Lyrebird Tales. Contents. Kilcowera Station. Volume 26 Number 3 September By Valerie Fowler. Cardenyabba Lagoon. Major Mitchell s Cockatoo

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1 Volume 26 Number 3 September 2017 Kilcowera Station By Valerie Fowler Cardenyabba Lagoon Photo Peter Fowler Our August 2017 trip to Bowra Station in south-eastern Queensland was cut shorter than we had originally planned due to the closure of the property for a week and the expected arrival of 40 university students. As we still had a couple of days to spare, we looked for another place to bird watch in the area. Other birdwatchers staying at Bowra had told us that Eulo bore (where we had fabulous birding 20 years earlier) was now ruined and not worth visiting. We were also told that Lake Bindegolly and the lakes at Currawinya National Park were all dry due to the bad drought in the area. We read that Kilcowera Station had the same bird species as Bowra so we phoned the owners and booked in for two nights stay. Kilcowera Station is situated mainly within the Bulloo river catchment and is accessed via the Dowling Track, a dirt road running between Thargomindah and Hungerford. This area has irregular rainfall and has unpredictable weather events which can cause flooding. Kilcowera Station was bought by the Sherwin family in 1980; it was originally part of Boorara, owned by Sir Sydney Kidman. Kilcowera covers 49,377 ha (compared to 14,000 ha in Bowra). The property is watered by artesian bores and natural water. The Sherwin family also own the adjoining property Zenonie which has been in the family for three generations. The cattle property is organically run; the management believe that maintaining the soil health and native vegetation as well as native wildlife is important and they have a conservative stocking rate of one beast to 100 acres, and beasts were completely removed in severe drought years. This has enabled a reasonable Major Mitchell s Cockatoo amount of ground cover to exist which was very evident as we travelled through the property. The property is open to visitors between March and the end of October and has accommodation in the shearers quarters, camping on a grassy area with toilets and showers (bore water) and bush camping with long drop toilet at Cardenyabba Lagoon. We arrived at Kilcowera at dusk and driving down the entrance track we enjoyed a long distant view over the property in the evening light. After booking in at the residence we were given a folder containing a map of tracks we could drive on the property with information on relevant places of interest, a fact sheet describing different vegetation and most importantly a bird list of a possible 186 species to see. Contents 1 5. Kilcowera Station by Valerie Fowler 6. Book for the WTP bus trip, Interesting Sightings, What Bird is That? Committee Members 7. Filtration Pond Net Reports of Meetings and Outings 12. Calendar of Events

2 Shearers quarters and camping area Photo P. Fowler We were ready to start birdwatching at day break with a Spotted Bowerbird, Apostlebird, Crested Pigeons and Willie Wagtail in the frosty camping area. We drove down to Cardenyabba Lagoon which is part of the Kilcowera (or sometimes named Cardenyabba) River; it eventually flows into north NSW and ends up in the Bulloo River overflow. The series of lagoons were in the process of drying out. Here the waterbirds were nervous; the Pelican took to the skies as soon as it spotted us. Also present were both Royal and Yellow-billed Spoonbills. There were two White-necked Herons, one White-faced Heron, Great Egret, Black-fronted Dotterel, Whiskered Tern and Caspian Tern, Grey Teal and two Red-necked Avocets. Bush birds included: abundant White-plumed Honeyeaters, Little Friarbird, Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater, Yellow-throated Miner and Brown Tree-creeper. The parrots were very active at this time in the morning: Galahs, Blue Bonnets, Australian Ringneck and Mulga Parrots. A flock of Major Mitchell s Cockatoos was being harassed by a Whistling Kite and in return harassed the raptor. The Major Mitchell s Cockatoos then came down to the water for a drink. Apostlebird Spotted Bowerbird Yellow-billed Spoonbills Track at Kilcowera Also seen were Magpie Lark and a Black-breasted Buzzard. Before we left the lagoon five Emus came for a drink on the far side. In the near vicinity: Chestnut-crowned Babblers, Hooded and Pied Butcherbirds, Splendid Wren, Hooded and Red-capped Robins, we heard a Crested Bellbird. We continued to follow the 60km route on the property along a red sandy track stopping to look at different bushes and trees with identification (Eucalyptus, Acacias and Ereophilas). Caspian Tern 2

3 Black-breasted Buzzard White-necked Heron We passed an area of lignum before arriving at a tank with a low trough interspersed with low bushes (bottom tank) where Black-faced and White-browed Woodswallows were drinking. At the second tank there were no birds as a mob of cattle had congregated there. The track continued onto a sandy area with a female Splendid Wren then a stony ridge, the high point of the property at Mt Roy at 758 feet and views for miles. We spotted one Crimson Chat and a Euro, a dark coloured kangaroo in the distance. We had our first views of neighbouring Currawinya National Park and the dry Lake Wyara. In this stony area we unsuccessfully looked for the Chestnut-breasted Quail-thrush, discovering an attractive rocky gorge and a Horsfield s Bronze-Cuckoo. We walked to a small cave where it is thought that a shepherd working for Sydney Kidman used to shelter whilst minding his flock of sheep. Australian Ringneck Parrot View from Mt Roy Black-faced Woodswallow Crimson Chat We continued on to the mustering camp with a bore near the dry Youlaingee Creek; we were disappointed to find the waterhole empty with the water mark clearly visible on the side of the bank; here were Red-capped and Hooded Robins. Nearby were Brown Falcon and an Emu with four stripey chicks. We drove just into the entrance of the Currawinya National Park which borders the western end of the Kilcowera property. A Black-faced Woodswallow was perched just inside the gate. Whilst enjoying a late lunch at 3pm we looked towards the dry Lake Wyara, this normally saline lake is filed by a local catchment of five big creeks, three of these head up on Kilcowera Station. September

4 Red-capped Robin (Later when visiting the park office at Currawinya National Park, the rangers told us that the lake had been dry for 5 months and very low for the previous eight months). In good years this lake and neighbouring fresh water Lake Numalla attract 180 species of birds including waders and thousands of Pelicans and is a RAMSAR site. Here we saw many grey and red Kangaroos and a female Red-capped Robin. The weather was changing with a band of clouds appearing. This eastern area of the National Park was sparsely vegetated apart from in the dry creek. We returned to the property where three Zebra Finches flew across in front of us near the dry Benanga Creek, here there was also a Kestrel and Singing Honeyeater. Continuing back to the circular route we saw lots of goats including a kid which had become separated from its mother and probable prey for one of the Wedge-tailed Eagles seen on the property. On the northern loop there were several small cone shaped termite mounds and low vegetation. A side trip to Benanga bore was a surprise, it was a delightful waterhole surrounded by red earth and stunning trees with white bark. Here we saw Little Friarbird, Australian Ravens and numerous White-plumed Honeyeaters and Yellow-throated Miners which were chasing everything. We drove across a nearby creek which was dry with a sandy bottom. Sticks and vegetation caught up two metres high in the trees were evidence of previous floods. Emu Murderer Bore Benanga Bore Little Friarbird Next stop was late in the day at Murderer Bore where the burnt remains of a man were discovered after he went missing in 1940 after working as an assistant to a dishonest contractor in the local area. The bore was drilled in 1941 but ceased to flow in 1987 due to a blockage in the bore casing, however water continues to seep from the bore causing a slow stream of water to escape which formed a narrow soak for the birds and animals. This was a wonderful spot despite its name; we wished we could spend a lot more time there but we still had a long way to go. An Emu came in to drink with the smallest five chicks we have seen. We also tried to get good views of a small flock of Chestnut-crowned Babblers. Other birds seen were: White-browed Woodswallows, Southern Whiteface, Hooded Robin, Common Bronzewing, Crested Pigeon and Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater. 4

5 A flock of over 65 Galahs came in for a drink; several trying to perch together on a small rock in the water. Mulga Parrot Galahs at Murderer Bore The Galahs were very nervous so we left. (Bourke s Parrots have been recorded at this waterhole). This bore would be wonderful to visit for a longer time in the morning and evening; it s a shame it was so far from the camp. Returning to camp it was almost dark and we nearly ran over a Spotted Nightjar sitting on the road. Pied Butcherbird Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater Splendid Fairy-Wren Blue Bonnets The next morning we visited Cardenyabba Lagoon before leaving this wonderful property. We recorded 54 bird species on Kilcowera Station. We wished we had more time to find the many interesting birds recorded previously on the property by other birdwatchers: Bourke s Parrots, Hall s and Grey-crowned Babblers, Cinnamon and Chestnut-breasted Quail-thrush, Spotted Harrier, Australian Bustard, Inland Dotterel, Banded Stint, Australian Pratincole, Gull-billed Tern, Squatter Pigeon, Channel-billed Cuckoo, Red-backed Kingfisher, Grey-fronted Honeyeater, Orange Chat and Gibberbird. September

6 Interesting Sightings 3/3/17 - Pair Grey Currawongs - Badger Creek, Graeme George 29/5/17 1 Hardhead Hull Rd Wetland, V & P Fowler 29/5/17 Buff-banded Rail, Azure Kingfisher Lillydale Lake, Val and Peter Fowler 30/5/17 - Swamp Harrier dived on Crimson Rosellas at bird feeder but went away empty footed, Chum Creek near Lowes Rd, Michael Feller 30/6/17 Immature Nanking Night Heron Croydon, Val & Peter Fowler What Bird is That? Book Now! Bus Trip to the Western Treatment Plant Saturday October 14 th yarravalley@birdlife.org.au 2/7/17 Spotless Crake Lillydale Lake, V & P Fowler 13/7/17 - Large-billed Scrubwren - Badger Creek, Graeme George 13/7/17-3 Hardheads - Coombe Farm Dam, Coldstream, Graeme George 14/7/17 1 Freckled Duck Hull Rd Wetlands, V & P Fowler 30/7/17 - Eastern Whipbird - Warburton Trail/Burgi Hill Rd, Graeme George 1/8/17 - Wonga Pigeon calling - Badger Creek, Graeme George 1/8/17 - Magpie chased away 2 Common Mynas from bird feeder leaving Galahs, Crimson Rosellas and Common Bronzewings alone - Chum Creek, Lowes Rd, Michael Feller 1/8/17 - Yellow Robins, Eastern Rosellas, Tawny Frogmouth heard Healesville, Maggie Smith 1/8/17-35 King Parrots & 25 Crimson Rosellas in a flock Cockatoo, Alan Murphy 6/8/17 - Eastern Whipbird - Warburton Trail near Burgi Hill Rd, Jan Llewelyn & Doug Pocock 7/8/17 - Approximately 60 Cattle Egrets - Yarra Glen, Kevin Mason 8/8/17 - Eastern Whipbird calling - Chum Creek opposite Golf Course, Michael Feller 8/8/17 - Pair Bronzewings - Lillydale Lake, Val & Peter Fowler 8/8/17-70 Little Black Cormorants, 2 Black Cormorants, 1 Freckled Duck - Hull Rd Wetlands, Val & Peter Fowler Answer on page 11 BirdLife Australia Yarra Valley Branch P.O. Box 1172, Healesville Vic yarravalley@birdlife.org.au Committee Convener: Glenn Mawson Vice-Convener: Manfred Hennig Secretary: Alma Mitchell Treasurer: Maggie Smith Librarian: Linda Bullen Conservation Officer: Michael Feller Other Members: Jim McMinn 11/8/17-6 Hardheads - Coombe Farm Dam, Coldstream, Graeme George 29/8/17 Yellow-faced Honeyeater (first return) - Hull Rd Wetlands, Val & Peter Fowler Sightings out of the Yarra Valley 25/7/ Brolga with 4 Sarus Cranes - Yourka Stn (near Ravenshoe QLD), Graeme George 19/8/17 Brolga (2) - Thargomindah (S.E. QLD), V & P Fowler 6 Little Black Cormorants Photo Peter Fowler

7 Filtration pond net at Lillydale Lake By Valerie Fowler Birdwatchers and walkers at Lillydale Lake may have noticed that one of the filtration ponds surrounding the lake has been covered in netting for some time. The filtration pond is on the far side of the lake from the rotunda. This pond has previously been used by 2 Freckled Ducks, a pair of Pinkeared Ducks with their young, and a Nankeen Night Heron. In a dry year when the pond had muddy edges it was used by several Spotted Crakes. This pond has been a refuge for ducks, Great Egret, White-faced Heron, Coots, Dusky Moorhens and Purple Swamphens when the Lillydale Lake has been used by canoeists or birds are disturbed by joggers and dog walkers. On the we first noticed some poles being positioned around the pond and wires strung across the water. As the weeks passed a net was placed over the wires leaving both ends open. No birds were observed using the pond on the despite both ends of the net being open. By the only one end of the netting had been left open and 3 Coots and 2 Purple Swamphens had discovered a way in. After several phone calls, I discovered that the netting is part of a project by Melbourne Water who planned a planting of 65,000 plants and grasses in the pond and the netting was put up to discourage the Purple Swamphens from pulling up the newly sown vegetation to allow it to become established. We continued to monitor this pond but there was no sign of any planting being done and each week several birds, mainly Black Ducks, Coot and Purple Swamphen found their way in through the opening at one end. Week after week a small number of water birds such as Dusky Moorhen and Chestnut and Grey Teal managed to go under the net to access the water in the pond which is part of my survey area. On the we were distressed to see a duck hanging by its bill from the inside of the net. On closer observation we identified it as a Grey Teal which was unfortunately deceased. We alerted Melbourne Water who went to remove it. The contact person told me that the net was checked weekly by Melbourne Water staff and any birds under the net were chased out. The last check had only been 4 days before. The original planting date for the pond had been postponed and it is now expected to happen in October I was advised that the net would stay up for a full year after planting to allow the vegetation to take hold and a short inconvenience for the birds using this pond will eventually benefit them long term. We hope that the tragic death of the poor Grey Teal was an isolated incident and will continue to monitor this pond. Filtration pond with net Duck caught in net Grey Teal September

8 Reports of Meetings and Outings Tuesday 9 May Meeting Celebrating 25 years Wednesday 24 May Outing to RACV Healesville Country Club After the formalities of the AGM were completed we relaxed and joined Valerie for her Power Point presentation. We were taken back to the early days of the Branch with photos of activities and commentary by Valerie year by year. We were brought right up to date to Valerie's presentation was brilliant and the audience was kept wondering who was going to appear on the screen next. Perhaps some candid shots caught members by surprise but it was all in good fun. We know how much time was spent working on this project and we thank Valerie for her magnificent presentation. We then had a cuppa and enjoyed some party cakes to celebrate the occasion. Once again thank you Valerie for a wonderful night. Saturday 13 May Outing to Coranderrk Bushland Tawny Frogmouths Lake Coranderrk 8 It was a fine day for our survey at Coranderrk Bushland attended by 12 participants. We were pleased to see the waterbirds had returned since the previous survey: Australasian Coot (80+), Australasian Grebes (6), Blue-billed Ducks (7), Hardhead (3) Black Duck (5), Australian Darters (7), Little Pied Cormorants (2), Black Swan (2) and Australian Shell Duck (2). Raptors were a Brown Goshawk and 2 Wedge-tailed Eagles. There were abundant honeyeaters: Red Wattlebird, New Holland, White-naped and White-eared Honeyeaters with numerous Eastern Spinebills (35) feeding on the flowering mistletoe. A highlight was a Crescent Honeyeater. Other bird species with larger numbers were Welcome Swallows (30), Superb Fairy-Wren (28) and Red-browed Finches (25). 42 bird species were counted on the survey. (When the Yarra Valley branch was formed in 1992 the first Yarra Valley outing was to Coranderrk on the 14 th of June 1992 where 41 bird species were counted). After the morning walk we were unable to use the bush hut so drove to the Badger Creek meeting hall where we had lunch, followed by a repeat of the power point Celebrating 25 years for those members who were not at the last meeting. We also enjoyed some cakes provided by Alma. The weather was dry with a cloudy sky. We met in the first car-park at 9.30am with an attendance of 12 interested members. Just as we were about to leave on our walk 12 Gang Gang Cockatoos flew over us and landed in a tree nearby. We walked around the edge of the greens and observed a large number of Australian Wood ducks on the greens. In a pond near the road were some Pacific Black Ducks. We stopped by another pond and saw more Pacific Black ducks and two Australasian Grebes. As we continued we encountered King Parrots in the trees near the road fence and a lone Crested Pigeon perched on the power line as well as Common Mynas and Crimson Rosellas in another tree. Rainbow Lorikeets flew overhead. On one of the greens we observed Eastern Rosellas as well as some Magpies and Magpie Larks. We moved into an area of bush where we saw Noisy Miners, Grey Butcherbirds, Red Wattlebirds a male and female Golden Whistlers, some Brown Thornbills, five Kookaburras, White-browed Scrubwrens, Common Bronzewings and Eastern Spinebills. On one green we spotted a lone Willie Wagtail. At the top of the last greens we observed more than 10 Striated Thornbills, a White-throated Tree Creeper, a Yellow Robin, Grey Fantails and Blackbirds. As we walked down to the lower greens Geoff spotted two Tawny Frogmouths in a tree on the side of the track. When we got down we saw on the pond Pied Cormorants, a Dusky Moorhen, Eurasian Coots, Australian Wood Ducks, Pacific Black Ducks and Masked Lapwings nearby. We moved alongside the Watts River hearing Spotted Pardalotes calling, and saw Sulphur-crested Cockatoos, and a Grey Shrike-thrush. On the second pond we saw Purple Swamphens, Pacific Black ducks, a Little Pied Cormorant, White Faced Herons and a male and female Chestnut Teal, a Galah flew overhead. When we arrived back some Little Corellas flew over us and while we were eating lunch a Royal Spoonbill flew overhead.

9 White-faced Herons This was a great walk the highlights being the great numbers of Australian Wood Ducks and Pacific Black Ducks, the flock of 12 Gang Gang Cockatoos, the Tawny Frogmouths and the sight of the Royal Spoonbill. In all we observed and noted 44 species of birds. Jim McMinn Tuesday 13 June No meeting winter recess Saturday 17 June Outing to Peninsular Tunnels, Warburton The following is a report of an outing with a difference. At the starting time of 9.30 am in the car park for the Little Peninsula Tunnel the temperature was 6 degrees and the weather was low cloud. Our leader Manfred appointed Michael as a co-leader so the other two participants, Ruth and I were well catered for during the day. As we left the car park and wandered down the track toward the river we were serenaded by the vast repertoire of bird calls by 2 Superb Lyrebirds and we thought that this was promising for many birds to be seen in the area. We heard a Yellow Robin, White-throated Treecreeper, Golden Whistler and Spotted Pardalotes. We saw our first bird after 1 hour a flock of Striated Thornbills were we excited? Back to the cars, hearing a Grey Shrike Thrush, we drove 4 km to the turnoff to visit the Big Tunnel area. The sun came out and the temperature jumped to 7 degrees. Our spirits rose and our expectations were again enhanced as we walked amongst the beautiful Manna Gums and native flora. At the 1½ hour mark we saw our second bird a Grey Shrike Thrush and heard the call of another Yellow Robin and White-browed Scrub Wren. Walking in beautiful sunshine we came across a Superb Fairy-wren and a Grey Fantail at the 2 hour mark. Such excitement but we chose to drive to the Upper Yarra Dam and as we arrived the temperature reached double figures and no one had sunscreen. On entering the Upper Yarra Dam confines we were greeted by Bassian Thrush, Song Thrush, Magpie and Blackbird and we knew we were in for a good birding day. Under a virtually cloudless sky, we visited the dam wall, had lunch at the picnic ground and strolled through the lush growth forest after lunch. Birds seen during these activities were Kookaburra, Welcome Swallow, several Brown Thornbills and Superb Fairy Wrens, Masked Lapwing, Wood Duck, Red Wattlebird, Crimson Rosella and a male Superb Lyrebird with its tail on display. Heard were Australian Raven, Yellow Tailed Black Cockatoo, Pied Currawong, Eastern Whipbird, Striated Thornbill, New Holland Honeyeater and a Lewin s Honeyeater. We thanked each other for good company and an enjoyable different outing and proceeded home in beautiful sunshine. Graeme Horskins Wednesday 28 June Outing to O Donohue s Picnic Ground, Sherbrooke Forest We met in the car park at the picnic ground before 9.30am, the weather was fine and sunny but damp underfoot. There were eleven people including our guides Jan Incoll and Marlene Drysdale from the Superb Lyrebird Volunteer Watch group, who keep an eye on the Lyrebirds especially the females who were nesting at the time of our visit. As we moved around the forest the nosiest birds we saw were the Sulphur-crested Cockatoos; there were 20 plus flying overhead. Jan and Marlene took us to a spot where a male Lyrebird was performing his repertoire whilst dancing, but then he decided that it was time to move on and ran across the track and started to perform again, we caught a glimpse of him dancing. Jan and Marlene took us around the forest to other sites and as we moved around we heard 10 other male birds performing but could not see them. Other birds we spotted, apart from the Cockatoo, were Brown Thornbills, Crimson Rosellas, Eastern Yellow Robin, Grey Fantail, Grey Shrike-thrush, White-browed Scrub-wren, Rainbow Lorikeets, and a Laughing Kookaburra. Our special thanks to Jan and Marlene for a very informative tour, we enjoyed a great walk. 10 bird species were observed. Leaders Lin Bullen, Jim McMinn Saturday 8 July Outing to Cathedral Range State Park A dubious weather Saturday saw only 4 people arrive at the starting point Ned s Gully Parking Area at the northern end of the park. The small party was soon treated to a pleasant ramble through a very beautiful forest along the track near the Little River, listening to Superb Lyrebird after Lyrebird serenading all and sundry. We decided to try and find one Lyrebird who didn t appear to be too far from the walking track. A short walk through relatively open bush lead to the bird being seen perched on the top of a fallen tree that was leaning against a standing one, about 5m above the ground. He flew to the ground then began scratching for food, only about 10m from us. Many Yellow Robins, White-throated Treecreepers, Brown and Striated Thornbills, White-browed Scrubwrens, and Golden Whistlers called this forest home, as did wallabies and wombats, although only the former were September

10 seen. A Varied Sitella and several Grey Fantails were also seen, and sightings of possibly a Crested Shrike-tit and Brown Gerygone were also made. Crimson Rosellas and Sulphur-crested Cockatoos were the only parrots seen. Laughing Kookaburra Photo Michael Feller A shower came and went, followed by a more serious shower which started about 15 minutes before Cooks Mill campsite. The pine plantation adjacent to the track before the campsite had been recently clearfelled and burned, providing habitat for few birds, although Magpies seemed to appreciate it. We increased our pace and took refuge in the picnic shelter at the campsite, waiting for 15 minutes or so until the rain eased a bit. We then set off back down the track to the cars. We decided to drive back to the picnic shelter for lunch then, if the weather cooperated, to walk the Friends Nature Trail to complete our planned trip. The weather did cooperate, the next shower coming just as we completed the walk. This walk was through another very beautiful forest, with many large old manna gums providing numerous nesting hollows this would be a superb area during the nesting season, if possums had left some hollows for birds. Not too many birds were seen by us, however, mainly Thornbills and Grey Fantails. The highlight of this trail occurred when some American girls pointed out a koala high above us in a manna gum. In a short walk they would have seen several vociferous Laughing Kookaburras around the campsite, no doubt honing their barbequed meat snatching skills (neither they nor the Pied Currawongs at the campsite were interested in our low meat non-barbequed lunches), several kangaroos grazing in a grassy area near the trail, the koala in the tree, and possibly a noisy mob of Sulphur-crested Cockatoos the North American stereotypical Australia all within half an hour! A quick visit to the Cooks Mill Heritage Site completed the fine trip. Total number of species seen or heard was 23. Michael Feller Wednesday 26 July outing to Jumping Creek Reserve, Wonga Park The day was cold and damp, 8 of us started off walking to the viewing platform overlooking the Yarra River and Sulphur Crested Cockatoos were calling in the trees nearby. Graeme Horskins had seen an Australasian Grebe on the river and a Spotted Turtle Dove close by. Rainbow Lorikeets flew 10 overhead and we heard Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoos in the trees. We observed some Australian Wood Ducks in a tree and two White Faced Herons flying past. Geoff Deason showed us a nice easy path to the main track, whilst walking on this track we encountered Galahs, Crimson Rosellas and Striated Pardalotes. As we started on the main track we heard Pied Currawongs calling and observed Kookaburras, White-eared Honeyeaters, White-naped Honeyeaters, Red Wattlebirds and Brown Thornbills in the trees. As we started to climb to the top of the hill we saw Whitebrowed Scrub Wrens on the ground and heard Spotted Pardalotes calling in the trees. We also observed Grey Fantails and Eastern Rosellas. Just before we reached the top of the hill we saw the bird of the day a Varied Sittella as well as a male Golden Whistler and a White-throated Treecreeper. We heard a Yellow Robin, a Little Raven and Noisy Miners in the trees. As we descended down the track Geoff stopped and took us along a small track where he showed us an outdoor Chapel used by the Scouting Movement which was in excellent condition. Whilst there, we observed Striated Thornbills and more White-naped Honeyeaters. When we got to the Yarra River we spotted a Dusky Moorhen on the water and White-eared Honeyeaters in the trees. On the return journey back to our cars we saw a Brown Goshawk, Magpies, a Superb Fairy-wren and an Australian Raven. When we sat down to have lunch we observed our last two birds a Grey Shrike Thrush and a Masked Lapwing. We had a great day of birding, 35 species observed, and good company. Species of the day was the Varied Sittella, and a very special thanks to Geoff Deason for his knowledge of the area and showing us the Scout outdoor Chapel. Many thanks to all who came, Jim McMinn (leader) Tuesday 8 August Meeting The history of Coranderrk Bushland speaker: Kevin Mason Many Birdlife Yarra Valley members have visited Coranderrk Bushland and participated in the twice yearly bird surveys on this property so it was very interesting to hear about its history. Coranderrk Bushland was originally included in 1,850 hectares of land set aside for Coranderrk Aboriginal Reserve in the 1860s. The site chosen for the reserve was described by the daughter of a station manager as being of high land sloping down to the Badger Creek and Yarra River with vegetation of ferns, wattles and shrubs festooned with starry clematis and purple sarsaparilla and the Victorian Christmas bush. It s an area with abundant game of kangaroos, wombats and bandicoots. After the Coranderrk Aboriginal Reserve officially closed in 1924, the land was used for stock agistment until 1948,

11 when the Coranderrk Lands Bill revoked the permanent reservation of the Coranderrk Aboriginal Reserve, transferring the land to the Soldier Settlement Scheme to accommodate four dairy farms for soldier settlers. This left a remnant area of 140 hectares known today as Coranderrk Bushland being left vacant, as it was deemed unsuitable or viable enough for a dairy farm and was gazetted as a Game Reserve in Local small holders took advantage to winter their stock there until 1963, when the Sanctuary erected a two metre boundary fence. The bushland was placed under the control of the Sir Colin MacKenzie Sanctuary Committee of Management in Magpie Lark falls fowl of fishing line Kevin showed us a map indicating the positions of different vegetation zones and of the eucalypts growing there like the manna gum, stringybark, peppermint and candlebark. He said up until the fire in 1962 there had been good recruitment of manna gums, peppermint gums and messmate including a large area of Eucalyptus fulgens (Green Scentbark) a rare tree in Victoria. The yearly average rainfall of Coranderrk Bushland is mm, floods have occurred; the last one was in 2011 when 1434mm rainfall was recorded. There were fires in 1890, 1898, 1905, 1926, 1962, 1980s and There have been many impacts on the bushland reserve: building of the perimeter fence, bush hut, ranger s house, animal enclosures, roads and creek grates. In a retaining wall was built on Barak Creek creating a swamp for water birds. Lake Coranderrk was completed in 1968 which covers six hectares including the overflow area; submersible pump supplies water to a water tower at the Sanctuary to supplement the Sanctuary s water supply and fire hydrants. In the 1970s the water in the lake was impacted by pollution from the neighbouring strawberry farms. There has also been dieback of some trees due to a fungal disease. In the 1960s plant surveys were done in Coranderrk Bushland: an orchid survey identified 52 species, 12 species of insectivorous bats have also been identified in the reserve. Bird surveys started in 1969 and continue up to the present day. The area has also been used by university Zoological and Botany students for studies, and has been used for forensic science research. There was a heritage assessment survey in 2009 indicating indigenous heritage sites like scar trees etc. Coranderrk is an island remnant of natural bushland with a riparian creek corridor with significant cultural and heritage history with values to the local Aboriginal community. We are very fortunate to be able to visit this wonderful property. Injured Magpie Lark at Lillydale Lake In July this year a Magpie Lark was seen feeding by the side of the path around the lake and did not fly off as people walked past. Surprisingly it did not even move as mothers pushed their prams past and dogs on lead became close to it. As the Magpie Lark was in the short grass it was not obvious what the problem was until it ventured onto the path. The Magpie Lark was able to feed itself but it had an injury to its foot which at first appeared to be some kind of growth similar to that seen on birds which feed on dirty bird tables as in the UK. Not wanting to stress the bird by getting too close we took some photos of the bird and its injury. It was not until a closer look at the resulting photograph we spotted the reason for the injury It had fishing wire tangled around its foot over which a growth had formed. Yet another species of bird has succumbed to the neglect of people leaving fishing wire at Lillydale Lake. Thank you Kevin for your passionate and enthusiastic talk which was well-informed and very impressive especially as it was delivered with very short notice. Your passion for history of the local area has increased our appreciation of this special area. Thank you from us all. Photo showing growth on its foot Answer to what bird is that? Immature Nankeen Night-Heron September

12 BirdLife Yarra Valley Postal address: Birdlife Australia, Yarra Valley Branch, P.O. Box 1172, Healesville, Vic Meetings are held in the Badger Creek Hall Meeting Room at 7.45 p.m. Badger Creek Rd. Badger Creek (next to CFA). Melway Edn F8.. Meetings and Outings automatically cancelled on days of Total Fire Ban in the Central and North-central Fire Districts. (Central unless notified otherwise) Calendar October to December OCTOBER Tuesday 10 Meeting Subject Bird Trip to Bowra and Kilcowera Stations Peter & Valerie Fowler Saturday 14 Outing to Western Treatment Plant by bus. Places limited. Book your place and get further details Wednesday 25 Outing to Lake Mountain at 9.30am. Meet at top car park next to buildings (parking fees apply) Melway Edn C12 NOVEMBER Saturday 11 - Survey in Coranderrk Bushland at 9.30 a.m. Directions: Gate 1 Badger Avenue, Badger Creek, opposite Fleay Rd. Melway Edn F10. Gate will close at 9.30 sharp. Tuesday 14 Meeting Speaker Sonja Ross, subject - My Birding Year 2016 (includes Australia, Sri Lanka and Antartica) Don t miss this wonderful talk and photos. Wednesday 22 - Outing to RACV Healesville Country Club at 9.30 a.m. Healesville-Yarra Glen Rd, Healesville. Directions: Melway Edn J12. Park in first car park just inside the entrance. DECEMBER Saturday 9 Christmas break up at Maroondah Reservoir Park at 9.30am. Maroondah Highway, Healesville. Melway Edn , H6 Calendar January to March 2018 Basic Dates only. Check December newsletter for Furthur details. January Tuesday 9 Meeting Speaker Alan Spellman Subject: Spring in Mull. Saturday 13 - Breakfast with the Birds at a private property in Badger Creek at 8.30 a.m. Drive to the end of Deering Avenue and follow the signs. Directions: Melway Edn J1 Wednesday 24 Outing Mount Donna Buang from Warburton 9.30 a.m. Directions: Melway Edn39 X912 S2 & inset map pg 290. continue past the large gravel carparks towards the summit. Park near the information shelter and toilets February Saturday 10 Outing Mason s Falls, Kinglake National Park a.m. Directions: Melway Edn 39 X910 P11 Tuesday 13 Meeting Speaker TBA Wednesday 28 Outing to Spadonis Reserve Yering 9.30 a.m Directions: Melway Edn E8 Park at end of Victoria Rd March Saturday 10 Labour Day W/E Outing TBA Tuesday 13 Meeting Speaker Christine Connolly Subject: Effects of Melbourne's urbanisation on Eastern Yellow Robins Wednesday 28 Outing Pound Bend Warrandyte 9.30 a.m. Directions: Melway Edn A11 12