The Wren
Volume 4 Number 1 March 2015
Red-backed Fairy-wren
FROM THE PRESIDENT
Marlis Schoeb
Contents
1. Quail that go Bump in the Night
Welcome to year 2015.
I noticed throughout the festive season and
2. Little Kingfishers in Town
3. ‘Ruff-Ruff’
holiday period that many club members were
4. Birds of Lake Barfield
able to mix socialising with birding activities.
5. Norfolk Island Bird Week
It’s called getting the balance right, so well done!
Thanks to everyone who participated in the
National Bird Count Challenge in December and
well done to Sam for co-ordinating this event.
Our group was introduced to Facebook in late
6. Pied Imperial-Pigeon Pilgrimage
7. Introduced Bird Species. Bucasia Beach
8. I Live Where I Live Because.....
9. Poem – A Family of Four
10. Puffins In Scotland
11. My Bird Challenge Count Weekend
2014 with the Birdlife Mackay Facebook Group
12. Botanic Gardens
now established and waiting for more friends.
13. Critters Corner
Thanks again to Sam for setting this in motion.
14. Christmas at Dingo Beach
The hot weather at this time of the year makes
15. November Outing – Snake Road
the going tough for both the birdwatchers and
16. National Bird Challenge Count
the birds alike, so always carry plenty of water.
17. January Outing – Owens Creek
18. Monthly Calendar
Daryl Barnes
17.
18.
17.
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QUAIL THAT GO BUMP IN THE NIGHT
There are many nights when Eungella is enveloped in a blanket of thick white cloud. From the Pioneer Valley
below, the only sign of the village is a glow thrown up by the lights especially obvious if the tennis court is lit.
On still nights like that in the wet season, the air is often filled with the swirling calls of unseen flocks of flying
birds—Magpie Geese, Whistling Ducks, Wood Ducks, Stilts, Night Herons and various others not usually seen
here in daylight. When we built our house here in 1990, it stood openly on a cleared block. At night the lights
streamed out without other lights around it. We found ourselves hearing weird crashes and bumps and flutters
as ducks landed on the roof. Also there were kingfishers and pigeons and lots of other birds including many
button-quail (which we had never seen before) that flew into walls and windows. During the wetter months,
when days stay damp and overcast, some birds would stay quietly resting and feeding on grass seeds or insects
for a short time.
Red-backed Button-quail
Henry Cook
One night in January 1995, our neighbours travelled home through the rainforest some 10 kilometres without
seeing any quail. Once they reached the village, there were so many birds, one of them walked ahead of the
car chasing and lifting them aside. The next morning the remains of 17 different birds were found (13 Redbacked Button-quail,1 Red-chested, 2 Painted and 1 Brown).
As we were already bird banders, we decided to learn as much as we could about the quail. They were easily
caught by hand and when the big irruptions occurred they were everywhere in the village, on the oval, on the
road and in the drains even on the shop roof. The owls and the cats and the kookaburras had a picnic. Kevin
caught them by hand or in a butterfly net and brought them in to be identified, banded, weighed and
measured. The peak time for this was usually from 10.00pm to midnight.
We found we had to release them on the darkened side of the house or they would simply return once
released. They would fly straight up into the air generally and never to be seen again by us. In the years 1990 1998 we banded 156 Red-backed Button-quail, 14 Red–Chested, 6 Brown, 15 Painted, a few Little and 7 lovely
Little King Quail. Of all these birds we banded, we have never re-trapped any beyond a day or two later even
though we regard the Brown and Painted Quail as resident. More males (99) than female Red-backed were
banded as they were generally slower and less wily than the females. The females are heavier and much more
brightly coloured.
Despite all our enquiries in places comparable to Eungella such as the Bunyas, Paluma and the Atherton
Tableland, we have not found reports of similar major irruptions at altitude in Australia. However, very large
numbers have been caught in a similar situation in East Africa. Even here the really large numbers seem to be
only in the village, i.e. right on the escarpment where they drop in over the edge for a rest. For those years it
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was a regular event. But since then only 2000 and 2001 have produced days when the oval was alive with
visitors although there are always some each wet season.
We know that button-quail need wet conditions to breed but we do not really understand why these mass
flights happen. They usually come several weeks after heavy rain elsewhere following a dry year. Certainly the
topography steers them through the saddle in the range going west. Perhaps they are moving above the fog
and are drawn down to the pool of light before travelling on who knows where? Given that they are ideal snack
size for owls, hawks, cats, etc, etc, maybe very few actually make it?
The results of our study were published in detail in Corella 1999 23 (2).
Report by Marion & Kevin Crouther
‘RUFF RUFF
RUFF RUFF’
This story began around a year or more ago. We were camped on the banks of the Burnett River, Gayndah, at
a free camp we had been using regularly. That night there were only 2 vans and about 100 backpackers, who
were there for the fruit-picking and as the afternoon wore on more and more turned up until there was literally
no room for any more campers. During the night I had heard a little dog barking incessantly and was wondering
if our neighbour’s dog was upset with the close proximity of the backpackers.
The following morning I asked my neighbour if something was bothering his dog during the night but he told
me that he didn’t have a dog, although he did have a Barking Owl in the tree outside his door and the bloody
thing didn’t let up all night! Well as you can imagine, each time I visit the camp, I park near that same tree in
the hope that the owl will return.
I finally got my first encounter with Barking Owls during the Sandringham Bay Reserve outing in May last year
(2014) and was lucky enough to see a pair of them the following day (see Sandringham Bay Revisited, The
Wren, September 2014)
A few days ago I got my reward for perseverance. We had set up at the same camp site and after a fairly wild
storm passed over us, I heard my little dog barking outside. We were the only ones camped there that night so
I busily scanned all the trees nearby before I heard the owl barking across the river, I gave up for the night.
The following morning while I was having a quick
wander along the river bank, I spotted a Barking
Owl still trying to dry off after a rainy night. When I
returned a few minutes later armed with my
camera, I was lucky enough to notice there were
no less than four BO’s in the tree. I suspect all or
some of them were juveniles, anyway I managed a
couple of pics of them before they got camera shy
and moved higher up in the tree.
Well what a bonus, - 4 owls in a day. Not bad I
suppose, only it was going to get better!
We have another free camp we frequent on the
banks of the Calliope River and that afternoon we
set up camp there.
Barking Owl
Steve Dew
That evening I was rewarded by the sound of a small dog barking and sure enough when I looked outside my
caravan door, there was a beautiful adult Barking Owl which was soon joined by another.
Interestingly, they also gave another call regularly just before they “barked” a sort of a screech. They were
camera shy and cleared off when I returned with the camera, but I did hear them a few more times in the early
evening barking and screeching.
Six BO’s in 1 day.....Bonus!
Story by Steve Dew
March 2015
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LITTLE KINGFISHERS IN TOWN
While out walking at the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens in the early morning on Monday 12th January, I
stopped alongside the Cottonwood trees on the edge of the lagoon as I often do, to inspect what birdlife may be
hidden under the canopy at the edge of the water. Often I see a Nankeen Night Heron watching for breakfast
before going off to roost for the day. In the darkness under the canopy I could see a ripple of water where the
branches bend to the water and thinking it could be a Heron, I used my binoculars to inspect. As I moved the
bins towards the ripples I was very surprised to see another bird perched on a branch about half way up.
Initially, due to low light, I couldn’t work out what it was. Then, to my delight, I realized it was the beautiful
Little Kingfisher. I had not seen one previously, so extra delight!!
I thought the birding community may like to know
it was around, so at Daryl’s suggestion put a
message on Birdlife Mackay Facebook Group page,
as others were keen to sight this elusive little bird. I
went back on Tuesday 13th January around the same
time. Lo and behold……And then there were two!!!
Two Little Kingfishers to feast my eyes on, this time
with the camera in hand also. My shots were
disappointing as the light was very dim. While I was
watching them, I heard a voice behind me asking
what I was looking at. Barry had come down to
check out the little blue bird also, and was able to
get much better shots than I could.
Little Kingfisher
Barry Heinrich
It appears, from records kept by our long-time
bird/platypus watcher at the Gardens, Tess, that this
little bird is seldom seen and when seen it is always
around this time of the year.
Yet another sighting of the Little Kingfisher has been had in the same area. Whilst conducting the monthly
Botanic Gardens survey on January 30, Kristy Lavis spotted one bird preening on a tree branch just above the
water. This created quite a fuss amongst all six people in attendance.
The Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens is always a place of wonder for bird watchers. Every now and then a
bird appears which has not been seen there for a long time. For me, two Pink-eared Ducks in November 2013,
a Great-crested Grebe a few years ago, Latham’s Snipe and now the Little Kingfisher have been some of the
more unusual sightings. The Pale-vented Bush Hen and White-browed Crake, Nankeen Night Herons and Blackfronted and Red-kneed Dotterels are always exciting to see because they are not there as often as other
regulars, the later three usually only when the water levels are lower.
Report by Joanne Morris
BIRD WEEK 2014
With the implementation of National Bird Week
by Birdlife Australia in late October last year, it
brought birds to the attention of the public right
around the country.
Prior to the week, Birdlife Mackay distributed
brochures to each of our district libraries and a
major display board highlighting local birds at
the Gordon White Library in North Mackay was
set up.
Joanne Morris and Gerry Woodruff (pictured)
organised and erected the displays at the
library.
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BIRDS OF LAKE BARFIELD
Lake Barfield is located just south of the Hay Point
coal terminal and to the west of Salonika Beach.
Historically, it was a tidal wetland, but the property
owner who grazed cattle around the wetland built
an embankment to prevent tidal flows to create the
present freshwater wetland. The lake now provides
a drought refuge for many water birds and other
wildlife, although it may dry out in very dry years.
On November 29TH I decided to visit the wetland,
Birdlife Mackay members having received an open
invitation to do so from the owners of the small
property near the northeast of the lake. My
motivation was to check the site out before the
Birdlife Challenge Bird Count coming up the
following weekend.
Pheasant Coucal
Barry Heinrich
Arriving early I walked into the woodland
recording the birds in the pond near the houses
and in the woodland, on what is almost an island
on the edge of the lake. The resident Orangefooted Scrubfowl were vocal near the pond and I
saw the Bar-breasted Honeyeaters in the
paperbark trees near the pond and flushed out a
Pheasant Coucal.
Once I got to the lake there were plenty of
waterbirds to count. The most abundant were
Eurasian Coots, then Magpie Geese, Grey Teals and
Intermediate Egrets. There were a good number of
Black Swans, Whiskered Terns, Australian Pelicans,
and Pacific Black Ducks. As I made my way around
the edge of the lake where I could see to the
south, I saw a White-bellied Sea-Eagle flying
Australian Painted Snipe
Barry Heinrich
across the lake carrying a fish in its talons. It
landed in the trees on the other side of the
lake.
When I got to the north side of the island I
could see Black-fronted Dotterels leading their
chicks away from me in the trees. There were
some Sharp-tailed Sandpipers on the edge of
the water. When I walked along the edge of
the lake to get a closer look at the sandpipers, I
flushed an Australian Painted Snipe from the
reeds. After stalking the snipe I managed to
get some acceptable photos of it and some of
the Sharp-tailed Sandpipers as well.
Returning to my car after expressing my
gratitude to the property owner, I drove around
to the eastern side of the lake to look for
additional birds.
Brown Quail
Barry Heinrich
Near the southern end of the water remaining in the lake I could see 6 Latham’s Snipe amongst the reeds.
March 2015
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Overall I observed 74 bird species and counted over 2000 birds on and around the lake. During the following
week it was brought to my attention that Lake Barfield is just outside the Birdlife Mackay Challenge Count area,
by a couple of kilometres. Consequently I had to go elsewhere, but that’s another story.
There were Red-capped Plovers, Red-necked Stints, Sharp-tailed Sandpipers and Masked Lapwings on the
exposed mud around the lake and several Glossy Ibises in the water with other birds. In the hibiscus trees I
saw a Willy Wagtail chase a Black Bittern. The bittern retreated into the low branches of the trees where I was
able to have excellent views of it, noting the distinctive yellow stripe along the side of its neck.
A subsequent visit to the site on 12 December recorded some additional species, including Forest Kingfishers
feeding a newly fledged young, Dusky Moorhens with 2 chicks near the pond and a family of Brown Quail. I
compiled a list of birds recorded during my visits, including birds recorded during the Birdlife Mackay excursion
to the lake in September. The list includes over 110 bird species, not counting the Peacock and the Helmeted
Guineafowl. A list is available on request. Additional species records would be appreciated.
Report by Barry Heinrich
THE INAUGURAL NORFOLK ISLAND BIRD WEEK
December 2014 from the 2nd to the 9th
The first familiar face I saw on this trip was in Brisbane airport where Derek Ball, director Wildmob Wilderness
Conservation and chair of Island Arks Australia, who resides at Bucasia, explained that he was frequently
moving around several destinations managing the Wildmob’s schedule.
The Wildmob is generously supported by philanthropist and internet entrepreneur Graeme Wood of ‘Wotif.com’
fame who was present at the opening address and dinner.
Wildmob is a not-for-profit organization which aims to protect and restore wildlife habitat. They are working to
save 90 threatened species in unique places from the Tasmanian wilderness to outback Queensland and the
tropical islands of the Great Barrier Reef.
Norfolk Parakeet
Peter Crane
Black Noddies
Peter Crane
Some people on this trip had never birded before but had previously been a part of Derek’s workforce in other
places and some were partners there for a holiday. We made an eclectic group who were interested in all the
place had to offer.
I also recognized one of our Mackay birders, Peter Crane, who had his camera ever ready and got some
sensational images. David Stewart, of international fame as a sound recorder of the bird world, was also along.
His sounds are featured in David Stewart and Michael Morcombe’s ‘e-guide to the Birds of Australia’ and his
many other compact discs that are available.
We were guided through many interesting excursions by Margaret Christian, a tireless worker for the welfare
of the island, who has extensive knowledge in the fields of both Norfolk Island history and its environment. For
the adventurous there were boat trips where pelagic were seen, glass bottom boat adventures and the Phillip
Island trek.
The endemic and endangered Norfolk Island Green Parakeet (Cyanoramphus cookii) was seen and
photographed as was the Long-billed White-eye (Zosterops tenuirostris tenuirostris). Other endemics seen were
Pacific Robin, Golden Whistler, Grey Warbler, Sacred Kingfisher and Grey Fantail.
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The spectacular nesting sites of Masked Boobies and Red-tailed Tropicbirds, many of them having juveniles,
were seen closely from the cliff tops while Great Frigatebird and Sooty Terns glided around. Nesting White
Terns became commonplace along with nesting White-capped Noddy. Wedge-tailed Shearwaters went to
burrows quite close to the road at dusk where they made mournful calls. White-necked Petrels were also seen
settling on the ground.
The common enemy of all is the Black Rat Rarus ratus which poses a huge challenge to the environmentalists.
The parrot makes its nest on the ground after entering a hollow low in a tree. This does not hold much hope for
its continued existence when cats also have helped decimate the population. Rangers have treated entrances to
try and protect the parrot from climbing predators.
The ultimate plan is to introduce a population on to Phillip Island which is five kilometres away. Norfolk Island
has the usual introduced common birds Californian Quail, Rock Dove and Emerald Dove, Blackbird, Song Thrush
and Common Starling, House Sparrow, Goldfinch and Greenfinch. The Crimson Rosella has found its way there
and is quite common and thought of as a nuisance by some orchardists. Feral Fowls have range rights
everywhere.
We were surprised to see Pacific Golden Plover were common on roadside verges.
This was a most enjoyable trip and a 2015 Norfolk Island Bird Week is being planned from 24 th November to
1 December flying from Brisbane.
st
Report by Madge Barnett
PIED IMPERIAL-PIGEON PILGRIMAGE
The Annual Pied Imperial Pigeon count for November 2014
Two counts were conducted at Hay Point as requested by Dr Julia Hasel from the Townsville University, one on
November 10th and the other on November 26th.
On Monday the 10th it was good tide wise, as I needed to be able to get across the tidal creek at the southern
end of Salonika Beach. My selected count site was approximately 3 kilometres south of this creek. This location
gave me a good view of the pigeons heading east to roost on Victor Island.
I counted alone this time but I won't do that again as I was like a one armed paper hanger when the action
got serious. The pigeons were heading out in groups of up to 24, but mostly in smaller groups of 5 to 14 over
my observation period of 2 hours from 4 to 6pm. I counted 623 birds! This was significantly up on the count the
previous year.
My son Tony accompanied me on the second
occasion, the 26th. He was initially unimpressed
when we had to cross the creek in chest deep
water to get there in time to count by 4pm. But
this time, I was glad of a penciller as we counted
926 pigeons by 6pm. We took turns on the bino's
as eyes get tired counting fast flying birds in
varying size groups. Thanks son! We also counted
approximately 60 more PIP's whilst walking home
after the 6pm cut off. We also recorded 119 birds
flying west to the mainland to feed. Obviously,
these birds had been sitting on eggs or
chaperoning young while partners were feeding on
the mainland during the day.
The Pied Imperial Pigeon is a striking bird and it
was a pleasure for me to see so many of them
heading home to their island colony.
Pied Imperial Pigeon
Robert Zimsek
Report by Peter Dallas
March 2015
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INTRODUCED BIRD SPECIES
On a recent visit to various locations within the state of Victoria I was reminded just how devastating some
introduced bird species can be and how lucky we are here in Mackay that we don’t have too many of them. The
Common Blackbird, for example, dominated one house garden where the owners were trying to grow
vegetables and a few fruit trees, whilst in another yard it was inundated with a large population of House
Sparrows and some Common Starlings. I also saw where some town centres played host to big numbers of the
aggressive Common or Indian Myna and I even saw them on a rural property where I stayed at one stage.
Then European Goldfinches were evident in a couple of the country town parks that I visited.
The Mackay Regional Councils Pest Management Co-ordinator is Laurie Warren. He is the man to contact if
and when you discover an unwanted bird species in our area. He reminded me that it had been 18 months
since he last fired a deadly shot on a vagrant Myna at the Paget Green Waste Facility. Since that time, one was
identified and reported near the Mackay Golf Club in August 2014 and another on the Beef Road west of Mackay
in January 2015.
Laurie is also working on an isolated population of
Common Starlings that had established itself near the
entrance to the Mackay Airport. The birds had found their
way into the hollow of the sign via several holes where they
were able to successfully nest. These holes have since been
filled in and these birds are being monitored. Shooting
them with a firearm (in the vicinity of an airport) would not
be tolerated by security.
In my opinion, other introduced species that occur around
Mackay like the House Sparrow, Red-whiskered Bulbul,
Nutmeg Mannikin and Spotted Turtle-Dove, don’t seem to
be causing any significant problems.
Nutmeg Mannikins
Joanne Morris
If you identify a Common Myna or Common Starling in Mackay, contact Laurie immediately on 0417608199.
Report by Daryl Barnes
BUCASIA BEACH ESPLANADE
Just before Christmas we were out at the
beautiful Bucasia Beach for a walk and some
birding early in the morning. There are always
birds of note around the walking track there
and on this particular day we encountered Bush
Stone-curlews, a Dollarbird on a powerline, at
least 2 nests with Figbirds (male) feeding and
nurturing their chicks, Little Corellas paying
attention to each other at their “hollow in the
tree” entrance to their nests in the paperbark
trees, White-breasted Woodswallows, some
Brown Honeyeaters and the usuals, Magpielarks and Willie Wagtails.
On the same morning we made a stop at
Kerrisdale for a wander around the adjacent
lake.
A Family of Figbirds
Joanne Morris
Our sightings there included many Pelicans, Pacific Black Ducks, Grey Teal, Australian White Ibis, Magpie
Geese, 2 Black-winged Stilts, a lone Silver Gull and 2 Rajah Shelducks, a Red-capped Plover and a Red-necked
Stint.
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We made another stop at the Harbour Road wetlands and saw 2 Black-necked Storks, Royal Spoonbills, Rednecked Stints, Dusky Moorhens and a large white duck!
Plenty of places around Mackay support many different species of birdlife, which is satisfying to a
birdwatcher’s heart.
Story by Joanne Morris
I LIVE WHERE I LIVE BECAUSE........
It is such a great place. Clermont is a small country town with a community serviced by the coal, grain and
beef industries. Clermont is known as the town that moved, but that is all history.
For those of us who live here we feel lucky to have Hoods Lagoon on the northern side of town. This is an
idyllic setting and is home to a large number of water birds including Pelicans, Comb-crested Jacanas,
Australasian Grebes, just to name a few of the approximately 15 regular species in total. The surrounding area
supports a local population of Sulphur-crested Cockatoos, Little Corellas, Rainbow Lorikeets, Apostlebirds, Greycrowned Babblers and many other species too numerous to mention, that also make this area home.
Jacanas at play
Bob McTrusty
Australian Pelican
Robert Zimsek
I have found a couple of outstanding birds that inhabit this area, with one being the Nankeen Night Heron.
One frequents the large fig tree on the western end of the lagoon. The second bird is a Barn Owl that lives in a
hollow gum tree near the public toilets.
The 2km walkway around the lagoon is testament to nature’s wonder with its diversity of plants, animals and
birds. As one tourist put it to us recently, "What a wonderful place you have here".
Story by Olive McTrusty
I LIVE WHERE I LIVE BECAUSE……..
Here at the Finch Hatton Gorge I hear so many wonderful bird sounds.
I've been hearing and identifying the most beautiful birds in the bush where I live but don't get to see them.
Birds like the King Parrot, the Wompoo Fruit-Dove, the Superb and Rose-crowned Fruit-Doves and the Buffbreasted Paradise-Kingfisher of late. I would love to see all these birds in their glorious colours. I can recognize
and regularly see the Dusky Honeyeater and Lewin's Honeyeater, the Emerald Dove, the Peaceful Dove and the
Brown Cuckoo-Dove but their colours are more sedate.
However, there are also sad days when a bird unfortunately flies into a house window and is usually stunned.
I wouldn't be surprised if the Buff-breasted Paradise-Kingfisher has a nest not too far from my house by the
creek as every time I go near there it stops calling. (07/01/2015)
p.s. This morning I actually saw a Buff-breasted Paradise-Kingfisher from my verandah for the very first time
and for about five seconds. I was excited!! (08/01/2015)
Story by Rosemary Braithwaite
March 2015
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A FAMILY OF FOUR
I strolled along a well worn track – where many hooves had been before
When screeching noises stopped me dead – this enticed me to explore
So I scanned the branches of a nearby tree – and eventually I saw
Two fluffy chicks within a nest – now this, I could not ignore
But something else then caught my eye – I looked over to my right
Soon I focused on a bird – that was hovering at low height
This bird was almost motionless – providing me an awesome sight
I recognised this carnivore – as a stunning Black-shouldered Kite
Then like a rock it fell to earth – to a place I could not see
When immediately another bird – flew in from another tree
It disappeared like a bullet fired – joining the other, almost certainly
So I hesitated just awhile – before moving forward, stealthily
The hungry chicks were quiet now – I could no longer hear
As I focused on the adult pair – with a view that now was clear
At the entrance to a rabbit burrow – a catch had been secured
Their prey, a kitten, had been seized – so a meal for all assured
With flapping wings both birds took off – and up into the sky
The claws of one still firmly clamped – as it struggled to get high
With the dangling rodent rising up – into the clear blue sky
The two young chicks would eat today – fresh meat to satisfy
Contented parents on a bare limb perched – bathed in the midday light
The rays upon their feathers white – made them glow like beacons bright
Their hunting skills were on display – feeding chicks with appetites
For them it’s just another day – in the life of Black-shouldered Kites
*This poem emulated from a visit to the
‘family farm’ in October 2014, a small
sheep and cattle property that I once
managed for a period of fifteen years. It
is situated just a stones throw from the
small western district town of Coleraine
in Victoria. The site where these Blackshouldered Kites were nesting was close
to the highest point on the farm which is
known locally as ‘one tree hill’ (for
obvious reasons) Views from this spot
over the town and the surrounding
valley are very picturesque.
Daryl Barnes
Black-shouldered Kite
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PUFFINS IN SCOTLAND
After accepting an invitation to a wedding in Ireland in July
2014, my wife and I decided to plan a holiday to include the
United Kingdom, France, Italy and Greece. At the top of our
list was a determination to locate and photograph Puffins in
their natural environment. Puffins are sea birds that spend
most of their lives at sea, but come ashore to have their
young.
After some research we identified five main sites where we
could locate them, including the Treshnish Isles off Scotland,
Skomer Island off Wales and the West Coast of Ireland.
As Scotland was our first stop, we found a Tourist
Information Centre and booked a day trip to the Treshnish
Isles. The booking agent advised us to go in three day’s time
as this would be the best day weather wise in the coming
week. He also guaranteed that we would see Puffins as there
were reported sightings of up to 6000 Puffins on the island of
Lungar.
We departed early from our accommodation on the shores of
Lock Awe then travelled to the beautiful seaside town of Oban
on the West Coast of Scotland. Here we boarded a large car
and passenger ferry to sail to the Isle of Mull then transferred
to a minibus to drive to the west coast of Mull then boarded a
small motor launch to travel to the Treshnish Isles.
What a beautiful day!! The sea was calm and the sun shining,
just as predicted by the booking agent. On arrival at Lungar
Island we disembarked via a portable floating jetty onto some
very slippery rocks, which we negotiated with much difficulty
because of low tide, no Health and Safety practices here!
Once on dry land we climbed quite a steep ridge to reach the
cliff tops. There they were, hundreds of Puffins going about
their daily routine of feeding their young chicks, quite oblivious
to our presence. Their burrows are on the cliff edge so it was
easy to photograph them by lying on the grass within a couple
of metres of the burrows.
After an hour of clicking the camera I was ‘puffined out’, so I
then walked to the end of the island, where there was a colony
of several thousand guillemots. This was quite a sight and
very smelly too on such a small island. Also on this walk there
were spectacular views of other islands in the Treshnish group
and several sightings of other birds including Razorbills,
Cormorants and several Gull species.
After three hours on the island it was time to board the boat
for the return journey. We managed to scramble over the
slippery rocks again without incident, boarded our boat, then
travelled to the Isle of Mull, catching the minibus then the
ferry to Oban to collect our hire car and drive back to the cabin
by the lake.
What a memorable day we had with great birding, stunning
weather for Scotland, beautiful scenery and lovely people! We
capped off our day with a bottle of red while watching the sun
set over Lock Awe at 10.30pm.
Photos and story by Bill McLean
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VISITORS
Beatrice and John-Pillipe Thelliez visited
Australia during 2014 from France and
travelled around our country in a
campervan. They were keen to capture
as many Australian native birds as they
could and we did our best to help them
whilst they were in our area. They were
able to join us on our Monthly Club
Outing to Lake Clive in October.
MY CHALLENGE BIRD COUNT WEEKEND
After the disappointment of not being able to include Lake Barfield in my contribution to the Birdlife Mackay
Challenge Bird Count, I settled on an alternative starting point at Dunrock on Saturday 6 December 2014. As I
got out of my car in the drizzling rain to scan the estuary for shorebirds, my disappointment soon faded away
and the number of birds and bird species began to grow. I moved on to Sandringham Bay Nature Reserve and
walked through the reserve as the drizzle continued. By the time I had included a few extra birds along
Dunrock Road on my way back to the Bruce Highway I had over 60 species and more than 700 birds, including
shorebirds, waterbirds and bush birds.
I drove into McEwen’s Beach and continued finding
more birds as the drizzle began to clear. There was a
Brown Goshawk resting on an irrigator in a cane field and
there were more bush birds in the woodlands as I got
closer to the built up area. On the foreshore there was a
flock of Plumed Whistling-Ducks and Radjah Shelducks.
The tide was rising and shorebirds were seen along the
beach, as well as some Great Egrets. Heading back to
the highway I saw Black Kites, Whistling Kites and a
Spotted Harrier over the cane fields. This area added
over 450 birds.
h
Mistletoebird
Barry Heinrich
Further north, in Baker’s Creek, I saw more Whistling Ducks in the school grounds. From there I headed west
towards Eton and began seeing small flocks of Magpie Geese flying towards the coast. I stopped and did my
best to count them until they had passed and then continued to a recently harvested cane field where there
were about 1300 more Magpie Geese which made a count of about 2500 of these birds in the area. I continued
counting birds along the road as I went through Walkerston through Marian to DeMoleyn’s Lagoon.
There were lots of Plumed Whistling-Ducks, Hardheads, Pacific Black Ducks and Eurasian Coots on DeMoleyn’s
Lagoon, Nankeen Night Herons and various bush birds in the trees around the lagoon.
At Mirani Lakes there were more Plumed Whistling-Ducks and Magpie Geese, and I spotted some Fairy Martins
building their nests on a house in the new housing estate. I added almost 1000 birds to the total count in this
area.
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Heading back to Mackay to have a rest I found more birds driving into Beaconsfield along Holt’s Road near the
drain. I also checked the birds near the drain along Beaconsfield Road near Mackay Golf course, before driving
around to the north side of the golf course to count the Cattle Egrets, Australian White Ibises, Great Egrets,
Little Black Cormorants and Little Pied Cormorants in the nest site on the island in the golf course. I got a few
odd looks from golfers while I sat in my car gazing through my binoculars. There were more than 400 Cattle
Egrets in the trees and some more Plumed Whistling-Ducks and Magpie Geese.
Before heading home for a rest I had a look around Kerrisdale, and the lakes on the east side of the housing
estate. An Australian Magpie was building a nest on a power pole. The lakes had more Magpie Geese, along
with various waterbirds that included Grey Teals, Sharp-tailed Sandpipers and a male Chestnut Teal. I stopped
counting birds for the rest of Saturday but took the time to attend the Mackay SGAP and Birdlife end of year
barbeque in the evening.
Sunday morning I was at Black’s Beach Reserve,
finding a flock of Little Corellas in the trees as I drove
into the area. The beach had more shorebirds, including
Bar-tailed Godwits, Whimbrels, Terek Sandpipers, Redcapped Plovers, Red-necked Stints, Common
Greenshanks, Great Knots, Masked Lapwings, Gull-billed
Terns and Silver Gulls. I was spotted by Gerry who was
at the boat ramp in Slade Point. I directed him towards
a flock of Ruddy Turnstones heading into the mangroves
as the tide rose. Amongst the bush birds I saw
Australian Figbirds and Rainbow Lorikeets eating the fruit
on the Macaranga tanarius trees in the reserve and
managed to get photos of a male Common Koel in a
Euroschinus falcata tree.
Purple Swamphen
Barry Heinrich
Continuing to Black’s Beach Cove lakes I added Purple Swamphens, more Magpie Geese, a pair of Wandering
Whistling-Ducks, a Royal Spoonbill and some Fairy Martins. Plantation Palms didn’t have many birds apart from
21 Little Black Cormorants in a dead tree.
I had a rest through the middle of Sunday then I went for a walk along the Sandfly Creek Trail in the
afternoon. I didn’t see large numbers of birds, but the resident Brown Quails and breeding Rainbow Bee-eaters
were seen. Satin Flycatchers, Mangrove Gerygones and Mangrove Honeyeaters were in the mangroves. A pair
of Masked Lapwings was guarding it’s offspring in the saltwater couch near the mangroves east of Sandfly
Creek. There were shorebirds on the north side of the Pioneer River including Eastern Curlews, Whimbrels and
Bar-tailed Godwits. Numerous smaller birds were too far away to identify even with the spotting scope.
Driving back to Beaconsfield over the Glenpark Street railway overpass before dusk, I added some Australian
White Ibises that were nesting in the mangroves amongst the roosting fruit bats.
It took me a few days to compile all my data but I ended up with 128 bird species in a total of 6860 birds, half
of them being Magpie Geese. I wonder if anyone counted the birds at the Goose Ponds. There would have
been a few hundred more birds there. Maybe next year?
Barry Heinrich
MACKAY REGIONAL BOTANIC GARDENS SURVEY
On the last Friday morning each month, a few birdwatchers from the local group meet together at the Mackay
Regional Botanic Gardens to do the monthly Bird Count. Friday the 19th of December this year was an
extraordinary day because the last Friday in December would have been Boxing Day and we assumed there
would be family gatherings and/or sleep-ins for some, so the Count was brought forward by one week. It is
always a fun morning and a great way to catch up with fellow birdwatchers.
During the winter months we meet at 7am, but during the summer months it is at 6am, firstly to catch the
birds and also to avoid the heat. One person, usually Madge, keeps a record of the species and the numbers of
birds which are sighted. This record is emailed to the members who usually like to assist and also to the
Botanic Gardens administration for their records of the birdlife in the Lagoon and surrounds. Everyone is
welcome to join us.
March 2015 13
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Ten people arrived at 6am to help do this Count. With
binoculars and cameras at the ready, we moved off to survey
the 5 sections which were nominated many years ago. Barry
brought his scope and we all had a chance to look a bit
further to see what was in the distance. The very exciting
sighting for this morning was the Pale-vented Bush-hen. We
had been listening to its clicking call for a little while when
suddenly it popped out of the thick grass-like Lomandra right
in front of us. Everyone was very attentive and cameras
began clicking to record the event. The sudden appearance
of a bird that is often elusive and secretive will always create
great interest. The ‘Reader’s Digest Complete Book of
Australian Birds’ gives a great description of one of their
exceptional calls which we were fortunate enough to hear
quite close to us. ‘Strange calls in the night, donkey-like
sounds ending in a shudder, a monotonous tok-tok-tok or an
assortment of clicks and grunts.’ Vocal particularly during
rain, they become noisy morning and afternoon early in
breeding. Some pairs duet alternately in shuddering wails,
often out of sight of one another. Our experience of this
wailing call was both thrilling and memorable, especially as
the intrepid little creature took an unbelievably casual stroll
in clear view of us all.
This intriguing little bird is normally so secretive that it is
mostly only recorded by sound alone, but the garden’s bird
has become very bold and appears close to the path used by
walkers and cyclists. The records say it was there in
November 2011, January & December 2012, February &
November 2013 and December 2014.
Pale-vented Bush-hen
Joanne Morris
The weather seems to hold the key to their arrival. Bush-hen sightings were recorded by Marion Crouther in
1976, when she lived by the Pioneer River at Pleystowe mill and this saw their addition to the field guides which
at that time did not have them on the distribution map between Bowen and Bundaberg.
Past president, Alan Brown, sent records of his Garden’s bird counts to BOCA office for several years. In 2009
Veronique Leemereyze Bossom asked if we would do a count at the same time that Waterwatch were doing
their testing in the Lagoon and we have continued our counts since. You are welcome to join us for the count
each month if you feel inclined.
Report by Joanne Morris
INTERESTING SIGHTINGS:
BARRY HEINRICH at SANDFLY CREEK
“
“
“
LAKE BARFIELD
22/11/’14. White-throated Needletails = 40
07/01/’15. Mangrove Robins = 2 & Satin Flycatchers = 2
29/11/’14. Painted Snipe = 1 & Black Bittern = 1
JOANNE MORRIS at BOTANIC GARDENS
30/12/’14. Nankeen Night Herons = 8
ROBERT ZIMSEK at FARLEIGH CANE PADDOCK
15/12/’14. White-winged Chough = 1
MARLIS SCHOEB at ST HELENS BEACH
11/01/’14. Pied Oystercatchers = 277
MARION CROUTHER at EUNGELLA TOWNSHIP
24/12/’14. Red-tailed Black-Cockatoos = 50
DARYL BARNES at BAKERS CK WALKERSTON
22/12/’14. Black Bittern = 1
PETER CRANE at SHOAL POINT
24/01/’15. Rose-Crowned Fruit-Dove = 1
LISA KERMODE at BUCASIA BEACH
29/01/’15. Beach Stone-Curlew = 1
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CRITTERS CORNER
Ictinogomphus Australis, Australian Tiger
Joanne, Jan and myself were out birding at the
Mackay Botanical Gardens on 11th Nov when we
spotted this lovely Australian Tiger Dragonfly. We
were down at the board walk end of the gardens
at around midday.
The Australian Tiger has a wing span of 80 - 90
mm with his striking Black and Yellow abdomen
being wider at the base and tip. It is mainly seen
in Northern Australia and Eastern Queensland
hovering around rivers, lagoons and ponds. This
dragonfly is quite a strong flyer often returning to
a regular perch on the streamside of plants and
sticks.
Gil Ireland
CRITTERS CORNER
Native Bees
Recently native hive bees have been busy in my
garden in Oakenden visiting the flowers of the
Golden Cane palms. At only about 4mm long,
these stingless social bees are dwarfed by the
introduced European honey bees with which they
have to compete for nectar and pollen. I'm not
sure locally where their nest is but they can often
be found in hollow trees, of which there are
plenty in the surrounding woodland. The native
bee nests are often discovered when land is
cleared and can sometimes be rescued and set up
in artificial hives. I don't know which species
these are, with several in two different genera,
but perhaps someone else can tell me?
Tom Curtis
CRITTERS CORNER
Green Spotted Triangle Buttterfly
The Tailed Jay is also known as the Green Spotted
Triangle, Green Triangle Graphium agamemnon,
and can be found throughout India, Sri Lanka,
South-east Asia and rainforest of Coastal
Queensland. It is a very busy feeder, a fast flyer
and I found it very hard to photograph due to it's
almost non stop and erratic feeding habits. The
Triangle Butterfly is now common at low
elevations and regularly seen in gardens and
urban areas due to its foodplant, Polyalthia
longifolia (False Ashoka or Mast Tree), being
widely used as an ornamental tree
I captured this specimen at the Mackay Regional
Botanical Gardens but have also seen them at
Cape Hillsborough and in the Conway National
Park.
Steve Dew
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CHRISTMAS at DINGO BEACH
I stayed at Dingo Beach with a friend and his family for Christmas Day and Boxing Day. It is situated on the
coast north of Airlie Beach. Houses have been built about 40 metres from the beach behind the beach scrub,
with understory vegetation cleared near the Dingo Beach Hotel to allow easy public access. The diverse
vegetation provides habitat to numerous bushland birds and other wildlife, while shorebirds and seabirds
benefit from tidal flats, rocky shores and offshore islands in the northern Whitsunday Islands.
On Christmas morning I went for a walk along
the coast to Black Currant Island located
between Dingo Beach and Hideaway Bay. The
island is attached to the mainland by a spit that
can be crossed on foot except for extremely high
tides. I walked around the island and followed
some Dollarbirds up to the top of the island
attempting to take photos. I also found
Spangled Drongoes, Laughing Kookaburras,
Mistletoebirds, Varied Trillers and Little ShrikeThrush on the island.
Dollarbird
Steve Dew
After a sumptuous Christmas lunch and an
afternoon rest, I walked along Dingo Beach to
the east, away from Black Currant Island. On
the tidal flat at low tide I saw Eastern Curlews,
Whimbrels, Grey-tailed Tattlers, Masked
Lapwings and Pied Oystercatchers.
It was around 6:00pm when I was at the rocky point between Dingo Beach and Nelly Bay to the east when I
saw a flock of about 40 Rainbow Bee-eaters fly north towards one of the small islands a few hundred metres
offshore.
Boxing Day morning I walked out onto the tidal flat again and found a grey morph Eastern Reef Egret, Pied
Oystercatchers, Sooty Oystercatchers, Silver Gulls and a Little Egret.
I spent some time watching the Reef Egret as it dashed around in the shallow water on the tidal flat catching
small fish. Looking north out to the rocky islet with my scope I could see Pied Cormorants and Crested Terns
resting on the rocks.
Birds of note in the beach scrub included Great Bowerbirds, Bush Stone-Curlews, Sulphur-crested Cockatoos,
Pied Currawongs, Australian Figbirds, Olive-backed Sunbirds and more, but very few honeyeaters.
Story by Barry Heinrich
MONTHLY OUTING NOVEMBER 2014
SNAKE ROAD EUNGELLA
Fifteen of our local bird watching group gathered at the
meeting point, the Mackay Tourist Information Centre at
the City Gates, for a 6am departure on a lovely summer’s
morning. There was much chatting as members
reconnected, some having not seen each since the last
outing. I was filled with anticipation as even though I
have been to Eungella many, many times, I had never
seen the Eungella Honeyeater…..that was the number 1
bird on my list for today!
Brown Cuckoo-Dove
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Marlis Schoeb
On our drive up the beautiful Pioneer Valley towards our
destination, we gathered a few more members, and
proceeded up the mountain. Arriving at Snake Road
around 7.40am, we travelled along the dirt road to meet
up with our hosts for the morning, Max & Debbie.
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On the drive in, we were excited to see a stunning male Regent Bowerbird perched on a branch in a dead tree
beside the road……well, that got our birding senses high to start the day! The photographers in the group were
very animated. We located the B & B hideaway and
were met by our very hospitable hosts.
We were shown around and guided to a couple of
areas for bird watching. Gil and I chose to walk
down the path to the little creek behind the house, a
beautiful leafy rainforest waterway. We then strolled
back to the house and then down the constructed
boardwalk to where we were able to sit on a deck
and look out into the rainforest. There were lots of
Climbing Pandanus Vines around and a few were still
flowering, although not really obvious to us.
However, it was there that we had our very first
sighting of the mystical Eungella Honeyeater. There
were a few birds moving around and we were
delighted to hear their call and watch as they found
the flowers to feed on. It was magical and
breathtaking to be there in the middle of the
rainforest and to finally see these honeyeaters so
close.
Topknot Pigeon
Robert Zimsek
Our cameras were regularly clicking, but sadly, no shots that are of sharing quality this time, probably due to
our overwhelming excitement at the time (or maybe it was the poor light!!!).
Others in the group took a walk along Snake Road and picked up some useful sightings of the Rose-crowned
Fruit-Dove, Australian Swiftlet, Brown Thornbill, Grey Shrike-thrush and Brown Cuckoo-Dove.
The cleared area in front of the cottage and the car park areas provided many good bird sightings like the
Topknot Pigeon, Rufous Fantail, Russet-tailed Thrush
and Golden Whistler. Also seen using the bird bath
and the feeder were the Pied Currawong, Crimson
Rosella, King Parrot and Bar-shouldered Dove.
Along with the Eungella Honeyeaters and Regent
Bowerbirds, other birds sighted during the morning
included the White-browed Scrubwren, Whitethroated Treecreeper, Cicadabird, Jacky Winter, Little
Bronze-Cuckoo, Black Butcherbird and Sulphurcrested Cockatoo.
We joined the bigger group for morning tea and
birdcall where 29 species in total had been witnessed
for the morning. While enjoying our cuppa, we were
treated to more sightings of an Eastern Spinebill,
Crimson Rosella, King Parrot and Pied Currawong.
As we left this rainforest hideaway I think we all
took with us many fond memories.
Pied Currawong
RobertZimsek
A big thank you must go to Debbie & Max for sharing some of their experiences with us and for being such
superb hosts.
Report by Joanne Morris
KIDS CORNER
Q/ Why did the boy take his shanghai to the beach?
A/ So he could leave no tern un-stoned.
Q/ What flies when it’s on and floats when it’s off?
A/ A feather.
Q/ What other animals can fly besides birds?
A/ Bats, Flying Foxes and many kinds of insects.
Animals like Flying Fish and Sugar Gliders don’t actually fly, they glide.
March 2015 17
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NATIONAL BIRD COUNT CHALLENGE
December 6th & 7th 2014
CHALLENGE COUNT HISTORY
DATE
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
SPECIES
180
180
187
183
202
213
White-headed Pigeon
COUNT
5,000
12470
7267
7300
11472
8311
Kate Delaney
DATE
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
SPECIES
179
170
180
145
188
Helmeted Friarbird
COUNT
4367
7193
9605
7802
13068
Steve Dew
MONTHLY OUTING JANUARY 2015
OWEN’S CREEK GARGETT
Nine adventurous and enthusiastic souls ventured to a previously unvisited location at the base of the Clarke
Ranges. After overnight rain, conditions were overcast, calm and very humid, but the morning remained rain
free. Bill Boyd made us feel very welcome as he presented us with an outlay of the property and use of the
house facilities. However, the fruit of the Longan tree orchard was not ripe for the picking. It was none-the-less
a tropical paradise location situated at the junction of two
beautiful rainforest creeks, Owens and Rocky.
But where there’s beauty there’s often danger. And, we
were soon to learn that the creek side vegetation contained
some nasty plants that we needed to be very wary of,
including the Lawyer Cane or Wait Awhile Vine and the
Native Raspberry, both covered with sharp spines that seem
to reach out and latch on to your clothing or exposed skin.
Rainforest settings can also prove to be a tough
environment for good ‘sight’ birding. The density and height
of the vegetation provides birds lots of hiding places, thus
avoiding our eager and prying eyes and clicking cameras.
Spangled Drongo
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Marlis Schoeb
We did have sightings of Red-tailed Black-Cockatoos on
the wing on more than one occasion with one flock totalling
29 birds.
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The constant communicating calls between the flock as they flew over the rainforest canopy with their
nonchalant wing beats, gradually disappearing into the low hanging cloud, created a mystical atmosphere.
Witnessing these scenes was memorable.
A few calls from a Buff-breasted Paradise-Kingfisher
raised the heartbeat a little, but the anticipation of a
sighting was unfortunately short lived. However just
knowing that these birds were in the area was satisfying to
say the least. The creeks were running strongly after
recent rains which made crossing over them to explore for
termite mounds impossible, so the idea was soon
abandoned.
Pheasant Coucals and White-browed Robins were both
common and quite vocal during the morning. Several
Spangled Drongos were also noisy, provided aerial displays
and showed off their aggressive nature by chasing others
that strayed into ‘their’ territory away.
Dusky Honeyeater
Robert Zimsek
Whilst a particular eucalypt species was in blossom it did not seem to command great
attention from any of the honeyeaters whilst we were there. Some of the smaller birds
like the Black-faced and Spectacled Monarchs, Mistletoebirds, Silvereyes, Scarlet, Yellow
and Dusky Honeyeaters were always on the move making it difficult for us to fully enjoy
them for any length of time.
Four inquisitive four-legged animals provided some light entertainment whilst we were
enjoying our smoko from the balcony of the grand old house. One donkey, a horse and
two ponies belonging to a neighbour were local freelance residents with the pony named
‘Honey’ the friendliest. Pictured, is ‘Chuckles’ (as Sylvia nicknamed the pony) laughing,
perhaps after Barry’s seat collapsed beneath him!
Thank you to Bill and Julie Boyd for giving us the opportunity to visit their property.
Photo by Sylvia Martinez
Report by Daryl Barnes
Do you recognise me?
I am a White-faced Heron and I am frequently seen around
Mackay. Normally I would consider myself rather an elegant
specimen, however this shot reveals that I can also look a bit
shabby now and then.
A White-faced Heron landed on the power lines at Glenella on
the 27th of September at 9.00am. This bird started to preen and
then fluffed all of its feathers up, shook its neck and made the
long front plumage sway from side to side all the way down to its
legs, it was as though every feather was charged with electricity.
Then it looked like a soft toy that had been put through the wash.
When it finally returned to its original slender and majestic state,
I wouldn’t have believed it could have looked so dishevelled,
except for the fact that I had witnessed the event and have
photos to prove it.
Photo and story by Jeanette Heinemann
March 2015 19
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BIRDLIFE MACKAY OUTINGS CALENDAR 2015
Each outing is on the first Sunday of the month.
Bring food, water, a fold-up chair, sun and insect protection.
Date 2014
Destination
Sandringham
Conservation Reserve
- Dunrock
Berri Werri near
Gargett
Padaminka at
Walkerston
Keeble’s at
Cameron’s Pocket
Lake Barfield
at Hay Point
March 1st.
April 5th.
May 3rd.
June 7th.
July 5th.
July (Date & time
to be decided)
August 2nd.
September 6th.
October 4th.
November 1st.
December 5th 6th
Meeting Place
Meeting Time
Contacts
Tourist Info Centre.
0600
07 49593382
07 49521278
Tourist Info Centre.
0600
Tourist Info Centre.
0630
Tourist Info Centre.
0630
Tourist Info Centre.
0630
07 49593382
07 49521278
07 49593382
07 49521278
07 49593382
07 49521278
07 49593382
07 49521278
Mackay Botanic
Gardens
AGM
Goorganga Plains near
Proserpine
Service Station at
Coningsby
0630
Tedlands near
Koumala
Tourist Info
Centre
0630
Debbie & Max’s
Snake Road near
Eungella
Tourist Info Centre.
0600
07 49593382
07 49521278
Lake Clive off
Howell’s Road
Service Station at
Coningsby
0600
07 49593382
07 49521278
National Challenge
Bird Count
Nil
Nil
07 49593382
07 49521278
07 49593382
07 49521278
President/Newsletter: Daryl Barnes [email protected] 07 49593382
Secretary: Joanne Morris [email protected] 07 49521278
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