Eastern Rosellas Photo by Linda Hoelle

Transcription

1 The BLSH flyer Volume 6 Number 4, November 2017 Silvereye by Erna Llenore Contents Eastern Rosellas Photo by Linda Hoelle From the President... Page 2 Mt Annan Botanic Gardens Outing... Page 3 Coast of Central California; North-eastern Oregon... Page 4-6 The Finches... Page 6 Liaison Officer s Report... Page 7-9 Conservation Officer s Report... Page 9 Lake Alexandra Intrepid Birders Walk... Page 10 Bicentennial Park and Newington Armory... Page 11 Cave Creek Outing... Page 12 Moruya Field Trip Report... Page Bird Banding at the Guppy s Property... Page Worth Viewing... Page 19 Members Photography... Page November 2017

2 From the President U nfortunately, our scheduled guest speaker night in September was cancelled at very short notice. However, we have been able to reschedule Carol Probets to talk at our November meeting. I encourage all to attend. Special thanks for another highly successful camp organised by Jennie Wiles, our newsletter editor, to Moruya and environs recently. Thirteen different locations within the Moruya region were identified by Jennie and Ingrida as suitable and interesting spots to visit. These locations resulted in 119 species being identified by the 20 members of BLSH who joined in the camp. Special thanks to our friends, Sarah and Michael Guppy and members of the Eurobodalla Natural History Society, Julie, Mike and Peter for their support and assistance during our stay at Moruya. A recent article in the SMH (9 October 2017) discussed the success of an intervention breeding programme for Australia s Shy Albatross. These birds only breed on three islands off the coast of Tasmania. Climate and habitat changes have reduced the availability of nesting material for these magnificent birds. However, a combination of National Parks personnel and volunteers have been able to provide concrete nests and deliver them to the islands where they have been accepted by the breeding pairs. All involved are now waiting patiently to see if they are successful in raising their young. I recently read an article in the Australasian Poultry Magazine written by Tas Doornbusch about the wiliness of Australian Ravens. Tas had been hospitalised and had a friend caring for his property. While he was absent his friend reported the loss of several bantams. These birds had Some of the participants on the Moruya camp focus on an interesting bird? No, a breaching whale! been killed and left in the chook yard. They were Photo by Alan Burchill therefore able to discount dog, feral cat, ferret and even an eagle attack as they all either removed their kill or only left the carcass. The birds being killed were mutilated but the carcass was left, feathers missing but not really showing signs of being eaten. A short time later a commotion was heard in his chook yard and he went out to see what was causing the chooks to be so alarmed. He found a large Australian Raven with a bantam on the ground pecking it on the head and removing some of the feathers from its back. He had never thought that an Australian Raven would make such an attack. They have been known to steal small chickens and eggs but never been known to attack an animal almost the same size as themselves. Chicken owners be aware during the breeding season especially if your chickens are free range. Continuing on with interesting bird facts. Do we have the most creative and intelligent birds in the world? See How clever are our Palm Cockatoos? Wishing you all best for the holiday season and the festivities that surround this time of year and a reminder to please join us at the Members end of year gathering at Morton National Park on Sunday 17th December at 11am. Happy Birding for November

3 Mt Annan Botanic Gardens outing on Walk organiser Jennie Wiles reports The day started cool but soon warmed up and the sunshine, 11 Southern Highlands BirdLife members and 47 species of birds recorded, all contributed to a great morning s outing at Mt Annan Botanic Gardens. The very windy, cold week was forgotten with the constant sightings of different bird species. I m sure Fred Young was happy he came out of hibernation. Members of BLSH at Mt Annan Botanic Gardens Photo by Jennie Wiles The Red-rumped Parrots and Australian Swamphens were quietly grazing on the lawn as we started our wander along the path through remnant Cumberland Plains woodland. Striated pardalotes were calling and investigating hollows. Tree Martins were hard to identify while flying but then they landed on a branch and the species of martin was established. Stan Jones was the first to spot many of the species and his depth of knowledge helped identify many of them too. We headed for the bird hide and on the way there was a good sighting of an Australian Reed Warbler. At the bird hide we were able to see a variety of water birds and a lone, gorgeous Azure Kingfisher. A bit beyond the hide there were casuarinas with mistletoe in them and also a Mistletoebird which was eagerly photographed by many of us. Two different birds of prey were sighted but identification was delayed while photos were considered. Thanks to Helen Erskine and Fred Young for the final identification of the two species an Australian Hobby and a Brown Goshawk After morning tea the group walked along the track past the Stolen Generations Memorial. The Bell Miners dominated here and the variety of birds seen previously in the other area was absent. Some of the members then stayed to enjoy the environment of the gardens for lunch. Species list- Australasian Swamphen, Magpie-lark, Welcome Swallow, Australian Raven, Common Myna, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Red-rumped Parrot, Cattle Egret, Pied Currawong, Australian White Ibis, Red Wattlebird, Grey Butcherbird, Striated Pardalote, Superb Fairy-wren, Noisy Miner, Common Starling, Golden Whistler, Willie Wagtail, Tree Martin, Rainbow Lorikeet,, Masked Lapwing, Grey Fantail, Hardhead, Eurasian Coot, Australasian Grebe, Fantail Cuckoo, Hoary-headed Grebe, Australian Reed-Warbler, Little Pied Cormorant, Black Swan, Grey Teal, Azure Kingfisher, Yellow-faced Honeyeater, Yellow-rumped Thornbill and nest, Mistletoebird, White-plumed Honeyeater, Straw-necked Ibis, Galah, Red-browed Finch, European Goldfinch, Eastern Rosella, Australian Hobby, Brown Goshawk, Australian Wood Duck, Bell Miner, Grey Shrike-thrush, Crested Pigeon, Australian Magpie. Mistletoebird. Photo by Jennie Wiles Fantail Cuckoo Photo by Helen Erskine Red-browed Finch by Helen Erskine November

4 Coast of Central California; North-eastern Oregon Linda Hoelle reports on her recent trip In August 2017, my husband and I travelled to the US to visit friends and family. Going north from Los Angeles on Amtrak (national passenger train), our first stop was in Central California to stay with friends. Their ranch, in the coastal hills, produces a variety of fruit and of course supports a variety of birds! Hummingbirds are always my favourite. Anna s Hummingbirds are there year-round and one male frequently perched on a large agave just outside the kitchen window. The light was never quite right to show off his full brilliance but a few spots of colour showed. Early in the breeding season he would have had a bright pinkish red gorget and crown, but over the summer they had faded to a coppery colour. Bushtits (above right) are tiny birds (10 cm) that move about in small flocks. As we were preparing dinner on the patio, a chorus of chirps announced their brief visit to a nearby garden. A juvenile Black-headed Grosbeak (below left) had a taste for pears and apples. A large flock of wild turkeys put in the occasional appearance (below right). November

5 The Western Bluebird (female below right) is a member of the thrush family and a common resident. The youngster is helping with insect control, but a small colony of Pallid Bats has the night shift!! At a nearby beach Elegant Terns, in their non-breeding plumage, entertained us with their flying skills. They are a winter visitor to the area. November

6 From California we continued on to North-eastern Oregon to spend time with my mother. The county is mountainous with ranches and towns in a long broad valley, where the obvious perches for birds are power poles and fence posts! Early one morning a male Northern Flicker preened at the top of a power pole in town. This woodpecker, with its reddish orange wing linings, is the red-shafted subspecies. Coveys of California Quail often roam about the towns as well as in the farming areas. A sentinel keeps careful watch to warn of danger. On this occasion, a male sat atop a fence post. The Mallard is the duck often seen in the area so I was fortunate to see these female diving ducks, Common Mergansers, on a rock in the middle of a local river. The county was free of wild fires but smoke from those in nearby states and central Oregon obscured the mountains at times. For several days the setting sun was a spectacular red in the thick smoke. The Finches A tiny spill of bird things in a swirl And crest and tide that has splashed the garden s edgea chatterful of finches filled the hedge and came upon us with a rush and curl and scattering of wings. They were so small I laughed to see them ludicrously gay among the thorny stalks, and all that day they teased me with their tiny-throated call. Thomas Shapcott Little Book of Birds Publishers National Library of Australia 1999 November

7 Liaison Officer s Report Col Kohlhagen 1.BirdLife Australia Membership and Fundraising Birdlife Australia currently has over 13,000 members nationwide, while supporter numbers are close to 100,000. The latter group is mostly made up of donors and participants in some of BLA s major community science and/or community engagement projects such as Birds in Back Yards [BIBY] or the Australian Backyard Bird Count [ABBC]. Since the merger of BOCA and BLA in 2012, there has been a discernible trend for a significant number of new members to join but then allow their membership to lapse after a year or two. International research suggests that this is a world-wide phenomenon. Many individuals are keen to financially support a movement towards which they are empathetic. However, they may not be suited to an active membership role if regular involvement in meetings and projects, etc., is required. To cater for this level of involvement, and to build a greater pool of regular potential donors, BLA has initiated changes to its membership structure and marketing practices to tap into the growing supporter base. In the recently implemented changes to its membership policy, there are now only two membership classes for new members, namely Members and Students. However, under a grandfathering arrangement, existing Individual, Concession, Family and Family Concession Memberships will be continued for those individuals who currently hold those types of membership. A new category, Wild Bird Protectors, has been introduced and this will seek to formalise a monthly or yearly taxdeductible donor program. Wild Bird Protector membership comes with all the current benefits and opportunities flowing from BLA Membership but does not allow that person to vote at branch meeting nor hold office. BLSH Members may not be aware that BirdLife Australia is a registered charity. BLA uses its current snail-mail-out-system to attract donors as research suggests that this approach yields far greater success than s. Interestingly, 85 cents in every dollar donated to BLA, reaches the intended project. This is a commendable achievement by BLA s small marketing team. Fund raising in our local branch is not considered to be a priority. Over the years, we have been very successful in obtaining grants to fund our activities and this will continue to be our approach into the future. Individual members are encouraged to support any national BLA project which appeals to them. However, should members wish to be removed from the BLA National Office mail-out-list, they can do so by contacting the National Office. 2. School s Programs Aussie Backyard Bird Count Leading up to the Aussie Backyard Bird Count, BLSH has been working in two schools helping the students prepare for the count. A three-week program was delivered to the Year Two Students at Berrima Primary school and culminated in a trial run of their 20 minute search in the bush next to the school. The Year Five and Six Students at St Paul s Primary school at Moss Vale were introduced to the basic skills of birdwatching prior to their school playground count. At both schools, the students were geared up to use the Great Aussie Bird Count App. November

8 2.2 Wingecarribee Shire School s Environment Day BLSH participated in the 12th annual Environment Day at Lake Alexandra on Tuesday 17 October. BLSH has been involved since 2011 and this year BLSH members showed year Five and Six students from St Thomas Aquinas, Mittagong, Burrawang, Moss Vale and SH Christian Schools how to use the set of BLSH binoculars. This was the first occasion when the full set was used. Fortunately, we started the day with 30 pairs and finished with the same number! The highlight of the day was a Wonga Pigeon, spotted by one of the small groups led by our President, Christine Kelly. Other BLSH members who gave up their time to work with the students were Erna Llenore, Helen Erskine, Louise Egerton, Peter Madvig and Simon Robinson. The thirty minute sessions in a crowded area were not an ideal way to introduce binocular skills but the students enjoyed the experience. Most were soon able to focus on the targets and then the live birds on the lake. An unintended consequence of the day was the approaches by other schools seeking help to run birding courses in the future. Theory, and then practice!! Image courtesy of WSC Staff Lauren Strode (Southern Highlands News) 3.National Tree Day Members will be aware that BLSH, in partnership with Greening Australia and the Wingecarribee Shire Council, is engaged in habitat restoration and bird monitoring projects along the Wingecarribee River. On Saturday 21 October, BLSH participated in the official launch of the Wall to Wollondilly Project This event has been planned to coincide with National Tree Day, the Aussie Backyard Bird Count, promoted by BirdLife Australia and a planting project in an area adjacent to the Bong Bong Walking Track at the end of Hurlingham Ave, Burradoo. BLSH set up a display and led short bird spotting walks for members of the public From left Christine Kelly, Peter Madvig and Col Kohlhagen November

9 4 Latham s Snipe Count The following information and table below were sent by Dr Birgita Hansen, from the Australasian Wader Studies Group. SE Australian Latham s Snipe September 2017 survey results Many thanks once again to a fabulous effort from you all to get out and count snipe. Count results differed markedly compared to last year. At many core sites there were larger than usual numbers of snipe, but then at other sites there were few to none. We are not sure if this is because it was dry in the intervening areas birds will have passed through on southward migration, compelling them to seek out reliable habitats. Or maybe the population has fewer choices despite how wet it has been in the SW corner. Regardless of the reason, the data are incredibly valuable to start building of picture of how we can expect snipe numbers to respond to different climate conditions from year-to-year. This year s September count results are summarised by region below. There may still be a few counts yet to arrive, but we think the final number is unlikely to exceed 600. Still, this is really fantastic count especially for this time of year. Last year in September we 301 birds counted but far fewer sites were covered so the numbers are not comparable. Region Total count Canberra region - ACT 49 Ballarat region - VIC 20 East Gippsland - VIC 59 Geelong-Bellarine - VIC 72 Greater Melbourne- VIC 37 Mornington Peninsula VIC 0 New South Wales central coast NSW 7 Northern Tasmania TAS 0 North-western Tasmania TAS 38 NSW southern highlands NSW 46 Peterborough VIC 84 Port Fairy-Warrnambool VIC 109 Queensland central coast QLD 6 South-east South Australia SA 0 South-east Tasmania - TAS 0 Sunshine Coast - QLD 2 West Gippsland - VIC 55 Grand Total 584 Conservation Officers Report By Simon Robinson The Wall 2 Wollondilly project has now commenced. We gave a bird identification and survey demonstration at Berrima. This workshop was attended by a number of land owners (but not many from the river banks!). We will be marking out the survey sites along the river as this newsletter goes to press. We are meeting with a number of landholders in the Canyonleigh area to initiate further survey projects. We are going to need more members to be involved in surveys highly recommended as a way to say thank you for the pleasure the birds give you! November

10 Lake Alexandra Intrepid Birders Walk Wednesday 6 September Walk organiser Helen Erskine reports The winds were very strong and a severe weather warning had been given, but I contacted the intending walkers the evening before, asking if they wanted to cancel or continue? We planned to meet and make our decision to continue in situ. nearby we saw about 20 species of water birds and Aussie favourites Kookaburras and Magpies. We were happy to go ahead! Grey Teal Photo by Erna Llenore Little Black Cormorant Photo by Helen Erskine So John, Ross, Michael, Erna and Helen decided to stay close to the Lake and in the Reserve while the weather was holding. It did get a little windier as we headed into the Bush, so we returned by the creek, finding a couple of little birding hot spots, seeing small groups of Grey Fantails, Red Wattlebirds and Robins Eastern Yellow and Rose, both males and females. We saw Pacific Black Ducks, Hardheads, a Grey Teal, an Australian Wood Duck family with 4 chicks born last week (there were 5), Dusky Moorhens, Eurasian Coots, Australasian Grebes, a Masked Lapwing, a hopping Magpie Lark and a nest, Welcome Swallows, Common Myna, Crimson Rosellas, Pied Currawongs, Little Corellas and Sulphur-crested Cockatoos, Satin Bowerbirds and a bower, a pair of King Parrots, Brown and Striated Thornbills, a White-Browed Scrubwren and Eastern Spinebills. Other birds included a Little Black Cormorant, an Olive-backed Oriole and Black-faced Cuckoo- Shrikes. We heard Eastern Whipbirds, Yellow-faced Honeyeaters, and Spotted Pardalotes, making a total of 32 species for the day, quite a respectable number considering the wild winds! Thanks for braving it out on such a day, we were lucky it calmed a little for us. Female Rose Robin Photo by Helen Erskine Magpie Lark with a sore foot Photo by Helen Erskine November

11 Bicentennial Park and Newington Armory Walk organiser Sandra Reynolds reports A small number, three members and one visitor, attended this outing on 24 th September The majority of the time was spent at Bicentennial Park, including walking to and from the Bird Hide, seeing a number of birds along the way, prior to reaching the hide. Early on in the walk to the Bird Hide a Royal Spoonbill was sighted roosting near some Ibis. Another birder, having already spotted such and photographing it as we arrived, advised us it was in breeding plumage. Further on a Great Cormorant was spotted, near some flowing water and not far from the path, watching the water movement. It was in a perfect spot for photos. Carol, one of the rangers, has since advised that they are often seen where the tidal flows comes in and out. Small fish and eels get caught near here. It had moved position closer to the flow by the time we were returning but only by a couple of feet and it was very clearly looking out for food. Royal Spoonbill Photo by Sandra Reynolds From the hide a number of water birds were sighted including a number of Red Necked Avocets. On the way back to the cars a Horsfield s Bronze- Cuckoo was photographed. There had been a number of these sighted at The Armory the prior weekend. At the car park a Grey Butcherbird was using the No Standing sign to stand on for some time. Time was limited after leaving Bicentennial Park however, after a quick lunch, we did manage to pay a short visit to The Armory and the Discovery Centre. The few that attended the outing had an enjoyable time seeing a number of birds not often seen in our local area. Birds sighted: Australian Raven, Australian White Ibis, Red Wattle Bird, White Faced Heron, Royal Spoonbill, Grey Fantail, Silver Gull, Superb Fairy-wren, Australasian Grebe, Red-necked Avocet, Australian Pelican, Black-winged Stilt, Pied Cormorant, Eurasian Coot, Great Cormorant, Great Egret, Grey Teal, Masked Lapwing, Australasian Swamp Hen, Magpie Lark, Willie Wagtail, White-plumed Honeyeater, Common Starling, Horsfield s Bronze-Cuckoo, Little Egret, Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike, Chestnut Teal, Pied Currawong, Grey Butcherbird, Eastern Koel, Noisy Miner, Welcome Swallow, Crimson Rosella, Rainbow Lorikeet, Australian Magpie. Red-necked Avocet Photo by Sandra Reynolds Grey Butcherbird By Erna Llenore Eastern Great Egret by Sandra Reynolds Editors note This was a most enjoyable outing and if offered again it would be great to see more members take up the opportunity to utilise Sandra s knowledge of this area as she is a volunteer guide here. November

12 Cave Creek Outing Walk organiser Jennie Wiles reports On a pleasant morning eight members and two guests attended this walk at Caves Creek at Hilltop. The walk begins through an open forest and then descends to wetter habitat along the creek until reaching rainforest below the cave and along the creek. It is because of the variety of habitat that there are also a variety of birds seen here. Participants on the Cave Creek outing. Photo by Jennie Wiles White-eared Honeyeater. Photo by Jennie Wiles In the earlier parts of the walk there were a variety of honeyeaters enjoying the spring flowers. Even before leaving the carpark there were excellent views of the White-eared Honeyeater. Another sign of spring an Eastern Yellow Robin was later seen on her nest. Also a Channel-billed Cuckoo and a Fan-tailed Cuckoo were later heard calling. A number of members did this walk this time last year and were hopeful that the Black-faced Monarch would put in an appearance and they were not disappointed and in nearly the same location. The wetter environment along the creek was where the Brown Gerygone was sighted. It took a photo by Linda Hoelle and some further investigations to ascertain the bird s identity. Black-faced Monarch. Photo by Helen Erskine Eastern Yellow Robin on its nest Photo by Jennie Wiles Species list Australian King-Parrot, Crimson Rosella, Spotted Pardalote, Yellow-faced Honeyeater, Common Myna, White-eared Honeyeater, Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike, Eastern Spinebill, Rufous Whistler, Golden Whistler, Laughing Kookaburra, Black-faced Monarch, Superb Fairy-wren, Grey Shrikethrush, Eastern Yellow Robin (and nest), Silvereyes, Channel-billed Cuckoo, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, White-browed Scrubwren, Satin Bowerbird, Striated Thornbill, Fan-tailed Cuckoo, Eastern Whipbird, Brown Gerygone, Rock Warbler, White-throated Treecreeper, Lewins Honeyeater. November

13 Moruya Field Trip Report 9-13 October, 2017 Organiser Jennie Wiles reports 21 members and partners of BLSH ventured south for the Spring field trip based in Moruya. Most of these people headed out bright and early for birding adventures but others of the group explored the district and an occasional culinary delight. The itinerary was designed to explore a variety of habitats in the Eurobodalla shire. This included rainforest, mangrove, coastal fringes, lakes and forest. Fortunately the weather was generally pleasant and warm with only an occasional shower. We were very fortunate to have the help of Eurobodalla Natural History Society (ENHS) chair Julie Morgan who gave me suggestions for the itinerary and who also joined us for the walk at Bingi. She shared her knowledge of birds in the area and taught me and others to differentiate the calls of the Variegated and Superb Fairy-Wren. Also Mike Crowley and his friend Phil (also both ENHS members) were invaluable in our investigation of Brou Lake and in the identification of the migratory waders there. A total of 119 species was recorded over the five days and the count for each site is shown below. The overall trip count could have been much higher as I decided not to include enroute sightings which are often only seen by a handful of people at most. Also I was staying at another venue and the birds seen or heard there were not included e.g. Sooty Owl (sigh). Venue Total Monga National Park-Penance Grove 5 Monga National Park-Mongarlowe PA 16 Batemans Bay Water Garden 38 Brou Lake 34 Narooma 15 Bodalla State Forest-Box Cutting Rainforest walk 17 Guppy's property 41 Bingi section of Dreaming Track 22 South Head Moruya 19 Cullendulla Creek Nature Reserve Mangrove Walk 38 Batemans Bay Botanic Gardens 22 Mogo State Forest- Mogo walk 27 Montague Island 24 As can be seen the most fruitful or actually birdfull locations were the Batemans Bay Water Garden and the Cullendulla Creek Nature Reserve. The most frequently seen birds went to the Grey Fantail, Yellow-faced Honeyeater and the Superb Fairy-wren. Rose Robin at Monga National Park Photo by Jennie Wiles Most of the group at the Guppy s property. Michael is in the overalls and Sarah is next to him kneeling. Photo by Helen Erskine November

14 Probably the highlight for most was the visit to Michael and Sarah Guppy s property. The number of birds nests that Michael was able to show the Michael Guppy And Peter Madvig spotting nest. Photo by Jennie Wiles Grey Fantail on its nest. Photo by Jennie Wiles group was extraordinary. Michael s effort to show four groups around, for an hour each group, must also be commended. Sarah also contributed fascinating information about the banding process on the Wednesday. A few very fortunate members who were available on the Saturday were also thrilled to be shown the banding process by Michael and Sarah. Breaching Humpback Whale Photo by Alan Edwards Another added bonus to a trip to the coast during October is that it is whale migration season. On the Bingi walk the moment we emerged from the coastal scrub we witnessed an amazing breach of a Humpback whale. On the Friday an extra option of a whale watching boat trip to Montague Island from Narooma was added to the itinerary before people returned home. We fortunately saw Humpback whales from the boat and also a large number of shearwaters flying around. At the island the Silver Gulls were noisily nesting and the Crested Terns made an amazing sight from the top of the lighthouse-each tern only having pecking distance around their nest. On the return boat trip we were shown the colony of Australian and New Zealand fur seals lolling in the water and basking on the rocks. November

15 I asked the participants to share a favourite memory of the trip. It s all about the birds except when it isn t, as some of these comments suggest. Helen Aquart being shown the various intricate nests the little birds had hidden away in the bush. and Brou Lake shorebirds and walking out onto the shoreline with the whale breaching. It was a sunny, blue sky magical moment. Perfect Mike Crowley (in red T shirt) helps to identify the waders at Brou Lake. Photo by Jennie Wiles 2 Eastern Curlews and a Bar-tailed Godwit at Moruya South Head. Photo by Jennie Wiles Brown Cuckoo-Dove Photo by Jennie Wiles Alan Edwards the moment the whale breached and his camera was ready for it. and when he abandoned the last walk, and after patiently waiting got a shot of the Lewins Honeyeater. Janine Jones There were so many. I think it was walking along the sea wall at Narooma and seeing the crystal clear water with the seals and the whales breaching at sea and just the pure beauty of the place. I loved it. Simon Robinson So many new places in an area I ve visited before. Finally got to Montague Island. Eurasian Skylark was an Australian tick for me! Peter and Penny Madvig a) the visit to Michael and Sarah Guppy s property with its abundant birdlife, which they so carefully monitor; b) the Humpback Whales showing off just offshore tail and flipper slapping and even breaching! c) Montague Island, tho a visit to where the seabirds burrow and nest wasn t possible. d) Some enjoyed a Botanical Garden one day, while four of us sacrificed our time by checking out the wildlife at the Pickled Octopus Val Cooper at the Guppy s to see so many Brown Cuckoo Doves was amazing and to see them so close was a first for me they had a different brown marking on the top of their wings I had not seen before. The same in seeing both male and female Common Bronzewings - the shield shape marking above their eyes I had not noticed previously! Grey Goshawk at Bingi. Photo by Jennie Wiles November

16 On the boat to Montague Island. Photo by Jennie Wiles Wedge-tailed Shearwaters off Narooma By Jennie Wiles Graham Kelly The 'Pickled Octopus' at Tuross Heads summoned 4 of us for lunch, a Thai eatery, not a den for 'Drunken Prawns'. Graham then described the artful presentation of the meals and the enjoyment of them and the wine. We still got 'home' before those who spent the time 'productively' birding in the more traditional way. Erna Llenore Jennie (and Ingrida) had everything organised meticulously and managed to keep smiling throughout the ambitious week of activities. The trip to the Guppy s was outstanding, they put themselves out to show us their property, their birds and their work. Thank you so much Michael and Sarah. Louise Egerton the utter shocked disbelief of arriving at the Guppy s and being greeted by half a dozen Brown Cuckoo-Doves, a couple of White-headed Pigeons and a Swamp Wallaby nonchalantly hanging out in their backyard. Then the Common Bronzewings sauntered up, the King Parrots flew in and a cloud of Red-browed Finches touched down. Helen Erskine A most enjoyable week birding with old friends and new. I particularly enjoyed the Shorebirds - some so small I almost missed them on the sand. We were shown these using local expertise and knowledge, thanks to having area specialists. I loved the repetition daily, so I learnt some new calls whilst down the coast. Silver Gull with eggs on Montague Is. By Jennie Wiles Nesting Crested Terns on Montague Is. By Jennie Wiles Geraldine Hunt apart from the humpback breaching as we turned from the track onto the beach at Bingie.it would be - surreptitiously using my Gould League Juniors Book of Shorebirds to identify the waders, then the following day discovering that it helped Ingrida to positively distinguish Eastern Curlew from Bar-tailed Godwit! I leaned a lot from a great group of people. Christine Kelly The Batemans Bay Town Water Gardens, tucked away behind the Historical Museum, proved to be a birding gem. A short half hour walk, on made trails and raised boardwalks, around the garden produced in excess of 20 species. The elusive Buff-banded Rail and Baillon s Crake which had been reported at the gardens, were not spotted on this occasion but I would suggest that more participants and a longer time would possibly allow these birds to reveal themselves. Along with the Eurobodalla Botanical Gardens, just south of Batemans Bay, would make this area a destination in itself for the future. November

17 Bird Banding at the Guppy s Property Michael and Sarah Guppy explain the banding process with introduction and photos by Jennie Wiles Five BLSH members went banding at the Guppy s on Saturday morning after the Spring field trip to Moruya- Ingrida, Jennie, Geraldine and David Hunt and Helen Erskine. The Guppy s were hoping to band a Reed Warbler as they had just been given permission. Unfortunately that didn t happen but we were privileged to see the process with a previously banded Brown Thornbill, an Eastern Spinebill, an unbanded Brown Thornbill and a White-browed Scubwren. There was such skill and gentleness needed with those tiny, fragile birds. As there were only a few people available to go to the Guppy s property on the Saturday, Michael and Sarah kindly agreed to outline the banding process for BLSH members. See below. Quietly set mist net in suitable spot. Mist nets are typically made of nylon or polyester mesh suspended between 2 poles. There are various lengths and mesh sizes that can be used. Setting up the mist net near the dam. Extracting the Brown Thornbill from the mist net. Prepare a "banding station" in readiness to process birds. This should be an easy, quick walk from where the net is set. Birds are extracted from the net and placed in a small bag and walked back to the banding station for processing. Extraction of the bird is the most difficult and dangerous part of the whole process. All the processing information is recorded on an official record sheet. Michael weighs, Sarah records while Geraldine Hunt looks on. Brown Thornbill being banded. November

18 A White-browed Scrubwren head to bill measurement is taken. The Eastern Spinebill wing is checked for moults. At the banding station the process is: 1. Weigh bird and bag. 2. Carefully remove the bird from the bag and identify the species. 3. Apply the appropriate sized metal ID band to the right leg. 4. If a bird is to be colour banded as well, apply the appropriate sized colour bands. 5. Age and sex (if possible) the bird. 6. Take head-bill, wing and tail measurements. 7. Check wing and tail for any moults. 8. Check for a brood patch. This is a patch of featherless skin, well supplied with blood vessels at the surface, making is possible to transfer heat to the eggs while incubating. 9. Double check correct placement of any bands with the scribe (person doing the re cording) Michael checks for a brood patch on the Eastern Spinebill. The banded White-browed Scrubwren is checked before releasing 10. Release the bird. 11. Weigh the empty bag. The record sheets are put into the data base of ABBBS (Australian Bird and Bat Banding Scheme). These sheets will also have Location, Bander ID, Date and Time information. The net is checked every minutes, and is closed if it starts to rain or it gets in full sun, and at the end of the session. And don't forget the obligatory coffee break... November

19 Worth Viewing 1. Discovering the Shearwaters of Montague Island 2. Secrets of Digital Bird Photography Very comprehensive and helpful if you need some advice on getting good bird photos Binoculars Eagle Optics series How to get crystal clear focus with your binoculars others Understanding Binoculars: Eye Relief Understanding Binoculars: Exit Pupil Understanding Binoculars: Fit and Focus Understanding Binoculars: Magnification Understanding Binoculars: Magnification and Stability Optical Quality Understanding Binoculars: Aperture Understanding Binoculars: How To Clean Your Binoculars November

20 Members Photography The theme is Does my bum look big in this?. Next edition s theme is Bad hair day. Other contributions are very welcome. Bird Nest Hair by Monica Gifford Copper-rumped Hummingbird. Photo by Nigel Hartley 5 Masked Lapwing (note the spurs). By Helen Erskine Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoo. Photo by Erna Llenore King Parrot. Photo by Louise Egerton Crimson Rosellas Photo by Linda Hoelle November

21 Superb Lyrebird Photo by Linda Hoelle Leaden Flycatcher on its nest Photo by Helen Erskine Australasian Grebe. Photo by Helen Erskine Australian White Ibis. Photo by Helen Erskine Australasian Darter. Photo by Jennie Wiles Zebra Finch. Photo by Jennie Wiles November

22 Duck. Photo by Jennie Wiles Grey Currawongs. Photo by Graham Olde Masked Lapwing and chick. Photo by Helen Erskine Newsletter contributions If you would like to contribute an article to the newsletter, please contact Jennie Wiles at Articles can be on any aspect of birding, or issue related to birding, that may interest other members. Photos, in jpeg format, are also very welcome. The deadline for the next newsletter is 20 January 2018 BLSH Committee President Liaison Conservation Program Treasurer Records Admin Newsletter Committee support Committee support Christine Kelly Col Kohlhagen Simon Robinson Peter Madvig John Desmond Graham Olde Erna Llenore Jennie Wiles Val Cooper