Illawarra Birding February 2015 - 1

Official Newsletter of Illawarra Birders Inc. No. 030 February 2015

www.illawarrabirders.org

A Bird in the Sand is Worth Rescuing -Shorebird VolunteeringMacrophytes and Charophytes -Their Role in the Fight for Lake WollumboolaGood Birding VietnamPlus news, trip reports, sightings and more…

Illawarra Birding February 2015 - 2

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Welcome to a New Year, I hope that all of our members had a hap-py and safe Christmas and New Year. I love the beginning of eachNew Year, it gives me a chance to remind myself of what I loveabout birding - chasing species, ticking off as many new birds for theyear as I can. It’s funny that a bird like a sparrow can get you excit-ed, a new bird, a new tick for the year. Not all of our members aretwitchers but by the number of records on Ebird so far this year it isclear that we do have a few members who like to go out chasing spe-cies. The great thing about birding is that you can do as much or aslittle as you like - you can spend all of your time chasing birds all you can sit by a window and watch thebirds go by.

This year has started with a bang with some great species being reported, birds such as Broad-billedSandpiper, Curlew Sandpiper, Red-necked Avocet and a White-rumped Sandpiper which is only thesecond record for the Illawarra. Summer is a great time to look for waders and this year seems to be agood year with places like Shoalhaven Heads and Lake Wollumboola being prime birding spots. Illawar-ra Birders have a big year planned for the members - we will have some great speakers this year as wellas a number of walks and even a camp later in the year. Go to our web page to find out more informa-tion regarding our walks and meetings. Birding gives so much pleasure to so many of our members - itis great to observe birds and spend time in the bush. It can be just as enjoyable to talk about birds atone of our meetings and I am looking forward to seeing and talking to you all at our first meeting of theyear.

Happy birding, Terrill Cover Photo: White-rumped Sandpiper. MP

Are you interested in a trip to Cape York? The club is considering putting on a trip to Cape York in October2016 for club members only. The trip would be fully accommodated (camping) with the operators providingtransport from Cairns, food, equipment and expert bird guides. Numbersfor the trip will be limited to 12-14 people.

Planning is still in the very early stages but it is anticipated that the itiner-ary will include the Iron Range and Lochart River with a possible trip toWeipa and/or two days birding in Cairns at the end of the trip.

Rough costing for the trip is $400-$450 per person per day for either 7 or12 days (excluding return flights toCairns). Costs and itinerary will befinalised when I have a better ideaof numbers. It is anticipated thatthe maximum cost of the tripwould be in the region of $5,000-$5,500 each.

Tel: 02 4284 6196 (evenings), mobile 0430 343 525 or emailpenny@southernphone.com.au.

Possible Cape York Trip 2016

Golden-shouldered Parrot - watercolor, Romain Risso

Doug

Jans

on

Palm Cockatoo

Illawarra Birding February 2015 - 3

Lake Wollumboola - Time for Action!You will remember from our February 2014 article that Lake Wollumboola and its surrounds have been thesubject of action to protect its unique environment since it was rezoned as residential land in 1992. TheLake Wollumboola Protection Association (LWPA) has done an outstanding job in fighting for the lakeover more than 20 years. In what could be the final chapter in a long and often bitter campaign, on 4th No-vember 2014 the Halloran Trust lodged its application to develop its landholdings at Culburra Beach, Calla-la Bay and Currarong. The DA includes proposals to build on the shores and in the catchment of LakeWollumboola - you can see the application here.

With the upcoming state election on28 March 2015, now is a good time tolobby MPs to protect the lake. At themoment the proposal is at the ‘gate-way’ stage, where the Minister deter-mines whether the planning proposalis to proceed any further. This ‘gate-way’ acts as a checkpoint to ensurethat the proposal is justified beforemore studies are done. There thenfollows a community consultationperiod where the proposal is publiclyexhibited for up to 28 days. A personmaking a submission may also requesta public hearing be held. Followingthe consultation period, a final assess-ment is made and the Minister gives adecision.

The club will be writing to ministers to express its opposition to the development application, but it wouldalso be very helpful if individual members did the same. Please consider sending an email or letter in sup-port of the campaign. When drafting your letter, you may wish to mention:

- We are asking for (1.) The acquisition of all undeveloped natural parts of the Lake Wollumboolacatchment for dedication to Jervis Bay National Park, and (2) The listing of Lake Wollumboola as aWetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention.

- We are seeking this to ensure that the Lake’s unique character and significance particularly as habitat formigratory shorebirds, sea birds and indigenous water birds is protected from impacts from developmentexpansion in the catchment. Listing as a Ramsar Wetland would give the Lake greater protection under theCommonwealth EPBC Act, requiring high management standards for the Lake and catchment.

- Lake Wollumboola is internationally significant as it is a unique undisturbed lake, important for regionalbiodiversity, particularly birdlife - over 100 species have been recorded, including 17 NSW listed ThreatenedSpecies and 34 Migratory species. It is a breeding habitat for the endangered migratory Little Tern and theendangered local Pied Oystercatcher. It is a refuge particularly during drought for thousands of water birds,particularly Black Swan, Chestnut and Grey Teal and Eurasian Coot, with numbers estimated to exceed20,000 on occasions.

Conservation News

OEH

The Hon. Rob Stokes, MPMinister for theEnvironmentGPO Box 5341SYDNEY NSW 2001(02) 8574 6700office@stokes.minister.nsw.gov.au

Russ PiggGeneral Manager,Shoalhaven City CouncilP.O. Box 42 Nowra  NSW 2541(02) 4429 3111council@shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au

The Hon. Luke Foley, MLCShadow Minister for theEnvironmentParliament House,Macquarie StreetSydney NSW 2000(02) 9230 2310leader.opposition@parliament.nsw.gov.au

The Hon. Pru Goward, MPMinister for PlanningGPO Box 5341SYDNEY NSW 2001(02) 8574 5900office@goward.minister.nsw.gov.au

Illawarra Birding February 2015 - 4

Apparently, it’s all down to the macrophytes andthe charophytes. But don’t be put off – please

read on!Macrophyte is a general term for aquatic plants thatgrow in or near water. They may be either partiallyor fully submerged, or floating. They provide coverand habitat for fish and aquatic invertebrates, pro-duce oxygen, and act as food for some fish and wild-life.Charophytes are algae ofthe family Characeae, pri-marily living in freshwaterbut with some species thatare salt tolerant. Charo-phytes are notable becausethey have some of the larg-est cells known - their cellsmay be up to 10 mm longand 1-2 mm in diameter.In its submission to theplanning authority, theNSW Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH)has included a detailed report on Lake Wollum-boola’s sensitivity to change. One of the distinguish-ing features of back-dune lagoons in general, andLake Wollumboola in particular, is the beds of ch-arophyte algae. These dense algal beds can be up to1m thick and have pronounced effects on the waterchemistry and ecology. New SouthWales’ most ex-tensive beds of one of these algal species are foundin Swan Lake and Lake Wollumboola – it was foundto occupy up to 90% of the bed of Lake Wollum-boola.Charophytes enhance biodiversity by providing habi-tat, food and shelter for a wide range of organisms.They can support a greater density and diversity ofinvertebrates than other aquatic plants including rareand endangered species. They contribute to the car-bon and nutrient cycle as organic matter and duringproduction they remove nutrients from the watercolumn. Dense beds of the algae protect sedimentsfrom resuspension, reducing turbidity and nutrientrelease from the sediment; they are thought to beindicators of healthy, clear-water ecosystems. Evi-dence from other NSW and European systemsshows that charophytes are susceptible to nutrientpollution, in particular phosphorus. Losses of charo-

phytes have been observed to be catastrophic, usu-ally involving local extinction.OEH advises that if charophytes and macrophytesare lost from Lake Wollumboola its ecology wouldshift to an alternate state, and would no longer sup-port the same productivity and diversity of life. Allthe animals that depend on the current ecosystems,including invertebrates, fish, shorebirds and partic-

ularly swans would no longerbe supported. Similar statechanges have been observedin other shallow coastal lakes(e.g. Tuggerah Lakes).OEH concludes “Lake Wol-lumboola should be regardedas a unique and highly valu-able example of an intactback-dune lagoon, and ac-cordingly be given high con-servation status. Given thehigh ecological values of thelake, coupled with its poten-

tial sensitivity to permanent state change (and lossof these ecological values), we recommend that aprecautionary approach be adopted as a high priori-ty when assessing development proposals in theLake Wollumboola catchment. We do not believethat the current proposals have demonstrated asound understanding of the system, nor have theyprovided any confidence that the impacts would benegligible.”To see the full report click here:

A transition zone of two different charophyte specieswithin a lake’s vegetation.

John

Clay

ton

Lake Wollumboola - What makes it so special?

Red-capped Plover at Lake Wollumboola

Martin Potter

Illawarra Birding February 2015 - 5

COP This - Great Knot Migrates to the Endangered ListThe Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) has recently includedthe Great Knot on its list of “migratory species threatened with extinction”. At the Convention’s latest 3-yearly conference the Great Knot joined the Eastern Curlew as one of the few Australian migrants to makethe list of “migratory species threatened with extinction” on Appendix I of the Convention.CMS came into force on 1 November 1983 after it was agreed that international action was required to ad-dress the many threats to migratory species throughout their ranges. Also known as the Bonn Convention,CMS recognized that countries must protect migratory species that live within or pass through their nationalborders. It encourages nations to reach agreements that may range from legally binding treaties (calledAgreements) to less formal instruments, such as Memoranda of Understanding, all of which can be adapted

to the requirements of particular regions.Member nations of the Conference are knownas Parties – there are currently 120 parties;Australia has been a party since 1999. Coun-tries through which migratory animals passare known as Range States. The Conferenceof the Parties (COP) is the decision-makingbody of the Convention. The 11th COP tookplace in Quito, Ecuador in November 2014.CMS Parties are required to strictly protectspecies listed on Appendix I by conserving orrestoring the places where they live, mitigatingobstacles to migration and controlling otherfactors that might endanger them.Migratory species that need or would signifi-cantly benefit from international cooperation

are listed in Appendix II, and CMS encourages the Range States to come to global or regional agreements.These agreements may range from legally binding treaties (the “Agreements”) to less formal instruments(the “Memoranda of Understanding”). All members of the plover/dotterel/lapwing family (Charadriidae)and of the sandpiper/curlew/godwit family (Scolopacidae) are included in Appendix II. Appendix II listingcommits countries to coordinate cross-border conservation measures throughout the species’ range.Among the resolutions passed at COP 11 was a plan to reduce and minimise poisoning of migrating birdsincluding a ban on the veterinary drug diclofenac, the phasing out of all lead ammunition, and action onrodenticides, insecticides and poison baits.  The poisons covered by the guidelines are collectively a hugethreat to migratory birds. Diclofenac, for example, nearly wiped out vultures in India before being bannedfor veterinary use.Also ratified at the Conference was an action plan toimprove the conservation status of more than 400 dif-ferent species of land bird that migrate between Eu-rope and Africa. The proposal to list the Great Knoton Appendix I was proposed by the Philippines; asRange States, New Zealand and Australia supportedthe listing. Other new additions to Appendix I werethe Great Bustard, the Semipalmated Sandpiper andthe European Roller.

See the CMS website here: http://www.cms.int/enGreat Knot in breeding plumage

ww

w.a

rkiv

e.co

m

Illawarra Birding February 2015 - 6

· Illawarra Birders lodged a submission in early December for the new Draft Illawarra Regional Growth andInfrastructure Plan. The submission can be seen in full on our website but basically we mentioned protectionof high conservation value sensitive areas such as Lakes Illawarra and Wolumboola, Coomonderry Swamp,Killalea lagoon, Tallawarra Ash Ponds etc. and voiced our concern that offsets seemed to be something thatwere seen as favourable when we would see them as an absolute ‘last’ resort.

· We also lodged a submission on the 29th December relating to the proposed upgrading in status of the Su-perb Parrot. We explained that the current status of the bird is based on information that is quite dated andthat we would not like to see any change in status until further study is conducted to determine whether aperceived increase in numbers may be due to seasonal movements or a change in distribution due to climateand weather patterns etc.

· I have also sent a letter recently to Judy Harrington of Birding NSW to offer the club’s support as there havebeen rumours very recently that the government may wish to develop areas around The Armoury at New-ington. I have been looking at the information sent through BIGnet carefully and will act if and when theneed arises.

· The NSW State Government has announced a $50,000 grant to assist in investigating options to improve theriver flow in the Shoalhaven Heads area. Shoalhaven City Council has previously allocated $50,000 towardsthe project in response to the gradual shoaling of the Shoalhaven estuary.  The funding will enable Shoal-haven Council to explore options to increaseflow and circulation of water into the estuaryat Shoalhaven Heads and “prevent that sec-tion of the river from becoming a backwa-ter”.  Mayor Joanna Gash said the gradualshoaling of the estuary was having a negativeimpact on water based activities, the localvillage and economy.Minister for Primary Industries KatrinaHodgkinson has advised that this study willbe the next step in improving water flow ofthe Shoalhaven River and will maximisepublic amenity for the popular public space.“The Shoalhaven and South Coast is one ofthe most popular recreational fishing areasin NSW, attracting keen fishers from nearand far generating $395 million in economicoutput each year,” Ms Hodgkinson said.The club will be seeking clarification of the potential impacts of this project on the Shoalhaven estuary’s sta-tus as an important habitat for migratory shorebirds. For the full media release see here

Pied Oystercatcher at Shoalhaven Heads

The Victorian duck shooting season commences on the 21st of March – and theCoalition Against Duck Shooting is asking for our help. The Coalition has advisedthat due to the lack of rainfall over the past few years, duck numbers are very low;despite this, the 2015 duck season is still going ahead. The last time the conditionson the wetlands were this bad the duck shooting season was cancelled.

Please go to their Facebook Page to like and share their posts, invite your friends tofollow their page, or write to the Agriculture Minister. 2015 years marks the 29thyear of the Coalition’s tireless campaign for a ban on the recreational shooting ofnative waterbirds in Australia.

Illawarra Birding February 2015 - 7

After a relatively quiet time at Windang with just a nesting Pied Oystercatcher over the last few years, moving toUlladulla put me into the hot bed of shorebird volunteering led by Jodie Dunn who has organised volunteers intoself-managed groups responsible for lengths of shoreline. I started helping on three small beaches where a pair ofHooded Plovers laid 3 eggs, but after a week the eggs went missing with human foot prints leading up to the nestand away again. They tried nesting again on the next beach but were washed away and now have started again

where they lost their first nest. The other pair monitored by Charlie Dove, and now myself, had no luck as thelocal Australian Ravens would systematically search the fenced off area, looking at every rise and piece of vegeta-tion for food. They had found the first lot of eggs before a cage could be put over the nest.

Burrill Lake has 3 pair of Pied Oystercatchers that nested, but one pair had the nest flooded and the other lost 2chicks to unknown causes. The third is on private property and requires canoeing to access, but during the holi-days boat movement makes it too dangerous for the volunteers.Then after Christmas the Lake Conjola Little Tern colony went ballistic, becoming one of the largest south ofSydney with over 60 nests. Of course they nested on a sand spit that is subject to flooding at high tide, so the call

came to raise the nests out of harms way. Up to 8 volunteers over 2 days raised the existing nests as new oneswere being starting and chicks were hatching.

The hazards facing the shorebirds are enormous, from vandals ripping down the fences, White-faced Herons andLaughing Kookaburras picking off chicks to foxes and natural high tides etc. Even a Carpet Python was foundone morning by Charlie (who now lives at Lake Conjola) in a chick shelter waiting for meals to be delivered. It isthought some 4 chicks went missing that time, so the python was collected by a NPWS ranger and relocated wellaway from its meal table. Chicks wander out of the fenced area and become dog food or are taken home by well-meaning people, thinking they are abandoned. With limited searocket for the chicks to hide in, TP shelters madefrom wood or open flower pots are used. It is hoped with the help of a dedicated band of volunteers at least onespecies will have a good year down this way.

The result Starting the breeding season right…

… to high rise! From the ground floor…

Chris Brandis

Illawarra Birding February 2015 - 8

Upcoming Activities for February - March 2015

Sunday 1 February, Wader Count, Windang, World Wetland Day8.30am, Leader: Martin Cocker, Mobile 0418 429 132Meet under the pines by Windang Surf Club for the wader survey. A count that is part of the national “Shorebirds2020” programme that will include: Windang Estuary, Why Juck Bay, Purry Burry Point. Bring morning tea.

Tuesday 3 February, Evening Meeting – Coniston Community Centre7.30pm – Tim Billington, ‘Alice through the birding glass: an odyssey’An odyssey covering Alice Springs, King’s Canyon and Uluru, generously sprinkled with avian sightings and the oddrock or two. Please bring a plate to share.

Thursday 5 February, Lunch Time Walk in Botanic Gardens12.30-1.30pm, Leader: Martin Potter, Mobile 0437 683 677Lunch time bird walk. Meet at the Discovery Centre. We have permission to use the nearby car park on MadolineStreet (off Irvine Street) as long as a car park pass is obtained from the Discovery Centre on arrival and displayedon your dashboard.

Saturday 7 February, Blackbutt Forest8.00am Leader Michelle Rower, Mobile 0421 335 037Half day walk. Meet in the car park at Blackbutt Forest, which is accessed via Woodlands Drive. Bring morningtea.

Wednesday 11 February, Myimbarr Wetlands, Shellharbour8.30am Leaders: David and Michelle Rower, Mobile 0421 335 037This survey of Myimbarr Wetlands takes approximately 2 hours. Park in Ocean Beach Drive Shellharbour oppositethe intersection with Parklands Drive. We will meet on the Myimbarr side of Parklands Drive and walk in behindthe houses at the access point here.

Saturday 14 February, Narrawallee and North Mollymook9.30am Leader: Andrew Wood, Mobile 0401 907 025Drive along the Princes Highway to the town of Milton, which is approximately 2 hours south of Wollongong. Stayon the highway through Milton then at the southern end of the township turn left into Matron Porter Drive. Stayon this road until it ends at the northern end of Narrawallee Beach. There is plenty of parking behind the beach. Wewill arrive at low tide and be able to walk out onto Narrawallee Inlet and its mangroves. We will also explore thebeach and the thin strip of bushland that fringes it. Later we will take a short drive to nearby Mollymook to a lookoutover Bannister Head to look for seabirds.

Sunday 22 February, Atlassing at Bellambi Point8.30am Leader: Martin Cocker. Mobile 0418 429 132An atlas survey of this IB adopted site, about 2 hrs duration. Meet in the car park at the end of Bott Drive, offRothery Street.

Wednesday 25 February, Boneyard (Bombo Headland) and Gainsborough Bike Track8.30am, Leaders: David and Michelle Rower, Mobile 0421 335 037Meet at the car park at the cul de sac end (southern end) of Cliff Drive, Kiama Downs.  Repellent and water areessentials to bring for this walk.  This walk will be followed by a SHORT walk along the Gainsborough Bike Trackwhich we will access from the Swamp Road end of the track. We will meet at the small car park along Swamp Roadon the left just past the concrete causeway (if coming from east – Shellharbour area). The car park is small but quiteobvious as there is a new cycleway – a distinct white concrete path that goes in between farms off Swamp Road.The Boneyard/Bombo part of the walk will take 1-2 hours and the Swamp Road/ Gainsborough walk will takeapproximately one hour. Please bring sunscreen, water and morning tea. Bombo Headland track can be quiteovergrown in places so it essential to wear sturdy footwear, thick socks and preferably long pants.

Illawarra Birding February 2015 - 9

Sunday 1 March, Wader Count, Windang8.30am, Leader: Martin Cocker, Mobile 0418 429 132Meet under the pines by Windang Surf Club. A count that is part of the national “Shorebirds 2020” programme thatwill include: Windang Estuary, Why Juck Bay, Purry Burry Point. Bring morning tea.

Tuesday 3 March, Evening Meeting - Coniston Community Centre7.30pm – Martin Potter, ‘Birding the Wild West’Martin Potter dons his stetson, rustles up a posse and heads out of town to hunt him down a whole lottacotton-pickin’ Yankee birds. Hear about his quest to become the fastest pair of binoculars in the west…Please bring a plate to share.

Thursday 5 March, Lunch Time Walk in Botanic Gardens12.30-1.30pm, Leader: Martin Potter, Mobile 0437 683 677Lunch time bird walk. Meet at the Discovery Centre. We have permission to use the nearby car park on MadolineStreet (off Irvine Street) as long as a car park pass is obtained from the Discovery Centre on arrival and displayedon your dashboard.

Saturday 7 March, Purrungully Woodland8.30am, Leaders: David and Michelle Rower, Mobile 0421 335 037Meet in the dirt car park accessed from Grovewood Court, located off cross street Boddington Way in the HorsleyEstate in West Dapto.

13-15 March, Hawkesbury WeekendLeader: Penny Potter, Mobile 0430 343 525The club is organising a weekend camp in the Hawkesbury area from 13-15 March 2015. Birding will start early onthe Saturday morning so it is suggested that members arrive on the Friday night. The weekend will conclude afterlunch on Sunday at approximately 1-2pm. Please contact Penny Potter for more information.

Saturday 21 March, Darkes Forest – Short walk, BYO Picnic and Spotlighting5.00pm, Leaders: Nerida Hudspith (walk and picnic) Mobile 0424 417 484;Terrill Nordstrom (Spotlighting) Mobile 0420 848 713,Meet at 5pm at the Dharawal National Park parking area that is on the left and just over 2km along Darkes ForestRoad from the Princes Highway turn off.  Darkes Forest Road is about 10 kms north of Bulli Tops on the oldPrinces Highway (Note: Do not take the Freeway/M1). The walk will be followed by a picnic (6pm), andspotlighting will start at approximately 7.30pm. Please bring your picnic, a chair, torches/headlamps, mosquitorepellant and wear strong shoes.

Sunday 22 March, Tallawarra Ashponds8.30am, Leader: Martin Cocker, Mobile 0418 429 132Meet on Yallah Bay Road which leads to the Energy Australia Tallawarra Power Station. This is only accessiblefrom the Princes Highway southbound from Dapto. Park on the left-hand-side about 300 metres from the turn-off opposite gate 37. Bring food and drink for the day.

Wednesday 25 March, Mount Brown Dapto8.30am, Leader: Terrill Nordstrom, Mobile 0420 848 713Meet in the dirt car park located off Gentles Avenue in Dapto.

Sunday 29 March, Atlassing at Croom8.30am Leader: Martin Cocker. Mobile 0418 429 132An atlas survey of this IB adopted site, about 2 hrs duration. Meet at the oval car park at the end of the Tennis CourtEntrance on Croome Road, Albion Park Rail.

Upcoming Activities Cont’d

Illawarra Birding February 2015 - 10

Sooty Oystercatcher 1 07-Dec-14 Windang Estuary North estuarine Illawarra BirdersBlack-shouldered Kite 1, nesting 07-Dec-14 Windang Estuary Dune bush Illawarra BirdersSooty Oystercatcher 1 07-Dec-14 Windang Estuary South Estuarine Illawarra BirdersRed-capped Plover 10 07-Dec-14 Windang Estuary South Estuarine Illawarra BirdersCurlew Sandpiper 1 07-Dec-14 Windang Estuary South Estuarine Illawarra BirdersRed-necked Stint 4 07-Dec-14 Windang Estuary South Estuarine Illawarra BirdersStriated Heron 1 07-Dec-14 Whyjuck Bay estuarine Illawarra BirdersBar-tailed Godwit 12 07-Dec-14 Bevan's Island, Sth Channel estuarine Illawarra BirdersMistletoebird x 14-Dec-14 Croom Rec. area, Albion Park Woodland Illawarra BirdersCommon Blackbird x 14-Dec-14 Croom Rec. area, Albion Park Woodland Illawarra BirdersScarlet Honeyeater 1 14-Dec-14 Croom Rec. area, Albion Park Woodland Illawarra BirdersNoisy Miner x 14-Dec-14 Croom Rec. area, Albion Park Woodland Illawarra BirdersBlack-shouldered Kite 1 14-Dec-14 Croom Rec. area, Albion Park Woodland Illawarra BirdersNankeen Kestrel 1 14-Dec-14 Croom Rec. area, Albion Park Woodland Illawarra BirdersWedge-tailed Eagle 2 14-Dec-14 Croom Rec. area, Albion Park Woodland Illawarra BirdersBrown Goshawk 1 14-Dec-14 Croom Rec. area, Albion Park Woodland Illawarra BirdersRed-whiskered Bulbul x 14-Dec-14 Croom Rec. area, Albion Park Woodland Illawarra BirdersBlack-browed Albatross 22 13-Dec-14 SOSSA trip pelagic M RowerWandering Albatross 6 13-Dec-14 SOSSA trip pelagic M RowerWhite-chinned Petrel 5 13-Dec-14 SOSSA trip pelagic M RowerAustralasian Gannet 1 13-Dec-14 SOSSA trip pelagic M RowerArctic Jaeger 1 13-Dec-14 SOSSA trip pelagic M RowerKelp Gull 4 13-Dec-14 SOSSA trip pelagic M RowerCommon Tern 1 13-Dec-14 SOSSA trip pelagic M RowerGang-Gang Cockatoo 12 03-Dec-14 Bellawongarah forest C JacketFairy Tern 1, nesting 04-Dec-14 Lake Wollumboola estuarine G BarwellRed-necked Avocet 61 04-Dec-14 Lake Wollumboola estuarine G BarwellCurlew Sandpiper 1 04-Dec-14 Lake Wollumboola estuarine G BarwellBroad-billed Sandpiper 1 04-Dec-14 Lake Wollumboola estuarine G BarwellCommon Tern 1 04-Dec-14 Lake Wollumboola estuarine G BarwellLittle Tern 200 04-Dec-14 Lake Wollumboola estuarine G BarwellWhite-winged Black Tern 5 04-Jan-00 Lake Wollumboola estuarine G BarwellGreat Knot 1 05-Dec-14 Shoalhaven Heads estuarine G BarwellGull-billed Tern 1 05-Dec-14 Shoalhaven Heads estuarine G BarwellWhiskered Tern 1 06-Dec-14 Coomaditchy Lagoon lake P Lynch, G BarwellTawny Grassbird 1 14-Dec-14 Swamp Road, Jamberoo rural G BarwellFairy Tern 1, nesting 07-Dec-14 Lake Wollumboola estuarine P and M PotterRed-necked Avocet 40 07-Dec-14 Lake Wollumboola estuarine P and M PotterSwamp Harrier 1 07-Dec-14 Worrigee Swamp wetland P and M PotterGreen Catbird 1 09-Dec-14 Uni. of Wollongong carpark 5 urban,mixed P.PotterBrown Cuckoo-dove 3 03-Dec-14 Helensburgh garden R SmartAustralian Hobby 1 02-Dec-14 Helensburgh garden R SmartLittle Eagle 1 20-Dec-14 Helensburgh garden R SmartLittle Eagle 1 21-Dec-14 Helensburgh garden R SmartWhite-necked Heron 170 27-Dec-14 Jamberoo farmland T BillingtonCollared Sparrowhawk 2 26-Dec-14 Jamberoo farmland P BillingtonDollarbird 2 10-Dec-14 Shoalhaven Heads wood T BillingtonWhite-winged Black Tern 5 04-Jan-15 Lake Wollumboola estuarine G.BarwellSooty Oystercatcher 1 04-Jan-15 Windang estuarine Illawarra BirdersFigbird 1 04-Jan-15 Windang estuarine Illawarra BirdersAustralian Hobby 1 04-Jan-15 Windang estuarine Illawarra BirdersRed-capped Plover 11 04-Jan-15 Windang estuarine Illawarra BirdersCommon Greenshank 1 04-Jan-15 Wyjuck Bay estuarine Illawarra BirdersEastern Curlew 4 04-Jan-15 Wyjuck Bay estuarine Illawarra BirdersLittle Egret 1 04-Jan-15 Wyjuck Bay estuarine Illawarra BirdersEastern Curlew 2 04-Jan-15 Bevan's Island estuarine Illawarra Birders

SIGHTINGS- A Selection of recent records compiled by Tim Billington

Illawarra Birding February 2015 - 11

Bar-tailed Godwit 15 04-Jan-15 Bevan's Island estuarine Illawarra BirdersGrey Goshawk 2 05-Jan-15 Near Nowra farmland T BillingtonLatham's Snipe 2 06-Jan-15 Berkely harbour estuarine P.BillingtonVariegated Fairy-wren 2 06-Jan-15 Barren Grounds mixed scrub Illawarra BirdersEastern Bristlebird x 06-Jan-15 Barren Grounds mixed scrub Illawarra BirdersStriated Thornbill 3 06-Jan-15 Barren Grounds mixed scrub Illawarra BirdersGrey Shrike-thrush 1 06-Jan-15 Barren Grounds mixed scrub Illawarra BirdersBeautiful Firetail 5 06-Jan-15 Barren Grounds mixed scrub Illawarra BirdersLatham's Snipe 2 06-Jan-15 Berkely harbour estuarine P.BillingtonNankeen Kestrel 1 07-Jan-15 Jamberoo farmland P.BillingtonNankeen Kestrel 1 07-Jan-15 Jamberoo farmland P.BillingtonBar-shouldered Dove 2 10-Jan-15 Primbee Dune wood, sandy Illawarra BirdersAustralasian Figbird 6 10-Jan-15 Primbee Dune wood, sandy Illawarra BirdersRed-whiskered Bulbul 17 10-Jan-15 Primbee Dune wood, sandy Illawarra BirdersLatham's Snipe 8 11-Jan-15 Berkeley harbour estuarine P.LynchBroad-billed Sandpiper 1 11-Jan-15 Lake Wollumboolah estuarine M.CockerWhite-rumped Sandpiper 1 11-Jan-15 Lake Wollumboolah estuarine M.CockerLatham's Snipe 8 11-Jan-15 Berkeley harbour estuarine P.LynchBroad-billed Sandpiper 1 11-Jan-15 Lake Wollumboolah estuarine M.CockerWhite-rumped Sandpiper 1 11-Jan-15 Lake Wollumboolah estuarine M.CockerStriated Heron 1 14-Jan-15 Integral Energy pk woodland Illawarra BirdersBrown Goshawk 1 14-Jan-15 Integral Energy pk woodland Illawarra BirdersBrown Cuckoo-Dove 2 14-Jan-15 Integral Energy pk woodland Illawarra BirdersBar-Shouldered Dove 2 14-Jan-15 Integral Energy pk woodland Illawarra BirdersBrush Cuckoo 1 14-Jan-15 Integral Energy pk woodland Illawarra BirdersSacred Kingfisher 2 14-Jan-15 Integral Energy pk woodland Illawarra BirdersDollarbird 6 14-Jan-15 Integral Energy pk woodland Illawarra BirdersNoisy Miner 6 14-Jan-15 Integral Energy pk woodland Illawarra BirdersWhite-throated Gerygone 2 14-Jan-15 Integral Energy pk woodland Illawarra BirdersRed-whiskered Bulbul 8 14-Jan-15 Integral Energy pk woodland Illawarra BirdersCommon Blackbird 1 14-Jan-15 Integral Energy pk wood Illawarra BirdersWhite-throated Needletail 1 24-Jan-15 Bomaderry Creek park mixed M.RowerFork-tailed Swift 5 24-Jan-15 Bomaderry Creek park mixed M.RowerDollarbird 1 24-Jan-15 Bomaderry Creek park mixed M.RowerBlack Swan 100 24-Jan-15 Culburra Beach estuarine M.RowerWhite-throated Needletail 4 24-Jan-15 Culburra Beach estuarine M.RowerDollarbird 1 24-Jan-15 Culburra Beach estuarine M.RowerMusk Lorikeet 1 24-Jan-15 Culburra Beach estuarine M.RowerVariegated Fairy-wren 1 24-Jan-15 Culburra Beach estuarine M.RowerStriated Thornbill 1 24-Jan-15 Culburra Beach estuarine M.RowerBlack Swan 5000 24-Jan-15 Lake Wollumboola estuarine M.RowerBlack Kite 1 24-Jan-15 Lake Wollumboola estuarine M.RowerLesser Sand Plover 2 24-Jan-15 Lake Wollumboola estuarine M.RowerRed-capped Plover 10 24-Jan-15 Lake Wollumboola estuarine M.RowerRuddy Turnstone 1 24-Jan-15 Lake Wollumboola estuarine M.RowerGreat Knot 1 24-Jan-15 Lake Wollumboola estuarine M.RowerRed Knot 3 24-Jan-15 Lake Wollumboola estuarine M.RowerBroad-billed Sandpiper 1 24-Jan-15 Lake Wollumboola estuarine M.RowerCurlew Sandpiper 1 24-Jan-15 Lake Wollumboola estuarine M.RowerWhite-rumped Sandpiper 1 24-Jan-15 Lake Wollumboola estuarine M.RowerLittle Tern 50 24-Jan-15 Lake Wollumboola estuarine M.RowerWhite-winged Black Tern 2 24-Jan-15 Lake Wollumboola estuarine M.RowerCommon Tern 2 24-Jan-15 Lake Wollumboola estuarine M.RowerNankeen Kestrel 1 24-Jan-15 Lake Wollumboola estuarine M.RowerBlack-shouldered Kite 1 24-Jan-15 Lake Wollumboola estuarine M.RowerBar-tailed Godwit 1 24-Jan-15 Lake Wollumboola estuarine M.RowerPlumed Whistling-Duck 16 24-Jan-15 Nowra STP pond T.Billington

Illawarra Birding February 2015 - 12

American Robin

In case you hadn’t heard, a White-rumped Sandpiper arrived in the arearecently. So why all the fuss about asmall, dull-coloured wader, not verydifferent from the Red-necked Stintsthat it often associates with? Well thelast time a WRSP graced Australianshores was 27 years ago, and the onlyother Illawarra/Shoalhaven recorddates back to 1984. Right now thebird should be at the southern tip ofSouth America. The bird was first sighted by Nigel and CarlaJackett at Shoalhaven Heads on the morning of 5th January. Wordsoon got out via Birdline, the Australian Twitchers Facebookpage, and our own SMS/Twitter network (thanks to TweetmasterDave Rower). The next day the bird had moved on to Lake Wol-lumboola where, at the time of going to press, it remains. It hasbeen foraging at the lake edge on the sand bar at the north-easternend, retreating regularly to roost in the safety of the Little Terncolony which was protected from predators (and humans) by anelectric fence. It will be interesting to see if the removal of theprotective fence this week (30th January) affects its behaviour.A native of the Americas, the White-rumped Sandpiper’s trade-mark white rump is usually hidden by its long wings – a require-ment for one of the longest animal migrations in the westernhemisphere. It typically travels from its principal breeding groundsin the Arctic to the southern-most countries of South America, ajourney of nearly 13,000km. This migration is undertaken in stagesof up to 4000km. It depends on feeding heavily during migrationstopovers in order to build up enough body fat to survive theselong flights, which can last up to 60 hours. In North America,White-rumped Sandpipers are seen in greatest numbers duringnorthward migration through the Great Plains. At some stopover

points, such as Cheyenne Bottoms, Kansas, many thousands maybe present in late spring. The birds are swift fliers – they havebeen recorded reaching speeds of up to 80 kph.The White-rumped Sandpiper breeds primarily in northern Alas-ka and on islands in arctic Canada. Males vigorously defendbreeding territories while females are laying eggs (pictured left).They perform short, aerial courtship displays to the females.which involve hovering around 10 to 25 metres in the air whilecalling out a distinctive song involving ‘rattling’ and ‘pig-like’sounds. Breeding males extend their throat during aerial displays.Throughout the breeding season, males have larger throats thanfemales and, consequently, this is one of the only times when itis possible to distinguish between the sexes.Sources: Audobon.com; ‘10,000 Birds’ Blog; The Shorebird Guide -O’Brien, Crossley & Karlson; www.arkive.org; Wikipedia

US F

ish &

Wild

life

Martin Potter

Illawarra Birding February 2015 - 13

Terrill Nordstrom

It was November 1977, I had longhair and a flat stomach. Fast forward

to January 2015, my hair is now a lotthinner and I have a pudgy stomach -thirty seven years is certainly a long timebetween drinks. That is how long it hasbeen since I have seen a White-rumpedSandpiper. I had seen the bird at BakersLagoon which is located in the Hawkes-bury area; it was the first record for Syd-ney and it caused quite a buzz in thebirding world. I was with my two bird-

ing mates that day, each of us with only a pair of bins - in those days we did not own a spotting scope so wehad to find the bird the hard way. The bird was seen feeding on the muddy edges of the wetland with otherwaders; it was hard to see amongst the reeds and undergrowth. The bird was skittish and would easily flush,but after several hours we had some fair views including views of thewhite rump.

When the SMS arrived, I was out birding with my partner Jackie downat Lake Wollumboola. We quickly headed north to Shoalhaven Heads.We were not alone when we arrived – a birder from Sydney named Da-vid was just getting out of his car. He told me that he came straightdown as soon as he saw the record on Birdline. Up ahead I could seethe Potters heading out over the mudflats. Another five birders werealready there searching, most carrying long-lensed cameras or spottingscopes. After searching for a couple of hours no one was able to findthe bird - it was low tide and it could have been anywhere.

It was good to see some young birders there - they were in their twen-ties and full of enthusiasm. I was reminded of the day when I wasstanding on the edge of a swamp chasing my first White-rumped Sand-piper. A few days later it was reported at Lake Wollumboola and onFriday Jackie and I drove back down to the lake again. When we ar-rived the place was full of birders, so to find the bird all I had to do wasfind the birders looking through their scopes. There it was on the lakeedge feeding with the Red-necked Stints, and this time I had wonderfulviews - I even managed a few photos of my own. That’s what I loveabout birding - even after thirty seven years I still get a buzz from a lit-tle brown bird that flew in from North America.

The Lake Wollumboola White-rumped Sandpiper is the 7th Australian record. The firstrecord was of a bird that stayed at Lake Murdeduke (west of Geelong, Vic) from Nov1973 to Feb 1974. Another bird visited Werribee, Vic from Jan to Feb in 1977. In Octo-ber of that year a bird appeared in western Sydney – it was first recorded on 29th at PittTown Lagoon. The first Illawarra bird was seen on 31/10/1984 at Windang. On 15th

January 1988 a bird was sighted at the Dry Creek Saltfields near Adelaide; four days laterthere was a sighting 600km eastwards at Tullakool in the NSW Riverina (could this havebeen the same bird?). Many thanks to Tony Palliser for the records - Ed.

A Long Time Between Drinks…

2015 White-rumped Sandpiper - note theworn flight feathers (compare next page!)NB: Despite requests from the Editor, Terrill declined to provide a photograph

of what he looked like in 1977…

Illawarra Birding February 2015 - 14

Whilst the White-rumped Sandpiper at Lake Wollumboola hasbeen enjoying its celebrity VIB (very important bird) status overthe last few weeks, back in its native America it can be somewhatunder-appreciated – a bit like us and Bar-tailed Godwits. In hisblog 10,000 Birds US birder Corey Finger laments the fact thatthey are often overlooked there as they not rare birds and aretreated as just another shorebird - “Such is the curse of a bird toogood at what it does to be rare and not colorful enough to becrowd-pleasing”. Or perhaps, Corey suggests, they get no love as“like with people, white rumps are just not considered attractive”.

He goes on to maintain that the bird is worthy of more attentionand needs rebranding as it is “an entertaining shorebird, aggressive and cantankerous, willing to chase other

birds from the area it is feeding in no matter how abun-dant the food source is”. To this end he has proposed itbe renamed the Bad-ass Sandpiper, something surely ev-ery birder would want on their life list!

Do you have any suggestions for any of our local birdsthat are in need of need re-branding? If so, please contactthe Editor - there might even be a prize for the best one!

Photos copyright Corey Finger, 10,000 Birds: used with hispermission.

SCC

ATF

AT F

Peregrine Perch Pulled DownAs a resident of the Gong’s northern suburbs, I was lucky enough tohave had regular sightings of a magnificent Peregrine Falcon (pic-tured) whose favourite vantage point was the large radio antenna op-posite Bulli Fire Station (near the pizza restaurant). If the peregrinewas in residence, with binoculars we could even see him (or her)from our kitchen window. Every morning on my way to work Iwould examine the tower, usually without causing a traffic hazard,looking for that distinctive silhouette of a powerful falcon; when hewas present it was already a good day. Then last week – calamity! NoPeregrine was perched on the tower as there was no longer any tower

to perch on; one day it was there, the next it had been demolished. Clearly no-one consulted the Peregrineabout this. So a great opportunity for observing raptors has sadly gone and my journey to work is much lessinteresting But no doubt the local bird population is cock-a-hoop… Martin Potter

Taxonomy Stop PressIn its latest update the International Ornithologists’ Union (IOC) has announced that ithas ‘split’ the Western Australian race of the Golden Whistler. They now treat it as anew species, the Western Whistler. This came as great news to the country’s top twitch-er, John Weigel (pictured) who has just completed his second record-breaking Austra-lian Big Year. In 2012 he stole Sean Dooley’s twitching crown by seeing 745 Aussiebirds. He has now smashed his own record with a 2014 total of 770 (including theWestern Whistler)- an incredible feat. So if you’ve seen a Golden Whistler in WA, younow have an ‘armchair tick’. If you’ve been to WA and can’t remember if you saw aGolden Whistler, then you might want to start thinking about keeping a proper list…!

SMH

Illawarra Birding February 2015 - 15

Illawarra Birders Field Trips December 2014 - January 20154th December 2014 - Wollongong Botanic Garden - Highlights; a Com-mon Blackbird (pictured) sitting right above us and singing beautifully!Bird list: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S20984064

7th December 2014 - Lake Illawarra Wader Survey and Christmas PicnicBird list (Windang Island):http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S20814302

14th December 2014 - Atlassing at Croom - Highlights: 46 different species,including 50 Straw-necked Ibis

4th January 2015 - Wader Count, Windang - Highlights: 250 Black Swans atWhyjuck Bay, and a GreenshankBird lists:http://ebird.org/ebird/australia/view/checklist?subID=S21174797;S21174829; S21174841

6th January 2015 - Barren Grounds Nature Reserve - See sepa-rate reportBird list:http://ebird.org/ebird/australia/view/checklist?subID=S21217615

8th January 2015 - Wollongong Botanic Garden - Highlights: apair of Yellow Robins defending their territory against a maraudingKookaburraBird list: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S21292447

10th January 2015 - Perkins Beach Windang - See reportBird list:http://ebird.org/ebird/australia/view/checklist?subID=S21269768

12th January 2015 - Bass Point - Highlights: Wedge-tailed Shear-waters out at sea; Bar-shouldered DoveBird list:http://ebird.org/ebird/australia/view/checklist?subID=S21307954

14th January 2015 - Integral Energy Park, West Dapto - See reportBird list: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S21337327

18th January 2015 - Tallawarra Ashponds - See reportBird List: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S21389535

24th January 2015 - Lake Wollumboola, Orient Point & Bomaderry Creek- See reportBird lists: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S21512007;S21512023; S21512026; S21512033

28th January 2015 - Bonaira Native Gardens - Highlights: Green CatbirdBird List: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S21570953

31st January 2015 - Budderoo Fire Trail (Pictured right - photo MichelleRower)Highlights: 15 Southern Emu-Wrens, 7 Eastern Bristlebirds + 30other species.Bird List: http://ebird.org/ebird/australia/view/checklist?subID=S21609493

Illawarra Birding February 2015 - 16

Reports & photos Michelle RowerOn New Year’s Day 2015 bright and early, Nerida, David, my friend Terry Edwell and I met at our house tostart our yearly (2 years in a row now!!) New Year’s Day Twitch. We had a huge day planned and started

around 6.30 am heading along Swamp Road towards BarrenGrounds. We pulled over several times; once because Terryhad noticed a bird sitting high on the power lines – it was aSacred Kingfisher that obligingly sat in the early morning sunand gave us great views.

We piled back into the car and headed for Barren Groundswhere we had a scout around at the entrance before doing ashort walk along the track near the old researcher’saccommodation. There was not a lot active here so we wereheaded for Budderoo when we bumped into a young 14-15year old Canadian boy Logan and his mum Nerida and I hadmet on our pelagic trip in December. We gave themdirections to Budderoo for later in the day (they went thereand found a Ground Parrot – which we dipped on!!!) At

Budderoo we found Dusky Woodswallows with fledglings. David found us all some Southern Emu Wrenswhich gave us all a great look, and also some Bristlebirds.

Next stop Lake Wollumboola (pictured right)which added some fantastic birds to our list. I tookseveral photos of Lesser Sand Plover which I sentto several people for an ID – were they Greater orlesser??? We also added Curlew, Sharp-tailed andBroad-billed Sandpiper, Little, Crested, Commonand White-winged Black Tern here as well as ahost of more common birds.

On the way back to the car park Nerida and Davidflushed some (a disputed number of ) BrownQuail. We pulled over along Nerida’s favouriteroad “Jindy Andy Lane” for Swamp Harrier andPacific and White-faced Heron, and David spottedPlumed Whistling Ducks which Nerida, Terry andI had all not seen at the Sewerage Ponds.

We called in at Bomaderry Creek Picnic area for lunch (A very late lunch). Next Stop was Tallawarra AshPonds where we picked up almost every local duck species - Freckled, Shoveler, Grey and Chestnut Teal, Pink-eared and Blue-billed plus a host of other birds. We also saw a Square-tailed Kite here (pictured). Next we

stopped at the Little Lake, then Barrack Point Headland wherewe found the not-so-reliable-for-some Sooty Oystercatchers inthe first spot we stopped to look.

All up we saw 115 species as we added the Lesser Sand-Ploverto the list after I.D. I would highly recommend a New Year’sDay Twitch to everyone it is a lovely way to kick off a freshyear and if you were planning an Illawarra BIG year what betterway could you have to start with a bang. 12+ hours of birdingthough requires a little rest on January 2!

Male Southern Emu-Wren

Our New Year’s Day TwitchTrip Reports Trip Reports Trip Reports Trip Reports Trip Reports

Illawarra Birding February 2015 - 17

Barren Grounds – 6th January 2015The Barren Grounds walk to Cook’s Nose was attended by several club members plus avisitor from overseas who had seen the walk advertised on our website. He and his friendwere eager to see Southern Emu Wren. On one section of track, early in the walk, Imentioned to them this was a good part of the track to see them. Just after I uttered thesewords an Emu-wren called right beside the track!!!

Good fortune was with us and the birds responded immediately to pishing and hoppedabout giving our group fantastic views and making for one very delighted Canadian. Rightat that moment a Beautiful Firetail appeared on the opposite side of the track so it wasdifficult for us to know which birds to look at.A large, but seemingly friendly, skink (pictured) was basking next to the track and ranacross as we walked past then posed nicely for photos. There were lots of stunningChristmas Bells profusely flowering in the heath. We all really enjoyed this walk and Joy and I stayed afterlunch and did the quite overgrown Herbarium Loop Trail.

Perkin’s Beach – 10th JanuaryA small group of us walked Perkin’s Beach area and foundsome great birds. The walk takes about two hours and isbetween the houses and the bush behind the beach. Thereare lots of little tracks that link to the beach and dune areaso it is possible to walk for as little or as long as youchoose.The highlights of this walk were some Bar-shoulderedDoves, Koels and Figbirds which we heard and then saw.Bill tried for a photo of the Kookaburra that landed in atree quite close to where we stood and proceeded to killand eat a large skink it had caught. This was difficult as thehumidity had caused his camera lens to keep fogging up.We saw 31 species of birds and Joan spied someShearwaters from the beach flying in the Five Islands areathat we all saw.

Bass Point – 12th JanuaryIt was a drizzly morning and had rainedheavily overnight but we were blessed as wedid not get wet during this walk, as soon as westarted the rain stopped. Weirdly as soon as wegot back to the cars it started to rain again.There were lots of birds about and WillieWagtails, Red-whiskered Bulbuls, SuperbBlue-Wrens and Grey Fantails must have hadgreat breeding success here if the numbers wesaw were any indication.We saw 40 species of birds including 7 SootyOystercatchers scattered along the rockyshoreline and lots of Wedge-tailed Shearwatersquite close to shore. I did not take my camerain case it rained – Shucks!!!

Integral Energy Park – 14th JanuaryIt was predicted to be a hot day when we did our bird walk at Integral Energy Park and they were right.Fortunately for us the day started out fairly cool and it was not too uncomfortable to walk. Bill discovered a

Sacred Kingfisher that sat obligingly while we all had a good look andsnapped some photos. We saw 45 species of birds in total in two hours.Highlights of the birds we saw were the White-throated Gerygone(pictured) which came and landed above David’s head. We also saw Bar-shouldered Doves, flushed a Striated Heron down by the creek and hada close encounter with a Brown Cuckoo-dove –thanks to Joan who found it. There was a lot ofbird activity surrounding the creek area and wedisturbed two Shining Bronze-cuckoo as we

walked along.

A Dollarbird landed right above our heads as we walked under the power lines. Tim isa Dollarbird magnet I am sure as whenever he comes on a walk we usually see one! Thecolours on this one were magnificent as you can see by the photo. It has become atradition that after this walk we have a nice morning tea in the motor museum cafénext to the park. We were glad we did this as Lorraine discovered that despite the largeplastic owls they have hung around the verandah there were Welcome Swallows nestswith young being fed.

Illawarra Birding February 2015 - 18

Lake Wollumboola, Nowra STP & Bomaderry Creek 24th January 2015 -Nerida HudspithEleven keen birders joined Francis Bray on the spit at the lake, which already had ascope set up with the White-rumped Sandpiper (pictured) in view. The bird wasroosting with Red-capped Plovers behind the protective nesting fence, making itchallenging viewing for those who hadn’t seen it before. On previous visits to thelake the Sandpiper has been amazingly settled, coming within metres of birders andphotographers as it foraged. Alas that wasn’t the case today, as the Sandpiper spentthe morning mostly sitting, occasionally turning around. Retreating to the safety of aprotective fence appears to be a good option after a couple of weeks in the spotlight. I think if you want to seethe sandpiper very early in the morning and late evening might be the time when it’s feeding.Francis shared her knowledge of Lake Woolumboola once again, guiding us to a safe distance so we were ableto have great views of shore and water birds: a Red capped Plover chick, Fairy Terns, White-winged BlackTerns, Little Terns, Red and Great Knots, Lesser Sand Plover, Broad-billed Sandpiper (pictured) were just some

of the impressive birds at the lake. It proved to be a challenge gatheringeveryone together and moving on for much needed refreshments. The picnicarea provided us with shade, better views of the water birds and some bushbirds. While we were having a break 19 species of birds were recorded, ahighlight being White-throated Needletails spotted overhead by Chris.The Water Treatment Plant at Nowra was our next stop, to see the PlumedWhistling Ducks who didn’t disappoint, with 16 in total roosting in the shadealong with Grey and Chestnut Teal, Wood Ducks and Black Ducks.

Our last stop for the day was Bomaderry Creek, which was very hot and quiet as far as bush birds wereconcerned. With a storm front brewing again Needletails were active overhead. Michelle managed to get apicture of a Forked-Tailed Swift so we had both Needletails and Fork-tails ahead of the storm front. Thishelped us make our decision to head off before the storm arrived with 50 species sighted for the day.

Tallawarra Ash Ponds – 18th JanuaryI am glad to see a large group attended this walk as the ‘For Sale’ signhas come down so we can assume a large section of the TallawarraLands have been sold. It will be a shame for us to see these lands devel-oped as many of our group will have memories of coming here on birdwalks for at least the last decade and to see some of the Ash Pondsfilled in will be hard. We will need to ensure we make the most of thetime we have left to spend in this special place as it is uncertain howmuch longer we will be allowed access.

An Azure Kingfisher was a welcome bird to begin the walk as wecrossed the bridge. At the main Ash Pond duck species were plentifuland Freckled Ducks (pictured) were a first for several of our birdinggroup. We also located two Blue-billed and two Musk Ducks and ev-eryone in the group was able to see both of these uncommon species as well as Pink-eared, Chestnut and GreyTeal, Pacific Black, Wood Ducks and Hardheads.

We were all concerned to see a sick/ injured pelican struggling on the shore of one of the islands and Bill andJoan’s daughter Kirsten was so upset she contacted Seabird Rescue whopromptly appeared and captured the bird – apparently there have beenseveral pelicans found in the Illawarra Area that they suspect have beenpoisoned by botulism. It was good to know this as when we returned theaccess key we let the people in the security office know to look out andreport and seek help for any more birds that may be found. In all we saw64 species of birds on this walk. A very successful day!!

These ponds will be filled in…

Illawarra Birding February 2015 - 19

Over the past few yearsDavid and Elizabeth

Winterbottom have beengoing overseas to look atbirds and other things.

Here is a vignette from avoyage in November,

2014.

VIETNAMVietnam is unbelievable. The traffic is amazing. Virtually everybody and everything goes by scooter or mo-torbike. They all drive slowly dodging in and out with pedestrians in the mix. But it works! The food wassuper and the people very friendly without noticeable resentment at the atrocities the west committed during thewar. The birding was much harder than we expected but we managed to see a respectable number of speciesthanks to a magnificent local guide. We also saw half a dozen endangered Delacour’s Langurs, and some Gib-bons (what a noise they make) as well as several species of Macaques.

We started at the Cuc Phuong National Park, a three-hour drivesouth of Hanoi. Itwas the first nationalpark to be estab-lished in Vietnamand is an area oflimestone hills cov-ered in primary rain-forest. We have

never found craning necks to look up into the canopy and peeringthrough the undergrowth below very rewarding and so it provedwith the Eared Pitta and the Limestone Wren-Babbler the onlyones seen of the nine special species we were looking for. How-ever, we did see three other Babbler species and rediscovered justhow many different Bulbuls and Drongos there are.

On to explore the montane evergreen, bamboo and pine forestsaround Tam Dao, north of Hanoi. Here we saw three more Bab-bler species as well as lots of Orange-headed Thrushes and themuch rarer Japanese and Siberian Thrushes. A Rachet-tailedTreepie, with an array of spikes to its tail, was very similar to theRaquet-tailed Treepie we had seen at Cuc Phong. Of special in-terest were the Short-tailed Parrotbills, tiny birds despite thegrand name, the Chinese Blue and Dark-sided Flycatchers, andmany Streaked Spiderhunters (a kind of large Sunbird).

We then flew south to Dalat, virtually the only city in Vietnamwith significant French architecture as it was not bombed flat inthe war. A common bird in the countryside is the BurmeseShrike gorgeous chestnut colours and very tame. We also sawthe rare Vietnamese endemic Grey-crowned Crocias, the gor-geous Mrs Gould’s Sunbird, which was quite common, as were

QD

KFQ

SZ.c

om

Cuc Phuong National Park

Vietn

amtra

velgu

ide.ne

ttra

velgu

ide.ne

tikipe

dia

Illawarra Birding February 2015 - 20

the White-cheeked Laughing-Thrushes. We still have problems with species whose family we can’t place – Cu-tias, Fulvettas, Ioras, Mesias, Tesias and Yuhinias for example. However, the splits keep coming and we had

good views of the Vietnamese Greenfinch.We then travelled south to the lowland tropical forest of the Cat Tien NationalPark outside Ho Chi Min City (still Saigon to most of the locals). Here wesaw seven species of Woodpecker – why are there none in Australia? The Or-ange-breasted and Red-headed Trogons were good pick-ups – super birds – aswere the Asian Fairy Bluebird and the Golden-fronted Leafbird (more un-placed species).

To our disap-pointment theGreen, Red-billed Blue andWhite-wingedMagpies all man-aged to elude usfor the whole

trip, as did the Simese Fireback despite heroic ef-forts to find them. However, we did see the threespecies of Broadbills we were hoping for and theendemic Grey-faced Tit-Babbler as well as reac-quainting ourselves with some of the stunningbirds we had seen in Thailand – Barbets, Parakeets,Green Pigeons and the Canary Flycatcher.

Luye

n Ngu

yen

Burmese Shrike

Green Magpie

Hawkesbury Weekend Reminder - Penny PotterOur weekend camp in the Hawkesbury area is taking place from 13-15 March 2015. Birding will start early on theSaturday morning so it is suggested that members arrive on the Friday night. The weekend will conclude after lunchon Sunday at approximately 1-2pm. Please contact me as soon as possible if interested.Accommodation close to the Hawkesbury area is available at Sydney Getaway Holiday Park, A-Vina Van Village,217 Commercial Rd, Vineyard, Phone: (02) 9627 1847, or people may make their own accommodation arrange-ments. The park is about a 90-minute drive from Wollongong and has a range of accommodation options. Seehttp://www.avina.com.au/. I have been quoted the following rates for 2 people per night: Powered camp site $55;Basic Cabin $110; Deluxe Cabin $130; Two bedroomed Villa $170. Early booking is advised as no accommodationis being held for the group. Please make your bookings direct with the Holiday Park and let me know - Tel: 02 42846196 (evenings), mobile 0430 343 525 or email penny@southernphone.com.au.

Membership: Single $30, Couple/family $35, Senior $25,Student $15. Annual subscriptions due JulyPro-rata rates apply for new members.

Don’t forget to check out our website at www.illawarrabirders.orgFollow us on Twitter here and on Facebook here

ILLAWARRA BIRDERS COMMITTEETim Billington Records Officer, timb48@bigpond.comMartin Cocker Committee Member, martincocker@bigpond.comNerida Hudspith Committee Member, nerida.h@optusnet.com.auTerrill Nordstrom President, terrillnordstrom1@gmail.comLorraine Pincus Committee Member, lorrainepincus@gmail.comPenny Potter Secretary, penny@southernphone.com.auMartin Potter Editor & Education Officer, pott@southernphone.com.auDave Rower Webmaster daverower@gmail.comMichelle Rower Conservation Officer mrower@ozemail.com.au

Photos by M Potter unless otherwise stated