17 – 18 .8.13 Duraki to Coolmunda Dam to Goondwindi to St George & return
Travelled west with Stu P. Left home at 4.30, arrived Warwick at 6.15, got breakfast at Mackers and headed on to Duraki arriving just after 7.00.
Duraki: Went to the first waterhole – pretty quiet, usual numbers of Yellow-tufted Honeyeaters and a few Yellow-facedaround, 1 Dusky Woodswallow overhead and a pair of White-throated Treecreepers.. Walking past the dam Stu had a White-browed Babbler in the bush and what appeared to be a hybrid Eastern/Pale-headed Rosella flew in - pale head and red UTCs, but quite an orange crown and nape.
Stu knew a second waterhole about a km past the first so we went on there and walked around and behind that – a few more birds particularly along the fence line to the open paddock – Yellow-rumped Thornbills, Weebil, Speckled Warbler, White-throated Honeyeaters, 1 Brown-headed Honeyeater, Striated Pardalote, White-throated Gerygone, a small flock of Varied Sitellas (with quite dark heads, subsp?) and a couple of Fuscous Honeyeater.
Between the two waterholes Stu drove us down a track about a km, through a gate with a ‘Fuck Off’ spray painted on a hubcap to come to a stop at the end of a smaller track leading off to the right. We walked down this to where there had been a shallow waterhole – now dried up. Similar range of species around here plus a very confiding Fan-tailed Cuckoothat dropped down onto a dead branch and perched up to give us excellent views at about 10 meters. A Common Bronzewing took flight and a Mistletoebird and Superb Fairy-wrens hung out along the fence line.
Back to the main road and across to the opposite side, parked up by the railway down an unsealed track from the rest area. Walked across the railway and down through the trees to the open paddock at the far end – Rose Robin on the way, a vaguely coloured bird and a Yellow Robin just before the field. A small flock of Red-browed Finches in the field and a couple of Willy Wagtails while a Striped Honeyeater sang in the background and then exposed itself on a nearby tree top.
Cement Mills Rd: Heading west again we turned off Cement Mills Rd and drove slowly to the quarry gate. A couple of Jacky Winters and a Brown Treecreeper in a field, a second hybrid Eastern/Pale-headed Rosella and a true Eastern Rosella, a hidden Brown Songlark and a fly by Blue-faced Honeyeater. Back to the main road and on to
Mosquito Creek Rd: looked like it had been graded and a not much growth left along the road edges – hence no small birds up to the first corner where the dams are. We stopped and checked them out – a single Squatter Pigeon flew in and landed on the side of the waterhole. We got it briefly in the scope until it walked over the lip and disappeared. A little further up the road and a family party of White-winged Fairy-wrens displayed well on the fence line. Stu got some photos. A couple of Emus spotted further up the road and on the return trip to the main road we flushed several Yellow-throated Miners and a single Blue Bonnet.
Coolmunda Dam: we stopped in the picnic area for lunch overlooking the dam. (Note: the Cooba da mar camping area is now closed to access – the gate is locked and there were sheep in the paddock, but no reason given?). From the locked gate we had a Musk Duck on the lake. It rained gently as we ate. Heaps of Pelicans, LPCs, PBCs, Coots, a few Pied Cormorants, Aust Grebes and a group of distant Grebes we believed were Hoary-headed. A good number of Great Crested Grebes, Silver Gull, Black-winged Stilts, Grey Teal and Hardheads and a few Caspian and Whiskered Terns and Darters completed the scene.
Goondiwindi: A few ks before Goondiwindi we pulled in to a spot where Painted HE had been seen previously. The dust had turned to mud in the light rain and we gathered huge clumps on our boots that required much scuffling and scraping on the road before re-entering the car. No PHes but a large flock of Little Friarbirds with a few Noisy, a couple of Mosquitobirds and 3 Red-winged Parrots; stopping further up the road for an Echidna we had a Brown Falcon, White-browed Woodswallow and 3 White-breasted Woodswallows. Closer to G a Spotted Bowerbird flew off the side of the road and both a Yellow-billed and Royal Spoonbill fed in a drain beside the road. We grabbed a cup of coffee in G at Mackers and headed further west to arrive in St George without further incident at about 17.00.
St George: Drove the main street and, after filling up with $60 worth of petrol, decided on a cabin in a caravan park for $90. A country and western singer was playing for the grey nomads and Stu asked the receptionist/owner ‘that isn’t going to go on all night is it?’ – we were assured it wouldn’t and in fact it finished at 18.00 - to allow the retirees an early night? We unpacked a little had a cup of coffee and headed out for dinner at one of the hotels. Interestingly the one we chose was packed, yet the other on the main street was empty? I had pork riblets ‘slow cooked in the oven with gravy and apple sauce’ for $16.50 and Stu had a lasagne for the same price, both served with chips and salad. Back to the cabin just after 20.00 we showered and crashed around 21.00.
Up at 5.30, a cup of tea/coffee and away by 6.00 to our furthest point west – 34 kms out of town, a track beside a communications tower looking for Black-eared Cuckoo. We spent a cold hour and a half using playback without success. We did see Shining-bronze & Horsfield’s Cuckoos and had a range of Honeyeaters (Spiny-cheeked, White-plumed, Brown, Singing), a pair of Mallee Ringnecks and a Wedge-tailed Eagle we almost had to push off its perch to see it fly so we could be sure of ID, but no BEC. Heading back into St George we had a Little Eagle along the road and 6 Major Mitchell Cockatoos feeding in a tree. Back in town we looked for somewhere to get breakfast and ended up at the BP service station which was our only option, but a terrible choice. The eggs were hard fried and greasy, the bacon barely cooked and fatty, the toast white and thin and the coffee way too creamy. I couldn’t finish it and that’s really saying something.
Having made the best of breakfast we headed east and home. Nothing of note apart from the ever present Black and occasional Whistling Kites, the less common Aust Kestrel and the flocks of Peaceful Doves leaving the roadside as we passed. I think there were more birds in general on the Inglewood/Goondiwindi/St George route than on this, the St George/Moonie/Dalby road.
Southwood: we stopped at the national park for a quick try for BEC – nothing except a few Silvereyes, a Yellow-faced Honeyeater and a distant circling Brown Goshawk.
Lake Broadwater: we stopped for lunch at Lake B, just outside Dalby – almost nothing on the lake surprisingly. A couple of Black Swans, 3 Grey Teal and overhead a pair of Red-winged Parrots was all to amuse us as we ate. Tried again for BEC in the empty campsite without response.
Grabbed yet another coffee in Mackers in Dalby and headed on to reach home at about 17.00 without further incident.
24.8.13 Minnippi
Went to Minnippi alone as Rob was away and Stu was unavailable. Decided to work the area completely, walking both forests and taking my time. Usual birds along the pond from the creek in, the only thing of note seemed to be a lot of Hardheads, almost as many as Black Ducks and no sign of the Freckled Duck. Walked up and over the hill and down along the forest track. Fairly quiet until I reached the junction that I usually take back out to the aero club field. Just before that, while checking through a flock of Silvereyes, an adult White-eared Monarch appeared. I texted Stu and he rang back immediately. I watched it while we spoke on the phone and then moved on when we finished.
I walked a few hundred meters further then returned to the filed/fence line at the second access track. I met Stu walking in from the car park! We went back and looked for the W-EM but were unable to find it again despite using playback and searching for about 40 minutes. We walked back to the lake and parted company.
I continued on down the pond to the forest beside the river – but it was very quiet and even though I walked up through it, along the freeway and back down, didn’t see anything much else of interest.
The W-EM was a first record for Minnippi.
31.8.13 Kedron Brook Wetlands
Kedron Brook Wetlands with Rob. We’ve only been there for the Grass Owl and never really birded the spot. Regular reports from others have highlighted some species and we thought we’d give it a go – especially as two Spotted Crakes were reported during the week. He drove and we got there in about 20 minutes. A Buff-banded Rail on the first pond closest to the track, plenty of Black-necked Stilts and Chestnut Teal. Red-kneed and 2 Black-fronted Dotterels, a fewSharp-tailed Sandpipers, 1 Caspian Tern, 6 Pelicans. We scanned the ponds and met Jack Whiting. A Hobby flew overhead and caught a Welcome Swallow on the wing. Rob wasn’t feeling well so we just walked up the path towards the ‘north’ end then back down to the car. We were on site about two hours – no sign of the crakes. Had breakfast in Lido on Racecourse rd.
1.9.13 Sandy Camp Rd
Picked up Stu and we went to Sandy Camp Rd. Almost the first bird we saw was a Baillon’s Crake in the small swamp behind the viewing platform, then 3, poss 4, Spotless Crakes in the same pond. A further 4 Baillon’s at the far end of the main (first) pond and 1 on the ‘second’ pond – also at the far end. Usual species otherwise, altho only 4 Wandering Whistle-ducks the Coot numbers are still high at 45.1 Forest Kingfisher and plenty of singing Reed Warblers- almost like winter never happened! Spent about 2 hours on site, walked down the track and back up past the substation for little else to add to the list.
Stopped off at the open mud area on the ‘city’ side of the tracks on Kianawah rd on the way home. At least 18 Red-kneed Dotterels, 180+ Stilts and 1 Sharp-tailed Sand.
6.9.13 Maleny/Kenilworth
Stu and Andy picked me up at Nundah after work and we went to a tavern in North Lakes for dinner. Pricey. Headed for Maleny after dinner and through the village to turn right at the hospital, then left on Palm st and eventually onto Bridge Creek Rd. Stoped at a couple of locations and used playback for Masked Owl – no response. Spent about an hour in this area. Back up to Maleny then and out along the Maleny-Kenilworth Rd. Seemed to go on forever, altho it didn’t look that far on the map, turned left into Booloumba Creek Rd and tried again, again no result altho a bird flying across the road in front of the car was most likely a Barn Owl. Sunday Creek Rd and again no response – this time Andy spotted a Barn Owlperched up and we got lovely views of it for several minutes high in a tree. Left Kenilworth area after 10.00 – back to car at Nundah and drove home, arrived 00.45.
8.9.13 Oxley
Went to Oxley alone, Sunday morning - Rob sick, Stu tied up with family. Usual birds for the most part, nothing too exciting – heard first Coucal of the spring calling. Used playback around the pond for Little Grassbird, Spotless Crake and Lewin’s Rail – no response.
14.9.13 Oxley
Oxley again – this time with Rob who was sounding like he was dying - coughing and spitting. Nothing of exception except a lone Latham’s Snipe feeding in the open, as they do, on the left side of the main lake. There was no sign of the Black-fronted Dotterel chicks of last week – but a total of 8 adult birds, 4 at each pond, was unusual.
A medium sized raptor did fly off near the first cement culvert. It flew straight into the sun towards trees in the middle of the paddock and disappeared. Rob called it for a Swamp Harrier - I didn’t see that, altho it did have a pale-ish rump. I thought its wing beats too fast and its wings too short – it never glided, nor swerved – much as a Harrier normally would. It remained an unknown raptor despite being quite close to start with. It was impossible too to be sure if it flew off the ground or from the trees – a fact that may have helped with id.
We met the Prof on our return walk and he claimed both Varied and White-winged Trillers and a possible Horsfield’s Bronze Cuckoo along the creek – none of which we saw or heard.
We had breakfast at The Rare Pear afterwards as the Greedy Monkey appears to have changed hands and was in complete disarray.
21.9.13 Anstead
Picked Rob up at 5.45 and arrived on site 6.15. He’s still not well, despite antibiotics. Walked usual track – a flock of White-winged Trillers moving through the canopy at the ‘top’ of the track, then seen for the rest of the time scattered through the area. Also 3 Black-faced Monarchs – obviously spring movement as none of either recorded by Rod G next day. Several Speckled Warblers, a single Dollarbird, 3 White-bellied Cuckoo-shrikes, a Rufous Fantail and a Wedge-tailed Eagle flying overhead were the most notable birds. We checked every Leaden Fly – seeing 6 – for Satin, but none were dark enough (male) or orange breasted enough (female) to qualify. On the final stretch of bush track we heard a Painted Buttonquail, but it didn’t show.
Drove on down to Moggill Pocket Swamp and checked it out – a White-necked Heron and a Glossy Ibis were best birds but we added several others to our growing list for the site – Aus. Pelican, Common Myna, Tawny Grassbird etc. A number of raptors overhead drew our attention and an ultimate count of approx. 25 Black Kites moving slowly south, to return a short while later in dribs and drabs. Later two other raptors appeared – 2 Bazas heading the same way, mobbed by Crows.
Breakfast at The Plum in Kenmore – tried for the usual place, but it’s closed, gone, prem for lease! Seems all our regular haunts are changing.
22.9.13 Murarrie & Sandy Camp Rd
Alone so decided to go for the swamp at Murarrie, across the railway bridge. Quite nervous walking across as hadn’t seen any trains at that stage, but no issues. Track in very overgrown, got quite wet to the knees. Picked up a nice Shining Bronze Cuckoo in a low bush, but not much on the water - a few Stilts, a Pelican, Moorhens and Swamphens. Was quite relieved to get back across bridge – doubt I’ll make the effort to return anytime soon. The site has potential, but it’s too traumatic getting there.
Went on to Sandy Camp Rd, arr 7.30, found David Taylor on site. Walked the usual tracks with him – a White-necked Heron landed briefly, a pair of Sacred Kings, 1 Baillon’s and probably 2 Spotless Crakes, heaps of Reed Warblers, 6 Wandering Whistle-ducks tucked away behind the trees and a total of 5 Jacanas, one of which a juvenile gave us some heart palpitations at first sight. A flock of about 80 Pied Geese flew overhead and appeared to land behind some trees about 200 meters away. In talking to David he told me of a further extension to the wetlands that I hadn’t known of. When I left him I drove further up the road and headed in across the park to a path that takes in two more ponds and a swampy area! I walked the tracks – it was pretty quiet except for the Geese, but has good potential for future visits.
Heading away I stopped off at Kianawah Rd mud-lands and David showed up a few minutes later. A juvenile Black-fronted Dotterel looked very like a Little Ringed Plover for a few minutes, but was dismissed for what it was when joined by 2 adults. 19 Red-kneed Dotterels was a good count but a little less than the ‘60’ David had referred to earlier….
28.9.13 Minnippi
We got to the car park entrance at 6.00 – to find it closed as they were re-bitumening the entrance road. Parked on the grass verge and walked in. Mostly usual birds – heard at least 2 Coucals and 1 Koel. Rob thought he heard a Brush Cuckoo – but it didn’t call again. Around the lake the activity was pretty much standard, over the hill the forest was quiet until a single Channel-billed Cuckoo flew in and called – excellent view. White-necked Heron still in the model airplane field. Back over and on around the lake, up the track through the forest beside the creek- it too was very quiet. A singleDollarbird was the first of the season for us, but otherwise nothing of exception. While walking back across the field to the car a large white bird lifted off and flew past us to the creek and on down river at canopy level out of sight – a Yellow-billed Spoonbill. It appears it is the first record for Minnippi – on Eremaea at least. Breakfast at the ‘Spanish’ place in Coorparoo and sat chatting for ages.
29.9.13 North Stradbroke Island
Headed over to the island alone on the usual 6.55 water taxi. Bus to the point to find it almost flat calm, no wind at all, no birds – nothing. Sat it out till the usual 10.30 (10.55 bus) – not one seabird was seen. A few Crested Terns, Silver Gullsand a lone Gull-billed Tern, a Striated Heron, an Osprey and a Brahminy Kite floated by and that was it for birds. Several (approx. 10) Hump-back Whales headed south, 2 pods of Inshore Bottle-nosed Dolphins, a pair of Hump-backed Dolphins and 2 Turtles passed by/hung around. There were about 60 Eastern Curlews at the roost point near the ferry terminal. Will not enter a seawatch record for this trip – just a land-based record in my own archives.
5.10.13 Sandy Camp Rd & Manly wader roost
Arrived at 6.15 with Rob. Spotless Crake in left hand swamp area immediately off road. Rob spotted a pipit like bird on the ground ahead – turned out to be a Rufous Songlark after we chased it around and he got some photos. While chasing it up the causeway track we flushed a Little Bittern off the left hand side of the track – at last! Lousy view, but a tick for the site. A total of 10 Baillon’s Crakes in both ponds – 6 in one sweep at the southern end. Worked our way through to the furthest two ponds – Rob broke the plank across the ditch so it’ll be a longer walk next time… Not a lot on the biggest, deepest pond, but scored another tick for the site – Great Cormorant. Entered the tea tree swamp area and near the far end flushed a long sought after (in South-east Qld) bird – Black Bittern. Saw it badly three times flying across the pond and among the trees - been waiting a long time for this one. A Black-faced Monarch and an overhead Sea Eagle were more new ticks for the site and at least 4 White-winged Trillers (2 pairs) seem to be hanging long enough to breed.
On to Manly - checking the Gull population along the way. Heaps of birds on the roost – quite crowded. Very hot and uncomfortable as it was a high tide at 9.30 and the heat is several degrees above average for this time of year. Nothing unusual – a Buff-banded Rail is the first I’ve seen here for some time, 5 Lesser Crested Terns seem to be a bit late (seasonally), at least 6 Red Knot were nice to pick up, thanks to Rob. Lots of Golden Plovers, Terrick and Curlew Sands, Stints and Curlews, Whimbrels and Godwits – at least one Black-tailed altho I suspected more. We walked around the site as usual, trying to minimise disturbance. There could have been something more exciting among the thousands of birds but if there was we didn’t see it.
Breakfast, as usual when we’re down here, at Celtic Corner.
6.10.13 Minnippi
Short on time today and wanted a lie in so didn’t get to site till 7.30. Quite hot already and still – very non-seasonal weather at present. A calling Lewin’s Rail at the bridge over the creek seemed a positive portent. Only usual birds around lake – did see a Goshawk type glide over that I was unsure of ID, checked later and found it to be a Grey Goshawk (have seen very few in flight - that’s my excuse and I’m sticking to it). Woods down the back very, very quiet – saw virtually nothing. 2 Channel-bills overhead and 10 Wandering Whistle-ducks on the island, but no sign of the Yellow-billed Spoonbill or Bazas that Stu had had yesterday. Woods beside river very quiet too – 2 Dollarbirds this week and a calling Yellow Robin, but little else of interest. Headed home at 9.00.
7.10.13 Oxley
Got to site, alone, at 6.00 – a few cars but actually not many people on the track. Again a hot morning ahead – still and even slightly foggy. A pair of White-winged Trillers along the track at the sharp left hand bend were the first notable species. Played Lewin’s Rail at the second concrete ‘dip’ – got a call back, then a Buff-banded Rail walked out of the grass and scurried across the track. Played again and again got a response – from a Spotless Crake.! It didn’t come out but it’s a new tick for the site for me.
At the pond there were quite a few duck – mostly Black with a couple of Hardhead and a handful of Grey Teal asleep on the bank. 9 Red-kneed Dotterels, 3 Black-fronted and a Pipit I tried to turn into a wagtail. Other than those it was essentially the usual birds although I did achieve a good list (66 sp) without some of the expected. For example – the only cuckoo I had was a distant Channel-bill, no Whistlers and no raptors at all – it was too still I think, no thermals, no wind.
Hot walk back to the car – out of there by 9.00.
12.10.13 Sandy Camp Rd
I thought I’d go again and try to get a better view of the Black Bittern. Arr on site at 5.45 to find it deserted – good start. Struggled to find any Crakes initially, ended up seeing only 1 Baillon’s on the first pass and bird nos in general seemed lower than last week. It was a grey, cloudy cooler morning, maybe that had something to do with it?
Eventually moved through to the ‘back’ pond and tea tree swamp – on the way there Matt G called. He was on site and caught up with me not long after I had entered the Black Bittern swamp. A few minutes later it flushed and I got a brief view of it through the trees flying away across the pond. I may have seen it perched if I’d been alone, but it would have been difficult. A Spotless Crake called from long grass beside us and we walked around the pond but didn’t see the BB again despite intense binocular searching.
Met Tom Tarrant and a photographer on the track back and stood talking for quite some time while Brown Quailscurried around, a Little Bronze Cuckoo called (I couldn’t hear it), a Brush Cuckoo and a White-winged Triller flew over and/or landed nearby, a Chestnut-breasted Mannikin collected building material and a Leaden Flycatcher returned to its nest high in a nearby eucalypt.
As we sauntered back towards the main ponds a Pacific Baza, a White-necked and a Rufous Night Heron flew past overhead (at different times). We ended up with 3 Baillon’s Crakes on the main pond, but no more Spotless.
Stopped off at the oval with the intention of climbing the fence, however, the school had a cricket match in full swing and I thought it wise not to risk public ejection. Most of the lake appears to be either dry or overgrown but the channel had a large number of Egrets, Spoonbill and Ibis feeding eagerly and a lone Latham’s Snipe took flight. There were (approx.) 70 Swamphens scattered across the grass at the back of the oval and in the school grounds – an amazing number, especially in contrast to the wetlands down the road where there less than 10 in the whole area. Maybe they use the wetlands as a roost of sorts and the grassy oval and school for feeding?
19.10.13 North Stradbroke Island
I had no car this weekend but convinced Rob to go to Stradbroke as first time since July that the winds were favourable – 15-25 knots, south-easterlies. Glare horrific, winds very strong, seas choppy and white capped, Short-tailed Shearwatersbeing blown north, as they tried to move south close to the headland, but majority being blown back. No count possible, approx. nos = 3000? A much smaller number of Wedge-tailed among them seemed to be able to make better headway. 1 Flutter managed to make it clear followed by an intermediate phase Artic Skua also successfully heading south. Gave it away at 10.30 and got the 10.50 bus to the ferry.
20.10.13 Holland Park/Norman Creek
As I was still car-less and Rob not interested in birding a second day, I walked down to my patch on Norman Creek at HP. Was a lazy morning so didn’t get there till 7.30. Still – picked up a few birds, including 7 Little Corellas that flew over which were new for the site. No development yet on the waste ground, but signs of fill being dumped and some rubbish too. Nothing out of the ordinary on site so far as birds were concerned.
26.10.13 Anstead & Moggill Pocket
Headed out to Moggill alone as Rob was away for work. Relatively quiet and for the first part, quite ‘dead’ – a lot of the lantana has been poisoned and small birds in particular seem to be absent. A female Cicadabird put in a brief appearance along with 5 Drongos. Not much to see along the river and the lookouts were generally quiet too. An agitated Dollarbird at the first one carried on while I was there but I couldn’t see any reason for it. A Brown Falcon on one of the power Towers was a new bird for the site for me. Walked down to the quarry to see what had changed re the path etc - nothing exciting except a Great Cormorant on the river was another new bird, and a long way from the sea, for me. A silent Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo flew across above the quarry. Down the bitumen track and playing for Satin Fly – a male bird responded and called back. Comparing the call with Leaden – this bird called at a quicker pace than Leaden on tape and I was comfortable it was a Satin. The female showed too, or at least I assume it was a female Satin, altho her breast was a low range orange, but she didn’t stick around too long so may have been a Leaden breeding nearby and was curious. The male was not satiny black, but there was no contrast between the head and upperparts – all one dark grey. It appeared more ‘round-headed’ than a regular Leaden too.
While watching the flycatchers a larger bird landed in a eucalypt in the background – a Rose-crowned Fruit-doveunexpectedly exposed.
On to Moggill Pocket Swamp – the water on the ‘other’ side of the road completely dried up, the swamp ‘this’ side full of Swamphens, Moorhens, a few Coots, Grey Teal, a single Glossy Ibis, a single (poss injured?) Freckled Duck, a White-necked Heron and a Latham’s Snipe. Some nice birds for a quiet morning.
27.10.13 Minnippi
Had a late start – needed a bit of a lie in – so didn’t get to site till 7.30…. Not much unusual on or around lake, apart from a group of pants-under-the-armpits so avoided them, successfully – initially. On the boardwalk at lake’s edge bumped into the Keats and together we saw a Spotless Crake on the nearside bank. A Latham’s Snipe was feeding exposed on one of the small islands and Black-fronted and Red-kneed Dotterels ran around on the mud that has become exposed as the water level dropped. Up the hill and down the back track – very quiet, until half way along a Baza hunting in the lower canopy flew very close and devoured a big white caterpillar - a new bird for site for me. Trudged back over the hill in the increasing heat and back along the right side of the pond. Checked the track near the river but only went in part way, did not do the complete circuit – didn’t seem much point as it was deathly quiet by now in the hot still conditions. Left around 9.15.
2.11.13 Nathan Rd, Bribie Is
Reports from last weekend indicated a slather of good birds in the northern suburbs so we decided to try for them all…..I picked up R at 4.45 and we got to Nathan Rd wetlands just after 5.30. This is our first visit here. (We had a Red-rumped Parrot on the grass in the middle of Anzac Ave as we drove) Parked up and walked in – a single car suggested someone else on site and I was relieved to see it was Gavin G. We spent the next three hours surveying the numerous birds on the drying waterhole – Red-necked Avocets and Black-winged Stilts, Sharp-tailed, Marsh and Curlew Sands, Pelicans, Ibis, Grey & Chestnut Teal and Black Duck, 4 Golden Plover, dozens of Red-kneed, Black-fronted and even Red-capped Dotterels and the biggest concentration of Latham’s Snipe I have ever seen. R picked up the single Black-tailed Native Hen among the many Swamphens and, finally, after about 2 hours I found a single Pectoral Sandpiper which was one of our targets here (Wood Sand was the other, but failed to materialise) Reed Warblers and a single distant Little Grassbirdwere also on site. Just before we left 2 White-throated Needletails (our first for the season) swooped in over the trees and a single White-necked Heron ploughed past as we headed back to the cars.
Headed up to Bribie and found it to be standing room only in the hide at Buckley’s Hole. The reported Bitterns (2 species), Wagtail, Crakes and Rails had obviously been an attractant for local birders….Unfortunately neither the Bitterns nor the Wagtail had been seen for several days and were not in evidence when we were there either. Several Spotless (at least 4) and a lone Baillon’s ran in and out of the reed bank on the far side of the water and a single Buff-banded Railparaded up and down the grassy sward to the left where the reported Wagtail had loitered briefly last Sunday. There were plenty of other birds as usual – Aust Grebes (one misidentified by a late arrival as Hoary-headed….), Spoonbills, Cormorants, Grey Teal and Black Duck and a single Glossy Ibis (new for site for me) but nothing else to get the blood racing despite continuous scanning of the reed beds by several observers. A local ‘older’ birder keep us all informed of the movements of the crakes and various other pieces of information, most of it useless. We were glad to escape and move on to Kakadu to try for the Oriental Plover and, possibly, the (doubtful) Long-toed Stint reported from Toorbul as the tide was now high and would, we thought, force most birds from Toorbul to Kakadu. There were a heap of Godwits, Oystercatcher and Red-necked Stints along the shoreline, a few Lesser Sand Plovers and a single Beach Stone Curlew, but no sign of any OP or LTS.
We headed back looking for a place for breakfast, but ended up at Scoops again, not very imaginative, but we couldn’t find anywhere else…. I had bacon and eggs on toast which just passed muster, R had a burger with everything, most of which fell out onto this plate, the coffee was barely acceptable, but, as I said, there’s nowhere else.
We went back to Buckley’s Hole again to check but there was nothing to see, even less than earlier so we just headed home.
3.11.13 Oxley
Sunday morning and, as usual, birding alone - got to site at 5.30. One other car, owner barely visible a long way out along the track. Pretty quiet –hot and heavy – and birds correspondingly so. Was enjoying the solitude of no one else being around until another birder caught up – English guy, long green pants and shirt, floppy hat. He passed me but didn’t move ahead very quickly, which left me trailing in his wake, birds gone. Very annoying. An immature Fan-tailed Cuckooin the first stretch of path and an immature (?) Shining Bronze Cuckoo on the middle of the track were worth noting. One female White-winged Triller in the first big tree in the paddock after turning off the main track to Pelican Lake was the main bird of interest. (A Superb Fairy wren nest in a clump of grass near the second concrete dip was interesting). The lakes were busy with Grebes, Teal, Stilts, Black Ducks, Red-kneed and Black-fronted Dotterels, Coots, Ibis and 1 Little Egret. A large (16) flock of Pelicans hunted together and 4 Hardhead completed the picture. Still a severe dearth of Moorhens and Swamphens – only 4 of the former and none of the latter - played for Lewin’s Rail and Spotless Crake at several locations with no success. Heading back towards the main track the English birder turned up again at the big tree over the small pond (now dried up) – there were 3-4 White-winged Trillers zipping around there apparently feeding a young bird. Not much else seen on the return walk to the car, home by 8.15.
9.11.13 Sandy Camp Rd
Noone else available, so arrived on site at 5.00, just after dawn. Quite birdy, heap of Egrets feeding, area behind viewing platform almost dry, nothing exciting in evidence tho, a White-necked Heron and 2 Spoonbills flew out as I walked in. 1 Baillon’s Crake on the lily pads, usual birds along walk between ponds including 7 Wandering Whistle ducks and 1 Spotless Crake scurried across the path. Went half way out the peninsula – Nothing on the mud, 1 Black-fronted Dotterel flying around. Out the back and on to the other ponds – now known as Deep Pond and Bittern Pond. Deep pond – usual few Pelicans, Grey Teal and 1 Night Heron flushed. 2 Leaden Flys and a White-throated Gerygone. On to Bittern Pond and a slow careful circuit produced nothing more than 2 more Night herons and a heap of Grey Teal and Black Duck. Another Spotless Crake crossed that track in front of me and an Azure Kingfisher put in a brief appearance as I exited. (New for the site for me) 20 distant White-throated Needletails visible from the field a long way to the west and 1 Glossy Ibis in the background of the third pond was also new for Sandy Camp I think, but not for my list which includes the oval. Finally a Pair of Spotless Crakes chasing on the edge of the muddy area behind the viewing platform.
Stopped at Kianawah Rd – 2 Marsh Sands and a handful of Sharpies took me over the fence with the small scope looking for a good wader. Nothing unusual. Home by 8.30
10.11.13 Oxley
Rob’s choice. On site at 5.45. Another warm, still morning despite the forecasted northerly winds and the windy weather last night. Seemed very quiet initially as Rob commented on a few times. Not a lot for the first half of the walk, apart from 2 White-throated Needletails following the river heading inland. Called up a Spotless Crake at the second dip – new for site for Rob. On to Pelican Pond and a Yellow-billed Spoonbill hung around for 10 minutes or so before taking off and heading north west. Still a number of Red-kneed Dotterels (~9) some showing aggression to each other as if defending territory. The main bird of interest was a single Night Heron perched up on one of the trees on the island in the second pond – seemed we may have overlooked it completely on first viewing. Other than that it was fairly normal apart from the complete lack of raptors. Breakfast at the ‘new’ café & deli place in Tarragindi near the sports field – coffee was excellent. Home at 10.00.
16.11.13 Manly
Rob picked me up at 6.15 and we got to Manly at 6.30 – to find a thunder storm in progress over the bay with random lightning strikes and a water spout on the horizon. We walked out towards the roost, but got cold feet as the heavy grey black cloud hung overhead and didn’t seem inclined to move and lightning was still appearing at random intervals. We went and had a coffee at La Mer and returned to the roost at about 7.45. By this time the storm had moved further off shore and the lightning had eased. Usual birds on site, although not as many as one would have expected given the relatively high tide. Went through them as usual but found nothing exceptional - as usual. A few Red Knot and a number of Terek Sands were good and there were higher than usual numbers of Lesser Sand Plovers and a few Greater. Bumped into Sandra Harding with her partner and a couple of other birders. Finished up with breakfast at the Celtic Corner as usual.
17.11.13 Minnippi
Got to site at 5.30 alone. Overcast but sharpish morning. Spotless Crake calling like crazy from riverbank. Water levels in lake have dropped exposing mud at close end of big island and extending area of little islands. Usual birds on water including 5 Wandering Whistle Ducks. 2 Latham’s Snipe, 7 Red-kneed Dotterels and 1 Black-fronted running around on the mud. Channel-billed Cuckoos having a loud time – the usual pair in the fig trees on the hill and, later, 3 others over the trees at the far end of the model airplane club grounds. Calling Koel and Coucal and, again later, Brush Cuckoobriefly. Walked the back track – pretty quiet, a few Variegated Fairy wrens, and a single Drongo. White-necked and White-faced Heron in open field. Another Spotless Crake responded to playback in small boardwalk, no response from a Lewin’s. Walked the track near the creek – all the way, not much apart from a Leaden Fly at the lower end. Left site at 8.00.
23.11.13 Sandy Camp Rd
Off to SCR alone again – Rob celebrating Di’s Birthday and Stu at the cricket. Hot still morning – been a few storms lately so water levels have risen slightly again – still some exposed mud at the far end of the causeway and 2 Red-kneed Dottstaking advantage. An Azure King in a brief glimpse on the pond behind the viewing platform was a surprise and 2 Spotless there and 1 Baillon’s on the main pond less so. 2 Glossy ibis this time and a calling White-winged Triller that remained invisible were the probable highlights of the first part. The second two ponds produced the usual stuff – more Pelicans, Grey Teal and cormorants – and a couple of Night Herons but no Bitterns. I walked the second track beside the ‘Bittern’ track and explored further. The area is quite extensive and there is probably more to go, but I didn’t find anything too exciting.
A raptor seen badly and briefly twice turned out to be a Baza in the end on the third sighting and there seemed to be Brown Quail everywhere beetling along the track ahead of me. Stopped off at Kianawah rd mudflats on the way home – usual Red-kneed Dotterels and Black-winged Stilts, Magpie Geese in the background and Cattle Egrets in the grass.
29.11.13 – 1.12.13 Tasmania
Left Brisbane at 9.15, arr Hobart without incident 13.00 (local time) although the plane did jump around a bit as we landed and several women half screamed. Got a black Nissan from Avis and headed east. Musk Duck and probable Hoary–headed Grebe from causeway near Sorrel. Stopped for some rolls and ham for lunch on Saturday then on to Eaglehawk Neck. About 12 degrees, showers, grey, overcast. Into Tarana State Forest up a dirt track, Cape Barren Geese in the fields (total about 12) quite confiding, Tas Native Hens crossing the track. Parked up in the forest and immediately had Olive Whistler, Golden Whistler, Strong-billed He and Tas Thornbill! Crescent He followed soon after and a female Pink Robin – poorly seen.
Back to the car and a quick drive down to Pirates Bay to see the blowhole and look for Firetail (dipped) – a few Gannets and 2 Shy Alberts way off the coast. The sea looked very calm and empty, with the wind blowing 20+ knots from the south west…..….didn’t bode particularly well for Saturday’s pelagic.
Off to the Lufra and booked in to the 70’s style, in-dire-need-of-refurbishment, accommodation – who had arranged a ‘double’ room, but quickly changed it to twin beds when I asked…..but awesome view from the dining room across the bay and out to sea, great position for a hotel and at $40 a night each wasn’t bad value.
Unpacked and had dinner in the hotel – Stu had the roast beef, I had ‘smoked’ pork, which was actually very like ‘gammon’ steak or medallions of pork – plenty of meat and quite tasty, vegies were ho hum. At around $20 a person it was OK.
7.15 and off to look for Tas Masked Owl in the Port Arthur convict settlement.
You can, basically, walk right in to the complex free and clear – there are no signs to stop you, no fences to climb, in fact there are two well-built wooden styles to get over the two fences that cross the well maintained forest path……
We parked under a flowering gum on the side of the road and found a handful of Swift Parrots feeding overhead. Managed to get a couple in the scope – they were much smaller than I remembered, but its’ been years. 3 other birders joined us. Stu had met them recently on a Southport pelagic and they had discussed Tasmania and the fact they were down for the pelagic too.
We walked in along the track in the dusk – remember it’s not dark down there till about 8.30 – and found our way to the Governor’s house. Andy had seen the Owl from the hill behind the Governor’s house when it flew out of ‘the’ tree and perched on the roof a few weeks ago. Stu had seen the bird leave the tree in September and land on some nearby battlements - he’d seen it from the path directly below the tree in front of the Gov’s place. Stu suggested that the best viewing spot would be the hill behind the building so we made ourselves comfortable in the 20 knot wind and occasional rain – not the best night for owl hunting…. And no success either. We did have Bandicoots and rabbits running around our feet and we did wait till 9.15, then gave it away and trudged back through the forest to the cars and so home.
Saturday morning – up at 6.15 and down to the pier at 6.45 – a civilised hour to start a pelagic. Damp, grey, overcast, miserable looking morning – cloud hanging just below the surrounding peaks. Wind gusting form the southwest still feeling cold and threatening. Onto the Pauletta and what a contrast to the Grinner – shit everywhere, fish crates, tangled ropes, a giant orange buoy, hooks, sinkers, Jesus, what a mess and the smell of fish? This is a working boat and pretty rough. However the skipper knows his stuff and despite the 2-2.5 meter swell, 25-30 knot winds and intermittent rain we had no issues at all.
Headed out towards the Hippolytes. First birds were Gannets, then a few Shy Alberts, then a relatively distant White-chinned Petrel, which looks like all the other large dark petrels…… then Short-tailed Shearwaters shearing madly past in the increasingly wild conditions. Around close to the rocks and the swell looked like it was going to throw us onto the rocks. I saw a Tern, called it and it was tentatively identified as White-fronted – would have been a new bird for Australia for me, but I think I’ll let it go - it was a shit view and I’ll be going again so……. We moved away from the rocks and headed out to the shelf – only about an hour’s steaming. At this point one of the punters got sick – very sick - and remained that way for the next 6 hours. I never felt ill at all, in fact I was fine, eating ham rolls and drinking coffee, not a problem
A Sooty Shearwater turned up briefly next, then more WC Pets, ST Shears, Shy Albs and one Great-winged Petrel. A brief view of a Common Diving Petrel before it did what it was supposed to do – dived – was a new bird for Australia for me. We eventually stopped and the oil bottle was thrown over to start a slick and the deckie commenced chopping up chicken skin and stuff for burley. This continued for the next 3 or 4 hours and the birds were just stunning!
We had dozens of Shy Alberts, both Northern and Southern Royal Albs, 2 Wandering, 3 Black-browed, 2 of which were Campbell Island with the light eye and, best of all, a fully plumaged adult Grey-headed Albatross feeding at the back of the boat within arm’s reach! This is extremely rare seemingly, Stu reckons only about 4 adult G-h Alberts have been seen in Australia and never this close. We had WC Pets around all the time – 18 at one stage, Wilson’s Storm Petrels and finally, after an hour or two, Grey-backed Stormie (lifer for me) – really cute little bird. During the morning we had several Cockarillas scream past at distance. A couple were unidentifiable – too far, too fast, but there was at least 1 Gould’s, 1 Mottled (lifer for Stu) and a freaking Cook’s Petrel!! I did get on to the latter, but only saw the Mottled with naked eye. Man it was AWESOME!! The alberts and WC Pets and ST Shears were all within arm’s reach – just brilliant. We moved twice, the last time for not much advantage and I’d have been happy to come in then around 1.00, but we steamed north a fair way seeing little else and arrived back at the harbour just after 3 – meanwhile the wind had dropped, the sun was out and it was uncomfortably hot.
Went back to the hotel, showered and relaxed with a beer. I also drove about 10 kms up the road towards Hobart to get signal on my phone and alert the rest of the world to my continued survival and status. It was a beautiful evening, calm and clear, warm for Tasmania – until you stepped outside and then there was a nip in the air.
We had dinner at 6.00 - both had the fish and chips which was very disappointing, then headed out Owling again at 7.15. Had great views of a Flame Robin perched on a street sign and once again the Swift Parrots were in the flowering gum. We sat behind the governor’s house and watched the Blackbirds feeding in the grass in the waning light, cold and clear – very UK-ish. Two of last night’s threesome turned up and sat with us. As it got dark we noticed a ghost tour starting up near the front gate of the complex and about the same time it appeared a torch was being used on the Owl tree –we could see the upper branches and part of the trunk – Stu went to check but reported no one was there so we continued our vigil. Eventually at about 9.15 we went down to the tree and saw 4 birders heading off into the ruins about 100 meters away. It transpires that those birders came in from a different access point, saw the TWO Owls in the tree from close to the tree and left again – meanwhile we missed out as the Owls flew in a different direction. A bit frustrating, but I guess that’s life. Hopefully they’ll still be available when I go back next winter for another trip….
Sunday morning and we were up and out at 5.30 – headed straight back towards Hobart stopping at Mackers at Sorrel for breakfast, the causeway for Musk Duck and Hoary-headed Grebe and a stunned Tawny Frogmouth in the road which we rescued and released – God, they are so soft in the hand. Then on to Peter Murell Reserve and looking for Red-browed Pardalote (dipped), but got Strong-billed again, Yellow-throated and Black-headed Honeyeater, Hoary-headed Grebe and 2 Pallid Cuckoos. We also traipsed through a wet field to get Skylark ( new Aust for me) and Goldfinch (only my second in Aust) – which was nice. On then to Ferntree Gully and a almost birdless wander. Did hear Pink Robin and got Dusky sitting way up a tree calling his heart out, which seemed way out of habitat, but there you go. Did get Tas Scrubwren very well while avoiding the multiple joggers, walkers, dogs, bikes, prams on the track….it was very busy on this glorious Sunday morning. A quick drive almost to the top of Mt Wellington for a photo and a view followed by a stop off at Springs Reserve on the way down produced another excellent Olive Whistler – called in and left calling….. At the airport just after midday, dropped off the car without issue, coffee in the waiting area, boarded late at 13.20, arr in Brisbane at 15.30.
14.12.13 Samsonvale
Rob drove and we reached site at about 5.30. Standing in the carpark identifying birds calling an Emerald Dove streaked past – a first for the site for both. Walked down to the lakeshore and scoped the water and exposed mud on the far bank. Sharp-tailed Sands were another new site bird. Quite a lot of activity and variety on and around the water’s edge. After a while headed back up, over the gate and through the woods on the usual route circling the Hoop Pine plantation. No Owlet-Nightjar in residence, Olive-backed Orioles next building, not much else exciting. Breakfast for a change at Berryplace on main drag in Samford – good pancakes.
15.12.13 Manly
Text from Stu advised Broad-billed Sands at the wader roost – decided I might as well go and get site tick. Half way there and a phone call from Stu advised Kelp Gull on site too. Both birds readily visible – 6 in fact at least BBSs and excellent close views. The Gull was a second year with a black tail tip which suggested Pacific, but the bill was far too light (in weight) to be that species. While watching those and checking for other oddities we spotted two Dugong passing just a few meters off shore – they took quite some time to pass, surfacing regularly, but the water was very murky so they were difficult to spot once submerged. Rob managed to get down in response to my txt to see all three species.
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