Saturday 28 May. Half-day excursion: Wharncliffe Mill, Margaret River. Issue 26 May 2016

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1 Issue 26 May 2016 Saturday 28 May Half-day excursion: Wharncliffe Mill, Margaret River Meet at 8.30am at Wharncliffe Mill. Entry is off Carters Road, 1km west of Bussell Highway. Park in the visitors car park. We shall explore this beautiful karri stream reserve right on the edge of town. Bring morning tea or buy coffee at the cafe. Leader: Boyd Wykes Red-eared Firetail, Ellensbrook Photo Hank Durlik Red-winged Fairy-wren, Witchcliffe Photo Hank Durlik CONTENTS PAGE Program Excursion Reports Vasse River Delta Wetlands.. 6 Students birding down south. 7 Great Cocky Count Hooded Plovers Birding beyond the Capes Articles Sightings

2 Cape to Cape Bird Group PROGRAM Red-winged Fairy-wren, Augusta Photo Roger Crabtree Saturday 11 June: Half-day Excursion Gracetown Meet at 9.00am opposite Grace Bussell Memorial Park on Cowaramup Creek. Park in the beach car park on the right at the bottom of the hill as you enter Gracetown. The walk up the creek has long been a favourite with BirdLife groups. We shall explore the track alongside the creek, the beach and the fringing vegetation, where a family of Southern Emu-wrens is often seen. Bring morning tea. Leader: Christine Wilder No excursion planned for mid winter Note: All the local excursions/campouts/meetings are for BirdLife Australia members and the general public. In the event of threatening weather, those planning to attend an excursion (particularly if travelling some distance) are welcome to check conditions with the leader prior to the excursion (use individual mobile contact if given). The leader will always be present at the meeting place and will decide whether or not to proceed. For details of any of the excursions or meetings please contact: Christine Wilder cwilderone@yahoo.com.au Boyd Wykes majyx@iinet.net.au Australian Owlet-nightjar, near Carters Road (25/3/16) Margaret River Photo Steven Castan (using 600mm zoom) Wednesday 10 August: 7.00pm Meeting Druid s Hall, Bussell Highway, Witchcliffe Gardens for Birds 20 years of backyard birding Dr Mike Bamford, Chair of BirdLife WA and Mandy Bamford, President of the WA Naturalists Club, will be our guests for a very special meeting of our group. We will hear what can be learnt from long term monitoring of garden birdlife and have a chance to meet this illustrious WA birding couple. Everyone is welcome to join us for dinner beforehand at Settlers Tavern, Margaret River at 5.45pm. Sunday 14 August: Half-day Excursion Augusta Meet at 9.00am at the corner of Hillview Road and Hart Road. From the north, turn right at the Caltex servo in the centre of Augusta, follow Ellis/Hillview Road past Lions Club and industrial area to Hart Road. Park on verge on far right of corner for a walk along the firebreak track between bush and paddock opposite, followed by a visit to the wastewater ponds and a coffee at Colourpatch. A stroll alongside the Hardy Inlet, past the caravan park, should provide views of estuary birds, including reef egrets and night herons. Leader: Roger Crabtree (Phone ) 2

3 Back at our cars for morning tea we were entertained by both Scarlet and White-breasted Robins. After the longish drive around to the east end of Margaret Road we headed back, stopping first at a sandy heath area, very different to the jarrah-marri forest we had been walking in earlier. Still not many birds, but the swamp bottlebrush (Beaufortia sparsa) was magnificent! Canebrake Pool Photo Boyd Wykes Further on we sampled a different area again along Molloy Road, walking through a mix of forest and then open, swamp vegetation across the dry, south branch of the Margaret. Again not a lot of bird action, but more Varied Sittellas as well as Western Yellow Robins were seen. EXCURSION REPORT Upper Margaret River 20 March We had eleven takers for this excursion, including visitors from Perth Sandra and Geoff West. This was to be a longer than usual exploration of the upper Margaret River catchment, one of the less well-known parts of our area and very significant for both flora and fauna. Our route took us from Canebrake Pool via Mowen and Sues Roads, to Margaret Road along which we headed back to complete the circuit. We first checked out Canebrake Pool itself and walked in to Long Pool, the next one north in the chain of magnificent permanent waterholes along the Margaret River. Leader Boyd Wykes gave us a rundown on the unique ecology of these pools and pointed out some of the fish species present, several of which are endemic to the Margaret River, though they are unfortunately threatened by introduced Gambusia mosquito fish. Apart from several very visible Grey Fantails, the birds were elusive, so it was a slow start to the list, but good views of Western Spinebills and a Golden Whistler kept us interested. Next we stopped near George Pool, a little further south, and walked along Blundson Road where the birds eventually proved more active with a mixed flock of the usual LBJs passing through but also a group of Varied Sittellas, Scarlet Robins and at least three Rufous Treecreepers, lovely to see! Weebills were a good sighting as we seldom see them further to the west and suspected Western Thornbills were finally confirmed by Boyd. A few more species were added at the pool, including Dusky Woodswallow and Forest Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo (heard not seen). After lunch near the Margaret/ Molloy crossroad, most of us called it a day as it was fairly warm by then, leaving Boyd and our two Perth visitors to explore a little further up Molloy Road towards the north branch of the river where they reported yet more robins. Although our total of 31 species was not a huge number (and not a single waterbird or raptor), this was a great opportunity to become more familiar with an area that most of us do not know well. We had an excellent day and many thanks to Boyd for organising and leading the excursion. Margaret Road was suitable for 2WD vehicles, but we found it did contain a few sandy spots where reasonably high clearance was necessary. Jane Scott Birding in the middle of the upper Margaret River Photo Boyd Wykes 3

4 Bird List 20 March Upper Margaret River Emu Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo Western Rosella Australian Ringneck Red-capped Parrot Laughing Kookaburra Rufous Treecreeper Red-winged Fairy-wren White-browed Scrubwren Weebill Western Gerygone Western Thornbill Inland Thornbill Spotted Pardalote Striated Pardalote Western Spinebill Western Wattlebird Brown Honeyeater New Holland Honeyeater Varied Sittella Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike Golden Whistler Dusky Woodswallow Grey Currawong Grey Fantail Australian Raven Scarlet Robin Western Yellow Robin White-breasted Robin Silvereye Tree Martin EXCURSION REPORT Crouch Road 16 April Eleven birders met at Rosa Brook in an attempt to locate cockatoos. Conditions for birding were excellent: calm, dry and mild. After a short stroll around the nearby sports oval, our convoy moved off and parked up in Crouch Road not far from the Berry Farm at Rosa Glen. The habitat was a mix of forest and farm pasture. A plethora of small birds tested the group s identification skills, with several superb Scarlet Robins offering excellent photo opportunities. Around 40 ravens called noisily from a farm paddock nearby. Best spot of the day was our leader Christine s sighting of a Painted Button-quail, while the worst was Mike s spot of a medium sized black bird on the far side of a farm dam, which turned out to be a small tree stump. (The group included a range of skills and knowledge). During our stop for refreshment, we were entertained and enlightened by Barry Darnell, who spoke of his connection to Harley Webster, Vince and Dom Serventy and proudly shared with us, birds on kangaroo paws, he had painted when he was just ten years old. Our stop concluded with Christine announcing that she had received an award marking more than thirty years of volunteering (she was very young when she started). Golden Whistler Photo Hank Durlik Above right Female Red-winged Fairy-wren Photo Hank Durlik As is the way of these events, the morning was enriched by informative and entertaining discussion within the group. It was quite the most enjoyable bird walk I have attended for some time. Oh, by the way, we did not see one cockatoo. Mike Evans 4

5 Birding along Crouch Road Photo Christine Wilder Barry Darnell speaking on local bird history Photo Christine Wilder Bird List 16 April Crouch Road Pacific Black Duck Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike Common Bronzewing Golden Whistler* Painted Button-quail Dusky Woodswallow Western Rosella Grey Butcherbird Australian Ringneck* Australian Magpie* Red-capped Parrot* Grey Fantail Red-winged Fairy-wren* Willie Wagtail White-browed Scrubwren Australian Raven* Inland Thornbill* Scarlet Robin* Spotted Pardalote Western Yellow Robin Western Spinebill White-breasted Robin Red Wattlebird Silvereye* Brown Honeyeater Welcome Swallow New Holland Honeyeater* Tree Martin Morning tea on the roadside Photo Christine Wilder *Seen also at Rosa Brook Sports Oval Barry Darnell s paintings from school days Photo Christine Wilder Splendid Fairy-wrens Photo Christine Wilder 5

6 Thanks to local BirdLife Australia members Michael Sayers, Jill Cornes and Roger Cornes for assisting with locating the birds and identification. Special thanks to Will Oldfield for organising this terrific event, which we agreed would be worth repeating later on when other bird species may be present. Christine Wilder Entrance to the bird hide Nick, Roger, Mike, Howard, Will and Jackie Photo Christine Wilder Bird hides aren t everybody s cup of tea and definitely not most people s idea for a social lunch. The Vasse River Delta bird hide however was a great choice for a staff lunch break organised by Will Oldfield, Senior Natural Resource Management/ Environment Officer at the City of Busselton, to take advantage of the council s temporary location opposite the bird hide trail head. Bird List 15 April Vasse River Delta Bird Hide Black Swan Purple Swamphen Australasian Shoveler Eurasian Coot Grey Teal Australian Ringneck Pacific Black Duck Red-capped Parrot Australasian Grebe Sacred Kingfisher Rock Dove Red Wattlebird Common Bronzewing Brown Honeyeater Little Pied Cormorant New Holland Little Black Cormorant Honeyeater Australian Pelican Rufous Whistler Great Egret Grey Fantail Australian White Ibis Willie Wagtail Straw-necked Ibis Silvereye Yellow-billed Spoonbill Welcome Swallow Eastern Osprey Tree Martin Whistling Kite For fifteen of us, armed with binoculars and telescopes, it was a convenient walk to the hide to observe birds in comfort on 15 April. Within a few minutes participants were pointing out Australasian Shoveler, Grey Teal and Pacific Black Duck together with grebes, swans and cormorants. Mike found a Sacred Kingfisher perching nicely for us close to the hide and a Yellow-billed Spoonbill was seen in the reed beds by Connie and Chris. Bird-watching from the hide Photo Christine Wilder We managed to see 30 species in less than an hour, including a pair of Eastern Osprey, a Whistling Kite, Rufous Whistler and a number of Red-capped Parrots. It was a wonderful opportunity to catch up with Will Oldfield, Jackie Nichol (co-ordinator of recent Hooded Plover surveys at the beaches around Busselton), staff members from the City of Busselton, Friends of the Wetlands group and resident Howard, with a wealth of knowledge about the local area. Connie Dyer from Margaret River and Christine Corbett, a visiting birder from Magnetic Island, also joined us. Vasse River Delta Bird Hide Photo Christine Wilder 6

7 Students getting involved in all facets of bird-watching Photo courtesy Karridale Primary School Ringnecks hiding Photo courtesy Augusta Primary School As part of the "Our Patch" Cape to Cape Catchments Group Environmental Education project Karridale and Augusta Primary Schools have been getting out into their local bushland and learning scientifically about the plants and animals of the areas. On 4 May Christine Wilder visited the schools with Education Officer Tracey Muir. Christine brought along two telescopes, binoculars, field guides and a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm about local birds. Christine introduced students to the more common birds with a power-point presentation and students then headed out to hunt for birds in bushland around the edge of their schools. Is that a Golden Whistler? Photo courtesy Karridale Primary School Scoping birds on the oval Photo courtesy Augusta Primary School There were shrieks of excitement as students spotted birds, noticed nests, heard calls and identified birds. At Augusta Primary School six species of birds were found including a family of magpies and Western Spinebills. At Karridale Primary School ten species of birds were identified and students were excited to hear the call of a Golden Whistler and then spot a female Golden Whistler. Crows or ravens? Photo courtesy Augusta Primary School Students loved the opportunity to use binoculars and telescopes along with field guides to hunt for birds and take the time to observe birds in their bush. The activity will be utilised for students to carry out their own further research about local birds. A huge thank you to Christine for her inspiring help. Tracey Muir Birds calling over there Photo courtesy Karridale Primary School 7

8 Rock Parrot, Sarge Bay Photo Jenny Kikeros Adam Peck, Co-ordinator of the GREAT COCKY COUNT, reported that the recent count in the south west was successful with around 700 volunteers surveying 426 sites, a great effort on the part of volunteers. The count resulted in record numbers as follows: 16,293 White-tailed Black-Cockatoos at 100 occupied roosts 1,907 Forest Red-tailed Black-Cockatoos at 66 occupied roosts STOCKTON LAKE, COLLIE On 24 March we returned from a great camping spot with plenty of birds at Stockton Lake near Collie, where we had a family of Scarlet Robins alongside our camp. Photos above and below show the breast colouration is orangeish instead of blazing red, as in the east, so is this simply a normal occasional variation? Terry Scott There were 4,897 Carnaby s Black-Cockatoos counted at a single roost site north of Perth. Try counting that many cockatoos! Twice in three days I have seen a group of three Hooded Plovers, two adults and a juvenile, presumably the same group, down at Gnarabup. Friday afternoon (29 April) they were on the beach near a large pile of seaweed north of the boat ramp. Sunday (1 May) they were at the same spot, and then a few minutes later they appeared on the beach in front of the White Elephant cafe where my wife and I were having coffee. Friday was very windy with rough seas and the beach was deserted. Sunday was much calmer, though still hardly anyone on the beach. Mike Evans Photos of family of Scarlet Robins this column Terry Scott 8

9 Scarlet Robin, Barrabup Pool Photo Terry Scott REFERENCES: Red-capped Robin, Broome Photo Terry Scott BirdLife Australia s online profiles for robin species (adult males) include: Scarlet Robin the breast is scarlet red Red-capped Robin a red breast that contrasts strongly with a black throat Flame Robin (not found in WA) a bright orange breast and throat Scarlet Robin, Barrabup Pool Photo Hank Durlik SCARLET ROBINS In most places I visit around this area, breast colour on individual Scarlet Robin males is noticeably orange and at times has a real glow. An adult male Scarlet Robin seen regularly in my garden in west Margaret River is more orange than scarlet as can be seen in the photo below right, though colours in photos can vary a little. On 13 April at Ten Mile Brook Dam, several of us watched a male Scarlet Robin with such a bright orange breast that we commented on its orangeness. It was a very overcast day which seemed to highlight the orange glow even more. On the same morning, at a farm cottage on Low Road, I would describe the breast colour on a male Scarlet Robin there too as more orange than scarlet. Martin Cake in Cape to Cape Bird Group Newsletter Issue 16 made reference to the Scarlet Robin and research by Dolman and Joseph: Dolman, G. and L. Joseph: Evolutionary history of birds across southern Australia: structure, history and taxonomic implications of mitochondrial DNA diversity in an ecologically diverse suite of species in EMU 2015, 115, CSIRO PUBLISHING. Johnstone and Storr s description of Scarlet Robin adult males: Breast and upper belly (sometimes entire belly) bright scarlet red grading to white on lower belly Johnstone, R.E. and G.M. Storr. (2004). Handbook of Western Australian Birds, Vol. II Passerines. Western Australian Museum. Christine Wilder Scarlet Robin at Fonti s Pool Photo Christine Wilder Scarlet Robin in west Margaret River garden - Photo Christine Wilder 9

10 Carnaby s Black-Cockatoos in pine plantation Jane Scott and I did some exploring around the Whicher Range recently, in preparation for an excursion later in the year. On the way we spotted a large flock of cockies (60 or so) drinking at a puddle in the middle of a track off Sue s Road. They moved from there into a pine plantation where they got to work on the cones. I m confident they were Carnaby s Black-Cockatoos based on photographs of the bills (not good quality but enough to see the bill shape plus stains from pine resin) and the fact they were feeding on pines. I remain unconfident at differentiating the contact calls of the two species. Even when playing the calls of the two on my app, while listening to the birds amongst the trees in front of us, neither Jane nor I was convinced we could be certain they were Carnaby s Black-Cockatoos on call alone. I am adding this record to my cockatoo observation sheet that I fill in for the BirdLife Black-Cockatoo Project. A reminder if you intend to fill in a cockatoo observation sheet, there are three different forms: 1) one for one-off observations, I have separate ones for each of the three Black-Cockatoo species; Carnaby s Black-Cockatoo Photo Boyd Wykes Carnaby s Black-Cockatoos feeding on nuts of hakea On 12 May, a flock of more than 20 Carnaby s Black- Cockatoos was seen along the Cape to Cape Track near Yallingup. There was lots of unseen crooning in the bushes and they were feeding on nuts of Hakea oleifolia. Jane Scott Note Ron Johnstone confirmed the birds are Carnaby s Black-Cockatoos from photographs Boyd. 2) a repeat observation form used for recording at the one site, which I use for the Baudin s Black-Cockatoo roost site near our place; and 3) the third used when following flocks around, which I do from to time. Drop an to one of us if you are unable to download electronic copies of these forms: Boyd Wykes majyx@iinet.net.au Christine Wilder cwilderone@yahoo.com.au Boyd Wykes Note See Cape to Cape Bird Group Newsletter Issue 23 January 2016 for details on downloading information and calls. Precise locations of cockatoos in more remote areas are not given. Ed. Carnaby s Black-Cockatoos Photo Jane Scott 10

11 White-bellied Sea-Eagle at Wonnerup Photo Therese Sayers Wonnerup Wetlands Forest Red-tailed Black-Cockatoos Photo Jenny Kikeros Canebrake Cockatoos We went for a walk north of Mowen Road to Canebrake and saw these beautiful Forest Red-tailed Black-Cockatoos (above). There were six in one tree and two in another. They were very busy preening each other and chatting softly. Recent Regents Jenny Kikeros We see Regent Parrots here in Brockman Road, Cowaramup. They do a squadron type fly past when I am out walking. Last year they were feeding on the grass seeds from the scrappy area near the drive. Rebecca Gorta Therese and I visited the Wonnerup wetlands in February with visitors from Perth and despite the low water levels there were still some good birds to be seen. The White-Bellied Sea-Eagle is regularly seen perched in the dead trees mid-way along Floodgate Road, Wonnerup and the Eastern Reef Egret was spotted near the floodgates at the end of Floodgate Road. Not many waders around then, but I did see several Bar-tailed Godwit at James Richardson Park along with the usual Black-winged Stilts and several Whitefaced Heron. Michael Sayers Button-quail in Yallingup Since the beginning of February we have had regular sightings of a female Painted Button-quail in our garden in Yallingup. She usually appears in the early evening, and makes scrapes in the wood chips, going round in circles. She blends in to the background extremely well and keeps low on the ground, so it's been very difficult to photograph her. Jill Cornes Above and Right Painted Button-quail in Yallingup garden Photos Jill Cornes 11

12 Eastern Reef Egret Photo Therese Sayers Augusta in April 2 April There was an enormous rumpus in the trees behind our garden in Augusta. At least 20 Magpies were having a confrontation, which I interpreted as a territorial boundary dispute, as they did not seem interested in the ground where a snake might be, and the local mob is only about 12 birds. There was much single note "swearing" and occasional carolling. They moved on when our neighbour arrived to find out what was happening. 3 April Mid-afternoon two White-bellied Sea-Eagles were sitting in dead trees on the East Augusta side of the Hardy Inlet, opposite Colourpatch, the haze and distance too much for effective photos. 7 April This morning alongside the paddock opposite Hart Road a raptor came quite close and revealed itself as a Whistling Kite. It moved away to find a thermal over the quarry at the bottom of Hillview Road, where it was joined by two more, then another two. All five circled for about five minutes until they had the height to go over the hill towards the Golf Club. It was about 9.30am, with a weak sun, so just warm enough for thermals. Further back towards the road a couple of agitated Australian Ravens attracted my attention and there in a dead tree, in full view, about twenty metres away, were two Wedge-tailed Eagles. (Note to self: ALWAYS take camera). Western Rosella, Augusta garden Photo Roger Crabtree After a few minutes the eagles took off in a leisurely manner and found enough lift over the paddock (just) to hunt over the trees magnificent birds and a great display. 8 April Helena and I went back this morning with camera. The Wedge-tailed Eagles were soaring over the ridge by the Telstra tower. There was a bit more easterly wind so a good updraft there, but too far for pictures. I think one is a young one as it has a lot of chestnut in the plumage. Later two Nankeen Kestrels flew over the paddock. It is definitely raptor time down here. Maybe it is so dry animals are dying. We had four Red-capped Parrots in the garden after the ripening Quinces. They sit on the netting and swing to try and get a beak hooked in for a bite, as do the ringnecks. 9 April A pair of Eastern Ospreys were flying over Hardy Inlet. Roger Crabtree Willie Wagtail, Augusta Photo Roger Crabtree Left White-browed Scrubwren Photo Hank Durlik 12

13 Rock Parrots at Sarge Bay Photo Jenny Kikeros Oystercatchers at Sarge Bay Had a walk along Sarge Bay on 21 April and the Sooty Oystercatchers have returned. Near the most southern end there were 15 on the rocks and in the rock pool having a bath. About twenty metres further along two resting in the sand, four Australian Pied Oystercatchers, around 60 Silver Gulls, one adult Pacific Gull with one juvenile. On 27 April I walked along Sarge Bay, Ringbolt Bay and Deadfinish. The Rock Parrots were feeding at Sarge Bay and came very close to me as I stood and watched. An Australasian Pipit then walked to within about a metre of me. I have broken my record as there were 25 Sooty Oystercatchers and 7 Australian Pied Oystercatchers scattered along the beach at Sarge Bay. Even saw two Red-capped Plovers at Deadfinish. This is the first time I have seen such numbers of oystercatchers together since last year when I did the Hooded Plover count mid-year. This year during January, February and March there were none or sometimes only two oystercatchers present. Jenny Kikeros Crested Shrike-tit, west Margaret River garden Photo Christine Wilder Shrike-tit Picnic What a thrill! Sunday 17 April, the sun was out on a beautiful autumn morning, following rain during the night, and I decided to conduct my monthly garden bird survey. Then I heard them Crested Shrike-tits first one calling then another. This is most often the way I locate these birds. From 9.15 to 9.20am, a female was using her strong bill to dig into a small branch of a peppermint tree and during this time she was calling and what a range of calls the very recognisable, rather sad contact call, as well as many whistles, chirrings and some low whisperings (similar to Silvereyes). A short distance away the second bird wasn t visible, but answered repeatedly with a similar range of calls. Both birds eventually flew into the canopy of the cultivated karris in my survey area and though it was difficult to see them, they were having a continuous unusual chuckling conversation. The most interesting calls, given every so often, were soft, but very much like calls of White-tailed Black-Cockatoos. Shrike-tits are known to mimic, however while sounding similar to cockatoos, these calls may actually have been part of the birds own repertoire, as not having heard such a variety previously, I found them difficult to distinguish. I really had to concentrate to tune in my ears to some of the shrike-tits quieter calls and tune out the nearby honeyeaters. I feel these birds are around here more than thought but may be missed if one is not familiar with their various calls. Sooty Oystercatcher at Sarge Bay Photo Jenny Kikeros Christine Wilder 13

14 Shouldn t we be watching birds? Photo Janean Robinson BIRDLIFE WESTERN AUSTRALIA Volunteer of the Year Red-winged Fairy-wren Photo Hank Durlik Congratulations Christine, on your award for Volunteer of the Year from BirdLife Western Australia. It is truly deserved. More than thirty years of volunteering and sharing your knowledge in WA and NSW, an amazing effort. You have made a difference to BirdLife (and its predecessors Birds Australia and RAOU) in WA and Australia. Thank you for creating the Cape to Cape Bird Group, which is now experiencing your enthusiasm and expertise. All your work is greatly appreciated. Inspirational! Jenny Kikeros SIGHTINGS Thank you for sending in articles, photographs and unusual/interesting sightings from the capes region for inclusion in newsletters. All contributions are acknowledged. If you are providing photographs send as a JPEG (no larger than 1mb) and confirm name of photographer. Please do not EMBED photos or articles in , but send as an attachment, articles preferably as PDF. to cwilderone@yahoo.com.au Christine Wilder Editor BirdLife Australia s ethical birding guidelines promote the welfare of birds and their environment, where observers are encouraged to practice minimum disturbance to nesting birds and birds in general, and be aware of the impact photography, camera flash and bird call apps can have on birds. Eastern Osprey Photo Hank Durlik Cockiechew Photo Janean Robinson 14

15 Purple-crowned Lorikeet 15 in late flowering Marri in Augusta garden, 3/5/16 Roger Crabtree and Helena Blom 6 in karri in west Margaret River garden, 5/5/16 Christine Wilder Small flocks flying north, quite high along the dunes above Prevelly, several consecutive early mornings, May 8-14 Peter St. Clair-Baker Regent Parrot 11 in garden, west Margaret River, 19/3/16 Jennifer Hunt Several at bird bath, west Margaret River, 22/3/16 Jennifer Hunt Flock of around 15 in Marrinup Drive, Yallingup, 10/4/16 Jill and Roger Cornes Nankeen Night-Heron, Augusta Photo (cropped) Roger Crabtree Here are the reported sightings: Black-shouldered Kite 1 hovering over edge of School Farm dam, Margaret River, 20/3/16 Christine Wilder, Angelika de Ridder et al Wedge-tailed Eagle 1 feeding on carcass, Mowen Road, 28/4/16 Christine Wilder Brown Falcon 1 hunting, pouncing repeatedly on prey in grass, Perimeter Road, 13/4/16 Christine Wilder and Christine Corbett Elegant Parrot 10 on fence, Perimeter Road, 20/3/16 Angelika de Ridder, Christine Wilder et al 25 in paddock, Perimeter Road, 13/4/16 Christine Corbett and Christine Wilder 12 on fence, Perimeter Road, 26/4/16 Christine Wilder (Elegant Parrots have remained in this area since beginning of March into mid-may) Western Wattlebird Several feeding on blossom in Wise Road, west Margaret River, 22/4/16 Christine Wilder Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike 12 in feeding flock in paddock, Perimeter Road, 20/3/16 Angelika de Ridder, Christine Wilder et al Peregrine Falcon 1 at Yoongarillup, 15/4/16 Christine Wilder Hooded Plover 1 adult and 3 immatures at Skippy Rock, 30/3/16 Angelika de Ridder et al 1 pair at Prevelly, 19/4 and 20/4/16 Peter St. Clair-Baker 4 feeding on weed, Prevelly, 30/4/16 Peter St. Clair-Baker Banded Lapwing 1 at Vasse Bypass, 19/4/16 Jill and Roger Cornes Maximum of 3, Vasse, early May Jill and Roger Cornes Opinions, statements or views in this newsletter are those of the Editor or individual contributors and may not be those of BirdLife Australia. Every effort has been made to check the accuracy of content. If you notice any errors or inaccuracies please contact the Editor. Red-winged Fairy-wren Photo Hank Durlik 15