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. Likewise we will not be publishing every Square-tailed Kite sighting posted to Birdline because of a significant increase in reports in recent years, particularly in coastal areas (with the exception of the far north coast).

• Reports
• Criteria

July 2018

Wed 18		Painted Button-quail, Pheasant Coucal Jerrara Dam near Kiama
		One Painted Button-quail observed feeding in rainforest area near carpark and a Pheasant Coucal flushed from long grass near creek line. Also seen was one Brown and Grey Goshawk.
		Terrill Nordstrom, Dave Rower, Ralph Stadus 18/7 #234897
		Glossy Black Cockatoo Redheart Rd 47km NNE of Condobolin
		Birds were feeding in Belah trees just Nth of "Redheart" mailbox. There were two adults and a very young fledgling. I found them via the very noisy begging coming from the young bird. A friend called this morning and said he had seen six birds there earlier today.
		Warren Chad 18/7 #234896
		Glossy Black Cockatoo Neilrex
		Three pairs and at least one begging immature found feeding low in pines and a type of tall bush. Found after following calls from Merrygoen Rd into woodland on the southern boundary of the town. An interesting record in terms of location between populations of the species in Goonoo to the south and Pilliga to the north. eBird checklist
		Max Breckenridge 18/7 #234895
		Banded Stilt (4) Werri Lagoon, Gerringong
		4 Banded Stilts flew in from the South along the beach and landed near the lagoon entrance ~4pm this afternoon. The lagoon has been opened to the sea recently and the reduced water level has opened up some mudflats that the ibis, lapwings, egrets, teal etc have been feeding on. The stilts were feeding till after sunset and then roosting about 100m West of the lagoon entrance on dark.
		Lachlan Hall 18/7 #234892
		Hudsonian Godwit Lake Wollumboola east
		After 35 minutes, a small number of the Godwits flew from a sandbar in the lake, to the mid southeast side. I observed the white rump, black tail and large black patch under the wings when in flight. Too far away for decent photos. eBird checklist
		Carla Jackett 18/7 #234889
Tue 17		Pacific Baza Mt. Ulamambri Private Property (restricted access), Coonabarabran
		One Baza seen well circling around the house and then flying low overhead and heading north. My first sighting in the area and one of only a few this far west in NSW. An Azure Kingfisher on the Castlereagh River in Coonabarabran was another fairly western record. (Moderator's Note: During my time in the Coonabarabran area 1975-85 I had them as far west as Gulargumbone. AKM).
		Max Breckenridge 18/7 #234894
		Blue-billed Duck Westdale Effluent Reuse Farm
		Approximately 160 Blue-billed Ducks seen on large effluent reuse dam near Tamworth whilst I was sampling. Counted by tens, with as many males as females. (Moderator's Note: According to population estimates eg http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/22679827/0 this count is somewhere around 1% of the total population of the species, so is of significance. MR). eBird checklist
		Matt Hinze 18/7 #234888
Mon 16		Swift Parrot Sturt University Campus car park, Port Macquarie
		A 20 minute 2ha survey at this now well known carpark at 2pm found 14 Swift Parrots roosting in a flowering Forest Redgum. However the birds were really only properly seen when they all took off as a result of a disturbance. Prior to that I could hear the birds softly calling to each other which is the reason that I managed to find them. The usual other Lorikeets and honeyeaters were present. Posted for the benefit of the non-locals!
		Alan Morris 17/7 #234883
		Blue-billed Duck (52), Freckled Duck Lake Wallace
		Two Freckled Ducks at the southern end of the drive and the previously reported large number of Blue-billed Ducks still present: I counted 50 in one group on the open water in front of the Wallerawang Sailing Club and at least another 2 at the southern end of the lake towards the dam wall. This is by far the largest number of Blue-billed I've seen there. Other species included Australasian Shovelers, Musk Ducks displaying, several very vocal Little Ravens and two Noisy Miners (which I haven't previously seen at Lake Wallace).
		Carol Probets 16/7 #234877
Sun 15		Cotton Pygmy Goose Ballina Heights wetland
		Great views of the adult male Cotton Pygmy-Goose in this wetland beside the soccer playing fields. The bird has been resident at this wetland for some time but last reported at this site in May on Birdline, so this is an update!
		Alan Morris 17/7 #234884
		Eastern Osprey South Woy Woy
		Spotted a new nest atop the Communications tower near the very busy roundabout at Rawson Rd and Ocean beach Road. One bird visible overlooking the nest. (Moderator's Note: It should be noted that this nest was first reported with photos on the Central Coast Birders Facebook Page by Laurie Smith on 6/7/18. This is the 5th confirmed CC nesting pair! AKM).
		Andrew Whitaker 16/7 #234874
		Freckled Duck Kingsworth Lake, Nambucca, NSW
		During an outing of Bellingen Birders, two birds were seen on the lake, both female / juvenile plumage. Please note the site is private property, with permission required to access.
		Gary Phillips 15/7 #234870
		Painted Button Quail, Diamond Firetail Back Yamma State Forest- NE Dam
		Called in late this afternoon to see if the Swift Parrots might still be there. No parrots but did get a good look at a PBQuail and two DFiretails drank at the dam. The area around the dam had lots of sign of quail activity
		Warren Chad 15/7 #234867
		Pacific Gull Mill Stream Lookout, Botany Bay
		A juvenile with some Silver Gulls
		Barry Lancaster 15/7 #234865
		Regent Bowerbird. Crosslands Reserve,Berowra valley National Park
		Highlight of a birdwatching trip this morning to Crosslands Reserve was a female Regent Bowerbird my first record from Sydneys northern suburbs in 30 years.
		Michael Ronan 15/7 #234864
Sat 14		Giant Petrel, Brown Skua, Yellow-nosed Albatross, Prions Mistral Point, Maroubra
		Had a good 3 hour sea watch from Mistral Point in Maroubra with very high swells and moderate SW winds. During that time I had at least 40 Black-browed, at least one Campbell, 5 Shy and a Yellow-nosed Albatross, a Giant Petrel, at least 20 Prions, about 400 Fluttering Shearwater, 200 or more Australasian Gannets, a Brown Skua and adult 3 Kelp Gulls. Also good to see 3 Humpback Whales and a Fur Seal during that time.
		Edwin Vella 15/7 #234869
		Pacific Gull (6) La Perouse (Sydney)
		Was surprised to see 6 Pacific Gull at La Perouse on Saturday (certainly the most I have seen in Sydney). There were 4 juvenile (one with more yellow in the bill), a sub-adult and an a adult bird (as per attached photo). There were no Kelp Gulls seen there during that time.Good to also see a few Prions and some nice views of Humpback Whales from the National Park there too.
		Edwin Vella 15/7 #234868
		Cape Petrel, Fairy Prion, Wandering Albatross Offshore--Sydney Pelagic
		Highlights from yesterday's Sydney pelagic included Cape Petrel (4), Wandering-type Albatrosses (2), Fairy Prion (300), Grey-faced Petrel (3), Northern Giant-Petrel (3) with one banded NGP, as well as an assortment of Albatrosses including Shy-type, Indian Yellow-nosed, Buller's, Campbell and Black-browed. All in good numbers. High numbers of the expected Providence Petrel were also seen mostly well out to sea. Cape Petrel records off Sydney have been declining over the past decade or so with our last sighting being of a singe bird in July 2016 with very few records for the previous 6 years. eBird checklist
		Greg McLachlan, Nigel Miller and all observers on the Avalon IV 15/7 #234863
		Fairy Prions Booderee National Park--Cape St George
		The sea offshore was full of them. Saw a Sea-eagle attempt to take one. Later on the path back, disturbed same Sea-eagle from its favourite feeding log where it left behind an uneaten Fairy Prion corpse, so I assumed all birds were this species.
		andrew wood 14/7 #234859
		Rockwarbler Govetts Leap Look out, Blackheath
		Single, very confiding Rockwarbler, at Horseshoe Falls lookout. Too close to focus binoculars. It nearly hopped onto my shoe!
		Martin Snowball 14/7 #234858
Fri 13		Marbled frogmouth Nightcap National Park--Protestors Falls
		Arrived at the picnic area at 4.20am and heard call of female around 4.30am quite some distance away. The pair (I assume) moved closer and I got great close-up views of one bird around 5.30am and one briefly flying above me. Both male and female heard calling at 5.30am. Both gobble and kooloo calls continued until 6.25am. It's taken me a dozen or so attempts to see this bird over a decade including several unsuccessful trips to Conondale National Park in QLD and Terania Creek (where I have heard the call before but never seen).
		Charles Hunter 14/7 #234857
		Blue-billed Duck Lake Wallace
		57 Blue-billed Ducks counted at the eastern end of the loop road. Males in breeding colours. Appeared to be in three seperate groups on the open water. (Moderator's Note: A known site for the species but an exceptional count. MR)
		Graeme Robinson and Geoff Ball 13/7 #234856
		White-fronted Tern Barry Stoneham Park
		One White-fronted Tern fishing in the general area around the netted beach within the Tuncurry Breakwall. The bird has just been identified, its been here about two weeks - it regularly perched on the rocks on the Breakwall and on the beach within the breakwall. eBird checklist
		Barry M Ralley 13/7 #234851
Thu 12		Great Crested Grebe Glenbrook Lagoon
		Single immature bird. Uncommon in the Blue Mountains. eBird checklist
		Mark Ley 12/7 #234842
Wed 11		Spotted Harrier, Black-necked Stork Teven Road wetland, West Ballina
		Single adult harrier observed quartering over swamp. Single Black-necked Stork also present.
		David Charley 12/7 #234847
		(possible) Singing Honeyeater Castlereagh Nature Reserve
		One Singing Honeyeater feeding with a flock of Yellow Thornbills and Weebills in Perimeter South Trail. (Moderator's Note: Publishing this as a 'possible' while we seek some details from the observer. No description was provided. MR)
		Ronan Mann 11/7 #234840
Tue 10		Tawny-crowned Honeyeater Dolphin Point - heath
		The Tawny-crowned Honeyeater was a big surprise at Dolphin Point in the heath first time I have seen it in this region. Many others about in all different areas, with the Rose Robin also showing up after a late start in some areas. more images https://www.facebook.com/shoalhavenbirdlife/
		Charles Dove 10/7 #234833
Mon 9		Swift Parrot Cougal, NE NSW
		Two birds observed flying mid-canopy. Some flowering Blue Gum and Forest Red Gum in area so probably feeding locally
		David Charley 12/7 #234843
		White-naped Honeyeater Eastlake Golf course
		I was pleased to see a good number of White-naped Honeyeaters feeding with New Holland and Yellow-faced Honeyeaters in the lane beside the first hole at 7.30 this morning. Very few ducks, but two Swamp Harriers, an Intermediate Egret and two Black-fronted Dotterels made for a pleasant morning's walk despite the cold winter wind.
		Ted Nixon 9/7 #234831
Sat 7		Red-capped Robin West Ballina STW
		Single immature female still present and often easily approached.
		David Charley 12/7 #234844
		Spotted Harrier Castlereagh
		One adult bird seen next to the quarry beside Castlereagh Rd. It's been about 2 years at least since I have seen one in Sydney.
		Edwin Vella 7/7 #234813
		Red-capped and Scarlet Robin, Horsfield's Bronze-cuckoo Wianamatta Nature Reserve, Cranebrook
		Was lucky to see 4 species of Robin within 3 hours at the nature reserve including 2 female/Immature male Red-capped, an adult pair of Scarlet, an adult male Rose and Eastern Yellow Robin. Also present was a Collared Sparrowhawk, Horsfield's Bronze-cuckoo and lots of Double-barred Finches (including one group of 30-40 birds seen).
		Edwin Vella 7/7 #234812
Fri 6		Yellow-nosed Albatross, Prions Kiama
		During a 2 hour afternoon sea watch from next to the Kiama blow hole had about 10 Black-browed and a Yellow-nosed Albatross, a stream of 200 plus Prions (in the second hour), 50 or so Fluttering Shearwaters and about 30 Australasian Gannets. A pair of Australian Hobbies were also flying over the lighthouse. No cetaceans were seen during that time.
		Edwin Vella 7/7 #234814
		Striated Heron Dee Why Lagoon
		One adult, rather tame, on rocky wall at mouth of lagoon. (Estimated status of this species at D Y Lagoon: "infrequent visitor". Known to breed at nearby Narrabeen Lagoon).
		David Sawyer 7/7 #234809
		Hudsonian Godwit & Banded Stilt Lake Wollumboola
		Hudsonian Godwit & Banded Stilt still present. Viewed from the northern shore around 8 am & still present at 12 noon when we left. Observed & photoed by myself, Kim Touzel & two other birders. Will post photos to my ebird list when time permits. eBird checklist
		Paul Lynch & Kim Touzel 6/7 #234806
		White-faced Storm-petrel Double Bay
		As the ferry headed in towards the Double Wharf at about 12.15pm today I was astounded to see a Storm-petrel beside the ferry, at the outer line of moored boats. As the ferry was heading into the wharf and the Storm-petrel was heading out of the bay into the North/North-westerly wind, I had a brief view of the front of the bird as it passed the ferry and then a mostly dorsal view as it flew away from me. Overall impression was of a grey-plumaged bird, with whiter rump band - not dark plumage of a Wilson's. Characteristic storm-petrel flight, skipping over the waves, using paired feet, legs trailing. I stayed on the ferry for the return to see if I could see the bird again but without luck. The Storm-petrel's flight appeared perfectly normal so not an injured or exhausted bird. (Moderator's Note: A very interesting record and worth staying on the ferry for!. MR)
		Robert Griffin 6/7 #234802
Wed 4		Swift Parrots Charles Sturt University Carpark Port Macquarie campus
		Observed 10-12 swift parrots feeding in gum trees opposite Learning Commons building.
		Malcolm McKenzie 6/7 #234801
		King Parrot Gloucester Caravan Park & adjacent Town Park
		75 counted on the ground near the running track adjacent to the caravan park. There were more in the surrounding trees. They were feasting on the cones of a Pinus sp. (Moderator's Note: Similar aggregations of up to 100 king-parrots have been reported in Sydney and other areas recently. MR). eBird checklist
		Barry M Ralley 6/7 #234800
		Caspian Tern, Pied Oystercatcher Woy Woy Channel
		At 2pm strolling along the waterfront saw 12 Caspian Terns some with full black cap others with partial cap flecked white, and 2 Pied Oystercatchers resting on the private jetties. Had not seen them here before. Also 50+ Black Swans on the sand bar opposite.
		Rafael Furniss 5/7 #234793
		Ninox strenua Powerful Owl Bensville
		One Powerful Owl heard calling near the detention basin at the end of north street. Calls lasted approximately 5 minutes from 6:30pm.
		Ashleigh McTackett 4/7 #234785
Tue 3		Wood Sandpiper Moseley Park Swamp, Lord Howe Island
		First seen Friday 29th June and still present Tuesday 3rd July. According to Ian Hutton, probably the first record of Wood Sandpiper for the Lord Howe Island.
		Andrew Silcocks per Mick Roderick 5/7 #234788
		Little Lorikeet Umina, Vernon and Dulkara rds.
		Little Lorikeets seen at Umina yesterday. saw 3 but prob up to 6 at 7am Vernon st. then had 2 fly past me up the creek/drain about 11am . Musk and Rainbows also seen.
		Michael Price 4/7 #234784
		Musk Lorikeet Backyard, Kellyville
		We always have Rainbow Lorikeets in the neighbour's Gum tree and they become quite noisy around feeding time. Today though I noticed a difference in the sound of the bird chatter. I observed a small number of Musk Lorikeets feeding on the gum blossoms. I have only seen them here on one other occasion. (Moderator's Note: There has been an obvious influx of Musk Lorikeets in coastal/sub-coastal NSW this year, which started in late summer when Little Lorikeets were also often reported with them. MR)
		Narelle Wajzer 3/7 #234778
		Swift Parrot Charles Sturt University, Port Macquarie Campus
		Observed only 2 Swift parrots feeding on lerps next to the car park at midday
		Stephen Gallivan 3/7 #234777
		Blue-and-yellow Macaw (4) Bondi Junction
		Regularly sight 2 birds in this area but this morning there were 4, close to the northeast corner of Centennial Park. Watched for several minutes out of my office window. Possibly a parrot keeper in the eastern suburbs letting them 'free range'. (Moderator's Note: We don't normally publish escapees, but in this instance it might be worth posting in case the owner is trying to track them down!). eBird checklist
		Eric Finley 3/7 #234772
Mon 2		Large-billed Scrubwren Great River Walk, Penrith
		Two birds seen in bell-vine-infested riparian corridor near the quarry at the end of the pathway
		Mark Fuller and Paul Johnstone 2/7 #234763
		Hudsonian Godwit, Banded Stilt, Red-kneed Dotterel, Red-rumped Parrot Lake Wollumboola
		I confirmed the bird reported as a possible by Vincent Mourik from the 01.07.2018. It was present with and fed with the Banded Stilt. Red-rumped Parrots also appear to be present (heard 1-2 birds). Though I am not sure of their provenance- the species is rare on the SE coast of NSW. A very disheveled Red-kneed Dotterel was also present. Shorebird and tern list: 100+ Bar-tailed Godwit 1 Hudsonian Godwit 140 Red-necked Avocet 1 Banded Stilt 50 White-headed Stilt 12 Pied Oystercatchers 12 Masked Lapwing 1 Red-kneed Dotterel 5 Black-fronted Dotterel 8 Red-capped Plover 50 Caspian Tern 30 Crested Tern 6+ Australian Gull-billed Tern Other birds of note Red-rumped Parrot Little Eagle Black-shouldered Kite 2 Australian Hobbies Numerous Whistling Kites Beautiful Firetail (calls) Plus the usual suspects in terms of ducks and cormorants (No black swans though). Lake conditions are fantastic for shorebirds atm and- if maintained into the spring and summer period- should attract sizable aggregations. As for the Hudwit, given that it is overwintering and assuming that conditions hold, it should be present for the next 10 or so moths...
		Demetrios Bertzeletos, Daniel Hickley 2/7 #234762
		Channel-billed Cuckoo Lions Park Berkeley Vale
		A Channel-billed Cuckoo was seen feeding on Figs today. An early returnee or an overstayer? (Moderator's Note: Very interesting in light of the Royal Botanic Gardens record last Sunday [24/06/2018]. See comments made there, #234752. MR).
		Christina Port 2/7 #234758
Sun 1		Caspian Tern Lake Cargelligo STW
		Good numbers of birds back on the ponds after a lean summer. 6 Caspian Terns, 4 Aus Shelduck, 75 Silver Gulls, 15 Shovellers , 100 Pink Ears and a water rat.
		Warren Chad, Fiona Lumsden, John French and Dan Florence 2/7 #234764

June 2018

Sat 30		Rose-Crowned fruit-Doves Iluka Nature Reserve
		6 or 7 Rose-Crowned fruit-Doves in Iluka Nature Reserve today first time i have seen these doves in the middle of winter.
		Michael Ronan 30/6 #234739
		Speckled Warbler Macleay valley, west of Kempsey
		Two pairs of Speckled Warblers found today at different spots in the Moparrabah/Toorooka area of the Macleay valley. It has been several years since this species has been reported in the region so I was pleased to find multiple birds still hanging on in small patches of suitable habitat.
		Liam Murphy 30/6 #234737
		Glossy Black Cockatoo, Scaly-breasted Lorikeet Misons Road
		A single male Glossy Black Cockatoo at Misons Road. Also a single Scaly-breasted Lorikeet in among Rainbow, Musk and Little Lorikeets.17 Topknot Pigeons, Southern Emu Wrens and good numbers of Fuscous and White-eared Honeyeaters were also seen.
		Demetrios Bertzeletos, Daniel Hickley 30/6 #234736
		Topknot Pigeon Cooks River Bridge at Wardell Road, Marrickville/Earlwood
		One topknot pigeon sitting on wires above Wardell Road bridge over the Cooks River. Harassed by noisy miners and flew away. Royal spoonbill and eastern rosella seen nearby as well.
		Fiona Campbell, Anthony Wood 30/6 #234735
		Banded Stilt Lake Wollumboola
		A Single Banded Stilt is still lingering with the Red-necked Avocets to confirm other who have also seen it recently.
		Darren and Fiona Earnshaw 30/6 #234734
		Ground Cuckoo-shrike West Dubbo
		Four birds were seen perching on the fence and feeding in the paddocks opposite to the John Deer along the Mitchell Highway.
		Stanley Tang and Jill Molan 30/6 #234730
Fri 29		Powerful Owl Coffs Harbour Botanical Gardens
		Roosting male observed at about 20m high, seen by a number of visitors to the park at mid day
		Stephen Gallivan 30/6 #234733
Thu 28		Swift Parrot Charles Sturt University, Port Macquarie Campus
		Approx 50 Swift Parrots observed feeding on lerp in forest red gum adjacent to Uni carpark and nearby forest red gums. Rainbow and Scaly-breasted Lorikeets present. Trees in heavy bud with small amount of flowering starting. Spectacular views and great photo opportunities.
		Chris Slade, Bronwyn Ellis, Graham Marshall 28/6 #234721
		Eastern Osprey Gore Cove, Greenwich
		3 p.m. Flew across the cove into a tree on the Wollstonecraft side, was bombed three times by a magpie, then flew back and out of my sight. Presumably the same bird that I saw in Gore Cove in early May on several occasions.
		Ted Nixon 28/6 #234719
Wed 27		Turquoise parrot Nail Can Hill Reserve
		8 turquoise parrots flushed while walking on nail can Hill west of albury TAFE near the ridge track. First time seen in this part of the reserve
		Janet chapman 27/6 #234715
		Banded Stilt Lake Wollumboola
		Single Banded Stilt still present at Lake. There are 140 plus Red-necked Avocets and the Banded Stilt was located roosting with the Avocets.
		Terrill Nordstrom, Dave Rower 27/6 #234714
		Eastern spinebill, Yellow tailed black cockatoo Lewisham Sydney
		Was about to get into my car to go to work today, when I found a dead Eastern spinebill on the road. I've seen Eastern spinebills in my backyard only three times over the last decade, although the last two were in the last couple of years. My place is not far from the light rail and Greenway corridor where quite a few small birds, gerygone, thornbills and others are sighted regularly. Also sighted 3 Yellow tailed Black Cockatoos flying South across West St Petersham (near Petersham Park) yesterday Tuesday 26th.
		Madeline Hourihan 27/6 #234713
		Swift Parrot, Turquoise Parrot Hunter Economic Zone (Button-Quail Junction)
		Despite being very hard to find currently at other Cessnock sites, Swift Parrots are still in HEZ. There were about 40 birds this morning spread across three distinct sites, but the vast majority at 'Button-Quail Junction' (-32 49 43, 151 26 33). Birds were again taking food and moisture from the foliage of various eucalypts, including small saplings. I also heard a Turquoise Parrot; my first record at Button-Quail Junction. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oG1Rq3fhwaI&t=13s https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i7z3_nvSI3U&feature=youtu.be
		Mick Roderick 27/6 #234711
		Scarlet Myzomela, Yellow-faced Honeyeater, Eastern Spinebill Centennial Park (Sydney)
		Scarlet Myzomela first seen on June 26th by Marylon Coates on the south end of Mission Field near Equestrian Area. Male and female birds resighted on 27th in a mixed feeding flock of Yellow-faced and New Holland Honeyeater, Eastern Spinebill and Silvereye, by Anne Brophy. The Scarlet Myzomela is not mentioned in Ern Hoskins list of birds of Centennial Park, so a rare sighting.
		Marylon Coates & Anne Brophy 27/6 #234710
Tue 26		Rock Warbler Flint and Steel Track, West Head
		One bird was on the track after the turn off to the beach track, near the palm grove. He didn't seem to mind me standing very close and watching him.
		Judy Clark 26/6 #234707
		Gang Gang Cockatoos Grono Firetrail, Parr State Conservation Area
		3 M & 2 F, good range of other species - always pleasing to come across Gang Gangs
		Glenn Vickery 26/6 #234702
Mon 25		Red-backed Kingfisher Belmore River
		Just before 595 Belmore River North Bank Road and also directly opposite in South Bank Road eBird checklist
		Barry M Ralley 30/6 #234732
		Swift Parrot Back Yamma State Forest
		At least 5 Swift Parrots feeding on lerps and white box flower. Very minor flowering in the forest, but the parrots were seen consistently over three days around the dam in the north-east corner of the reserve.
		Max Breckenridge 28/6 #234718
		Fuscous Honeyeater, White-throated Gerygone Yarravel, near Kempsey
		At least two Fuscous Honeyeaters present on private property at Yarravel, just west of Kempsey, feeding in planted Grevilleas and Spotted Gums. This is a rare species on the mid-north coast. To my knowledge there is nowhere that they occur regularly in the Manning/Hastings/Macleay and only a small handful of records exist for the region. White-throated Gerygone also heard calling here and at numerous other sites locally in recent weeks. There seems to be more than usual overwintering this year. eBird checklist
		Liam Murphy 27/6 #234712
		Black-necked Stork Lake Chickiba, Ballina
		Immature Stork observed feeding at low tide. First time I have observed this species in two years observing the lake.
		Nick Priest 26/6 #234704
Sun 24		Channel billed Cuckoo Royal Botanic Gardens (Sydney)
		Saw him in woods behind Mrs Macquarie's chair (Moderator's Note: A fascinating record. There are no records of Channel-bills near Sydney [or virtually anywhere in NSW] in June on eBird or Birdata. There are some July records which were considered to be early returns. It is difficult to say that this bird would be an early return and is probably an overwintering individual. MR). eBird checklist
		Hitesh Kavle 1/7 #234752
		Banded Stilt Lake Wollumboola
		Checking my photos 26/6/18, from Sundays visit to the lake & just found one adult Banded Stilt flying amongst a flock of Red-necked Avocet. Viewed birds from the NE shoreline.
		Paul & Carol Lynch 26/6 #234706
		Little Eagle Berrima
		One bird a kilometre north of Berrima township, circling low over a hill. I've never seen Little Eagles in this location before, though they have been seen a little south of Berrima, closer to Medway Rd and the Hume Highway.
		Lorne Johnson 24/6 #234695
		White-headed Pigeon Between Bowral and Berrima
		2 birds on power lines by Oxleys Hill Rd, halfway between Bowral and Berrima. I've never seen White-headed Pigeons in this location before. And an odd spot for them as there are paddocks everywhere and there is no dense forest for kilometres.
		Lorne Johnson 24/6 #234694
		Swift Parrot The Australian Botanic Garden, Mt Annan
		At least 4 Swift Parrots seen near the Stolen Generations Garden in the Australian Botanic Garden. Often being harassed by Bell Miners. 1 also came down for a drink and bath in a small pond. Spend most of their time feeding in the tops of the trees. More photos will be added on ebird. eBird checklist
		Timothy Paasila 24/6 #234693
		Varied sittella and Little lorikeet Castlereagh Nature Reserve
		5 Varied sitella moving through canopy along Powerline trail. Also along the same trail were a pair of crested shrike tits and 3 brown headed honeyeaters. A pair of little lorikeets observed feeding on small amount of blossom on Eucalyptus fibrosa along the Woolybutt trail. Along Perimeter south trail were double barred finches and a white eared honeyeater.
		Peter Lockhart 24/6 #234692
		Glossy black cockatoo Apple Tree Bay
		Three glossy black cockatoos spent the morning in the riverine, the south facing aspect towards the upper regions of the small estuary at the end of the car park.
		Martin coss 24/6 #234688
Sat 23		Grey-backed Storm Petrel, Southern Giant Petrel and Wandering Albatrosses Offshore--Kiama Pelagic (SOSSA)
		The highlights of the 23 June SOSSA trip were a Grey-backed Storm Petrel, a Southern Giant Petrel and 10+ Wandering type Albatrosses. Other birds of note were 20+ Bullers, 10+ Shy-type, 10+ Black-browed, 3+ Campbell and 5+ Indian Yellow-nosed Albatrosses. We also has 3+ Solander's Petrels, Wilson's Storm-Petrels and many Fairy Prions. (Moderator's Note: Another great day out! Grey-backed Storm-petrel is on the NSW ORAC review list for records north of Ulladulla. MR)
		B Whylie and all aboard the MV Kato 23/6 #234687
		Little Eagle Western Sydney Parklands, Dean Park
		A little eagle (light morph) seen circling over grassland and Eastern Creek. At times being harassed by a black shouldered kite and Australian ravens.
		Peter Lockhart & Irene Lockhart 23/6 #234686
		Swift parrot Nyngan
		Nyngan swimming pool/football field/skate park. Feeding in gum trees with musk lorikeets. I would say there was about 14 of them but it was hard to get a count so high up only when the flew off from being harassed by noisy miners. I have more photos (not very good but can be identified) but this one shows 5 in the one shot. I also heard them there on the Thursday too but couldn’t stay to get photo. (Moderator's Note: Remarkable to have so many that far west. MR) eBird checklist
		Dianne Ross 23/6 #234685
		Red-backed Kingfisher Belmore River left bank rd.
		Red-backed kingfisher still here. At the junction of the link road between Left and Right Bank Belmore river roads
		Phillip Shelley 23/6 #234682
		Flame Robin Emmaville NSW
		Stunning male in my backyard this morning.
		Heather Green 23/6 #234678
Fri 22		Pied Butcherbird Canoelands
		At around 4pm I found 2 Pied Butcherbirds perched on telegraph wires along Canoelands rd
		Jayden Walsh 23/6 #234680
		Pacific Baza Western Sydney Parklands, Glendenning
		Pacific Baza spotted this afternoon cruising above the treetops eBird checklist
		David Steel 22/6 #234675
		Flame Robin Integral Park, West Dapto
		A single female Flame Robin was seen about 50m East of the playground. It was flitting around the ground and low branches of the shrubs there. eBird checklist
		Steven Cooper 22/6 #234674
		Little Corella Long Reef Golf Course
		The regular flock of 200+ aerating the fairway. They roost in tall gums at Dee Why, then head north along the coast each morning, pausing to drink at the golf course ponds. Also of interest, one Buff-banded Rail ducking for cover at the 5th tee-off; a Caspian Tern patrolling Long Reef Beach; and at Dee Why Lagoon a well-hidden roosting Night Heron betrayed by a multitude of miners.
		David Sawyer 22/6 #234673
Thu 21		Hooded Robin Private Property (Bullarah Locality, 70km w of Moree NW NSW)
		Adult Male & Female Hooded Robin, Yellow-rumped Thornbill, Striped Honeyeater, Singing Honeyeater & Spiney-cheeked Honeyeater also present amongst others in open Bimble Box and Northern Sandalwood vegetation
		Pat Johnston 22/6 #234672
		Southern Emu-Wren Ian McLennan Park, Wollongong,
		3 Southern Emu-Wrens were spotted (2 Male) across the road to the SW of the soccer fields at the bottom of the hill. I haven't seen them here since October last year. eBird checklist
		Steven Cooper 21/6 #234669
Wed 20		Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoos Redfern
		4 x YTB Cockatoos flying toward Newtown close to the old Carriageworks/Australia Technology Park. Oddly urban location.
		Andrew Whitaker 22/6 #234676
		Gull-billed Tern, Sacred Kingfisher Shoalhaven Heads Inlet
		Five Gull-billed Tern observed at low tide feeding on small crabs. Two Sacred Kingfishers seen in same area.
		Brian Deans, Graham Barwell, Terrill Nordstrom 20/6 #234668
		Swift Parrot Nyngan - Larkin Oval
		Two swift parrots seen in gum trees near Larkin Oval and Nyngan swimming pool. I located a dead swift parrot on the 16/6/2018 not too far from where I seen these birds.
		michael CroslandM 20/6 #234666
		Hoary-headed Grebe Long Reef Beach
		Wwhile walking along the beach a Hoary-headed Grebe flew very low across just in front of me. I assumed that it had been had been resting (fatigued on account of the unusually bad weather?) higher up on the beach, from where I had inadvertently put it to flight. Unfortunately it headed out too low across the raging surf and, being caught by the crest of a breaker, I saw it no more. . A few minutes earlier I had seen a Hoary-headed Grebe swimming on the main pond of the nearby Golf Course. When I later returned to the pond, after the beach incident, I could not find the Hoary-headed Grebe. Also of interest there, was a Royal Spoonbill and a Little Egret, and circling together over nearby Collaroy Heights was the local Peregrine pair.
		David Sawyer 20/6 #234665
Tue 19		Crested Shriketit, Double-barred Finch, Grey Goshawk Ropes Creek, Mt Druitt
		A short afternoon birdwatch in Mt Druitt turned up some interesting birds. In a small patch of remnant scrub along Ropes Creek in a suburban area I flushed a Grey Goshawk and had great views. Also spotted was one Crested Shriketit and 4 Double-barred Finches. eBird checklist
		David Steel 19/6 #234660