August 2019

The BLSH flyer

Volume 8 Number 3, August 2019

Contents

Silvereye by Erna Llenore

Willy Wagtail Photo by Trevor Vale

From the President ......................................................................................... Page 2

From the Editor; Your Letters: A Film Fundraiser ................................................ Page 3

NatureMapr; Fish Thief .................................................................................... Page 4

Backyard birds captured .................................................................................. Page 5

Outing– Macquarie Pass and Clover Hill Road. 20 April ........................................ Page 6

Outing– Belanglo State Forest. 19 May; For Sale ................................................ Page 7

Outing– Pot Holes Reserve, Bargo. 26 May ........................................................ Page 8

Outing– Lake Baraba, Thirlmere Lakes National Park. 5 June ............................... Page 9

Outing– Lake Narambulla. 6 July .................................................................... Page 10

Outing– Erith Mine, Morton N.P. Bundanoon. 19 May. ....................................... Page 11

Outing– Botanic Gardens Mt Annan. 21 July ................................................ Page 11-12

Lambertia Formosa; Yellow-tailed Tree Feller ................................................... Page 13

Bird Trivia: An International Birding Eleven ..................................................... Page 14

Glossies in the Mist; Barking Owl .................................................................... Page 15

Lord Howe Island .................................................................................... Page 16-18

Bird Haven Festival; Worth a look ................................................................... Page 19

Members’ Bird Photography ...................................................................... Page 19-22

August 2019 2

From the President Christine Kelly

How lucky we have been through the cooler months to have a visit from the Swift Parrot at the Mt

Annan Botanic Gardens. The birds have been “resident” for some months now and can be easily seen

in the eucalypts surrounding the Banksia Garden. Your last opportunity to see these birds so close to

us is now, before they head back to Tasmania for their breeding season.

We tend to despair when we wake these cold and windy winter mornings wondering just how our bird

friends are faring through this weather. In winter we do not see the numbers of birds that we have

grown used to seeing in the spring and summer. This of course, is because the birds have some in-

teresting habits during the cooler months. Many of the species found in the Highlands during the

warmer months simply leave the area when the weather turns cold and miserable.

The Laughing Kookaburra, as an example, tends to move during the winter months, July to Septem-

ber, seeking out suitable breeding spots. They choose to breed in or near the edges of forest or

woodland and are therefore less visible in our gardens. During the day they can be seen on the lower

branches and wires but they, like us all, shelter from the winds and rain, making them much more

difficult to see. Often, they will migrate towards households who are providing food for them, during

the winter months, therefore they are not out seeking their own food.

As reported by member Peter Dewey, in an earlier Flyer, the little birds can still be found but they are

not as busy in the winter months, seeking out food for their growing brood. They are not calling in

search of a mate until the weather warms.

Do not despair during the cooler months. Find a protected spot, rug up and sit in your garden enjoy-

ing a hot drink. I am confident that you will see or hear some of your favourites, which can be added

to your Birdata list.

Swift Parrot, seen at Mt Annan Botanic Gardens on BLSH outing. Photo Jennie Wiles

August 2019 3

A Film Fundraiser BLSH member Louise Egerton invites you all to an evening

of entertainment at the Bowral Empire Cinema for a one-

night only screening of that memorable classic, Butch Cassi-

dy & the Sundance Kid. Featuring two of Hollywood’s most

loved movie stars, Paul Newman and Robert Redford, the

movie is a fun, action-packed story of two charismatic young

men on a spree of robbery, adventure and romance.

Save the date: Wednesday, 27th November, 6pm for

6.30pm. Tickets are $25, including light refreshments, avail-

able from the box office at the Empire Cinema, Bowral; or

from louise.egerton0@gmail.com

All profits go to the Australian Conservation Foundation who,

together with Birdlife Australia, have released a Recovery

Plan for Threatened Species: https://

d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/auscon/pages/1011/

attachments/original/1466846598/

Recovery_Planning_Report.pdf

From the Editor Thank you once again to members who have taken the time to let me know that they are enjoying

the newsletter.

I’ve included a couple of the letters below from members who have made comments on their favour-

ite sections. In doing so I hope others will also comment in future on their favourites. Contributors get

little feedback on their items and this would be a really nice way of giving some positive feedback.

Please keep sending in all your questions, comments and letters, as your feedback is invaluable to

millieup@hotmail.com

I’ll also take this opportunity to thank all the members who contribute to the newsletter and especially

to those of you who contribute regularly. Just a reminder to contributors that written pieces are to be

submitted as word documents.

Last month’s edition was particularly well supported, so much so that a few articles were held over to

this edition. Some feedback I have received suggests that a maximum size for enjoyable reading is

about 20 pages. Thanks everyone for your fabulous contributions but if your item is not included im-

mediately please understand that I will endeavour to include it later.

Jennie Wiles

Your Letters I loved the members' bird art section. In the Water pics my fave is the Black Swan with egg. I would

have liked to know which cuckoo (?) that is in the Summer Visitor story on p. 17.

It's a great credit to you to be able to keep up this standard in each edition.

Julie Sheppard

The picture on p17 in the Summer Visitor story is a juvenile Eastern Koel. The standard is dependent

on the contributions.-Ed.

Great edition and thanks for including mine. Good to see lots of mixed and interesting stuff. I loved

the Grebes from Nigel. Lots of WOWs throughout. Beautiful water bird images.

Helen Erskine

August 2019 4

NatureMapr Report by Liaison Officer Col Kohlhagen

Members who were present at the July Member’s Night will know

about this new Citizen Science Project. Karen Guymer, Wingecar-

ribee Shire Bushcare and Citizen Science Officer, provided mem-

bers with an outline of this project and explained how they might

be able to contribute.

Council is creating a Nature Map for the Southern Highlands, and

is seeking support from a wide range of amateur flora and fauna

enthusiasts.

Birds will have their own separate section and three members of

the BLSH Identification Panel have signed on as moderators.

Their role will be to help verify the birds submitted are correctly

named, using both common and scientific names, and there are

no sensitivity issues. e.g. the location of threatened species, etc.

will not be made public if the welfare of the birds are endangered.

Meanwhile, all members of our branch are encouraged to get involved. NatureMapr will be a great ve-

hicle for our keen photographers to share their skills and help educate the general public about birdlife

in the local area. Images may be tagged with the photographer’s name before they are lodged and

they cannot be copied or reproduced without the photographer’s permission.

Photographers may use a smart phone or camera with an in-built GPS system, or they may be taken

with a camera and the co-ordinates determined by manually checking the location on Google Maps.

This process which can bring up co-ordinates if the location can be pinpointed on a map.

You can peruse the NatureMapr information at https://southern-highlands.naturemapr.org or speak

with Karen Guymer, the project co-ordinator on 48680772.

Fish Thief

Val and Tony Cooper submit-

ted this photo and wrote:

“Charlie was fishing off Towradgi,

NSW when this Eastern Osprey

stole his bream and took off!”

August 2019 5

Backyard birds captured These fabulous bird photos were kindly shared by Mary Taylor. They are an excellent

example of photos taken locally that could be submitted to Nature Mapr as described

in the previous article.

Eastern Spinebill Red-browed Finch Variegated Fairy-wren

Eastern Yellow Robin White-browed Scrubwren Pied Currawong

Sulphur-crested Cockatoo Crimson Rosella Lewin’s Honeyeater

August 2019 6

Outing- Macquarie Pass and Clover Hill Road,

20 April, 2019. Report by walk organiser Peter Madvig

Eight members and two welcome visitors met up at the Robertson Pie Shop car park and “pooled” in-

to three vehicles, upon which we descended the Macquarie Pass/Illawarra Hwy, pulling into the lower

car park and grassed picnic area, from which folk can amble up the track to Cascade Falls.

We, however, just spent a few minutes looking and listening from the glade, picking up Red-browed

Finch, Satin Bowerbird, and Grey Fantail, and hearing a few more – before driving back up the pass

for 2.2kms and making a sharp left hand turn into the small car park, from which we commenced our

walk along Clover Hill Road, in glorious weather.

This track winds through temperate rainforest and wet sclerophyll forest, opening up to grasslands

with tall palms and bushy vegetation and views to the escarpment and distant farms. One could see

where there once was a homestead. Walking along a narrowing track we eventually arrived at Rain-

bow Falls for a late lunch, seeing brave adventurers abseiling and canyoning downstream!

Our first sightings were of a male Superb Lyrebird and a pair of Brown Cuckoo-Doves, while Eastern

Whipbirds and White-throated Treecreepers were heard. Good views were had of Eastern Yellow Rob-

in, a pair of Golden Whistlers, several green Satin Bowerbirds, Silvereyes, and more Red-browed

Finches. A lucky few saw a Bassian Thrush on the path and even a Topknot Pigeon near the palms.

Must return in spring – might even see the elusive Australian Logrunners or a Green Catbird. Thanks

everyone for your good company on a very pleasant walk!

Species List Total 24

Park below Macquarie Pass – Superb Lyrebird (by

road on way down), Grey Fantail, Red-browed

Finch, Lewin’s Honeyeater, Superb Fairy-wren,

Crimson Rosella, Satin Bowerbird, Eastern

Whipbird, White-throated Treecreeper.

Clover Hill Road, from main road to Rainbow Falls

on Macquarie Rivulet – Golden Whistler, Brown

Cuckoo-Dove, Spotted Pardalote (heard), White-

throated Treecreeper (heard), Yellow-faced Hon-

eyeater, Brown Thornbill, Eastern Yellow Robin,

Wedge-tailed Eagle, Superb Lyrebird, Eastern

Whipbird (heard), Satin Bowerbird, Eastern Spine-

bill, Red-browed Finch, Brown Goshawk, Bassian

Thrush, Silvereye, Grey Butcherbird, Topknot Pi-

geon.

Superb Lyrebird. Photo by Lorraine Herring Brown Cuckoo-Dove. Photo by Lorraine Herring

Is that a Topnot Pigeon up there?

Photo by Peter Madvig

August 2019 7

Outing- Belanglo State Forest, 19 May 2019. Report by organiser Stan Jones

Belanglo State Forest is an area of just under 4,000 hectares. It is mostly plantation pine but there

are areas of native bush around the edges. This is mostly open woodland and the fire trails through

this woodland are a beautiful place to walk and birdwatch.

On 1 May 2019 eight club members and one guest visited three areas in or near the forest.

We met at the Gordon VC Rest Area and here we saw Pied Currawong, Australian Raven, Grey Butch-

erbird, Laughing Kookaburra, Crested Pigeon, Magpie-lark, Australian Magpie, Red Wattlebird, Pacific

Black Duck, Grey Teal, Australasian Grebe, Eurasian Coot, Purple Swamphen, Willie Wagtail and Wel-

come Swallow.

Our first walk was a loop starting along the Belanglo Plateau Fire Trail. We saw Yellow-rumped Thorn-

bill, Crimson Rosella, Grey Butcherbird, White-eared Honeyeater, Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoo and

White-throated Treecreeper.

The second walk was along a track leading off Bunnigalore Road. The birds here were White-throated

Treecreeper, Brown Thornbill, Spotted Pardalote, Striated Pardalote, Eastern Spinebill, White-browed

Scrubwren, Yellow-faced Honeyeater and Golden Whistler. This can sometimes be a good spot for

Spotted Quail-thrush but not on this occasion.

Along the way we saw Sulphur-crested Cockatoo and Australian Wood Duck in the paddocks.

For Sale Spotting Scope Endeavour Vanguard HD 82A

Purchase price new $899.00 sell $450 with SliK Master Standard

free turning tripod.

This scope has been lightly used and is in excellent condition. It is

complete with an all-weather cover.

Please contact Sally Robinson-Kooi Phone: 02 4861 1283

Members enjoying morning tea and walking along the track in Belanglo State Forest. Photos by Erna Llenore.

August 2019 8

Outing- Pot Holes Reserve, Bargo, 26 May

2019. Report by walk organizer Pat Muller

Five members of BLSH and Marie, a visitor, met on a gloomy morning with rain threatening but

though the light was poor we were soon rewarded with some birds of interest.

The carpark beside Charlie’s Point Rd gave us immediate and easy views of a Brown Treecreeper

feeding on the ground. Another was seen on Charlie’s Point Rd and a third bird was seen along the

riverbank. (I had seen three birds together earlier in the week, in the carpark, and Jennie Wiles had

also seen them recently at this site). One bird was seen by BLSH members some time ago so this is

not a new sighting but it is very interesting that the bird seems to be thriving at this location. There is

often a Peaceful Dove in this carpark as well so it is advisable to approach the area slowly in order to

view the birds.

Because of the poor light the group had much discussion over the identity of a group of swallows

preening high on power lines. Probably Welcome Swallow but though there were 30 plus birds in the

group, the colouring was unclear and we could not reach agreement on the identity of this group.

(later identified as Tree Martins) There were also high flying swallows that were impossible to ID so

we had to leave them as a mystery as well.

We had the usual Yellow-tufted Honeyeaters all around us as well as large numbers of other feeding

honeyeaters. Also of note was the beautiful ringing of the Spotted Pardalote all along the track and

riverbank seeming to be louder than the ever present Bell Miner.

Another highlight was sighting a small group of Variegated Fairy-wren with the male bird providing

good views for all the group.

The weather improved and the group was able to enjoy a quick morning tea on the rocks by the river

and to say hello to some tourists heading for Mermaid Pools.

We also had the expertise of Kristine Gow to help with the identification of plants of interest in the

area and thanks to Jennie for the helping hand (literally).

Species List

Crimson Rosella, Welcome Swallow, Brown Treecreeper, Yellow-tufted Honeyeater, Grey Shrike-

thrush, Rainbow Lorikeet, Spotted Pardalote, Striated Pardalote, Eastern Whipbird, Peaceful Dove,

Bell Miner, White-naped Honeyeater, Australian Raven, Eastern Spinebill, Australasian Grebe, Eastern

Yellow Robin, Pacific Black Duck, Red-browed Finch, White-throated Treecreeper, Sulphur-crested

Cockatoo, Noisy Miner, Variegated Fairy-wren, Yellow-faced Honeyeater, Tree Martin

Total 24

Brown Treecreeper well camouflaged. Photo by Jennie

Wiles

Australasian Grebes. Photo by Jennie Wiles

August 2019 9

Outing- Lake Baraba, Thirlmere Lakes Nation-

al Park, 5 June 2019 Report by walk Organiser Jennie Wiles

The weather report suggested inclement weather so only the hardy participants ventured out. It

turned out to be a cool day but it stayed dry. This was good for our walk but the lakes are desperate

for some rain as all of the five lakes are dry, except one.

Lake Barraba is the only one with a small amount of water so the group headed for it hoping that this

refuge may bring birds. The walk to the lake was relatively quiet unfortunately and the only water

bird present when we scrambled to the edge of lake Barraba was a White-necked Heron but everyone

got good views as it foraged along the far bank.

The usual bird suspects showed up, including 5 species of honeyeater. One, the Yellow-tufted was

however an unusual sighting for the Lakes.

The morning was rounded out with a pleasant chat and a cuppa in the sun back at Lake Couridjah.

Species list Total 14

Spotted Pardalote 4, White-throated Treecreeper 3, White-eared Honeyeater 1, Brown Thornbill 3,

Golden Whistler 2, Eastern Spinebill 2, Grey Shrike-thrush 1, Striated Thornbill 8, White-necked

Heron 1, New Holland Honeyeater 2, Yellow-tufted Honeyeater 1, Eastern Yellow Robin 2, Yellow-

faced Honeyeater 1, Pied Currawong 1.

White-necked Heron. Photo by Erna Llenore

By the edge of Lake Barraba. Photo by Jennie Wiles Morning tea at Lake Couridjah. Photo by Jennie Wiles

August 2019 10

Outing- Lake Narambulla, 6 July 2019 Report by walk organiser Christine Kelly

On July 6 20 brave souls, fed up with being inside during this miserable winter weather accepted the

challenge for an early morning visit to Lake Narrumbulla. We have been granted limited access to the

lake, located on private property, for the purpose of conducting birdlife surveys.

Fortunately, the weather was kind to us. The sun shone, the wind dropped and despite the tempera-

ture remaining cool, a lovely and successful morning was enjoyed by all who attended. Parking the

vehicles near the freeway we enjoyed a short walk across the paddock to the lake edge.

The lake, which is the main focus of our survey, yielded some interesting species including 2 species

previously not recorded on earlier surveys. We all carefully watched the various Black swans on the

lake in the hope that we might see some sign of breeding but we did not. After a brief morning tea

break, we moved our location to a nearby woodland. The woodland was not so successful as it was

evident to most of us that the drought is having an impact on the woodland birds on this property.

Species list

Wedge-tailed Eagle 2, Whistling Kite 2, Australian Magpie, Magpie-lark, Raven (sp), Galah, Pink-eared

Duck, Chestnut Teal, Grey Teal, Australasian Shoveler, Little Pied Cormorant 11, Masked Lapwing,

Eurasian Coot, Black Swan 10+, Red-rumped Parrot, Noisy Miner, Hardhead, Laughing Kookaburra,

Common Starling, Australian Wood Duck 10, Freckled Duck, Eastern Rosella 12+, Pacific Black Duck,

White–bellied Sea-Eagle 1, Australasian Grebe, Blue-billed Duck, Crested Pigeon 6, Grey Butcherbird

(H), Welcome Swallow. Total 29

“looking north, looking south we must be able to find that bird somewhere.”

Photo by Christine Kelly Photo by Helen Erskine

Galahs. Photo by Jennie Wiles Viewing the action over the lake.

Photo by Helen Erskine

August 2019 11

Outing- Erith Mine, Morton N.P. Bundanoon,

19 May, 2019 Report by walk organiser Fred Young

Nine participants braved the wilds of Morton National Park. It was a foggy start as we descended a

short way along the trail to Erith Mine. Rather quiet, so we retreated back up to the main fire trail.

After this it was time to have morning tea at Gambells Rest.

During morning tea some young eyes scanned the trees, counting eight Spotted Pardalotes, exploding

from a tree canopy.

We picked up a few more birds along the main fire trail, then drove to Echo Point, listening to the vo-

calisations of lyrebirds in the valley below.

These walks in winter do provide a chance to also observe the plant species that flower now.

Treecreepers, Brown Thornbills, Gang-gang Cockatoos and lyrebirds provided the soundtrack.

Thank you to those who contributed to this walk that I trust was enjoyable for all.

Species List

Crimson Rosella, Superb Lyrebird, Eastern Whipbird (h), Eastern Yellow Robin, Yellow-faced Hon-

eyeater, Striated Pardalote (h), King Parrot, Eastern Spinebill, Pied Currawong, Gang-gang Cockatoo,

Grey Shrike-thrush, White-throated Treecreeper, Red Wattlebird, Superb Fairy-wren, Spotted Parda-

lote, White-browed Scrubwren.

Total 16

Outing- Botanic Gardens Mt Annan, 21 July

2019

Report by walk organiser Pat Muller

Following a crispy start we had a perfect warm winter day with lots of birds about and many of these

were making their presence heard very loudly throughout the morning.

We started the day around the dams near the main entrance, and, though we saw the usual Hard-

heads, Australasian Grebes and Dusky Moorhen nothing unusual was sighted. Of interest in this area,

near the road, was the observation of Tree Martin entering a tree hollow and managing to outcompete

nearby Common Starling also doing the same!

BLSH members very happy with the birds seen. Photo

by Jennie Wiles

Bell Miners. Photo by Helen Erskine

August 2019 12

We then moved to the area across the creek where again activity was taking place in the search for

suitable nesting hollows. This time in the large Grey Gum on the creek line. Musk Lorikeet, Red-

rumped Parrot, Striated Pardalote and several other species were all actively competing for nest hol-

lows. The woodland north of this area has several species of trees in flower which were attracting a

nice lot of bush birds. These included Yellow-faced Honeyeater and European Goldfinch. Rose Robin,

Golden Whistler, and Yellow Thornbill which were all seen here. Of note is that we did not see any

raptors in the area on this occasion.

In search of Swift Parrot the group moved to the area known as The Banksia Garden. We were not

disappointed as the piping call of these endangered birds was heard as soon as we arrived though,

not in the 100s, as described by other birders we met in the gardens. We witnessed the birds feeding

on blossom and lerp in various trees and though vocal at times they were surprisingly quiet while we

were present between 11am and 12 midday. Members of our group were able to observe the birds

feeding quietly and one bird was particularly viewable showing its head colours as well as the long

tapered red tail. It was a very memorable experience to observe such a special bird at reasonably

close range in an open view.

We also saw two Tawny Frogmouth in the picnic area posing very nicely for the photographers in our

group. Bar-shouldered Dove, Olive-backed Oriole, Lewin’s Honeyeater, Eastern Whipbird and Fan-

tailed Cuckoo were seen or heard around the nearby dam as well. This is an excellent area to see a

great variety of bush birds.

Thanks to Jennie for travel and spotting assistance and thanks to all members in attendance for an

enjoyable birding outing. My thanks to Chris Munson (a fellow volunteer at the gardens) for the excel-

lent birding location information he provided to our group.

Species list 53 Species Total

Woodland Picnic Area Australian Swamphen 5, Eurasian Coot 6,Hardhead 1,Australasian Grebe 7

Hoary-headed Grebe 1, Pacific Black Duck 2, Chestnut Teal 1, Australian Wood Duck 5, Dusky Moor-

hen 2, Noisy Miner heaps, Rainbow Lorikeet 2, Eastern Rosella 3, Sulphur–crested Cockatoo 5, Galah

2, Red-rumped Parrot 10, Musk Lorikeet 4, Little Corella 1, Common Starling 2, Australian Raven 8,

Australian Magpie 3, Tree Martin 3, Common Myna 3, Laughing Kookaburra 1, Grey Butcherbird 2,

Magpie-lark 2, Striated Pardalote 6, Superb Fairy-wren 7, Willy Wagtail 2, Australian White Ibis 3,

Rose Robin 1 male, Red Wattlebird 1, Yellow-faced Honeyeater 6, Golden Whistler 1 female, European

Goldfinch 3, Yellow Thornbill 4, Satin Bowerbird 1, Masked Lapwing 3 37 Species

Banksia Garden, Bar-shouldered Dove 1 (h), Welcome Swallow 1, Swift Parrot 10, Olive-backed Oriole

1 (h), Crested Pigeon 1, King Parrot 1, Little Lorikeet 2, Tawny Frogmouth 2, Pied Currawong 2, East-

ern Whipbird 2, Bell Miner many, Little Wattlebird 1, Lewin’s Honeyeater 1, Fan-tailed Cuckoo 1 (h),

Variegated Fairy-wren 3, Red-browed Finch , Noisy Miner 6, Australian Raven 1, Rainbow Lorikeet 2

Red-rumped Parrot pair. Photo by Christine Kelly Musk Lorikeets. Photo by Christine Kelly

August 2019 13

The following article has a plant focus. Members can appreciate the importance of

plants for birds.

Lambertia formosa Kristine Gow provides information about a plant seen on a BLSH walk at Pot Holes

Reserve in Bargo recently.

Providing a food source for birds in winter is a good start to creating a bird friendly garden.

The New South Wales endemic Lambertia formosa ticks all the boxes, supplying food and shelter.

Commonly known as the Mountain Devil due to the shape of the fruit with its two “devil horns”. It is a

widespread local species with prickly foliage and red nectar rich tubular flowers, which grows to about

2 metres high and wide. The flower head consists of up to seven individual flowers, each flower has a

furry barrier to prevent insects taking the nectar. The flowers are visited by longer beaked honey-

eaters, shorter beaked feeders pierce the base of the flower to extract the nectar and parrots’ break

off the flowers. The parrots method in turn creates side shoots encouraging more flowers.

An uncommon species in cultivation, occasionally available by mail order but worth the effort.

Photos by Jennie Wiles

Yellow-tailed Tree Feller… Erna Llenore tracks down a mystery sound

Creaking is always tantalising when you’re out birding. Recently, at Cecil

Hoskins a couple of friends and I took some time to track down the

source of the persistent grating sound we could hear. I was convinced it

was a tree rubbing against another. A companion thought it might be a

Glossy Black-Cockatoo. Once that possibility was mooted I was very

keen to track it down. Eventually we found a single Yellow-tailed Black-

Cockatoo. She was perched on the side of a sapling, only about 1.5 me-

tres from the ground.

She was ripping into the tree, we think it was an acacia, determinedly

tearing out and discarding large strips of wood. By the time we found

her the trunk had been whittled to half its diameter. She seemed to be

using her tail as a prop, woodpecker like. She was so absorbed in her

project that she took no interest whatsoever as we moved closer and

closer.

Eventually we were only a few metres away. On investigation (while she

was still excavating) we noticed some borer holes at the top of her cavi-

ty. It seems she saw them as an indicator of a rich seam of…er…dinner!

Pity about the tree.

Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoo

Photo by Erna Llenore

August 2019 14

Birding Trivia: An International Birding Eleven Col Kohlhagen shares his love of both birds and cricket.

This trivial challenge began late one night at the Mungerannie Pub on the Birdsville Track when a cou-

ple of visitors from England and I discovered we shared a love of cricket. In keeping with the ornitho-

logical focus of our venture into the Australian Outback to chase grasswrens, we set about attempting

to compile a list of international cricketers with bird names. Understandably, given the setting and the

late hour, we fell far short of naming a full touring party.

I was recently motivated to finish the task while watching the performance of Australian ODI Captain,

Aaron Finch. However, this attempt was undertaken in the comfort of our family room with the Ency-

clopaedia of International Cricketers in hand!!

An Aussie Rules equivalent is being prepared!!

Player: Country Number of Tests: Number of ODIs:

(one day interna-

tional’s)

Batters:

Jeff CROWE New Zealand 39 75

Martin CROWE New Zealand 77 143

Alfred DIPPER England 1

Aaron FINCH Australia 5 99

Aftab GUL Pakistan 6

Jack HERON Zimbawe 0 6

Denise MARTIN Australia 7 17

Joy PARTRIDGE England 2

Damian MARTYN Australia 65 200

Avril STARLING England 11

Wicketkeeper:

Alan KNOTT England 95 14

Bowlers:

Jackson BIRD Australia 8 0

Umah GUL Pakistan 9 19

Neil HAWKE Australia 27

John MARTIN Australia 8

Peter MARTIN England 8 20

Joe PARTRIDGE South Africa 11

Graeme SWAN England 60 79

August 2019 15

Glossies in the Mist Helen Erskine reports

For those who missed the presentation at the last BLSH meeting, here is a snapshot!

'The Glossies In The Mist’ project was organised to develop a better understanding of Glossy Black-

Cockatoos, a vulnerable species in NSW. BLSH members were invited to join, to help collect data from

along the Great Western Wildlife Corridor by Lauren Hook and Simon Tedder of Wingecarribee Shire

Council and Office of Environment and Heritage, who are hoping to build up a bank of knowledge and

help maintain a healthy Glossy Black-Cockatoo population.

Some of us went to the Big Glossy Weekend meetings in May for an update. We heard from Mike

Barth and Danielle Tiexiera, comparing our Glossy Black-Cockatoos with the Kangaroo Island popula-

tion that they are studying, and what is needed to be done to promote healthy, growing populations.

A number of us also joined local landholders at their dams (Bullio, Bungonia and Canyonleigh) to col-

lect information, take photos for ID and try to find breeding females.

It was great to find that there are many farmers/landholders willing to offer help, be citizen scientists

and share their information.

Here is a photo, taken by Simon Tedder, showing

the group overlooking Bullio (Lake Burragorang in

the distance) - where 17 Glossy Black-Cockatoos

(females, known as 'flossies’) were seen drinking

from the dam. Moments later at a nearby dam

were a further 37 birds! It is important to record

males/females/juveniles so we had to learn how to

identify them.

See the link below, if you’re not sure or want to

know more.

https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/topics/

animals-and-plants/threatened-species/saving-our-

species-program/threatened-species-conservation/

featured-projects/~/

me-

dia/087B671D27E94DCE87375D999AA0C1F1.ashx

Barking Owl This image was supplied by

Tony and Val Cooper.

“Just seen these Barking Owls,

at Canoe Point, Tannum Sands

QLD, where we are staying. My

cousin Sam Kiely took the photo.

They have two babies but they

are hidden in the hollow tree

branch.”

L-R: Dani, Kay, Lauren, Erna, Helen,

Simon and Mike in front.

August 2019 16

Lord Howe Island By Nigel Hartley

Lord Howe Island (LHI), part of New South Wales, offers a wonderful combination of great birds, es-

pecially seabirds, wonderful walking, fantastic scenery, great snorkelling, fishing and diving, and

enough choice of cafes and restaurants to keep you going for a week or more.

And this beautiful compact island, approx. 12 kms by 2 kms, is within two hours of Sydney by plane.

Although small, there is plenty of room, with only 400 residents and about the same number of tour-

ists at any one time.

Key birds

Apparently there are about 130 recorded species on Lord Howe Island, though many must be va-

grants, and in a week you could expect a bird list of 30 to 40 species….quality, not quantity.

There are 14 breeding seabird species, including the Providence (Solander’s) Petrel which only breeds

on the island, and 18 land species, including the endemic Lord Howe Woodhen.

The latter was almost extinct in the 1800s after the island was first inhabited, along with attendant

feral animals. By 1980 there were only 15 individuals found, around the summit of Mount Gower and

Lidgbird, however with the elimination of feral pigs and other problem species, and a captive breeding

program, the population has fought back to around 250 birds.

Providence Petrels can be seen before and during their winter breeding season. Apparently on the

Mount Gower walk they can be called and will literally land on your head at the right time of year.

Mind you this is an all day walk which is not for the fainthearted.

Other breeding seabirds include Black-winged Petrel, this being the easiest place to see these birds in

Australia. On our first visit in 2012 we were above Ned’s Beach and the Petrels were literally landing

at our feet, a great way to see a new bird.

Classic Lord Howe Island view, with Mt Gower and Mt Lidgbird in the distance.

Lord Howe Woodhen Providence Petrel

August 2019 17

A walk along the Malabar cliffs on the North side of the island will likely include sightings of many Red

-tailed Tropicbirds swooping along the cliff edge, Masked Boobies skimming the waves, and Brown

and Black Noddies flying around the many beaches. Grey Ternlets also breed on rocky ledges around

some of the more secluded inlets, though with a boat trip around the island they are reasonably easy

to spot.

A trip to Balls Pyramid, at 550 metres the Worlds highest water based rock stack, is quite thrilling,

though in 3 trips I have only been able to get out there once.

As well as being the most westerly breeding area for Kermadec Petrel, it is famous for the rediscovery

of the Lord Howe Island stick insect, which is found nowhere else. It is also the only known site for

Ballina Angelfish, though conditions for diving would be extremely rugged.

It is quite easy to get on a pelagic trip round Lord Howe Island, weather permitting. Quite often

though all the boats are “out fishing” though you can join a fishing trip and still see birds such as Little

Shearwaters and White-bellied Storm Petrels in both pale and dark phase.

Fishing is a great business model, you get charged a King’s ransom for a day on the water, if you are

lucky you are able to keep a couple of fillets from the many Kingfish you battle to catch, and then

when you go out to dinner in the evening you are charged handsomely for the rest of the fish you

caught earlier. But it’s worth it!

However the most lovely seabird of all is the most endearing, and that is the White Tern.

These gorgeous birds can be found in the Norfolk Pines along all the roads on the island, or swooping

over the island and out to sea.

Black-winged Petrel Red-tailed Tropicbird

Balls Pyramid White-bellied Storm Petrel

August 2019 18

Turning to the land birds, these are much more familiar, though there is one more endemic, the Lord

Howe White-eye (recognised by most authors but not IOC).

These little birds can be found on the Malabar Cliffs walk as well as around motel gardens.

There are also endemic subspecies, Golden Whistler, and Pied Currawong, and a cross section of wad-

ers including Golden Plovers, Bar-tailed Godwits, Ruddy Turnstone and Double-banded Plovers.

I can thoroughly recommend Lord Howe Island to any bird and nature lover, and if you go once you

will probably go back!

White Tern at nest

Lord Howe White-eye

August 2019 19

Bird Haven Festival Jennie Wiles encourages attendance at

this year’s festival.

Last year’s inaugural festival was very successful

and most enjoyable. Three BLSH members at-

tended, including myself and we are looking for-

ward to returning this year.

The themes of science, education, creativity and

community were incorporated into two days of

activities. Speakers were excellent and the mem-

bers of Birdlife Shoalhaven very welcoming. The

walk at the end of day around the lake was a

perfect opportunity to view the birds while being

assisted by friendly and helpful local members.

This year the program’s advertising mentions a

program of talks and walks, with optional work-

shops and dinners, an expo and a market. It will

be a forerunner to National Bird week. See the

poster on the right.

The Bird Haven Festival at Shoalhaven Heads has

been added to the BLSH program for October 18-

20.(Note-not 18-21 as on the poster)

It is suggested that you register your interest in

attending at www.birdhavenfestival.com.au

Worth a look

The Oriental Honey-Buzzard 1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yMUekkYdImA

2. https://www.birdlife.org/europe-and-central-

asia/news/anti-poaching-camps-give-honey-

buzzard-sweet-taste-success

The European Honey-buzzard is fearless in the

face of stinging wasps and hornets - but it has

no defence against illegal shooting for sport. In

Italy, “anti-poaching camps” sparked an ex-

tremely successful movement which has saved

thousands of honey-buzzards.

August 2019 20

Members’ Bird Photography It’s wonderful that this section of the newsletter is supported by a number of

people and more members are encouraged to contribute. Please understand

that all photographs may not be included if the same bird has been submitted

by someone else or room is not available. The number of items per person is

usually restricted to 2-3.

This edition’s theme is ‘Young Birds’

The next theme is ‘My Backyard’ which can be interpreted as your home or

your district.

White Tern by Erna Llenore Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike by Jennie Wiles

Comb-crested Jacana by Trevor Vale

August 2019 21

Red-browed Finch by Sue Stanley.

Black Swan by Linda Hoelle.

Jacky Winter, Capertee by Jennie Wiles.

Black-crowned Night Heron, Chile Island

by Nigel Hartley.

Eastern Whipbird by Trevor Vale. Great Crested Grebe by Linda Hoelle.

August 2019 22

Buff-sided Robin, Kimberleys by Nigel Hartley.

Silver Gull, Rottnest Island by Jennie Wiles.

Australasian Grebe by Nigel Hartley. Gang-gang Cockatoo by Trevor Vale.

Newsletter contributions

If you would like to contribute an article to the newsletter, please contact Jennie Wiles at millieup@hotmail.com

Articles can be on any aspect of birding, or issue related to birding, that may interest other members. Photos, in jpeg format, are also very welcome.

If you’d like your images to go to the Ar-chive for BLSH use, please email anerskine@yahoo.com.au with ARCHIVES in the subject.

The deadline for the next issue is

BLSH Committee

President Christine Kelly

Liaison Officer Col Kohlhagen

Conservation Officer

Program Peter Madvig

Treasurer Nigel Hartley

Minutes Sue Hawick

Newsletter & Website Jennie Wiles

Committee support Janine Jones

Birdata Records Sandy Berry

Support Roles-

Membership Erna Llenore

Archives Helen Erskine

20 October 2019

Great Crested Grebe by Linda Hoelle.

Dusky Woodswallow by Erna Llenore.

White Terns, Lord Howe by Nigel Hartley.