W erribeewag-tales. Wagtails Outing to the Macedon Ranges DECEMBER 2015 PAGE 1. Christine Shelley

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1 DECEMBER 2015 W erribeewag-tales Wagtails Outing to the Macedon Ranges Christine Shelley Golden sunshine and a mild temperature set the stage perfectly for our last outing of the year a trip to the bush, the parks, the waterways of the Macedon Ranges. Those of us who met under the bird-lively trees of Watton Street, hopped eagerly into our cars for the lengthy (by Wagtail standards) journey to meet the rest of our group. They were waiting patiently for us at the first birding spot of the day, Barringo Recreation Reserve. In the carpark here, surrounded by lovely, tall eucalypts, a fine assortment of birdlife entertained them, including a highlight of the day, a fly-by of Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoos. Arrival formalities over, we followed our leader-for-the-day, Mark Buckby, on a short pre-morning tea walk through surrounding bushland. Most birds we observed here were close to the carpark, but the forest we strolled through near the creek was fresh and inviting. Among the birds seen here were: White-naped, White-cheeked and Yellow-faced Honeyeaters, White-throated Treecreepers, Superb Fairywrens, Brown Thornbills, Crimson Rosellas and the ubiquitous, ever-sweet Grey Fantails. In the middle distance, a tantalising Sacred Kingfisher piped intermittently, while a mournful Fan-tailed Cuckoo trilled on and on. However, the highlight Count for the Day: 58 Species Winner: Morning tea could not come Len Towerzey soon enough for the coffee addicts, and soon we were sitting contentedly in the green, sunny clearing in the midst of the high trees, enjoying some homebaking. Kathy, via Mark s well-honed transportation skills, had not failed us on this last outing; her elegant Coffee Walnut Cake was delicious. The morning tea was made even better by Ginny s offering of creamy white meringues scrumptious. Luckily we had more walking to do before lunch. Rose Robin Photos:Iian Denham for most was the pair of Satin Fly-catchers, which flitted around from treetop to treetop, eventually providing all of us with pleasing views of a bird we do not see very often. We crossed the road from the picnic ground to explore a drier part of the bush, which seemed to have been an old pony-training facility. Spotted Pardalote Unfortunately we did not see too much here, although the Brown Goshawk, which soared above the tree-line, was a satisfying sight. This short walk was the first time that we lost a group of birders. It became a recurring theme over the day, but each time we always found the lost ones, or perhaps, they found us. It would be a day of misplacing both people and objects. Fortunately we had already appointed Dieter our lost-and-found officer, after he picked up someone s binoculars cover (not sure he ever found the owner though). Worst of all, was the set of car-keys lost inside a locked car. Disappointingly, this meant our joint leader-for-the-day, Anita, who knows this area so well, was unable to participate any further. PAGE 1

2 WAGTAILS OUTING TO THE MACEDON RANGES: CONT. Now, it was time to head off to picturesque Mount Macedon for the final pre-lunch walk. As we ascended its slopes the green factor increased considerably, with massed ferns and bright, velvety mosses creating a luxuriant under-storey beneath the shady canopy. The trees grew taller here, and more varied. Along with magnificent native vegetation, there was an abundance of mature exotic trees planted here long ago. Over old stone-walls, fleeting glimpses of long-established gardens and grand houses might have tempted us to stop, but birders are single-minded. We had heard an alluring tale about the lush forest at Sanatorium Lake, where there dwelt seldom-seen birds, like Rufous Fantails, Rose Robins and even more. The forest walk here was a pleasure in itself; beautiful trees towered over the ferny floor, enhanced occasionally with stands of tree-ferns and great fallen trunks of ancient giants. Here you could almost catch the ghost sounds of Lyrebirds scratching around in the rich soil yet apparently they have never foraged in this landscape. The lake was in truth more of a pond, but it was a tranquil and restful place to linger; it would certainly have been restorative to the spirits of those, who were recovering from serious illness here, back in the olden days. Today the only life on the pond was a Black Duck, but around its other side we encountered the radiant pink of a Rose Robin. Soon we added an Eastern Yellow Robin and a gorgeous Flame Robin to our list one cannot be indifferent to a three-robin day. Next to appear was the promised Rufous Fantail, though in dense foliage and quickly leaving the scene, so not many of us could count that desirable sighting. A similar scenario meant, that most did not see the elusive and infrequently-seen Bassian Thrush, which thrives in these cool, damp forests. Still, it was a really lovely walk, and we felt we had earned our lunch. At the end of the path back up the hill, we were re-united with the lost or breakaway part of the group, then we headed happily to lunch on the wide, grassy spaces of Days Picnic Ground. Home-baking featured again, when Sue offered us some colourfully-decorated, very Christmassy gingerbread biscuits, which tasted as good as they looked. It would not have been difficult to lounge around here for the rest of the afternoon. However, Mark rightly had other plans for us; our last stop would be Sankey Reserve in the heart of Gisborne. This is a place he knows well, having spent much time bird-watching here, especially when he was looking to see his first Lewin s Rail. So, with great hopes of seeing this timid little bird, we left the pleasant slopes of Mount Macedon. At Sankey Reserve, most of our birding was concentrated along Jackson s Creek, a small watercourse, which in parts forms into larger pools, usually favoured by waterbirds. There were few present on this day, meaning everyone became quite excited at the discovery of a lone Dusky Moorhen. The Friends group have The forest walk here was a pleasure in itself; beautiful trees towered over the ferny floor, enhanced occasionally with stands of tree-ferns and great fallen trunks of ancient giants worked hard on the vegetation of the creek, so that now native plants thrive and the water runs crystal-clear in many parts. The fringing trees, shrubs and reeds, as well as the bright green of the waterplants, create a very pretty picture in many sections, and a really valuable habitat for birds, among other creatures. Particularly fascinating were the water plants with the large, elongated, ovalshaped leaves, which lay flat on the water s surface, like a water-lily. These leaves formed concentric circles, so that it was somewhat like looking at gigantic, flattened green chrysanthemums. Anyway, the numerous Reed Warblers certainly appreciated this habitat, if the calls were an indication. Although the ultimate validation of the creek from the Reed Warblers perspective came, when some observant birder found a nest of their babies in the reeds, with a parent in attendance. This was mere metres from a little footbridge, which quickly filled with admiring birders and eager photographers. As for the Lewin s Rail there was not a peep, though we did get to see the place where Mark spent many hours of his life in the victorious pursuit of this unsociable bird. Of course, we saw other birds here, like Long-billed Corellas, Galahs and Crested Pigeons, but the highlight for most would have been the nestlings being fed by their mother. A final commendation must be given to the Willie Wagtail, which made its appearance at the eleventh hour, thus putting paid to any suggestion that we might consider changing our mascot for next year. After the bird-count we learned that we had accumulated a total of 58 species, and that only Len had skilfully estimated this. We had to finish the day without our usual consumption of chocolates, as the last prize-winner was not present. However, given we had already had sweet treats at morning tea and lunch, we could not feel too deprived. It was enjoyable sharing this lovely day with other Wagtails in some of the best birding spots in the area. Our thanks go to our leader Mark, to the cake-makers Kathy, Ginny and Sue, and given it was the last outing for 2015, to all who directed and organised us and our affairs over this year. PAGE 2

3 BIRD LIST: MACEDON RANGES DECEMBER 2015 Pacific Black Duck Straw-necked Ibis Brown Goshawk Dusky Moorhen Masked Lapwing Spotted Dove Crested Pigeon Shining Bronze Cuckoo Fan-tailed Cuckoo Laughing Kookaburra Sacred Kingfisher Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo Galah Long-billed Corella Sulphur-crested Cockatoo Rainbow Lorikeet Crimson Rosella Eastern Rosella White-throated Treecreeper Superb Fairywren New Holland Honeyeater White-naped Honeyeater White-eared Honeyeater Red Wattlebird Yellow-faced Honeyeater White-plumed Honeyeater Spotted Pardalote Striated Pardalote White-browed Scrubwren Brown Thornbill Yellow-rumped Thornbill Yellow Thornbill Striated Thornbill Australian Magpie Pied Currawong Black-faced Cuckooshrike Australian Golden Whistler Rufous Whistler Grey Shrikethrush Willie Wagtail Grey Fantail Rufous Fantail Magpie-lark Satin Flycatcher Restless Flycatcher Little Raven Eastern Yellow Robin Rose Robin Flame Robin Welcome Swallow Tree Martin Australian Reed Warbler Silvereye Common Myna Bassian Thrush Common Blackbird House Sparrow European Goldfinch Call for Leader: At present our proposed June Weekday Outing is in need of a Leader. Traditionally this trip has been to Werribee South and then to the Mansion. If you would like to arrange the details for the day, or perhaps to another location please let me know. David Jenkins birdsaspoetry@icloud.com NEW COMMITTEE MEMBER: LOST PROPERTY OFFICER By unanimous vote, our new Lost Property Officer was elected unopposed at a special Wagtails meeting. Positions such as this are created on an ad-hoc basis. Our Lost Property Officer (LPO) is Dieter Bosnjakovic. Accepting the post, Dieter said he was both surprised, and honoured to have a role in the function of BirdLife Werribee. After the usual congratulatory comments, he was given some helpful advice on fulfilling this most important role. Such help as: If the LPO should lose or misplace his own items, he should immediately contact the LPO and fill in the appropriate forms. Is the LPO currently lost or found? If anyone is looking for the LPO, they should first look in Lost Property. If the LPO becomes lost it is the job of the LPO to find himself. An incentive to other members NOT to become lost is that the LPO will be sent to find them. LPO Report for the Macedon Outing 2 Items Lost 2 Items found and returned to owners Efficiency Score: 100% recovery PAGE 3

4 THE TALE OF TIMMY THE TAIL-LESS WREN Dorothy and I spend about one day each week wandering around the wonderful forest area on the Werribee River behind Werribee Mansion. The range of habitats make for some interesting finds from time to time. Recently we had been watching a pair of Willie Wagtails working hard on their nest for the season. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed some movement on the bushes near me, and at first it was hard to determine what bird it was. On second glance, it seemed to be a male Superb Fairywren, but there was indeed something wrong with the picture. He had no tail feathers. He looked like a little feathered ping-pong ball bouncing from branch to branch. Something it seems had reduced him to tail-less. I immediately named him Timmy, the Tail-less. Not that we should worry about his ability to fly or manoeuvre as he proceeded to readily demonstrate. So somehow he was able to cope without the tail feathers. Nor had it affected his voice in anyway. He was able to bash out a resounding tune to all who needed to be told this was his territory. His clan of females also seemed to pay no attention to his less than salubrious condition. As defender of his dominion he was able to conduct verbal battles with Tommy the Tailful across the roadway, and made a number of excursions into enemy territory to make his point known. What could have happened to him? The most obvious is an encounter with danger and his tail feathers were lost in the event. Or did he moult them out? The following week we made the trip down to the same area, and readily heard him in full cry long before we got a sighting. And; he had begun to show the beginnings of little tail tips as he began to replace his lost glory. We were glad to visit again a few days later, and then the following week, and to report that Timmy the Tail-less is rapidly becoming the Timmy the Fine Tail. Words and Photos: David Jenkins What is wrong with this photo? A week later and a new tail is beginning to show Hasn t affected his vocal skills Really starting to look the part now. PAGE 4

5 WHERE WOULD YOU PREFER THE WAGTAILS CAMP TO BE HELD IN 2016? Canvassing ideas for October 2016 Camp For the 2016 Camp I am looking to stretch the distance and conditions people are willing to tolerate. I have three places in mind and am running a mini poll on which would be the most popular. If you don't usually go on a camp or are not interested in these destinations, there is no need to participate in the poll. 1. Wyperfeld National Park Pros: Wonderful desert birding with possible availability of some wetlands. Cons: Distance from Werribee (400km to Rainbow) No accommodation on site other than camping. Suggest we would stay at either Rainbow or Hopetoun and commute daily. Hopetoun & Rainbow are small towns, not sure at this stage of quality of accommodation or dinner venues. Would need to commute each day. 2. Ouyen/Mildura Pros: Wonderful desert birding with availability of wetlands. Cons: Distance from Werribee (Mildura 550km, Ouyen 450km) Limited accommodation and dinner venues in Ouyen Better accommodation and dinner venues in Mildura, but will need more commute time each day. 3. Swan Hill Pros: Wonderful dry country birding with river and wetland opportunities Range of accommodation and dinner options Cons: Distance from Werribee (350km) Please send an to me at iidenham@yahoo.com listing your preferences 1st, 2nd, 3rd. If there is a specific place you do not wish to attend, do not vote for it. Finally, participating in this poll does not confirm or lock you in to attending. That will come later when a venue is chosen. Thanks, Iian Season s Greetings Wagtails Have a good un Best wishes to all for the festive season, and may 2016 bring many wonderful birds to your binoculars. PAGE 5

6 PHOTO GALLERY FROM EVENTS Photos: Helen Rowley WAGTAIL V MAGPIE Photostory by Len Towerzey PAGE 6

7 NEXT OUTING: MELTON AREA FEBRUARY 2016 Geraldine has planned a fine day s outing in the Melton area. Normal car-pool arrangements. Leave 8:30am from the usual Watton Street address. NOTE ON EDITORIAL POLICY The views and opinions expressed in the articles in the Werribee Wag-tales are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the editor, the editorial board or the publisher. Masthead Photo. Enjoy the Masthead photo of our signature bird: the Willie Wagtail courtesy of Len Towerzey. BIRDLIFE WERRIBEE CONTACTS Rufous Whistler, male werribee@birdlife.org.au Website: birdlife.org.au/ locations/birdlife-werribee President Simply too awesome a responsibility for any mere human to fill. Secretary/Membership Helen Rowley E: helen.rowley@live.com.au Treasurer Iian Denham E: iidenham@yahoo.com Bird Surveys Geraldine Kelly E: g-kelly2009@live.com Lost Property Officer Dieter Bosnjakovic E: werribee@birdlife.org.au Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo Photos: Dieter Bosnjakovic Newsletter/Calendar David Jenkins E: birdsaspoetry@icloud.com PAGE 7