree within the property.
		David Sawyer 16/10 #232308
		Magpie Goose Narrabri
		At least 105 Magpie Geese roosting on the exposed mud islands at Lake Narrabri. Also 100+ Pink-eared Duck, 5 Yellow-billed Spoonbill and 8 Rainbow Lorikeets.
		Darryl Smedley 16/10 #232307
		Budgerigar Private Property south of Leard State Forest
		Lone bird (not a likely escapee at this site) in open woodland with Black-eared Cuckoo, Diamond Firetail and at least five Painted Honeyeaters during morning survey. Plum-headed Finches also feeding young. (Moderator's Note: Based on Birdata and eBird searches, this and one other recent report of 6 birds at Cocoparra NP are the first Budgerigar reports in NSW since May. MR).
		Allan Richardson 16/10 #232305
Sun 15		Black-tailed Native-hen Pitt Town Lagoon
		Seen within 6pm-7pm period on east side of lagoon, below end of Lagoon Rd. It seemed to be quite nervous about two people walking down the slope towards the water, even though it was to the left of us. Disappeared into the reeds. Later it (or another?) returned when we were quiet and stationary. Great filming opportunity despite the low light. Later examination of the photos and comparison with clear photos on ebird by DO and CA made us wonder if all the sightings of just one bird here might not be the same individual. Look closely at red on beak of ours and blue-grey tone on back. But different light levels complicate comparison. Video now available. eBird checklist Further information
		Darren and Thalia Broughton 17/10 #232327
		Soft-plumaged Petrel, Black Petrel, Buller's Shearwater, Black-bellied Storm-petrel Port Stephens pelagic
		Another fantastic day at sea yesterday off Port Stephens with 22 species recorded outside the heads (including 17 tubenoses, likely a record for Port Stephens trips). The clear highlight was a Soft-plumaged Petrel that gave incredible views as it flew around (and over!) the boat at the shelf. A submission will be made to NSW ORAC and will be a new species for the Hunter list if accepted. The supporting cast was solid, with at least 8x Black-bellied Storm-petrels, a Buller's Shearwater and a Black Petrel sitting on the water. There were more Pterodromas at the shelf than shearwaters, which is a good sign. Of four Wandering-type Albatrosses we have determined there were 2x Snowy and 2x Antipodean (Gibson's).
		Mick Roderick and all aboard the M.V. Argonaut 16/10 #232313
		Painted Honeyeater Private Property south of Leard State Forest
		Five Painted Honeyeater observed in flowering mistletoe in Weeping Myall woodland, a higher than normal number at this site. Inflated numbers of local regulars also in attendance - Spiny-cheeked, Singing and White-plumed Honeyeaters - indicating low resources elsewhere locally.
		Allan Richardson 15/10 #232304
		Black Falcon Breeza
		Single bird disturbing a flock of Galahs near the Breeza silos as sunset approached.
		Darryl Smedley 15/10 #232302
		Red-capped Robin Pitt Town Lagoon
		A young Red-capped Robin was seen at close range and calling along the fence line opposite the northern end of the lagoon. In the reeds also on the northern end of the lagoon was the single Black-tailed Native-hen showing well as well as 3 species of Crakes - Baillon's, Australian Spotted and Spotless.
		Edwin Vella et al 15/10 #232300
		Black-faced monarch, leaden flycatcher Barton Park South--Landing Lights Wetland
		A morning bird walk for the 'Rockdale Flock' bird group recorded a respectable 45 spp of birds between 8.30-10.30 including royal spoonbill, brown goshawk, black-shouldered kite, brown honeyeater & Oz reed-warbler. However the best was saved til last with 2 black-faced monarchs & a female leaden flycatcher that had dropped in to the casuarinas by the car-park. A good morning had by all in this unassuming but always worthwhile little site.
		Michael ellison 15/10 #232289
Sat 14		Red-backed Kingfisher Caloola Road, Boggabri, NSW
		A pair of Red-backed Kingfishers perched on power-lines along Caloola Road, Boggabri; one of the local woodland indications that drier inland conditions are pushing more westerly species east. In addition, four Baillon's Crake were observed on a dam in the same locality.
		Allan Richardson 15/10 #232303
		Baillon's Crake Engadine St Wetlands (Royal National Park, near Engadine Station)
		1 adult clearly seen foraging on open mud near the reeds for about 3 minutes around 5:30pm. According to the 2011 Royal National Park fauna survey, an extreme rare visitor to the park.
		Rob Taggart 15/10 #232293
		Scarlet Honeyeater Nail Can Hill Reserve, Albury
		At least 2 males on flowering Red Box behind Albury TAFE. First record in 20+ years of walking in the Reserve.
		Janet Chapman, Peter Ewin 15/10 #232285
		Orange Chat Chat Alley, Euabalong
		Today at Chat Alley we had 2 male Orange Chats on the road side. We also had a pair of White-fronted Chats along with plenty of Zebra Finch, some Australian Pipits and White-winged Fairy-wrens.
		Christina Port and participants of Follow that Bird 14/10 #232280
Fri 13		Australian Pratincole, Orange Chats, Banded Lapwing Harris Lane, approx 19km west of Quandialla, Central West NSW
		4 Australian Pratincoles and 15 Banded Lapwing in very overgrazed paddock beside Harris Lane, a long wide TSR to the east of Bland Creek from Williams Crossing bridge. Paddock is about 4.5kms N on the lane at 33 55 35 S 147 33 57 E. Also 2 or 3 pairs of Orange Chats seen on fence in the next paddock north which has a wheat crop in it. Some flew into the crop and 1 pair into the longer grass on the western side of the lane. All 3 species have been seen here before with the Pratincoles breeding in 2007. Fence line had Brown Songlarks Pipits and Singing Bushlarks, which were mimicing lots of calls.
		Rosemary Stapleton 14/10 #232283
		Common Cicadabird Coutts Crossing Cemetery
		Cicadabird heard calling in vicinity of Coutts Crossing Cemetery. Observers first record of this species this season.
		Greg Clancy 14/10 #232279
		Lewin's Rail, Spotless Crake Jabiru Wetland, Casino
		One rail seen well and while sitting quietly watching the rail feed another three rails calling, both grunts and contact kreck type call and then two Spotless Crake began to call as well. Possible Little Bittern call but only one indistinct call heard so could not confirm.
		David Charley 13/10 #232274
		Black-eared Cuckoo Pitt Town Lagoon
		Black-eared Cuckoo observed at close quarters for 20 mins, close to the hide at Pitt Town lagoon. Other species seen included 4 Freckled Ducks, 10 Whiskered Terns, Baillon's Crake, 4 Sharp-tailed Sandpiper, Zebra Finch & numerous Red-kneed Dotterel & Pink-eared Ducks..
		Ivan Chapman 13/10 #232273
		Black-tailed Nativehen, Common Sandpiper Pitt Town Lagoon
		Black-tailed Nativehen seen near Painted Snipe site -33.590178, 150.858512. Also Common Sandpiper at Triangle Pond in Richmond Lowlands -33.578067, 150.750014 eBird checklist
		Nigel Jones, Greg McLachlan and all in Ornitholidays group 13/10 #232272
Thu 12		Red-backed Button-quail W of Blue Lake, S of Station Creek, Yuraygir National Park
		male observed on edge of 4WD track.(Moderator Note: This species is on the review list for the NSWORAC. AKM)
		Russell Jago 14/10 #232277
		Australian Owlet-nightjar Kurrajong Hills nw of Sydney
		Almost exactly a year since the last record here. Also a vocal Koala grunting away, and Sugar Gliders yapping eBird checklist
		Eric Finley 13/10 #232266
		(Possible) Forest Kingfisher Ballast Point - Balmain
		Flying from Ballast Point towards Balls Head Reserve. low straight flight White spots on the wings very clear. (Moderator's Note: This is not a confirmed record but is being posted here in case people may wish to try and look for the bird. MR).
		Neil Kaye 12/10 #232263
Wed 11		Red-capped Robin Wilton
		3 adult Red-capped robins (2 male, 1 female) observed 1km south of Wilton in restricted Sydney Water Catchment land
		Lachlan Hall, George Madani 15/10 #232288
		Spectacled Monarch Shoalhaven Heads Inlet
		River Road carpark. Bird observed in trees next to the path that leads to the beach just before you take the track through the bush to the inlet. eBird checklist
		Donna Nagiello 14/10 #232282
		Red-capped Robin Hazelbrook
		The Blue Mountains has also had its fair share of Red-capped Robin sightings over the past month with sightings at Springwood, Wentworth Falls, Katoomba and this one this morning at Hazelbrook near the start of the Woodford Dam fire trail. eBird checklist
		Mark Ley 11/10 #232255
		Australian Painted Snipe Pitt Town Lagoon
		Lone male observed 8:40 AM on the west end of the swamp. In the corner of the horse paddock next to the swamp. (Private property) but easy to see over the fence. Still there when I left. (Moderator's Note: Presumably the ongoing bird. MR) eBird checklist
		Michael Rutkowski 11/10 #232253
Tue 10		Peregrine Falcon Warriewood Wetlands
		Perched on a balcony roof in the Oceanvale complex, right by the Wetlands. Being swooped by the swallows, but not fazed.
		Alex Moffat 11/10 #232256
		Freckled Duck Lake Wallace, Wallerewang
		Single bird among the reeds on the western foreshore of Lake Wallace. Also x 4 Blue-billed Ducks and x 2 Latham's Snipe. eBird checklist
		Mark Ley 11/10 #232254
		Sacred Kingfisher 446 Parramatta Rd, Petersham
		First time sighting (for me) in such a built-up area. Sighted in the jacaranda tree at the back, Didn't seem to mind the noise from from the incoming jet aircraft.
		Rafael Furniss 11/10 #232250
Mon 9		Australian Spotted Crake Little Bay wetland, La Perouse
		Well at least 2 Spotted Crakes have finally made it to East Sydney this year. Little Bay wetland yesterday on the edge of golf course and almost-dry pond on the golf course. Also Baillon's Crakes and a Latham's Snipe in the wetland. eBird checklist
		Richard Murray 10/10 #232236
		Little Bronze-Cuckoo Partridge Creek (Port Macquarie)
		Male bird first detected by call and then seen well, flying back and forth between casuarinas near the pump station. This is the same spot that I had two LBCs on 11/11 last year. White-winged Trillers, Horsfield's Bronze and Pallid Cuckoos still present; also 10+ Latham's Snipe, King Quail (female flushed and another heard), Square-tailed Kite and Lewin's Rail. eBird checklist
		Liam Murphy 9/10 #232225
		Spotted and Baillon's Crakes Mount Annan Botanic Gardens
		Seen around Lake Nadgungamba. eBird checklist
		Anthony Katon 9/10 #232219
		Regent Honeyeater 147 Levenstrath Rd Levenstrath NSW 2460
		10.25 am. The Regent Honeyeater is still feeding in the bottlebrush and Silky Oaks . This is the third consecutive day in same location.
		WarrenThompson 9/10 #232214
		Chestnut-rumped Heath-wren Cromer
		On the Cromer - Red Hill Trail good views of a Heath-wren, and also of a Brush Bronzewing. I'm not sure how much closer to Sydney CBD these 2 species still occur. The 1960s small populations of Tawny-crowned and Yellow-tufted Honeyeaters in the Cromer - Oxford Falls area seem to have vanished.
		David Sawyer 9/10 #232213
		Plumed Whistling Duck Nowra Wastewater Treatment Plant
		6 Plumed Whistling Ducks observed on grass adjacent to pond. Photos taken.
		Carla Jackett and Nerida Hudspith 9/10 #232202
Sun 8		Olive Whistler Lyrebird track, New England NP
		Presumed two pairs of Olive Whistler calling well on the Lyrebird Track. Mostly in upper to mid-canopy of Antarctic beech forest. Also Superb Lyrebird, Golden Whistler and numerous Rose Robin present.
		David Charley 9/10 #232221
		Little Bronze-Cuckoo, 56 Armidale Road Coutts Crossing
		A Little Bronze-Cuckoo heard calling in our backyard today was my first north coast record for the season.
		Greg Clancy 9/10 #232204
		Pink-eared Duck Bomaderry Wastewater Treatment Plant
		106 Pink-eared ducks roosting at the ponds.
		Carla Jackett and Nerida Hudspith 9/10 #232201
		Regent Honeyeater, Little Lorikeet, Olive-backed Oriole, Australasian Figbird Levenstrath Road, Levenstrath
		The Regent Honeyeater was still present at Warren Thompson's place at Levenstrath feeding amongst a number of Noisy Friarbirds, Little Friarbirds, Little Wattlebirds, Lewin's Honeyeaters and Yellow-faced Honeyeaters. The Regent was very secretive keeping well hidden when feeding but perching in more open places when resting and preening. It was mimicking the call of the Noisy Friarbird. Little Lorikeets (2+) were heard calling and an Oriole and Australasian Figbirds were also feeding in the flowering Silky Oaks, apparently on the nectar/pollen.
		Greg & Val Clancy & Warren Thompson 8/10 #232188
		Crakes, Freckled Duck Pitt Town Lagoon
		No less then 14 Baillon's, 2 Australian Spotted and a Spotless Crake were present there today. Also seen were 14 Freckled Ducks, a couple of Whiskered Terns, a Latham's Snipe, 2 Sharp-tailed Sandpipers, a Swamp Harrier, White-winged Trillers, Rufous Songlark, Horsfield's Bronze, Pallid Cuckoo and hundreds of White-browed and a few Masked Woodswallows.
		Edwin Vella, Mark Fuller and Michael Ronan 8/10 #232186
		Cicadabird, Mangrove Gerygone Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park--Bobbin Head
		Visit approx 10am when there was a very high tide (over the Gibberagoong boardwalk). Single Cicadabird seen flying across the creek near the suspension bridge at Bobbin Head. Some Glossy-black Cockatoos were calling on the road side of the main creek - but could not be found. 2 Mangrove Gerygones were in the mangroves at Apple Tree Bay - also seen there an Azure Kingfisher and a high up Wedge-tailed Eagle.
		Tom Wilson 8/10 #232180
Sat 7		Freckled Duck Haywards Bay Drive, Haywards Bay
		12 Freckled Ducks at large pond. Two Lathams Snipe and one Baillon's Crake also present.
		Carla Jackett 9/10 #232200
		Inland Dotterals, Banded Lapwing, Red Chested Button-Quail Oolambeyan National Park
		At least 5 individual Inland Dotterals were seen at various locations along the Eastern Boundary Track - probably more. We were looking for Plains Wanderer during the night but only flushed 2 Red Chested Button-Quail. We also saw several Banded Lapwings, a few Barn Owls (or maybe the same 1) and a pair of sleepy White Winged Fairy-Wrens during the night. eBird checklist
		Steven Edwards, Lorne Johnson, Steven Cooper 8/10 #232194
		Square Tail Kite, Grey Currawong, 30+ Common Bronzewings Ingalba Nature Reserve
		A pair of Square Tailed Kites were seen on the Eastern Boundary Trail. A Grey Currawong was heard twice in 2 locations and at least 30 Common Bronzewings were seen in a small area on the Southern Boundary Trail. eBird checklist
		Steven Cooper, Lorne Johnson & Steven Edwards 8/10 #232193
		Regent Honeyeater, White-winged Chough Levenstrath Road, Levenstrath
		Warren Thompson observed a Regent Honeyeater in bottlebrush and other trees at the back of his house. GPC observed and photographed it later in the day in a Silky Oak. There were 10 Choughs feeding on the ground and perching in shrubs. At least one was a downy juvenile. This is Warren's second observation of a Regent Honeyeater at the site the first being a few years ago.
		Greg & Val Clancy & Warren Thompson 8/10 #232187
		Wandering Albatross types, Giant Petrel sp, Brown Skua. Sydney Harbour National Park, North Head.
		2 Wandering Albatross sp. Off North Head today this is my first record off sydney this year, also seen today were 2 Giant Petrels sp. , 3 Brown Skuas, 4 Arctic Jaegers, 25 Shy and 40 Black-browed Albatross.
		michael ronan 7/10 #232175
Fri 6		Black-tailed Native-hen Macquarie Rivulet Delta, Haywards Bay
		Very surprised to find this bird on the main pond. Water levels low with exposed refuge island. Photoed roosting near the island until it swam to the southern reeds & disappeared. Other birds of note; Freckled Ducks, Bailon's Crake, Lathams Snipe & Rufous Songlark. eBird checklist
		Paul Lynch 7/10 #232174
		Kermadec Petrel, Black-bellied Storm-petrel, Wandering-type Albatrosses Pelagic off Port Stephens
		Two dark morph Kermadec Petrels and 3 Black-bellied Storm-petrels were the highlights of a great day at sea off Port Stephens, organised by the Bellingen/Dorrigo Birders. The southerly change that whipped the ocean into a frenzy turned on some great birding before the decision was made to make a hasty retreat back to port. The Kermadec Petrels are just the 2nd birds recorded outside of Jan-Apr in NSW (based on SOSSA data), with the other being off Newcastle 25 Oct 2008. The bird was observed chasing a Crested Tern for food. Also seen were 3 early (in recent years anyway) Flesh-footed Shearwaters, seen only at the shelf, 3 Wandering-type Albatrosses and 3 Common Terns, amongst a total of 19 species recorded outside the heads.
		Mick Roderick, Mandy Wright and others on the M.V. Argonaut 7/10 #232171
		Superb Lyrebird Narrabeen Lakes
		Three birds in the lower length of Middle Creek Valley, 2 giving mimicry, the third a female seen at dawn highly agitated at my presence, squawking loudly and giving a piercing whistle, and giving what seemed like distraction behaviour, tail-fanning and wing-spreading.
		David Sawyer 6/10 #232160
Thu 5		Superb parrot Sheldon park, west pymble
		Single male in company of king parrots. aviary escapee or .......drought refugee ??? (Moderator's Note: Although considered very likely an escapee [and Birdline NSW does not normally publish escaped birds], we are publishing here on the possibility that it could be a wild bird given the coastal movement of other birds noted during this time. MR).
		Bas Hensen 6/10 #232166
		Wandering Whistling Duck Twin Lakes estate, South Nowra
		Two adult Wandering Whistling Ducks were seen about 5pm and photographed with phone. Rare for the Shoalhaven. Access via Quinns Lane off the Princes Hwy.
		Carla Jackett 5/10 #232153
		Painted Honeyeater Cocopara Nature Reserve, Rankin Springs
		Single adult at the beginning of the western access road to the reserve. Looked for more but the late afternoon wind made birding difficult
		Darryl Smedley 5/10 #232151
		Regent Parrot Balranald
		Flock of 12 flew over the road in Box/Black Pine woodland, 15km from Balranald on the road to Hay. Just south of the Pungle Mail Rest Area. [Moderator Note: Regent Parrots are only very very rarely seen in the Murrumbidgee River valley. The area around Balranald marks the eastern extent of their range in that valley. AR]
		Darryl Smedley 5/10 #232150
		Red-backed Kingfisher, Red-winged Parrot Yarrawa Rd, 1km West of Denman
		1 Red-backed Kingfisher found on powerlines, feeding and bombed by Noisy Miners, called a few times. Also a Red-winged Parrot did a flyby. (Moderator's Note: this is a very long way east for a Red-winged Parrot in the Hunter Valley - perhaps related to the current trend of birds pushing coastwards? MR)
		Steve Roderick 5/10 #232146
		Horsfield's Bronze-Cuckoo Warriewood Wetlands
		A single Cuckoo (presumably from the drought exodus) was calling around the ponds when it was ambushed by a Grey Butcherbird. The Butcherbird flew into shrubs to finish off the Cuckoo when it was mobbed by Noisy and Bell Miners. A nearby Magpie-Lark also seemed guilty by association and was mobbed by the miners. The victims all escaped and flew off with the Cuckoo looking very shabby and likely injured. The Bell and Noisy Miners then proceeded to attack each other with no clear winner.
		Jon Spicer-Bell 5/10 #232145
		Australian Painted Snipe Pitt Town Lagoon
		Male Australian painted snipe spotted at the eastern edge of lagoon at approximately 0800 this morning. It stayed in view for about ten minutes making its way over the mud and grass and seemingly displaying a few times before retreating to some tall grass amongst some black wattles on a private property backing onto the lagoon. (Moderator's Note: Presumably this is the same bird initially found on 17/09, then refound 01/10, by Darren and Thalia Broughton? MR)
		Jason Grubba 5/10 #232141
Wed 4		Black-breasted Buzzard N of Inverary Homestead, Dthinna Dthinnawan National Park
		Buzzard observed by G. P. Clancy over tree canopy from vicinity of Homestead in late afternoon
		Gould League Bird Study Camp per Greg Clancy 9/10 #232216
		Ground Cuckoo-shrike, White-winged Fairy-wren, Variegated Fairy-wren, Superb Fairy-wren Yelarbon Road, NW of Dthinna Dthinnawan National Park
		3 Cuckoo-shrikes feeding on ground and spreading one or two wings to trap insects or shade the ground. Three fairy-wren species together near dam.
		Gould League Bird Study Camp per Greg Clancy 9/10 #232207
		Regent Honeyeater, Pallid Cuckoo, White-browed Wooidswallow Glen Alice Area, Capertee Valley
		We joined with Ross Crates ANU/Birdlife Researcher in his Regent Honeyeater occupancy surveys on public & private lands during a morning visit, part of two full days in the Valley staying at Glenbrook Cottage, Glen Alice, seeing 16-20 birds at 4 sites. Regent Honeyeaters could also be seen in the flowering Mugga Ironbarks and Yellow Box around the Capertee NP Homestead (restricted access that can be arranged through NPWS). Pallid Cuckoos were seen and heard all all sites in the Valley and White-browed Woodswallows were abundant, lesser numbers of Masked & Dusky Woodswallows, also Rufous Songlarks and White-winged Trillers. At the Glen Alice Reserve, there were Black-chinned, Spiny-cheeked and Striped Honeyeaters, Shrike-tits and White-browed Babblers. 2 prs Red-capped Robins, Speckled Warblers and 40+ Double=-barred Finches at Glenbrook! 106 species in 2 days!.
		Alan & Anne Morris, Allan Benson 6/10 #232161
		Black-eared Cuckoo, Baillon's Crake Lake Zott, University of New England
		Black-eared Cuckoo perched on the edge of the lake, started calling but unable to photograph. Also 6 Baillon's Crake, possibly more, feeding through out the reed beds.
		Heath Milne and Lucy Farrow 5/10 #232138
Tue 3		Plum-headed Finch, Tawny Grassbird, Golden-headed Cisticola Bruxner Highway, near Bonshaw
		4 Finches in shrub, Cisticola observed and Grassbird in in grassy paddock.
		Gould League Bird Study Camp per Greg Clancy 9/10 #232206
		Pacific Baza, Wedge-tailed Eagle, Nankeen Kestrel Bruxner Highway, SW of Texas (in NSW)
		Two Bazas, a Wedge-tailed Eagle and a Nankeen Kestrel in flight near Highway.
		Gould League Bird Study Camp per Greg Clancy 9/10 #232205
		Red-backed Kingfisher Bureen (mid Hunter Valley)
		There have now been 6 individual Red-backed Kingfishers seen in the Hunter Valley, 5 in the Durridgere / Turill area and one yesterday at Bureen (first heard by Dan Williams 2/10). This is 100km south-east of the Upper Hunter sites and was the venue for the only other Red-backed Kingfisher record for the Hunter in recent times, which was a single bird there during October 2002. Black Honeyeaters and Crimson Chats still present at Durridgere Road 2/10 and Painted Honeyeater present at 3 sites in that broad area.
		Mick Roderick 4/10 #232125
Mon 2		Pilotbird Pierce's Pass Picnic Area, Grose Track
		Half way down track, Pilotbird seen feeding on track. Observed for 15min, two birds seen spasmodically. Occasionally calling.
		Norm Clayton and Maree Davis 12/10 #232260
		Red-backed Kingfisher Deniliquin-Conargo Rd, north of Wandook
		Single bird sitting on dead limb on eastern side of the road.
		David Parker 4/10 #232136
		Black Bittern Narrabeen Lakes
		Heard calling, a resonant owl-like "cow!" repeated at intervals, at sunrise at Deep Creek. Shortly after a pair of Black Bitterns flew off, closely together. About 30 minutes later a third bird was heard giving the same kind of call about 2 km away at South Creek.
		David Sawyer 4/10 #232126
		Wood Sandpiper Teven Rd Swamp
		Wood Sandpiper in the wetland adjacent Teven Rd, West Ballina. Has been a regular at this site for the last few years. eBird checklist
		Steve McBride 3/10 #232122
		Fluttering/Hutton's Shearwater Magic Point, Maroubra
		13,000 + Fluttering type shearwaters seen this afternoon streaming south close to off Magic Point. Likely a larger number than this as the birds were rounding the headland to the south when I started counting. A few Hutton's were confirmed but no idea as to the ratio of Fluttering-Hutton's. A small number of Wedge-tailed Shearwaters present too.
		Michael Ellison 2/10 #232114
		Black-eared Cuckoo Forresters Beach
		Photographed in a small road side reserve this morning. It was not there when I rechecked an hour later.(Moderator's Note. This is the only 2nd Central Coast record, the first was in January 2017. AKM).
		Gerard Satherley 2/10 #232108
		Musk Lorikeet Long Beach, Batemans Bay NSW
		Four Musk Lorikeets in my yard.
		Tony Dawe 2/10 #232106
		Tawny-crowned Honeyeater, White-winged Triller, Masked Woodswallow Riverside Park, Chipping Norton
		The unusual birds continue. a single adult Tawny-crowned Honeyeater is a bird I would never expect here. 5+ White-winged Trillers. 5 Masked Woodwallows with 60 White-browed Woodlwallows. 4 species new for me at this park bringing my list for here to 143. Also my first local Koel for the season and a single White-bellied Cuckoo-shrike flying over eBird checklist
		David James 2/10 #232099
Sun 1		Inland Thornbill Inverary Homestead, Dthinna Dthinnawan National Park
		Present in bushland near homestead on 26, 27 & 28 Sep and 01 Oct. Near eastern edge of range.
		Gould League Bird Study Camp per Greg Clancy 9/10 #232211
		Turquoise Parrot, Brown Treecreeper, Red-winged Parrot N of Strathbogie
		c.5 Turquoise Parrots, 2 Brown Treecreepers and 2+ Red-winged Parrots
		Gould League Bird Study Camp per Greg Clancy 9/10 #232208
		Australian Painted Snipe Pitt Town Lagoon
		Probably the same male we saw on Sept 17. Was around same time in real terms (6.30pm this time; was around 5.30pm pre-daylight saving on Sept 17). Again it was on the east side of the lagoon and again our attention was focused on other moving birds. Not clear how long there and pretty much motionless for a while. Within 10 minutes though it was running off to reeds. We were further away than last time and not clear why it went to reeds. Minor interactions with other waterbirds perhaps. A Red-Kneed Dotterel went close a few times.
		Darren and Thalia Broughton 3/10 #232120
		Red-backed Kingfisher, Blue-billed Duck Dangars Lagoon
		Walked the circumference of Dangar's Lagoon, 1 Red-backed Kingfisher in willow on western edge. 25+ Blue-billed Ducks and 40+ Pink-eared Ducks on northern edge amongst reed beds. A number of Whiskered Terns and Great-crested Grebes also foraging in towars the middle section of the lagoon.
		Heath Milne and Lucy Farrow 3/10 #232117
		GILBERT'S WHISTLER Private property at Koorawatha near Cowra
		A male seen well by members of Birding NSW. Other heard calling at a different location.
		Allan Richards 2/10 #232107
		Spotted quail-thrush Bungonia NP
		1 adult foraging and feeding a juvenile following behind. Also nesting White-winged choughs, an abundance of Jacky Winters, as well as two all-white doves/pigeons standing on the road looking very unsure of themselves (escapees? wedding releasees?)
		David George 2/10 #232104
		Pallid Cuckoo, White-winged Triller, Horsfield's Bronze-Cuckoo Central Coast Wetlands, Tuggerah
		In the past two days (30/9,1/10) a number of visits have been made to the Dairy Swamp and adjacent wetlands, timbered groves and pastures of the Central Coast Wetlands. Highlights have been a Pallid Cuckoo, only the 2nd record for the site since 1995, the first was in Oct 1999, and 3 White-winged Trillers at two separate locations, there have only been 5 previous records, the last Feb 2001. Three Horsfield's Bronze-Cuckoos are also unusual at this site. Returning migrants have also been encountered including 3 Sacred Kingfishers, Dollarbird, Latham's Snipe at 2 locations, Fairy Martin, Black-faced Monarch, Channel-billed Cuckoo, Fairy Martins and White-breasted Woodswallows. Sea-eagles, Swamp Harriers M N& F, and a Whistling Kite also present. 4 Red-bellied Black Snakes were seen in a 1 hour session! (No sign of the Red-capped Robin reported previously).
		Alan Morris, Daniel McKeon , L & F. Ullrich 2/10 #232103
		Brown Songlark Sydney Airport
		Following on from David Mitford's report on the 30th September, there were 6 Brown Songlarks loosely foraging together in the area immediately west of the main helipad on Sunday. It was a great opportunity to help my fellow staff in identifying them out in the field. If the current trend of dry-land birds moving to the coast continues, I think Sydney Airport might be in for a big summer in terms of new species found. It's the largest area of rural-type grassland along the coastal fringe from the Central Coast to Berkeley, south of Wollongong.
		Nigel Coghlan 2/10 #232098
		Black-eared Cuckoo, Plum-headed Finch Glen Davis
		Another Black-eared Cuckoo and Plum-headed Finches was present about 2 km south of the Capertee River on the Glen Davis Rd. Lots of Paliid Cuckoos, a few White-winged Trillers, Rufous Songlarks but only one Brown Songlark. Lots of fflowering eucalypts attracts thousands of White-browed and smaller numbers of Masked Woodswallows and very numerous Noisy Friarbirds. Regent Honeyeaters possibly also heard well off the road and on private land.
		Edwin Vella 1/10 #232096
		Black-eared Cuckoo Capertee
		One seen verty well beside Coco Creek at the second bridge from the town of Capertee. Also seen here were a pair of Red-capped Robins and Speckled Warbler.
		Edwin Vella 1/10 #232095
		Black Honeyeater Bogee (Capertee Valley)
		One adult male seen beaside the Glen Alice-Ryalstone Rd. Thousands of White-browed and some Masked Woodswallows also present. Painted Button-quail also seen. My last sighting of Black Honeyeaters in the Capertee Valley was an adult pair in Glen Davis in 1994.
		Edwin Vella 1/10 #232094
		Red-capped Robin Meryla State Forest--Bundanoon Gorge, end Garbutts Rd
		First time i have seen this bird in 8 years of birding the southern highlands. Were they avoiding me before? Seen on the native forest side of the track, not the pine side. (Moderator's Note: Unlikely that they are there regularly, most likely part of the movement of Red-capped Robins to the Coast as is occurring elsewhere. AKM)
		fred young 1/10 #232088
		Glossy Ibis, Whiskered Tern Ellis Swamp, Tucabia-Wooli Rd (near Grafton)
		47 Glossy Ibis observed feeding in wetland, large count for area. Also 7 Whiskered Tern in full breeding plumage. Also: approx 300+ Black-winged Stilt. Brolga pair with juvenile. Lat/Long: 29.6891S 153.1170E eBird checklist
		Darryl, Gary and Margaret Eggins 1/10 #232086
		Black-tailed Nativehen. Red-kneed Dotterel Oregon Creek, Lower Coldstream Rd. (Near Grafton)
		One Black-tailed Nativehen observed feeding on edge of creek then walked out of view among clumps of sedge. Rare occurrence for Clarence valley. Also 2 Red-kneed Dotterel, have been absent from region a while. Lat/Long: 29.6216S 153.1011E eBird checklist
		Darryl, Gary and Margaret Eggins 1/10 #232085
		Horsfield's Bronze-Cuckoo and pair of White-headed Pigeons Riverside Park, Chipping Norton
		the first time I have seen the Horsfield's Bronze-cuckoo here (IDd on the ABID page) and only my second sighting of White-headed Pigeons in this area.
		Brenda Parkinson 1/10 #232083

September 2017

Sat 30		Bell Miner Ewans Waterhole, Dthinna Dthinnawan National Park
		Single bird observed at dam drinking alongside Yellow-faced and Fuscous Honeyeaters.
		Saul Dixon 10/10 #232238
		Turquoise Parrot, Glossy Black-Cockatoo, Dam at Inverary Homestead, Dthinna Dthinnawan National Park
		3 Turquoise Parrots and flock of Glossy Black-Cockatoos at dam.
		Gould League Bird Study Camp per Greg Clancy 9/10 #232210
		Emu Hartley
		Two emus foraging in a sheep/cattle paddock at the corner of Mid Hartley Road and Browns Gap Road, Hartley (just outside of Lithgow). Most easterly emus I have seen.
		Kurtis Lindsay 3/10 #232116
		Red-backed Kingfisher The Escort Way at Molong Creek
		2 Red-backed Kingfisher
		Bec Read 3/10 #232115
		Baillon's Crake Pambalong Nature Reserve, Minmi
		Single bird seen feeding in the shallows of the North Swamp (observed from Cedar Hill Drive) at approx 5.30pm (30/09/17). The Purple Swamp hens moved away when I approached but this little guy wasn't too perturbed by my presence. After about 5 min it disappeared into the dense foliage.
		Paul Pellegrini 2/10 #232105
		Black Honeyeater, Red-backed Kingfisher Durridgerie Rd, Turil
		Male and female Black Honeyeaters feeding in profusely flowering E. melliodora right beside the road (-32.18366, 149.88882) with more than 15 Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater, 20 Rufous Songlark and a pair of Hooded Robins in the immediate vicinity. Single Red-backed Kingfisher observed at close range on wires over Murrumbline Creek at the crossing. A possible RBK also observed 10 km south of Sandy Hollow on the Bylong Valley Way this morning (1st Oct).
		Max Breckenridge 1/10 #232087
		Glossy Black-Cockatoo Cullendulla Dr Long Beach NSW
		Three birds feeding in Casuarina Trees
		TONY Dawe 30/9 #232080
		Horsfield's Bush Lark, Oriental Plover Hexham Swamp Nature Reserve
		One Bush Lark seen along Rail Trail (old railway line -32.8489396, 151.6494901). Ten Oriental Plover in the old tire paddock as previously reported (-32.8455, 151.6824). No sign of the Curlew or Pratincole. Nonetheless there are good numbers of birds at the site so it is well worth a visit. eBird checklist
		Stephen Hey, Paul Johnstone and Greg McLachlan 30/9 #232079
		Brown and Rufous Songlarks, Stubble Quail Richmond Lowlands
		In a paddock on the western side of Cornwells Rd we had a number of both Brown and Rufous Songlarks and Stubble Quail.
		Edwin Vella and Mark Fuller 30/9 #232077
		White-browed and Masked Woodswallows Cornwallis Road, Cornwallis
		Along Cornwallis Rd we encountered a flock of about 400 White-browed Woodswallows that were feeding on recently ploughed ground with at least 10 Masked Woodswallows in with them.
		Edwin Vella and Mark Fuller 30/9 #232076
		Baillon's and Spotless Crakes, Freckled Duck, Whiskered Tern Pitt Town Lagoon
		We had 6 Freckled Duck, a Latham's Snipe with 11 Sharpies, excellent view of 4 Baillon's and 2 Spotless Crakes, 4 Whiskered Terns, a Pallid Cuckoo and also heard Tawny Grassbird, Horsfield's Bronze-cuckoo, White-browed Woodswallow, White-winged Triller and Rufous Songlark.
		Edwin Vella, Mark Fuller and Michael Ronan 30/9 #232075
		Brown Songlarks Sydney Airport
		Two visible from Ross Smith Avenue, one near drainage channel and one towards the heliport. Also a male at nearby Mitch Park, Pagewood.
		David Mitford 30/9 #232071
Fri 29		Black-breasted Buzzard, Spotted Harrier, White-bellied Sea-Eagle, Nankeen Kestrel, SW of Dumaresq River near Bebo
		Immature Buzzard moulting from juvenile plumage (see photo - ID and age confirmed by Stephen Debus) photographed by Anne Jones at some height and distance, adult Spotted Harrier flying low over paddock and then circled high into sky and glided off to W, immature Sea-Eagle flying high in SE direction and Nankeen Kestrel in fight.
		Gould League Bird Study Camp per Greg Clancy 9/10 #232215
		Pheasant Coucal, White-bellied Sea-Eagle Dumaresq River, Beebo
		One Coucal flushed from grass near River, immature Sea-Eagle flying over River.
		Gould League Bird Study Camp per Greg Clancy 9/10 #232212
		Australian Painted Snipe East Wetland, Cooranbong
		Male bird feeding in sedges with falling water levels. Latham’s Snipe also present with good numbers of Black-winged Stilt and other waterbirds in the low water conditions. Wetland under private ownership with no public access.
		Allan Richardson 30/9 #232069
		Red-backed Kingfisher, Rufous Songlark, White-winged Triller Willi Willi Rd, upper Macleay valley
		Red-backed Kingfisher perched conspicuously on a stockyard fence in afternoon sunlight for fantastic views. Two Rufous Songlarks and a White-winged Triller seen in nearby woodland. eBird checklist
		Liam Murphy and Keith Fisher 29/9 #232067
		Rufous Songlark, Baillon's Crake Boyters Lane, Jerseyville
		One female Rufous Songlark near the driveway into the bird hide and two Baillon's Crakes foraging on the edge of the swamp at the end of the lane. eBird checklist
		Liam Murphy and Keith Fisher 29/9 #232066
		Rufous Songlark, White-browed & Masked Woodswallow, Whiskered Tern, possible Banded Lapwing. Belmore Swamp, Seales Rd
		Good birding at Seale Rd swamp this morning despite very low water levels, highlights being hundreds of woodswallows flocking above the paddocks and perching everywhere, one Rufous Songlark in the melaleucas and dozens of Whiskered Terns. A Swamp Harrier put a distant flock of Masked Lapwings to flight and in with them was a slightly smaller bird with a black head and white bars on a dark upperwing. From the brief view I got I'm almost certain it was a Banded Lapwing but was unable to relocate the bird to confirm 100%. eBird checklist
		Liam Murphy and Keith Fisher 29/9 #232065
		Channel-billed Cuckoo Wollongbar
		Three channel-billed Cuckoo in trees at oval. Very quiet and chased by Currawongs. My first for the season and showing typical return timing as being after returns reported on the Central Coast & Greater Sydney
		David Charley 29/9 #232062
		Little Curlew, Oriental Plover, Australian Pratincole Hexham (Swamp and adjacent paddocks)
		3 Little Curlews and 2 Australian Pratincoles were found today along the disused Richmond Vale Railway corridor on the northern edge of Hexham Swamp (-32.8489396, 151.6494901). According to a quick search of eBird Little Curlews have only been reported in northern Australia since about the 18th September. The birds were using wet fields to the north of the railway line, which are quite extensive given how dry it is elsewhere. There were also 320 Whiskered Terns counted (also using swamps to the south of rail corridor), ~1500 Black-winged Stilts, 1300 Grey Teal, 3 Latham's Snipe and a couple of Black-fronted Dotterel. Numerous raptors, including 25 Black Kites and a likely immature Spotted Harrier. The site requires a long, exposed and rather arduous walk, across old railway sleepers and requires crossing creeks and old rail bridges, one of which is in disrepair. The 10 Oriental Plovers are still at the site on Hexham Swamp that they have been present at since Tuesday. IMPORTANT NOTE: As of Tuesday 3rd October there will be a locked gate at the main access to Hexham Swamp via the Tarro interchange. Very little notice was given about this. The Hunter Bird Observers Club are working with authorities to broker access for birders (to be advised). Image of Little Curlews by Alex Berryman. Further information
		Mick Roderick and Alex Berryman 29/9 #232060
		Brown Songlark Long Reef Beach
		One male, timid and flighty, seen at sunrise in low vegetation where dunes meet beach, just north of Dee Why Lagoon mouth.
		David Sawyer 29/9 #232057
		Rufous Songlark, Brown Songlark, Restless Flycatcher and Spotted Crake Long Reef Golf Course
		Great views of 2 Rufous Songlark (3rd NB record ever) and 3 Brown Songlark. A single Restless Flycatcher was very vocal and active around the main pond as were 2 Spotted Crake. Also of note was a single Curlew Sandpiper feeding alongside a Sharp-tailed Sandpiper, also at the main pond.
		Jayden Walsh 29/9 #232054
		Koel Harold Reid Reserve, Middle Cove, Sydney
		Woke to a Koel calling this morning. (Moderator's Note: This will be the last Koel Cuckoo arrival report to be published, particularly for the Hunter and Greater Sydney Region, as we have already published a number of first arrivals for this species, and even on the Central Coast there have been 7 reports prior to this date. AKM)
		Lorna Bloom 29/9 #232052
Thu 28		Red-backed Kingfisher Atholwood Road, NE of Atholwood
		Single bird perched in dead tree in paddock.
		Gould League Bird Study Camp per Greg Clancy 9/10 #232217
		White-browed Woodswallow Bundeena
		A flock of over 200 chattering White-browed Woodswallows flew over my house ar 11am heading SW into the Royal NP.
		Bruce Roubin 28/9 #232051
		Black Kite Freeman Avenue Reserve (Oatley)
		A single Black Kite flew over Freeman Avenue Reserve at approximately 1335h. For a photograph and more infomation please see eBird checklist
		Jesse Gibson 28/9 #232048
		Brown Falcon, Red-capped Robin, Tawny Grassbird Holsworthy STW, Harris Creek
		My first visit to this abandoned site that is technically within the boundaries of my local patch. 1 female Red-capped Robin was my highlight. Single Tawny Grassbird and juvenile Brown Falcon. About 10 White-browed Woodswallows and at least 1 Masked Woodswallow. , eBird checklist
		David James 28/9 #232047
		Brown Songlark, White-winged Triller, Horsfield's Bronze-cuckoo Bow Bowing Park, Minto
		2 Brown Songlarks seen in the Bow Bowing Park grasslands this morning, one male and one female. Also a White-winged Triller and a Horsfield's Bronze-cuckoo seen in Casuarina tree stands. eBird checklist
		Timothy Paasila 28/9 #232045
Wed 27		Black Honeyeater Private Property, Bullarah Locality 70km West of Moree
		Feeding on Budda/False Sandalwood (Eremophila mitchellii) and drinking water.
		Pat Johnston 27/9 #232039
		Black Falcon Court Lane, Breeza
		A pair of Black Falcon observed flying low over paddocks on 'Watermark' the property owned by the contentious Shenhua mine. I have observed Black Falcon in the greater vicinity quite regularly over the last few years particularly in April and September. Channel billed Cuckoos now present and my first White-throated Gerygone heard for the season among other migrants such as Rufous Whistler. Numerous Zebra Finch sightings in the area which are not usually present. Sporadic groups of Masked and White-browed Woodswallows but not in the same large numbers as reported on the coast.
		George Madani 27/9 #232036
		Pallid Cuckoo Camden Airport
		Heard calling repeatedly and seen briefly around 7:30am.
		Leo Skowronek 27/9 #232034
Tue 26		Glossy Black-Cockatoo, Black-eared Cuckoo Inverary Homestead, Dthinna Dthinnawan National Park near Yetman
		24+ Glossies at dam near homestead. Two Cuckoos in oaks and other trees near dam.
		Gould League Bird Study Camp per Greg Clancy 8/10 #232190
		Powerful owl Eleebana 2282
		Owl seen sitting in low branch in my back yard at 10 pm
		Tonia wand 27/9 #232031
		Red-backed Kingfisher, Crimson Chat, Painted Honeyeater, Black-eared Cuckoo Durridgere Road, Upper Hunter
		Two Red-backed Kingfishers were found along the creekline along Durridgere Road (near the intersection of Ulan Road) on three occasions this morning (though not found this afternoon). Two female Crimson Chats found further along Durridgere Road at site where Michael Kearns had found a male on 24/09 (no sign of Little BQ today). 6 Southern Whiteface also present. Painted Honeyeater seen feeding on Box Mistletoe fruit further west along Durridgere Road + second bird calling about 1km east of the chat site. Black-eared Cuckoo calling and seen well at the westernmost Painted HE site. 1000+ White-browed/Masked Woodswallows, including a paddock with 600 birds feeding on the ground. White-backed Swallows also seen at the kingfisher site. Numerous Pallid Cuckoos, songlarks etc.
		Mick Roderick, Alex Berryman and Jeff Jones 26/9 #232030
		Oriental Plover (9), Australian Pratincole (1) and Orange Chat Hexham Swamp (Hunter Wetlands National Park)
		The epic birding east of the divide continues. A single Australian Pratincole was original found by Leslie in the stubbly swamp known as Smithy's. The area is just beyond the dumped tyres on private property on the left after you go over the cattle grid on the way into the National Park. Later on when looking for the Pratincole, nine Oriental Plovers found in close proximity to the Prat. (-32.8455, 151.6824) Brief views of a female Orange Chat were also had in the same location, unfortunately the bird flew off and was unable to be relocated. Cuckoos and Songlarks continue to be seen in good numbers. (Moderator's Note: The timing of the arrival of these Oriental Plovers is near identical to the 'invasion' of birds in NSW in spring/summer 2013, when birds were first reported 27/09/2013 from Bushells Lagoon (2 birds) and Dairy Swamp, Tuggerah (1 bird), followed by several subsequent reports. Of interest I photographed 2 waders that flew over my house in Shortland on Mon 25/09 that have subsequently been identified as Oriental Plovers, so this was their first known arrival date in the Hunter Estuary. Note that Oriental Plover is on the review list for NSW ORAC. MR). Further information
		Leslie, Judi Thomas, Ian Benson plus many others. 26/9 #232027
		White-throated Nightjar Bellawongarah (Berry Mountain) Private property
		2nd record over the past 8 years. Heard calling from our rainforest but may have been on the fringe near open paddock. Recorded call.
		Carla Jackett 26/9 #232025
		Masked Woodswallow Milperra
		Arrived home in Pozieres Ave Milperra after seeing hundreds of Woodswallows on the other side of Georges River, to find 2 Masked Woodwallows (an adult and juvenile) flying over the house
		David James 26/9 #232023
		White-browed Woodswallow,(400), Masked Woodswallow (100), Topknot Pigeon (100) Voyager Point Wetlands
		Incredible numbers of Woodswallows in the air and also in trees and shrubs gleaning lerp. 100 Topknot Pigeons was a high count for me in the area. Shining-Bronze Cuckoo (c. 4) Horsefield's Bronze Cuckoo (1) and Fan-tailed Cuckoo (6+) all singing. 2 Lewin's Rail heard only. No songlarks. Yet. eBird checklist
		David James 26/9 #232022
		Red-capped Robin,Brown Songlark, Rufous Song-lark, White-winged Triller, Square-tailed Kite, Shining Sydney Olympic Park
		Phenomenal morning birding at SOP today. 3 Brown Songlark, 2 Rufous Songlark, 1 White-fronted Chat,1 White-winged Triller at the Parade-ground. Large flock of White-browed & at least one Masked Woodswallows flew overhead. Female Red-capped Robin along the Parramatta River, 9 Whiskered Terns at the Waterbird Refuge, Square-tailed Kite near the Archery Lawn & Shining Bronze-cuckoo at the base of Woo-la-ra. eBird checklist
		Jenny Stiles & Dion Hobcroft 26/9 #232021
		Turquoise Parrot Voyager Point Wetlands
		Startled to find a single female Turquoise Parrot feeding on seeding grasses on the Sirius Drive at the edge of the woodland. She had freshly moulted plumage with no damage or signs of cage life. No bands. Moderately timid. I am inclined to think this is a wild bird, not an escapee, considering how many inland refugees are arriving in Sydney at the moment. eBird checklist
		David James 26/9 #232020
		Pallid Cuckoo Richmond Lowlands
		Pallid cuckoo spotted in a horse field about 100 metres west of Pugh's lagoon.
		Jason Grubba 26/9 #232019
		Sacred Kingfisher Pitt St, Redfern
		Was very surprised to see a Sacred Kingfisher at this v inner city location, on the fence of a weedy vacant block
		Katie Oxenham 26/9 #232018
		Sacred Kingfisher, & Brown Songlark Sydney Park
		2 Sacred Kingfisher at the large southern pond, and another at the pond with the island. Also a Brown Songlark.
		Katie Oxenham 26/9 #232017
Mon 25		Horsfields's Bronze-Cuckoo Bella Vista Farm, Baulkham Hills NSW
		Unusual in this location. Moving in lightly wooded area with lower undergrowth nearby to homes. Superb wrens frequent the location.
		Doug Meredith 2/10 #232101
		Red-capped Robin North Hazelbrook
		A male Red-capped Robin sited on a morning bushwalk off Clearview parade Hazelbrook.
		Amy Davis 26/9 #232029
		Scarlet Honeyeater Larool Creek Valley, Thornleigh
		Surprised to see at least 4 Scarlet Honeyeaters along the creek just below the bottom of Wareemba Ave. First record for me in this area where I've been living for 16 years. Large numbers of Brown Thornbills, Brown Gerygones and Silvereye also, all very active around 3pm. eBird checklist
		Lewis Benham 26/9 #232013
		Woodswallow species probably White-browed and Masked Ferdinand Street, Hunters Hill
		Flock of about 40 Woodswallows flying high over Hunters Hill around 1 pm - from call likely to be White-browed. Single Masked Woodswallow flew out of tree on North Parade at same time.
		Elisbeth Karplus 25/9 #232012
		White-browed and Masked Woodswallows Eastlakes golf course
		In addition to the other 'specials' reported recently at Eastlakes by David Mitford et al, late this afternoon 2 White-browed and 1 Masked Woodswallow were seen, first record for both according to David.
		Paul Johnstone, David Mitford, Corey Callaghan 25/9 #232009
		Red-capped Robin and dry country birds Eastlakes golf course
		Conservative numbers from today: 8 Pallid Cuckoo, 20 White-winged Trillers 7 Sacred Kingfishers, 6 Brown Songlarks 2 Rufous Songlarks and finally a male Red-capped Robin after 2 'brown' birds thus far. Later Paul Johnstone found a mixed group of 3 Woodswallows, which was a great finale.
		David Mitford and Corey Callahan 25/9 #232008
		White-browed Woodswallow and Masked Woodswallow Lime Kiln Bay Reserve and Wetlands
		Approximately 400 woodswallows (250 White-browed Woodswallows and 150 Masked Woodswallows) were seen at Limekiln Wetlands feeding on eucalyptus flowers. Very high numbers for a Sydney suburb. eBird checklist
		Jesse Gibson 25/9 #232007
		Australian Pratincole, Marsh Sandpiper Lake Cargelligo Road
		Twelve pratincoles and lots of waders present around shallow lake on southern side of Lake Cargelligo Rd (-33.3090, 146.3912). Of most interest were 2 Marsh Sandpipers, 2 Red-necked Stints, 1 Common Greenshank, 10ish Sharp-tailed Sandpipers, and 1 Red-necked Avocet. STP and other marshy areas also good birding, with all three crakes, Glossy Ibis, Whiskered Terns (possibly 1 White-winged Black Tern), and Black-tailed Native-hens around.
		Donna Belder and Brenton Takach 25/9 #232006
		Brown Songlark, Rufous Songlark Barton Park South--Landing Lights Wetland
		Four Brown Songlark feeding on the grass near the derelict football stadium. Also present was a lone Rufous Songlark. Not unknown at the site historically but definitely not regular over the past five years were four Horsfield's Bronze Cuckoo feeding out in the open with the Songlark. Also present a lone Australian Pipit. eBird checklist
		Greg McLachlan 25/9 #232002
		Pallid Cuckoo, Brown Songlark, Rufous Songlark Boat Harbour, Kurnell
		A Pallid Cuckoo was observed close to the humpies where the Tawny Grassbird have taken up camp. A Rufous Songlark was also seen in the same area. Five Brown Songlark (2M, 3F) were between Boat Harbour and Potter Point. Otherwise, activity on the shelf was quiet. eBird checklist
		Greg McLachlan 25/9 #232001
		Masked Woodswallow and White-browed Woodswallow Wollongbar
		Huge mixed flock of Masked Woodswallow (70%) and White-browed Woodswallow (30%) flying from east to west. Many very high but many only metres from the ground. Flock flew over house for at least 27 minutes (if it was averaged at a low of 50 birds passing per minute = 1,350 birds). This is a very low estimate as at the peak of the movement there were many 100's of birds passing over the house every minute and this peak last for approximately 13 minutes. Could possibly estimate 3,000+ birds. The flock was also at least 500m wide (reference used = the length of the street). One of the largest flocks I have ever seen.
		David Charley 25/9 #232000
		White-browed and masked Woodswallow Chatswood Golf Course
		A mixed flock of 50 flew low over Chatswood Golf Course eBird checklist
		Kurtis Lindsay 25/9 #231999
		White-browed Woodswallow, Masked Woodswallow and Topknot Pigeon Freeman Avenue Reserve (Oatley)
		Approximately 30 White-browed Woodswallows with a minimum of four Masked Woodswallows flew over Freeman Avenue Reserve heading north. At the same time, about 110 Topknot pigeons flew past heading south. For photographs and more information please see eBird checklist
		Jesse Gibson 25/9 #231995
		Brown Songlark and Dollarbird Centennial Park (Sydney)
		Brown Songlark seen feeding on the Eastern Mission Field this morning, mixing loosely with a flock of Common Starlings. Perhaps related the recent influx at Eastlakes. Also a Dollarbird spotted flying over the west Mission Field, first for the season.
		Anne Brophy 25/9 #231994
		Pallid Cuckoo, White-winged Triller Picnic Point, The Entrance
		The reports of the influx of inland birds continue with a male and female White-winged Triller and a Pallid Cuckoo seen together. This is the first Central Coast record of WWT since Oct 2013 ans first Pallid since 2015. Also at this site was a Horsfield Bronze-Cuckoo and 9 Whiskered Terns.
		Alan Benson 25/9 #231992
		Brown Songlark (4) Pallid Cuckoo (1) White-fronted Chat (1) Sydney Olympic Park
		The songlarks (all male) and male White-fronted Chat on the playing field adjacent the Newington Nature Reserve inside the Armory (access 9-5 during school holidays). Pallid Cuckoo seen in flight nearby across Parramatta River. Other good birds Whiskered Tern (15) Waterbird Refuge, Baillon's Crake and Latham's Snipe at Water Feature Pond.
		Dion Hobcroft 25/9 #231990
		Australian Owlet Nightjar Chatswood High School
		Seen in the old tennis courts
		Harry O'Donovan 25/9 #231989
		White-browed and Masked Woodswallows Grafton
		Small flock of 18 White-browed and one Masked Woodswallow soaring and feeding overhead for approx 15 minutes this morning. Flew off to east. eBird checklist
		Darryl Eggins 25/9 #231988
Sun 24		Ruff Fivebough Wetlands
		At the 45 degree bend in the track south of the brolga sculptures. The bird flew in to roost at around 6pm.
		Brandon Hewitt 25/9 #232011
		Regent Honeyeater (~70), Scaly-breasted Lorikeet, Barking Owl, woodswallows, Capertee Valley
		At least 70 Regents across the valley during occupancy surveys, on private and public land. Scaly-breasted Lorikeet paired up with a Rainbow Lorikeet was unexpected near Bogee. Several Barking Owls east of Glen Davis. Well over 1000 White-browed/Masked Woodswallows throughout, feeding in fields and smothering flowering Yellow Boxes. Most migrants back in force and calling strongly. Red-capped Robins seen at 6 different sites, including Cooroongooba campground.
		Max Breckenridge and Ross Crates 25/9 #231996
		Little Button-quail, Crimson Chat, Black Honeyeater Durridgere Road, Upper Hunter
		A Little Button-quail was watched and photographed amongst grass clumps at a site along Durridgere Road in the Upper Hunter Valley yesterday. The bird was initially seen flying across the road before dropping into the grass where the observer was able to relocate it. A male Crimson Chat also flew in while the observer was watching the button-quail go about its business. Later in the day a male Black Honeyeater was seen at a waterhole along the nearby creek. Also present were hundreds of White-browed and Masked Woodswallows (of course!), 2 Southern Whiteface, 3 Diamond Firetails, a pair of Hooded Robin, a couple each of Brown Treecreepers and Jacky Winters, 7 White-browed Babbler, White-winged Trillers, Speckled Warbler and Rufous Songlarks.
		Michael Kearns per Mick Roderick 25/9 #231993
		White-browed and Masked Woodswallows, Freckled Duck Shortland, Wallsend, Sandgate, Newcastle University
		For most of the afternoon across a wide area stretching from Shortland/Sandgate across to the University of Newcastle campus and Wallsend there were very large flocks of these birds, many very high up as others have described. During the peak (around 3pm) there were about 500 birds over Shortland alone. Over the course of the afternoon across the area (where 3 observers were stationed) there would have been many more than a 1000 birds fly through (very difficult to speculate but 1000 is an absolute minimum). Amongst the woodswallows (very high up) there were some larger birds that I photographed, later found to be a dark Little Eagle, a Brown Goshawk, 3 Great Cormorants and a White-necked Heron! A count of 72 Freckled and 663 Pink-eared Ducks made at the back of the university this morning as well by AB (on Shortland Waters Golf Course).
		Mick Roderick, Dan Williams and Alex Berryman 24/9 #231983
		Plum-headed Finch, White-browed Woodswallow and Masked Woodswallow Capertee Valley
		At least 400 woodswallows seen in Capertee Valley. 25% were Masked the rest were White-browed. All flying very low and feeding in flowering Yellow Box and White-box. Also one flock of 40 Plum-headed Finch, abundant Little Lorikeet, Zebra Finch dispersed across they Valley. Unusually low numbers of Larks (only 8 Rufous and no Brown) and Pipits. Extremely dry with little grass cover and seed head.
		Kurtis Lindsay 24/9 #231982
		White-browed and Masked Woodswallows, Brown Songlarks Riverstone
		Saw initially about 3 White-browed and a Masked Woodswallow and then later a flock of about 200 White-browed Woodswallows later on in the morning. At least 12 Brown Songlarks also moving through consisting of both male and female birds.Two Brown Falcons also seen.
		Edwin Vella and Mark Fuller 24/9 #231981
		Red-capped Robin Magenta Shores. The Entrance
		Female robin seen on access rd into Magenta Shores. There are only three previous records for RCR on the Central Coast , all adult males , 2 in 1994 at Mt White & Narara and the male at the Dairy Swamp, last month seen and photographed by my father Frank.
		luke ullrich 24/9 #231979
		Red-capped Robin, Brown Songlark Eastlakes
		A different Red-capped Robin found today, and updating numbers, 66 Whiskered Terns, 15 Brown Songlarks, 2 White-winged Trillers and a feeding Glossy Ibis. Totally unprecedented conditions and possibly more birds to follow.
		David Mitford, Richard Murray and Corey Callahan 24/9 #231978
		White-browed Woodswallow, Masked Woodswallow Dairy Swamp Tuggerah
		An estimated 100+ White-browed Woodswallow and 2 Masked Woodswallows( that were positively IDed) were flying high above the Dairy swamp at 11.30. The noise from the calling flock was impressive. First Central Coast records since Oct-Nov 2012 when up to 40 WBWS were at Mangrove Mountain and Somersby, & 2 Masked Woodswallows being seen at Mangrove Mtn on 5/10/12.
		Allan Benson 24/9 #231977
		Red-capped Robin, White-browed Woodswallow, Masked Woodswallow Stanley Park, East Kurrajong
		Clearly NSW is drying out with all the reports of Woodswallows on the move. In this case ~200 woodswallows went to roost for the night in woodland near one of my dams (about 80% White-browed). This morning a juvenile Red-capped Robin turned up. They were last seen in this area around 2005 during the height of the millennium drought.
		Matthew Stanton 24/9 #231954
		Brown Songlark, Rufous Songlark, Glossy Ibis, Pallid Cuckoo Eastlakes golf course
		Highlights from this morning included 7 Brown Songlarks, 5 Rufous Songlarks, 2 Pallid Cuckoos, Fan-tailed Cuckoo, and a Glossy Ibis flyover. Also seen were Pacific Heron, Whiskered Tern, Tawny Grassbird, White-winged Triller, and Rufous Night-Heron. Yesterday (http://ebird.org/ebird/australia/view/checklist/S39339745) a Dusky Woodswallow was of note. Baillon's Crake have been regular and Richard Murray had a Spotless Crake yesterday evening. eBird checklist
		Corey Callaghan and David Mitford 24/9 #231952
		Rainbow Bee-eater Westleigh
		15 Rainbow Bee-eaters flying over on passage. A first for us in our suburb.
		Peter and Carol Abbott 24/9 #231949
		White-Browed Woodswallow and Masked Woodswallow Warriewood Wetlands
		Great views of about 30 White-Browed Woodswallows and 1 Masked Woodswallow this morning near the water quality ponds.
		Jayden Walsh and Jon Spicer-Bell 24/9 #231947
		red-capped Robin Spring Farm
		First time seen in the Camden area. eBird checklist Further information
		Anthony Katon 24/9 #231946
Sat 23		Brown Honeyeater Budderoo National Park--Budderoo Fire Trail
		A generally quiet visit to the Budderoo Fire Trail in hot and windy conditions but we did see a Brown Honeyeater. An unusual sighting for the area.
		Stephen Hey, Paul Johnstone 26/9 #232014
		Glossy Black Cockatoo Horsfield Bay, NSW
		6 Glossies flying across from South Woy Woy over Horsfield Bay towards Phegans Bay and Woy Woy Bay.
		Andrew Whitaker 24/9 #231975
		Rainbow Bee-eater Yarramundi Reserve
		At least two Rainbow Bee-eaters spotted not far from the bridge. My first sighting this year. Two Azure Kingfishers, a Sacred Kingfisher and plenty of Scarlet Myzomelas were other highlights though not unexpected.
		Jason Grubba 24/9 #231967
		White-throated Nightjar Pipeline trail - Heathcote National Park
		Night spotting when I heard that unmistakable call surprisingly early in the season. Heard about 4km in from the north end of the track.
		Leo Skowronek 24/9 #231955
		White-browed Woodswallow North Orange NSW
		A mixed flock of many hundreds of White-browed Woodswallow with some Masked Woodswallow (maybe 5%) mixed in. On the back of a very windy day they swarmed around the area for well over an hour. Also had 4 Super Parrots fly over during the same time.
		Chris Dwyer 23/9 #231944
		White-winged Triller, Tawny Grassbird, White-necked Heron and Lewin's Rail Lime Kiln Bay Reserve and Wetlands
		A White-winged Triller was seen in a Swamp Oak on the north side of the main pond. To my knowledge, this is the first White-winged Triller sighting in Oatley. The White-necked Heron seen previously was today feeding in the eastern pond. Additionally, a Tawny Grassbird and a Lewin's Rail were heard in the reedbed. For more information please see eBird checklist
		Jesse Gibson 23/9 #231942
		White-browed Woodswallow Hornsby.
		40-50 White-browed Woodswallows flying over Hornsby late this afternoon.
		michael ronan 23/9 #231941
Fri 22		Red-capped Robin HEZ Kurri Woodlands
		2 female Red-capped Robins seen in burnt woodland, a first for HEZ. Also Turquoise Parrot seen here 21st Sep. (per Mick Roderick)
		Steve Roderick 24/9 #231968
		Easten Koel Jamisontown
		Eastern Koels herd calling at 2pm in the afternoon
		L. Margen 24/9 #231964
		White-browed Woodswallow Coutts Crossing Village and Public School
		30+ White-browed Woodswallows moderately low over canopy in village and school, late in afternoon.
		Greg Clancy 23/9 #231936
		Spotted, Spotless, Baillon's Crakes, Lewin's and Buff-banded Rails, Rufous Songlark Hexham Swamp (Hunter Wetlands National Park)
		Awesome numbers of crakes today: 40 Spotted, 23 Baillon's, 4 Spotless, 4 Buff-banded & 2 Lewin's Rail; most active as soon as the sun dipped below the horizon. Numbers all conservative (particularly for Spotted) counts. At least 6 Rufous Songlarks seen, including 4 birds in vicinity of mangroves on eastern side of pipeline track. Also around 500 Sharp-tailed Sandpipers (most arriving on dusk).
		Alex Berryman 22/9 #231930
		Brown Songlark Ingleside
		Very excited to find a Brown Songlark in the late afternoon. A very rare bird for the Northern Beaches
		Jayden Walsh 22/9 #231928
		Rufous Songlark Revesby, suburban street
		This very vocal small striped bird has been calling in my suburban Revesby St for the last few days. Often while sitting on my or the neighbours front fence. This morning it was calling from the top of the street power pole. Smallish streaked bird, Rufous rump.
		Michael Miller 22/9 #231926
		Red Knot Boat Harbour, Kurnell
		One Knot seen feeding alone on the shelf. Wader numbers are increasing. A dapper Whiskered Tern reported by Michael Ellison earlier in the week was also present. eBird checklist
		Greg McLachlan 22/9 #231923
		Baillon's Crake Jacana Hsd Clarenza NSW
		Once common here, but not seen for 20 years. ( Moderator's note: this report is publish in the light of the long period since previous sighting at a well surveyed location (AKM).
		Eric Wheeler 22/9 #231919
		Leaden Flycatcher Ingleside Chase Reserve
		2 Birds seen and heard calling. Appear to be first for the season in Sydney. Other recently arrive migrants in Warriewood include: White-throated Gerygone, Rufous Whistler, Black-faced Monarch, Sacred Kingfisher, Dollarbird, Koel and Channel-billed Cuckoo. All that's missing is Rufous Fantail and Cicababird which will undoubtedly arrive soon.
		Jayden Walsh 22/9 #231918
Thu 21		White-browed and Masked Woodswallows, White-breasted Woodswallow, Pallid Cuckoo, Black-necked Stork James Lane, Trenayr
		20+ White-browed and 2+ Masked Woodswallows, 4+ White-breasted Woodswallows near wetland on Bunyip Creek. Two Pallid Cuckoos on fence posts near end of lane, Adult male Black-necked Stork eating 3 eels from nest indicating that young are on nest.
		Greg & Val Clancy & Warren Thompson 23/9 #231935
		White-browed Woodswallow Southgate
		200+ flying over paddocks south of Southgate Village.
		Greg & Val Clancy & Warren Thompson 23/9 #231934
		Magpie Goose, Scarlet Honeyeater Clarenza STW
		100+ adult and immature Geese foraging on grass seeds near ponds a short distance south of usual wetland roost and south of the Pacific Highway. 20+ mostly male Scarlet Honeyeaters feeding in bottlebrush along roadside near service station.
		Greg & Val Clancy & Warren Thompson 23/9 #231933
		Black Kite, Wedge-tailed Eagle South Grafton airstrip
		2 Black Kites over and one Wedge-tailed Eagle on fence post.
		Greg & Val Clancy & Warren Thompson 23/9 #231932
		Topknot pigeon Bonnievale camping ground, Bundeena
		4 Topknot Pigeons took flight from cabbage tree palm when I approached from Cabbage Tree Basin into camping ground this afternoon around 3pm
		Bruce Roubin 21/9 #231913
		Koel Suburb Ruse
		I heard a Koel calling this evening from my house in south west Sydney, not sure if they have been recorded as yet this season.
		Brendon Levot 21/9 #231912
		Latham's Snipe Deaves Rd, Cooranbong, NSW
		Single bird feeding on the edges of a pond. On private land but visible from the road
		Maurice Ashton 21/9 #231904
		Torresian Crow Main Street in Gunnedah
		A single bird perched on a power pole proclaiming his dominance over the town.
		George Madani 21/9 #231903
Wed 20		Powerful Owl Boondah Reserve, Warriewood
		Single bird calling at 8.30pm from vegetation along Narrabeen Creek, just to the west of Boondah Road.
		Carl Corden 22/9 #231916
		Baillon's Crake Tuggerah STW
		Originally Andrew Melville found 4-6 Baillon's Crakes at the Tuggerah STW and subsequently on 21/9/1, nine were found by AKM and Allan Benson. They are in the north-west corner of the large pond accessed along the bank from Canntree Rd Tuggerah. This is the first report for Baillon's Crakes on the Central Coast since one was seen at McPherson Rd Swamp Oct 2013, however in period 2010-2013, birds were seen at a number of locations in the period Sep-Dec, indication some form of a spring passage to or through the Central Coast.
		Andrerw Melville and Alan Morris 21/9 #231906
		Eastern Curlew Camden Haven river at North Haven
		Observed 12 Eastern Curlew loafing on rising tide on sandbank, also a pair of Sooty Oystercatchers seen flying down river, not often seen in this area.
		Stephen Gallivan 20/9 #231902
		Brown Falcon (1) Tawny Grassbird (1) Baillon's Crake (5) Spotless Crake (1) Sydney Olympic Park
		Brown Falcon showing well from viewing platform on brickpit ring walk hunting from dead trees and cliff sides, a first for me in inner west. Also Baillon's and Tawny Grassbird seen from here (scope will be handy). Spotless showing on mudflat at water purification pond at Wentworth Common.
		Dion Hobcroft 20/9 #231897
		Channel-billed cuckoo Gordon
		Quietly eating in a fig tree. Checking ebird, seems they are back in Sydney. (Moderator's Note: Yes they are and as a result we won't be publishing ongoing Channel-bill records unless they are in unusual locations, numbers etc. MR)
		David Vickers 20/9 #231893
		Dollarbird Coachwood Park
		Observed two on Monday 18th and heard two this morning. eBird checklist
		Brian Deans. 20/9 #231891