the blsh flyer - birdlife...munghorn gap is part of the mudgee-wollar kba and is located north of...
TRANSCRIPT
November 2018
The BLSH flyer
Volume 7 Number 4, November 2018
Contents From the President ................................................................................. Page 2
Members’ Night July 24 2018. Graham Fry Guest Speaker ........................... Page 3
Bird Tales .............................................................................................. Page 3
Forbes, Grenfell Spring Camp ............................................................... Page 4-5
Liaison Officer’s Report. Some 10th Anniversary Reflections ..................... Page 6-8
Landcare Projects ................................................................................... Page 9
Mt Alexandra-1 August 2018 ................................................................. Page 10
Blue Gum Creek-Shared Site ................................................................. Page 11
Penrose State Forest-12 September 2018 ............................................... Page 12
New Members ...................................................................................... Page 12
North American Birds ....................................................................... Page 13-15
Aussie Backyard Bird Count ................................................................... Page 15
Paddy’s River, Canyonleigh-23 September 2018 ....................................... Page 16
Schools Environment Day ...................................................................... Page 17
The Archive and You ............................................................................. Page 18
Budderoo Plateau and Barren Grounds-3 October 2018 ............................. Page 19
Birdlife Australia Twitchathon ................................................................. Page 20
Worth a Look ....................................................................................... Page 20
Members’ Bird Photography ............................................................. Page 21-23
Silvereye by Erna Llenore
Nankeen Kestrel. Photo by Trevor Vale
November 2018 2
From the President
Your committee has been busy preparing a range of activities for members to enjoy for the end of
2018 and the beginning of 2019. We hope to have a draft outing schedule ready for the next mem-
bers night.
In September I again represented BLSH at the bi-annual meeting of BIGNet, this time held at the
Shortland Wetlands Centre in Newcastle. If you have not visited this wetland I would recommend
that you consider it when next planning a trip away from the Highlands.
A range of topics was discussed at the meeting,
many of which have implications for us. The pro-
tection of habitat vital to the conservation of the
Regent Honeyeater in the Burragorang Valley
was high on the list. The proposal to raise the
dam wall for flood mitigation is likely to result in
the loss of habitat for these highly endangered
birds.
The increased activity in land clearing since the
change in NSW legislation is alarming. A current
proposal to allow logging of the majestic Red
Gum Forests in the Murray Valley National Park is
also cause for concern.
The Hunter Bird Observers have been busy un-
dertaking studies of specific species within their
region. Reports were presented to the meeting
on a survey of the very shy Rufous Scrubwren in the Gloucester Tops. This report included some
wonderful recordings of the bird calling. However, despite many hours spent in searching for the
birds they are very elusive. The study will continue.
Beach nesting Little Terns were also part of a study with the report being presented to the meeting.
Nesting sites within the Hunter region are under threat from all beach users. 4WD sand vehicles are
the biggest threat followed by people, especially
those with dogs, ignoring all the warning signs
and taped off breeding areas. These little birds
are now on the endangered list for NSW and are
declining throughout most of Australia.
A very interesting study was presented on “who
uses nesting hollows” within the Hunter Region.
Cameras and research students were used to
monitor the natural and man-made hollows to
see if the more aggressive birds replace the less
aggressive birds in the limited nesting spots.
Our next Guest Speaker night will be held on
November 27 when George Lemann will chat to
us about his work eradicating feral species from
South Georgia Island.
Three interesting locations, in the Highlands and at the coast, where we should be able to view an
interesting variety of water birds, have been scheduled for November. See your members update for
all the details.
Regent Honeyeater. Photo Jennie Wiles
Little Tern chick. Photo Jennie Wiles
November 2018 3
Members’ Night July 24 2018.
Graham Fry Guest Speaker. Report by Christine Kelly
Graham Fry generously agreed to address our members following an ad-
dress to BigNet some months earlier. Graham has been surveying and
banding birds in the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve in the Central table-
lands of NSW for over 50 years.
Munghorn Gap is part of the Mudgee-Wollar KBA and is located north of
Mudgee. This area was listed as a KBA because of its importance to the
endangered Regent Honeyeater. The region was used extensively by the
Wiradjuri people trading with other Aboriginal groups prior to the arrival
of white settlers in the early 19th century. This region was declared a na-
ture reserve in 1967. Graham and his companions have been recording
the birds in the area since that time.
During the period of his study in the area Graham has been assisted by
Alan Morris, who regularly is listed as recording the most species on the
Birdata site.
Graham has built up a
wealth of information on
the survival of the bird spe-
cies in this area. 15–20
days per year are spent
recording the birds. These
days cover the four main
seasons experienced in the
Central West. Over 111
species have been banded
at the banding sites that
have been established and
are identified. A total of 164
species have been recorded in the nature reserve, making it one of the
most important birding sites in NSW.
29,000 birds have been banded over the 50-year survey time with a total
of 6,000 birds being recaptured in future banding events.
Graham reports that one of the main threats to species is the loss of open
country to native revegetation.
Graham Fry receiving a gift
after presenting a most in-
teresting talk at a BLSH
guest speaker night.
Bird Tales ‘Bird Tales’ is an opportunity for BLSH members’ to share stories of their observations of birds.
Please consider contributing your tales. Photos are welcome.
Simon Robinson is the first to share -
“Col Kohlhagen and I do a regular survey at a property along Golden Vale Road. A couple of weeks
ago, we were on the property on the edge of a large dam. We had the most incredible experience:
we were surrounded by countless Silvereyes that were flitting around the grass and the bushes be-
side us, totally oblivious of our presence. But more! Also flitting around through the air were at least
100 Tree Martins – that totally surrounded us, flying straight at us at times, only to swerve at the
last minute. There were a few Welcome Swallows there as well. Must have been a bunch of insects
in the air – but we couldn’t see them. Fantastic experience!”
November 2018 4
FORBES, GRENFELL SPRING CAMP Report by camp organiser and leader Christine Kelly
Ah! Delusive hope, how much further wilt thou lead me! Audubon (1785-1857)
This was the daily cry of the 12 members and visitors who signed up to take part in the Spring four
day trip to Forbes and Grenfell.
A cracking pace had been set to visit a wide variety of birding sites and to produce a list of as many
interesting species as possible.
Day One We met in Boorowa but there was no time for birding, only coffee and next stop instruc-
tions before we were off on our way to Ben Halls Cave entrance in the Weddin Mountains National
Park. Lunch and a walk around revealed 23 species. A brilliant start. At the final stop before Forbes,
Pinnacle Rd, we added an Emu and ten other sightings to our list.
Day Two. An early morning trip to the popular birding site, Gum Swamp, which we revisited on day
four. There is a Forbes Council-provided bird hide at the swamp which is very well used. This site
revealed 54 species sightings in total, including a Little Grassbird. We then headed to Nangar Na-
tional Park for morning tea and lunch. The weather was glorious and we all enjoyed a lovely birding
experience with 47 species sighted.
Day Three was a real treat. We had been invited to spend the morning at a private property in
Grenfell. Superb Parrots were guaranteed. We were not disappointed. The property was a delight.
Our hosts were very generous with their time and knowledge. It was a highlight of the trip. 34 spe-
cies were identified on this property. After a very convivial morning tea break we were off to the
Grenfell Sewage Ponds. Unfortunately, access had been denied but we were able to see 23 species
Dripping Rock (dry) Nangar National Park Photo Helen
Erskine Bird hide, Gum Swamp. Photo Helen Erskine
Mikla showing us the birds that have returned after
the replanting on their property. Photo Jennie Wiles Brown Falcon. Photo by Jennie Wiles
November 2018 5
through the cyclone fence. David, the manager, has plans to have the council install a bird hide at
the ponds when they are decommissioned. Plans are in place to have the ponds replaced by a more
modern treatment plant. Four of the five existing ponds will be retained for environmental purposes.
After lunch in a local park we made a brief visit to Company Dam and another five new species were
added to our now growing total. One elusive bird called teasingly but would not reveal itself and
could not be identified.
Day Four found us travelling from Forbes to Conimbla National Park. Along the Lachlan River we
made two stops near Gooloogong where three new species were added and 18 species sighted.
Lunch was enjoyed at Conimbla National Park before we headed off on the Wallaby Walk. In the last
hour we were able to add another six new species bringing the total for the four-day camp to 120.
The weather cooperated for our days away, rain fell, like Camelot, during the night but the days
were warm and sunny, just perfect for birding.
Thanks to all who participated. It was a great few days and we were well rewarded with a very im-
pressive list.
Thank you Christine
The BLSH trip to the Grenfell and Forbes area was fabulous! Christine and Graham had visited the
area twice in preparation for this trip and this level of planning was evident, culminating in a wonder-
ful trip. The locations chosen enabled a wide variety of birds to be seen. Her contact with local identi-
ties who shared their time and knowledge with us, added a further rich dimension to the trip. Chris-
tine also organised excellent fine and sunny weather, while in the Highlands it continued to rain.
Thank you Christine and Graham for a great trip and to the other birders for your company and
knowledge.
By Jennie Wiles
Competition
This photo was taken in Grenfell on the camp.
The first person to email the editor with the cor-
rect identity of this bird will win a small prize.
And then there were six. Graham Kelly taking the
photo
A richness of Fairy Martins. Photo Jennie Wiles
November 2018 6
Liaison Officer’s Report Col Kohlhagen
Some Tenth Anniversary Reflections
The tenth anniversary of the formation of our birdwatching group will occur early next year. On 14
January 2009 a handful of birdwatchers who had been meeting casually for recreational outings as-
sembled to establish a branch of Bird Observation and Conservation Australia which was known as
BOCA .
It is timely to reflect on how birdwatching in the Southern Highlands has prospered since those first
hesitant steps.
The decision to form a BOCA branch was made because having branch status would allow local bird-
ers to become more active in school and community programs and to engage in conservation pro-
jects, which required appropriate insurance cover. Operating under the BOCA’s national umbrella
rather than as an independent body, as some BIGNet Affiliates currently did, was also seen as
providing greater credibility and impact when seeking funds or making a submission. BOCA was the
preferred format at that time as Birds Australia did not foster local branches.
This time line highlights some of the key events in the group’s subsequent journey and tells the sto-
ry of how this small band of enthusiastic birders grew into the very active and successful organisa-
tion that it is today. Hopefully, with the support of all our members, it will continue to be so.
October, 2008: Richard Hunter, BOCA Chief Executive, meets with local birders at Lake Alexandra,
Mittagong, to discuss the formation of a local BOCA Branch.
December, 2008: The first local 24-hour Birdcount Challenge, held to promote birdwatching.
From the Archives…… Sunday 5 December 2008
Tony Stanton, Tony Cooper and Val Cooper taken at
Bundanoon during the first 24-Hour Bird Count .
January, 2009: Southern Highboca, the first BOCA Branch in New South Wales, is formed.
April 2009: Southern Highboca hosts a three-session birdwatching workshop for beginners at Bun-
danoon.
September, 2009: A bird identification workshop is presented to a Bowral Garden Club Meeting.
September, 2009: Southern Highboca hosts a BIGNet meeting at the Mittagong RSL Club
November, 2009: The first Bird List for the local area is produced.
March, 2010: Membership reaches 20 and regular I.B.A. Rockwarbler surveys at Thirlmere Lakes
are commenced.
April 2011: Southern Highboca partners with Wingecarribee Shire Council to produce a Bird Watch-
ing brochure which features ten local birding sites.
November 2018 7
September 2011: Graeme Hamilton, Chief Executive Officer of the newly created body, BirdLife
Australia, speaks at a meeting in Mittagong where he outlines the proposed merger between BOCA
and Birds Australia, and the first extended branch field trip is held at Lake Cargelligo
From the Archives……Tuesday 6 September 2011
Graeme Hamilton, left, BirdLife Australia’s first CEO,
is pictured here discussing our birding brochure with
Tony Stanton.
October 2011: Southern Highboca is involved in its first Schools’ Environment Day and branch
membership passes 50.
November 2011: The first AGM of BirdLife Southern Highlands, BLSH, is held with John Shepherd
taking over from founding president, Tony Stanton, who was returning to England.
December 2011: The designated branch drawing area is defined and includes all centres in the post
code range, 2570-2580.
January 2012: BLSH begins its campaign to preserve Latham’s Snipe Habitat at the Southern High-
lands Botanic Gardens site at East Bowral.
March 2012: BLSH participates in the first formal Snipe Count at the Botanic Gardens site and con-
sulting ecologist, Rod Kavanagh, becomes our first Guest Speaker.
September 2012: BLSH participates in its first school program at Berrima Public School and the
Commonwealth Environment Department, SEWPaC, orders that part of the Botanic Gardens site
must be set aside to protect Latham’s Snipe habitat.
January 2013: Grants obtained from the Viola Mulwaree Trust and the Wingecarribee Shire Council
Community Support Program enable BLSH to purchase its own IT Equipment.
From the Archives……Tuesday 6 February 2013
The new computer and digital projector in action at the 2013 AGM
November 2018 8
February 2013: BLSH liaises with the Fitzroy Falls Office of the NPWS to plan for the upgrading of
the interpretative signage at Cecil Hosking Reserve and the erection of a bird hide.
March 2013: BLSH establishes a Bird Image Library to which members contribute their bird images
for use by BLSH in future publications and promotions.
October 2013: BLSH begins regular surveys along Mittagong Creek as part of the Riparian Regen-
eration Project initiated by the Wingecarribee Shire Council.
November 2014: BLSH is invited to help plan for the proposed Greening Australia Bush Connect
Project, Wall to Wollondilly, and is subsequently offered funding to provide regular workshops and
bird counts over the life of the program.
February 2015: Christine Kelly replaces John Shepherd as President due to his impending reloca-
tion to Albury.
June 2016: BLSH Membership passes 100
August 2016: BLSH joins the National Snipe Project and begins synchronised Latham’s Snipe
counts at three sites in Bowral.
February 2017: BLSH uses part of the funds derived from its involvement in the W2W Project to
purchase 30 binoculars for use in workshops and during school programs.
August, 2018: BLSH establishes its Long Paddock Project and begins regular bird counts at ten
Travelling Stock Reserves in the Taralga District.
September, 2018: BLSH begins planning to host its second BIGNET Meeting.
The Future: The sky’s the limit!!
From the Archives……22 September 2013
Joe Stammers [WSC Environment Officer] and Peter Dewey discussing
one of the possible bird monitoring sites on Mittagong Creek.
November 2018 9
Landcare Projects A number of our members have been involved in several Wingecarribee Shire Council sponsored
Landcare Projects designed to restore degraded habitat. One such project is the Bowral Scout Hall
section of the Mittagong Creek where some BLSH Members have been active, both in habitat res-
toration and bird surveys. It appears these projects are beginning to pay dividends.
Interested in Inland Birds?
BLSH is considering having a birding event to
Alice Springs
September 2-8 2019.
To enable us to gauge the level of interest in this event could you please email
An expression of interest will not be a final commitment to this event.
The initial plan is to fly to Alice Springs, stay together in suitable accommodation, hire suitable vehi-
cles and engage the services of a birding guide.
Joe Stammers, WSC Environmental Projects Officer, has converted some raw figures taken from Birdata surveys
conducted at this site to this graph which clearly shows an upward trend in the number of bird species recorded
each month.
No. o
f Bird
Specie
s
November 2018 10
Mt Alexandra-1 August 2018 Report by leader Christine Kelly
On a rather cool but sunny morning ten members met behind the Mittagong Pool to enjoy an easy
stroll along the pathway that winds around Mt Alexandra.
As we assembled in the carpark we were serenaded by the magpies and butcherbirds that were
joined soon by the currawongs. Could there be any truth in the fact that they are often referred to
as the rain bird?
The wind was rather cool as we commenced our
walk but as we progressed the sun peeped over
the hill and the path was bathed in sunlight.
This encouraged the little birds to get busy, feed-
ing and communicating with each other, so a
good start to our sightings list was made in the
first few minutes.
Crimson Rosellas were darting in and out of the
trees and we were all delighted to see a family
group of Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoos fly direct-
ly above us with their very distinctive call. The
Sulphur-crested Cockatoos’ alarm call warned us
to be on the lookout for a raptor disturbing their
peace. Finally, a Wedge-tailed Eagle flew into
view.
At the “turn around” spot we enjoyed a variety of
honeyeaters feasting on the new blossoms. Eastern Spinebill, Golden Whistlers and treecreepers
kept the group busy on the return walk.
Morning tea was enjoyed at the tables above the pool at the end of our walk.
A lovely morning with a total of 28 species being identified.
Species list: Crimson Rosella; Noisy Miner; Sulphur-crested Cockatoo; Red Wattlebird; Yellow-tailed
Black-Cockatoo; Red-browed Finch; New Holland Honeyeater; Lewin’s Honeyeater; Raven
(sp);Eastern Yellow Robin; Pied Currawong; Australian King-Parrot; Australian Magpie; Grey Butch-
erbird; Brown Thornbill; Striated Thornbill; Spotted Pardalote; Eastern Spinebill; White-eared Hon-
eyeater; Red-browed Treecreeper; White-throated Treecreeper; Golden Whistler; Rockwarbler; Yel-
low-faced Honeyeater; Grey Fantail; Australian Wood Duck; Wedge-tailed Eagle; Laughing Kooka-
burra.
Eastern Yellow Robin. Photo Christine Kelly
Female Australian King-Parrot. Photo Helen Erskine Rockwarbler. Photo Linda Hoelle
November 2018 11
Blue Gum Creek – Shared Site By Jennie Wiles
A shared site has been set up by BLSH for surveys at Blue Gum Creek, Nattai National Park. The reason it was set up here is that BLSH was looking for a site to survey so that we could contribute to the monitoring of bird species present in a KBA (Key Biodiversity Area). Blue Gum Creek in Nattai National Park is in the Greater Blue Mountains KBA and is easily accessible for BLSH members.
A shared site as described on Birdata -‘Previously referred to as Group Atlas Sites, a shared site is a registered site location which other birdwatchers can visit, to optimise the amount of data that can be generated at individual sites. Click on an individual site to view all the information you need to know — the site’s co-ordinates, a mud-map with the site’s boundaries, directions of how to get there, in-structions on the preferred method of surveying (e.g. 2-ha, 20 min search), and a list of the species recorded there.’
This means that any Birdlife member can access the survey results previously added and can contrib-ute their own survey results. Only one survey of 15 birds has so far been completed at BLSH-Blue Gum Creek. Members are encouraged to visit and add to the data. The information that appears on Birdata when the tab ‘Shared Sites’ is chosen and BLSH-Blue Gum Creek is typed into the filter on the left and then on the right hand side it is selected, is reproduced below. BLSH - Blue Gum Creek Survey type: 2ha, 20 minute search Beginning Point - S34° 13' 25.5" E150° 30' 51.1" End point - S34° 13' 36.3" E150° 30' 41.3" Directions: Enter Thirlmere Lakes N.P. on either Slades Rd or W.E. Middleton Memorial Dr and drive past Lake Couridjah picnic area, heading south on W.E. Middleton Memorial Dr. On this road will be signs indicating that you are entering Nattai N.P. Drive to a rough car space just before locked gates. The survey site begins at the locked gates. From this point the area to be surveyed is 500m long and 20m either side of the track. Trees have been marked with pink tape to indicate the end point. Description: The site has Blue Gum forest on the creek side and rises on the other to a rocky cliff line with dry eucalypt forest leading to it. Survey method: 2 hectare 20 minute/500m Embedded surveys Who owns the land: The land is national park and access is restricted before sunrise and after sun-set.
View from the beginning of the survey site
November 2018 12
Penrose State Forest-12 September 2018 Leader—Sandy Berry.
Species list
Fan-tailed Cuckoo; Laughing Kookaburra; Crimson Rosella; Eastern Rosella; Superb Lyrebird; White-
throated Treecreeper; White-eared Honeyeater; White-naped Honeyeater; Red Wattlebird; Yellow-
faced Honeyeater; Spotted Pardalote; Striated Pardalote; Brown Thornbill; Grey Shrike-thrush; Olive
-backed Oriole; Pied Currawong; Grey Currawong; Grey Fantail; Australian Raven.
Grey Currawong. Photo Erna Llenore Hollow resident. Photo Linda Hoelle
BLSH members negotiating their way. Photo Erna Lllenore
New members We welcome the following people who have joined recently
Brenda Brooks
November 2018 13
North American Birds
Text and photos by Linda Hoelle
Vancouver, British Columbia was the end of our train journey that began in Toronto, Ontario. This
trip in July on VIA Rail Canada had been planned a year ago with relatives. While the scenery across
five provinces was interesting and spectacular at times, birdwatching from the train was sporadic.
Birds of any kind were scarce in the region of forests and lakes in Ontario but many duck-like wa-
terbirds favoured the wetlands and ponds in the farming region of the prairie provinces (Manitoba,
Saskatchewan and Alberta). We were well into British Columbia, paralleling a lake in a popular fish-
ing area, before seeing a few Ospreys and close to 20 Bald Eagles, one eating a salmon! We exited
the train in Vancouver but more birding adventures awaited us atop Grouse Mountain north of the
city centre.
A gondola took us to the top where we found a variety of outdoor venues: ziplines, Heli Tours, eco-
walks, lumberjack show (logrolling, etc), demonstration of ‘Birds in Motion’ and many others. A
Mountain Ropes Adventure was being built. The bridges and other challenges were cleverly hidden
in the treetops.
On the eco-walk through the forest surrounding the venues, we learned about hummingbird re-
search.
Later I returned to watch some Rufous Hum-
mingbirds (female, left) come for drinks. I have
trouble imagining the tiny band needed for a
hummingbird’s leg!
After lunch, it was time to see a variety of larg-
er birds. A demonstration of ‘Birds in Motion’ by
Pacific Northwest Raptors was very popular. All
these birds of prey had been raised and trained
by people. When not entertaining crowds, some
of these trained raptors help airports and other
facilities control birds that are problematic. The
handler gave us some safety rules – like, “it’s
not a good idea to high-five an eagle flying
closely over our heads”! He paced close to us with each bird, giving us a good look. Then we ob-
served them in action. The afternoon was hot, and each raptor performed briefly.
November 2018 14
The first participant was a Bald Eagle (below). This powerful bird of prey delighted the crowd by
grabbing a treat from a small pool of water in a flyby. I tried a photo and captured only the splash
and some tail feathers!
Any bird can have an off day and for a Great Horned Owl, this was the day! It refused to participate,
cuddled against the handler’s chest, and peeked at the crowd (below left). We did learn that this
owl’s favourite food is skunk!
The Harris Hawk (above right) was the only participant not native to Canada. The species lives in
south western US and is different from the other raptors we were seeing in that family members co-
operate when hunting. I was excited because years ago I had seen a demonstration by Harris Hawks
at the Desert Museum in Tucson, Arizona. Today though, maybe the heat was influencing this
hawk’s performance; twice it missed a treat thrown high into the air. The handler then encouraged it
to try for a treat thrown just above its head. The hawk was on the ground, flew up, rolled over, and
grabbed the treat with its feet before landing nearby! This agility impressed even the handler. The
crowd responded with good applause; we were told we could to that!
The last raptor was a Gyrfalcon and a new bird for me. It demonstrated how it could strike prey in
the air. The handler had a treat on a long leather strap he swung in a circle over his head. The gyr-
falcon tagged it and received the treat! (below, next page)
November 2018 15
Being the last participant, the handler brought the large falcon over to the crowd for photos. To help
cool down the gyrfalcon, the handler spritzed it with water. The heat was getting to us, too, so it
was back to the city for a rest at the hotel.
Before our Canadian journey, we visited family in the US state of Iowa. A Northern Cardinal (male,
below left) is one of our favourite birds and sang most mornings but a tiny bird provided an appro-
priate ending for this story. Hosta flowers in the garden attracted a female Ruby-throated Humming-
bird (below right).
Aussie Backyard Bird Count Did you participate? If not, consider joining in next year.
November 2018 16
Paddys River, Canyonleigh 23 September 2018 Report by leader Nigel Hartley
A small group of eight members and one guest, made its way to the site beside Paddy’s River
(Uringalla Creek) for an excellent morning’s birding. Conditions were mild and sunny, with very little
wind.
The bird highlights were the constant stream of Yellow-faced Honeyeaters travelling south, impossible
to count but circa 500 birds for the morning. Other great birds included some very vocal White-eared
Honeyeaters, an Australian Reed-Warbler in very bright spring plumage, and a Swamp Harrier (quite
dark, probably female) that quartered beyond the billabong where we took morning tea.
However, possibly the highlight of the morning was a platypus, well spotted by Steve, photographed
by Jennie among others, and I believe seen by all members…a LIFER for Nola.
There were a number of excellent sites in the vicinity. We commenced with roadside birding to the
east of the bridge and apart from the honeyeaters saw one Silvereye, Grey Shrike-thrush and heard
Whipbirds. Then we moved onto an excellent trail to the left that culminated at another billabong.
Birds included White-throated Treecreepers, both species of Pardalote, at least two Gang-Gang Cocka-
toos, and a pair of Dusky Woodswallows.
After the walk we enjoyed morning tea by the billabong, where we were entertained by the Reed-
Warbler and finally the very obliging platypus.
Species list White-eared Honeyeater 2; Eastern Whipbird(h); Grey Shrike-thrush 1; Yellow-faced Hon-
eyeater c. 500; Silvereye 1; Striated Pardalote 2; Crimson Rosella 3+; Red Wattlebird 2; Pied Curra-
wong 1; Laughing Kookaburra 1; Spotted Pardalote 2; Common Blackbird 1; Australian Magpie 2;
White-throated Treecreeper 1; Eastern Rosella 2; Eastern Yellow Robin 2; Gang-gang Cockatoo 2; Ru-
fous Whistler 1(m); Sulphur-crested Cockatoo 2; Australian Raven 2; Grey Fantail 1; Galah 2; White-
throated Gerygone(h); Starling 4; Dusky Woodswallow 2; Brown Thornbill 1; Willie Wagtail 1; White-
faced Heron 1; Striated Thornbill(h); Superb Fairywren 2; Wood Duck 8; Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike 1;
Australian Reed Warbler 1; Welcome Swallow 2; Swamp Harrier 1; Nankeen Kestrel 1.
Australian Reed-Warbler. Photo Jennie Wiles Platypus. Photo Jennie Wiles
Nigel Harley pointing out the bird. Photo Jennie Wiles Eastern Rosella. Photo Nolesy Bloor
November 2018 17
SCHOOLS ENVIRONMENT DAY
Lake Alexandra, Mittagong. Report and photos by Helen Erskine
This event was coordinated most ably by Joe Stammers from Wingecarri-
bee Shire Council (and Your Environment Levy at work).
There were 27 activities set up for the day, some of which were Waste Education, live Reptile Dis-
plays, Garden Communities, Fisheries, OEH Threatened Species, Frogs and Tadpoles, Bush Walks,
Aboriginal Culture, BLSH Birds and more. All had their displays ready by 9:00 am. There was an in-
troduction by Joe (photo below) and welcome by Councilor Larry Whipper, followed by learning tasks
in the natural environment.
There were 20 schools from the Southern
Highlands involved and all arrived on time for
their first activity at 10:00am. Each group,
consisting of Stage 3 students (Years Five and
Six) did two activities before a break, then
another two before lunch. One more followed,
and most schools were leaving by about
2:00pm, with new things to talk about and
experiences they will remember for some
time. It was an excellent day for the students,
teachers and care-givers.
BLSH was responsible for running one of these
activities for the students. Thanks to Col Kohl-
hagen for preparing and running our tasks.
Other volunteers included Christine Kelly and
myself.
Col spoke to the students about the Aussie Backyard Bird Count and native birds (get the free app
here) https://aussiebirdcount.org.au or on Council’s website:https://www.wsc.nsw.gov.au/events/
aussie-backyard-bird-count
After that we walked 600m around Lake Alexandra, checking off birds and numbers of each species
on a worksheet prepared by Col. Teachers were asked to follow up the activities for comparisons and
similarities.
BLSH display
Students on task with Col leading
November 2018 18
The Archive and You By Helen Erskine
BirdLife Southern Highlands Archive, begun in 2009, is a useful resource not only for local publishers
and our own newsletter but also for every one of us as members. The archive comprises a library of
more than 1000 photographs and bird videos, copies of magazine and newspaper articles and a com-
pilation of Australian bird coins and stamps. With the help of BLSH members the library continues to
grow.
What the Archive Needs
1. Photographs: especially of rare or unusual birds in Australia. See old lists.
2. Photographs that show well the defining features of a species or habitat peculiarities. But please
don’t overlook common birds; there is no such thing as a defining shot – our understanding and
recognition of birds is very much enhanced by seeing them in different locations, at different stages
in their lives and even at different times of day.
3. Clippings: we need to augment our files with clippings from local newspapers and magazines; that
includes articles in other journals about birds in the Southern Highlands.
Accompanying Information
Please ensure that all images are accompanied by a brief note including the photographer’s name,
the species (if known), and the date and location of the image on it. If possible please add your
name (or logo/nickname/nom de plume etc) and the date to the image itself. This helps prevent
unacknowledged use of your picture.
Images Used in the BLSH Newsletter
Our newsletter editor makes use of the archive for the BLSH Flyer. She also uses photographs sent
to her directly: naturally, those pictures are sent to her for a particular purpose and cannot be in-
cluded in the archive without the specific permission of the photographer. To save you the trouble of
sending the same photograph both to the Newsletter and the Archive, please add a note if you are
happy for the image to be used in both and she will pass it on.
So if you have something to contribute, please bring it to a members’ meeting or email it to me at
[email protected] so it is ready for publication. It will always be labeled with the photogra-
pher’s name when being published.
The Archive has been and continues to be used in a variety of ways. Here are some recent
examples:
In this newsletter and on our BLSH website.
By local newspapers and magazines. You might have seen our photos in articles in The Highlands
Post or HighLife etc.
Greening Australia used some of our photos of birds in hollows on display boards along the Wingec-
arribee River Walk in Berrima. There are more to come. Some flyers are on their website using our
local photographs.
Wingecarribee Shire Council has asked for Bathing Bird images, as well as Birds in Backyards for
their booklets as handouts.
Most recently in a worksheet for the 700 students who attended the Schools Environment Day at
Lake Alexandra on 23 October.
“Monitoring Birds, a Wall to Wollondilly project Wingecarribee River”, the little monthly checklist re-
source, now in its second edition.
Why We Need the Archive
It’s worth remembering that the Archive is not only for the present. Every one of us will have silently
thanked those photographers of yesteryear who took and kept images of Australian towns, people
and wildlife many years ago. A simple photograph of Cecil Hoskins Reserve or a local identity today
might seem banal but it could prove a treasure many years into the future. So – all the more reason
to record photographs of marginalized or endangered birds, showing changing behaviour and habi-
tat. That is the point of our archives!
Let’s make a better, more diverse collection. Thank you so much for your efforts, contributions and
offering what you have to share with the BLSH Archives.
November 2018 19
From the Archives A flyer of interest on the WSC website: https://www.wsc.nsw.gov.au/uploads/780/shl-
birdguide_v2.pdf
A Highlife article about Southern Highlands Birders and Birding.https://pressfolios-
production.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/story/story_pdf/293063/2930631519705636.pdf
Budderoo Plateau and Barren Grounds
3 October 2018. Report by leader Christine Kelly
On Wednesday 3 October, eight BLSH members
met at the pie shop in Robertson to enjoy a morn-
ings outing at Budderoo Plateau and Barren
Grounds. The target species on this trip is the Bris-
tle Bird. Despite the weather being overcast we set
off in good spirits hoping to log a few of the less
common species that can be found on the escarp-
ment and plateau.
However, this was not our day. Birding has its level
of frustrations and this was one of them. Plenty of
birds were heard calling from the bushes but very
few were prepared to show themselves to the keen
eyes of the BLSH members.
The group spent several hours attempting to en-
courage the birds to reveal themselves and at
11:00 am we travelled on to Barren Grounds to
continue our search. Unfortunately, as is so often the case in the Highlands, the weather turned nas-
ty as had been predicted, winds blew making birding difficult and possibly dangerous.
The sightings list includes: Yellow-faced Honeyeater, New Holland Honeyeater, White-browed Scrub-
wren (H), Eastern Spinebill, Silvereye, Striated Thornbill, Brown Thornbill, Little Wattlebird, Crimson
Rosella, Fan-tailed Cuckoo, Swamp Harrier, Little Eagle.
The Wagtail So elegant he is and neat
From round black head to slim black feet!
He sways and flirts upon the fence,
His collar clean as innocence
The city lady looks and cries
‘Oh charming bird with dewdrop eyes,
how kind of you to sing that song!’
But what a pity—she is wrong.
‘Sweet, pretty creature’ - yes, but who
is the one he sings to?
Not me—not you.
The furry moth, the gnat perhaps,
on which his scissor beak snip-snaps.
Birds: Poems by Judith Wright (Angus & Robinson, 1962)
Hopeful BLSH birdwatchers gather.
Photo Helen Erskine
Photo Jennie Wiles
November 2018 20
BirdLife Australia Twitchathon Report by Jennie Wiles
The National Twitchathon is BirdLife Australia's spring race for bird
conservation. It's a friendly competition in which teams of birders
race to see or hear as many bird species as possible in a set time,
while raising funds for BirdLife's crucial conservation and research
projects. This year in NSW the money raised will go toward critical recov-
ery actions for Regent Honeyeaters at their breeding locations.
There are three races to choose from: the 30-
hour 'Big Weekend', the 12-hour 'Big Day' and
the 3-hour 'Birdathon'. A team of four from
BLSH entered into the ‘Birdathon’ this year un-
der the name of ‘Raven Lunatics’.
Under the rules of the ‘Birdathon’ each team
has three x one hour blocks (which must all be
used only on a single day) at their disposal in
which to count birds. Once a team decides to
begin any one hour block, it cannot be paused,
restarted or prolonged.
The three venues chosen by the Lunatics were
Australian Botanic Gardens; Potholes Reserve,
Bargo and Charlston Dam. Thank you to Peter
Dewey for accompanying the team to Charlston
Dam so we could view the birds present there.
This enabled the team to add another dozen birds including Blue-billed Duck and Australian Shelduck
to the list.
We had a fun and productive day finishing with a grand total of 75 birds. Thank you to all the people
who sponsored the Raven Lunatics and raised funds for a most important cause. To date $575 has
been raised, far exceeding expectations.
Worth a Look 1. Migration Marathons: 7 unbelievable
bird journeys
BirdLife International
http://www.birdlife.org/worldwide/news/migration-marathons-7-unbelievable-bird-journeys?utm_source=BirdLife+International+News+Notifications&utm_campaign=665522e882-Summary_news_notification&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_4122f13b8a-665522e882-133920281&goal=0_4122f13b8a-665522e882-133920281&mc_cid=665522e882&mc_eid=d56ed66f98
2. Swift Parrots in Tasmania Part 1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_GD5lALC92g
Raven Lunatics
Bar-tailed Godwit © Dennis Jacob-
sen / Shutterstock
November 2018 21
Members’ Bird Photography The theme is ‘Pairs’.
The next edition theme is ‘Small’. For example this could be small birds or de-
tails in a close up etc. Please include the bird’s name in the details.
Other contributions are very welcome.
Blue and Gold Macaws, Brazil. Photo Nigel Hartley Sulphur-crested Cockatoos, Wagga Wagga. Photo Alan
Edwards
Jacky Winters. Photo Helen Erskine Great Crested Grebes. Photo Linda Hoelle
Laughing Kookaburras. Photo Paddy Donkin Red-browed Finches. Photo Trevor Vale
November 2018 22
Emus. Photo Erna Llenore
Silvereyes. Photo Alan Edwards
Great Cormorants. Photo Graham Olde
Southern Whitefaces. Photo Jennie Wiles
Blue-faced Honeyeaters. Photo Helen Erskine Red-eared Firetails. Photo Linda Hoelle
Galahs. Photo Nigel Hartley
Newsletter contributions
If you would like to contribute an article to the newsletter, please contact Jennie Wiles at [email protected]
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 wel-come.
The deadline for the next issue is
BLSH Committee
President Christine Kelly
Liaison Col Kohlhagen
Conservation Simon Robinson
Program Peter Madvig
Treasurer John Desmond
Admin Jenny Murray
Newsletter Jennie Wiles
Committee support Val Cooper
Committee support Helen Aquart
Support Roles-
Membership Erna Llenore
Image Library Helen Erskine
Birdata Sandy Berry
Crimson Chats (plus offspring & nest). Photo Paddy Donkin Superb Fairy-wrens. Photo Trevor Vale
White-breasted Woodswallows. Photo Jennie Wiles Apostlebirds. Photo Helen Erskine
20 January 2019