WESTERN AUSTRALIA
26TH JANUARY, 1996 - 23RD FEBRUARY, 1996,
JOHN AND DOREEN COOPER
ITINERARY
26TH JANUARY, 1996 - 23RD FEBRUARY, 1996,
JOHN AND DOREEN COOPER
After our successful trip to Queensland in November and December, 1994, Doreen and myself were extremely keen to visit Australia again and Western Australia seemed the ideal destination with a number of local endemics possible.
From local research January and February looked an idea time and with the added bonus leaving the UK during the winter period. We never booked any overnight accommodation just the flights and car hire before we left and this worked out well as we never had any trouble finding accommodation whilst in Western Australia, apart for Perth, on the day of our arrival, as this was Australian Day and a national holiday. This allowed us flexibility on the itinerary, and allowed us to stay longer at certain sites if we felt this was advisable. With the exception of Australian Day, the schools were not on holiday and we understand that when schools are on holiday than a number of the sites we visited become very busy and finding accommodation can be a problem. We mainly stayed at camp sites where we were able to rent out a chalet or caravan for a night or two.
We found driving on the roads to be very easy between sites with very little traffic on the roads, although Perth was busy as we arrived on Australian Day. The birding sites were easy to locate and during our stay we just met one other local birder who was extremely friendly and even went out with us for a day. We found we had all the sites virtually to ourselves and we could explore and find our own birds. The weather was almost perfect with warm sunny days and excellent light for photography.
Looking across the Swan River to Perth
28th January Early morning walked 5kms Yanjidi trail at Yanchep National Park. Drove North to the Pinnacles Desert, stopping en-route to bird. Salt Lake at Jurien (dry and useless). Drove North to Geraldton and visited Fishermans Wharf. Overnight caravan park.
Pinnacles Desert
29th January Early morning sea-watch from Geraldton Lighthouse and then drove North to Kalbarri National Park and walked River Trail and Ross Graham Lookout. Brief visit to Hawks Head Lookout and onto Kalbarri Harbour and airfield. Afternoon and evening visited Wildflower centre (closed but found access at the back) and also birded the golf course. Excellent evening sea-watch from Jakes Corner at Kalbarri. Overnight local caravan park.
Views taken in the Kalbarri National Park
View taken from the Hawks Head lookout in the Kalbarri National Park
Red Kangaroo in the Kalbarri National Park
30th January Kalbarri National Park (River Trail at Ross Graham Lookout) sea-watched at Jakes Corner Kalbarri and then drove along the scenic coastal drive to the Natural Bridge. Drove to Monkey Mia, birding in scrub and coastal inlet. Overnight in caravan park at Denham for 2 nights.
Along the scenic coastal drive at Kalbarri
The Natural Bridge at Kalbarri
Monkey Mia Nature Reserve.
Dolphins off Monkey Mia.
1st February Little Lagoon and scrub, long drive back to Geraldton and sea-watched from Geraldton Lighthouse. Overnight caravan park.
2nd February Drove inland to Mt. Magnet often stopping en-route. Late afternoon and evening birded in the scrub in the desert about 10kms west of Mt. Magnet. Overnight motel at Mt. Magnet.
An evening visit to the desert near Mt. Magnet
4th February Drove to Kalgoorlie Gold Mining Town. Visited nearby lake (dry & useless), drove onto Noorseman and birded along the Heritage Trail in afternoon and evening. Overnight caravan park at Noorseman.
Kalgoorlie Gold Mining Town
Hotel in Kalgoorlie.
View looking over Noorseman from the viewpoint.
Scenic coastal highway to Cape Le Grand
Cape Le Grand
Drive to Esperance
7th February Early morning and late afternoon sea-watches from the coastal road at Esperance. Visited again the Monjingup National Park and also a visit to Woody Lake National Park.
Coastal drive around Esperance.
8th February Lake Gore area (met the local German owner who was very helpful and took us in his 4WD truck to the river outlet into the lake). Onto Stokes National Park and Fitzgerald River National Park. Overnight caravan park at Hopetoun.
Lake Gore
Large Lizard sp found at Lake Gore
Racehorse Monitor at Lake Gore. (local name as it runs so fast)9th February Fitzgerald River National Park and visited Ravensthorpe and birded in the mallee. Drove to the Gap at Albany for a sea-watch. Booked into a chalet on the outskirts of Albany for 4 nights.
Fitzgerald River National Park
The Gap - good for sea-watching
The Natural Bridge at the Gap
Looking towards Albany from the Gap.
Doreen at our chalet at Albany
10th February Early morning visit to Nanarup. Onto the Two Peoples Bay National Park and birded along the Heritage Trail. Spoke to the Rangers for various sites and birded in these areas. Returned to Albany and visited Two Rivers at Lower King, Wilsons Inlet.
Approaching Two Peoples Bay.
Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve
Doreen at Two Peoples Bay
11th February Very early morning visit to Two Peoples Bay (arriving in the dark), and birded in the Shanks Bottom Area. Also visited Two Rivers at Lower King and Wilsons Inlet at Denmark. Evening sea-watch at Gull Rock.
12th February Sterling Range National Park. Brief stop at Two Rivers, Lower King and Emu Point, with afternoon and evening sea-watch from the Gap (good).
Sterling Range
Bluff Knoll in the Sterling Range.
Drove through Kerry Woods Nat. Reserve at Northcliff.
Bottlebrush plants
D’Entrecasteaux National Park.
Doreen at our log cabin in the Karri Forests at Pemberton.
A superb site with birds all around you, and we found several sought after species here.
Scenes taken inside the Jewel Cave, for us it was a unique experience and well
worth the visit.
We stopped at Hamlyn Bay and 2 large Ray fish were very close to the shore.
Sugarloaf Rock-site for Red-tailed Tropicbirds.
View from Sugarloaf rock
An evening sea-watch from Cape Naturaliste
16th February Dryandra State Forest and birded the trails until dark. Overnight motel at Narrogin for 2 nights.
17th February Dryandra State Forest, and then long drive to Wave Rock at Hyden.
Achidna - found during first light on the Kwanga Trail at the Dryandra State Forest.
JFC at the Wave Rock- The "wave" is about 14 m (46 ft) high and
around 110 m (360 ft) long.
Doreen walking to the Hippo Yawn.
JFC at the Hippo Yawn
18th February Drove to Mundurah, stopping en-route. Birded around Peels Inlet. Lake Goegrup and the Black Lake and surrounding scrub. Overnight caravan-park at Mundurah.
19th February Peels Inlet at Coodanup, Lake Geogrup and the Black Lake, Drove to Rockingham but the nearby lakes were both dry. Birded Lake Richmond (wet) and sea-watched from Point Peron. Overnight caravan park, Rockingham for 2 nights.
View looking out from Point Peron.
20th February All day visit to Penguin Island.
21st February Lake Richmond and drove to Alfreds Cove, Attadale on the Swan River. Afternoon visit to Perth City Centre. Booked a very nice chalet for 2 nights at the Central Caravan Park on the outskirts of Perth.
Penguin Island - looking back over the arrival base and mainland.
Board walk to avoid nesting areas.
Small caves
Doreen with a Bridled Tern - almost as good as Beachy!!
Although we were outside the normal breeding season for Little Penguin, as it was a
world birding tick we made a thorough search of this small island and found several
sheltering from the sun under the board-walk.
22nd February John Forrest National Park and nearby local areas.
23rd February Lake Monger and Herdsman Lake National Park. Returned hired car and afternoon flight back to the UK.
SYSTEMATIC LIST
EMU Dromaius novaehollandia
Recorded on six dates. Sixty seen on the drive from Yanchep on 28th. A family party of 7 on the 31st along the entrance road to Monkey Mia, 3 on the 2nd near Mt. Magnet. Seven on the 8th, near Lake Gore, and 4 on the 12th on the drive to the Sterling Range. Two seen on the drive from Pemberton.
An adult Emu with young, not always easy to see, at Monkey Mia.
Emu at Pemberton
Small numbers recorded on five dates. A number of young birds were seen on the lakes around Perth.
HOARY-HEADED GREBE Poliocephalus poliocephalus
Thirtyfive, many in still full summer plumage, were seen on the 27th at Yangebup Lake, near Perth with other birds seen on the lakes around Perth. Two seen on the 6th at Lake Monjingup with 5 there on the 7th. A good count of 100+ were seen on Lake Gore on the 8th.
AUSTRALASIAN GREBE Tachybaptus novaehollandiae
Common and widespread, and recorded on 14 dates.
LITTLE PENGUIN Eudyptula minor novaehollandiae
Just 3 seen on Penguin Island on the 20th.
YELLOW-NOSED ALBATROSS Diomedea chlororhynchos
Twelve were seen on an evening sea-watch from The Gap on the 12th, including 6 roosting on the sea together. Eight seen here the following morning, which included 2 which flew past only a short distance away. The white on the underwing seemed to be a variable feature, and the clincher for identification was the very white head and smallish black bill, which could be seen from a long distance.
GREAT WINGED PETREL Pterodroma macroptera
On the 29th, with a good westerly blowing, good numbers were seen moving south from Geraldton Lighthouse during the morning, but larger numbers were seen moving from Jakes Corner at Kalbarri. I estimated 500 in total. The following morning, a total of 60 were seen from Jakes Corner and a further sea-watch from Geraldton Lighthouse on the 1st, the wind had changed to the south-east and dropped and none were seen. The birds always came along on their own, with the majority a long way out to sea, but a number were fairly close. Size, smaller than Flesh-footed, with much narrower wings, which were held very distinctive, being held forward and bowed with carpal pointed with hand of wings swept back, and very long and pointed. Good round head, with shortish all black bill and short blunt tail. Under-wing appeared a uniform all dark brown, but also reflected the sun. Flight was gliding, with long slow graceful flaps, rising high above the surface of the sea and at times performing a figure 8. On several birds, which were fairly close, a pale area could be seen around the base of the bill. Superb!!
FLESH FOOTED SHEARWATER Puffinus carneipes
Large numbers were seen along the south coast from Esperance to Cape Naturaliste, and recorded on eight dates. Good numbers were loafing in Esperance Bay and some good views were obtained. Up to 500 seen on the 7th on sea-watching from Esperance and on the 12th 500 were also seen from The Gap. The coral bill with its dark tip could be seen from a fair distance.
WEDGE TAILED SHEARWATER Puffinus pacificus
Eight, including three pale phase birds, were seen on the sea-watches on the 30th from Jakes Corner.
LITTLE SHEARWATER Puffinus assimilis
One a long way out flapping fast on the 29th from Jakes Corner, Geraldton. It flew past a party of Sooty Terns and was noticeably smaller. Two singles past The Gap on the 12th and 13th. The last bird was close in and was just gliding and did not flap at all.
Since our trip, Little Shearwater has been split according to range and therefore our records relate to the Western Australia form .
AUSTRALIAN PELICAN Pelecanus conspicillatus
Common and widespread, with up to 70 on a day, and seen on 18 dates.
AUSTRALASIAN GANNET Sula serrator
Six seen on the 7th from Esperance, with 2 there the following morning. Two seen on the 12 from The Gap, with 9 on the 13th. Two seen on the 15th from Cape Naturaliste.
DARTER Anhinga melanogaster
Three seen on the 27th on Lake Monger, with 15 on the 18th in the Peels Inlet area, and six seen the following morning. Five seen on Lake Monger on the 23rd.
BLACK FACED SHAG Leucocarbo fuscescens
Seen on 3 dates in the Esperance area, with a maximum of 6 on the 7th.
PIED CORMORANT Phalacrocorax varius
Common along the coast north of Perth, less common south of Perth, and not seen inland or in the Esperance to Albany area on the coast.
LITTLE PIED CORMORANT Phalacrocorax melanoleucos
Common and widespread.
GREAT CORMORANT Phalacrocorax carbo
Small numbers recorded on only six dates.
Cormorants
LITTLE BLACK CORMORANT Phalacrocorax sulcirostris
Common and widespread.
RED TAILED TROPICBIRD Phaethon rubricauda
Ten + seen on the 15th at Sugarloaf Rock, superb views obtained.
WHITE-FACED HERON Ardea novaehollandiae
Common and widespread, with up to 8 seen almost daily.
GREAT EGRET Ardea alba
Small numbers only recorded on 8 dates, with a daily maximum of only 5.
LITTLE EGRET Ardea garzetta
Up to 4 recorded on only three dates.
EASTERN REEF HERON Ardea sacra
Just one seen on the 15th on the coastal rocks at Cape Naturaliste.
RUFOUS NIGHT HERON Nycticorax caledonicus
An adult flushed out of some trees at Lake Herdsman on the 27th.
AUSTRALASIAN BITTERN Botaurus poicilopiilus
DRC had a single bird flying over the large reed bed at Lake Herdsman on the 23rd, which JFC was disappointed to have missed.!!
AUSTRALIAN WHITE IBIS Threskiornis molucca
Only small numbers seen on 9 dates, with a daily maximum of 5.
STRAW-NECKED IBIS Threskiornis spinicollis
Recorded in fair numbers but only seen on seven dates, with a maximum of 200 on the 12th north of Albany.
YELLOW-BILLED SPOONBILL Platalea flavipes
Recorded on six dates, with a maximum of 25 on Woody Lake on the 6th and 7th.
BLACK SWAN Cynnus atratus
Very common, with up to 700 seen on a day in the Esperance Area.
CAPE BARREN GOOSE Cereopsis novaehollandiae
Only seen at Esperance, with 22 seen on the 5th and 25 on the 6th.
AUSTRALIAN SHELDUCK Tadorna tadornoides
Good numbers recorded on 15 dates, with 400 seen on the 8th at Lake Gore.
PACIFIC BLACK DUCK Anas superciliosa
Common and widespread around the coast.
GREY TEAL Anas gibberifrons
Common and widespread, with a maximum of 250 on the 5th on the lakes around Esperance.
CHESTNUT TEAL Anas castanea
Recorded only on four dates, with 30 on the 5th, and 20 on the 6th on the lakes at Esperance. Up to 150 seen at Fitzgerald River National Park on the 8th, with 80 there the following morning.
AUSTRALASIAN SHOVELLER Anas rhynchotis
Recorded on 6 dates, with a daily maximum of 40 on the 8th at Lake Gore.
PINK-EARED DUCK Malacorhynchus membranaceus
Twelve seen on the 27th at Lake Yangebup, and 1 on the 6th at Woody Lake, Esperance.
HARDHEAD Aythya australis
Twenty seen on Lake Monger on the 27th,but only 4 seen there on the 23rd.
MANED DUCK Chenonetta jubata
Recorded on 11 dates, with a daily maximum of 50 on the 16th.
BLUE-BILLED DUCK Oxyura australis
Thirty seen on Lake Monger on the 27th, 2 on the 10th near Albany and 10 at Lake Monger on the 23rd.
MUSK DUCK Biziura lobata
Recorded on 9 dates, with a daily maximum of 40 on the Perth Lakes on the 27th.
OSPREY Pandion haliaetus
Singles recorded on five dates.
BLACK-SHOULDERED KITE Elanus notatus
Recorded on 6 dates, chiefly singles, but 5 on the 28th in the Geraldton Area.
WHISTLING KITE Milvus sphenurus
Only recorded on 4 dates, with 3 singles and 4 on the 19th in the Rockingham area.
SQUARE TAILED KITE Lophoictinia isura
Two seen on the 9th at the Fitzgerald River National Park.
BROWN GOSHAWK Accipiter fasciatus
Just a single bird seen on the 31st at Monkey Mia Nature Reserve.
COLLARED SPARROWHAWK Accipiter cirrhocephalus
One seen hunting on the 12th on the drive to the Sterling Range National Park.
WHITE -BELLIED SEA-EAGLE Haliaeetus leucogaster
An immature seen on the 28th near Jurien.
WEDGE-TAILED EAGLE Aquila audax
Widespread and recorded on a total of 15 days, with a maximum of 10 on the 2nd on the inland drive to Mt. Magnet.
LITTLE EAGLE Hieraaetus morphnoides
Mainly singles recorded on 8 dates chiefly north of Perth, with 3 together on the 30th at Kalbarri National Park.
SWAMP HARRIER Circus approximans
Singles recorded on six dates.
PEREGRINE FALCON Falco peregrinus
Singles recorded on four dates, including one causing havoc over the Bridled Tern colony on Penguin Island.
AUSTRALIAN HOBBY Falco longipennis
One seen briefly on the 3rd near Mt. Magnet, with 2 on the 11th and 3 on the 12th at Lower King.
BROWN FALCON Falco berigora
Three seen on the 3rd near Mt. Magnet, with 2 on the 17th on the drive to Hyden.
AUSTRALIAN KESTREL Falco cenchroides
Common and widespread, with a daily maximum of 20 on the 28th.
MALLEEFOWL Leipoa ocellata
One heard calling, and then flushed on the Kwanga Trail at the Dryandra State Forest on the 16th. As it flew away from me it grunted three times. It landed some 30 yards in a small wood, but although I quickly followed it, I was unable to re-locate it.
LITTLE BUTTON-QUAIL Turnix velox
Just 3 singles seen at Kalbarri, Mt. Magnet and on the road to Hopetoun.
BUFF BANDED RAIL Gallirallus philippensis
Five seen on Penguin Island on the 20th and these were our only sightings.
DUSKY MOORHEN Gallinula tenebrosa
Good numbers seen on the Perth Lakes, but strangely no others were seen after this.
PURPLE SWAMPHEN Porphyrio porphyrio
Forty seen on the 27th, chiefly at Lake Monger and Herdsman Lakes, with 20 on the 28th at Yanchep. Three on the 21st at a small lake at Rockingham and 15 at Lake Monger on the 23rd.
EURASIAN COOT Fulica atra
Common and widespread, but not seen inland.
AUSTRALIAN BUSTARD Aracolis kori
Five seen together on the 8th, near Lake Gore.
PIED OYSTERCATCHER Haematopus ostralegus
Seen at various coastal sites on 9 dates, with a daily maximum of 30 on the 12th.
SOOTY OYSTERCATCHER Haematopus fuliginosus
Small numbers recorded on 8 dates all along the South Coast and chiefly in the Esperance to Albany areas. Maximum of 8 on the 6th at Esperance.
BANDED LAPWING Vanellus tricolor
Surprisingly, only seen on 3 dates, with a family party of 4 at Albany, and also seen along the road north of Albany.
GREY PLOVER Pluvialis squatarola
Recorded on 7 dates, with a daily maximum of 50 on the 12th at Lower King.
HOODED PLOVER Charadrius rubricollis
A superb flock of 119 birds, including many juveniles, were found on a dry salt lake near Esperance on the 6th.
GREATER SANDPLOVER Charadrius leschenaultii
Ten seen on the 30th and 15 on the 31st at Monkey Mia, with 2 on the 10th at Lower King.
RED-CAPPED PLOVER Charadrius ruficapillus
Recorded on 8 dates, often in good numbers, with a maximum of 30 on the 13th at the Wilsons Inlet.
BLACK-FRONTED PLOVER Charadrius melanops
Only seen on 2 dates, with 1 on the 30th near Monkey Mia, and 3 on the 12th near Albany.
BLACK-WINGED STILT Himantopus himantopus
Seen on 8 dates, with a maximum of 150 on the 19th chiefly at the Peels Inlet.
BANDED STILT Cladorhynchus leucocephalus
Sixty seen at Goo Malling Lake on the 3rd and 10 at Lake Gore on the 8th.
RED-NECKED AVOCET Recurvirostra novaehollandiae
Seventy seen at Goo Malling Lake with Banded Stilts on the 3rd, 500+ were seen at Lake Gore on the 8th. One seen at Albany on the 10th, and 60 on the 19th at Lake Geogrup, near Mundurah.
RUDDY TURNSTONE Arenaria interpres
Seen on 4 dates, with a maximum of 6 on the 29th at Geraldton.
FAR EASTERN CURLEW Numenius madagascariensis
Just a single bird seen on the 18th and 19th at the Peels Inlet.
GREY TAILED TATTLER Tringa brevipes
One seen on the 10th, and 3 on the 11th at Lower King, with 1 on the 12th at Emu Point.
COMMON SANDPIPER Actitis hypoleucos
Recorded on 7 dates, with a daily maximum of 3 on the 10th.
GREENSHANK Tringa nebularia
Recorded in fair numbers on 14 dates, with a daily maximum of 20.
MARSH SANDPIPER Tringa stagnatilis
A single bird seen at Monkey Mia on the 30th and 31st.
BAR TAILED GODWIT Limosa lapponica
Up to 30 seen on 5 dates at coastal inlets.
RED KNOT Calidris canutus
Two seen at Monkey Mia on the 31st, and one on the 19th at the Peels Inlet.
GREAT KNOT Calidris tenuirostris
Six seen on the 30th and 10 on the 31st at Monkey Mia. One on the 1st at Geraldton. 60 on the 10th at Albany, and 20 on the 19th at the Peels Inlet.
SHARP TAILED SANDPIPER Calidris acuminata
Four seen on the 11th, at Lower King, and 4 on the 19th at the Peels Inlet.
RED-NECKED STINT Calidris ruficollis
AUSTRALASIAN GREBE Tachybaptus novaehollandiae
Common and widespread, and recorded on 14 dates.
LITTLE PENGUIN Eudyptula minor novaehollandiae
Just 3 seen on Penguin Island on the 20th.
Little Penguin sheltering from the sun on Penguin Island.
YELLOW-NOSED ALBATROSS Diomedea chlororhynchos
Twelve were seen on an evening sea-watch from The Gap on the 12th, including 6 roosting on the sea together. Eight seen here the following morning, which included 2 which flew past only a short distance away. The white on the underwing seemed to be a variable feature, and the clincher for identification was the very white head and smallish black bill, which could be seen from a long distance.
GREAT WINGED PETREL Pterodroma macroptera
On the 29th, with a good westerly blowing, good numbers were seen moving south from Geraldton Lighthouse during the morning, but larger numbers were seen moving from Jakes Corner at Kalbarri. I estimated 500 in total. The following morning, a total of 60 were seen from Jakes Corner and a further sea-watch from Geraldton Lighthouse on the 1st, the wind had changed to the south-east and dropped and none were seen. The birds always came along on their own, with the majority a long way out to sea, but a number were fairly close. Size, smaller than Flesh-footed, with much narrower wings, which were held very distinctive, being held forward and bowed with carpal pointed with hand of wings swept back, and very long and pointed. Good round head, with shortish all black bill and short blunt tail. Under-wing appeared a uniform all dark brown, but also reflected the sun. Flight was gliding, with long slow graceful flaps, rising high above the surface of the sea and at times performing a figure 8. On several birds, which were fairly close, a pale area could be seen around the base of the bill. Superb!!
FLESH FOOTED SHEARWATER Puffinus carneipes
Large numbers were seen along the south coast from Esperance to Cape Naturaliste, and recorded on eight dates. Good numbers were loafing in Esperance Bay and some good views were obtained. Up to 500 seen on the 7th on sea-watching from Esperance and on the 12th 500 were also seen from The Gap. The coral bill with its dark tip could be seen from a fair distance.
WEDGE TAILED SHEARWATER Puffinus pacificus
Eight, including three pale phase birds, were seen on the sea-watches on the 30th from Jakes Corner.
LITTLE SHEARWATER Puffinus assimilis
One a long way out flapping fast on the 29th from Jakes Corner, Geraldton. It flew past a party of Sooty Terns and was noticeably smaller. Two singles past The Gap on the 12th and 13th. The last bird was close in and was just gliding and did not flap at all.
Since our trip, Little Shearwater has been split according to range and therefore our records relate to the Western Australia form .
AUSTRALIAN PELICAN Pelecanus conspicillatus
Common and widespread, with up to 70 on a day, and seen on 18 dates.
Australian Pelican
Six seen on the 7th from Esperance, with 2 there the following morning. Two seen on the 12 from The Gap, with 9 on the 13th. Two seen on the 15th from Cape Naturaliste.
DARTER Anhinga melanogaster
Three seen on the 27th on Lake Monger, with 15 on the 18th in the Peels Inlet area, and six seen the following morning. Five seen on Lake Monger on the 23rd.
Australian Darter over the Perth lakes.
It proved to be virtually the last bird we saw on this trip.
BLACK FACED SHAG Leucocarbo fuscescens
Seen on 3 dates in the Esperance area, with a maximum of 6 on the 7th.
Black-faced Shags at Esperance.
PIED CORMORANT Phalacrocorax varius
Common along the coast north of Perth, less common south of Perth, and not seen inland or in the Esperance to Albany area on the coast.
Pied Cormorants with a Silver Gull
LITTLE PIED CORMORANT Phalacrocorax melanoleucos
Common and widespread.
GREAT CORMORANT Phalacrocorax carbo
Small numbers recorded on only six dates.
Cormorants
LITTLE BLACK CORMORANT Phalacrocorax sulcirostris
Common and widespread.
Little Black Cormorant on Penguin Island.
RED TAILED TROPICBIRD Phaethon rubricauda
Ten + seen on the 15th at Sugarloaf Rock, superb views obtained.
Red-tailed Tropicbirds over Sugarloaf Rock
Red-tailed Tropicbird at Sugarloaf Rock.
WHITE-FACED HERON Ardea novaehollandiae
Common and widespread, with up to 8 seen almost daily.
White Face Heron near Esperance.
White Face Heron at Two Peoples Bay
Small numbers only recorded on 8 dates, with a daily maximum of only 5.
LITTLE EGRET Ardea garzetta
Up to 4 recorded on only three dates.
EASTERN REEF HERON Ardea sacra
Just one seen on the 15th on the coastal rocks at Cape Naturaliste.
RUFOUS NIGHT HERON Nycticorax caledonicus
An adult flushed out of some trees at Lake Herdsman on the 27th.
AUSTRALASIAN BITTERN Botaurus poicilopiilus
DRC had a single bird flying over the large reed bed at Lake Herdsman on the 23rd, which JFC was disappointed to have missed.!!
AUSTRALIAN WHITE IBIS Threskiornis molucca
Only small numbers seen on 9 dates, with a daily maximum of 5.
Australian White Ibis.
STRAW-NECKED IBIS Threskiornis spinicollis
Recorded in fair numbers but only seen on seven dates, with a maximum of 200 on the 12th north of Albany.
YELLOW-BILLED SPOONBILL Platalea flavipes
Recorded on six dates, with a maximum of 25 on Woody Lake on the 6th and 7th.
BLACK SWAN Cynnus atratus
Very common, with up to 700 seen on a day in the Esperance Area.
CAPE BARREN GOOSE Cereopsis novaehollandiae
Only seen at Esperance, with 22 seen on the 5th and 25 on the 6th.
Cape Barren Geese at Esperance
AUSTRALIAN SHELDUCK Tadorna tadornoides
Good numbers recorded on 15 dates, with 400 seen on the 8th at Lake Gore.
Australian Shelduck at Lake Gore
Common and widespread around the coast.
Pacific Black Duck on the Perth lakes
GREY TEAL Anas gibberifrons
Common and widespread, with a maximum of 250 on the 5th on the lakes around Esperance.
Grey Teal on the Perth Lakes
CHESTNUT TEAL Anas castanea
Recorded only on four dates, with 30 on the 5th, and 20 on the 6th on the lakes at Esperance. Up to 150 seen at Fitzgerald River National Park on the 8th, with 80 there the following morning.
Chestnut Teal in the Fitzgerald River National Park .
AUSTRALASIAN SHOVELLER Anas rhynchotis
Recorded on 6 dates, with a daily maximum of 40 on the 8th at Lake Gore.
Australian Shovelers with Little Black Cormorants at Lake Monger
Twelve seen on the 27th at Lake Yangebup, and 1 on the 6th at Woody Lake, Esperance.
HARDHEAD Aythya australis
Twenty seen on Lake Monger on the 27th,but only 4 seen there on the 23rd.
MANED DUCK Chenonetta jubata
Recorded on 11 dates, with a daily maximum of 50 on the 16th.
BLUE-BILLED DUCK Oxyura australis
Thirty seen on Lake Monger on the 27th, 2 on the 10th near Albany and 10 at Lake Monger on the 23rd.
Blue-billed Duck on Lake Monger
Recorded on 9 dates, with a daily maximum of 40 on the Perth Lakes on the 27th.
Drake Musk Duck on the Perth lakes.
Not the prettiest duck, but they all count.
OSPREY Pandion haliaetus
Singles recorded on five dates.
BLACK-SHOULDERED KITE Elanus notatus
Recorded on 6 dates, chiefly singles, but 5 on the 28th in the Geraldton Area.
WHISTLING KITE Milvus sphenurus
Only recorded on 4 dates, with 3 singles and 4 on the 19th in the Rockingham area.
SQUARE TAILED KITE Lophoictinia isura
Two seen on the 9th at the Fitzgerald River National Park.
BROWN GOSHAWK Accipiter fasciatus
Just a single bird seen on the 31st at Monkey Mia Nature Reserve.
COLLARED SPARROWHAWK Accipiter cirrhocephalus
One seen hunting on the 12th on the drive to the Sterling Range National Park.
WHITE -BELLIED SEA-EAGLE Haliaeetus leucogaster
An immature seen on the 28th near Jurien.
WEDGE-TAILED EAGLE Aquila audax
Widespread and recorded on a total of 15 days, with a maximum of 10 on the 2nd on the inland drive to Mt. Magnet.
Wedge-tailed Eagle
LITTLE EAGLE Hieraaetus morphnoides
Mainly singles recorded on 8 dates chiefly north of Perth, with 3 together on the 30th at Kalbarri National Park.
Little Eagle in the Kalbarri National Park.
SWAMP HARRIER Circus approximans
Singles recorded on six dates.
PEREGRINE FALCON Falco peregrinus
Singles recorded on four dates, including one causing havoc over the Bridled Tern colony on Penguin Island.
AUSTRALIAN HOBBY Falco longipennis
One seen briefly on the 3rd near Mt. Magnet, with 2 on the 11th and 3 on the 12th at Lower King.
BROWN FALCON Falco berigora
Three seen on the 3rd near Mt. Magnet, with 2 on the 17th on the drive to Hyden.
Brown Falcon on the drive to Hyden
AUSTRALIAN KESTREL Falco cenchroides
Common and widespread, with a daily maximum of 20 on the 28th.
Australian Kestrel at Lake Gore
One heard calling, and then flushed on the Kwanga Trail at the Dryandra State Forest on the 16th. As it flew away from me it grunted three times. It landed some 30 yards in a small wood, but although I quickly followed it, I was unable to re-locate it.
LITTLE BUTTON-QUAIL Turnix velox
Just 3 singles seen at Kalbarri, Mt. Magnet and on the road to Hopetoun.
BUFF BANDED RAIL Gallirallus philippensis
Five seen on Penguin Island on the 20th and these were our only sightings.
DUSKY MOORHEN Gallinula tenebrosa
Good numbers seen on the Perth Lakes, but strangely no others were seen after this.
PURPLE SWAMPHEN Porphyrio porphyrio
Forty seen on the 27th, chiefly at Lake Monger and Herdsman Lakes, with 20 on the 28th at Yanchep. Three on the 21st at a small lake at Rockingham and 15 at Lake Monger on the 23rd.
Purple Swamphen at Lake Monger
EURASIAN COOT Fulica atra
Common and widespread, but not seen inland.
AUSTRALIAN BUSTARD Aracolis kori
Five seen together on the 8th, near Lake Gore.
PIED OYSTERCATCHER Haematopus ostralegus
Seen at various coastal sites on 9 dates, with a daily maximum of 30 on the 12th.
SOOTY OYSTERCATCHER Haematopus fuliginosus
Small numbers recorded on 8 dates all along the South Coast and chiefly in the Esperance to Albany areas. Maximum of 8 on the 6th at Esperance.
Sooty Oystercatcher at Esperance.
BANDED LAPWING Vanellus tricolor
Surprisingly, only seen on 3 dates, with a family party of 4 at Albany, and also seen along the road north of Albany.
Banded Lapwing at Albany
Recorded on 7 dates, with a daily maximum of 50 on the 12th at Lower King.
HOODED PLOVER Charadrius rubricollis
A superb flock of 119 birds, including many juveniles, were found on a dry salt lake near Esperance on the 6th.
Hooded Plovers on a dried up salt lake near Esperance.
GREATER SANDPLOVER Charadrius leschenaultii
Ten seen on the 30th and 15 on the 31st at Monkey Mia, with 2 on the 10th at Lower King.
RED-CAPPED PLOVER Charadrius ruficapillus
Recorded on 8 dates, often in good numbers, with a maximum of 30 on the 13th at the Wilsons Inlet.
Red-capped Plover near Esperance
Only seen on 2 dates, with 1 on the 30th near Monkey Mia, and 3 on the 12th near Albany.
BLACK-WINGED STILT Himantopus himantopus
Seen on 8 dates, with a maximum of 150 on the 19th chiefly at the Peels Inlet.
BANDED STILT Cladorhynchus leucocephalus
Sixty seen at Goo Malling Lake on the 3rd and 10 at Lake Gore on the 8th.
RED-NECKED AVOCET Recurvirostra novaehollandiae
Seventy seen at Goo Malling Lake with Banded Stilts on the 3rd, 500+ were seen at Lake Gore on the 8th. One seen at Albany on the 10th, and 60 on the 19th at Lake Geogrup, near Mundurah.
Red-necked Avocets with one Banded Stilt at Lake Gore.
RUDDY TURNSTONE Arenaria interpres
Seen on 4 dates, with a maximum of 6 on the 29th at Geraldton.
FAR EASTERN CURLEW Numenius madagascariensis
Just a single bird seen on the 18th and 19th at the Peels Inlet.
Far Eastern Curlew at Peels Inlet.
WHIMBREL Numenius phaeopus
Just 2 seen on the 19th at the Peels Inlet.GREY TAILED TATTLER Tringa brevipes
One seen on the 10th, and 3 on the 11th at Lower King, with 1 on the 12th at Emu Point.
Grey-tailed Tattler at Lower King
Recorded on 7 dates, with a daily maximum of 3 on the 10th.
GREENSHANK Tringa nebularia
Recorded in fair numbers on 14 dates, with a daily maximum of 20.
Greenshank at Wilsons Inlet.
MARSH SANDPIPER Tringa stagnatilis
A single bird seen at Monkey Mia on the 30th and 31st.
BAR TAILED GODWIT Limosa lapponica
Up to 30 seen on 5 dates at coastal inlets.
RED KNOT Calidris canutus
Two seen at Monkey Mia on the 31st, and one on the 19th at the Peels Inlet.
GREAT KNOT Calidris tenuirostris
Six seen on the 30th and 10 on the 31st at Monkey Mia. One on the 1st at Geraldton. 60 on the 10th at Albany, and 20 on the 19th at the Peels Inlet.
SHARP TAILED SANDPIPER Calidris acuminata
Four seen on the 11th, at Lower King, and 4 on the 19th at the Peels Inlet.
Sharp-tailed Sandpipers at Lower King.
RED-NECKED STINT Calidris ruficollis
Recorded in fair numbers on ten dates, with a maximum of 250 on the 13th at the Wilsons Inlet.
Red-necked Stint at Monkey Mia.
Red-necked Stints near Esperance
CURLEW SANDPIPER Calidris ferrugine
Eight seen on the 10th at Albany, with 6 on the 11th and 50 on the 13th at the Wilsons Inlet.
SANDERLING Calidris alba
Two seen at Monkey Mia on the 31st, and one on Penguin Island on the 20th.
BROWN SKUA Catharacta lonnbergi
Two seen from Esperance on the 7th.
ARCTIC SKUA Stercorarius parasiticus
Two seen on the 7th and 1 on the 8th at Esperance and Hopetoun.
SILVER GULL Larus novaehollandiae
Very common all around the coast, but not seen inland.
PACIFIC GULL Larus pacificu
Recorded on 13 dates at coastal sites, with a daily maximum of 40 on the 5th and 6th.
Pacific Gulls near Perth.
Adult Pacific Gull at Monkey Mia.
CASPIAN TERN Sterna caspia
Recorded on 17 dates, with a daily maximum of 20 on the 19th.
Caspian Tern at Monkey Mia
GULL BILLED TERN Sterna nilotica
Strangely, only one seen on the 8th at Lake Gore, and this was in full winter plumage.
FAIRY TERN Sterna nereis
Two seen on the 31st at Monkey Mia, and 5 on the 1st at Geraldton Lighthouse. Eight seen on the 18th at Mundurah, and a breeding colony of 50, including several very small young birds, at Mundurah on the 19th.
Fairy Tern at Mundurah,
SOOTY TERN Sterna fuscata
Twentyfive, seen on a sea-watch on the 29th from Kalbarri.
BRIDLED TERN Sterna anaethetus
40 seen on the 14th, and up to 3,000 on the 15th from the look-out at Cape Leeuwin and the islands in Hamlyn Bay. An impressive breeding colony of 5,000 birds were seen on Penguin and nearby Islands on the 19th, 20th and 21st.
Bridled Terns on Penguin Island.
CRESTED TERN Sterna bergii
Good numbers seen all around the coast, with a daily maximum of 100 on the 31st.
Crested Terns at Monkey Mia.
LESSER CRESTED TERN Sterna bengalensis
Just a single bird seen on the 28th from Geraldton.
SPOTTED TURTLE-DOVE Streptopelia chinensis
Common in the suburbs of Perth, with 60 seen on the 27th, but not seen elsewhere.
LAUGHING TURTLE DOVE Streptopelia senegalensis
Second Trip
Very common in Perth, and the surrounding areas.
PEACEFUL DOVE Geopelia placida
Singles seen on the 29th at Kalbarri, and on the 30th at Monkey Mia.
COMMON BRONZEWING Phaps chalcoptera
Recorded in small numbers on 15 dates. Not seen along the North coast, but seen inland and along the South coast. Daily maximum of 12 on the 5th.
Common Bronzewing near Noorseman.
BRUSH BRONZEWING Phaps elegans
Two seen on the 6th and 4 on the 7th at Monjingup National Park, with 1 on the 9th at Ravensthorpe, and 2 on the 17th in the Dryandra State Forest.
CRESTED PIGEON Geophaps lophotes
Recorded on 16 dates, with a daily maximum of 25+, but not recorded in Perth.
R ED -TAILED BLACK COCKATOO Calyptorhynchus banksii
A large feeding party of about 300 birds were found along the road near Goo Malling on the 3rd and excellent views obtained. Three were seen on the 4th, near Noorseman, and 3 on the 13th along the road to Northcliffe.
Red-tailed Black Cockatoos near Goo Malling
WHITE TAILED BLACK COCKATOO Calyptorhynchus latirostris
Large numbers of feeding birds, approx. 300+, were seen on the 27th in the Yanchep National Park area, with 30 the following morning in the park. The very short bill was well seen. Three seen on the 10th in flight only, when the bill was not seen. Seven, on the 15th, when the bill was well seen, and 6 on the 17th in the Dryandra State Forest.
White-tailed Black Cockatoo at Yanchep National Park.
LONG BILLED BLACK COCKATOO Calyptorhynchus baudinii
Twelve, were watched at very close range, feeding low down, and the bill was very well seen on the 11th at Two Peoples Bay National Park, Three watched feeding high up on the 12th, at the Sterling Range National Park were considered to be long billed, and 9 seen on the 13th, when the bill was again seen very well.
Long-billed Black Cockatoos
GALAH Cacatua roseicapilla
Good numbers, seen Perth northwards, and inland, but only odd birds seen in the south. Recorded on 13 dates, with a maximum of 80 on the 3rd inland near Mt. Magnet.
Galeh near Perth
LITTLE CORELLA Cacatua leadbeateri
Twelve, found in the trees surrounding Lake Monger on the 27th, and again on the 23rd. 500, were found feeding in fields on the drive north on the 28th, and 3 seen on the 2nd, on the drive inland to Mt. Magnet.
Little Corella at Lake Monger
RAINBOW LORIKEET Trichoglossus haematodus
Two, seen flying over a Perth suburb, on the 27th were considered to be this species, and were probably from the introduction programme.
PURPLE CROWNED LORIKEET Glossopsitta porphyrocephala
Recorded on 6 dates, and chiefly seen flying over, mainly along the south coast road. 120, were seen on the 5th on the road between Noorseman and Esperance, but otherwise no more than 15 on a day were seen.
REGENT PARROT Polytelis anthopeplus
Forty of these graceful parrots, were watched coming into drink in the Sterling Range National Park on the 12th, with 2 seen on the 17th and 4 on the 18th at Lake Goegrup, with 2 seen here the following morning.
COCKATIEL Leptolophus hollandicus
Fifty seen on the 2nd, on the drive to Mt. Magnet, and 120 on the 3rd near Mt. Magnet.
BUDGERIGAR Melopsittacus undulates
Thirty were seen feeding in seeding grass near Mt. Magnet on the 3rd.
Budgerigars in the desert scrub near Mt. Magnet
RED CAPPED PARROT Purpureicephalus spurious
Small numbers recorded along the south coast road on 8 dates, with a daily maximum of 12 on the 19th, feeding on cones on the ground at Coodanup.
Red-capped Parrot feeding on fallen pine cones at Coodanup.
WESTERN ROSELLA Platycercus icterotis
Recorded only on 5 dates, along the south coast, chiefly in small numbers, with a daily maximum of 15 on the 13th.
Western Rosella at Two Rivers, Lower King.
PORT LINCOLN RINGNECK Barnardius zonarius
By far the commonest parrot on this trip, and often seen feeding on the side of the road on fallen seeds from trucks. Strangely, not recorded at Esperance and Albany. Seen on 19 dates, with a maximum of 60 on the 12th.
Port Lincoln Ringneck in the Sterling Range
BOURKE’S PARROT Neophema bourkii
Five of these attractive parrots were found feeding on seeding grass near Mt. Magnet on the 3rd. Superb!!
ELEGANT PARROT Neophema elegans
An immature, seen very well, on the 6th at Monjingup National Park, with a party of 9 here the next morning. 12 were flushed by a Collared Sparrowhawk on the drive out to the Sterling Range on the 12th and a single bird was seen on the 13th.
ROCK PARROT Neopheme petrophila
Four, showed very well at Esperance on the 6th, and one seen briefly on the 7th. Three were seen on the 12th at The Gap.
Rock Parrot at Esperance
PALLID CUCKOO Cuculus palidus
Singles seen on the 10th at Two Peoples Bay and on the 15th along the Kerri Tree Walk.
FAN-TAILED CUCKOO Cuculus flabelliformis
An immature seen on the 13th at D’Entrecasteaux National Park.
SHINING BRONZE-CUCKOO Chrysococcyx lucidus
Two were seen on the 9th in the Fitzgerald River National Park.
SOUTHERN BOOBOOK Ninox novaeseelandiae
One flushed off the road on the early morning drive to Two Peoples Bay on the 11th. It was well seen in the car headlights, and the yellow eyes were striking.
SPOTTED NIGHTJAR Eurostopodus argus
Two were seen on the early morning drive to Two Peoples Bay on the 11th. JFC only saw 1 of the 2, as it flew off the road.
FORK TAILED SWIFT Apus pacificus
Four appeared to come in off the sea over Geraldton on the 1st. They fed over our heads for 10 minutes, before departing north.
LAUGHING KOOKABURRA Dacelo novaeguineae
Small numbers seen on 9 dates, but not recorded inland or around Esperance.
SACRED KINGFISHER Todirhampus sancta
Recorded on 7 dates, with a maximum of 3 on the 14th in the Pemberton .
Sacred Kingfisher near Perth
Sacred Kingfisher near Esperance
RAINBOW BEE-EATER Merops ornatus
Only recorded on four dates, with a superb flock of 40 coming into roost at Lake Geogrup on the 18th.
NOISY SCRUBIRD Atrichornis clamosus
Not seen, but one heard singing its exposive song for about 30 minutes at Two Peoples Bay on the 11th. Unable to see the bird, even thou an extensive effort was made, but the bushes were just to dense.
WHITE-BACKED SWALLOW Cheramoeca leucosternum
Two were seen feeding over coastal heathland near the Little Lagoon on the 30th, with 4 there the following day.
WELCOME SWALLOW Hirundo neoxena
Very common, and widespread, with good numbers being seen virtually daily.
Welcome Swallow resting on the beach at Kalbarri.
TREE MARTIN Hirundo nigricans
Common, and widespread, and almost as common as the previous species, although not recorded inland or at Mt. Magnet.
FAIRY MARTIN Hirundo ariel
Small numbers were only identified on three dates, and only in the Perth area, but was probably missed on other dates.
AUSTRALIAN RICHARDS PIPIT Anthus novaeseelandiae
Fairly common and widespread. Recorded on a total of 17 days, with a maximum of 12 on the 28th.
Australian Richards Pipit at Two Peoples Bay
BLACK-FACED CUCKOO-SHRIKE Coracina novaehollandiae
Small numbers recorded on 18 dates, with a maximum of 6 on the 29th.
WHITE-WINGED TRILLER Lalage tricolor
One seen on the 28th, along the Yanjidi Trail at Yanchep National Park, one on the 16th in the Dryandra State Forest, and one on the 18th near Mundurah.
SCARLET ROBIN Petroica multicolour
Recorded on 6 dates, but only in the forests in the south-west. Maximum of 6 on the 16th in the Dryandra State Forest. Males were still in full breeding plumage.
Female Scarlet Robin at the Karri Forests at Pemberton
A stunning male Scarlet Robin at the Karri Forests at Pemberton .
RED-CAPPED ROBIN Petroica goodenovii
Recorded on 6 dates with a maximum of 10 on the 30th, seen along the river trail in the Kalbarri National Park. Several males were still in good plumage, although others were losing their plumage.
Male Red-capped Robin along the River Trail in the Kalbarri National Park.
HOODED ROBIN Melanodryas cucullata
Just two seen, including a fine male, along the road leading to Monkey Mia on the 31st.
WHITE BREASTED ROBIN Eopsaltria Georgiana
A single bird seen on the 10th, with 2 on the 11th at Two Peoples Bay. One on the 13th, with 5 on the 14th in the Karri Forests in the Pemberton/Northcliffe areas, and 4 on the 15th along the Kerri Tree Walk.
A shy White-breasted Robin at the Karri Forests at Pemberton.
White-breasted Robin seen in the Jewel Cave wood.
Another reason to visit the superb Jewel Cave which is situated in a
small wood with excellent views of the White-breasted Robin.
WESTERN YELLOW ROBIN Eopsaltria griseogularis
Six seen on the 12th in the Sterling Range National Park, and 1 on the 16th in the Dryandra Forest.
Western Yellow Robins in the Sterling Range National Park.
CRESTED SHRIKE-TIT Falcunculus frontatus
The distinctive western race “leucogaster”, was seen very well on the 15th, along the Kerri Tree Walk. Some observers consider it to be a full species.
GOLDEN WHISTLER Pachycephala pectoralis
Odd birds recorded on 7 dates, with a maximum of 3 on the 22nd in the John Forrest National Park.
RUFOUS WHISTLER Pachycephala rufiventris
Two seen on the 28th at Yanchep National Park, and 2 on the 18th near Mundurah.
GREY SHRIKE-THRUSH Colluricincla harmonica
The distinctive western race “rufiventris”, was seen on 5 dates including 4 on the 12th in the Sterling Range National Park.
CRESTED BELLBIRD Oreoica gutturalis
One seen on the 31st, coming to drink in a garden at Denham, with 15+ in the evening in the desert scrub at Mt. Magnet, but only 3 seen the following morning
Crested Bellbird in the desert scrub near Mt. Magnet.
RESTLESS FLYCATCHER Myiagra inquieta
Singles seen on the 7th at Woody Lake National Park and on the 12th in the Sterling Range.
Restless Flycatcher in the Woody Lake National Park.
GREY FANTAIL Rhipidura fuliginosa
Common and widespread. Recorded on 14 dates, with a maximum of 15 on the 14th. Not seen inland or around Esperance.
Grey Fantail at Albany
WILLIE WAGTAIL Rhipidura leucophrys
Common and widespread and seen virtually daily.
Willie Wagtail at Perth
CHIMING WEDGEBILL Psophodes occidentalis
Two seen on the 31st at Monkey Mia, and 8 on the 3rd near Mt. Magnet.
CHESTNUT BREASTED QUAIL-THRUSH Cinclosoma castaneothorax
Two seen on the 2nd near Mt. Magnet and were the bird of the trip. Superb!!
WHITE-BROWED BABBLER Pomatostomus superciliosus
Nine seen on the 31st at Monkey Mia, 25 on the 3rd at Mt. Magnet and one on the 5th.
CLAMOROUS REED WARBLER Acrocephalus stentoreus
12 seen at Lake Monger on the 27th, but none seen on the 23rd even thou looked for.
Clamorous Reed Warbler at Lake Monger
RUFOUS SONGLARK Cinclorhamphus mathewsi
Just a single bird seen on the 28th on the drive north.
BROWN SONGLARK Cinclorhamphus cruralis
Two males, one displaying, were seen on the 9th near Hopetoun.
Brown Songlark at Hopetoun.
SPLENDID FAIRY-WREN Malurus splendens
Recorded on 6 dates, including a number of fine plumage males. Maximum of 12 on the 13th in the Northcliffe area.
Male Splendid Fairy-wren at Northcliffe
Female Splendid Fairy-wren at Northcliffe.
Male Splendid Fairy-wren singing in the Karri Forests at Pemberton.
VARIEGATED FAIRY-WREN Malurus lamberti
Only identified on 2 dates, with 2 on the 30th at Monkey Mia, and 1 on the 22nd in the John Forrest National Park.
BLUE BREASTED FAIRY WREN Malurus pulcherrimus
Four seen on the 30th at Monkey Mia, with 6 there on the 1st. Two seen in the Dryandra State Forest on the 16th and 17th.
Blue-breasted Fairy-Wren at the Dryandra State Forest
Another stunning Fairy-wren although this kept to quite thick cover and proved
quite difficult to photograph.
RED WINGED FAIRY WREN Malurus elegans
Recorded on 6 dates, all in the south-west corner, with a daily maximum of 12 on the 10th in the Albany area.
Red-winged Fairy-wren near Albany.
I was delighted to see and photograph this sedentary and endemic Fairy-wren
restricted to the south-western corner of Western Australia.
WHITE-WINGED FAIRY-WREN Malurus leucopterus
Five were seen on the 28th along the entrance road leading to the Pinnacles Desert, with 1 on the 29th, and 15 including some splendid males of the blue race at Monkey Mia on the 31st. They escaped all my efforts to photograph them, and they did not respond to “pishing”. Stunning!!
SOUTHERN EMU-WREN Stipiturus malachurus
A delightful party of 4, including 2 males, showed very well at Fitzgerald River National Park on the 8th, with 2 seen on the 10th at Two Peoples Bay.
Southern Emu Wrens in Fitzgerald River National Park.
One of the birds of the trip
THICK-BILLED GRASSWREN Amytornis textiles
One seen on the 30th, and 10+ on the 31st, chiefly around the car park at Monkey Mia and proved to be one of the highlights of the trip. An excellent and enjoyable species.
Thick-billed Grasswren showing very well around the car park at Monkey Mia.
WHITE-BROWED SCRUBWREN Sericornis frontalis
Fairly common, and widespread. Seen on a total of 8 dates, but was probably under recorded, with a daily maximum of 10 on the 10th at Two Peoples Bay National Park.
White-browed Scrubwren near Perth
RUFOUS CALAMANTHUS Sericornis campestris
One in song, on the 28th on the road leading to the Pinnacles Desert, was surprisingly, the only one I identified, although I must have over-looked others.
WEEBILL Smicrornis brevirostris
Two seen on the 4th along the Heritage Trail at Noorseman, 1 on the 9th in the mallee at Ravensthorpe, and 2 on the 16th in the Dryandra State Forest.
WESTERN GERYGONE Gerygone fusca
Recorded on 5 dates, chiefly in the Perth area, with a maximum of 8 on the 28th at Yanchep.
INLAND THORNBILL Acanthiza p. apicalis
Small numbers recorded on 14 dates, with a maximum of 6 on the 29th and 30th.
.
CHESTNUT-RUMPED THORNBILL Acanthiza uropygialis
A party of 7 of these delightful Thornbills, were seen on the 3rd in the scruby desert at Mt. Magnet.
SLATY BACKED THORNBILL Acanthiza robustirostris
Six were seen on the 2nd, when driving inland to Mt. Magnet.
WESTERN THORNBILL Acanthiza inornata
One seen on the 11th at Two Peoples Bay, 2 seen on the 16th and 17th in the Dryandra State Forest, and 5 on the 18th.
SLENDER-BILLED THORNBILL Acanthiza iredalei
Three seen on the 2nd, on the drive inland to Mt. Magnet.
YELLOW-RUMPED THORNBILL Acanthiza chrysorrhoa
Fairly common and widespread. Recorded on 13 days with a maximum of 10 on the 18th.
Yellow-rumped Thornbill in the Kalibarri National Park.
RUFOUS TREECREEPER Climacteris rufa
Five seen on the Heritage Trail at Noorseman on the 4th, 4 on the 12th in the Sterling Range, 2 on the 14th at Northcliffe and 5 on the 16th at the Dryandra State Forest.
RED WATTLEBIRD Anthochaera carunculata
Common and widespread, and seen on a total of 19 days.
LITTLE WATTLEBIRD Anthochaera lunulata
Recorded on 9 dates, all in the south west. In range, it proved to be very common with up to 300 on a day being seen, and one soon became tired of it!!
Little Wattlebird - large numbers seen in the south west.
SPINY-CHEEKED HONEYEATER Acanthagenys rufogularis
Five seen on the 2nd, on the drive inland to Mt. Magnet.
YELLOW-THROATED MINER Manorina flavigula
Recorded on 10 dates, but became very common when in range especially inland
SINGING HONEYEATER Lichenostomus virescens
Very common around Perth, but only odd birds seen around Esperance and not seen at all at Albany.
Singing Honeyeater at Kalbarri
Singing Honeyeater at Monkey Mia.
WHITE-EARED HONEYEATER Lichenostomus leucotis
Just a single bird seen, in the Waved Rock National Park on the 17th.
PURPLE GAPED HONEYEATER Lichenostomus cratitius
One seen in the mallee near Ravensthorpe on the 9th, 10 coming into drink in the Sterling Range on the 12th, and 1 on the 16th in the Dryandra State Forest.
YELLOW PLUMED HONEYEATER Lichenostomus ornatus
Forty seen around Noorseman on the 4th, with 1 on the 5th at Bromus Dam. Four on the 12th, in the Sterling Range, and 4 on the 16th in the Dryandra State Forest.
Yellow Plumed Honeyeater at Noorseman
BROWN HEADED HONEYEATER Melithreptus brevirostris
Only 4 seen on the Heritage Trail at Noorseman on the 4th and this was our only sighting.
WHITE-NAPED HONEYEATER Melithreptus lunatus
Just 2 seen on the 9th in the mallee near Ravensthorpe.
BROWN HONEYEATER Lichmera indistincta
Common and widespread. Recorded on 13 dates with a maximum of 20 on the 7th.
TAWNY CROWNED HONEYEATER Phylidonyris melanops
One seen on the 8th, and 6 on the 9th in the Fitzgerald River National Park, 1 seen on the 11th at Two Peoples Bay. 15 coming into drink on the 12th in the Sterling Range National Park, and 1 on the 16th in the Dryandra State Forest.
NEW HOLLAND HONEYEATER Phylidonyris novaehollandiae
Seen on 16 dates. Exceptionally common in the Esperance to Albany area, when up to 500 in a day could easily be seen. They became a real pain in the backside!!
New Holland Honeyeater-Very common around Esperance.
New Holland Honeyeaters at Two Peoples Bay.
WHITE CHEEKED HONEYEATER Phylidonyris nigra
One seen on the 28th at Yanchep, with 8 on the 29th near Kalbarri. Three on the 11th at Two Peoples Bay, and 3 on the 12th coming to drink in the Sterling Range National Park
WESTERN SPINEBILL Acanthorynchus superciliosus
Up to 10 recorded on 11 dates, but not seen along the North coast or inland. This very attractive species proved virtually impossible to photograph.
Western Spinebill at Woody Lake National Park.
I was delighted to see this Spinebill, as I had already seen the Eastern Spinebill
on an earlier trip to Queensland, although the Western proved much more difficult
to photograph
WHITE-FRONTED CHAT Ephthianura albifrons
Three seen on the saltings on the 13th at the Wilsons Inlet, and 12 seen in weed on the beach on the 19th at Mundurah.
MISTOLEBIRD Dicaeum hirundinaceum
Just 8 seen on the 31st at Monkey Mia, and these were our only sightings of the trip.
STRIATED PARDALOTE Pardalotus striatus
Recorded on 5 dates, with a maximum of 10 on the 16th in the Dryandra State Forest.
SILVEREYE Zosterops lateralis
Very common and widespread. Up to 50 could easily be seen on a day and recorded on 20 dates.
Very common and widespread. Up to 50 could easily be seen on a day and recorded on 20 dates.
Silvereye - Common and widespread
RED EARED FIRETAIL Emblema pictum
Four seen on the 10th at Nanarup and Lower King, 1 on the 11th at Two Peoples Bay, 1 on the 13th in Morley Road, and 2 on the 15th on the Kerri Tree Walk.
Four seen on the 10th at Nanarup and Lower King, 1 on the 11th at Two Peoples Bay, 1 on the 13th in Morley Road, and 2 on the 15th on the Kerri Tree Walk.
ZEBRA FINCH Taeniopygia guttata
Four seen on the 1st at Denham, with 30 on the 2nd on the drive to Mt. Magnet and 60 feeding in seeding grass on the 3rd near Mt. Magnet.
Four seen on the 1st at Denham, with 30 on the 2nd on the drive to Mt. Magnet and 60 feeding in seeding grass on the 3rd near Mt. Magnet.
AUSTRALIAN MAGPIE-LARK Grallina cinerea
Common and widespread and seen virtually daily.
BLACK-FACED WOODSWALLOW Artamus cinereus
Recorded on 7 dates, with a maximum of 40 on the 3rd.
DUSKY WOODSWALLOW Artamus cyanopterus
Recorded on 7 dates, with a maximum of 25 on the 5th.
GREY BUTCHERBIRD Cracticus torquatus
Singles seen on the 28th at Two Rocks, on the 8th and 9th at Hopetoun, and the 19th at Lake Geogrup.
Common and widespread and seen virtually daily.
Australian Magpie-Lark-Seen almost daily.
BLACK-FACED WOODSWALLOW Artamus cinereus
Recorded on 7 dates, with a maximum of 40 on the 3rd.
Black-faced Woodswallow near Esperance.
DUSKY WOODSWALLOW Artamus cyanopterus
Recorded on 7 dates, with a maximum of 25 on the 5th.
Dusky Woodswallow near Esperance
GREY BUTCHERBIRD Cracticus torquatus
Singles seen on the 28th at Two Rocks, on the 8th and 9th at Hopetoun, and the 19th at Lake Geogrup.
Grey Butcherbird near Two Rocks.
PIED BUTCHERBIRD Cracticus nigrogularis
Recorded on 12 dates, with a daily maximum of 8 on the 3rd.
AUSTRALIAN MAGPIE Gymnorhina tibicen
Very common and widespread, and seen virtually daily. The “white backed” race was very common.
White-backed race of the Australian Magpie
GREY CURRAWONG Strepera versicolor
Recorded on 8 dates, but not seen on the North coast or inland. Maximum of 8 on the 9th and 12th.
Grey Currawong at Noorseman.
AUSTRALIAN RAVEN Corvus coronoides
Very common and widespread and seen virtually daily in fair numbers. The commonest corvid.
Very common and widespread and seen virtually daily in fair numbers. The commonest corvid.
LITTLE CROW Corvus bennetti
Only identified on a total of 6 dates, with a maximum of 50 on the 13th at Northcliffe.
TORRESIAN CROW Corvus orru
Identified only along the North coast, north of Perth, with a maximum of 100 at Monkey Mia on the 31st.
Only identified on a total of 6 dates, with a maximum of 50 on the 13th at Northcliffe.
TORRESIAN CROW Corvus orru
Identified only along the North coast, north of Perth, with a maximum of 100 at Monkey Mia on the 31st.
