SOUTHERN AUSTRALIA, NORTHERN TERRITORIES AND NEW CALEDONIA 1998 Part 1

SOUTHERN AUSTRALIA, NORTHERN TERRITORIES AND NEW CALEDONIA

John Cooper

I  travelled out with Richard Fairbank and Garry Edwards. We first visited Southern Australia chiefly camping at various birding sites even thou it was winter time in Australia. We hired an extremely large car in Sydney for this section of the tour which I found very useful and comfortable as I was able to use it as my tent although both Richard and Garry both preferred their own tent. One night we stayed with my old birding friend, Mick Carter and spent an enjoyable day birding his local sites which produced both Australasian Bittern and Powerful Owl. We also had a successful day pelagic off Wollongong although poor Garry was sea-sick the whole of the day.

When we arrived in Melbourne, we flew to New Caledonia for a six night stay in the hope of seeing one of our most wanted birds the Kagu. Again we camped overnight chiefly in the camp-site just outside the National Park and we had the good fortunate to meet up with Yves Letocart, who was mainly responsible for saving the Kagu from extinction. Yves kindly took us around the following day to show us the main birding areas where we found the Kagu.

We flew back to Sydney where Richard returned back to the UK and Garry and myself flew across Australia to Darwin where we spent a busy 6 days visiting sites in the Northern Territories. Again we camped at the various birding sites and we hired a car for the full time. Unfortunately, we found 6 days to be to short a time this fine area.

ITINERARY.

1998

21st July               Flew into Sydney and visited Royal National Park. Camped overnight  in the Park.

 

Views taken around Sydney Harbour and Opera House.

22nd July               Early morning Royal Nat.Park, moved onto Budderoo Nat.Park and      

afternoon and evening Barren Grounds Nat.Park.Camped overnight nearby.

The Barren Grounds.

23rd July              All day Barren Grounds and Budderoo Nat Parks, evening drive to                             Wollongong visiting local site en-route for spotlighting, overnight Wollongong.

Two views taken from the Barren Grounds.

24th July              All day pelagic off Wollongong. Camped overnight at Dharug Nat.Park.

Looking over Wollongong

Albatrosses from the Wollongong pelagic.

25th July              Early morning Old North Road, Dharug Nat.Park, visited Mitchell Park and drove over Blue Mountains. Camped locally overnight.

26th July              Long drive to Deniliquin stopping en-route at Leeton Swamp. Overnight Deniliquin    Campsite.

27th July              All Day Deniliquin with Phi Maher. Overnight Deniliquin Camp Site.

28th July              Deniliquin Camp Site drove to Chiltern State Forest (various sites). Evening drive Victoria Alps near Bright, camped overnight in the Nat.Park.

29th July              Victoria Alps near Bright (snowing) returned to the Chiltern State Forest. Evening drive to Toolangi Nat.Park where we camped overnight.

                            

30th July              Early morning Toolangi Nat.Park,(low cloud and misty), Maroonadah Reservoir Park. Ferntree Gulley where we met up with Mick Carter, Listerfield Lake Park. Edithvale, Balnarring, Rosebud Beach. Overnight with Mick Carter.

Toolangi National Park

Mick Carter and myself outside Mick's house.

31st July              All morning Werribee Sewage Farm with local birders, Geelong Area and Salt Flats, Geelong Botanical Gardens, Barwon Headland. Camped overnight Barwon Campsite.

1st August            Barwon Headland, Queens Park, Geelong Area, Brisbane Ranges, Aireys Inlet, Distillery Creek. Camped overnight at local campsite.

Marsh type Kangaroo

Koala Bear.

2nd August           Aireys Inlet and surrounding area, Distillery Creek Nat.Park, Drove along Great Ocean Road stopping at various sites, Evening drive to Little Desert Nat.Park and camped in the campsite.

 

 

 

Views taken along the Great Ocean Road.

 3rd August    All morning, Little Desert Nat.Park, Drive to Wyperfield Nat.Park. Camped  in the campsite.

Flowering bush seen on the drive today.

Two views of Wyperfield National Park.

Malleefowl mound in Wyperfield National Park.

(Unfortunately no Malleefowl).

Kangaroo at Wyperfield National Park.

4th August            All Day Wyperfield Nat. Park (South End) with evening drive to Hattah-Kulkyne Nat.Park where we camped overnight in the campsite.

Sunset over Hattah-kulkyne National Park.

 5th August            All day Hattah-Kulkyne Nat. Park.

                            

Two views taken in Hattah-Kulkyne National Park.

6th August            All day Hattah-Kulkyne Nat.Park.

7th August            Hattah-Kulkyne Nat.Park Campsite, Yarrarra Floral Reserve, Port Gawler and nearby Salt Pans, Adelaide Salt Pans. Overnight local campsite.

                             

8th August            Drive from Adelaide to Leigh Creek, stopping at sites en route. Camped overnight in the desert near Leigh Creek.

Two views of the stony desert on the drive out to Leigh Creek.

Four views taken around Leigh Creek.

Main road around Leigh Creek (Australia version of the M25)

9th August            Birded at various sites along the road from Leigh Creek to Lyndhurst. 

Went along the Strzelecki Track for 28 kms and returned to Lyndhurst and drove to Marree, Camped in the desert l0kms before Marree.

Over 500kms to Birdsville.

 It all appeared to be just stony desert.

Virtually the only car we saw was ours and a few trucks.

Not the prettiest drive I have done and unfortunately the road ahead was flooded and 

we had to turn around and drive back. Not all bad news, as we found a party of 

Inland Dotterels, one of our most wanted birds.

10th August          Birded around Marree and up to 20kms along the Birdsville Track.  Approx. ten hour drive to Port Lincoln on the Eyre Peninsula stopping en route at Port Augusta, Salt Works and nearby area. Camped overnight Lincoln Nat. Park.

Drive to Port Augustus.

Port Augustus sunset

11th August          Lincoln Nat.Park, Big Swamp, Coffin Bay Nat. Park. Camped overnight at Lake Gilles    Conservation Park.

                             

12th August          Lake Gilles Conservation Park, Iron Knob Salt Bushes, Port  Augusta Salt Pans, Port Prime. Overnight Adelaide Camp Site.

                             

13th August          Drive from Adelaide to Bool Lagoon. Afternoon and evening birding at Bool Lagoon, camped overnight near the Great Ocean Road.

14th August          Great Ocean Road, Lake Martin, Long Forest Reserve near Melbourne, Camped overnight at Toolangi Nat. Reserve. 

                             

15th August          Toolangi Nat. Reserve, drove to Melbourne Airport, Flight to New Caledonia, camped overnight outside Riviere Bleue Nat. Park.

                             

16th August          Riviere Bleue Nat. Park All Day. Camped overnight at Mount Koaghis.

17th August          All Day Mount Koaghis, camped overnight outside Riviere Bleue Nat.Park.

18th August          All Day Riviere Bleue Nat. Park. Met up with Yves Letocart and birded with him during the morning, camped overnight in the Nat.Park campsite. 

                             

19th August          All day Riviere Bleue Nat. Park  using the same campsite.

20th August          Morning Riviere Bleue Nat. Park, Afternoon drove to the coast near Yate. Camped near the Airport.

21st August           Traveling day - Flew from New Caledonia to Sydney and then onto Darwin. Camped overnight at East Point near Darwin.

Looking across from East Point to Darwin

 

Wallaby at East Point.

22nd August         East Point Recreation Reserve, Elizabeth River Crossing, Howard Springs, Pine Creek, Camped overnight Katherine Campsite.

                             

23rd August         Chinaman Creek, Victoria River Crossing, Timber Creek. Camped overnight at Victoria River Crossing Campsite.

                                                                Baobab tree at Timber Creek

24th August         Victoria River Crossing and Escarpment Trial, Ferguson River Crossing, Drove to Waterfall Creek camped overnight at campsite.

Views taken at the Victoria River Embankment.

25th August          Waterfall Creek and Escarpment all day.

Waterfall Creek

The climb up to the escarpment at Waterfall Creek

Waterfall Creek pool.

26th August          Waterfall Creek and Escarpment, drove to Fogg Dam and Window on Wetlands Reserve and Adelaide River Crossing. Camped overnight Howard Springs Campsite.      

27th August          Elizabeth River Crossing, Howard Springs, return flight to Sydney & London.

Systematic List

EMU  Dromaius novaehollandia

Recorded on nine dates chiefly in the drier areas around Adelaide. Daily maximum of 40 on the 10th  Aug .

Emus in Wyperfield National Park.

HOARY-HEADED GREBE  Poliocephalus poliocephalus

Recorded on seven dates all from the South with 300+ seen at Werribee Sewage Farm on the 31st July and 40 on the 12th Aug at Port Augustua Salt Works. Majority were still in winter plumage.

Hoary-headed Grebes at Werribee Sewage Farm.

AUSTRALASIAN GREBE  Tachybaptus novaehollandiae

Small numbers recorded from the South on nine dates with a daily maximum of 20 on the 13th Aug.

WANDERING ALBATROSS  Diomedea exulans

Only recorded from the pelagic from Wollongong on the 24th July when at least 4 different birds were seen in various plumages. It was considered that the adults belonged to the race gibsoni while the juveniles were exulans - the latter looked larger which is one feature. Considered by Collar to be vulnerable.

 

Adult Wandering Albatross on the Wollongong pelagic.

BLACK BROWED ALBATROSS  Diomedea melanophrys

A minimum of 100 was seen from the pelagic from Wollongong on the 24th July with 2 seen from Barwon Head on the 31st July and 1st.Aug. Two races identified on the pelagic, melanophris and impavida the latter has a distinctive white eye, and is now a full specie known as Gibson's, which was well seen on several different individuals, with birds being photographed.

Gibson's Albatross with Yellow-nosed Albatross on the Wollongong pelagic.

Gibson's Albatross on the pelagic.

Gibson's Albatross with Wandering Albatross on the Wollongong pelagic.

YELLOW-NOSED ALBATROSS  Diomedea chlororhynchos

A minimum of 150 was seen on the pelagic off Wollongong on the 24th July. They were considered to belong to the race bassi.

Yellow-nosed Albatrosses belonging to the race bassi on the Wollongong pelagic.

Odd birds were netted for measuring and ringing purposes.

SHY ALBATROSS  Diomedea cauta

A minimum of 8 different birds were seen on the pelagic from Wollongong on the 24th July and excellent views obtained. All considered to belong to the nominate race cauta.

Shy Albatrosses belonging to the race cuta on the pelagic out off  Wollongong.

Shy, Yellow-nosed and Wandering Albatrosses off Wollongong.

SOUTHERN GIANT PETREL  Macronectes giganteus

At least 2 birds were seen  from the pelagic on the 24th July and a single bird was seen sitting on the sea at Coffin Bay on the 11th Aug.

CAPE PETREL Daption capense

Two seen on the pelagic off Wollongong on the 24th July.

PROVIDENCE PETREL  Pterodroma solandri

Up to 10 were seen from the pelagic off Wollongong on the 24th July The white patch on the underwing of the primaries was very conspicuous. Considered by Collar to be vulnerable.

FAIRY PRION  Pachyptila turtur

At least 40 were seen on the pelagic on the 24th July.

Fairy Prions on the Wollongong pelagic.

FLUTTERING SHEARWATER  Puffinus gavia

At least 150 were seen on the pelagic from Wollongong on the 24th July and 5,000+ were seen during the evening from Barwon Head on the 31st July  At least 100 were found dead on the beach near Barwon Head. No reason could be found for this.

Some of the dead Fluttering Shearwaters found on the beach at Barwon Head.

WHITE-FACED STORM PETREL  Pelagodroma marina

At least 1 gave excellent views from the pelagic off Wollongong on the 24th July. The yellow feet were seen well on one occasion.

Record shot of the White-faced Storm Petrel seen on the Wollongong pelagic.

AUSTRALIAN PELICAN  Pelecanus conspicillatus

Small numbers recorded on twelve dates in the South with a daily maximum of 30.

AUSTRALASIAN GANNET  Sula serrator

Five seen on the pelagic on the 24th July,  six seen on the 31st July with three on the 1st Aug from Barwon Head and two on the 2nd along the Great Ocean Road.

DARTER  Anhinga melanogaster

One seen on the 29th July flying over the Chiltern State Forest and one male seen on the 26th Aug at Fogg Dam.

BLACK FACED SHAG  Leucocarbo fuscescens

Three breeding pairs seen on a small rocky island along the Great Ocean Road on the 2nd & 14th Aug.

PIED CORMORANT Phalacrocorax varius

Only recorded on four dates chiefly near or on the coast with a maximum of 40+ sat on the jetty along the seaward side at Werribee Sewage Farm on the 31st July.

Pied and Little Pied Cormorants at Werribee Sewage Farm.

LITTLE PIED CORMORANT Phalacrocorax melanoleucos

Recorded on fifteen dates at various localities with a maximum of 40+ at Werribee Sewage Farm on the 31st July.

GREAT CORMORANT Phalacrocorax carbo

Recorded on only three dates in small numbers.

LITTLE BLACK CORMORANT Phalacrocorax sulcirostris

Recorded on twelve dates with a maximum of 40 on the Eyre Peninsula on the 11th Aug.

PACIFIC HERON Ardea pacifica

Single birds recorded on four dates but 40 seen in fields just inland from the Great Ocean Road on the 2nd Aug.

WHITE-FACED HERON Ardea novaehollandiae 

Recorded on sixteen dates from various localities with a daily maximum of  20 on the 31st July at Werribee Sewage Farm.

PIED HERON Ardea picata

This fine Heron was only seen at Fogg Dam and Window on Wetlands Reserve on the 26th Aug when at least 300 were seen.

 

Pied Herons at the Windows on Wetlands Reserve.

CATTLE EGRET Ardea ibis

Just recorded on four dates in small numbers.

GREAT EGRET Ardea alba

Recorded on eleven dates with a daily maximum of 30 at Fogg Dam on the 26th Aug.

LITTLE EGRET Ardea garzetta

Just two singles seen in the South and 15 seen at Fogg Dam on the 26th Aug.

INTERMEDIATE EGRET Ardea intermedia

Only seen at Fogg Dam and Window on Wetlands Reserve with 300 being seen on the 26th Aug.

STRIATED HERON Ardeola striatus

Just a single bird seen on the 22nd Aug at East Point.

RUFOUS NIGHT HERON Nycticorax caledonicus

A fine adult was stood out in the open at Howard Springs on the 22nd Aug.

AUSTRALASIAN BITTERN Botaurus poicilopiilus

One flushed  at Edithvale on the 30th July and three flushed on the 13th Aug at Bool Lagoon. Considered by Collar as Endangered due mainly to drainage and probably less than a 1,000 pairs in the World.

BLACK-NECKED STORK Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus

Only seen in the North, with 2 on the 22nd Aug on the drive to Pine Creek, one on the 26th Aug at Fogg Dam and two on the 27th Aug flying over Howard Springs.

AUSTRALIAN WHITE IBIS Threskiornis molucca

Recorded in fair numbers on fourteen dates.

Australian White Ibis flying over Werribee Sewage Farm.

White Ibis at Fogg Dam.

STRAW-NECKED IBIS Threskiornis spinicollis

Recorded in good numbers on fourteen dates with a daily maximum of 300 on the 14th Aug.

Straw-necked Ibis at Fogg Dam.

ROYAL SPOONBILL Platelea regia

Only recorded in small numbers on six dates.

YELLOW-BILLED SPOONBILL Platalea flavipes

Singles recorded on the 26 & 29th July, with 2 on the 5th and 5 on the 6th Aug and 8 on the 14th Aug .

MAGPIE GOOSE Anseranas semipalmata

Up to 300 were seen on the 13th Aug at Bool Lagoon and 100 seen on the 26th Aug at Fogg Dam and Window on Wetlands Reserve.

BLACK SWAN Cynnus atratus

Recorded in good numbers on thirteen dates all in the South, with 750 on the 13th Aug at Bool Lagoon and 200 on the 14th Aug at Lake Martin.

CAPE BARREN GOOSE Cereopsis novaehollandiae

A pair with 4 young were seen at Balnarring on the 30th July, 27 seen on the 11th Aug at the Big Swamp, and six on the 14th Aug at Lake Martin.

AUSTRALIAN SHELDUCK Tadorna tadornoides

Only recorded in small numbers on ten dates all in the South with a daily maximum of 30 on the 13th Aug at Bool Lagoon.

RADJAH SHELDUCK Tadorna radjah

Eighty seen at the Window on Wetlands Reserve on the 26th Aug and a pair on the 27th Aug  near the Elizabeth River Crossing.

Radjah Shelduck near the Elizabeth River Crossing.

PACIFIC BLACK DUCK Anas superciliosa

Recorded in fair numbers on sixteen dates.

GREY TEAL Anas gibberifrons

Recorded on twelve dates in good numbers. Daily maximum of 300 on three dates.

CHESTNUT TEAL Anas castanea

Recorded on nine dates in the South, generally in small numbers but 300 seen on the 31st July at Werribee Sewage Farm was exceptional.

Chestnut Teal with Black Swans at the Werribee Sewage Farm

AUSTRALASIAN SHOVELLER Anas rhynchotis

Recorded on six dates in the South but no more than 30 seen on any day.

PINK-EARED DUCK Malacorhynchus membranaceus

Three seen on the 27th July near Deniliquin, an amazing 300+ seen at Werribee Sewage Farm on the 31st July, and 40 seen on the 13th Aug at Bool Lagoon.

HARDHEAD Aythya australis

Just recorded on six dates and only in the South with up to 50 seen on a day.

MANED DUCK Chenonetta jubata

Recorded on fourteen dates only in the South with a daily maximum of 25.

GREEN PYGMY-GOOSE Nettapus pulchellus

Just twelve seen at the Window on Wetlands Reserve on the 26th August.

BLUE-BILLED DUCK Oxyura australis

Our only sighting was 6 seen on the 1st Aug  on a lake near Geelong.

MUSK DUCK Biziura lobata

Forty seen on the 31st July at Werribee Sewage Farm, one seen on the 11th Aug  at Big Swamp and six seen on the 13th Aug at Bool Lagoon.

BLACK-SHOULDERED KITE Elanus notatus

Seen on eleven dates all in the South with up to 8 on a day.

BLACK KITE Milvus migrans

Recorded in small numbers on seven dates in the South with up to 7 on a day but much commoner in the North where it was recorded in good numbers daily with a maximum of 70 on a day.

BRAHMINY KITE Milvus Indus

An adult seen at the Elizabeth River Crossing on the 27th Aug.

WHISTLING KITE Milvus sphenurus

Recorded on thirteen dates in both the North and South with a daily maximum of 15.

Whistling Kite over East Point.

BROWN GOSHAWK Accipiter fasciatus

Singles recorded on just four dates all in the South.

COLLARED SPARROWHAWK Accipiter cirrhocephalus

Singles recorded on four dates, three in the South and one in the North.

Collared Sparrowhawk at Waterfall Creek.

GREY GOSHAWK Accipiter novaehollandiae

A superb grey morph seen well in flight at East Point Reserve on the 22nd Aug.

WHITE -BELLIED SEA-EAGLE Haliaeetus leucogaster

Singles seen on the 22nd Aug at Howard Springs and  at Elizabeth River Crossing on the 27th Aug.

WEDGE-TAILED EAGLE Aquila audax

Recorded on twelve dates with up to 3 seen on a day.

Wedge-tailed Eagle over Wyperfield National Park.

LITTLE EAGLE Hieraaetus morphnoides

Singles seen on the 31st July and 1st Aug at Barwon Head were our only sightings.

SPOTTED HARRIER Circus assimilis

An adult showed well at the Barren Grounds on the 22nd July, with one on the 27th July near Deniliquin and one on the 12th Aug near Iron Knob.

SWAMP HARRIER Circus approximans

Recorded on eight dates in small numbers with a maximum of seven on the 13th Aug at Bool Lagoon.

PEREGRINE FALCON Falco peregrinus

Singles seen on the 13th Aug  and on the 24th Aug up the escarpement at Victoria River Crossing. This bird was chasing Red Collared Lorikeets.

AUSTRALIAN HOBBY Falco longipennis

Singles recorded on the 27th July, 31st July, 6th Aug, 14th Aug with 2 on the 26th Aug, one of which posed nicely on a fencepost for its photograph.

Australian Hobby near Darwin.

BROWN FALCON Falco berigora

Recorded in small numbers on fourteen dates with a daily maximum of 5. Often seen sat on fence posts close to the road and a number of dark morphs were seen which could be confused with Black Falcon.

AUSTRALIAN KESTREL Falco cenchroides

Recorded on nineteen dates with a maximum of 20 seen on the drive on the 8th Aug.

ORANGE-FOOTED SCRUBFOWL Megapodius reinwardt

Ten birds showed very well at East Point on the 22nd Aug with 2 on the 27th Aug at Howard Springs.

Orange-footed Scrubfowl at East Point.

AUSTRALIAN BRUSH-TURKEY Alectura lathami

One seen at the camp site at Dharug Nat.Park on the 25th July was a surprise as we thought we were to far South for this species.

STUBBLE QUAIL Coturnix pectoralis

Two seen on the 27th July near Deniliquin one of which showed very well while spotlighting, two seen on the 31st July near Geelong and two on the 12th Aug.

PLAINS-WANDERER Pedionomus torquatus

A pair seen very well near Deniliquin on the 27th July. We first saw them during daylight and then later while spotlighting.  Their behaviour was totally different when seen during the day as they would run around in a crouched position with legs bent close to the ground while at night they would stand upright. One assumes that during the day they remain in the crouched position as protection against predators. One of the highlights of the trip. Considered by Collar as Vulnerable due to cultivation.

Plains Wanderer spot-lighted near Deniliquin.

AUSTRALIAN SPOTTED CRAKE Persona fluminea

Two showed very well through the telescope for 20 minutes at Werribee Sewage Farm on the 31st July.

BLACK -TAILED NATIVE-HEN Gallinula ventralis

Eight were seen on the 27th July by the side of a small pool near Deniliquin.

DUSKY MOORHEN Gallinula tenebrosa

Only seen in the South, and up to 15 on a day recorded on seven dates.

PURPLE SWAMPHEN Porphyrio porphyrio

Recorded on nine dates with up to 100 on a day.

EURASIAN COOT Fulica atra

Recorded on nine dates in varying numbers.

COMB CRESTED JACANA Irediparra gallinacea

Fifteen were seen at Fogg Dam on the 26th Aug.

BUSH THICK-KNEE Burhinus grallarius

A pair seen near Deniliquin on the 27th July and a pair showed very well at East Point on the 22nd Aug.  Others were heard calling at several localities in the North during the night.

A pair of Bush Thick-knees at East Point.

BEACH THICK-KNEE Esacus magnirostris

One showed very well, with excellent photographs obtained, at the Royal Nat. Park on the 21st July and proved to be the highlight of our first days birding in Australia. This bird seen here was on the very edge of its Southern range.

 

Beach Thick-knee in the Royal National Park, Sydney.

PIED OYSTERCATCHER Haematopus ostralegus

Surprisingly, only one pair seen during the whole of the trip. This was on the 11th August at Coffin Bay Nat. Park.

SOOTY OYSTERCATCHER Haematopus fuliginosus

Four seen on the beach at Wollongong on 24th July, 11 at Barwon Head on the 31st July, and 4 on the 11th Aug at Coffin Bay Nat.Park.

MASKED LAPWING Vanellus miles

Recorded in small numbers on eighteen dates.

Masked Lapwing at the Windows of Wetland Reserve.

BANDED LAPWING Vanellus tricolor

A pair seen on the 26th July on the drive to Deniliquin, four seen near Deniliquin on the 27th, with singles seen on the 9th Aug. near Marree and on the 10th Aug from the Birdsville Track.

RED-KNEED DOTTEREL Erythrogonys cinctus

A superb flock of 100 seen at Werribee Sewage Farm on the 31st July, proved to be our only sighting.

HOODED PLOVER Charadrius rubricollis

A pair seen on the beach near Barwon Head on the 3lst July. Considered by Collar to be vulnerable.

DOUBLE BANDED PLOVER Charadrius bicinctus

Three, one of which was in nearly full summer plumage, were seen at Rosebud Beach on 30th July.

RED-CAPPED PLOVER Charadrius ruficapillus

Recorded on six dates with a daily maximum of 25 on 31st July at Werribee Sewage Farm.

BLACK-FRONTED PLOVER Charadrius melanops

Just recorded on four dates with a maximum of five on the 6th Aug.

INLAND DOTTEREL Peltohyas australis

Eight of these superb Dotterels were seen in the stony desert from the Birdsville Track on the 10th Aug. Excellent telescope views obtained but just to far away to photograph. Without doubt, one of the highlights of the trip.

BLACK-WINGED STILT Himantopus himantopus

Recorded on seven dates with a maximum of 40 at Werribee Sewage Farm on the 31st July.

BANDED STILT Cladorhynchus leucocephalus

Six seen at the Geelong Salt Works on 31st July, 20 on the 7th Aug at Adelaide Salt Works, 30 at the Port Augustua Salt Works on the 10th Aug and 80 on the 12th Aug at Port Prime and Port Augustua Salt Works.

Banded Stilts and Silver Gulls at the Port Adelaide Salt Works.

Flocks of Banded Stilts seen during the evening perhaps going to roost at Port Prime.

RED-NECKED AVOCET Recurvirostra novaehollandiae

Forty seen on the 26th July at Leeton Swamp, 500 at Werribee Sewage Farm on 31st July, 32 on 6th Aug on the lake at Hattah-Kulkyne Nat.Park.

RUDDY TURNSTONE Arenaria interpres

Four seen on the beach near Barwon Head on 31st July.

COMMON SANDPIPER Actitis hypoleucos

Singles seen on 22nd Aug in the mangroves at East Point and on the 27th Aug at Howard Springs.

GREENSHANK Tringa nebularia

Six seen on the 31st July in the Geelong Area and 2 on the 7th Aug at Port Gawler.

RED-NECKED STINT Calidris ruficollis

Forty seen at Werribee Sewage Farm and Barwon Head on the 31st July with 10 at Barwon Head on lst Aug. 100 on the 7th Aug at Port Gawler, 50 on 11th Aug at Coffin Bay Nat.Park and 40 on the 12th Aug at Port Prime.

CURLEW SANDPIPER Calidris ferrugine

Fifty seen at Werribee Sewage Farm on 31st July.

AUSTRALIAN PRATINCOLE Stiltia Isabella

Four seen in the stony desert from the Birdsville Track on the 10th Aug and one seen on the 26th Aug at Fogg Dam.

BROWN SKUA Catharacta lonnbergi

Up to 4 seen on the Wollongong palagic on the 24th July.

Brown Skua with Yellow-nosed Albatrosses on the Wollongong pelagic

SILVER GULL Larus novaehollandiae

Good numbers recorded on 17 dates in the South.

PACIFIC GULL Larus pacificu 

A single bird seen on the 30th July at Rosebud Beach with four seen on the 2nd Aug along the Great Ocean Road and four on the 11th Aug at Coffin Bay Nat.Park.Considered by Collar to be near-threatened.

CASPIAN TERN Sterna caspia

Only recorded in small numbers on four dates.

WHITE-FRONTED TERN Sterna striata

Four seen from the Wollongong pelagic on the 24th July.

White-fronted Tern on the Wollongong pelagic.

FAIRY TERN Sterna nereis

Up to 50 were seen at Port Prime on the 12th Aug. Considered by Collar as vulnerable due to disturbance on beaches and predation by cats and rats.

CRESTED TERN Sterna bergii

Recorded on seven dates in the South with a maximum of 80 on the 14th Aug  on an inlet along the Great Ocean Road.

Crested Tern with Fairy Prion on the Wollongong pelagic.

Crested Tern with White-fronted Tern on the Wollongong pelagic.

TORRESIAN IMPERIAL-PIGEON Ducula bicolour

Five present at Fogg Dam on 26th Aug.

WHITE HEADED PIGEON Columba leucomela

Twenty seen sitting on telegraph wires on the 25th July on the drive over the Blue Mountains.

White-headed Pigeon in the Blue Mountains.

SPOTTED TURTLE-DOVE Streptopelia chinensis

Recorded on at least five dates in the South, chiefly around habitation.

PEACEFUL DOVE Geopelia placida

Only a single bird seen in the South on the 28th July but common and seen daily in the North.

Peaceful Dove at the Victoria River Crossing.

DIAMOND DOVE Geopelia cuneata

Three seen on the 23rd Aug on the drive to the Victoria River Crossing and three seen on the 24th Aug on the escarpment at the Victoria River Crossing. Good photographs obtained.

Diamond Dove near the Victoria River Crossing.

BAR-SHOULDERED DOVE  Geopelia humeralis

Seen daily in the North in good numbers.

COMMON BRONZEWING Phaps chalcoptera

Recorded in small numbers on seven dates.

BRUSH BRONZEWING Phaps elegans

Singles seen on the 2nd & 3rd Aug  with 4 on the 11th Aug at Lincoln Nat.Park and one on the 13th Aug.

Brush Bronzewing at the Brisbane Ranges

CRESTED PIGEON Geophaps lophotes

Common, recorded on eighteen dates in both the North and the South.

PARTRIDGE PIGEON Geophaps smithii

Just a single bird of the red face morph seen walking along the dirt road leading to Waterfall Creek on the 24th Aug. Excellent close views obtained. Considered by Collar to be near-threatened.

Partridge Pigeon along the approach road to Waterfall Creek.

WHITE-QUILLED ROCK-PIGEON Petrophassa albipennis

Two seen very well, one posing for photographs, up the escarpment at Victoria River Crossing on the 24th Aug.

White-quilled Rock-Pigeon up the escarpment at Victoria River Crossing.

CHESTNUT-QUILLED ROCK-PIGEON Petrophassa rufipennis

After much searching on the escarpment at Waterfall Creek, one came into drink at one of the small pools on the 25th Aug and gave good views.

Chestnut-quilled Rock Pigeon at Waterfall Creek.

RED -TAILED BLACK COCKATOO Calyptorhynchus banksii

Only seen in the North, with 18 on the 22nd Aug on the drive to Pine Creek, Forty on the 23rd Aug on the drive to Victoria River Crossing and 20 on the 24th near Ferguson River.

  

Red-tailed Black Cockatoos near tbe Victoria River Crossing.

YELLOW- TAILED BLACK COCKATOO Calyptorhynchus funereus

Three seen flying over the Barren Grounds Nat.Park on the 22nd July with 2 seen on the 25th July near Dharug Nat.Park and 30 seen feeding in trees near the Botanical Gardens at Geelong on the 31st July.

Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo near the Botanical Gardens at Geelong.

GANG-GANG COCKATOO Callocephalon fimbriatum

Four of these superb Cockatoos came into drink in the evening at Distillery Creek on the 1st Aug and one seen there on the 2nd.

GALAH Cacatua roseicapilla

Very common with large numbers being seen on several days. 1,700 seen on the 26th July on the drive to Deniliquin and upto 500 seen on several other days. Smaller numbers seen in the North.

Galah near Leigh Creek.

LONG BILLED CORELLA Cacatua tenuirostris

Upto 300 seen in the Denilinquin area on the 27th & 28th July and 60 seen on the 13th Aug on the drive to Bool Lagoon.

Long Billed Corellas feeding with Galahs at Deniliquin.

LITTLE CORELLA Cacatua leadbeateri 

Recorded on thirteen dates but appeared to be more commoner in the North than the South. 200 seen on the 8th Aug on the drive to Leigh Creek and 70 seen on 24th Aug in the Victoria River Crossing Area.

Little Corellas in the Victoria River Crossing area.

PINK COCKATOO Cacatua leadbeateri

Two seen at Wyperfield Nat.Park on the 4th Aug, two seen at Hattah-Kulkyne Nat.Park on the 5th Aug with one there the following day. A beautiful species and considered by Collar as near-threatened.

Pink Cockatoo seen at Hattah-Kulkyne National Park.

SULPHUR-CRESTED COCKATOO Cacatua galerita

Good numbers seen on seventeen days with up to 200 seen on a day.

Sulphur-crested Cockatoos around Sydney.

RAINBOW LORIKEET Trichoglossus haematodus

Four seen on the 21st July at Royal Nat.Park, four on the 1st Aug  at Geelong and six on the 15th Aug at Toolangi Nat.Reserve.

RED-COLLARED LORIKEET Trichoglossus rubritorpuis

Only recorded in the North where it proved to be very common with up to 25 seen daily.

Red-collared Lorikeets near Darwin.

VARIED LORIKEET Psitteuteles versicolor

Just four seen on 23rd Aug flying over Chinaman Creek.

MUSK LORIKEET Glossopsitta concinna

Three seen in a flowering eucalyptus tree near Adelaide Airport on 13th Aug.

PURPLE CROWNED LORIKEET Glossopsitta porphyrocephala

Six seen on the 31st July in eucalyptus trees at the entrance gate to Werribee Sewage Farm, and three seen on 12th Aug at Lake Gilles Nat.Park.

LITTLE LORIKEET Glossopsitta pusilla

Just five seen on 28th July at Chiltern State Forest.

AUSTRALIAN KING PARROT Alisterus scapularis

Two seen on the 29th July in the Victoria Alps, eight on the 30th July at Toolangi Nat.Reserve. Two on the 1st Aug at Distillery Creek, and eight again at Toolangi on the 15th Aug.

SUPERB PARROT Polytelis swainsonii

This fine parrot was only seen near Deniliquin when two males and one female were seen on the 27th July. Considered by Collar as vulnerable with a breeding population of less than 5,000 pairs.

Superb Parrot near Deniliquin

REGENT PARROT Polytelis anthopeplus

Three seen on the 4th Aug at Wyperfield Nat. Park, 12 seen at Hattah-Kulkyne Nat.Park campsite on the 5th Aug with 8 there on the 6th and four on the 7th.

 Regent Parrots at Hattah-Kulkyne Nat.Park campsite.

COCKATIEL Leptolophus hollandicus

Only seen in the North, with 40 on 23rd Aug at Chinaman Creek and on the drive to Victoria River Crossing, six on the 24th Aug at Ferguson River Crossing and two on the 26th Aug.

GROUND PARROT Pezoporus wallicus

An early highlight of the trip was a single bird flushed from just a few feet at Barren Grounds Nat. Park on the 23rd July.

SWIFT PARROT Lathamus discolor

100 of these small parrots were watched feeding in flowering eucalyptus trees on the drive to the Blue Mountains on the 25th July. Considered by Collar as vulnerable with a breeding population of only 1,320 pairs where it breeds in Tasmania.

CRIMSON ROSELLA Platycercus elegans

Recorded in small numbers on ten dates in the South with a maximum of 12 on a day.

ADELADE ROSELLA Platycercus e x f ( adelaidae)

Recorded on the 12th & 13th Aug. when two were seen on both dates in the Adelaide area. Considered to be a hybrid between Crimson & Yellow with some interbreeding taking place.

YELLOW ROSELLA Platycercus flaveolus 

Seen in small numbers on four dates with a daily maximum of 10 on the 6th Aug at Hattah - Kulkyne Nat.Park. Formerly considered a race of Crimson Rosella but recently split due to the fact that it coexist in different habitats ie River valleys with red gums (see Juniper & Parr Parrots of the World).

Yellow Rosella in the Hattah-Kulkyne National Park.

EASTERN ROSELLA Platycercus eximius

Recorded on seven dates with a daily maximum of 30 on the 26th July on the drive to Deniliquin.

Eastern Rosella near Deniliquin.

NORTHERN ROSELLA Platycercus venustus

Only seen on the escarpment at Waterfall Creek, with 4 on the 25th and 2 on the 26th Aug.

A distant Northern Rosella on the escarpment at Waterfall Creek.

MALLEE RINGNECK Barnardius barnardi

Recorded on seven dates chiefly in the mallee with a maximum of 8 on 3rd Aug at Little Desert Nat. Park and 8 on the 6th Aug at Hattah-Kulkyne Nat. Park.

Mallee Ringneck in the Little Desert National Park.

PORT LINCOLN RINGNECK Barnardius zonarius

Seven seen on the 11th Aug on the drive to Coffin Bay Nat.Park and three seen on the 12th Aug at Lake Gilles Conservation Park. Considered by some to be a race of Mallee Ringneck but now considered to be a full specie although in the Flinders Range where the range overlaps there is some hybridisation. (See Juniper & Parr “Parrots of the World”).

RED-RUMPED PARROT Psephotus haematonotus

The common grassland parrot of inland Southern Australia and many were seen when driving. Recorded on a total of 10 days with a maximum of 90 seen on the 26th July.

Red-rumped Parrots near Deniliquin.

MULGA PARROT Psephotus varius

Four seen on the 4th Aug at Wyperfield Nat.Park with ten seen feeding on the ground at Hattah-Kulkyne on the 6th Aug.

Mulga Parrot at Hattah-Kulkyne National Park.

HOODED PARROT Psephotus dissimilis

A flock of 50 of these fine parrots were watched from down to 10 yards feeding on the ground at the back of Pine Creek on the 22nd Aug and twelve came into drink during the early morning at Chinaman Creek on the 23rd Aug. Considered by Collar to be near-threatened.

 

Hooded Parrots at Pine Creek.

BLUE BONNET Northiella haematogaster

Fifteen seen on the drive to Deniliquin on the 26th July with 10 being seen in the Deniliquin area on the 27th., and three seen on the 28th. Two seen on the 7th Aug near Port Gawler with four on the 12th Aug near Lake Gilles.

Bluebonnets near Deniliquin.

BLUE WINGED PARROT Neophema chrysostoma

After much searching along the coast for this specie, we were finally rewarded at Bool Lagoon when 12 came into roost and gave close views on the 13th Aug.

ELEGANT PARROT Neophema elegans

Only seen in the stony desert around Leigh Creek with 10 on the 8th Aug and 2 on the 9th.

ROCK PARROT Neopheme petrophila

One was seen very well on the 11th Aug on the ground at Coffin Bay Nat. Park. After 5 minutes of watching it, it flew off towards one of the off-shore islands.

ORANGE-BELLIED PARROT Neophema chrysogaster

Good views were obtained of six including two males in some low bushes in the saltmarsh near Geelong on the 31st July.  Considered by Collar to be endangered with a World population of only 150 individuals.

BRUSH CUCKOO Cuculus variolosus

Our only sighting was one on the 26th Aug at Fogg Dam.

FAN-TAILED CUCKOO Cuculus flabelliformis

One seen on the 3rd Aug at Little Desert Nat.Park and three seen on the 11th Aug at Lincoln Nat.Park.

Fantailed Cuckoo in the Little Desert National Park.

HORSFIELD`S BRONZE-CUCKOO Chrysococcyx  basalis

One seen from down to a few feet on the 11th Aug at Lincoln Nat.Park

SHINING BRONZE-CUCKOO Chrysococcyx lucidus

A single bird was also seen at Lincoln Nat.Park on the 11th Aug.

LITTLE BRONZE-CUCKOO Chrysococcyx malayanus

A male with a conspicuous red eye showed for 10 minutes on the edge of the forest at Fogg Dam on the 26th Aug.

PHEASANT COUCAL Centropus phasianinus

One seen on the 22nd Aug at East Point Reserve and three seen on the 26th Aug at Fogg Dam.

POWERFUL OWL Ninox stenua

One heard calling in the middle of the night at Royal Nat. Park on the 22nd July and an adult showed very well, posing for photographs at its daytime roost at Listerfield Park on the 30th July. Considered by Collar to be vulnerable due to the loss of old growth forests.

Powerful Owl in Listerfield Park.

SOUTHERN BOOBOOK Ninox novaeseelandiae

Heard calling during the night at three different localities.

BARKING OWL Ninox connivens

One seen very well on top of the petrol pumps where it is fed by the owners of the Victorian River Crossing Roadhouse on the 23rd Aug and also heard calling here and at Waterfall Creek campsite on the 25th & 26th Aug.

SOOTY OWL Tyto tenebricosa

One heard calling very close to us during the evening of the 23rd July in a wood on the drive to Wollongong but we were unable to locate it much to our annoyance.

AUSTRALIAN OWLET-NIGHTJAR Aegotheles cristatus

One seen very well, allowing it to be photographed, near Deniliquin on the 27th July and one also seen crossing the road in the car headlights on the 2nd Aug.

Owlet-Nightjar near Deniliquin.

SPOTTED NIGHTJAR Eurostopodus argus

One seen at dusk flying around the Victoria River Roadhouse on the 23rd Aug.

LARGE-TAILED NIGHTJAR Caprimulgus macrurus

Heard calling during the night at East Point on the 22nd Aug and one flushed during the day and seen very well at Howard Springs on the 22nd Aug.

AZURE KINGFISHER Alcedo azurea

Just a single bird seen on the 22nd Aug at Howard Springs.

LITTLE KINGFISHER Alcedo pusilla

One flushed along a creek at Howard Springs on the 22nd Aug.

LAUGHING KOOKABURRA Dacelo novaeguineae

Recorded on thirteen dates in the South with up to 8 on a day.

Laughing Kookaburra in the Sydney area.

BLUE-WINGED KOOKABURRA Dacelo leachii

Odd birds recorded on four dates in the North.

FOREST KINGFISHER Todirhamphus macleayii

Two seen on the escarpment at Waterfall Creek on the 25th Aug and three seen at Fogg Dam on the 26th Aug.

Forest Kingfisher at Waterfall Creek.

RED-BACKED KINGFISHER Todirhamphus pyrrhopygia

Single birds seen sitting on telegraph wires on the journey to and from Katherine on Aug 22nd and 24th may have related to the same bird.

Red-backed Kingfisher seen on the drive to and from Katherine.

SACRED KINGFISHER Todirhampus sancta

Eight seen on Aug 26th at Fogg Dam with two on the 27th at Howard Springs.

RAINBOW BEE-EATER Merops ornatus

Seen daily in small numbers but only in the North with a maximum of 15 on the 25th Aug.

Rainbow Kingfisher at Waterfall Creek.

RAINBOW PITTA Pitta iris

The highlight of the trip to the North with 7 different birds being seen in our first three hours at East Point and Howard Springs on the 22nd Aug and one being seen at Howard Springs on the 27th Aug virtually being our last bird of the trip. Extremly good views obtained often from down to a few feet and some good photographs obtained.

Rainbow Pitta taken in a dark wood at East Point.

SUPERB LYREBIRD Menura novaehollandiae

A male in full display in the open a few yards from us at Royal Nat. Park on the 22nd July was an early highlight of the trip. Two seen on the 25th July at Dharug Nat.Park and one seen on the 30th July at Toolangi Nat.Park. Also heard calling at Barren Grounds Nat. Park on the 22nd July.

SINGING BUSHLARK Mirafra javanica

Eight, seen while spotlighting near Deniliquin on the 27th July.

 

Singing Bushlark spotlighted near Deniliquin.

SKYLARK Alauda arvensis 

Recorded on five dates in the South with  50 being seen at Werribee Sewage Farm on the 31st July.

WHITE-BACKED SWALLOW  Cheramoeca leucosternum

One seen briefly on the 6th Aug at Hattah-Kulkyne Nat.Park but much better views were obtained of 6 in the stony desert near Lyndhurst on the 9th Aug.

WELCOME SWALLOW Hirundo neoxena

Common in the South and seen virtually daily but just a single bird seen in the North on the drive from Waterfall Creek on the 26th Aug when it was present with some Little Wood-Swallows.

TREE MARTIN Hirundo nigricans

Far less common than the previous species, being only recorded on eight dates with no more than 10 on a day but was seen on three dates in the North.

AUSTRALIAN RICHARDS PIPIT Anthus novaeseelandiae

Recorded on seven dates but only in the South with a daily maximum of 12.

BLACK-FACED CUCKOO-SHRIKE Coracina novaehollandiae

Recorded on ten dates but it appeared commoner in the North with a daily maximum of 15 being seen.

WHITE BELLIED CUCKOO-SHRIKE Coracina papuensis

Not as commom as the previous species, being recorded on a total of five dates and only one of these in the South. Daily maximum of 6 being seen.

WHITE-WINGED TRILLER Lalage tricolor

Six seen at Waterfall Creek on the 25th and 10 seen there the next day.

VARIED TRILLER Lalage leccomela

Two seen on the 22nd Aug at East Point Reserve, four on the 26th Aug at Fogg Dam and two on the 27th at Howard Springs.

BASSIAN GROUND THRUSH Zoothera lunulata

Five seen at Toolangi Nat.Park and two showed very well allowing some good photographs at Maroonadah Reservoir Park all on the 30th July.

Bassian Ground Thrush at the Maroonadah Reservoir Park

BLACKBIRD Turdus merula

Recorded on ten dates in the South with a daily maximum of 15.

SONG THRUSH Turdus philomelos

Only one sighting on the 1st Aug in Queens Park, Geelong.

SOUTHERN SCRUB-ROBIN Drymodes brunneopygia

A pair seen well and photographed on the 4th Aug at Wyperfield Nat.Park and 3 seen on the 11th Aug at Lincoln Nat.Park.

Southern Scrub Robin in Wyperfield National Park.

ROSE ROBIN Petroica rosea
A stunning male was seen on the 28th and 29th July at the Chiltern State Forest.

Poor record shots of our only Rose Robin in the Chiltern State Forest.

PINK ROBIN Petroica rodinogaster

Two females or immatures were seen in the Geelong area on the 1st Aug.

Female/Immatures Pink Robins in the Geelong area.

FLAME ROBIN Petroica phoenicea
Five seen in a wood near Deliniquin on the 27th July including several nice males and 10 were seen at the Chiltern State Forest on the 29th July.

SCARLET ROBIN Petroica multicolour
Recorded on four dates in the South with a daily maximum of 4.

RED-CAPPED ROBIN Petroica goodenovii
Recorded on six dates in the South with a daily maximum of ten.

Male Red-capped Robin at Geelong.

HOODED ROBIN Melanodryas cucullata
Five seen on the 3rd Aug at the campground at the Little Desert Nat Park on the 3rd Aug, with 8 seen on the 4th at Wyperfield Nat.Park  with 2 seen on the 5th & 6th Aug.at Hattah-Kulkyne Nat.Park and one seen on the 11th Aug .

Hooded Robins at Wyperfield National Park.

EASTERN YELLOW ROBIN Eopsaltria australis
Recorded on ten dates with a daily maximum of six.

Eastern Yellow Robin at te Chiltern State Forest.

WESTERN YELLOW ROBIN Eopsaltria griseogularis
Two seen on the 12th Aug near Lake Gilles Conservation Park.

Western Yellow Robin near Lake Gilles Conservation Park.

LEMON BELLIED FLYCATCHER Microeca flavigaaster
Just a single bird seen at Howard Springs on the 22nd Aug.

JACKY WINTER Microeca leucophaea

Up to three birds recorded on five dates all in the South.

 Jacky Winter in the Chiltern State Forest.

CRESTED SHRIKE-TIT Falcunculus frontatus

Four seen on the 28th July and 2 on the 29th in the Chiltern State Forest.

OLIVE WHISTLER Pachycephala olivacea

A brief view of a single bird in the coastal scrub along the Great Ocean Road on the 14th Aug.

GILBERT`S WHISTLER Pachycephala inornata

A female seen on the 3rd Aug at the Little Desert Nat.Park, a male seen on the 7th Aug at Yarrara Floral Reserve and six males several singing at Lake Gilles Conservation Park on the 12th Aug.

Male Gilbert’s Whistler at the Yarrara Floral Reserve.

GOLDEN WHISTLER Pachycephala pectoralis

Odd birds recorded on seven dates in the South.

GREY WHISTLER Pachycephala simplex

One seen on the 22nd Aug at Howard Springs and two seen on the 25th Aug at Waterfall Creek.

RUFOUS WHISTLER Pachycephala rufiventris

Singles seen on the 9th,and 11th Aug with 3 on the 23rd Aug and 2 on the 26th Aug.

SANDSTONE SHRIKE THRUSH Colluricincla woodwardi

A singing male seen on the escarpment at Victoria River Crossing on the 24th Aug and one seen on the escarpment at Waterfall Creek on the 25th Aug.

GREY SHRIKE-THRUSH Colluricincla harmonica

Recorded on twelve dates in small numbers and seen in both the North and South.

CRESTED BELLBIRD Oreoica gutturalis

One seen on the 5th  and 2 on the 6th Aug in the mallee at Hattah-Kulkyne Nat. Park.

BROAD-BILLED FLYCATCHER Myiagra ruficollis

A superb adult showed well in trees at the end of the broadwalk at Fogg Dam on the 26th Aug.

LEADEN FLYCATCHER Myiagra rubecula

Only seen in the North, with a male on the 22nd Aug at Howard Springs and a pair on the 23rd Aug at Chinaman Creek.

Male Leaden Flycatcher at Chinaman Creek.

SHINING FLYCATCHER Myiagra alecto

A beautiful female seen on the 22nd Aug at Howard Springs and a pair there on the 27th Aug.

RESTLESS FLYCATCHER Myiagra inquieta

Seen on four dates in the North with 4 on the 23rd Aug

GREY FANTAIL Rhipidura fuliginosa

Odd birds recorded on six dates in the South.

NORTHERN FANTAIL Rhipidura rufiventris

Single birds seen on the 22nd Aug at East Point Reserve and the 26th Aug at Fogg Dam.

WILLIE WAGTAIL Rhipidura leucophrys

Very common and recorded virtually daily even in the stony desert.