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Mornington Peninsula
Birdlife
Volume 5 Number 1 March 2016
Grey Fantail, photographed at Sweetwater Creek in Frankston South by Lana Cumming
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
Welcome to the first BirdLife Mornington Peninsula
newsletter for 2016, our outings program is up and details
are on the website or in this newsletter. Unfortunately our
Christmas outing was hit by a total fire ban and was
subsequently cancelled, we hope for better weather for the
start of this summer’s outings.
Our 2016 AGM will be held on Wednesday 11 May at The
Briars and we hope you will put this date in your diaries and
perhaps think about nominating for the committee. Euan
Moore from National Office will give us the lowdown on IBAs
(Important Bird Areas) as speaker of the day.
BirdLife Australia’s focus this year will be “Migratory
Shorebirds Public Engagement Campaign” with a theme of it
is “Time to Act”, we will keep members informed.
COMMITTEE NOTES
The committee received financial assistance from the
Bendigo Bank for the newsletter production and we thank
them. The committee decided to support the Bush Heritage
organisation in its initiative to protect the Night Parrot and
its habitat with a $500 donation. Branch membership has
risen to 280 probably the highest yet. We have been asked
to provide some monitoring of Tuckey Track at Sorrento and
we have agreed to help. BERG Mt Martha is running a family
day at the estuary on 28 February and we will have a stall
there. Our much-vaunted book “Where to Find Birds Around
Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula” has been sold out
and we are looking to do a reprint.
Max Burrows, President
Contents
1. Branch news
4. Habitat for wildlife
5. Outings program and reports
7. Bell Miner
8. Eastern Treatment Plant wetland surveys
10. Cup weekend camp
11. Washing in Woods Reserve dam
12. Bird squabbles
13. Aye, Karumba!
14. Observations
Branch news
MEMBER PROFILE
Lana Cumming
How I started birding:
As a long-time resident of the Mornington Peninsula and
growing up in Frankston, I gained an appreciation for the
remnant bush landscape and native animals from a young
age. Residing in close proximity to a number of natural
reserves meant that we could enjoy a multitude of
interesting native ‘visitors’ to our garden. These include an
Echidna, Blue-tongue Lizards, Eastern Snake-necked Turtle,
Sugar Gliders, Possums, Microbats, many native birds and
even a Koala! Over the years I became particularly
fascinated with the unique beauty and behaviour of the local
native birds and what was simply a passing interest
developed into a hobby. With a background in I.T. (Web
Design), which often included an associated component of
photography, I soon also became passionate about bird
photography.
Favourite birding spots on the Peninsula:
Maintaining a bird-friendly native garden provides the
opportunity to observe a variety of birds in our own backyard
(30+ species have been recorded). Some of the more unique
avian visitors include a group of Yellow-tailed BlackCockatoos, who enjoyed feeding from the numerous Banksia
trees in our yard; a family of Australian King Parrots, Blackfaced Cuckoo-shrikes and a Grey Shrike-thrush. Other more
frequently recognised species, often consisting of Rainbow
Lorikeets, Laughing Kookaburras, Eastern Rosellas, Crested
Pigeons and Australian Magpies, also enhance the garden
environment with their animated antics.
Mt Eliza Regional Park and Sweetwater Creek Reserves are
among some of my favourite birdwatching locations. Given
that I am still relatively new to birding, I am also looking
forward to visiting many of the other fantastic birdwatching
sites located on the Mornington Peninsula such as Frankston
Reservoir, The Briars and Coolart.
Memorable birding moments:
Observing the curious behaviour of a family of Grey
Butcherbirds which includes one adult male, one adult female
and one young female from a previous season. This
particular family of Butcherbirds had occupied our garden
and the surrounding territory for a number of years. One
season, another male bird, possibly younger, invaded the
territory and challenged the original male in what was a
rather unfriendly confrontation. The ‘new arrival’ was
victorious and proceeded to move into the territory. This
resulted in an unusual situation, whereby the male was then
supporting a nest in our yard and the neighbours garden
simultaneously, with both of the female Butcherbirds. The
responsibility of providing food for the two nests proved to be
quite a challenge for him. On one occasion, he was seen
raiding the nest of an unsuspecting Noisy Miner.
Watching a group of Red-browed Finches feeding in close
proximity at Lower Sweetwater Creek Reserve.
Seeing a pair of tiny Spotted Pardalotes swimming in one of
the large bird baths in our garden.
Hearing the beautiful calls of the Golden Whistler for the first
time at Upper Sweetwater Creek Reserve.
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Mornington Peninsula Birdlife
Standing very quietly on the walking track at Upper
Sweetwater Creek Reserve as a family of Superb Fairy-wrens
wandered around our feet foraging for food.
Birding ambitions:
To contribute towards raising awareness of the importance of
conserving our natural bush landscapes and bird habitats.
The opportunity to travel around Australia photographing
birds is on my to-do list, as well as continuing to extend my
knowledge of bird identification, calls and behaviour.
Other interests:
Tennis, photography, native garden design, technology.
Vale - June Elmer
Many will be saddened to hear of the death of
June Elmer on 7.1.2016.
June joined the then Bird Observers Club (BOC) about thirtyfive years ago and regularly attended meetings surveys and
outings. Later, after moving to the Peninsula with her
husband Ron, she served PenBoc as a willing and valued
Committee member for approximately ten years.
June was a "Gentle Lady" and all who knew her will
mourn her passing.
Joan Peters
Newsletter contributions
Thanks for your fantastic articles and photos; keep
sharing your sightings, observations, bird photos, daily
birding activities, surveys, tips on bird identification and
birding while travelling stories.
Send to Val Ford; 5981 1445 & [email protected]
Deadline for June edition: 1 May 2016
Earlier articles appreciated.
Branch news
Did you pick up these misidentifications?
We are relative newcomers to the world of ornithology and
are far from experts, hence are always conscious we may be
making mistakes. In relation to our photos published in the
December newsletter we have found out that two were
misidentified.
The Chestnut rumped Thornbill is actually an Inland
Thornbill. When Tim entered it in the BirdLife LBJ
photographic competition and he was informed of our
misidentification.
Misidentified birds
Con tried to enter the Mistletoebird in the same competition
and received a phone call from Graham Cam (President of
BirdLife Photography) to inform him it was actually a male
with some sort of plumage disease; hence it was disqualified
from the competition. I guess it fooled a lot of us.
Did you pick up these mistakes when reading the newsletter?
Con Duyvestyn & Tim Van Leeuwen
Contacting BirdLife Mornington Peninsula
President Max Burrows; 9789 0224
PO Box 2262 Rosebud Plaza, Vic 3939
[email protected]
www.birdlife.org.au/locations/birdlife-mornington-peninsula
Wetland protection for the birds
Protecting wetlands in Western Port and Port Phillip which are
integral to the survival of migratory birds, ranges from
controlling pest plants and animals to increasing
understanding about their importance.
Management of the three internationally recognised Ramsar
wetlands - Edithvale-Seaford, Western Port and the western
shoreline of Port Phillip Bay - is coordinated out by the Port
Phillip and Westernport Catchment Management Authority
(PPWCMA).
"In addition, the PPWCMA has started the Improving
Wetlands Project supported by the state government's
Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning
involving partnerships with councils, government agencies,
community Landcare groups and private landholders," the
authority's Andrew Morrison said.
"Some birds, such as the eastern curlew, migrate annually
over 10,000 kilometres from places such as Siberia to
Australia, and rely on our wetlands to rest and feed as part of
their amazing yearly ritual.
"However, some pests and modem land uses and activities,
including weeds, foxes, feral cats and increasing urbanisation
and recreation have put the Ramsar wetlands under
pressure."
Mr Morrison said the five-year, $3 million Improving
Wetlands Project "will contribute to improving the ecological
health and condition of mangrove and saltmarsh vegetation
communities across the sites".
Julie Trezise, of the French Island Landcare Group and Scott Coutts,
Parks Victoria, setting a feral cat trap to help protect wetlands on the
map for international bird travellers. Photo by James Lauritz
"It will also help to reduce the threats from feral animals to
native wildlife, and community engagement activities will
raise awareness of wetland values and increase community
and public knowledge.
For more information on the PPWCMA's work at the Ramsar
wetland sites, visit www.ppwcma.vic.gov.au.
Southern Peninsula News, 3 November 2015
Powerful Owl Count
Mornington Peninsula Shire and BirdLife Australia are
undertaking a monitoring program to identify roosting and
breeding locations of the endangered Powerful Owl, aiming
to protect Australia’s largest owl. Conservation Ranger, Josh
Gunn, said the Shire is asking people to report sightings or
observations of the Powerful Owls so the locations can be
included in future surveys, and to broaden the knowledge of
the species’ distribution on the Peninsula.
Max Burrows of BirdLife Australia said the Powerful Owl is an
important ‘top level’ predator that is required to keep the
ecosystem in check. “Recent surveys undertaken by the
state government identified significant numbers of owls on
the Peninsula, and we’re wanting to follow on and keep up to
date with sightings and in particular breeding locations so
they can be properly protected for the future generations of
this endangered species,” he said.
If you see or hear a Powerful Owl please email
[email protected] or phone 5950 1274.
Peninsula Speaks, Newsletter Spring 2015
March 2016
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Habitat for wildlife
Hollow outcome
Under Mornington Peninsula Shire supervision a large dead
trunk which has been standing straight for at least 25 years
to my knowledge with a hollow for nesting of large birds, in
this case cockatoos, has this week been cut in half and the
nest destroyed.
In the past two weeks I have seen the parents feeding
whatever was inside the nest. I have observed the continuing
use of this nest for the last nine years. What was a small
hole, the cockatoos enlarged to fit their size.
It was pure joy to see them return year after year. Now they
and at least four other cockatoos are competing to reestablish a home in the open top of what is left of the tree. It
is distressing to watch. Ironically, a smaller dead tree has
been left standing nearby.
No doubt “safety” will be the excuse. What can’t be excused
is the ignorance of those in charge, to allow this to happen at
the peak breeding season. Shame on you Council and Forest
Drive is looking increasingly like a moonscape.
Cockatoos looking for top of tree; branches cut to fit and banged
into hollows. Photos by Joan Dick
Joan Dick, Mt Martha
Report sick and dead wildlife
Please contact us to report sick and dead wildlife from free
ranging populations of endemic mammals birds reptiles and
amphibians in Victoria. We investigate reports to understand
baseline wildlife health and detect changes. This is important
because wildlife health can affect biodiversity conservation
and ecosystem health, biosecurity, and the health of
domestic animals and people. (One Health).
Dead and paralysed seagulls resulting from Avian Botulism
Ringtail possums with skin ulcers can have Mycobacterium
ulcerans (Bairnsdale ulcer) infections. These can occur in
Melbourne including the Bellarine and Mornington peninsulas,
and the bacteria can cause skin ulcers in people.
Please monitor wetlands for sick or dead waterbirds. Observe
leg, wing and neck strength as birds with avian botulism
have weak legs, then can’t fly or hold up their heads. We
want to examine birds to make a diagnosis as Avian Cholera,
algal or other toxin could also occur.
Pam Whiteley 0400 119 301 [email protected]
French Island Tree Planting
The first Growing Connections project on French Island got
off to a good start when 22 people turned up for a
Community Planting Day on Saturday 22 August. The project
along Tankerton Road – which is the main road on the island
– plans to restore degraded roadside vegetation and create a
viable habitat corridor to link up the French Island National
Park (via Clump Road) with an important bushland remnant
on The Centreway. Each year, the French Island LandCare
group and FOFI (Friends of French Island NP) hold a
community planting day on the island. The day turned out to
be perfect for planting and the group tackled the task with
enthusiasm. Four hundred trees were planted and guards
placed, before everyone retired for hot soup and homemade
bread at the nearby organic olive orchard.
The southern third of French Island is mostly on soils of the
Flinders Volcanics, whereas the remainder of the island is
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Mornington Peninsula Birdlife
Planting along Tankerton Road French Island. Photo by Fay Gordes
sand, clays and gravels of the Baxter Formation and
Cranbourne Sands. The richer soils along the south coast
were first settled in 1847, and have been subject to intensive
grazing, burning and clearing ever since. Very little original
vegetation remains and the French Island Growing
Connections projects aim to improve and connect these
remnants. Most of these remnants are on private land, with
some very small pockets along the south coast fringe, which
is part of the National Park. Over the last 20 years, many of
the remnants have been fenced and it is very encouraging to
see rare plant species reappearing.
Chris Chandler, French Island, The Connector: Western
Port Biosphere News Issue 7, Oct-Dec 2015 (edited)
Outings
EVERYBODY’S WELCOME
Outings are held on the second Wednesday and third Sunday
of the month, except in January, and are cancelled on total
fire ban days.
Newcomers, beginners and visitors are welcome and
members will help you with the birds. Binoculars for casual
use are available on every outing. Bring lunch (optional) and
a folding chair for bird call and chat.
For more information about an outing contact Max Burrows
on 0429 947 893 or the leader listed.
Max Burrows, Outings Coordinator
Great Cormorant at Flinders beach. Photo by Con Duyvestyn
Date
Time
Locality
Meeting place and other information
Leader
Phone
Wed 9 Mar
9.00
Arthurs Seat State Park, Rosebud
Meet 9.00 outside Rosebud Public Golf Course gate in Elizabeth
Drive. Mel 170 J5
Joan Peters
5981 2078
Sun 20 Mar
9.00
Langwarrin Flora & Fauna Reserve,
Langwarrin
Meet 9.00 at carpark; enter off McClelland Drive past North Road
intersection. Mel 103 D10
Max Burrows
0429 947 893
Wed 13 Apr
9.30
Tootgarook Wetlands private
property
Meet 9.30 at equestrian centre entrance, off Boneo Road past
Rosebud Country Club and before Browns Road, and follow BirdLife
signs. Mel 170 A9
David
Ap-Thomas
9787 6691
0429 939 036
Sun 17 Apr
9.30
Mordialloc Creek Wetlands
Meet 9.30 in Observation Court. Road is accessed off Springvale
Road at traffic lights into The Waterways Blvd. then left at
Waterside Drive over bridge then left into Observation Court.
Mel 93 F4
Max Burrows
0429 947 893
Wed 11 May
9.30
AGM at The Briars, Mt Martha
Meet 9.30 at the visitors centre Nepean Highway. Bird walk,
morning tea, AGM followed by a speaker. Mel 145 D11
Max Burrows
0429 947 893
Sun 15 May
9.30
Studio Park, Frankston
Meet 9.30 at Sycamore Street entrance. Take McClelland Drive into Max Burrows
Poplar Grove turn left, entrance ahead. Mel 103 G3
0429 947 893
Wed 8 June
9.30
Sages Cottage, Baxter
Meet 9.30 at main gate near corner of Sages Road and Moorooduc
Highway. Mel 106 G5
Susan Clark
5975 7409
Sun 19 June
9.30
Peninsula Gardens Bushland
Reserve, Rosebud
Meet 9.30am at entrance in Jetty Road north of Browns Road
intersection. Mel 170 H10
Ray Pentland
5986 4717
MUSHROOM REEF AND KENNON
COVE, FLINDERS
Roger Standen: Wed 11 November
Species recorded: 45
It was a grey day with a stiff south-easterly blowing but that
didn’t deter some thirty-four birdos turning up at Mushroom
Reef to look for sea birds and waders. It was pleasing to see
people from the U3A course as well as those who came along
to “What Bird is That?” Welcome, one and all. Our leader,
Roger gave an outline of what to expect for the morning and
we set out along the beach. It wasn’t long before someone
had spotted the small flock of Red-necked Stints and a
couple of Ruddy Turnstones. A pair of Hooded Plovers had
set up a territory at the end of the beach, and both were
seen. There were no indications that they were attempting a
second shot at nesting for this season.
Other sea birds were not much in evidence apart from the
usual three species of gull, Crested Terns, a couple of Great
Cormorants and a Sooty Oystercatcher. With the help of a
scope, Australasian Gannets and albatross species were seen
flying well out to sea.
Moving around, in convoy, to Kennon Cove, the walk to the
yacht club revealed the usual collection of bush birds. Many
Ruddy Turnstones at Mushroom Reef. Photo by Peter Gerdsen
were heard rather than seen. These included: Superb Fairywren, White-browed Scrubwren, Brown Thornbill, large
honeyeaters such as Singing, Spiny-cheeked and the
wattlebirds, Grey Fantail and Eastern Yellow Robin. A solitary
Nankeen Kestrel cruised overhead.
On reaching the sheltered cove at the base of West Head,
people were able to test their identification skill at
distinguishing female and immature Chestnut Teal from Grey
Teal. Also a Pied Cormorant permitted a closer inspection of
the brilliance of the breeding colours on its beak.
Out on Western Port, two larger dark petrels were spotted,
March 2016
5
Outings
making for tantalising speculation on what the species could
be. It was anybody’s guess at that distance. Many thanks to
Roger for leading the trip and I hope that the new comers
had a good outing and are ready to come again for more
birding on the peninsula.
Larry Wakefield, Mt Martha
TROUPS CREEK WETLANDS,
HAMPTON PARK
Max Burrows: Sun 15 November
Species recorded: 44
Looking for that elusive wader at Mushroom Reef.
What a contrast, thirty-four attendees at Flinders on a cold,
overcast morning and four days later only six attendees at
Troups Creek Wetlands on a fine sunny morning.
Twenty-five bird species were recorded prior to leaving the
parking area at Hallam South Road including Yellow-tailed
Black-Cockatoo, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo and a Blackshouldered Kite looking down at us from the power lines.
As we walked along a flat concrete pathway the birdsong was
strong and varied with many Australian Reed-Warblers and
Little Grassbirds calling.
Herons, ibis, Silver Gulls and cormorants were prominent
together with the usual waders and “imports”. Ducks were
conspicuous by their absence but European Skylarks and
Fairy Martins were plentiful.
Whilst being watched by a couple of Red Fox we enjoyed a
great morning walk and birding. Thanks Max.
Graeme Horskins, Glen Waverley
MAIN RIDGE FLORA & FAUNA
RESERVE, MAIN RIDGE
David Ap-Thomas: Wed 9 December
Species recorded: 33
Nineteen people attended the outing to the Main Ridge Flora
and Fauna Reserve on a fine sunny day. Thirty-three species
of bird were recorded.
There were many Rufous Fantails seen fleetingly but the
dense vegetation allowed them to be mainly heard but not
often seen. Maybe they were busy feeding young in the deep
cover. Their first cousins the Grey Fantails were much easier
to see as they noisily flitted through the undergrowth.
Wattlebirds, both Red and Little, were conspicuous in the
taller trees calling loudly to each other. Rufous and Golden
Whistlers sang and added to the cacophony of sound as we
walked along. A group of Varied Sittellas were spotted high in
the tall trees busily searching for insects and grubs in the
bark and acrobatically hopping upside-down underneath the
branches. White-throated Treecreepers went up the trunks
also in search of insects and calling loudly and at length.
We also had many calls from Satin Flycatchers and were able
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Mornington Peninsula Birdlife
Searching for Satin Flycatchers at Main Ridge. Photos by Con Duyvestyn
to get sightings of the birds high in the canopy flitting rapidly
from tree to tree and waggling their tails excitedly each time
they landed. No doubt there were nests in the canopy.
Spotted Pardalotes called as they searched for lerps in the
foliage. Both Brown and Striated Thornbills were seen.
We saw a good selection of parrots during the walk. Sulphurcrested Cockatoos made a lot of noise then thankfully moved
away. Crimson and Eastern Rosellas were flying through the
trees chattering happily as they went. King Parrots were
heard as well as Galahs.
Among the honeyeaters, in addition to the Wattlebirds, we
saw or heard New Holland, Brown-headed, Yellow-faced
Honeyeaters and Eastern Spinebills. Superb Fairy-wrens and
White-browed Scrubwrens called from the dense shrubs.
A very pleasant walk through this large area of woodland full
of birds.
David Ap-Thomas, Mt Eliza
DUNN’S CREEK ESTATE, RED HILL
Max Burrows: Sun 20 December
Due to the weather conditions on the day with a total fire
ban proclaimed our outing and Christmas lunch
unfortunately had to be cancelled. We thank Hannah and
Roger for offering their property but it wasn’t to be.
Max Burrows, Langwarrin
A morning at Woods Reserve
BELL MINER
Not having any photos of Bell Miners (Manorina
melanophrys), I went to Woods Reserve in early November
to try and rectify the situation. While the birds were plentiful
and remained in the one location, they spent most of their
time among the foliage and generally in the shade so getting
well-lit and satisfying photos took some time. What that gave
me was the opportunity to observe them and the
surroundings.
I was aware of their impact on forests, particularly in
northern NSW where I have seen the devastating mess they
can leave and I noted that the condition of the gully they
inhabit at Woods Reserve has deteriorated significantly in the
four or so years I have been visiting it.
One of two practices that are strong traits of Bell Miners that
can impact strongly on tree health are their propensity to eat
more lerps than the sap-sucking insects called psyllids that
produce them. The lerps are the sugary protective covers
that are produced by the nymphs of psyllids. While this
preference for the lerps is not conclusively confirmed, there
are reports in the literature that allude to this factor. The
other practice is their typical miner behaviour of being
extremely protective of their territory and they chase just
about all other birds from their territory. This has a
consequence that compounds the impact of the preferential
feeding by removing the other psyllid feeding birds.
This leads to a build up of the insects and in turn leads to
more pressure on the trees they inhabit. Because the psyllid
nymphs can often prey more heavily on the new shoots and
young regrowth, this can have a negative impact on the
trees. However, ‘psyllids ain’t psyllids’ as some produce lerps
containing more sugar than others that contain more protein.
Birds are discerning as to which they find more attractive to
eat. This is part of the complexity of understanding what
happens between the birds and the dieback.
Where the Bell Miners are found at Woods Reserve is typical
of their habitat, a gully with heavy lower - mid height
vegetation and a clear canopy of eucalypts (along the track
just inside the entrance from the Gellibrand Road entrance).
The mid-story vegetation is made up of a lot of the
widespread weed pittosporum, Black Wattle and a few other
weedy species (I’m no botanist).
During my two hours there, I only saw the birds feeding in
the eucalypts and the Black Wattle. I couldn’t tell what they
were getting out of the wattle, but they took heaps of lerps
from the eucalypt trees. I also saw the miners successfully
searching among the bark for other insects. Several times I
saw birds with a beak full of lerps that they were presumably
going to feed young with. While I didn’t see any nests, I did
see a number of birds drop down into the undergrowth (Bell
Miners nest below 3m) on repeated occasions to return back
up to the canopy shortly after, so a rash assumption was that
at least one nest had growing youngsters. Several birds could
have been going to the same nest as these birds have a
dominant pair that breed and are helped by others in the
extended family clan.
What really stood out to me was the contrast between the
creek side of the track (downhill) and the other side, in terms
of bird species present. Along the creek where miners
controlled what entered the area, there were only a few
Common Blackbirds. There were no other bird species that I
Bell Miner loaded up with lerps harvested from eucalypts.
Photo by Rog Standen
saw or heard call from that area. In contrast to this there
were eleven other species (as well as miners that used a
strip about 20m in from the track edge) on the uphill side of
the track. The list of these included both Striated and
Spotted Pardalotes, Yellow-faced and White-naped
Honeyeaters and Red Wattlebirds. There seemed plenty of
potential for eating psyllids among this lot. If the miners
were not present these birds would be spread across the
whole gully and perhaps the vegetation along the gully would
be healthier.
But, apparently life isn’t that simple. Due to the impact Bell
Miner Associated Dieback (BMAD) had on NSW forests, a
BMAD Working Group was set up a decade ago and they
produced some great reports that cover the issues to do with
dieback. What they found was that there are a complex mix
of factors that lead to the dieback and potential recovery
mechanisms. Other factors they showed were involved
included psyllid ecology, root pathogen effects, other psyllid
predators, habitat modification, nutrition and other soil
factors (eg being too wet) and fire regimes. As the paper
cited at the end of this article states, “Blaming (just) Bell
Miners for the problem (of significant biodiversity loss) will
not lead to its resolution”
There is also Phytophthora present in the area where the Bell
Miners are. Is that a contributor to the demise of the tree
cover and does the impact of the psyllid management by the
miners only have that negative impact due to the presence
of the root fungi? Or does the root fungi only become
prominent due to the stress caused by the psyllids? I am
sure there has been plenty of thought and effort gone into
this by the Woods Reserve management group - something I
haven’t had a chance to explore.
Whatever the real cause, it is hard to go past the first
conclusion that comes to mind (or it did come to my mind)
that the Bell Miners have caused (directly or indirectly) a
deal of damage to the canopy cover of the creek in the
section of creek they control. What is it about this family
Manorina?
Reference: Grant Wardell-Johnson, Christine Stone, Harry Recher & A.
Jasmyn J. Lynch, Bell Miner Associated Dieback (BMAD) Independent
Scientific Literature Review: A review of eucalypt dieback associated with
Bell miner habitat in north-eastern New South Wales, Australia. DEC NSW
Occasional Paper DEC 2006/116.
Rog Standen, Mt Eliza
March 2016
7
Eastern Treatment Plant wetland surveys
GLOSSY IBIS AT ETP
25 October 2015: Seventy bird species were logged; thirtyseven species were wetland dependant (of which nine were
shorebirds), five were raptors and twenty-eight were nonwetland dependant.
Highlights were forty Glossy Ibis, four Pectoral Sandpipers,
eight Great Crested Grebe, eleven Latham’s Snipe, one
thousand one hundred and twenty Sharp-tailed Sandpiper
and two hundred and fifteen Whiskered Tern. Eurasian Tree
Sparrows have returned to their old haunts on the Plant,
seven were recorded.
22 November 2015: Eighty-one bird species were logged of
which forty-eight were wetland dependant (including thirteen
shorebirds), six were raptors and twenty-seven were nonwetland dependant.
One of the forty Glossy Ibis.
Among the thirteen shorebird species, we counted 2,770
Sharp-tailed Sandpipers (mainly on Basins 4 and 5) and as
there were nearly 3,280 on the external wetlands along
Rossiter Road a week ago with no change in conditions and
no evidence of movement between these sites we believe
that currently there is a total of ~6,000 on the ETP wetlands.
This is a significant percentage of the world population.
Other highlights included thirty Glossy Ibis and five Marsh
Sandpipers. A pair of Dusky Moorhen with three almost fully
grown young on a small pond near the maintenance area
adjacent the Eastern Sward Golf Course (not regularly seen
at the ETP and proof of breeding even rarer with perhaps just
three records) and Fairy Martins feeding newly fledged
chicks.
Black-fronted Dotterel’s distraction display to protect its nest
with two eggs at the ETP. Photos by David Stabb
27 December 2015: Seventy-seven bird species were
logged of which forty were wetland dependant (including nine
shorebirds), five were raptors and thirty-two were nonwetland dependant. There were no major highlights but some
minor ones were sixteen Latham’s Snipe, one Pectoral
Sandpiper and one Caspian Tern
Due to the reduction in wetland habitat particularly for
shorebirds and marshland-frequenting species, diversity was
down and abundance for many was also well down, very
noticeably for Whiskered Terns. Sharp-tailed Sandpipers
(1520) were feeding on sludge drying pans where rainwater
had collected but their numbers had almost halved from last
month.
The Fore-pond was full, hosting over a thousand waterfowl.
Despite 20+ mm of rain early yesterday morning, there is
still no standing water at the Donut, just a muddy
depression. Twenty species were seen here, two of which are
wetland dependant and one raptor.
A Horsfield’s Bronze-Cuckoo juvenile, with host Superb Fairywren female was photographed at the Donut. Another newly
fledged juvenile was being fed by White-plumed Honeyeaters
at the ornamental pond near the offices of SE Water.
24 January 2016: Seventy-five bird species were logged of
which forty were wetland dependant (including eight
shorebirds), six were raptors and twenty-nine were nonwetland dependant. Major highlights were a Wedge-tailed
Eagle, a Baillon’s Crake and our first Common Sandpiper for
this summer.
8
Mornington Peninsula Birdlife
Adult Fairy Martin (with white belly) feeding three newly fledged chicks.
Photo by Alison Kuiter
Due to the reduction in wetland habitat overall and
particularly for shorebirds, diversity and abundance was well
down. Some have moved to the external wetlands at Banyan
and the adjacent paddock. Nomadic waterfowl have moved
off probably in response to good rains inland, their numbers
plummeting. Whiskered Terns have departed early this year
and the Red-necked Avocets have also gone. White-fronted
Chats are already congregating on the Plant, forming their
winter flocks.
Mike Carter, Mornington
Eastern Treatment Plant wetland surveys
SANDPIPERS, SEA-EAGLE &
SONGLARK AT BANYAN WATERHOLE
11 October 2015: Forty-three species were recorded of
which twenty-four are wetland-dependent or raptors. The
highlights were the Marsh Sandpiper, two Pectoral
Sandpipers, Caspian Tern and a Brown Songlark.
15 November 2015: Fifty-three species were recorded of
which twenty-seven are wetland-dependent or raptors.
Remarkable was the abundance and variety of shorebirds,
For example 3,180 Sharp-tailed Sandpipers, with ten species
observed.
A smart breeding-plumaged Golden-headed Cisticola at the Turf Farm.
13 December 2015: Thirty-nine species were recorded of
which twenty-two are wetland-dependent or raptors.
Remarkable was the fact that whilst Banyan was nearly dry
the paddock lagoon was almost full!
3 January 2016: Thirty-nine species were recorded of which
twenty-two are wetland-dependent or raptors. The highlight
was a juvenile White-bellied Sea-Eagle flushed from a low
perch in the woodlot adjacent Rossiter Road that flew over to
Seaford Wetlands. Whiskered Terns have departed a little
early this year. Whilst Banyan was totally dry the Paddock
lagoon was full.
24 January 2016: As shorebirds were scarce on the ETP
plant we sought and received permission from the Shift Team
Leader in the control room to have a look at the Banyan
area. About two weeks ago, Waterways staff opened the
sluice gates releasing water into the Waterhole which had
been totally dry for over a month. It is now about a quarter
full and had indeed attracted some shorebirds. The adjacent
Paddock is slowly drying but still contains a large body of
water (approximately 90% full) and is hosting many
waterbirds. Of particular note were Pink-eared Ducks (60),
Glossy Ibis (5), Cattle Egret (1), Sharp-tailed Sandpiper
(90), Red-necked Stint (30), Common Greenshank (3),
Marsh Sandpiper (3) and Pectoral Sandpiper (2).
Pacific Golden Plover, one of four at the Turf Farm. Photos by Alison Kuiter
VARIETY AND ABUNDANCE AT TURF
FARM & WETLAND
11 October 2015: Forty-two bird species were logged
(twenty-six wetland dependant but no raptors).The variety
(twelve species) and abundance of shorebirds along with 295
Whiskered Terns and two Glossy Ibis was magnificent. Of
note were 196 Red-necked Avocet, 4 Red-kneed Dotterel, 6
Latham’s Snipe, one Pectoral Sandpiper, 460 Sharp-tailed
Sandpiper and one Curlew Sandpiper.
15 November 2015: Thirty-eight bird species were logged
(twenty-two wetland dependant & raptors). The highlights
included four Pacific Golden Plovers, the first at the ETP for
eight years and only the fourth record in modern times.
13 December 2015: Twenty-one bird species were logged
(eight wetland dependant & raptors). Of particular note is
that the wetland area is almost totally dry. Minor highlights
were the continuing presence of one Latham’s Snipe and a
Skylark’s nest with four eggs.
Royal Spoonbills feeding voraciously at Boggy Creek Wetland.
Photo by Mike Carter
PRODUCTIVITY RETURNS TO BOGGY
CREEK WETLAND
3 January 2016: Twenty-four bird species (fifteen wetland
dependant & raptors) demonstrates a return to productivity
for this wetland built to clean water discharged from the
adjacent freeway, EastLink. It is good to see the large
number of Spoonbills feeding voraciously here, particularly
the nine Royals, and to a lesser extent the seven Yellowbilled.
Mike Carter, Mornington
March 2016
9
Clarkesdale Bird Sanctuary
CUP WEEKEND CAMP
Fifty-four attended the 2015 BirdLife spring camp organised
by David Ap-Thomas, outnumbered by the number of species
seen by about 2:1. Well, the odds were on our minds as it
was Cup weekend!
The Clarkesdale Sanctuary, some 30 minutes drive southwest of Ballarat, is now a 535 hectare series of interconnected blocks, first established in 1967 by Gordon Clarke
to provide a haven of natural habitat for woodland birds. A
central focal-point is the Claire Miller Environment Centre,
which offers information to visitors in addition to providing
open grassed areas and good facilities for camping. Toilets
and a shower are always open for visitors. To accommodate
the large number of campers/caravanners on this occasion,
we were given a more spacious area a little further along the
road, dotted with candlebarks, banksias and flowering red
gums planted by the Friends of Clarkesdale volunteer group
over a period of about 30 years. On this scattered woodland
site, the delightful chorus of birdsong was the dominant
feature of our mornings. On day one, as we breakfasted, we
viewed a pair of Scarlet Robins posing splendidly, whilst
Yellow-rumped Thornbills foraged in the grass and Spotted
Pardalote and Rufous Whistlers called overhead. Adjacent to
our camp there were impressive displays of mauve chocolate
lily, white common rice flower, blue pin cushions, yellow
goodenias and little grass trees in flower.
White-naped Honeyeater feeding juveniles.
Male Rufous Whistler; female on nest.
Due to the variability and quality of habitat, we were able to
see and clearly hear birds by simply walking around the
sanctuary, which made the pace of camp activities most
relaxing. On other camps we have had to be ready at an
appointed time with packed lunch, jump into our vehicles and
drive in long convoys to a birding site. Here, we just strolled
out of camp at the appointed hour and returned for lunch. A
mid afternoon walk was usually on the agenda and some
attendees took advantage of this, while other small groups
headed off in various directions to their own birding
destinations (or coffee in Linton).
Over the five-day duration of the camp, the total number of
species sighted on the Sanctuary site was 91. This was the
highest number recorded for any of the Clarkesdale camps.
The species grand total, including surrounding areas, was
105 - considerably more than the last two Clarkesdale
camps. The species list for Friday was 65, and by close of
Saturday that number had grown to 71. Saturday was
considered a bumper day in that all six cuckoo species were
sighted - Horsfield’s and Shining Bronze-Cuckoos, Pallid, Fantailed, Black-eared and Brush Cuckoos. The sanctuary
Manager admitted that previously he had only been able to
get five in any one day! It was also on Saturday that the
white phase of the Grey Goshawk, known to nest in the
nearby Bird Paddock in previous years, and which was
thought to have moved on this year, was sighted flying
overhead.
Most significant species seen in the Bird Paddock were:
Good sightings of Painted Honeyeaters, including nest
building activities. There were possibly four pairs in the area;
Numerous sightings of Blue-winged Parrots; Male and female
White-winged Triller including nesting activity; Male and
female Satin Flycatchers nesting; Many White-naped
Honeyeaters, including a pair feeding two juveniles; Varied
Sittella, Common and Brush Bronzewings; Many Dusky
Woodswallows nesting with White-browed and Masked seen
overhead; An Eastern Yellow Robin sitting on a nest; Several
10
Mornington Peninsula Birdlife
Blue-winged Parrot. Photos by Marilyn Houghton
pairs of Sacred Kingfisher; Several sightings of Crested
Shrike-tit; Both Golden and Rufous Whistlers sitting on
nests, including a male Rufous Whistler in courting display;
Rainbow Bee-eater - a first for our camps at Clarkesdale;
Male and female Mistletoebirds; Striated Pardalotes active
around a nesting burrow in the embankment above a
culvert. Spotted Pardalotes nesting in a number of places;
Southern Boobook, Tawny Frogmouth and possibly a
Powerful Owl were heard at night (in and around the
camping area).
On a drizzly Monday, we drove to the rock gorge known as
Devil’s Kitchen, where Peregrine Falcon was seen, followed
up with a nesting Tawny Frogmouth at the nearby Happy
Valley Streamside Reserve. As their numbers are apparently
declining, this was a wonderful find.
In summary, this was a truly wonderful site for a bird camp;
the birding was great and the company as always enjoyable.
Our thanks go to all who made this weekend possible.
Barbara Goldfinch, Lilydale
While watching dragonflies
WASHING IN WOODS RESERVE DAM
While watching dragonflies on a very warm day in January,
birds started to get active around the water at the dam in
Woods Reserve.
What caught my attention first were the numerous Yellowfaced Honeyeaters that were dropping out into the water for
a bath and returning to a branch for a quick preen. They kept
this up throughout the time I was watching the other avian
activity so there must have been plenty of this species in the
reserve.
Next I saw a Sacred Kingfisher drop in with the same
technique, but it flew back to the bank on six times out of
eight dips - the other two were up to a branch. Each time it
would preen for a while and then go for another quick dip. It
turned out this adult had an immature offspring looking and
sounding like it was still somewhat dependent on its parent.
This was a new experience for me, to see a Sacred Kingfisher
diving in and washing like that. It was when this adult flew
across the dam that I saw the immature bird follow it. I
followed them for a while and got a good look at the young
bird. The signs of immaturity were very clear with the most
obvious being the dark scalloping across the breast. The eye
stripe also had a very chestnut start to it next to the bill
where there was only white on the adult.
As I returned to the dam, I could hear a Brown Thornbill
moving through the trees in front of me. It was after a drink
and flew down to the water’s edge, had a drink and then flew
off without bathing. A flock of Brown-headed Honeyeaters
came noisily through the treetops next and paused in the
trees beside the dam. They dropped into the reeds one by
one but in quick succession and made their way down among
the reed stalks for a drink. I couldn’t see through the reeds
to see if they were washing as well, but the flock moved off
fairly quickly so I assume they only came for a drink.
Yellow-faced Honeyeater ready to drop into the water.
Immature Sacred Kingfisher.
About this time, a White-eared Honeyeater dropped to the
ground and then went to the water’s edge for a drink. While
watching the White-eared Honeyeater, I could hear an
Eastern Spinebill moving through the mid-layer shrubbery.
To my surprise it then flew down to the water for a drink
right in front of me. It was hanging on to a vertical reed stalk
and dipping its beak into the water for a drink. It had three
sips and then flew off.
I then disturbed a Common Bronzewing as it was walking
down to the water for its drink. There was also an immature
Spotted Pardalote and an immature White-naped Honeyeater
in the trees that the others had used as a launching pad for
their approach to the water, but I didn’t see these have a
drink.
Eastern Spinebill about to have a drink.
The three surprises for me were the kingfisher, spinebill and
a beautiful male Satin Flycatcher that looked stunning as it
bathed in the water in the sun and then flew to a branch to
preen for a while before moving on. All in all it was a very
interesting and entertaining period of birdwatching. I was
pleased to have seen so many birds making use of the dam
as generally it is devoid of birdlife.
By the way, the two dragonfly species that I saw there were
Blue spotted Hunters and Metallic Ringtails.
Rog Standen, Mt Eliza
Common Bronzewing walking to the dam edge for a drink.
Photos by Rog Standen
March 2016 11
Photo opportunities at WTP
BIRD SQUABBLES
Travelling to the Western Treatment Plant at Werribee
presents the bird photographer with many opportunities to
photograph hundreds of different birds. It is a very special
place.
WTP is so good that it tends to spoil you as many of the birds
are relatively open and accessible compared to trying to
capture images of them in our natural dense bush. With so
many birds in a relatively small place there is bound to be
some level of disagreement.
Yellow-billed Spoonbill and Australian White Ibis
This year I noticed I have photographed more “squabbling
birds” than on previous visits. It was not something I
planned to do initially but I now appreciate and look for the
“great shot” opportunities they present.
I hope you enjoy these photos as much as I enjoyed taking
them.
Yellow-billed Spoonbill and Australian White Ibis
Having the higher ground, the spoonbill objected when the
ibis landed on its branch. Under the loud objections of the
spoonbill the ibis looked decidedly uncomfortable and quickly
flew to another tree.
White-winged Black Tern and Whiskered Tern
Canon 5DMark 3 – Canon 200-400f4 – iso 500 – 1/2500 – focal
length 560mm – f5.6
White-winged Black Tern and a Whiskered Tern
One pond had a large number of terns resting together
without incident. This changed when the Whiskered Tern
decided land on a rock already occupied by the White-winged
Black Tern. This photo shows them going at it to decide who
was “King of the rock”. The White-winged Black Tern won the
day.
Canon 5DMark 3 – Canon 200-400f4 – iso 400 – 1/4000 – focal
length 540mm – f5.6
Willy Wagtail and Brown Falcon
Willy Wagtail and the Brown Falcon
It is not unusual to see raptors being harassed by smaller
birds swooping and annoying them until they are forced to
move. This photo shows the Willy Wagtail physically riding on
the back of the Brown Falcon as it prepares to fly away to rid
itself of the annoying but brave little bird.
Canon 5DMark 3 – Canon 200-400f4 – iso 640 – 1/4000 – focal
length 513mm – f5.6
Mr and Mrs Dusky Woodswallow
This image was pure luck as I was photographing the female
Dusky Woodswallow sitting quietly on the fence. As I took
the photo the male Woodswallow swooped in and made the
shot, he was certainly unhappy about something.
Canon 5DMark 3 – Canon 200-400f4 – iso 400 – 1/4000 – focal
length 540mm – f5.6
Dusky Woodswallows
Mr and Mrs Pied Oystercatcher
I was photographing shorebirds and Pied Oystercatchers that
were very sedentary and boring. Mr Oystercatcher began a
determined chase of Mrs Oystercatcher who was just as
determined not to be caught. I have a series of lovely shots
that are all great examples of athletic flying abilities of these
birds. They are a lovely bird in flight.
Canon 5DMark 3 – Canon 200-400f4 – iso 640 – 1/2000 – focal
length 519mm – f5.6
Tim Van Leeuwen, Mt Eliza
12
Mornington Peninsula Birdlife
Pied Oystercatchers. Photos by Tim Van Leeuwen
Seeking out mangrove birds
AYE, KARUMBA!
In the Top End, looking for birds in the mangroves is a
daunting challenge. Not only is the habitat hard to get to,
once there, concentration is likely to be diverted from the
birds to worrying about crocodiles. But there are just over a
hand-full of mangrove bird species in the Top End that live
almost exclusively in that habitat. So it’s worth the effort if
the opportunity arises.
Last year, we drove through the savannah country and on to
the Gulf of Carpentaria. We wanted to see the country that
Bourke and Wills faced on their final leg across Australia. On
arriving at Normanton late in the afternoon, I discovered that
the mangroves lining the Norman River could be inspected
from the safety of the jetty and road bridge. There was not a
lot of activity but a whistler was calling occasionally, not
quite like a Rufous Whistler, just a little different. Then it
came into view, a female White-breasted Whistler. This was
an encouraging start. We pressed on to Karumba on the Gulf.
It was delightful to see so many Brolgas and some Sarus
Cranes feeding on the grassy flats.
Mangroves lining a tributary of the Norman River.
Photo by Larry Wakefield
The next day, we arrived at the Karumba jetty, to be taken
out on a morning cruise. We were startled to find that we
were the only passengers. I hadn’t realised at the time of
booking that I was being vetted to find out if I was a bona
fide birdwatcher, otherwise The Ferryman, Glenn, wouldn’t
have gone out with only two passengers. We raced upriver
past the line of fishermen in mid-channel. White-breasted
Sea-Eagles and Whistling Kites were above us. Then we
nosed into a side inlet stopped in the mangroves. The first
arrivals were mosquitoes and biting midges - insect repellent
is a must! With mangrove species being so few and far
between, plus the fact that mangroves are impenetrable after
about a metre or so, Glenn played some calls and before long
both male and female Mangrove Golden Whistlers had come
in to inspect us. If you weren’t in the mangroves, you’d be
hard-pressed to distinguish this species from a Golden
Whistler, but the underparts are a different and brighter
shade of yellow than the Golden Whistler. After a while a
Mangrove Robin came into view. In the canopy we caught
glimpses of Mangrove Gerygones. What a start!
We motored on up river and stopped at other spots. They all
looked the same to me but Glenn seemed to be confident
that other species would be seen. And that was the case, in
the course of the morning we got to see Mangrove Grey
Fantails as well as male and female White-breasted
Whistlers. Now the male is something to behold up close.
That black breast band edged with chestnut against the white
is quite some combination. Azure and Sacred Kingfishers
were seen, not to mention the regular sightings of Striated
(Mangrove) Heron, Little and Eastern Great Egrets. I had
mentioned to Glenn that a Great-billed Heron would be a new
one for me, after all its other name is Crocodile Bird and we
had seen crocodiles, but it was not to be. However, getting to
see all the top-end species with ‘mangrove” in their name
was the aim of the exercise. As a special treat, Glenn and
Allison had hand reared an orphaned Black-necked Stork. On
reaching maturity, it had sought out a mate and the pair was
waiting expectantly at a pre-designated rendezvous for a free
meal. We got to see these birds at really close quarters, so
much so that the male (black iris) could be distinguished
from the female (yellow iris).
We returned to the jetty and thanked “Mr and Mrs
Glenn and Allison’s “pet” Jabirus.
Mangrove Robin checking us out.
Striated (Mangrove) Heron. Photos by Glenn Newton
Ferryman”, Glenn and Allison, for a great morning’s bird
watching trip on the river. They really know their birds and
where to find them, so if you happen to be in Karumba, take
the ride with The Ferryman. It’s worth it!
Larry Wakefield, Mt Martha
March 2016 13
Observations
INTERESTING SIGHTINGS
These reports, some from Birdline Victoria, are not authenticated records. Researchers are advised to check with the
observers before citing.
Please report your sightings, for example arrival and departure dates of migrants, to Val Ford: 5981 1445 or
[email protected]
Date
Species
Location
Comments
Observer
31.10.15
Sanderling (1)
Rye
On Rye ocean beach near Alison Avenue.
Glenn Ehmke
3.11.15
Australian King Parrot (1, m)
Frankston
Young male feeding in trees in Bembridge Avenue.
Tanya Hattingh
5.11.15
Latham’s Snipe (1)
Yaringa Marina
At least one bird seen for past few days.
Snez Plunkett
8.11.15
Song Thrush (1)
Balnarring
Collecting worms at Buckleys Reserve.
Hearn & Niedra
10.11.15
Rufous Whistler (15)
Balnarring
At Woods Reserve. Observed on monthly survey.
Neil Shelley
11.11.15
Crescent Honeyeater (2, m & f)
Dromana
At our home in Devon Street. My first sighting in this area.
Rooney Fields
14.11.15
Cape Barron Goose (chicks)
Tuerong
Devilbend Golf Course. Regularly breed at this site.
Louise Rawlings
21.11.15
Ruddy Turnstone (1)
Pied Oystercatcher (3)
St Andrews Beach
Near Moana Court. Not extraordinary, but not common for the Glenn Ehmke
Mornington Peninsula Bass Strait beaches.
28.11.15
Blue-winged Parrot (1)
Balnarring
Flew over my house.
Brian Thomas
29.11.15
Spotless Crake (2)
Rosebud West
Seen from the little bridge at the Village Glen golf course.
Celia Browne
3.12.15
Eastern Koel (1)
Dromana
Heard around the Boundary Road/Hillview Quarry Road area.
Noel Knight
11.12.15
Baillon’s Crake (1)
Hastings Foreshore Reserve
Flushed from a brackish pool beside the boardwalk.
Richard Hook et al
12.12.15
Spotless Crake (2 ad + 2 juv)
Hastings
Adults and chicks in wetlands along boardwalk behind motel.
S & S King
13.12.15
Australian Spotted Crake (1)
Hastings
Feeding in brackish pool beside boardwalk to Kings Creek.
Venetia McMahon
17.12.15
Eastern Koel (1)
Rye
Heard and seen for a week in Dundas Street.
Ben Cullen
19.12.15
Little Lorikeet (4)
Mornington
Feeding with Musk Lorikeets on gum trees at Bunnings.
Kevin Conlan
20.12.15
White-throated Needletail (flock) Mornington
Soaring high above Port Phillip Bay preceding the cool change.
K & J Humphreys
21.12.15
Latham’s Snipe (3)
Coolart
Feeding on the edge of lagoon, in front of the bird hide.
Val Ford et al
30.12.15
Eastern Koel (1)
Frankston
Heard calling from the mid to lower Sweetwater Creek area.
Lana Cumming
30.12.15
Grey Goshawk (white phase) (1) Hastings
Flying along Marine Parade in the pines or cypress.
Alison Kuiter
4.1.16
Little Egret (1)
Stony Point
In full breeding plumage on mudflats near jetty
Chris Chandler
8.1.16
Eastern Koel (1)
Mt Martha
Near the Dava Hotel. Our first record in 40 years here.
K & J Humphreys
8.1.16
Eastern Koel (1, m)
Frankston
Heard then seen in neighbour’s tree in Bembridge Ave.
Tanya Hattingh
9.1.16
Rufous Fantail (1)
Cape Schanck
At bird bath on private property. Highly unusual here.
Cath Cousland
10.1.16
Australian King Parrot (4)
Langwarrin
At my property in Gumhill Road, enjoying supplied seed.
Russell Wadsworth
27.1.16
White-throated Needletail
Portsea
Small number observed ahead of storm.
Keith Caldecott
27.1.16
Tree Martin
Fork-tailed Swift
Somerville
Unusual numbers observed ahead of storm
Keith Caldecott
30.1.16
Lewin’s Rail (1)
Hastings
Flushed while walking boardwalk behind motel.
James Peake
Koels at Frankston
This summer there have been a number of reports to Birdline
Victoria of Eastern Koels in the Frankston area. As well as the
sighting recorded in the table above there were reports from
Kent Gove, Brentwood Crescent, Wakefield Avenue, Cliff
Road and other parts of Frankston.
Interestingly the reports are of single birds. Is there one
Eastern Koel moving around or a number?
Val Ford
Male Eastern Koel in Bembridge Avenue Frankston.
Photo by Tanya Hattingh
14
Mornington Peninsula Birdlife
Observations
Sun shade for lapwing
On a recent visit to the Gold Coast, I was amused to observe
the kind-heartedness of the locals in providing a sun shade
for this Masked Lapwing. True to lapwing nature in choosing
the oddest of spots to nest, this pair had selected a site on a
lawn in a retirement village. Maybe the tranquillity of the
location appealed to them?
Larry Wakefield, Mt Martha
Sue’s wildlife sanctuary wanderings
During a walk in the Sanctuary on 9 November 2015 I was
very surprised to see a pair of Grey Currawong near the K15
benchseat on the Kur-bur-rer Walk. In the 1000’s of hours
spent in the Sanctuary this is the first time I have seen and
heard Currawong at The Briars.
Further on I stopped in my tracks to watch an Emu, a Swamp
Wallaby and a small mob of Eastern Grey Kangaroos.
Standing quietly enabled me to observe them for some time.
This was between the K7 & K8 bench seats near Ginnas dam.
Sun shade for Masked Lapwing. Photo by Larry Wakefield
Grey Butcherbird have a nest in a tree stump along the Kurber-rer Walk right alongside the track. I hope they are
successful in raising chicks in this quite obvious spot.
On the 13th November the Black Swan cygnets turned 13
weeks old (91 days). First flight will be between 150–170
days. Their tiny wings have a lot of growing to do. Dark
feathers are now growing which is changing their
appearance.
Sue Brabender, The Briars volunteer’s newsletter,
November 2015
Clever Cattle Egrets
Grey Currawong at The Briars. Photo by Sue Brabender
While thawing out on a short trip in north Queensland in
August, I saw several paddocks that had hundreds of Cattle
Egrets in them, spread out across the paddock in a broad
line. These paddocks were being prepared for planting
sugarcane.
The paddocks were tilled ready for bed-forming and that was
what was happening when I saw the birds there.
A tractor was driven backwards and forwards across the
paddock and it had a number of tynes attached to the toolbar and these tynes formed furrows of freshly disturbed soil
in lines across the paddock. Each time the tractor passed, the
egrets would run quickly across to the fresh soil to prey on
the exposed insects. Having eaten what they could find, they
then waited patiently until the tractor returned. At this point
the egrets would move over and feed again. This process was
repeated each time the tractor made a pass.
Egrets were spread up and down the lines of furrows, moving
gradually across the paddock as the tractor completed its
task. There was no chasing or following the tractor by any
birds. All waited patiently for the next run. They were well
educated in the way of the sugarcane farmers who all
manage their paddocks in the same way from what I saw,
leading the birds to learn that it was more efficient and
effective in getting a meal to behave the way they did.
Clearly the birds gradually got a belly full of food as further
across the paddock in a part that was already formed into
Clever Cattle Egrets waiting for a feed. Photo by Rog Standen
beds, another couple of hundred birds were just standing
around, some preening, but most just standing there, fully
satiated. My assumption was that the birds ‘migrated’ to this
quieter part of the paddock after they had their fill.
This was a fascinating learning for me. Seeing the numbers
of Cattle Egret in these large feeding flocks was also
interesting compared to the tens of birds we see here on the
Mornington Peninsula.
Rog Standen, Mt Eliza
March 2016 15
Observations
Birding at the Village Glen
Duck family news
You'll be pleased to hear that the family of eleven Australian
Wood Ducks, reared near the Hub lake in early spring, was
seen one evening adjacent to the golf course lake in midNovember. Interestingly there were two adult birds present
which seems to indicate that an adult duck had been
lured/enticed to join the family after the death, by car along
Village Glen Drive, of one parent. Masked Lapwings around
Chapel Circle and close to the Hub caused some
consternation during spring as they bravely tried to protect
their offspring from pedestrians and "fierce" cars.
Birds and other creatures
Three times in December there were brief sightings from the
bridge on the golf course of two Spotless Crakes. This crake
is smaller than a Blackbird, only 18 cm in length. It appears
almost black in colour as it darts rapidly from clump to clump
in the reeds; it is secretive and very elusive. Also calling on
summer evenings were Little Grassbirds, another hard-to-see
bird of swamps and wetlands.
One of the Spotless Crakes at The Village Glen.
Photo by Marianne Punshon
One evening, on the bank close to the windmill, an Eastern
Long-necked Turtle was laying her eggs. This small turtle is
common in eastern Australia and has been seen several
times in recent years near or in the lake.
Ninety-six species on list
Several additions have been added to the number of birds
observed in and over the village since the beginning of 2008;
the list now totals ninety-six species - pretty remarkable for
such a small area. Breeding records are rising all the time; to
date twenty-nine species have been observed to be breeding
in the village; latest additions being Musk Lorikeet, Galah,
Eastern Rosella, Crested Pigeon, Eurasian Coot, Grey Fantail
and Spotless Crake.
Features such as the creek, the two lakes, the golf course,
the swamp to the south and the large number of trees,
native shrubs and beautiful gardens are highly significant in
attracting birds and other creatures; we certainly appreciate
that we are fortunate to live in such a beautiful place.
Celia Browne, West Rosebud
New Peregrine nest near Bay of Islands
During late winter and early spring I had observed a
Peregrine Falcon cruising the dunes and woodlands in the
Diamond Bay to Koonya area on several occasions and I
assumed it had travelled some distance.
Over the Cup weekend I had more time to walk the clifftops
and had a view of a Peregrine with leg bands on a rocky
outcrop near Bay of Islands that stayed quite still while I
watched him for about ten minutes. I was convinced there
was a nest nearby. By my third day of walking and alerted by
screeching and amazing flying displays by two adult
Peregrines I found the nest with three fluffy chicks on a shelf
in the high cliffs. I retreated from the area very quickly as I
was concerned about the disturbance that I had caused.
By visiting the nest site discretely, I have had the privilege to
watch the development of the chicks and the adult parental
behaviour. The male is regularly on lookout duty and
screeches when he sees me a long way from the nest. I have
16
Mornington Peninsula Birdlife
Peregrine Falcon feeding three chicks. Photo by Chris Willocks
seen the female return to the nest with a pigeon, carefully
pluck the feathers and then feed portions to her three small
chicks. On other occasions the adults have not been present
and the chicks stay almost still in a fluffy pile waiting for
their next meal. The chicks have grown rapidly and now
have their mature feathers. There is little disturbance by
walkers in this area and consequently the parents have been
able to concentrate on their parenting duties.
Peregrines have not nested at this site in my lifetime so I
contacted Victor Hurley from the Victorian Peregrine Project.
He visited the site and spent several hours reading the leg
bands. Both adults are young birds banded as nestlings by
Victor abseiling down cliffs. The male is three years old and
was banded at Dromana Quarry. The female is also three
years old and has come from Phillip Island. Both birds had
not been seen since banding so Victor was excited by this
new pairing and nest site.
Only three Peregrine Falcon nesting sites have been
previously recorded on the Mornington Peninsula - Dromana
Quarry, The Divide and Point Nepean. The pair from The
Divide has not nested at the site for a couple of years. Only
two hundred and fifty Peregrine nest sites have been
recorded in Victoria since 1975.
Victor would be very interested in Peregrine Falcon nest
sightings and in particular photos that can identify Peregrine
leg bands for his research. [email protected]
Chris Willocks, Sorrento
Observations
Predation of adult Hooded Plover by
Nankeen Kestrel
In relation to the remote camera images in the link below
Glenn Ehmke and I thought it was odd that one of the sticks
by the Heyfields trio nest had moved through the series of
images, so we flicked through them in time sequence and
looked closely at the images just preceding the stick’s
appearance nearer the nest. What we found was quite
shocking and a first in terms of observations of Hooded
Plover predation.
We saw that the incubating adult had been grabbed by a
kestrel that must have swooped down from the dune behind.
The image shows the hoodie in the kestrel’s claw, with a leg
flag showing so that we can narrow down which bird it was.
The images thereafter only show AZ and unbanded, so that
we assume it was JB (female) that was predated. The
predation happens at 58 seconds. (please ignore the
time/date stamp on the image - the camera was not set
correct). https://youtu.be/myGzyfqbu3Q
Nankeen Kestrel taking an adult Hooded Plover at Heyfields beach.
Photo by KeepGuard nest camera
Grainne Maguire, Coast and Marine Program Manager,
BirdLife Australia
Beach usage and nest protection
I am a volunteer for Parks Victoria and BirdLife Australia
whose job it is to coordinate the monitoring and protection of
nesting shorebirds on the Mornington Peninsula. The primary
focus of Parks Victoria and our team of volunteers is
providing protection for breeding Hooded Plovers but we
have lately expanded our work to include Red-capped Plovers
along the beaches of Western Port Bay. Unfortunately, the
peak period for breeding also coincides with the summer
increase in beach usage.
We recognise the inconvenience to beachgoers when we
cordon off an area of beach for a nesting bird or newly
hatched chicks. We are cognisant of minimising the impact
and remove restrictions as soon as we can but
unfortunately the research shows us that without this
intervention there will be little or no breeding success. We
have so far had three Red-capped Plover chicks successfully
fledge at Point Leo.
There have been some negative experiences with the general
public on the beaches since Christmas. I know the locals will
blame the holiday makers but it is important that we all
share the beaches responsibly. There has definitely been an
increase in people disregarding dog regulations. Breaches
carry heavy penalties and ignorance is no excuse.
My second experience involved a couple who read the
signage about chicks on the beach but instead of abiding by
its directions and walking along the waters edge, have
entered the area looking for the chicks. They seemed quite
surprised when asked to move on.
But the worst example of all was a request by the Shoreham
Ranger to fence a Red-capped Plover nest a camper had
found. When I arrived, someone had thought it amusing to
build a sandcastle around the nest. I consider this an act of
vandalism and for certain protected species such as the
Hooded Plover it is likely a criminal offence.
So I ask people, even if they have no interest in shorebirds,
to abide by the dog regulations and the shorebird breeding
Sandcastle built around Red-capped Plover nest. Photo by Mark Lethlean
signage. Please keep well clear of nests and chicks and give
them a chance.
Mark Lethlean, Red Hill
Hooded Plovers coping with the heat
During the peak of the recent heat wave, we went to check
on the Pt Leo Hooded Plover pair who currently have a nest
next to the camp ground. We were there to make sure the
birds were not being kept off their eggs by beach-goers and
cooking in the heat! The temperature was over 40 degrees
and the beach was pretty busy, but no direct disturbance on
the pair which was a relief!
I sat down at a distance for some time to see how the birds
were coping in the extreme heat, and what I saw was pretty
impressive! Every 5-7 minutes the pair had a seamless
incubating changeover. The non-incubating bird would
immediately fly (not walk/run) straight to the water’s edge
and cool off in the water. Soon after, the bird would fly
straight back to his/her incubating partner, take over the
eggs, and the other bird would fly straight to the water’s
edge to cool off. The timing was pretty consistent, and they
continued this behaviour repeatedly for the hour we were
there.
It was beautiful to see such amazing teamwork to tackle
such severe conditions.
Hannah Lethlean, Red Hill
March 2016 17
Observations
Vale Murray Bourchier
Murray Bourchier, born 1933, died January 2016. A great
walker, naturalist, photographer and birdwatcher, Murray
was passionate about the bush. He was a member of BOCA
from 1960s, and a founding member of VORG (Victorian
Ornithological Research Group), participating in their Wilsons
Prom bird surveys. For a number of years he surveyed
Hooded Plovers in Point Nepean National Park.
Murray took a lively interest in French Island, being a
dedicated member of the Friends of French Island group
(FOFI). He sadly passed away after a five year battle with
myeloma. The Bourchier name is remembered in Western
Port through Bourchier Channel, near Tooradin; named after
Murray's uncle, who was a fisherman.
Chris Chandler
French Island summer birds
Varied Sittellas have always been hard to find on French
Island. I have only seen them two to three times a year since
2012. However, recently I have come across a group of five,
who seem to be resident in a small patch of forest near Mt
Wellington.
Friends of French Island remembering Murray who was coordinator of
activities and the Western Port Wader Survey on French Island
for many years. Photo by Meredith Sherlock
Blue-winged Parrots are rarely recorded in summer, as most
are in breeding locations. This spring and summer I have
come across adults in three locations, which seem likely to be
nesting pairs. One pair was seen three times in forest at
‘Blue Gums’ in the south-east of the island. Next spring I’d
like to find a nesting tree, which would be our first breeding
record! It is quite possible that there are some pairs nesting
on the Peninsula also. The record from Coolart in October is
very interesting. Does anyone have summer records of Bluewinged Parrots from the Peninsula? If so, I’d be interested in
hearing about them.
2015:
17.12 Varied Sittella (5) in forest near Mt Wellington; not
often recorded on the island.
18.12 Eastern Curlew (154), Whimbrel (3), Bar-tailed Godwit
(1) at Tortoise Head.
30.12 Little Egret (1) in full breeding plumage on mudflats at
Tankerton jetty.
2016:
8.1 Lewin’s Rail (1) flushed from sedge clumps; Blue-winged
Parrot (1) flying over at The Prairie.
9.1 Eastern Curlew (~40), Pied Oystercatcher (~60) on reef
south of Chilcott Rocks (high tide).
9.1 Fairy Tern (~30) on Bird Rock.
21.1 Little Egret (1) at Tankerton jetty mudflats.
22.1 Blue-winged Parrot (2) flying over Long Swamp.
22.1 Varied Sittella (~5) in forest near Mt Wellington (same
location as 17.12.15)
23.1 White-throated Needletail (19) feeding low over forest
ahead of storm front.
23.1 Ken Harris, Rob & Anna Knottenbelt and Emma Bond
counted waders at Tortoise Head as part of the Western Port
Survey. The highlights were Bar-tailed Godwit (3), Whimbrel
(5), Eastern Curlew (175), Pied Oystercatcher (101), Sooty
Oystercatcher (5), probably the highest number ever
recorded on French Island, Double-banded Plover (1) a very
early arrival!
Chris Chandler, French Island
18
Mornington Peninsula Birdlife
Young Whistling Kites at nest. Photo by John Thorburn
Whistling Kites nesting in Blairgowrie
My husband, Richard and I have owned a place on the
Peninsula for many years, but have only both retired down
here over the past twelve months. I am a complete novice
birdwatcher but am very interested in learning more about
local birdlife.
I thought that you may be interested in the pair of Whistling
Kites that have nested in a large pine tree on family property
next to our place. This year they had three young, but only
two survived. They fledged at the beginning of January and
were happily learning to hunt around our area.
At the beginning of February the kites are still spending a lot
of time flying around our place and are often joined by their
parents as I often see four of them in the sky. Occasionally
one (or both) of the young ones go back to their nest
We have quite a large one hectare block, where we are
trying to encourage whatever native birds we can. Luckily,
we seem to have a lot, even if I am ignorant as to many of
the names.
Penny Doery, Blairgowrie
Observations
Osprey nest building – and building
A pair of Eastern Osprey nested on a power pole next to the
Mowbray River in north Queensland, in fact there were three
nests on power poles within about half a kilometre of each
other. The pair I watched for a while, unbeknown to me at
the time, had at least one fully grown young in the nest.
What looked like the male of the pair based on the breast
band, stood on the edge of the nest the whole time I
watched from the car on the other side of the road. But the
other bird flew off the nest a couple of times only to return in
a short time with a stick in its talons that was laid on the
nest. This was an old dry stick that is part of the nest
construction and not the fresh spray of twigs and leaves that
many raptors bring to their nest during the nesting period.
As I hadn’t seen the young bird at that stage I was thinking
they were adding the finishing touches to the nest before
laying and raising their brood, although being August this
seemed late in the year to be starting. However, I was very
wrong about where they were in their nesting cycle. Once I
saw the young bird I became confused about this practice of
adding sticks and wanted to understand more.
Female Osprey adding a stick to the nest, watched by the male.
Photo by Rog Standen
Subsequently I have found this to be a regular practice for
Ospreys, thanks to help from Stephen Debus, author of
several books on raptors. No wonder their nests can become
so large as they are constantly added to both before and
during the breeding season.
Rog Standen, Mt Eliza
Unusual Willy Wagtail nest
Attached is a photo of a Willie Wagtail nest in the shearing
shed at Coolart. They have obviously had a go at building a
nest and it has slipped around the wire so they have built
another on top. The chicks are just visible in the nest.
I have not heard of Willy Wagtail nesting inside a building
before.
Brian Thomas, Coolart
Crescent and Scarlet Honeyeaters
Just recently we have heard a distinct bird sound in our area
and on 11 November saw the bird up close for the first time.
Many fleeting sightings but nothing to say “yes that is what it
is”.
It was a Crescent Honeyeater, male and female in the
callistemon beside our home in Devon Street Dromana. I
know it has been acknowledged in previous sightings but it is
a new one for us in this area.
Also for the past two years we have had a male Scarlet
Honeyeater in the same area, seen in November but not yet
this year.
Rooney Fields, Dromana
Willy Wagtail nest at Coolart. Photo by Brian Thomas
Mating frenzy
At Stringybark Reserve Langwarrin, on 8 November 2015, I
observed about twelve Rufous Whistlers in what appeared to
be a mating frenzy, calling loudly and displaying. They did
this for about five minutes and then dispersed. I could not
believe what was going on.
Max Burrows, Langwarrin
Hobby at Mordialloc
Travelling along the Nepean Highway at dusk on a Friday I
was surprised to see an Australian Hobby flying along in
front of me in the same direction about ten metres above the
traffic. I was heading south-east between the roundabouts
and suddenly the Hobby swerved sharply to the right and
seemingly entered a palm tree, although I couldn’t really tell
as my eyes were still on the traffic. It immediately swung
around to the left and came back up the road toward me and
flew above my car. It had caught what I thought was a
sparrow, but it was too dark and too quick a glance to really
tell. It was a very unexpected experience.
Rog Standen, Mt Eliza
March 2016 19
Observations
Ibis upsets resident birds
On 30 November 2015 at approximately 7:30pm, I noticed a
disturbance coming from one of the large gum trees in our
backyard. The Noisy Miners, Rainbow Lorikeets, Australian
Magpies and Grey Butcherbirds were all alarmed at what I
assumed to be a predator of some description. Upon further
investigation, I spotted an immature Straw-necked Ibis
perched high up in the gum tree, preening and attempting to
get some sleep. The ibis had the distinguishing features of a
young bird, with black legs and a shorter bill.
We occasionally see Straw-necked and Australian White Ibis
flying overhead, but it was quite unusual to observe this
beautiful large waterbird in the backyard of our garden. In
the two weeks following, I have noticed the ibis happily
foraging for food in the open grassy areas of our yard and
the neighbours properties, fairly unperturbed by the
continual harassment of the Noisy Miners.
Noisy Miner harassing Straw-necked Ibis. Photo by Lana Cumming
Lana Cumming, Frankston
Noisy Miners harass Dollarbird
Reading Roger Standen’s article of the magpies being
harassed by Noisy Miners brought to mind an incident I
witnessed whilst out with my camera at Mountain Creek on
the Sunshine Coast.
A Dollarbird was being persistently and noisily pursued by a
number of miners but managed to take temporary refuge at
the top of a large dead tree not far from me. As I watched,
one of the miners gradually crept up the tree trunk below the
Dollarbird, presumably to renew the attack, and this gave me
the opportunity to line them up for a shot. Before the first
miner reached the Dollarbird it had been joined by a second
and the Dollarbird went into an aggressive defence mode
before taking flight. By this time there were at least four
Noisy Miners involved in the attack.
Noisy Miners harassing Dollarbird. Photo by Con Duyvestyn
Con Duyvestyn, Mornington
Who built this nest?
We are trying to identify a bird nest my mother found when
pruning an apple tree on our property in Hastings, wondered
if you could assist us? Please find photo attached. The inside
diameter of the nest cup is about 4cm.
Christine Gorman, Hastings
Ed: It was identified as a Grey Fantail’s nest, do you agree?
20
Mornington Peninsula Birdlife
Nest found in apple tree. Photo by Christine Gorman