Australia Trip Report 26^th July to 18^th August 2002

Ian Fisher & Alan Johnston

Itinerary

26^th July 02
      IF arrived at 0530 and was met at Sydney Airport by AJJ. Picked up hire car and went and had breakfast at Les’s (our hosts) house. Drove to Royal National Park and birded around the rangers office and car park before driving to Lady Carrington’s Drive and walking along the road there. Back towards Sydney, called in at Cronulla Swamp and then Towra Point NR (both along Captain Cooks Drive). Ended the day at Botany Bay NP, then back to Les’s house.

27^th July 02
      Got up early and headed down to Wollongong. Had breakfast in a McDonalds then drove to harbour to meet up with the ‘Sandra K’, the boat for the pelagic. Out at sea from 0700-c1800. Back to Les’s house for the night.

28^th July 02
      Drove to Sydney Airport for 1100hrs flight to Melbourne. Arrived in Melbourne at 1210hrs and picked up car and drove to Edithvale Wetlands. Had a couple of hours there and then headed off to Phillip Island. Checked in at Hollydene Motel then went to Summerland Bay for the Penguin Parade. Evening meal at Cowes.

29^th July 02
      Birded Phillip Island till mid-late afternoon. Started at Rhyll Inlet and walked from Conservation Hill to the Inlet and back again. From there headed for the Nobbies via Cats Bay and then onto Swan Lake. Headed back along Watts Rd to Berry Beach and finally onto Newhaven. Drove back to Melbourne with a couple of stops en route and down to Werribee to find a motel.

30^th July 02
      Left motel and drove (via a detour!) to meet Andy Silcocks at the entrance to Werribee Sewage Farm. Spent the day going round the sewage farm with Andy ending the day walking along the Spit looking for Orange-bellied Parrots (without any luck – an interesting walk though!). Drove down to Torquay for the night.

31^st July 02
       Left motel before first light and drove along the Great Ocean Rd to Pt. Addis car park. Drove along the Gt. Ocean Rd, birding at Aireys Inlet, Cape Otway, 12 Apostles, Port Campbell, Peterborough (where we met Chris Tzaros who took us to Bay of Islands Coastal Park) and finally onto Port Fairy for a brief seawatch then found a motel for night.

1^st August 02
    Dawn sea watch at headland car park, then headed towards Rainbow. Traveled through the Grampians NP via Penshurst, Dunkeld, and birded several sites along the way. Had lunch at Halls Gap where birded around town, then on to Zumsteins, Horsham, Dimboola, Jeparit (where we had a quick look at the lake) and finally onto Rainbow where we had pre-booked our motel.

2^nd August 02
   Up early and headed to Wyperfeld NP. Drove around the Eastern Lookout Drive to the Malleefowl mound and birded the Malleefowl Walk, before finishing the drive. Spent some time around the campsite then re drove the Eastern Lookout Drive and birded along the Lowan Track (where a second Malleefowl mound is arrowed). Left Wyperfeld in late afternoon, and made good progress along the road towards Deniliquin. Drove through Hopetoun, Birchip, Wycheproof and ended up by the lakes at Boort where we checked into the motel by the lakes.

3^rd August 02
    Birded around the lakes for a couple of hours then continued our progress towards Deniliquin. From Boort we drove through Durham Ox and Echuca (where we spent some time in the small park). Drove up through the rain and birded Gulpa SF before heading to the pre-booked Peppin Motor Lodge at Deniliquin.

4^th August 02
    Up at 0615 and picked up by Philip Maher for a days birding around Deniliquin and eventually out spotlighting for Plains-wanderer. Night back at Peppin Motor Lodge.

5^th August 02
    Checked out of Motel and had a last look at Gulpa SF. Drove back into Victoria and headed down towards Melbourne. Birded Crosbie SF and Mt. Ida. Eventually ended up at Brisbane Ranges NP and walked the Anakie Gorge trail looking for Koala. Night at Bulla as we couldn’t find a motel near the airport.

6^th August 02
    Arrived in the airport in good time and made the earlier flight to Brisbane. Picked up hire car and drove to Brisbane Botanical gardens and Mt. Coot-tha where we birded the JC Slaughter Falls trail. Drove to Surfers Paradise in mid afternoon and birded the spit till dusk. Drove to Burleigh Heads to find a motel.

7^th August 02
    Birded Burleigh Heads NP in am before starting to drive to O’Reilly’s. Along the way birded Mt. Nathan Fish Farm and the ford at the road junction. Well worth an hour as several new species seen. Arrived at O’Reilly’s (via Claigirada & Canungra) at 1330 (first bird seen was male Regent Bowerbird!). Checked in and then walked along the Border Track to the Tree Top Walk. Went on the Greater Glider tip after the evening meal along Duck Creek Road.

8^th August 02
    All day at O’Reilly’s. Went on the early morning ‘meet the locals’ walk, and after breakfast birded the Border Track to Elabana falls, and back along the Border Track to the fork with Pensioners Track then back to the guesthouse. In afternoon walked to Mick’s Tower and did the circuit past the Wishing Tree and along the road back to the guesthouse. Went spotlighting around the guesthouse after the evening meal.

9^th August 02
    Up early and walked along the Border Track to the fork with the Elabana Falls track. After checking out, followed Tom O’Reilly’s tip and birded the Duck Creek Road as far as Tutt’s Gully. Following more local info birded a private road (prior permission from O’Reilly’s) and then drove to 15km from the guesthouse and found the Bell Miner colony! However seeing these birds is not easy! From there we drove to the Canungra Valley Winery where good views of Platypus. Drove to the outskirts of Brisbane and had the last hour or so of daylight at Sherwood Park. Drove towards the airport and unfortunately had a minor accident with the car! Eventually got sorted out and was taken to a motel near the airport.

10^th August 02
    The pre-arranged Taxi arrived slightly early and we arrived at the airport in plenty of time to sort the car out! Arrived at Cairns in coolish weather and picked up our last car. Drove to Cairns Botanical gardens and birded Centenary Lakes for a couple of hours before the long drive down to Townsville. Finding a motel was hard work in Townsville!

11^th August 02
    Birded the Townsville Common Environmental Park for most of morning. Unfortunately the waterbird spectacle was absent, as was virtually all of the water! The ponds were bone dry and the only water was a small area in front of a raised tower near the Forest Track. The area around the entrance gate is worth spending some time as several new Honeyeaters were seen. From the Common we then birded the Cape Pallarenda area. A fortuitous stop talking to some locals secured a couple of new species! Then it was time to leave and head towards Mission Beach. On the way we detoured to Paluma where we had lunch at the Ivy Cottage Tea Rooms – has to be done! Good views of all the specialties and the owner pointed us in the direction of a Golden Bowerbird bower. Then on to Mission Beach where we found digs in Wongaling Beach.

12^th August 02
    First stop Licuala SF, where we were walking the track by 0710. The rain didn’t help but plenty of sign of Cassowaries. New birds all way along trail and only in the last 200m of the return we saw a Cassowary + young crossing the road 20m from the car! Had a quick look at Bramston Beach and then onto Eubenangee Swamp. Worth climbing to the top of the grassy hill for the views over the lake (which in itself was the best place to bird the lakes from). After a couple of hours there we drove the 100+km to Malanda where we checked into a motel and headed to Broomfield Crater for the evening flight of Cranes etc.

13^th August 02
    Out early as there is meant to be Platypus in the pond at the bottom of the Motel property! Didn’t see any so back for breakfast and then onto Broomfield Crater for another quick look before heading to Mt. Hypipamee NP and birded the Crater area. From there we headed to Hasties Swamp. Along Hasties Swamp road we came across a garden with two amazing flowering bushes – it was Honeyeater city! There were at least five species of Honeyeater in them. Hasties Swamp was good – 1000’s of Plumed Whistling-ducks. Headed on towards Mareeba via the Curtain Fig Tree and Lake Eacham – but both very quiet (the tree is worth seeing though). Stopped briefly at the Yungaburra Platypus watch point, but no luck. From there went and had a look at Nardellos Lagoon. From there we drove to Mareeba and did a circuit around some of the roads, with brief stops at Sears Lookout and West Barron Street. Ended the day at Tinaroo Creek Rd (as per T & T). Motel in Mareeba.

14^th August 02
    Back at Tinaroo Creek Rd shortly after first light, (checked the Squatter Pigeon and Black-faced Finch areas in T & T) nothing much so drove towards Mt. Malloy. Stopped for an hour or so at Pickford Rd (in T & T). From there we headed for Big Mitchell Creek for White-browed Robin, and then onto Lake Mitchell, where views of birds were distant from the roadside (and the heat haze didn’t help). Next stop was the Mt. Carbine Rd. Birded the lake area near Wolfram Mine for a couple of hours and the had a quick look at the Mary Creek Rd area – worth checking the power lines for Red-backed Kingfisher. Had a quick look at Abattoir Swamp and then checked in at Kingfisher Park (Julatten). Rest of the afternoon was spent walking round the grounds. Went on the spotlighting walk with Carol and Andrew Iles (the resident guides at the park) after dark.

15^th August 02
     Took up Carols offer of her guiding services for the morning and ventured up the Mt. Lewis road. Well worth the fee as several new species were seen and heard. On gen received from Andrew we went back to a different part of Lake Mitchell, saw c6 new species for the trip including Radjah Shelduck. Then headed up to Daintree, stopping off briefly again at Abattoir Swamp and at Newell beach (where no Beach Stone-curlew). Arrived at Daintree and after checking in to Red Mill House had a walk along the road, which didn’t produced much.

16^th August 02
     Up early for Chris Dahlberg’s Daintree River Cruise. It was teeming down with rain, but several new species were seen (also Estuarine Crocodile). After drying out and having breakfast at Red Mill House left to go south, stopping off at Newell beach again, then Yule Point where Beach Stone-curlew was present (and showing extremely well!). Back at Cairns we checked into a Motel near to the airport for two nights and then headed down to Edmonton and the Cairns Crocodile Farm. Almost immediately the target bird was seen (White-browed Crake). Spent about an hour and a half there before heading up to Cairns Esplanade where several species of wader were present. Also jammed a Pied Imperial Pigeon (which had just started to arrive back in Australia).

17^th August 02
     Out early, with a quick look for Bush Stone-curlew at Cairns Cemetery. Another look for Mangrove Robin at the north end of the esplanade came up with the goods and a new wader on the beach. Then down to the marina to connect with the MV Seastar 2 for the trip out to Michaelmas Cay and Hastings Reef. A corking trip, with an hour on the Cay with the seabirds, then out to the reef snorkeling for a couple of hours. A good day out.

18^th August 02
     On way back to airport called in at Centenary Lakes and the Flecker Botanical Gardens and finally had a quick walk along the Mangrove Boardwalk by the airport. Checked in and took off on time (1240).

The sites

The following is a list of the main birding sites that we visited with a list of species seen. This will hopefully give potential visitors an idea of what species can be seen at a given location in a given month. H = heard only. T & T = Thomas & Thomas.

New South Wales.

Royal National Park (inc Lady Carrington’s Drive) – 26^th July.

A eucalypt forest National Park with a slow moving river running through, just to the south of Sydney. Well worth spending some time at. Three sites are covered in T & T, the most popular being Lady Carrington’s Drive. We birded the area around the visitor’s center then onto Lady Carrington’s Drive and walked along the road.

Australian Wood Duck, Pacific Black Duck, Chestnut Teal, Hardhead, Australasian Grebe, Hoary-headed Grebe, Little Pied Cormorant, Little Black Cormorant, Great Cormorant, Dusky Moorhen, Eurasian Coot, Silver Gull, Topknot Pigeon, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Rainbow Lorikeet, Crimson Rosella, Eastern Rosella, Red-rumped Parrot, Fan-tailed Cuckoo, Azure Kingfisher, Laughing Kookaburra, Superb Lyrebird (H), White-throated Treecreeper, Superb Fairy-wren, Spotted Pardalote, Yellow-throated Scrubwren, White-browed Scrubwren, Brown Gerygone, Brown Thornbill, Lewin’s Honeyeater, Yellow-faced Honeyeater, White-naped Honeyeater, Eastern Spinebill, Rose Robin, Eastern Yellow Robin, Eastern Whipbird, Varied Sitella, Golden Whistler, Grey Fantail, Willie Wagtail, Black-faced Cuckoo-Shrike, Australian Magpie, Pied Currawong, Australian Raven, Satin Bowerbird, Red-browed Finch, Silvereye.

Towra Point Nature Reserve – 26^th July.

A mangrove & estuary nature reserve off Captain Cooks Drive (just along from Cronulla Swamp in T & T).

Chestnut Teal, Little Pied Cormorant, Pied Cormorant, Little Black Cormorant, White-faced Heron, Royal Spoonbill, Australian White Ibis, Black-shouldered Kite, Brown Goshawk, Eastern Curlew, Pied Oystercatcher, Black-faced Cuckoo-Shrike, Australian Magpie, Welcome Swallow, Red-whiskered Bulbul, Silvereye.

Botany Bay (Silver Beach) – 26^th July.

At the end of Captain Cooks Drive, you eventually meet the estuary. We birded a small area of parkland just to the south of the habited area.

Australasian Gannet, White-faced Heron, Pied Oystercatcher, Crested Tern, Spotted Turtle-Dove, Crested Pigeon, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Rainbow Lorikeet, Musk Lorikeet, Crimson Rosella, Eastern Rosella, Red Wattlebird, Little Wattlebird, Noisy Miner, Willie Wagtail, Black-faced Cuckoo-Shrike, Pied Currawong, House Sparrow, Common Starling,

Pelagic from Wollongong (inc harbour) – 27^th July.

A day out well worth the price (AUS$65)! Views of most of the seabirds were down to a few meters from the back of the boat. Wollongong harbour is at the northern end of Wollongong, which is itself about an hours drive south of Sydney.

Australian Wood Duck, Little Penguin, Southern Giant Petrel, Cape Petrel, Great-winged Petrel, White-headed Petrel, Providence Petrel, Fairy Prion, Fluttering Shearwater, Wandering Albatross, Black-browed Albatross (2 races), Shy Albatross (2 races), Yellow-nosed Albatross, Australasian Gannet, Australian Pelican, Sooty Oystercatcher, Great (Brown) Skua, Kelp Gull, Silver Gull, Crested Tern, White-fronted Tern, Rainbow Lorikeet, Common Myna.

Day out with Phil Maher – 4^th August.

An experience not to be missed! Phil picks you up and takes you to a wide rage of sites and habitats, rounding of the day spotlighting for Plains-wanderer. A huge area is covered around Deniliquin.

Emu, Stubble Quail, Freckled Duck, Black Swan, Australian Wood Duck, Pacific Black Duck, Australasian Shoveler, Grey Teal, Chestnut Teal, Pink-eared Duck, Hardhead, Australasian Grebe, Hoary-headed Grebe, Darter, Little Pied Cormorant, Little Black Cormorant, Great Cormorant, Australian Pelican, White-faced Heron, White-necked Heron, Great Egret, Australasian Bittern, Australian White Ibis, Straw-necked Ibis, Royal Spoonbill, Yellow-billed Spoonbill, Black-shouldered Kite, Black Kite, Whistling Kite, Swamp Harrier, Collared Sparrowhawk, Wedge-tailed Eagle, Brown Falcon, Australian Hobby, Black Falcon, Nankeen Kestrel, Australian Spotted Crake, Spotless Crake, Purple Swamphen, Dusky Moorhen, Eurasian Coot, Black-tailed Native-hen, Plains-wanderer, Black-winged Stilt, Inland Dotterel, Black-fronted Dotterel, Red-kneed Dotterel, Banded Lapwing, Masked Lapwing, Rock Dove, Crested Pigeon, Galah, Long-billed Corella, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Cockatiel, Yellow Rosella, Eastern Rosella, Blue Bonnet, Red-rumped Parrot, Budgerigar, Pallid Cuckoo, Tawny Frogmouth, Australian Owlet-nightjar (H), Laughing Kookaburra, White-throated Treecreeper, Superb Fairy-wren, White-winged Fairy-wren, Spotted Pardalote, Striated Pardalote, Yellow-rumped Thornbill, Yellow Thornbill, Striated Thornbill, Red Wattlebird, Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater, Striped Honeyeater, Little Friarbird, Blue-faced Honeyeater, Noisy Miner, Singing Honeyeater, White-plumed Honeyeater, White-fronted Honeyeater, White-fronted Chat, Red-capped Robin, Grey-crowned Babbler, Grey Shrike-thrush, Magpie-lark, Grey Fantail, Willie Wagtail, Black-faced Cuckoo-Shrike, Grey Butcherbird, Pied Butcherbird, Australian Magpie, Pied Currawong, Australian Raven, Little Raven, White-winged Chough, Australian Pipit, House Sparrow, Zebra Finch, Welcome Swallow, Little Grassbird, Brown Songlark, Common Blackbird, Common Starling.

Gulpa State Forest – 3^rd & 5^th August.

Situated along the road from Echuca to Deniliquin on the right hand side. The distance stated in T & T is from the center of Deniliquin.

Australian Wood Duck, Collared Sparrowhawk, Crested Pigeon, Superb Parrot, Yellow Rosella, Red-rumped Parrot, White-throated Treecreeper, Brown Treecreeper, Superb Fairy-wren, White-throated Scrubwren, Buff-rumped Thornbill, Yellow-rumped Thornbill, Yellow Thornbill, Noisy Miner, White-plumed Honeyeater, Jacky Winter, Red-capped Robin, White-browed Babbler, Golden Whistler, Grey Shrike-thrush, Restless Flycatcher, Grey Fantail, Pied Butcherbird, Little Raven, White-winged Chough.

Victoria.

Phillip Island – 28^th & 29^th July.

A couple of hours drive SE of Melbourne along the Gippsland and Bass Highways. Several sites are worth checking and at the best part of a day can be spent on the island. We arrived the night before and went to the Penguin parade at Summerland Beach. This is Australia’s third largest tourist attraction! We birded Rhyll Inlet starting at the Conservation Hill entrance and walked along the track to the Inlet, The Nobbies, Swan Lake, Berry’s Beach and the road s leading to the beach and Newhaven. There are several other sites worth looking at if time allows.

Musk Duck, Black Swan, Cape Barren Goose, Australian Shelduck, Australian Wood Duck, Pacific Black Duck, Australasian Shoveler, Chestnut Teal, Australasian Grebe, Hoary-headed Grebe, Little Penguin, Black-browed Albatross, Australasian Gannet, Little Pied Cormorant, Black-faced Cormorant, Pied Cormorant, Little Black Cormorant, Great Cormorant, Australian Pelican, White-faced Heron, Great Egret, Cattle Egret, Australian White Ibis, Straw-necked Ibis, Black-shouldered Kite, Swamp Harrier, Brown Goshawk, Brown Falcon, Nankeen Kestrel, Purple Swamphen, Eurasian Coot, Painted Button-quail, Eastern Curlew, Pied Oystercatcher, Sooty Oystercatcher, Black-fronted Dotterel, Hooded Plover, Masked Lapwing, Pacific Gull, Kelp Gull, Silver Gull, Crested Tern, Spotted Turtle-Dove, Galah, Eastern Rosella, Superb Fairy-wren, Spotted Pardalote, White-browed Scrubwren, Brown Thornbill, Yellow-rumped Thornbill, Red Wattlebird, Little Wattlebird, White-eared Honeyeater, White-plumed Honeyeater, New Holland Honeyeater, White-fronted Chat, Flame Robin, Eastern Yellow Robin, Grey Shrike-thrush, Grey Fantail, Willie Wagtail, Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike, Australian Magpie, Grey Currawong, Little Raven, Skylark, Red-browed Finch, Welcome Swallow, Common Blackbird, Common Myna

Edithvale Wetlands – 28^th July.

This small reserve is about an hours drive S of Melbourne. The gate to the entrance is usually locked, due to a small flock of Eastern Grey Kangaroos in the grounds of the reserve. Good for water birds. Many thanks to Tania Ireton for supplying me with directions; otherwise we may not have found it!

Magpie Goose, Blue-billed Duck, Black Swan, Pacific Black Duck, Australasian Shoveler, Grey Teal, Chestnut Teal, Australasian Grebe, Hoary-headed Grebe, Little Pied Cormorant, Australian Pelican, White-faced Heron, Black-shouldered Kite, Purple Swamphen, Eurasian Coot, Black-winged Stilt, Pacific Gull, Silver Gull, Spotted Turtle-Dove, Lorikeet sp., Superb Fairy-wren, Red Wattlebird, Little Wattlebird, White-plumed Honeyeater, Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike, European Greenfinch, European Goldfinch, Welcome Swallow, Golden-headed Cisticola, Common Blackbird, Common Starling, Common Myna

Werribee Sewage Farm – 30^th July.

This place is huge! It can only be visited if you know somebody with a permit. Many thanks to Andy Silcocks for taking a day off work and showing us around. There are many habitats, from estuaries, ponds, marshy bits and scrub to the sea and a shingle spit and we spent a whole day there.

Blue-billed Duck, Musk Duck, Freckled Duck, Black Swan, Australian Shelduck, Australian Wood Duck, Pacific Black Duck, Australasian Shoveler, Grey Teal, Chestnut Teal, Pink-eared Duck, Hardhead, Hoary-headed Grebe, Australasian Gannet, Little Pied Cormorant, Pied Cormorant, Little Black Cormorant, Great Cormorant, Australian Pelican, White-faced Heron, Great Egret, Australian White Ibis, Straw-necked Ibis, Royal Spoonbill, Yellow-billed Spoonbill, Black-shouldered Kite, Whistling Kite, White-bellied Sea-Eagle, Swamp Harrier, Brown Goshawk, Collared Sparrowhawk, Brown Falcon, Nankeen Kestrel, Lewin's Rail, Australian Spotted Crake, Purple Swamphen, Black-tailed Native-hen, Common Greenshank, Red Knot, Red-necked Stint, Curlew Sandpiper, Pied Oystercatcher, Black-winged Stilt, Banded Stilt, Red-necked Avocet, Red-capped Plover, Double-banded Plover, Red-kneed Dotterel, Masked Lapwing, Pacific Gull, Silver Gull, Crested Tern, Fairy Tern, Whiskered Tern, White-winged Black Tern, Galah, Blue-winged Parrot, Horsfield's Bronze-cuckoo, Superb Fairy-wren, White-browed Scrubwren, Striated Fieldwren, Yellow-rumped Thornbill, White-fronted Chat, Magpie-lark, Willie Wagtail, Australian Magpie, Little Raven, Skylark, House Sparrow, Red-browed Finch, European Goldfinch, Welcome Swallow, Tree Martin, Australian Reed Warbler, Little Grassbird, Golden-headed Cisticola, Silvereye, Common Starling.

Airey’s Inlet – 31^st July.

A few miles down the road from Point Addis, along the Great Ocean Rd. Worth half an hours stop if you miss the Rufous Bristlebirds at Pt. Addis.

Pacific Black Duck, Grey Teal, Chestnut Teal, Black-browed Albatross sp, Shy Albatross sp, Australasian Gannet, Little Pied Cormorant, Great Cormorant, Purple Swamphen, Dusky Moorhen, Galah, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Crimson Rosella, Laughing Kookaburra, Rufous Bristlebird, Red Wattlebird, White-eared Honeyeater, New Holland Honeyeater, Little Raven, Welcome Swallow.

Bay of Islands Coastal Park – 31^st July.

Chris Tzaros (whom we bumped into at Peterborough) took us to this site, so am not totally sure where it is!

Australian Shelduck, Hoary-headed Grebe, Black-browed Albatross sp, White-faced Heron, White-necked Heron, Australian White Ibis, Straw-necked Ibis, Yellow-billed Spoonbill, Black-shouldered Kite, Swamp Harrier, Wedge-tailed Eagle, Galah, Singing Honeyeater, White-eared Honeyeater, Crescent Honeyeater, New Holland Honeyeater, Tawny-crowned Honeyeater, Eastern Spinebill, Golden-headed Cisticola, Silvereye.

Port Fairy – 31^st July – 1^st August.

Stayed overnight before heading off inland. Good Seawatching can be had from the car park by the two little coastal reserves.

Pacific Black Duck, Hoary-headed Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Southern Giant-Petrel, Shearwater sp (prob Fluttering), Black-browed Albatross sp, Shy Albatross sp, Australasian Gannet, White-faced Heron, Little Egret, Great Egret, Straw-necked Ibis, Royal Spoonbill, Australian Spotted Crake, Pied Oystercatcher, Sooty Oystercatcher, Black-winged Stilt, Crested Tern, Galah, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Singing Honeyeater, Little Raven.

Grampian National Park – 1^st August.

Magnificent scenery, but fairly quiet when we passed through. We birded the freshwater lake near Bryons Swamp in the southern part of the park and had a quick look around Halls Gap, Bellfield Picnic site and Zumstein.

Emu, Black Swan, Australian Shelduck, Australian Wood Duck, Australasian Shoveler, Grey Teal, Hardhead, Hoary-headed Grebe, Little Pied Cormorant, White-faced Heron, White-necked Heron, Black-shouldered Kite, Brown Falcon, Nankeen Kestrel, Purple Swamphen, Dusky Moorhen, Eurasian Coot, Red-kneed Dotterel, Masked Lapwing, Long-billed Corella, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Crimson Rosella, Red-rumped Parrot, Laughing Kookaburra, White-throated Treecreeper, Superb Fairy-wren, Striated Pardalote, White-browed Scrubwren, Brown Thornbill, Yellow-rumped Thornbill, White-plumed Honeyeater, White-naped Honeyeater, New Holland Honeyeater, Scarlet Robin, Grey Shrike-thrush, Restless Flycatcher, Pied Currawong, Grey Currawong, White-winged Chough, Red-browed Finch.

Wyperfeld National Park – 2^nd August.

Our only venture into Mallee habitat. Unfortunately too late/early for Malleefowl to be attending their mounds (two are signposted). We drove the Eastern Lookout drive, stopping regularly and walked the Malleefowl Walk by the first mound. Also had a quick look around the discovery walk and down the Lowan Track.

Emu, Australian Shelduck, Wedge-tailed Eagle, Peaceful Dove, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Australian Ringneck, Red-rumped Parrot, Mulga Parrot, Laughing Kookaburra, Brown Treecreeper, Splendid Fairy-wren, Yellow-rumped (Spotted) Pardalote, Shy Heathwren, Inland Thornbill, Chestnut-rumped Thornbill, Buff-rumped Thornbill, Slender-billed Thornbill, Yellow-rumped Thornbill, Yellow Thornbill, Red Wattlebird, White-eared

Honeyeater, Yellow-plumed Honeyeater, White-plumed Honeyeater, White-fronted Chat, Jacky Winter, Hooded Robin, White-browed Babbler, Chestnut Quail-thrush, Gilbert's Whistler, Golden Whistler, Grey Shrike-thrush,

Varied Sitella, Pied Currawong, Australian Raven, Australian Pipit, Welcome Swallow, Tree Martin.

Boort Ponds – 2^nd & 3^rd August.

A fortuitous find when we were looking for a place to stay. The motel by these ponds was closing down the following week!

Black Swan, Australian Shelduck, Grey Teal, Hoary-headed Grebe, Little Black Cormorant, Australian Pelican, Straw-necked Ibis, Black Kite, Whistling Kite, Swamp Harrier, Purple Swamphen, Dusky Moorhen, Black-tailed Native-hen, Eurasian Coot, Silver Gull, Crested Pigeon, Eastern Rosella, Red-rumped Parrot, Brown Treecreeper, Superb Fairy-wren, Striated Pardalote, Noisy Miner, White-plumed Honeyeater, White-browed Babbler.

Crosbie State Forest – 5^th August.

Phil Maher told us about this site as a place to look at on the way down to Melbourne.

Eastern Rosella, Laughing Kookaburra, Brown Treecreeper, Buff-rumped Thornbill, Yellow Thornbill, Striated Thornbill, Yellow-tufted Honeyeater, Fuscous Honeyeater, White-plumed Honeyeater, Brown-headed Honeyeater, Crested Shrike-tit (H), Grey Fantail, White-winged Chough, Silvereye.

Mt. Ida– 5^th August.

Another place Phil Maher told us about. Fairly quiet until we hit on a flock of birds on the way back down the mountain.

Laughing Kookaburra, White-throated Treecreeper, Speckled Warbler, Buff-rumped Thornbill, Striated Thornbill, Eastern Spinebill, Grey Shrike-thrush, Restless Flycatcher, Grey Currawong, White-winged Chough, Red-browed Finch.

Brisbane Ranges National Park – 5^th August.

This was a bit out of our way, (we were on our way back to Melbourne Airport) but it was really to look for Koala (which we found one)!

Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Crimson Rosella, Laughing Kookaburra, White-throated Treecreeper, Brown Treecreeper, Superb Fairy-wren, White-browed Scrubwren, Striated Thornbill, Red Wattlebird, Yellow-faced Honeyeater, White-eared Honeyeater, Yellow-tufted Honeyeater, White-naped Honeyeater, Eastern Yellow Robin, Grey Shrike-thrush.

Queensland.

Brisbane Botanical Gardens – 6^th August.

A typical Botanical Gardens with ponds and exotic trees. Situated just west of Brisbane, a good place to get used to a new set of birds.

Australian Brush-turkey, Black Swan, Australian Wood Duck, Pacific Black Duck, Hardhead, Australasian Grebe, Little Pied Cormorant, Australian White Ibis, Straw-necked Ibis, Dusky Moorhen, Crested Pigeon, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Rainbow Lorikeet, Blue-faced Honeyeater, Noisy Miner, Magpie-lark, Willie Wagtail, Olive-backed Oriole, Australian Raven, Torresian Crow.

Mt. Coot-tha NP (JC Slaughter Falls) – 6^th August.

Just along the road from the Brisbane Botanical Gardens. We spent a couple of hours walking the track along to JC Slaughter Falls.

Australian Brush-turkey, Laughing Kookaburra, Striated Pardalote, Noisy Miner, Lewin's Honeyeater, Yellow-faced Honeyeater, Scarlet Honeyeater, Eastern Whipbird, Golden Whistler, Rufous Whistler, Grey Fantail, Grey Butcherbird, Pied Currawong, Silvereye.

Burleigh Heads National Park – 7^th August.

A small reserve that is popular with early morning walkers. It pays to get there early if you don’t want be told “have you seen the bright green & orange birds special to this area” or “you should have been here yesterday there was one just here!” when you haven’t! However patience will usually provide a Noisy Pitta (or three in our case!).

Australian Brush-turkey, Little Black Cormorant, Australian White Ibis, Osprey, Black-shouldered Kite, Brahminy Kite, Silver Gull, Spotted Turtle-Dove, Rainbow Lorikeet, Australian King-Parrot, Eastern Rosella, Pale-headed Rosella, Noisy Pitta, Large-billed Scrubwren, Striated Thornbill, Lewin's Honeyeater, Olive Whistler, Golden Whistler, Grey Fantail, Spangled Drongo, Black-faced Cuckoo-Shrike, Varied Triller, Figbird, Pied Currawong, Welcome Swallow, Silvereye.

Mt. Nathan Fish Farm & ford area – 7^th August.

Following in the footsteps of John Day et al from his trip in 96 (?), we birded this place on the way to O’Reilly’s Guesthouse. Worth stopping for half an hour.

Hardhead, Cattle Egret, Straw-necked Ibis, Wedge-tailed Eagle, Masked Lapwing, Spotted Turtle-Dove, Galah, Rainbow Lorikeet, Laughing Kookaburra, Superb Fairy-wren, White-browed Scrubwren, Striated Thornbill, Noisy Miner, Lewin's Honeyeater, Yellow-faced Honeyeater, White-throated Honeyeater, Brown Honeyeater, Golden Whistler, Rufous Whistler, Little Shrike-thrush, Magpie-lark, Grey Fantail, Willie Wagtail, Figbird, Torresian Crow, Double-barred Finch, Red-browed Finch, Chestnut-breasted Mannikin, Welcome Swallow, Fairy Martin.

O’Reilly’s in Lamington National Park (includes all sites in area) – 7^th-9^th August.

We stayed here for two nights. It was more expensive than expected, but the food was excellent and the two evening spotlighting trips were worthwhile in getting the critter list up. Could be done on a day trip from Canungra (but a very early start would be needed) or perhaps best to stay one night or stay at the campsite. However the information received and permission gained to bird areas usually private to the Guesthouses trips was worth it. We birded the Border track (detouring to Elabana Falls) as far as the junction with Pensioners track. Also birded The Mick’s Tower/Wishing tree track, and, on our way back to Brisbane we got permission to bird some areas off Duck Creek Rd (where we went as far as Tutt’s Gully) which got us about four-five species seen nowhere else.

Australian Brush-turkey, Collared Sparowhawk, Wedge-tailed Eagle, Masked Lapwing, White-Headed Pigeon (H), Brown Cuckoo-Dove, Wonga Pigeon, Topknot Pigeon, Glossy Black Cockatoo, Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Australian King-Parrot, Crimson Rosella, Southern Boobook, Australian Owlet-nightjar, Laughing Kookaburra, Albert's Lyrebird, Red-browed Treecreeper, Superb Fairy-wren, Variegated Fairy-wren, Red-backed Fairy-wren, Yellow-throated Scrubwren, White-browed Scrubwren, Large-billed Scrubwren, Brown Gerygone, Striated Thornbill, Noisy Miner, Lewin's Honeyeater, Eastern Spinebill, Rose Robin, Eastern Yellow Robin, Logrunner, Eastern Whipbird, Golden Whistler, Grey Shrike-thrush, Varied Sitella, Grey Fantail, Grey Butcherbird, Australian Magpie, Pied Currawong, Paradise Riflebird, Torresian Crow, Green Catbird, Regent Bowerbird, Satin Bowerbird, Welcome Swallow, Bassian Thrush.

Sherwood Park – 9^th August.

A small park near to Brisbane where we spent the last hours of daylight.

Australian Wood Duck, Pacific Black Duck, Hardhead, Australasian Grebe, Little Pied Cormorant, Little Black Cormorant, Cattle Egret, Australian White Ibis, Royal Spoonbill, Purple Swamphen, Eurasian Coot, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Brown Honeyeater, White-breasted Woodswallow, Welcome Swallow, Common Starling, Common Myna.

Centenary Lakes – 10^th & 18^th August.

Near to Cairns Airport an excellent birding stop before heading south. We spent a couple of hours here on 10^th and again on 18^th before heading back to the Airport.

Australian Brush-turkey, Orange-footed Scrubfowl, Magpie Goose, Pacific Black Duck, Darter, Little Pied Cormorant, Little Black Cormorant, Australian Pelican, Little Egret, Great Egret, Intermediate Egret, Striated Heron, Australian White Ibis, Straw-necked Ibis, Black Kite, Brahminy Kite, Australian Hobby, Common Sandpiper, Masked Lapwing, Spotted Turtle-Dove, Peaceful Dove, Rainbow Lorikeet, Double-eyed Fig-Parrot, White-rumped Swiftlet, Little Kingfisher, Laughing Kookaburra, Forest Kingfisher, Noisy Pitta, Large-billed Gerygone, Graceful Honeyeater, Yellow Honeyeater, Brown Honeyeater, Dusky Honeyeater, Spectacled Monarch, Magpie-lark, Willie Wagtail, Spangled Drongo, White-bellied Cuckoo-shrike, Varied Triller, Yellow Oriole, Figbird, White-breasted Woodswallow, Black Butcherbird, House Sparrow, Nutmeg Mannikin, Yellow-bellied Sunbird, Welcome Swallow, Metallic Starling, Common Myna.

Flecker Botanical Gardens – 18^th August.

Across the road from Centenary Lakes. Not as good as the lakes but worth a wander round.

Orange-footed Scrubfowl, Double-eyed Fig-Parrot, White-rumped Swiftlet, Rainbow Bee-eater, Helmeted Friarbird, Yellow Oriole.

Townsville Common Environmental Park – 11^th August.

A huge area just to the north of Townsville. Usually holds many water birds but, unfortunately, it was very dry when we were there. Did a bushland loop walk which provided a few birds and eventually found some water by the tower hide. Worth remembering to scan the surrounding area for Bustards etc. The main pond areas were totally dry, so we headed off and birded around the entrance which produced several species of Honeyeater.

Australian Brush-turkey, Pacific Black Duck, Little Black Cormorant, Australian Pelican, White-faced Heron, Little Egret, White-necked Heron, Great Egret, Glossy Ibis, Straw-necked Ibis, Royal Spoonbill, Yellow-billed Spoonbill, Black-shouldered Kite, Black Kite, Whistling Kite, Brahminy Kite, Swamp Harrier, Brown Goshawk, Brown Falcon, Nankeen Kestrel, Brolga, Australian Bustard, Black-winged Stilt, Black-fronted Dotterel, Masked Lapwing, Peaceful Dove, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Rainbow Lorikeet, Fan-tailed Cuckoo, Pheasant Coucal, Blue-winged Kookaburra, Forest Kingfisher, Rainbow Bee-eater, Red-backed Fairy-wren, Yellow Honeyeater, White-throated Honeyeater, Brown Honeyeater, Brown-backed Honeyeater, Rufous-throated Honeyeater, Leaden Flycatcher, Leaden/Satin Flycatcher, Grey Fantail, Spangled Drongo, Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike, White-bellied Cuckoo-shrike, White-winged Triller, Varied Triller, Olive-backed Oriole, White-breasted Woodswallow, Torresian Crow, Nutmeg Mannikin, Yellow-bellied Sunbird, Fairy Martin, Tawny Grassbird, Silvereye.

Cape Pallarenda area – 11^th August.

Just ‘around the corner’ from the entrance to Townsville Common, we birded the car park at the end of the road by the research station and did a short walk around the headland.

Australian Brush-turkey, Darter, Black Kite, Brahminy Kite, Nankeen Kestrel, Silver Gull, Rainbow Lorikeet, Blue-winged Kookaburra, Rainbow Bee-eater, Helmeted Friarbird, Brown Honeyeater, Dusky Honeyeater, Leaden/Satin, Flycatcher, Satin Flycatcher, Spangled Drongo, Varied Triller, Figbird, Torresian Crow, Great Bowerbird, Yellow-bellied Sunbird.

Ivy Tea Cottage and Birthday Creeks Falls – Paluma – 11^th August.

A good place for a lunch stop! A good place for photography as the birds come to share your food! The proprietor gave us directions to a Golden Bowerbird bower and would no doubt have pointed us in the direction of other good birds had time allowed.

Topknot Pigeon, Macleay's Honeyeater, White-cheeked Honeyeater, Eastern Spinebill, Grey-headed Robin, Chowchilla, Bower's/Little Shrike-thrush, Pied Currawong, Victoria's Riflebird, Spotted Catbird, Golden Bowerbird (bower only).

Licuala State Forest – Mission Beach – 12^th August.

Probably the place in Australia to look for Southern Cassowary. We walked the walking track in heavy rain for c4 hours and eventually saw one crossing the road c100yds from the car! An evening visit may be better than an early morning one, as a French birder we met said he saw plenty the evening before! If no luck here then try the boat ramp at South Mission Beach.

Southern Cassowary, Orange-footed Scrubfowl, Pacific Baza, Brown Cuckoo-Dove, Emerald Dove, Noisy Pitta, Large-billed Scrubwren, Yellow-spotted Honeyeater, Pale-yellow Robin, Grey Whistler, Little Shrike-thrush?, Spectacled Monarch, Rufous Fantail, Spotted Catbird, Mistletoebird, Metallic Starling.

Eubenangee Swamp National Park – 12^th August.

About 20km north of Innisfail, this is a wetland reserve with a small amount of woodland. Once out of the wooded bit there is a track that leads to a grassy hill. This is the best place to scan the ponds from. Good for waterfowl.

Magpie Goose, Green Pygmy-goose, Pacific Black Duck, Hardhead, Hoary-headed Grebe, Darter, Little Pied Cormorant, Little Black Cormorant, Australian Pelican, Great Egret, Royal Spoonbill, Yellow-billed Spoonbill, Black-necked Stork, Black Kite, Nankeen Kestrel, Purple Swamphen, Eurasian Coot, Comb-crested Jacana, White-rumped Swiftlet, Laughing Kookaburra, Forest Kingfisher, Rainbow Bee-eater, Large-billed Scrubwren, Large-billed Gerygone, Leaden Flycatcher, Rufous Fantail, Grey Fantail, White-bellied Cuckoo-shrike, Crimson Finch, Chestnut-breasted Mannikin, Tree Martin, Tawny Grassbird.

Broomfield Crater – 12^th & 13^th August.

Situated about 6km between Malandra and Mt. Hypipamee National Park. There is a parking area that overlooks the crater (which is a disused volcano crater). Best to be there for dusk to see the Cranes arrive to roost from the surrounding area.

Magpie Goose, Australian Wood Duck, Pacific Black Duck, Grey Teal, Australian White Ibis, Black-shouldered Kite, Whistling Kite, White-bellied Sea-Eagle, Sarus Crane, Brolga, Purple Swamphen, Masked Lapwing, Rainbow Lorikeet, Eastern Whipbird, Torresian Crow.

Mt. Hypipamee NP – The Crater – 13^th August.

We birded the car park as well as the short trail to the “Crater” and back around by the waterfall. Probably best to get here in the early morning before all the tourists arrive.

Orange-footed Scrubfowl, Grey Goshawk, White-throated Treecreeper, Yellow-throated Scrubwren, Atherton Scrubwren, Large-billed Scrubwren, Mountain Thornbill, Lewin's Honeyeater, Yellow-spotted Honeyeater, Grey-headed Robin, Eastern Whipbird, Bower's Shrike-thrush, Grey Fantail, Victoria's Riflebird, Spotted Catbird, Golden Bowerbird.

Hasties Rd/Swamp area – 13^th August.

We birded a garden along Hasties Swamp Rd as it was in flower and was full of Honeyeaters (five species)! The lake at Hasties Swamp (called the Nyeta Wetland) was good for waterbirds especially Plumed Whistling Duck. A two tear hide gives good views over the lake.

Plumed Whistling Duck, Pacific Black Duck, Grey Teal, Pink-eared Duck, Hardhead, Australasian Grebe, Darter, Intermediate Egret, Cattle Egret, Australian White Ibis, Straw-necked Ibis, Yellow-billed Spoonbill, Black-shouldered Kite, Whistling Kite, Brown Falcon, Purple Swamphen, Dusky Moorhen, Eurasian Coot, Black-winged Stilt, Masked Lapwing, Laughing Kookaburra, Forest Kingfisher, Rainbow Bee-eater, Red-backed Fairy-wren, Lewin's Honeyeater, Bridled Honeyeater, Yellow-faced Honeyeater, Brown Honeyeater, White-cheeked Honeyeater, Dusky Honeyeater, Australian Reed Warbler, Silvereye.

Tinaroo Creek Road – 13^th & 14^th August.

We looked at this site because of the birds to be seen as stated in T & T. Unfortunately we were there at the wrong time of year for some (Black Bittern) and the others weren’t to be found (Squatter Pigeon, Black-throated Finch etc).

Black Kite, Sarus Crane, Pale-headed Rosella.

Pickford Road – 14^th August.

Again a site mentioned in T & T. The ford area that we birded is about 2km from the main road and is worth half an hour as it produced some nice birds. The rice fields are now sugar cane, so the area is no good for

Whistling Kite, Peaceful Dove, Horsfield's Bronze-cuckoo, Blue-winged Kookaburra, Rainbow Bee-eater, Red-backed Fairy-wren, Red-browed Pardalote, Blue-faced Honeyeater, Yellow Honeyeater, Satin Flycatcher, Grey Fantail, White-bellied Cuckoo-shrike, Double-barred Finch, Chestnut-breasted Mannikin, Australian Reed Warbler, Tawny Grassbird, Golden-headed Cisticola.

Big Mitchell Creek – 14^th August.

A place we stopped off at on our way to Kingfisher Park. It’s just before Lake Mitchell. Park just before the bridge and get down into the dry river bed and we found one or two birds within a short distance.

Brown Honeyeater, White-browed Robin.

Lake Mitchell – 14^th & 15^th August.

A huge lake! Unfortunately a heat haze made viewing from the road difficult on 14^th. After info from Andrew Iles (of Kingfisher Lodge) we drove along a track through a wooden gate on the south side of the lake and birded the southern lake from the causeway. Do not go past the gate at the other end of the causeway though as it is private land.

Black Swan, Radjah Shelduck, Australian Wood Duck, Cotton Pygmy-goose, Green Pygmy-goose, Pacific Black Duck, Grey Teal, Pink-eared Duck, Hardhead, Australasian Grebe, Darter, Little Pied Cormorant, Little Black Cormorant, Australian Pelican, White-faced Heron, White-necked Heron, Great Egret, Cattle Egret, Glossy Ibis, Straw-necked Ibis, Royal Spoonbill, Whistling Kite, Nankeen Kestrel, Marsh Sandpiper, Sharp-tailed Sandpiper, Comb-crested Jacana, Black-winged Stilt, Red-kneed Dotterel, Masked Lapwing, Caspian Tern, Whiskered Tern, Crested Shrike-tit
                (H), Double-barred Finch.

Mt. Carbine lake and area – 14^th August.

We spent a couple of hours wandering around the lake edge, birding the Eucalypt forest. Worth checking the power lines on the way up and down from the lake as Red-backed Kingfishers can be seen.

Wandering Whistling-Duck, Green Pygmy-goose, Pacific Black Duck, Pink-eared Duck, Hardhead, Great Crested Grebe, Little Pied Cormorant, Australian Pelican, White-necked Heron, Great Egret, Intermediate Egret, Royal Spoonbill, Black Kite, Whistling Kite, Eurasian Coot, Common Greenshank, Comb-crested Jacana, Black-winged Stilt, Rainbow Lorikeet, White-rumped Swiftlet, Blue-winged Kookaburra, Red-backed Kingfisher, Sacred Kingfisher, Helmeted Friarbird, Blue-faced Honeyeater, White-throated Honeyeater, Brown Honeyeater, Grey-crowned Babbler, Crested Shrike-tit (H), Spangled Drongo, Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike, Pied Butcherbird, Torresian Crow, Great Bowerbird, Australian Reed Warbler.

Abattoir Swamp – 14^th & 15^th August.

Called in twice as we were going past. A small pond with a boardwalk leading to a hide. The only place where we saw Northern Fantail and Square-tailed Kite. Worth a quick look.

Pacific Black Duck, Australasian Grebe, Darter, White-faced Heron, White-necked Heron, Square-tailed Kite, Masked Lapwing, Grey Fantail, Northern Fantail.

Kingfisher Park – 14^th & 15^th August.

Orange-footed Scrubfowl, Pacific Baza, Brahminy Kite, Bush Stone-curlew, Emerald Dove, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Rainbow Lorikeet, Scaly-breasted Lorikeet, Pale-headed Rosella, Lesser Sooty Owl, Barn Owl, Papuan Frogmouth, Laughing Kookaburra, Forest Kingfisher, Rainbow Bee-eater, Blue-faced Honeyeater, Macleay's Honeyeater, Lewin's Honeyeater, Yellow-spotted Honeyeater, Graceful Honeyeater, Bridled Honeyeater, Dusky Honeyeater, Scarlet Honeyeater, Lemon-bellied Flycatcher, Pale-yellow Robin, Grey-headed Robin, Little Shrike-thrush, Spectacled Monarch, Rufous Fantail, Grey Fantail, Varied Triller, Figbird, Red-browed Finch, Yellow-bellied Sunbird, Silvereye.

Mt. Lewis– 15^th August.

Spent all morning birding with Carol Iles (a professional guide). Money well spent as several species not seen elsewhere were found. Unfortunately the pigeons weren’t playing ball and we only heard the species we wanted to see.

Pacific Baza, Brown Cuckoo-Dove, Wompoo Fruit-Dove (H), Superb Fruit-Dove (H), Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Double-eyed Fig-Parrot, Forest Kingfisher, White-throated Treecreeper, Lovely Fairy-wren (H), Fernwren, Yellow-throated Scrubwren, Atherton Scrubwren, Brown Gerygone, Bridled Honeyeater, White-cheeked Honeyeater, Eastern Spinebill, Dusky Honeyeater, Scarlet Honeyeater, Pale-yellow Robin, Grey-headed Robin, Golden Whistler, Grey Whistler, Little Shrike-thrush, Bower's Shrike-thrush, Rufous Fantail, Grey Fantail, Barred Cuckoo-Shrike, Varied Triller, Figbird, Victoria's Riflebird, Spotted Catbird, Tooth-billed Bowerbird, Golden Bowerbird, Mistletoebird, Silvereye.

Daintree area + River Cruise – 15^th & 16^th August.

Booked into Red Mill House, which is a good B&B. Birded along the road in the evening. Dinner in a local restaurant. Up early for Chris Dhalbergs River Cruise. Pouring with rain all trip and only stopped when we came back. Good views of most species seen, although only brief views of Estuarine Crocodile.

Australian Brush-turkey, Orange-footed Scrubfowl, Pacific Black Duck, Hardhead, Australasian Grebe, Darter, Little Pied Cormorant, Little Black Cormorant, White-faced Heron, Little Egret, Great Egret, Intermediate Egret, Cattle Egret, Striated Heron, Nankeen Night Heron, Royal Spoonbill, Whistling Kite, White-bellied Sea-Eagle, Brown Falcon, Bar-shouldered Dove, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Rainbow Lorikeet, Double-eyed Fig-Parrot, Papuan Frogmouth, White-rumped Swiftlet, Laughing Kookaburra, Blue-winged Kookaburra, Forest Kingfisher, Sacred Kingfisher, Helmeted Friarbird, Yellow-spotted Honeyeater, Graceful Honeyeater, Brown-backed Honeyeater, Dusky Honeyeater, Grey Whistler, Little Shrike-thrush, Spectacled Monarch, Leaden Flycatcher, Shining Flycatcher, Rufous Fantail, Grey Fantail, Spangled Drongo, Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike, Varied Triller, Yellow Oriole, Figbird, White-breasted Woodswallow, Black Butcherbird, Yellow-bellied Sunbird, Mistletoebird, Tree Martin, Silvereye, Metallic Starling.

Yule Point– 16^th August.

Another place suggested by Andrew Iles for Beach Stone-curlew. This time we were successful.

Eastern Reef Egret, Whimbrel, Eastern Curlew, Beach Stone-curlew, Greater Sand Plover, Silver Gull, Gull-billed Tern, Caspian Tern, Crested Tern, Collared Kingfisher, Varied Honeyeater.

Cairns Croc Farm at Edmonton – 16^th August.

A must for White-browed Crake! We saw one in the first pen we looked at!! Generally good for birds (and Crocodiles!). Birders get a discounted entrance fee.

Plumed Whistling Duck, Australasian Grebe, Darter, Little Pied Cormorant, Little Black Cormorant, Little Egret, White-necked Heron, Great Egret, Intermediate Egret, Striated Heron, Australian White Ibis, Royal Spoonbill, Yellow-billed Spoonbill, Black Kite, Buff-banded Rail, White-browed Crake, Purple Swamphen, Black-winged Stilt, Black-fronted Dotterel, Masked Lapwing, Gull-billed Tern, Spotted Turtle-Dove, Bar-shouldered Dove, Sacred Kingfisher, Brown Honeyeater, Brown-backed Honeyeater, Leaden Flycatcher, Spangled Drongo, Varied Triller, Crimson Finch.

Cairns Esplanade area – 16^th & 17^th August.

Excellent for waders. The mangroves at the north end of the Esplanade was suggested as a site for Mangrove Robin. We were told to imitate the two whistle call. We tried in the morning of 17^th and immediately saw two birds!

Darter, Little Black Cormorant, Australian Pelican, White-faced Heron, Little Egret, Eastern Reef Egret, Great Egret, Intermediate Egret, Striated Heron, Australian White Ibis, Royal Spoonbill, White-bellied Sea-Eagle, Bar-tailed Godwit, Whimbrel, Eastern Curlew, Grey-tailed Tattler, Great Knot, Sharp-tailed Sandpiper, Black-winged Stilt, Red-capped Plover, Black-fronted Dotterel, Masked Lapwing, Silver Gull, Gull-billed Tern, Caspian Tern, Spotted Turtle-Dove, Pied Imperial Pigeon, Rainbow Lorikeet, White-rumped Swiftlet, Sacred Kingfisher, Helmeted Friarbird, Varied Honeyeater, Brown Honeyeater, Mangrove Robin, Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike, Figbird, House Sparrow, Nutmeg Mannikin, Mistletoebird, Common Myna.

Cairns Cemetery – 16^th & 17^th August.

A site especially birded for Bush Stone-curlew. Apparently they are always in the SE corner of the Cemetery.

Bush Stone-curlew, Peaceful Dove, Yellow Honeyeater, Spangled Drongo, Common Myna.

Michaelmas Cay & Hastings Reef + area – 17^th August.

An excellent trip for the Cay itself (breeding seabirds) and the snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef. We went out on the MV Seastar 2.

Brown Booby, Darter, Australian White Ibis, Ruddy Turnstone, Pied Oystercatcher, Masked Lapwing, Gull-billed Tern, Crested Tern, Little Tern, Sooty Tern, Common Noddy, Black Noddy, Pied Imperial Pigeon, Rainbow Lorikeet.
               

Systematic List

The order and nomenclature follow Christidis & Boles 1994.

Although our trip encompassed two different months there were no overlap in dates, so the 26^th-31^st always refers to July and 1^st to 18^th always refers to August.

Southern Cassowary   Casuarius casuarius

QLD: - An adult and small young were seen walking across the road by the car park at the Licuala State Forest Park on 12^th August.

Emu   Dromaius novaehollandiae

NSW: - Two were seen between Echuca and Gulpa SF on 3^rd August with 13 while out with Phil Maher the next day.

VIC: - First seen in the Grampian NP, with three near the Bellfield Picnic site on 1^st August. Next day 25 were seen in the Wyperfeld NP area (inc 14 in a field just outside the park entrance).

Australian Brush-turkey   Alectura lathami

QLD: - Singles at Brisbane Botanical Gardens and at Mt. Coot-tha (JC Slaughter Falls walk) on 6^th August. Next day, 25+ were at Burleigh Heads NP with 40-50(?) around O’Reilly’s Rainforest Guesthouse in the evening. In the Cairns area one was at Centenary Lakes on 10^th, two at Townsville Common  (with several at Cape Pallarenda) on 11^th, two’s at the Curtain Fig tree and at Lake Eacham on 13^th, two’s between Kingfisher Park and Mt. Lewis on 13^th and from the Daintree River cruise on 16^th (all dates in August).

Orange-footed Scrubfowl   Megapodius reinwardt

QLD: - A single at Centenary Lakes (Cairns) on 10^th August was the first. 18 were seen along the walking trail at the Licuala State Forest Park on 12^th. Singles were seen at The Crater (Mt. Hypipamee NP) on 13^th, from the Daintree River Cruise on 16^th and in the Flecker Botanical Gardens (Cairns) on 18^th, with two birds present at Kingfisher Park on 14^th and at Red Mill House (Daintree) on 16^th with six at Centenary Lakes on 18^th.

Stubble Quail   Coturnix pectoralis

NSW: - Four were seen in the Plains-wanderer paddock whilst out spotlighting with Phil Maher on 4^th August.

Magpie Goose   Anseranas semipalmata

VIC: - A single at the Edithvale Wetlands on 28^th July was possibly a feral bird from South Australia.

QLD: - Seven were at Centenary Lakes (Cairns) on 10^th August with a single there on 18^th, two were at Broomfield Crater on 12^th with 17 at Eubenangee Swamp later the same day.

Plumed Whistling-Duck   Dendrocygna eytoni

QLD: - 1000’s were along the shoreline at the Nyeta Wetland (Hasties Swamp) on 13^th August. Ten were in one of the Crocodile pens at the Crocodile Farm (Edmonton) on 16^th.

Wandering Whistling-Duck   Dendrocygna arcuata

QLD: - 50 were on the Mt. Carbine Lake on 14^th August.

Blue-billed Duck   Oxyura australis

VIC: - 11 were seen at the Edithvale Wetlands on 28^th July with 20+ at Werribee Sewage Farm on 30^th.

Musk Duck   Biziura lobata

VIC: - Three were seen at Swan Lake on Phillip Island on 29^th July with several noted at Werribee Sewage Farm on 30^th.

Freckled Duck   Stictonetta naevosa

NSW: - 14 were on a small farm pond 16km to the east of Deniliquin area on 4^th August.

VIC: - One was at Werribee Sewage Farm on 30^th July.

Black Swan   Cygnus atratus

VIC: - 50 were at Edithvale Wetlands on 28^th July with 15 seen on the drive to Phillip Island the same day. On Phillip Island on 29^th a total of 100+ were seen, with 50 on Swan Lake and 42 adults and broods of two and five in a field between there and Berry’s Beach. They were common at Werribee Sewage Farm on 30^th. Next day c50 were on the lake at Peterborough. 40 were in the southern Grampians on 1^st August and up to 60 were on the lakes at Boort on 2^nd-3^rd.

QLD: - One was at the Brisbane Botanical Gardens on 6^th August with two adults and two young (?) between Canungra and Beaudesert (on a pond just before Tambourine) on 9^th. Two were at Nardellos Lagoon and 100+ at West Barron Storage Fauna Reserve on 13^th and they were present at Lake Mitchell (from the causeway) on 15^th.

Cape Barren Goose   Cereopsis novaehollandiae

VIC: - Only seen on Phillip Island with a single on the way to Cowes on 28^th July with five around Swan Lake and 24 in a field between Swan Lake and Berry’s Beach on 29^th.

Australian Shelduck   Tadorna tadornoides

VIC: - 18 were seen on Phillip Island on 29^th July with birds present at Werribee Sewage Farm the next day. Six were noted along the Great Ocean Road on 31^st. In August four were seen between Port Fairy and Penshurst with eight between the lake in the southern Grampians to Bellfield Picnic site and a single on the lake to the north of Jeparit on 1^st. Two were at Wyperfeld NP on 2^nd with pairs at Boort Lake and between Durham Ox and Echuca on 3^rd.

Radjah Shelduck   Tadorna radjah

QLD: - 11 were seen from the Lake Mitchell causeway on 15^th.

Australian Wood Duck   Chenonetta jubata

NSW: - 28 were seen around Lady Carrington’s Drive (Royal National Park) on 26^th with four noted from the Wollongong pelagic the next day. 20 were along the roadside by the Gulpa State Forest on 5^th August.

VIC: - 23 were seen at Phillip Island on 29^th July. Only two were seen at Werribee on 30^th with another 21 noted along the Great Ocean Road on 31^st. The drive from Port Fairy to Rainbow on 1^st August produced 46 birds (with 35 between the Freshwater Lake (nr. Bryans Swamp) and Bellfield Picnic Site). 20 were seen between Birchip to Boort on 2^nd with another ten at the park at Echuca on 3^rd.

QLD: - Ten were at Brisbane Botanical Gardens on 6^th and 16 between Canungra Valley Winery and Sherwood Park on 9^th with birds also present at Sherwood Park. Two were at Broomfield Crater on 13^th with 20 at Lake Mitchell on 14^th (seen from the road) and 100+ seen from the Lake Mitchell causeway the next day.

Cotton Pygmy-goose   Nettapus coromandelianus

QLD: - 20 were seen from the Lake Mitchell causeway on 15^th August.

Green Pygmy-goose   Nettapus pulchellus

QLD: - 40+ were at Eubenangee Swamp on 12^th August with c80 seen at both sites at Lake Mitchell on 14^th-15^th and four at Mt. Carbine Lake on 14^th.

Mallard   Anas platyrhynchos

VIC: - Four were on the Russell Clark Reserve at Port Fairy on 1^st August.

Pacific Black Duck   Anas superciliosa

NSW: - 15 were along Lady Carrington’s Drive (Royal National Park) on 26^th July and 40+ were on the lake along Avalon Rd near Deniliquin on 4^th August.

VIC: - Small numbers were noted at all suitable localities with a maximum of 40 in the park by the Murray River at Echuca on 3^rd August.

QLD: - 60 were at Brisbane Botanical Gardens on 6^th August with 50+ at Sherwood Park (Brisbane) on 9^th. 64+ were at Centenary Lakes (Cairns) on 10^th with 60 at Eubenangee Swamp and 50+ between there and Broomfield Crater on 12^th. 200 were at Nyeta Wetland (Hasties Swamp) and 1000’s at Nardellos Lagoon on 13^th. 52 were at Mt. Carbine Lake on 14^th with smaller numbers seen at many localities.

Australasian Shoveler   Anas rhynchotis

NSW: - 14 were on a small farm pond 16km east of Deniliquin on 4^th August.

VIC: - 20+ were at the Edithvale Wetlands on 28^th July with three on Swan Lake (Phillip Island) the next day. Ten’s were at Werribee Sewage Farm on 30^th with two on the Freshwater Lake in the southern Grampians (near Bryans Swamp) on 1^st August.

Grey Teal   Anas gracilis

NSW: - 12 were seen along the Forest Creek Rd (nr. Deniliquin) and 100+ were on a small farm pond 16km E of Deniliquin on 4^th August.

VIC: - Small numbers were seen at Edithvale Wetlands, Airey’s Inlet pond, along the Great Ocean Rd, the Freshwater lake in the southern Grampians, Boort Ponds. Many were at Werribee Sewage Farm on 30^th July.

QLD: - 100’s were at Broomfield Crater on 12^th with 10’s at Nyeta Wetland (Hasties Swamp) the next day and lots were at Lake Mitchell on 14^th.

Chestnut Teal   Anas castanea

NSW: - A female was at the Currawong Car Park in the Royal National Park on 26^th July with six at Towra Point NR later the same day. One was on the small farm pond 16km E of Deniliquin on 4^th August.

VIC: - 40 were on Edithvale Wetlands on 28^th July with 50 seen on Phillip Island the next day. Many were at Werribee Sewage Farm on 30^th and finally one was on Airey’s Inlet pond on 31^st.

Pink-eared Duck   Malacorhynchus membranaceus

NSW: - Seven were on the small farm pond 16km E of Deniliquin on 4^th August.

VIC: - 1000’s were at Werribee Sewage Farm on 30^th July. One of the spectacles of the trip!

QLD: - 100’s were at the Nyeta Wetland (Hasties Swamp) on 13^th with one on Mt. Carbine Lake the next day and c200 on Lake Mitchell on 15^th.

Hardhead   Aythya australis

NSW: - Three – four were at Lady Carrington’s Drive in the Royal National Park on 26^th July and c55 were noted on the day out with Phil Maher around Deniliquin on 4^th August.

VIC: - Four were at Werribee (probably under-recorded) on 30^th July and six were on the Freshwater Lake in the southern Grampians on 1^st August.

QLD: - 40 were at the Brisbane Botanical Gardens on 6^th August, in a ditch between Eubenangee Swamp and Broomfield Crater on 12^th and at Daintree on 15^th. 300-400 were at the West Barron Storage Fauna Reserve on 13^th. Smaller numbers were noted at Mt. Nathan Fish Farm, Sherwood Park, Lake Mitchell and Mt. Carbine Lake.

Australasian Grebe   Tachybaptus novaehollandiae

NSW: - Four were on the Hacking River in the Royal National Park on 26^th July. About ten were on a small farm pond 16km east of Deniliquin on 4^th August.

VIC: - 15-20 were at the Edithvale Wetlands on 28^th July with 3-4 seen on Phillip Island on 29^th and three on a small pond along the Great Ocean Road on 31^st.

QLD: - 100 were on the Nyeta Wetland (Hasties Swamp) on 13^th August with one to seven seen at Brisbane Botanical Gardens, Sherwood Park, between Cardwell to Ingham, Abattoir Swamp, Lake Mitchell, Cairns Crocodile Farm and on the Daintree River cruise.

Hoary-headed Grebe   Poliocephalus poliocephalus

NSW: - One was on the Hacking River in the Royal National Park on 26^th July. Six were seen on the day out with Phil Maher on 4^th August.

VIC: - Three were seen at the Edithvale Wetlands on 28^th July with c20 on Phillip Island the next day. 100’s were at Werribee Sewage Farm on 30^th with ten on the Freshwater lake in the Southern Grampians on 1^st August. One to five were at 12 Apostles, Bay of Islands Coastal Park, Port Fairy and Boort Ponds.

QLD: - One was on Eubenangee Swamp on 12^th August.

Great Crested Grebe   Podiceps cristatus

VIC: - One was at Port Fairy on 1^st August.

QLD: - Two were at the West Barron Storage Fauna Reserve on 13^th August with another two on the lake up Mt. Carbine the next day.

Little Penguin   Eudyptula minor

NSW: - One was seen just outside the harbour at Wollongong on the pelagic on 27^th July.

VIC: - 200+ were seen coming up the beach at the Summerland Beach Penguin Parade on Phillip Island on the night of 28^th July.

Southern Giant Petrel   Macronectes giganteus

NSW: - One was seen on the pelagic off Wollongong on 27^th July.

VIC: - One was off Port Fairy on 1^st August.

Cape Petrel   Daption capense

NSW: - One was seen on the pelagic off Wollongong on 27^th July.

Great-winged Petrel   Pterodroma macroptera

NSW: - One was seen on the pelagic off Wollongong on 27^th July.

White-headed Petrel   Pterodroma lessonii

NSW: - One was seen on the pelagic off Wollongong on 27^th July.

Providence Petrel   Pterodroma solandri

NSW: - 16+ were seen on the pelagic off Wollongong on 27^th July.

Fairy Prion   Pachyptila turtur

NSW: - 25+ were seen on the pelagic off Wollongong on 27^th July.

Fluttering Shearwater   Puffinus gavia

NSW: - 15 were seen on the pelagic off Wollongong on 27^th July.

Fluttering/Hutton’s Shearwater   Puffinus gavia/huttoni

VIC: - c30 past Port Fairy early morning on 1^st August.

Gibson’s (Wandering) Albatross   Diomedea (exulans) gibsoni

NSW: - Six were noted from the pelagic off Wollongong on 27^th July.

Large Albatross sp   Diomedea sp

VIC: - Two large Albatross (probably Wanderers) were seen from the Nobbies on Phillip Island on 29^th July.

Black-browed Albatross   Diomedea (Thalassarche) melanophris

Campbell’s Albatross   Diomedea (Thalassarche)(melanophris) impavida

NSW: - 10’s were seen on the pelagic off Wollongong on 27^th July.

Black-browed Albatross sp   Diomedea (Thalassarche) melanophris/impavida

NSW: - One unraced bird caught on the pelagic off Wollongong on 27^th July.

VIC: - Two were noted off the Nobbies on Phillip Island on 29^th July with 24 along the Great Ocean Road (at various stop offs) on 31^st. About 100 were noted off Port Fairy on 1^st August.

Shy Albatross   Diomedea (Thalassarche) cauta

NSW: - One was seen on the pelagic off Wollongong on 27^th July.

White-capped Albatross   Diomedea (Thalassarche)(cauta) steadi

NSW: - Two were seen (including one nearly caught) on the pelagic off Wollongong on 27^th July.

In addition several unraced ‘Shy’ Albatrosses were noted.

VIC: - On 31^st July a single was noted off Airey’s Inlet and three were seen from the 12 Apostles lookout. Three were also noted off Port Fairy the next day.

(Indian) Yellow-nosed Albatross   Diomedea (Thalassarche)(chlororhynchos) bassi

NSW: - Hundreds were seen on the pelagic off Wollongong, including eight caught from the boat on 27^th July.

Australasian Gannet   Morus serrator

NSW: - One was seen in Botany Bay (from Silver Beach) on 26^th July with 44 noted from the pelagic off Wollongong the next day.

VIC: - Two flew past Berry’s Beach (Phillip Island) on 29^th July with c100 noted feeding off the mouth of the Little River (Werribee Sewage Farm) the next day. 11 were seen along the Great Ocean Rd on 31^st July with six off Port Fairy on 1^st August.

OLD: - One (juv) was seen flying past the pier along the spit (Doug Jennings & Phillip park), Gold Coast on 6^th August.

Brown Booby   Sula leucogaster

QLD: - c50 were seen on the outward and return journey to & from Michaelmas Cay, with c70 on the Cay itself on 17^th August.

Darter   Anhinga melanogaster

NSW: - One was seen on the Edward River (Deniliquin) on 4^th August.

VIC: - One was seen at Echuca on the Murray River on 3^rd August.

QLD: - One to three were seen at 11 widespread localities with five in the harbour at Cairns on 17^th August.

Little Pied Cormorant   Phalacrocorax melanoleucos

NSW: - Three were seen along the river in the Royal National Park on 26^th July.

VIC: - A total of 40 were seen in Victoria (including 14 on Phillip Island on 29^th July & at Werribee Sewage Farm the next day) at 11 widespread (including inland) localities.

QLD: - 44++ were seen at 12 widespread localities.

Black-faced Cormorant   Phalacrocorax fuscescens

VIC: - Only seen on Phillip Island where one flew past the Nobbies and two were at Newhaven on 29^th July.

Pied Cormorant   Phalacrocorax varius

NSW: - Ten were at Towra Point NR on 26^th July.

VIC: - Two were on Phillip Island at Newhaven on 29^th July & hundreds were at Werribee Sewage Farm the next day.

QLD: - One was along the Spit (Doug Jennings & Phillip park) Gold Coast on 6^th August with six at the West Barron Storage Fauna Reserve on 13^th.

Little Black Cormorant   Phalacrocorax sulcirostris

NSW: - Ten were along the river in the Royal National Park with four at Towra Point NR on 26^th July. One was noted between Echuca and Gulpa SF on 3^rd August with three around the Deniliquin area the next day.

VIC: - Six were on Phillip Island on 29^th July with 40 at Werribee Sewage Farm the next day. Along the Great Ocean Rd on 31^st, two were between Airey’s Inlet and Cape Otway and 30 at Peterborough. Inland ten were at the lakes at Boort on 2^nd August with a single between there and Durham Ox on 3^rd.

QLD: - c30 were at the Crocodile Farm at Edmonton on 16^th August with ten on the lake at Mt. Carbine on 14^th and six at Sherwood Park on 9^th. One to five were noted at Burleigh Heads, Townsville Common, Eubenangee Swamp, Lake Eacham, Daintree, Cairns Esplanade and Centenary lakes. Birds were also present at Lake Mitchell.

Great Cormorant   Phalacrocorax carbo

NSW: - Four were along the river in the Royal National Park on 26^th July with another four seen on the day out with Phil Maher around Deniliquin on 4^th August.

VIC: - One was at Newhaven on Phillip Island on 29^th July with two at Werribee the next day and a single at the pond at Airey’s Inlet on 31^st.

QLD: - 20 were at the West Barron Storage Fauna Reserve on 13^th August.

Australian Pelican   Pelecanus conspicillatus

NSW: - Two were in Wollongong harbour on 27^th July with 30 in the Deniliquin area on 3^rd-4^th August.

VIC: - 20 were at Newhaven on Phillip Island on 29^th July with 30+ at Werribee the next day. c30 were also at the lakes at Boort on 2^nd August. One was at Peterborough on 31^st July and three were between Durham Ox and Echuca on 3dr August.

QLD: - 20 were noted between Mt. Coot-tha and Surfer’s Paradise on 6^th August, Townsville Common on 11^th and Lake Mitchell on 14^th. 14 were also at Cairns Esplanade on 16^th. Smaller numbers were also noted at another six widespread localities.

White-faced Heron   Egretta novaehollandiae

NSW: - Singles were at Botany Bay (Silver Beach) & Cronulla Swamp with two at Towra Point NR on 26^th July. Ten were noted on the day out with Phil Maher around Deniliquin on 4^th August.

VIC: - Eight were on Phillip Island on 29^th July with 20+ at Werribee Sewage Farm the next day. Ten were along the rd to Cape Otway on 31^st. One to five were noted at another 12 widespread localities.

QLD: - Five were around the Daintree area on 15^th-16^th August. One to two were at another seven localities.

Little Egret   Egretta garzetta

VIC: - One was at Port Fairy on 1^st August.

QLD: - Singles were at Centenary Lakes on 10^th August (with another on 18^th), Townsville Common on 11^th, Daintree River Cruise on 16^th & Cairns Esplanade on 17^th (with two on 16^th) and two at Cairns Crocodile Farm (Edmonton) on 16^th.

Eastern Reef Egret   Egretta sacra

All birds seen were dark morph birds.

NSW: - One was seen on the way to Sydney Airport on 28^th July.

QLD: - Singles were at Yule Point and Cairns Esplanade on 16^th August.

White-necked Heron   Ardea pacifica

NSW: - 17 were noted on the day out with Phil Maher around the Deniliquin area on 4^th August.

VIC: - The first was seen along the Gippsland/Bass Highway between Melbourne and Phillip Island on 28^th & 29^th July. 46 were seen along the Great Ocean Rd with 17 at Cape Otway, 19 between there and the 12 Apostles & seven at the Bay of Islands Coastal Park on 31^st. Two were between Port Fairy & Penshurst with a single between Zumsteins & Horsham on 1^st August.

QLD: - Three were present at the lake on Mt. Carbine on 14^th & at Cairns Croc Farm at Edmonton on 16^th. Two were between Ingham & Townsville on 10^th with singles present at Townsville Common, Abattoir Swamp, Lake Mitchell and between Newell Beach and Daintree.

Great Egret   Ardea alba

NSW: - Four were seen on the day out with Phil Maher around the Deniliquin area on 4^th August.

VIC: - Three were on Phillip Island on 29^th July with a single on the way back to Melbourne the same day. Only two were seen at Werribee Sewage Farm on 30^th and six were noted along the Great Ocean Rd on 31^st. Two were at Port Fairy on 1^st August.

QLD: - Ten+ were at Lake Mitchell on 14^th and they were noted as common at Cairns Croc Farm at Edmonton on 16^th. One to four were noted at another 16 widespread localities.

Intermediate Egret   Ardea intermedia

VIC: - One was at the Swamp lookout ½ way between Phillip Island and Melbourne on 29^th July.

QLD: - 13 were at the West Barron Storage Fauna Reserve on 13^th August with ten+ at the Cairns Croc Farm at Edmonton on 16^th. Six were seen from the Daintree River Cruise also on 16^th and singles were noted at Centenary Lakes, between Cairns & Innisfail, Hasties Swamp, Mt. Carbine Lake and at Cairns Esplanade.

Cattle Egret   Ardea ibis

VIC: - 19 were on Phillip Island in a field between Swan Lake & Berry’s Beach on 29^th July. 60 were in a field on the River Moyne at Rosebrook on 31^st July with c70 in roughly the same place the next day.

QLD: - 100+ were in the Daintree area on 15^th–16^th August with 70 between Eubenangee Swamp & Broomfield Crater and 38 between Licuala SF & Bramston on 12^th. 25 were noted at Hasties Swamp on 13^th and between Newell Beach & Daintree on 15^th. One to 20 were noted at another 13 localities.

Striated Heron   Butorides striatus

QLD: - Two were at Centenary Lakes on 10^th with three there on 18^th August. On 16^th singles were on the Daintree River Cruise and at Cairns Esplanade with two at Cairns Croc farm at Edmonton.

Nankeen Night Heron   Nycticorax caledonicus

QLD: - Four were noted from the Daintree River Cruise on 16^th.

Australasian Bittern   Botaurus poiciloptilus

NSW: - Four were flushed from a lake around Deniliquin on 4^th August.

Glossy Ibis   Plegadis falcinellus

QLD: - One was at Townsville Common on 11^th August with two at Lake Mitchell (from the road) on 14^th and six from Lake Mitchell Causeway the next day.

NSW: - 20 were noted at the Towra Point NR on 26^th July, with a single on the way to Sydney airport on 28^th. 15 were seen along the road between Echuca and Gulpa SF on 3^rd August.

VIC: - 11 were at Edithvale Wetland on 28^th July with 15 on Phillip Island over 28^th-29^th and 50 on the return journey to Melbourne on 29^th. Noted as present at Werribee on 30^th with 80 noted along the Great Ocean Rd between Nirranda and Port Fairy (this includes 20 at the Bay of Islands Coastal Park) on 31^st. 55 were noted between Port Fairy & Penshurst on 1^st August and 15 were at Greendale on 5^th.

QLD: - Peak counts were 50 along the Esplanade at Cairns on 16^th with 30 at Broomfield Crater on 12^th and 25 between Paluma & Cardwell on 11^th and at Brisbane Botanical Gardens on 6^th. One to 20 were at another ten widespread localities.

Straw-necked Ibis   Threskiornis spinicollis

This species was probably under recorded due to some large flocks encountered on several journeys.

NSW: - Five were seen between Echuca and Deniliquin on 3^rd & 5^th August, with 70+ seen on the day out with Phil Maher on 4^th.

VIC: - 152+ were seen between Edithvale and Phillip Island on 28^th July with 60 noted on the return journey the next day. 210+ were noted on Phillip Island on 29^th (mainly in the Cowes – Rhyll area). 62 were at Werribee Sewage Farm on 30^th and 260+ were seen along the Great Ocean Rd the next day. Inland few were noted with a single at Boort ponds on 3^rd August with 12 noted between Durham Ox and Echuca the same day. 44 were between Echuca and Toolleen on 5^th.

QLD: - Peak counts involved 150 were in the Granite Creek/Chettle Rd area & 90 between Yungaburra & Nardellos lagoon on 13^th August. 30 were between Granite Creek Rd & Sear’s Lookout on 13^th, 26 between Yule Point & Cairns on 16^th and 20 were noted at Hasties Swamp on 13^th. One to 12 were noted at another 12 widespread localities. A ‘lot’ were also noted between Cairns & Innisfail on 10^th.

Royal Spoonbill   Platalea regia

VIC: - Three were seen at Werribee SF on 30^th July with three at Port Fairy on 1^st August and a single between Port Fairy & Penshurst on 1^st August.

QLD: - 19 were roosting along the Esplanade at Cairns on 16^th August with six at Townsville Common (11^th) and Eubenangee Swamp (12^th). Four were at Lake Mitchell on 14^th & at Daintree on 15^th. One to two were at Sherwood Park, Ingham – Townsville, Mt. Carbine lake and the Cairns Crocodile Farm at Edmonton.

Yellow-billed Spoonbill   Platalea flavipes

NSW: - Three were noted on the day out with Phil Maher on 4^th August.

VIC: - Four+ were at Werribee SF on 30^th July, with seven at the Bay of Islands Coastal Park the next day and two between Port Fairy & Penshurst on 1^st August.

QLD: - Singles were at Townsville Common (11^th August), Eubenangee Swamp (12^th) and Cairns Croc Farm at Edmonton 16^th. One – two were also at Hasties Swamp on 13^th.

Black-necked Stork   Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus

QLD: - Singles were between Ingham and Townsville on 10^th August, Bramston Road & Eubenangee Swamp on 12^th and between Newell Beach & Daintree on 15^th.

Osprey   Pandion haliaetus

QLD: - Singles were noted at Burleigh Heads NP on 7^th August, Bramston Road on 12^th & Newell Beach on 16^th (with two there on 15^th). A very obvious nest at Wonga had two adults in attendance on 15^th and two adults + 2 (flying) juveniles the next day.

Pacific Baza   Aviceda subcristata

QLD: - Singles were noted along the walking trail at the Licuala SF on 12^th, with a confiding bird at Kingfisher Park on 14^th with another up Mt. Lewis the next morning. Two were seen just before Daintree from a lookout spot by the river also on 15^th.

Black-shouldered Kite   Elanus axillaris

NSW: - One afforded close views at Towra Point NR on 26^th July. One was between Gulpa SF and Deniliquin on 3^rd & 5^th August with two around Deniliquin on 3^rd and on the day out with Phil Maher on 4^th.

VIC: - Many were seen whilst driving. One landed on a dead tree in front of the hide at Edithvale Wetlands and gave point blank views for a few minutes on 28^th July Eight were seen on the drive from there to Phillip Island the same day and four were on Phillip Island between 28^th-29^th. 11 were noted around Werribee SF on 30^th with only five noted along the Great Ocean Rd the next day. Inland five were seen between Hall’s Gap & Rainbow on 1^st August. Four were noted between Wycheproof & Echuca on 2^nd-3^rd, and six between Echuca and Kyneton on 5^th.

QLD: - Seven were noted between Newell Beach & Daintree on 15^th August. One to three were noted at another 15 localities throughout the state, mainly seen whilst driving.

Square-tailed Kite   Lophoictinia isura

QLD: - One was seen at close quarters at Abattoir Swamp on 15^th August.

Black Kite   Milvus migrans

NSW: - Two were seen between Echuca & Gulpa SF on 3^rd August with five noted on the day out with Phil Maher around Deniliquin the next day.

VIC: - Singles were at Boort ponds on 3^rd August and between Echuca & Toolleen on 5^th.

QLD: - Some large counts were made, especially between Cairns & Townsville (mainly over the large tracts of sugar cane)! 165 were seen between Cairns & Townsville on 10^th August (with 139 between Innisfail & Cardwell). 13 were at Townsville Common the next day with the journey between there and Cardwell producing only 10 birds. On 12^th 154 were noted with 52 between Licuala SF & Bramston Rd, 31 along Bramston Rd & 71 around Eubenangee Swamp. 120 were seen on 13^th with 70+ between West Barron Storage Fauna Reserve & Tinaroo Creek. 19 were seen on 14^th with 51 on 15^th (38+ between Newell Beach & Daintree). 200+ were noted on 16^th with c150 at the Cairns Croc Farm at Edmonton. Finally the last, a single, was noted at Centenary Lakes on 18^th.

Whistling Kite   Haliastur sphenurus

NSW: - Six were noted on the day out around Deniliquin with Phil Maher on 4^th August.

VIC: - Nine were at Werribee SF on 30^th July. Two were between Dimboola & Jeparit on 1^st August. On 3^rd two were at Boort ponds with singles between Boort & Durham Ox and Durham Ox & Echuca.

QLD: - Seven were in the Granite Creek/Chettle Rd area on 13^th August with six at Nardellos Lagoon the same day. Three were at Pickford Rd on 14^th with one to two at another ten localities.

Brahminy Kite   Haliastur indus

QLD: - 11+ were between Paluma & Cardwell on 11^th August. Three were between Cardwell & Ingham on 10^th and at Centenary Lakes on 18^th. Two were at the end of ‘the Spit’ (Doug Jennings Park & Phillip Park) on 6^th and at Cape Pallarenda (Townsville) on 11^th. Singles were also seen at another nine, mainly coastal, localities.

VIC: - One was seen twice at Werribee SF on 30^th July.

QLD: - Singles were noted at Broomfield Crater & West Barron Storage Fauna Reserve on 13^th August, between Newell Beach & Daintree and at Daintree on 15^th and along the Esplanade at Cairns on 16^th.

Swamp Harrier   Circus approximans

NSW: - Two were noted at Clarks Creek marsh on the day out with Phil Maher on 4^th August.

VIC: - Three were on Phillip Island and a single between there and Melbourne on 29^th July. Four were at Werribee SF on 30^th with two to three at the Bay of Islands Coastal Park the next day. Inland one was at Boort ponds on 2^nd August.

QLD: - One was at Townsville Common on 11^th and on 13^th, five at Nardellos Lagoon with two at the West Barron Storage Fauna Reserve.

Brown Goshawk   Accipiter fasciatus

NSW: - An ad male was at Towra Point NR on 26^th July.

VIC: - Five were on Phillip Island on 29^th July with a single at Werribee SF the next day.

QLD: - Singles were at Townsville Common on 11^th August and between Kingfisher Park & Mt. Lewis on 15^th.

Grey Goshawk   Accipiter novaehollandiae

QLD: - Singles were between Cairns & Innisfail on 10^th, Bramston Rd on 12^th and at the Crater (Mt. Hypipamee NP) on 13^th. Two were seen just before Daintree on 15^th.

Collared Sparrowhawk   Accipiter cirrhocephalus

NSW: - Singles were in the Deniliquin area on 4^th August and opposite Gulpa SF the next day. Another Accipiter seen in the Deniliquin area also on 4^th was probably this species.

VIC: - One was at Werribee SF on 30^th July.

QLD: - One was at O’Reilly’s (along the Border track to Elabana Falls) on 8^th August.

Brown Goshawk/Collared Sparrowhawk   Accipiter fasciatus/A. cirrhocephalus

QLD: - One was seen sitting in a tree along a dodgy part of the road between Broomfield Crater & the Crater (Mt. Hypipamee NP) on 13^th August.

Wedge-tailed Eagle   Aquila audax

NSW: - Five were seen in the Deniliquin area, with Phil Maher on 4^th August.

VIC: - One was at the Bay of Islands Coastal Park on 31^st July. Inland seven – eight were seen in the Wyperfeld NP on 2^nd August and three were in the Anakie Gorge/Stony Creek reservoir area (near the Brisbane Ranges NP) on 5^th.

QLD: - Two were in the Mt. Nathan Fish Farm & ford area on 7^th August with five along Duck Creek Rd at O’Reilly’s on 9^th with a single at the Canungra Valley Winery the same day.

Little Eagle   Hieraaetus morphnoides

QLD: - Two were at Bramston Beach on 12^th August.

Brown Falcon   Falco berigora

NSW: - Three were seen between Echuca & Deniliquin on 3^rd August with 13 seen the next day when out with Phil Maher.

VIC: - Two were on Phillip Island (including one at Native Dog Creek) on 29^th July. Four were at Werribee SF (including a colour ringed individual) the next day. Another 16 were seen whilst driving between sites, many just sitting on road signs!

QLD: - Daily counts, whilst driving were as follows: seven on 10^th August, five on 11^th, one on 12^th, nine on 13^th, two on 14^th, four on 15^th and eight on 16^th.

Australian Hobby   Falco longipennis

NSW: - Three were seen on the day out around Deniliquin with Phil Maher on 4^th August.

VIC: - One was noted between Melbourne Airport & Edithvale on 28^th July.

QLD: - Singles were at Bramston Rd on 12^th August and at Centenary Lakes on 18^th.

Black Falcon   Falco subniger

NSW: - One was seen at dusk at a farm near the Plains-wanderer site when out with Phil Maher on 4^th August.

Peregrine Falcon  Falco peregrinus

VIC: - One was seen just outside (and to the N) of Dunkeld on 1^st August.

Nankeen Kestrel   Falco cenchroides

NSW: - Seven were seen between Echuca & Deniliquin and around Deniliquin on 3^rd August. Four were seen the next day while out with Phil Maher and another four were seen between Deniliquin & Echuca on 5^th.

VIC: - Two were on Phillip Island on 29^th July with six at Werribee SF the next day. Like Brown Falcon, many were seen whilst driving between localities. Three were along the Great Ocean Rd on 31^st. 14 were noted on the drive between Port fairy & Rainbow on 1^st August, four between Wyperfeld NP & Boort on 2^nd, eight between Boort & Echuca on 3^rd and five between Echuca & Kyneton on 5^th.

QLD: - Four were between Canungra & Beaudesert on 9^th August, with four more between Cairns & Innisfail the next day. Another 14 were seen whilst driving between localities.

Sarus Crane   Grus antigone

QLD: - Tens (probably under 30) were seen at the evening flight into roost at Broomfield Crater on 12^th with a single there the next morning. Five were in the Granite Creek/Chettle Rd area on 13^th with 20 going over Tinaroo Creek Rd that evening.

Brolga  Grus rubicunda

VIC: - Two were between Durham Ox & Echuca (by the roadside giving excellent views) on 3^rd August.

QLD: - 30 were at Townsville Common on 11^th August and hundreds came into roost at Broomfield Crater on the evening of 12^th. 50+ were still there the next morning. Two also flew over the Yungaburra Platypus Lookout at Peterson Creek on 13^th.

Buff-banded Rail   Gallirallus philippensis

VIC: - One was running around in the open on short tuft at Peterborough on 31^st July!

QLD: - One was seen between the Crater and Hasties Swamp Rd on 13^th with two at the Cairns Croc Farm at Edmonton on 16^th.

Lewin’s Rail   Rallus pectoralis

VIC: - One was seen briefly at Werribee SF on 30^th July.

Australian Spotted Crake   Porzana fluminea

NSW: - Two were seen on the day out around Deniliquin with Phil Maher on 4^th August.

VIC: - Two were at Werribee SF on 30^th July with a single on one of the reserves at Port Fairy on 1^st August.

Spotless Crake   Porzana tabuensis

NSW: - c Four were heard and one seen at two localities in the Deniliquin area while out with Phil Maher on 4^th August.

White-browed Crake   Porzana cinerea

QLD: - Two were at the Cairns Croc farm at Edmonton on 16^th August.

Purple Swamphen   Porphyrio porphyrio melanotus

NSW: - 70 were seen in the Deniliquin area on 4^th August.

VIC: - 30 were at Edithvale Wetlands on 28^th July with 24 on Phillip Island the next day and was present but not counted at Werribee SF on 30^th. Six were on Airey’s Inlet pond on 31^st and birds were again noted as present but not counted at the freshwater Lake in the southern Grampians on 1^st August. Ten+ were on the ponds at Boort on 3^rd.

QLD: - On 9^th August a single was between Canungra & Beaudesert and 20 were at Sherwood Park (Brisbane). On 12^th, three were at Eubenangee Swamp with 20 at Broomfield Crater in the evening. Six were at Hasties Swamp on 13^th and birds were noted as present but not counted at Cairns Croc Farm at Edmonton on 16^th.

Dusky Moorhen   Gallinula tenebrosa

NSW: - 30 were noted along the river in the Royal National Park on 26^th July.

VIC: - Singles were at the pond at Airey’s Inlet on 31^st July and at the freshwater lake in the southern Grampians the next day. 30+ were on Boort ponds on 3^rd August and three were on a small pond by the Murray River at Echuca the same day.

QLD: - 20 were noted at the Brisbane Botanical Gardens on 6^th August with three at the Canungra Valley Winery on 9^th and seven between Ingram & Townsville on 10^th. Finally ten were at Hasties Swamp on 13^th.

Black-tailed Native-hen   Gallinula ventralis

NSW: - 220+ were seen on the day out with Phil Maher around Deniliquin on 4^th August, including a flock of 180 roosting on a pond on the way out to the Plains-wanderer site.

VIC: - 18 were at Werribee SF on 30^th July. Inland six were at Tchum Lake South on 2^nd August with ten at Boort ponds and seven between Durham Ox & Echuca on 3^rd.

Eurasian Coot   Fulica atra

NSW: - Four were on the river along Lady Carrington’s Drive, Royal National Park on 26^th July.

VIC: - 500+ were at Edithvale Wetlands on 28^th July with two between there and Phillip Island the same day. 74 were on Swan Lake on Phillip Island next day and c100 were on the lake at Peterborough on 31^st. Present, but not counted, on the freshwater lake in the southern Grampians on 1^st August and 200+ were on Boort ponds on 3^rd.

QLD: - Present, but not counted, at Sherwood Park (Brisbane) on 9^th August, 40 were at Eubenangee Swamp on 12^th with five at Hasties Swamp the next day. Also on 13^th 100’s were at Nardellos Lagoon with birds present but not counted at West Barron Storage Fauna Reserve. 165+ were at Mt. Carbine Lake on 14^th.

Australian Bustard   Ardeotis australis

QLD: - One was seen from the tower hide at Townsville Common on 11^th August.

Painted Button-quail   Turnix varia

VIC: - Two were seen along the walk to Rhyll Inlet on Phillip Island on 29^th July.

Plains-wanderer   Pedionomus torquatus

NSW: - Five males and one female were seen whilst out spotlighting with Phil Maher near Deniliquin on 4^th August.

Bar-tailed Godwit   Limosa lapponica baueri

QLD: - 16 were seen at the southern end of the Esplanade at Cairns on 16^th August with two at the northern end the next morning.

Whimbrel   Numenius phaeopus variegatus

QLD: - On 16^th August two-three were at Yule Point with two at the southern end of the Esplanade at Cairns at high tide. A single was along the Esplanade the next morning.

Eastern Curlew   Numenius madagascariensis

NSW: - Seven were at Towra Point NR on 26^th July.

VIC: - c20 were at Rhyll Inlet on Phillip Island on 29^th July.

QLD: - On 16^th, one was at Yule Point with four at Newell Beach and three along the Esplanade at Cairns. A single was also along the Esplanade the next morning.

Marsh Sandpiper   Tringa stagnatilis

QLD: - Two were seen from the Lake Mitchell Causeway on 15^th August.

Common Greenshank   Tringa nebularia

VIC: - One was at Werribee SF on 30^th July.

QLD: - Two were at Mt. Carbine Lake on 14^th August.

Common Sandpiper   Actitis hypoleucos

QLD: - One was seen at Centenary Lakes, Cairns on 18^th August.

Grey-tailed Tattler   Heteroscelus brevipes

QLD: - 11 were along the northern end of the Esplanade at Cairns on 17^th August.

Ruddy Turnstone   Arenaria interpres

QLD: - One was on Michaelmas Cay on 17^th August,

Great Knot   Calidris tenuirostris

QLD: - Seven were roosting at the southern end of the Esplanade at Cairns on 16^th August with 59 noted at the northern end of the Esplanade the following morning.

Red Knot   Calidris canutus

VIC: - 67 were at the mouth of the Little River at Werribee SF on 30^th July.

Red-necked Stint   Calidris ruficollis

VIC: - c100 were at the mouth of the Little River at Werribee SF on 30^th July with two on the beach at Peterborough the next day.

Sharp-tailed Sandpiper   Calidris acuminata

QLD: - Four were by the Causeway at Lake Mitchell on 15^th August and 11 were along the Esplanade at Cairns on 16^th.

Curlew Sandpiper   Calidris ferruginea

VIC: - 56+ were at Werribee SF on 30^th July.

Comb-crested Jacana   Irediparra gallinacea

QLD: - Ten were at Eubenangee Swamp on 12^th August with 20+ at Lake Mitchell and c ten on the lake at Mt. Carbine on 14^th and 20 by the causeway at Lake Mitchell on 15^th.

Bush Stone-curlew   Burhinus grallarius

QLD: - Three-four were heard on the night walk at Kingfisher Park on 14^th August. Next day eight were seen between Kingfisher Park & Mt. Lewis. 30 were at Cairns Cemetery on the evening of 16^th with 41 there the next morning.

Beach Stone-curlew   Esacus neglectus

QLD: - One was seen well at Yule Point on 16^th August.

Pied Oystercatcher   Haematopus longirostris

NSW: - Two were at both Towra Point NR & at Silver Beach (Botany Bay NP) on 26^th July.

VIC: - Two were at Rhyll Inlet on Phillip Island on 29^th July with seven+ at Werribee SF the next day. Two were at Port fairy on 1^st August.

QLD: - One was along the ‘Spit’ at Doug Jennings & Phillip Parks (Surfer’s Paradise) on 6^th August. Two were at Newell Beach on 16^th with another two in the harbour at Cairns on 17^th.

Sooty Oystercatcher   Haematopus fuliginosus fuliginosus

NSW: - Two were at Wollongong Harbour on 27^th July.

VIC: - Singles were at Cat Bay & the Nobbies on Phillip Island on 29^th July with two between Airey’s Inlet & Cape Otway and at Peterborough on 31^st. One was at Port Fairy on 1^st August.

Black-winged Stilt   Himantopus himantopus

NSW: - 22 were seen on the day out with Phil Maher around Deniliquin on 4^th August.

VIC: - 20 were at Edithvale Wetlands on 28^th July. 40+ were at Werribee SF on 30^th with ten at Port Fairy on 31^st July-1^st August. Inland five were at Jeparit Lake (N of Jeparit) on 1^st August.

QLD: - 12 were at Townsville Common on 11^th August with 25 at Hasties Swamp on 13^th. Noted as present at lake Mitchell on 14^th with 30 at the Causeway there the next day. A single was at the lake at Mt. Carbine on 14^th. C40 were at the Cairns Croc Farm at Edmonton on 16^th with ten along the Esplanade at Cairns later that afternoon.

Banded Stilt   Cladorhynchus leucocephalus

VIC: - c30 were at Werribee SF on 30^th July.

Red-necked Avocet   Recurvirostra novaehollandiae

VIC: - c70 were at Werribee SF on 30^th July.

Red-capped Plover   Charadrius ruficapillus

VIC: - c113 were at Werribee SF (including c100 along the spit) on 30^th July. Four were on the beach at Peterborough the next day.

Double-banded Plover   Charadrius bicinctus

VIC: - Ten were at the mouth of the Little River at Werribee SF on 30^th July with a single in summer plumage on the beach at Peterborough the next day.

Greater Sand Plover   Charadrius leschenaultii

QLD: - Two were at Yule Point on 16^th August.

Inland Dotterel   Charadrius australis

NSW: - Three were spotlighted (in the Plains-wanderer paddock) near Deniliquin whilst out with Phil Maher on 4^th August.

Black-fronted Dotterel   Elseyornis melanops

VIC: - Ten were at Swan Lake on Phillip Island on 29^th July.

QLD: - One was at Townsville Common on 11^th August with four at Cairns Croc Farm at Edmonton on 16^th and two were along the Esplanade at Cairns the next day.

Hooded Plover   Thinornis rubricollis

VIC: - Three were on Berry’s Beach (Phillip Island) on 29^th July and two were found on the beach at Peterborough on 31^st.

Red-kneed Dotterel   Erythrogonys cinctus

NSW: - 13 were seen whilst out with Phil Maher around the Deniliquin area on 4^th August.

VIC: - 30+ were at Werribee SF on 30^th July with one on the freshwater lake in the southern Grampians on 1^st August.

QLD: - Ten were along the causeway at Lake Mitchell on 15^th August.

Banded Lapwing   Vanellus tricolor

NSW: - 27 were seen in the evening of 4^th August near the Plains-wanderer area N of Deniliquin.

Masked Lapwing   Vanellus miles

NSW: - Race V. m. novaehollandiae: Three were seen between Sydney Airport & Les’s house on 26^th July.

VIC: - Race V. m. novaehollandiae: Two were seen between Edithvale & Phillip Island on 28^th July with 13+ (including a pair with a very small chick) on Phillip Island the next day. Present, but not counted at Werribee SF on 30^th and only two-three were seen along the Great Ocean Rd between Nirranda & Port Fairy on 31^st. Inland four were seen at the freshwater lake in the southern Grampians on 1^st August with 1 between Wycheproof & Boort on 2^nd and six between Durham Ox & Echuca on 3^rd.

QLD: - Race V. m. novaehollandiae: On 6^th August, one was seen between Brisbane Airport & Mt. Coot-tha with three along the Spit (Surfer’s Paradise) at Doug Jennings & Phillip Parks. The next day five were in the Mt. Nathan Fish Farm & ford area with two at Clagiraba Park and a single between Canungra & O’Reilly’s. Two were along Duck Creek Rd at O’Reilly’s on 9^th.

Race V. m. miles: First seen in Centenary Lakes (Cairns) on 10^th August 52 were seen on the drive down to Townsville that afternoon. Next day 18 were noted between Townsville Common & Cardwell. On 12^th six were noted between Mission Beach & Bramston Rd with 200+ coming into roost at Broomfield Crater that evening. Six were at Hasties Swamp on 13^th with birds noted between Mareeba & Tinaroo Creek Rd and at Abattoir Swamp on 14^th. Nine were at Cairns Croc Farm at Edmonton on 16^th and 24 were in Cairns harbour on 17^th. Elsewhere birds were noted at Lake Mitchell, Cairns Esplanade, between Daintree to Mossman and Yule Point to Cairns.

Great (Brown) Skua  Catharacta skua lonnbergii

NSW: - One (or possibly three) were seen on the pelagic from Wollongong on 27^th July.

Pacific Gull   Larus pacificus

VIC: - The first was an adult at Edithvale Wetlands on 28^th July, with another 21 seen between there and Phillip Island that afternoon (mainly at San Remo). 38+ were on Phillip Island (mainly at Newhaven) the next day with only a single bird noted at Werribee SF on 30^th and three between Airey’s Inlet & Cape Otway on 31^st.

Kelp Gull   Larus dominicanus

NSW: - Two adults were in Wollongong Harbour on 27^th July.

VIC: - Two adults were at the Nobbies on Phillip Island on 29^th July.

Silver Gull   Larus novaehollandiae

NSW: - Ten were seen along the river in the Royal National Park on 26^th July and they were common on the pelagic off Wollongong the next day.

VIC: - On 28^th July 30 were counted between Melbourne Airport & Edithvale, with ten at the Edithvale Wetlands that afternoon. 70+ were noted on Phillip Island on 29^th and they were present but not counted at Werribee SF on 30^th.Ten were at the Lookout at Port Campbell on 31^st. Inland 100+ were at the ponds at Boort on 2^nd August.

QLD: - Only noted on the coast, with 30 at Cape Pallarenda on 11^th August. Present but not counted at Surfer’s Paradise, the Spit (Doug Jennings & Phillip Parks), Burleigh Heads NP, Townsville, Cairns & Yule Point.

Gull-billed Tern   Sterna nilotica macrotarsa

QLD: - On 16^th August, three were at Yule Point with one at Cairns Croc Farm at Edmonton and two roosting at the southern end of the Esplanade at Cairns. Ten were along the Esplanade the next day with a single in the marina at Cairns.

Caspian Tern   Sterna caspia

VIC: - One was seen at a roadside stop between Phillip Island and Melbourne on 29^th July.

QLD: - One was at the causeway at Lake Mitchell on 15^th August with ten at Yule Point and a single along the Esplanade at Cairns on 16^th. Seven were again along the Esplanade the next morning.

Crested Tern   Sterna bergii

NSW: - Three were at the Silver Beach area of Botany Bay on 26^th July. Several were seen from the pelagic off Wollongong the next day, with three also in Wollongong harbour.

VIC: - Four were at Newhaven on Phillip Island on 29^th July with another four at Werribee SF the next day. On 31^st five were at Peterborough and 70+ were at Port Fairy that evening.

QLD: - c ten were along the Spit (Doug Jennings & Phillip Parks) on 6^th August with 40-50 at Yule Point on 16^th. Small numbers were seen on both journeys to Michaelmas Cay and 40+ birds (including juvs) were on the Cay itself.

White-fronted Tern   Sterna striata

NSW: - Two were seen on the inbound journey on the pelagic off Wollongong on 27^th July.

Little Tern   Sterna albifrons (prob. sinensis)

QLD: - Five were at Hastings Reef (on the Great Barrier Reef) on 17^th August.

Fairy Tern   Sterna nereis

VIC: - One was at Werribee SF (at the mouth of the Little River) on 30^th July.

Sooty Tern   Sterna fuscata

QLD: - Two were seen on the outward journey to Michaelmas Cay with 400+ on the Cay itself on 17^th August.

Whiskered Tern   Chlidonias hybridus

VIC: - One was with the White-winged Black Terns at Werribee SF on 30^th July.

QLD: - c five were near the causeway at Lake Mitchell on 15^th August.

White-winged Black Tern   Chlidonias leucopterus

VIC: - Eight were at Werribee SF on 30^th July.

Common Noddy   Anous stolidus

QLD: - c20 were on Michaelmas Cay on 17^th August.

Black Noddy   Anous minutus

QLD: - One was on Michaelmas Cay on 17^th August.

Rock Dove  Columba livia

White-headed Pigeon   Columba leucomela

QLD: - One was heard along the Border Track to Elabana Falls area of the Lamington NP at O’Reilly’s on 8^th August.

Spotted Turtle-Dove   Streptopelia chinensis

NSW: - On 26^th July singles were seen in the Sydney area (also one on 28^th) and at Cronuella Swamp with two in the Silver Beach area of Botany Bay.

VIC: - On 28^th July four were noted between Melbourne Airport & Edithvale Wetlands with 20+ at the Wetlands itself. Next day ten were counted on Phillip Island.

QLD: - 14 were between Licuala SF & Bramston Rd on 12^th August with nine between Innisfail; & Cardwell on 10^th. Smaller numbers were also seen at Mt. Coot-tha, Mt. Nathan Fish Farm, Burleigh Heads, Mareeba, Cairns area, Cairns Croc Farm at Edmonton, the Esplanade and at Centenary Lakes with others seen on various journeys.

Brown Cuckoo-Dove   Macropygia amboinensis

QLD: - One was along the Border Track at O’Reilly’s on 7^th August with seven noted there early the next morning. Singles were also at Licuala SF park (along the walking trail) on 12^th, between Broomfield Crater & the Crater NP on 13^th and in Mt. Lewis State Forest on 15^th. Also on 15^th two were seen between Kingfisher Park & Mt. Lewis and between Newell Beach & Daintree.

Emerald Dove   Chalcophaps indica chrysochlora

QLD: - Six were seen along the Walking trail at the Licuala State Forest on 12^th August with one-two in the grounds at Kingfisher Park on 14^th-15^th. Also on 15^th one was seen between Kingfisher Park & Mt. Lewis State Forest.

Bronzewing sp   Phaps sp

VIC: - Two were flushed from the roadside between Dimboola & Jeparit on 1^st August and a single was seen between Wycheproof & Boort the next day.

Crested Pigeon   Ocyphaps lophotes

NSW: - One was seen in the Silver Beach area of Botany Bay on 26^th July. Six were seen around Deniliquin town on 3^rd August and they were present but not counted near Gulpa State Forest on 5^th.

VIC: - Many were counted inland whilst driving between sites. 30 were noted between Dimboola & Rainbow on 1^st August with 27 between Wyperfeld & Boort the next day. 19 were at Boort ponds on 3^rd with 50 seen between there and Echuca later that day.

QLD: - Mainly seen in the southern part of the state. 20 were noted between 6^th-10^th August, with ten+ between Mt. Coot-tha & Surfer’s Paradise on 6^th. Three between Mareeba & Mt. Molloy on 14^th was the only sighting in the northern part of the state.

Peaceful Dove   Geopelia striata

VIC: - Eight were seen around the Wonga Campsite and two around the Eastern Lookout Drive in the Wyperfeld NP on 2^nd August.

QLD: - 18+ were at Townsville Common on 11^th August with 20 between Mareeba & Tinaroo Creek Rd on 14^th and 20 at Centenary Lakes (Cairns) on 18^th. One to three were noted at another eight widespread localities.

Bar-shouldered Dove   Geopelia humeralis

QLD: - c ten were around the campsite at Bramston Beach on 12^th August. One was at Daintree on 15^th with four there the next day when five were at the Cairns Croc Farm at Edmonton.

Wonga Pigeon   Leucosarcia melanoleuca

QLD: - Only seen at O’Reilly’s in the Lamington NP. Four were seen along the Border Track & Tree top walk on 7^th with four+ seen around the guesthouse the next morning and two were around Mikes Tower area that afternoon.

Wompoo Fruit-Dove   Ptilinopus magnificus

QLD: - Birds were heard in the Mt. Lewis State Forest area on 15^th August.

Superb Fruit-Dove   Ptilinopus superbus

QLD: - Birds were heard in the Mt. Lewis State Forest area on 15^th August.

Pied Imperial-Pigeon   Ducula bicolor

QLD: - Two were along the Esplanade at Cairns on 16^th August. One was seen flying south on the way out to Michaelmas Cay the next day.

Topknot Pigeon   Lopholaimus antarcticus

NSW: - Three were along Lady Carrington’s Drive in the Royal National Park on 26^th July.

QLD: - 20 flew over Tutt’s Gully along Duck Creek Rd at O’Reilly’s on 9^th August. On 11^th two were seen on the way to Paluma from Townsville with another two at Birthday Creek Falls.

Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo   Calyptorhynchus banksii

QLD: - On 10^th August pairs were seen between Cardwell & Ingham and between Ingham & Townsville. Three were seen between Paluma & Cardwell the next day.

Glossy Black-Cockatoo   Calyptorhynchus lathami

QLD: - A pair were seen well along Duck Creek Rd near O’Reilly’s in the Lamington NP on 9^th August. Although known about, they were tracked down by following the noise of crunching sounds in the Casuarinas!

Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoo   Calyptorhynchus funereus

QLD: - Three were seen at Tutt’s Gully along Duck Creek Rd near O’Reilly’s in the Lamington NP on 9^th August.

Galah   Cacatua roseicapilla (prob. all roseicapilla)

NSW: - Two were seen in the Sydney area on 26^th July and they were plentiful around the Deniliquin area between 3^rd-5^th August.

VIC: - One to eight were seen at several localities around the coastal strip between 28^th-31^st July with c100 at Port Fairy on 1^st August. Inland 70 were between Port Fairy & Penshurst and hundreds between Dimboola & Jeparit also on 1^st. 50 were also between Wyperfeld & Hopetoun on 2^nd with much smaller numbers seen whilst driving between localities.

QLD: - c ten were seen between Mt. Coot-tha & Surfer’s Paradise on 6^th August with a similar number around the ford near Mt. Nathan Fish Farm on the way to O’Reilly’s the next day. Four were at the Canungra Valley Winery on 9^th with 50+ seen between there and Beaudesert later that afternoon.

Long-billed Corella   Cacatua tenuirostris

NSW: - 70+ were near Echuca on the way to Deniliquin on 3^rd August. C50 were seen on the day out with Phil Maher around Deniliquin on 4^th with 50 at Moama and four-five were noted on the return journey to Echuca on 5^th.

VIC: - On 1^st August, the drive from the freshwater lake in the southern Grampians to Jeparit saw flocks of hundreds by the roadside, especially near the Halls Gap area. Next day much lower numbers were seen on the drive to Boort. Five were between Wyperfeld & Hopetoun with a single between Wycheproof & Boort. However 100+ were in a small park at Echuca on 3^rd.

Sulphur-crested Cockatoo   Cacatua galerita

NSW: - Small numbers were seen around Sydney with 35+ around the Royal National Park on 26^th July. 172+ were seen between Echuca to and in and around Deniliquin on 3^rd August with 145+ seen on the return journey to Echuca on 5^th.

VIC: - 30 were seen along the Great Ocean Rd on 31^st July with 52 between Port Fairy and Halls Gap the next day. c60 were seen between Wyperfeld NP & Hopetoun on 2^nd August with 70 between Boort & Durham Ox on 3^rd. 90 were noted between Echuca & Kyneton with 25+ in the Brisbane Ranges NP around the Stony Creek campsite on 5^th.

QLD: - 170 were between Mareeba and Tinaroo Creek on 14^th August with 50+ between Canungra & Beaudesert on 9^th. Smaller numbers were noted at Brisbane Botanical Gardens, O’Reilly’s and between Cairns & Townsville.

Cockatiel   Nymphicus hollandicus

NSW: - One was seen in the Deniliquin area with Phil Maher on 4^th August.

Rainbow Lorikeet   Trichoglossus haematodus moluccanus

NSW: - Three were in the Royal National Park with 15 in the Silver Beach area of Botany Bay on 26^th July. Six were around Wollongong Harbour the next morning.

QLD: - Two to ten were noted at Brisbane Botanical Gardens, Burleigh Heads, Canungra, Nathan Fish farm & ford area and Canungra Valley Winery between 6^th-10^th August. More were seen in the northern part of the state with peak counts of 20 at Cape Pallarenda with 22 between Townsville & Paluma on 11^th, 25 at Kingfisher park on 14^th with ‘lots’ along the Esplanade at Cairns on 16^th. Smaller numbers were seen at another seven localities.

Scaly-breasted Lorikeet   Trichoglossus chlorolepidotus

QLD: - Four were between Mt. Coot-tha & Surfer’s Paradise on 6^th August with four more between Canungra & O’Reilly’s the next day. 20 were at Kingfisher Park on 14^th.

Musk Lorikeet   Glossopsitta concinna

NSW: - 15+ were flying around the Silver Beach area of Botany Bay at dusk on 26^th July. Ten flew over the Peppin Motor Lodge on 5^th August.

VIC: - c ten were flying around the Edithvale Wetlands on 28^th July.

Double-eyed Fig-Parrot   Cyclopsitta diophthalma macleayana

QLD: - Four were up Mt. Lewis on 15^th August. An unknown number were heard on the Daintree River Cruise on 16^th whilst on 18^th four were present at Centenary Lakes with two over the road at the Flecker Botanical Gardens.

Australian King Parrot   Alisterus scapularis

QLD: - Seven were in the Burleigh Heads NP on the morning of 7^th August, whilst up at O’Reilly’s in the Lamington NP they were extremely common around the feeding area between 7^th-9^th.

Superb Parrot   Polytelis swainsonii

NSW: - A pair flew over the road opposite the entrance to the Gulpa State Forest on 5^th August.

Crimson Rosella   Platycercus elegans elegans

NSW: - Seven were along Lady Carrington’s Drive in the Royal National Park on 26^th July, with four in the Silver Beach area of Botany Bay that evening.

VIC: - 19 were noted along the Great Ocean Rd on 31^st July. Inland ten+ were at the Bellfield Picnic Site with one between Port Fairy & Penshurst on 1^st August. One was also at the Brisbane Ranges National Park on 5^th.

QLD: - Only seen at O’Reilly’s where they are extremely common at the feeding area.

Yellow Rosella   Platycercus elegans flaveolus

NSW: - Ten were seen between Gulpa State Forest to in and around Deniliquin on 3^rd August. Next day three were seen whilst out with Phil Maher and on 5^th 15 were by the roadside near the Gulpa State Forest.

VIC: - One was in the small park by the Murray River at Echuca on 3^rd August.

Eastern Rosella   Platycercus eximius

NSW: - Five were in the Royal National Park around Lady Carrington’s Drive with c ten in the park by the Silver Beach area of Botany Bay on 26^th July. Two were between Echuca & Gulpa State Forest on 3^rd August with three seen on the day out with Phil Maher around Deniliquin area on 4^th. Six were seen between Deniliquin and Echuca on 5^th.

VIC: - Two were on the beach at Rhyll Inlet on Phillip Island on 29^th July. Inland eight were seen between Dimboola & Jeparit on 1^st August with two at Tchum Lake South and five between Wycheproof & Boort on 2^nd. Six were at Boort ponds the next morning with five seen between there and Echuca later that day. Finally two were at Crosbie State Forest on 5^th.

QLD: - One appeared to be paired to a Pale-headed Rosella at Burleigh Heads NP on 7^th August. They were watched inspecting a nesting (?) hole in a tree.

Pale-headed Rosella   Platycercus adsciyus palliceps

QLD: - One appeared to be paired with an Eastern Rosella at Burleigh Heads National Park on 7^th August. Two were at Canungra Valley Winery on 9^th with two more at Tinaroo Creek on 13^th and at Kingfisher Park on 14^th.

Australian Ringneck   Barnardius zonarius barnardi

VIC: - One was seen around the Eastern Lookout Drive in the Wyperfeld National Park on 2^nd August.

Blue Bonnet   Northiella haematogaster haematogaster

NSW: - Six were seen on the day out around Deniliquin with Phil Maher on 4^th August.

VIC: - Three were between Jeparit Lake & Rainbow on 1^st August.

Red-rumped Parrot   Psephotus haematonotus

NSW: - One gave close views on the deck at Lady Carrington’s Drive in the Royal National Park on 26^th July. 30 were seen in the Deniliquin area on 4^th August, with 14 by the roadside at Gulpa State Forest the next day.

VIC: - 64 were counted between Port Fairy & Rainbow on 1^st August. The next day they were fairly common at Wyperfeld National Park with 31 noted between Birchip & Boort. Six were at the Boort ponds on the morning of 3^rd with only three seen between Boort & Echuca.

Mulga Parrot   Psephotus varius

VIC: - Eight were seen around the Eastern Lookout Drive and along the Malleefowl walk at Wyperfeld National Park on 2^nd August.

Budgerigar   Melopsittacus undulatus

NSW: - c30 were seen on the day out with Phil Maher around the Deniliquin area on 4^th August.

Blue-winged Parrot   Neophema chrysostoma

VIC: - Five were by the edge of Austin Rd Lagoon at Werribee Sewage Farm on 30^th July.

Pallid Cuckoo   Cuculus pallidus

NSW: - Two were seen on the day out with Phil Maher in the Deniliquin area on 4^th August.

QLD: - One was seen between the Malanda Motel and Broomfield Crater on 13^th August.

Fan-tailed Cuckoo   Cacomantis flabelliformis

NSW: - One was seen on the way to the lookout by the visitors center at the Royal National Park on 26^th July.

QLD: - Singles were at The Spit (Doug Jennings and Phillip Parks), Surfer’s Paradise, on 6^th August and at Townsville Common on 11^th.

Horsfield’s Bronze-Cuckoo   Chrysococcyx basalis

VIC: - Six were seen around Werribee Sewage Farm on 30^th July.

QLD: - One was by the ford along Pickford’s Rd (2km from the main Rd) on 14^th August.

Pheasant Coucal   Centropus phasianinus

QLD: - Singles were at Townsville Common on 11^th August, a juv along Granite Gorge Rd on 13^th and between Mareeba & Mt. Molloy on 14^th.

Southern Boobook   Ninox novaeseelandiae boobook

QLD: - A single was present around the chalets at O’Reilly’s (spotlighted at night) on 7^th & 8^th August.

Lesser Sooty Owl   Tyto multipunctata

QLD: - Two juveniles were seen in the nest hole at Kingfisher Park on the night walk on 14^th August.

Barn Owl   Tyto alba

NSW: - One was flushed from a tree, by a passer by, behind the Peppin Motor Inn on 3^rd August.

QLD: - c ten were seen and heard on the night walk at Kingfisher Park on the night of 14^th August.

Tawny Frogmouth   Podargus strigoides strigoides

NSW: - Two were seen (and spotlighted by Phil Maher) at the farm near the Plains-wanderer site N of Deniliquin on 4^th August.

Papuan Frogmouth   Podargus papuensis baileyi

QLD: - Three were found by one of the guides roosting at Kingfisher Park on 15^th August and five were seen (2 + 3) on the Daintree River Cruise on 16^th.

Australian Owlet-nightjar   Aegotheles cristatus

NSW: - One was heard at the farm near the Plains-wanderer site to the N of Deniliquin on 4^th August.

QLD: - One was seen roosting at the top of a dead tree along the Border Track at O’Reilly’s in the Lamington National Park on 8^th & 9^th August.

White-rumped Swiftlet   Collocalia spodiopygius

QLD: - Four were at Centenary Lakes on 10^th August with 20 between Cardwell & Ingham later that afternoon. 50+ were noted between Townsville & Cardwell the next day with 153+ seen between Licuala State Forest & Broomfield Crater on 12^th. 50 were along the Mt. Carbine Rd on 14^th with 100 between Newell & Daintree the following day. On 16^th 100 were seen from the Daintree River Cruise, 30 were at Newell Beach and later that evening hundreds were flying S at the Esplanade at Cairns. The last were two over the Flecker Botanical gardens at Cairns on 18^th.

Azure Kingfisher   Alcedo azurea

NSW: - One flew along the river just before the car park at Lady Carrington’s Drive in the Royal National Park on 26^th July.

Little Kingfisher   Alcedo pusilla

QLD: - One was at Centenary Lakes on 10^th August.

Laughing Kookaburra   Dacelo novaeguineae

NSW: - Seven were around the car parks at Lady Carrington’s Drive in the Royal National Park on 26^th July. Nine were seen between Echuca & in and around Deniliquin between 3^rd-5^th August.

VIC: - 34 were noted mainly whilst driving around between localities. Max count was seven between Echuca & Tooleen on 5^th August.

QLD: - 29 were seen whilst driving between localities, mainly singles, the maximum count was four at Centenary lakes on 18^th August.

Blue-winged Kookaburra   Dacelo leachii leachii

QLD: - Two were at Townsville Common with a single at Cape Pallarenda on 11^th August. Three were in the granite Creek/Chettle Road area on 13^th with singles at Pickford Rd, between Mareeba to Mt. Molloy & at Mt. Carbine Lake the next day. The last was one along the river at Daintree on 15^th.

Forest Kingfisher   Todirhamphus macleayii incincta

QLD: - Ten at Townsville Common on 11^th August, 24 between Licuala State Forest & Bramston on 12^th and 11 between Daintree & Mossman on 16^th were the highest counts. One to five were seen at another 11 localities.

Red-backed Kingfisher   Todirhamphus pyrrhopygia

QLD: - One was seen perched on wires along the Mt. Carbine Rd at Mary Creek on 14^th August.

Sacred Kingfisher   Todirhamphus sanctus

QLD: - One was at the lake at Mt. Carbine on 14^th August. On 16^th two were seen on the Daintree River Cruise, four at the Cairns Croc Farm at Edmonton and a single along the Esplanade at Cairns. Three were along the Mangrove boardwalk near Cairns Airport on 18^th.

Collared Kingfisher   Todirhamphus chloris

QLD: - One was seen sitting on the sand at Yule Point on 16^th August.

Rainbow Bee-eater   Merops ornatus

QLD: - The first were two at Townsville Common and five at cape Pallarenda on 11^th August. Two were at Eubenangee Swamp on 12^th with three along Hasties Swamp Rd and one-two in the Granite Gorge Rd area next day. On 14^th two were along Pickford Rd & at Mareeba with six+ at Kingfisher Park later in the afternoon. The last was a single at the Flecker Botanical Garden on 18^th.

Noisy Pitta   Pitta versicolor versicolor

QLD: - Three were eventually seen at Burleigh Heads National Park on 7^th August, after being told by virtually everybody who walks through there, that we should have been here yesterday! Two were seen in heavy rain along the walking trail at the Licuala State Forest on 12^th and a single was at Centenary Lakes on the morning of 18^th.

Albert’s Lyrebird   Menura alberti

QLD: - Three were glimpsed and two others heard along the Border Track at O’Reilly’s on 8^th August, where three were heard and one gave point blank views down to c12 feet the following morning.

Superb Lyrebird   Menura novaehollandiae

NSW: - Birds were heard around the car park & trail to the lookout at the Royal National Park on 26^th July.

White-throated Treecreeper   Cormobates leucophaeus (prob. leucophaeus)

NSW: - One was along Lady Carrington’s Drive in the Royal National Park on 26^th July. Three were in Gulpa State Forest on 3^rd August and a single was seen in the Deniliquin area the next day.

VIC: - One was seen in the southern Grampians (near the freshwater lake) on 1^st August. On 5^th four were at both Mt. Ida and in the Brisbane Ranges National Park (at Stony Creek campsite).

QLD: - Singles were seen along the road to O’Reilly’s (near Cainbable) on 7^th August and at the Curtain Fig Tree on 13^th. Two were at The Crater (Mt. Hypipamee National Park) on 13^th with five of the mountain race C. l. minor known as ‘Little Treecreeper’ up Mt. Lewis on 15^th.

Red-browed Treecreeper   Climacteris erythrops

QLD: - On 9^th August three were seen around the Duck Creek Rd area of O’Reilly’s in the Lamington National Park. Two were just past the edge of where the rainforest meets the Eucalypt forest.

Brown Treecreeper   Climacteris picumnus picumnus

NSW: - Seven were in the Gulpa State Forest on 3^rd August and five were along the road opposite there on 5^th.

VIC: - Eight were seen in various localities in Wyperfeld National Park on 2^nd August. Six were at Boort ponds on 3^rd with two at Crosbie State Forest and four-five in the Stony Creek campsite area of the Brisbane Ranges National Park on 5^th.

Superb Fairy-wren   Malurus cyaneus

The commonest Fairy-wren. Very few adult males were seen.

NSW: - Five were in the car park at the Royal National park on 26^th July when a single was also at Cronuella Swamp. Two were at Gulpa State Forest on 3^rd August and birds were present but not counted on the day out with Phil Maher around Deniliquin the next day.

VIC: - c20 were at Edithvale Wetlands on 28^th July. Next day birds were noted at Rhyll Inlet (c20) & at Swan Lake (present) on Phillip Island with a single bird noted at a roadside stop on the way back to Melbourne. Small numbers were at Werribee Sewage Farm on 30^th with eight noted between Airey’s Inlet & Cape Otway on 31^st. On 1^st August six were at Hall’s Gap and five were in Zumstien car park in the Grampians. Six were at Boort ponds on 3^rd with birds present at Stony Creek campsite in the Brisbane Ranges National Park on 5^th.

QLD: - Five were along the Spit (Doug Jennings & Phillip Parks) at Surfers paradise on 6^th August. Three were in the Mt. Nathan Fish Farm & ford area on 7^th with four on the walk from Mick’s Tower to Red Rd via the Wishing Tree at O’Reilly’s in the Lamington National Park on 8^th.

Splendid Fairy-wren   Malurus splendens melanotus

VIC: - Eight female types were seen in Wyperfeld National Park on 2^nd August, with four along the Malleefowl walk and another four along the Discovery walk.

Variegated Fairy-wren   Malurus lamberti (prob. lamberti)

QLD: - Five female types were seen along a private rd, off Duck Creek Rd near O’Reilly’s in the Lamington National Park on 9^th August.

Lovely Fairy-wren   Malurus amabilis

QLD: - Birds were heard along the Mt. Lewis Rd on 15^th August.

White-winged Fairy-wren   Malurus leucopterus leuconotus

NSW: - About ten, including a stunning male, were seen on the day out with Phil Maher near Deniliquin on 4^th August.

Red-backed Fairy-wren   Malurus melanocephalus melanocephalus

QLD: - Two female types were at Tutt’s Gully (along Duck Creek Rd) near O’Reilly’s on 9^th August. Ten (one male) were seen at Townsville Common on 11^th with five (one male) at the Malanda Motel pool during early morning and two female types along the Hasties Swamp Rd on 13^th. Finally six were near the ford along Pickford Rd (two km from main rd) on 14^th.

Spotted Pardalote   Pardalotus punctatus punctatus

NSW: - Seven-eight were in the Royal National Park area on 26^th July.

VIC: - One was seen on the walk to Rhyll Inlet on Phillip Island on 29^th July. Two of the race P. p. xanthopygus known as ‘Yellow-rumped Pardalote’ were seen on the Malleefowl walk in the Wyperfeld National Park on 2^nd August.

QLD: - One was seen at the Bell Miner colony (15km from O’Reilly’s) on 9^th August.

Red-browed Pardalote   Pardalotus rubricatus

QLD: - One was at the ford along Pickford Creek Rd (two km from main rd) on 14^th August.

Striated Pardalote   Pardalotus striatus

NSW: - Two were seen on the day out with Phil Maher around Deniliquin on 4^th August.

VIC: - Three were seen between the freshwater lake in the southern Grampians and Bellfield Picnic site on 1^st August. One was also at Boort ponds on 3^rd.

QLD: - Two were noted at JC Slaughter Falls at Mt. Coot-tha on 6^th August with one 15km down the road from O’Reilly’s Guesthouse at the Bell Miner colony on 9^th.

Rufous Bristlebird   Dasyornis broadbenti

Fernwren   Oreoscopus gutturalis

QLD: - A pair were seen and others heard up Mt. Lewis on 15^th August.

Yellow-throated Scrubwren   Sericornis citreogularis

NSW: - One was seen along Lady Carrington’s Drive in the Royal National Park on 26^th July.

White-browed Scrubwren   Sericornis frontalis

NSW: - Race S. f. frontalis: Five were around the Royal National Park on 26^th July and four were at Gulpa State Forest on 3^rd August.

VIC: - Race S. f. frontalis: Four were on Phillip Island on 29^th July with a single at Werribee Sewage Farm the next day. On 1^st August six were noted at Hall’s Gap with three more in Zumstien car park, both in the Grampian National Park. Two-three were at the Stony Creek Campsite in the Brisbane Ranges National Park on 5^th.

QLD: - Race S. f. laevigaster: Four were in the Mt. Nathan Fish Farm & ford area on 7^th August. Present in small numbers around O’Reilly’s Guesthouse between 7^th-9^th. Also on 9^th, two were at Canungra Valley Winery and two were at the Malanda Motel pool on 13^th.

Atherton Scrubwren   Sericornis keri

QLD: - Four were at the Crater (Mt. Hypipamee National Park) on 13^th August with five seen up Mt. Lewis on 15^th.

Large-billed Scrubwren   Sericornis magnirostris

QLD: - One was at Burleigh Heads National Park on 7^th August. Nine + were noted around O’Reilly’s on 8^th with three-four along the walking trail at the Licuala State Forest and a single at Eubenangee Swamp on 12^th. Next day, 15 were at the Crater (Mt. Hypipamee National Park) with three at the Curtain Fig Tree and two at Lake Eacham.

Shy Heathwren   Hylacola cauta

VIC: - Two were noted along the Malleefowl walk at Wyperfeld National Park on 2^nd August.

Striated Fieldwren   Calamanthus fuliginosus

VIC: - Five were around Werribee Sewage Farm on 30^th July.

Speckled Warbler   Chthonicola sagittata

VIC: - One was noted on the way down Mt. Ida at a roadside stop on 5^th August.

Brown Gerygone   Gerygone mouki

NSW: - Race G. m. mouki: Five were seen along Lady Carrington’s Drive in the Royal National Park on 26^th July.

QLD: - Race G. m. mouki: Five were in the O’Reilly’s area on 8^th-9^th August. Race G. m. richmondi: On 13^th, a single was noted at the Yungaburra Platypus lookout and five were at the Curtain Fig Tree. Birds were heard up Mt. Lewis on 15^th with three around the grounds at Kingfisher Park.

Large-billed Gerygone   Gerygone magnirostris

QLD: - One was at Eubenangee Swamp on 12^th August with, on 18^th, two at Centenary Lakes and three along the mangrove boardwalk near the airport at Cairns.

Fairy Gerygone   Gerygone palpebrosa personata

QLD: - Two was seen at the Yungaburra Platypus lookout on 13^th August.

Mountain Thornbill   Acanthiza katherina

QLD: - On 13^th August, two were at the Malanda Motel pool, three at the Crater (Mt. Hypipamee National Park) and a single at the Curtain Fig Tree.

Brown Thornbill   Acanthiza pusilla

NSW: - Six were noted around the Royal National Park on 26^th July.

VIC: - One was at Rhyll Inlet on Phillip Island on 29^th July. Inland one was at the freshwater lake in the southern Grampians, two-three were at Bellfield Picnic site and eight were in the Dimboola rest area on 1^st August.

Inland Thornbill   Acanthiza albiventris

VIC: - Two were along the Malleefowl walk in the Wyperfeld National Park on 2^nd August.

Chestnut-rumped Thornbill   Acanthiza uropygialis

Buff-rumped Thornbill   Acanthiza reguloides reguloides

NSW: - Four were in the Gulpa State Forest on 3^rd August.

VIC: - Eight were along the Malleefowl walk and one along Lowan track in the Wyperfeld National Park on 2^nd August. On 5^th, four were noted in Crosbie State Forest and two+ up Mt. Ida.

Slender-billed Thornbill   Acanthiza iredalei

VIC: - Two were along the Malleefowl Walk in the Wyperfeld National Park on 2^nd August.

Yellow-rumped Thornbill   Acanthiza chrysorrhoa

NSW: - Noted as present in the Deniliquin area on 4^th August with 12 along the road opposite the entrance to Gulpa State Forest on 5^th.

VIC: - Three were at Rhyll Inlet on Phillip Island on 29^th July with four at Werribee Sewage Farm the next day. Inland four were at the freshwater lake in the southern Grampians and two at the Bellfield Picnic site on 1^st August. Two were noted along the Eastern Lookout Drive in the Wyperfeld National Park on 2^nd.

Yellow Thornbill   Acanthiza nana

NSW: - Five were at Gulpa State Forest on 3^rd August with ten+ seen on the day out with Phil Maher around Deniliquin the next day. One was along the rd opposite the entrance to Gulpa State Forest on 5^th.

VIC: - Four-six were along the Malleefowl walk in the Wyperfeld National Park on 2^nd August with three at Crosbie State Forest on 5^th.

Striated Thornbill   Acanthiza lineata

NSW: - Four were seen in the Deniliquin town area on the day out with Phil Maher on 4^th August.

VIC: - On 5^th August, one-two were in Crosbie State Forest, two up Mt. Ida and two at the Stony Creek Campsite in the Brisbane Ranges National Park.

QLD: - On 7^th August, five were at Burleigh Heads NP with two at Mt. Nathan Fish Farm. Ten were along the tracks around O’Reilly’s Guesthouse on 8^th-9^th and a single was at Canungra Valley Winery on 9^th.

Red Wattlebird   Anthochaera carunculata

NSW: - Six were noted in the silver Beach area of Botany Bay on 26^th July.

VIC: - Three were at Edithvale wetlands on 28^th July with several noted on Phillip Island the next day. Small numbers were noted at Airey’s Inlet pond on 31^st. Inland two were noted along the Discovery walk at Wyperfeld National Park on 2^nd August with four at the Stony Creek campsite in the Brisbane Ranges National Park on 5^th.

Little Wattlebird   Anthochaera chrysoptera chrysoptera

NSW: - One was in the Silver Beach area of Botany Bay on 26^th July.

VIC: - One was at Edithvale Wetlands on 28^th July with 14+ seen on Phillip Island on 28^th-29^th.

Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater   Acanthagenys rufogularis

NSW: - Four were seen on the day out with Phil Maher around Deniliquin on 4^th August.

Striped Honeyeater   Plectorhyncha lanceolata

NSW: - Three were seen on the day out with Phil Maher around Deniliquin on 4^th August.

Helmeted Friarbird   Philemon buceroides

QLD: - Seven were at Cape Pallarenda on 11^th August with two at the lake up Mt. Carbine on 14^th. Four were around Daintree on 15^th with five+ on the Daintree River Cruise the next morning and two along the Esplanade at Cairns later that afternoon. Three were in the Flecker Botanical Gardens on 18^th.

Noisy Friarbird   Philemon corniculatus

QLD: - Two were at Canungra on 7^th August with a single at Mareeba on 14^th.

Little Friarbird   Philemon citreogularis

NSW: - Four were seen on the day out with Phil Maher around Deniliquin on 4^th August with a single the next day between Gulpa State Forest and Echuca.

Blue-faced Honeyeater   Entomyzon cyanotis

NSW: - Eight were seen in the Deniliquin area between 3^rd-4^th August.

QLD: - Three were at the Brisbane Botanical Gardens with one between Mt. Coot-tha and Surfers Paradise on 6^th August. One was in Townsville on 11^th with singles at Pickford Rd and around the lake up Mt. Carbine and two at Kingfisher Park on 14^th (with one there on 15^th).

Bell Miner   Manorina melanophrys

QLD: - Lots were along the road 15km from O’Reilly’s Guesthouse to Canungra. There is a colony of birds here. They can be readily heard, but seeing them is another matter!

Noisy Miner   Manorina melanocephala

NSW: - Ten were in the Silver Beach area of Botany Bay on 26^th July. Two were in the Deniliquin area on 4^th August with birds around Gulpa State Forest the next day.

VIC: - One was between Melbourne Airport and Edithvale Wetlands on 28^th July with six between Port Fairy and Penshurst on 1^st August. On 3^rd, 20 were around Boort Ponds with about ten in the park at Echuca.

QLD: - Ten were in the Brisbane Botanical Gardens on 6^th August with a pair feeding young (still in nest) at J.C. Slaughter Falls in Mt. Coot-tha the same day. One was at the Mt. Nathan Fish Farm on 7^th with two along Duck Creek Rd near O’Reilly’s on 9^th.

Yellow-throated Miner   Manorina flavigula flavigula

VIC: - Six were between Jeparit Lake and Rainbow on 1^st August.

Macleay’s Honeyeater   Xanthotis macleayana

QLD: - Four or five were seen at close range at the Ivy Cottage Tea Rooms in Paluma on 11^th August. Two were at the Curtain Fig Tree on 13^th with up to six at Kingfisher Park on 14^th-15^th.

Lewin’s Honeyeater   Meliphaga lewinii

NSW: - Five+ were in the Royal National Park on 26^th July.

QLD: - Five were present at Hasties Swamp Rd and Kingfisher Park on 13^th & 14^th August respectively with four at J.C. Slaughter Falls (Mt. Coot-tha) on 6^th and at O’Reilly’s Guesthouse between 7^th-9^th. One to two were at another six widespread localities.

Yellow-spotted Honeyeater   Meliphaga notata

QLD: - Singles were along the walking trail in Licuala State Forest on 12^th August with another at the Crater (Mt. Hypipamee National Park) the next day. Three+ were present in the grounds of Kingfisher Park on 14^th-15^th and four were on the River Cruise at Daintree on 16^th.

Graceful Honeyeater   Meliphaga gracilis

QLD: - Six+ were in the grounds at Kingfisher Park on 14^th-15^th August. One to two were seen in the Daintree area on 15^th-16^th and a single was at Centenary Lakes on 18^th.

Bridled Honeyeater   Lichenostomus frenatus

QLD: - Four were seen in a garden along Hasties Swamp Rd on 13^th August. Three were at Kingfisher Park on 14^th with another three noted in Mt. Lewis State Park the next day.

Yellow-faced Honeyeater   Lichenostomus chrysops

NSW: - Five+ were in the Royal National Park on 26^th July.

VIC: - One was at the Stony Creek campsite in the Brisbane Ranges National Park on 5^th August.

QLD: - 20+ were in the J.C. Slaughter Falls area of Mt. Coot-tha National Park on 6^th August with four at the end of the Spit (Doug Jennings & Phillip Park’s). Three were at Clagiraba Park (on the way to O’Reilly’s) the next day. Two were at the Bell Miner colony (15km from O’Reilly’s) and one at the Canungra Valley Winery on 9^th. Four were at Hasties Swamp on 13^th.

Singing Honeyeater   Lichenostomus virescens

VIC: - On 31^st July, one was at the Twelve Apostles with two or three at Peterborough and three at the Bay of Islands Coastal Park. One was at Port Fairy (Russell Clark Reserve) on 1^st August.

Varied Honeyeater   Lichenostomus versicolor

QLD: - On 16^th August, four were in the mangroves at Yule Point with one along the Esplanade at Cairns.

Yellow Honeyeater   Lichenostomus flavus

QLD: - Singles were at Townsville Common on 11^th August and along Granite Gorge Rd on 13^th. Five were by the creek 2km along Pickford Rd on 14^th with two in Cairns Cemetery on 17^th. Two were in Centenary Lakes on 18^th.

White-eared Honeyeater   Lichenostomus leucotis

VIC: - Three were on Phillip Island on 29^th July. On 31^st, singles were at Airey’s Inlet pond and at the Bay of Islands Coastal Park with another at Wyperfeld National Park on 2^nd August. Two were at the Stony Creek campsite in the Brisbane Ranges National Park on 5^th.

Yellow-tufted Honeyeater   Lichenostomus melanops melanops

VIC: - On 5^th August, three were in Crosbie State Forest and two were at Stony Creek campsite in the Brisbane Ranges National Park.

Yellow-plumed Honeyeater   Lichenostomus ornatus

VIC: - Two were noted along the Malleefowl walk (around the Eastern Lookout Drive) in Wyperfeld National Park on 2^nd August.

Fuscous Honeyeater   Lichenostomus fuscus

VIC: - One was in Crosbie State Forest on 5^th August.

White-plumed Honeyeater   Lichenostomus penicillatus

NSW: - Five to six were in Gulpa State Forest on 3^rd August with birds noted on the day out with Phil Maher around Deniliquin the next day. Two were along the Gulpa roadside on 5^th.

VIC: - Ten were around Boort Ponds on 3^rd August with six+ in the Dimboola Rest area on 1^st and four in Crosbie State Forest on 5^th. One to three were also seen at Edithvale Wetlands, Phillip Island, at the freshwater lake in the southern Grampians and at Wyperfeld National Park.

Brown-headed Honeyeater   Melithreptus brevirostris brevirostris

White-throated Honeyeater   Melithreptus albogularis

QLD: - Singles were at Mt. Nathan Fish Farm on 6^th August and at the lake at Mt. Carbine on 14^th. Three were at the entrance to Townsville Common on 11^th.

White-naped Honeyeater   Melithreptus lunatus lunatus

NSW: - One was by the visitor’s center at the Royal National Park on 26^th July.

VIC: - One was at the Bellfield Picnic site (nr Halls Gap) on 1^st August with four or five at the Stony Creek campsite in the Brisbane Ranges National Park on 5^th.

Brown Honeyeater   Lichmera indistincta

QLD: - 20+ were at the end of the Spit (Doug Jennings & Phillip Parks) on 6^th August with lots noted in Sherwood Park (Brisbane) on 9^th. Six were at Townsville Common on 11^th and at Centenary Lakes on 18^th with five along the Hasties Swamp Rd on 13^th and four at Mt. Carbine Lake on 14^th. One to three were noted at another six localities.

Crescent Honeyeater   Phylidonyris pyrrhoptera

VIC: - One was seen at the Bay of Islands Coastal Park on 31^st July.

New Holland Honeyeater   Phylidonyris novaehollandiae

VIC: - 13+ were on Phillip Island on 29^th July with 26 noted along the Great Ocean Rd on 31^st (with six+ at the Bay of Islands Coastal Park). Six+ were noted on the drive between Port Fairy and Rainbow on 1^st August.

White-cheeked Honeyeater   Phylidonyris nigra nigra

QLD: - Six or seven were at the Ivy Cottage Tea Rooms at Paluma on 11^th August. Two were along the Hasties Swamp Rd on 13^th with four noted in Mt. Lewis State Forest on 15^th.

White-fronted Honeyeater   Phylidonyris albifrons

NSW: - Two were seen on the day out with Phil Maher around Deniliquin on 4^th August.

Tawny-crowned Honeyeater   Phylidonyris melanops

VIC: - Four or five were seen in the Bay of Islands Coastal Park on 31^st July.

Brown-backed Honeyeater   Ramsayornis modestus

QLD: - Seven+ were at Townsville Common on 11^th August with three at Daintree on 15^th and three more at Cairns Croc Farm at Edmonton the next day.

Rufous-throated Honeyeater   Conopophila rufogularis

QLD: - One was at the entrance to Townsville Common on 11^th August.

Eastern Spinebill   Acanthorhynchus tenuirostris

NSW: - Three were by the visitor’s center at Royal National Park on 26^th July.

VIC: - Singles were at the Bay of Islands Coastal Park on 31^st July and up Mt. Ida on 5^th August.

QLD: - Up to two were around the Guesthouse at O’Reilly’s on 7^th-9^th August with a single at the Ivy Cottage Tea Rooms at Paluma on 11^th and noted as present up Mt. Lewis on 15^th.

Dusky Honeyeater   Myzomela obscura

QLD: - Singles were noted at Cape Pallarenda on 11^th August, along Hasties Swamp Rd on 13^th, Mt. Lewis State Forest on 15^th, Daintree on 16^th and at Centenary Lakes on 18^th. Two were at Kingfisher Park on 14^th and Daintree (+ river cruise) on 15^th-16^th.

Scarlet Honeyeater   Myzomela sanguinolenta

QLD: - Males were seen at J.C. Slaughter Falls (Mt. Coot-tha) on 6^th August with two at Kingfisher Park on 14^th. Heard only up Mt. Lewis State Forest on 15^th.

White-fronted Chat   Ephthianura albifrons

NSW: - Three were seen on the day out with Phil Maher around Deniliquin on 4^th August.

VIC: - Two were at Swan Lake on Phillip Island on 29^th July with a minimum of 18 at Werribee Sewage Farm the next day. Inland four were at Wyperfeld National Park on 2^nd August with three between Durham Ox and Echuca.

Jacky Winter   Microeca fascinans

NSW: - Six to eight were in Gulpa State Forest on 3^rd August.

VIC: - Seven were seen along the Malleefowl walk in Wyperfeld National Park on 2^nd August with another between there and Hopetoun later that afternoon.

Lemon-bellied Flycatcher   Microeca flavigaster terrareginae

QLD: - One was seen in the grounds of Kingfisher Park on 14^th August.

Scarlet Robin   Petroica boodang

VIC: - A male was seen from the roadside near the freshwater lake in the southern Grampians on 1^st August.

Red-capped Robin   Petroica goodenovii

NSW: - Two males were in Gulpa State Forest on 3^rd August with another male and a female/imm male seen on the day out with Phil Maher around Deniliquin the next day.

Flame Robin   Petroica phoenicea

VIC: - Two males were near Rhyll Inlet and an imm male was at Swan Lake, both on Phillip Island on 29^th July.

Rose Robin   Petroica rosea

NSW: - A male was along Lady Carrington Drive in the Royal National Park on 26^th July.

QLD: - A male was seen where the Rainforest meets the Eucalypt forest along Duck Creek Rd near O’Reilly’s on 9^th August.

Hooded Robin   Melanodryas cucullata

Pale-yellow Robin   Tregellasia capito nana

QLD: - Six were seen along the walking trail in Licuala State Forest on 12^th August. Three were in the grounds of Kingfisher Park on 14^th with another three+ seen up Mt. Lewis the next day.

Eastern Yellow Robin   Eopsaltria australis

NSW: - Race E. a. australis: Six were in the Royal National Park on 26^th July.

VIC: - Race E. a. australis: Two were along the walk to Rhyll Inlet on Phillip Island on 29^th July with three at Stony Creek campsite in the Brisbane Ranges National Park on 5^th August.

QLD: - Race E. a. chrysorrhoa: 15+ were seen around O’Reilly’s between 7^th – 9^th August.

Mangrove Robin   Peneoenanthe pulverulenta

QLD: - Two were in the mangroves at the northern end of the Esplanade at Cairns on 17^th August. They can be attracted by imitating their two-note whistle! Another was attracted the same way along the mangrove boardwalk near to Cairns Airport the next day

White-browed Robin   Poecilodryas superciliosa superciliosa

QLD: - Two were seen along Big Mitchell Creek (as per T & T) on 14^th August.

Grey-headed Robin   Heteromyias albispecularis

QLD: - Singles were at Birthday Creek Falls (near Paluma) on 11^th August and at the Curtain Fig Tree on 13^th. Four were around the Crater in Mt. Hypipamee National Park also on 13^th with five at Kingfisher Park on 14^th and another three up Mt. Lewis the next day.

Logrunner  Orthonyx temminckii

QLD: - c12 were seen whilst walking the tracks around O’Reilly’s from 7^th - 9^th August.

Chowchilla   Orthonyx spaldingii

QLD: - Three were seen from the car park at Birthday Creek Falls on 11^th August and birds were heard between Kingfisher Park and Mt. Lewis on 15^th.

Grey-crowned Babbler   Pomatostomus temporalis temporalis

NSW: - Three were seen in the Deniliquin area along the road towards Hay on 4^th August.

QLD: - Two were around the lake at Mt. Carbine on 14^th August.

White-browed Babbler   Pomatostomus superciliosus

NSW: - 14 were in Gulpa State Forest on 3^rd August.

VIC: - Two were in the Dimboola Rest Area on 1^st August with 14 along the Malleefowl walk in Wyperfeld National Park on 2^nd and four around the ponds at Boort the next morning.

Eastern Whipbird   Psophodes olivaceus

NSW: - Race P. o. olivaceus: Three+ were in the Royal National Park on 26^th July.

QLD: - Race P. o. olivaceus: Common at O’Reilly’s from 7^th – 9^th August. Race P. o. lateralis: Two were noted at Broomfield Crater on 12^th, and on 13^th birds were noted at the motel at Malanda, the Curtain Fig Tree and at the Crater in Mt. Hypipamee National Park. Birds were also heard in the grounds of Kingfisher Park on 15^th.

Chestnut Quail-thrush   Cinclosoma castanotus

VIC: - Three were seen along the Malleefowl walk in Wyperfeld National Park on 2^nd August.

Varied Sittella   Daphoenositta chrysoptera

NSW: - Nominate race D. c. chrysoptera: Three were along Lady Carrington’s Drive in the Royal National Park on 26^th July.

VIC: - Race D. c. pileata: Eight were seen along the Malleefowl walk in Wyperfeld National Park on 2^nd August.

QLD: - Race D. c. leucocephala: Two were along a private road off Duck Creek Rd near O’Reilly’s on 9^th August.

Crested Shrike-tit   Fanculculus frontatus

VIC: - Birds were heard opposite the entrance to Crosbie State Forest on 5^th August.

QLD: - Birds (thought to be this species) were heard opposite Lake Mitchell and around the lake up Mt. Carbine on 14^th August.

Olive Whistler   Pachycephala olivacea

QLD: - One was seen at Burleigh Heads National Park on 7^th August.

Gilbert’s Whistler   Pachycephala inornata

VIC: - A female was along the Malleefowl walk in Wyperfeld National Park on 2^nd August.

Golden Whistler   Pachycephala pectoralis

NSW: - Five were in the Royal National Park on 26^th July with a single in Gulpa State Forest on 3^rd August.

VIC: - One was along the Malleefowl walk in Wyperfeld National Park on 2^nd August.

QLD: - Two females/immatures were at JC Slaughter Falls on 6^th August. Next day nine were in Burleigh Heads National Park with two by the ford near Mt. Nathan Fish farm. Single males were along a private road off Duck Creek Rd (near O’Reilly’s) on 9^th with another up Mt. Lewis on 15^th.

Grey Whistler   Pachycephala simplex peninsulae

QLD: - Two were along the walking trail in Licuala State Forest on 12^th August with one heard up Mt. Lewis on 15^th and another from the Daintree River Cruise on 16^th.

Rufous Whistler   Pachycephala rufiventris

QLD: - Single males were at JC Slaughter Falls on 6^th August, Clagiraba Park (near Mt. Nathan Fish farm) on 7^th and at Granite Gorge Rd on 13^th.

Little Shrike-thrush  Colluricincla megarhyncha

QLD: - Singles were noted at the ford near Mt. Nathan Fish Farm on 7^th August with another at the Tearooms at Ivy Cottage (Paluma) on 11^th. Three were present at Kingfisher Park on 14^th, Mt. Lewis on 15^th and on the Daintree River Cruise on 16^th. Six birds probably of this species were seen along the walking trail in Licuala State Forest on 12^th.

Bower’s Shrike-thrush   Colluricincla boweri

QLD: - Two were at the Crater (Mt. Hypipamee National Park) on 13^th August and birds were heard singing up Mt. Lewis on 15^th.

Grey Shrike-thrush   Colluricincla harmonica harmonica

NSW: - Four were at Gulpa State Forest on 3^rd August with a single in the Deniliquin area the next day.

VIC: - Singles were at Rhyll Inlet (Phillip Island) on 29^th July, between Zumstien and Horsham on 1^st August and on 5^th at Mt. Ida and between there and Kyneton. Two were at Wyperfeld National Park on 2^nd (around the Eastern Lookout Drive) with three at Stony Creek campsite in the Brisbane Ranges National Park on 5^th and five were noted along the Great Ocean Rd on 31^st July.

QLD: - One was on the early morning walk at O’Reilly’s on 8^th August.

Spectacled Monarch   Monarcha trivirgatus (prob. albiventris)

QLD: - Eight were seen along the walking trail in Licuala State Forest on 12^th August. Singles were at Kingfisher Park on 14^th and on 18^th at Centenary Lakes and along the mangrove boardwalk near the Airport at Cairns. Two were seen from the Daintree River Cruise on 16^th.

Leaden Flycatcher   Myiagra rubecula

QLD: - Two were at Townsville Common on 11^th with singles at Eubenangee Swamp on 12^th, Daintree on 15^th and along the Mangrove Boardwalk near Cairns Airport on 18^th. Three female/imm were at Cairns Croc Farm at Edmonton on 15^th.

Birds either this species or Satin Flycatcher Myiagra cyanoleuca were at Townsville Common and at Cape Pallarenda on 11^th August.

Satin Flycatcher   Myiagra cyanoleuca

QLD: - Singles were at Cape Pallarenda on 11^th August and at the ford along Pickford Creek Rd on 14^th.

Shining Flycatcher   Myiagra alecto

QLD: - Five were seen from the boat on the Daintree River Cruise on 16^th August.

Restless Flycatcher   Myiagra inquieta inquieta

NSW: - One was along the road opposite the entrance to Gulpa State Forest on 5^th August.

VIC: - Four or five were around the freshwater lake in the southern Grampians on 1^st August with a single at Mt. Ida on 5^th.

Magpie-lark   Grallina cyanoleuca

NSW: - Four were in the car park area at Lady Carrington’s Drive in the Royal National Park on 26^th July with birds noted on the way to Sydney airport on 28^th.

VIC: - 12 were noted between Edithvale Wetlands and Phillip Island on 28^th July with seven at Cape Otway on 31^st. Smaller numbers were seen between Melbourne Airport and Edithvale, Phillip Island to Melbourne and Werribee Sewage farm.

QLD: - Birds were seen (but not counted) at Brisbane Botanical Gardens, Centenary Lakes, Mt. Nathan Fish Farm and Townsville and between Innisfail and Cardwell and Mareeba and Tinaroo Creek.

Rufous Fantail   Rhipidura rufifrons

QLD: - 12+ were noted along the walking trail in the Licuala State Forest with a single at Eubenangee Swamp on 12^th August. Singles were at Kingfisher Park on 14^th, Mt. Lewis State Forest and Daintree on 15^th and at the latter place next day. Also on 16^th two were seen with others heard on the Daintree River Cruise.

Grey Fantail   Rhipidura albiscapa

NSW: - Four were in the Royal National Park on 26^th July with three in Gulpa State Forest on 3^rd August and singles in the Deniliquin area on 4^th and again at Gulpa on 5^th.

VIC: - Three were on Phillip Island on 29^th July with singles at Port Campbell lookout on 31^st and at Crosbie State Forest on 5^th August.

QLD: - Eight were along Pickford Creek Rd ford area on 14^th August with seven at Mt. Hypipamee National Park (The Crater) on 13^th with five at O’Reilly’s on 8^th. Smaller numbers were noted at another 13 localities including three of the race R. a.       up Mt. Lewis on 15^th.

Northern Fantail   Rhipidura rufiventris

QLD: - Two were at Abattoir Swamp on 15^th August.

Willie Wagtail   Rhipidura leucophrys

NSW: - Only two seen in the Royal National Park with two in the Silver Beach area of Botany Bay on 26^th July.

VIC: - Two were on Phillip Island on 29^th July with birds present at Werribee Sewage Farm on 30^th and at Peterborough on 31^st. Inland one was at the Dimboola Rest area on 1^st August and three between Wyperfeld National Park and Hopetoun the next day.

QLD: - Birds were noted but not counted at seven widespread localities.

Spangled Drongo   Dicrurus bracteatus

QLD: - Four were at Townsville Common on 11^th August with three at Centenary Lakes on 10^th. One to two were noted at another 15 widespread localities.

Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike   Coracina novaehollandiae

NSW: - Singles were at the Royal National Park and in the Silver Beach area of Botany Bay with four at Towra Point Nature Reserve on 26^th July. Four were in the Deniliquin area on 4^th August.

VIC: - Four were at Edithvale Wetlands on 28^th July with a single on Phillip Island the next day.

QLD: - Five+ were along Cairns Esplanade on 16^th August with four being seen between Mt. Coot-tha & Surfer’s Paradise on 6^th, at Burleigh Heads NP on 7^th, Townsville Common on 11^th, between Eubenangee Swamp and Broomfield Crater next day and along Granite Gorge Road on 13^th. One to two were seen at another five localities.

Barred Cuckoo-shrike   Coracina lineata

QLD: - One was seen up the entrance track to Mt. Lewis State Forest on 15^th August.

White-bellied Cuckoo-shrike   Coracina papuensis

VIC: - One was along the road between Penshurst and Dunkeld on 1^st August.

QLD: - Five were in the Townsville Common area on 11^th August with four along Granite Gorge Road on 13^th. Two were at Eubenangee Swamp on 12^th and at Centenary Lakes on 18^th. Singles were also seen between Sear’s Lookout and Granite Creek, Yungabura to Nardellos Lagoon, Pickford Road and at Mossman.

White-winged Triller   Lalage sueurii

QLD: - Two 1^st yr birds were at Townsville Common on 11^th August.

Varied Triller   Lalage leucomela

QLD: - Three were at Townsville Common on 11^th August and at Kingfisher Park on 14^th with a single at the latter local the next day. Two were at Cape Pallarenda on 11^th, Daintree River Cruise and at Cairns Croc Farm at Edmonton on 16^th and at Centenary Lakes on 18^th. Singles were noted at Burleigh Heads National Park on 7^th and up Mt. Lewis on 15^th.

Yellow Oriole   Oriolus flavocinctus

QLD: - Two were seen on the Daintree River Cruise on 16^th August with four in Centenary Lakes and three more at the Flecker Botanical Gardens in Cairns on 18^th.

Olive-backed Oriole   Oriolus sagittatus

QLD: - Singles were at Brisbane Botanical Gardens on 6^th August and at Townsville Common on 11^th.

Figbird   Sphecotheres viridis

QLD: - Birds of the “Green” race vieilloti were at Doug Jennings & Phillip Parks (2) on 6^th August with a single at Burleigh Heads National Park and two at Clagiraba Park the next day. Two were also at Sear’s Lookout on 13^th. Birds of the “Yellow” race flaviventris included two at Cape Pallarenda on 11^th, ten at Kingfisher Park on 14^th with the next day four up Mt. Lewis State Forest, five at Mossman and nine at Daintree. Unraced birds were seen at Centenary Lakes (a F on 10^th and eight on 18^th) and on 16^th two along the Esplanade at Cairns with singles on the Daintree River Cruise and between Daintree and Mossman. All the unraced birds were probably of the flaviventris race.

White-breasted Woodswallow   Artamus leucorhynchus

QLD: - The first was a single at Sherwood Park on the outskirts of Brisbane on 9^th August. The next day 213+ was noted on the drive between Cairns and Townsville. The next day five were noted in the Townsville Common area, and they were noted as common between Paluma and Cardwell. Birds were noted on the drives between Licuala State Forest and Bramston Road on 12^th, Newell Beach and Daintree on 15^th and between Daintree and Mossman on 16^th. Also on 15^th ten were between Mt. Malloy and Abattoir Swamp, 30 from Abattoir Swamp to Mossman and 20 at Daintree. Four were between Cairns and the Croc Farm at Edmonton and a single was in Centenary Lakes on 18^th.

Dusky Woodswallow   Artamus cyanopterus

VIC: - Two were at the Dimboola Rest Area on 1^st August.

Black Butcherbird   Cracticus quoyi

QLD: - On 15^th August singles were seen between Kingfisher Park and Mt. Lewis State Forest and at Daintree. Two were on the Daintree River Cruise on 16^th with a single in Centenary Lakes on 18^th.

Grey Butcherbird   Cracticus torquatus

NSW: - One was seen at a roadside stop somewhere along the road to Hay, near Deniliquin on 4^th August.

QLD: - Two were at JC Slaughter Falls in the Mt. Coot-tha National Park on 6^th August with two seen at O’Reilly’s (around the reception building on the early morning walk) on 8^th and a single there (by the Stockyard area along Duck Creek Road) on 9^th. Also on 9^th one was between Canunga and Beaudesert.

Pied Butcherbird   Cracticus nigrogularis

NSW: - On 3^rd August, three were between Gulpa State Forest and Deniliquin with three around Deniliquin itself. Five were seen the next day whilst out with Phil Maher around Deniliquin. Six were noted between Gulpa State Forest and Echuca on 5^th.

QLD: - On 13^th five were in the Sear’s Lookout/Granite Creek/Chettle Road area with a single between the West Barron Storage Fauna Reserve and Tinaroo Creek Road. On 14^th three were between Mareeba and Tinaroo Creek Road, a single between Mareeba and Mt. Malloy and three up Mt. Carbine around the lake.

Australian Magpie   Gymnorhina tibicen

NSW: - Small numbers of the ‘black-backed’ race tibicen were seen around Sydney, the Royal National Park and at Towra Point Nature Reserve on 26^th July.

VIC: - Birds of the ‘white-backed’ race hypoleuca were seen around Melbourne (eight on 28^th July), with 16 between Edithvale and Phillip Island the same day. Small numbers were seen on Phillip Island, Werribee Sewage Farm and along the Great Ocean Road as far as Cape Otway between 29^th-31^st and a single at Anakie on 5^th August. In the north however, we were back in the realm of the ‘black-backed’ race tibicen. Small numbers were noted between Hopetoun and Echuca between 2^nd-3^rd August.

QLD: - Very few were noted, all of the ‘black-backed’ race tibicen. Birds were seen between Brisbane Airport and Mt. Coot-tha on 6^th August. A pair and a young bird were present at O’Reilly’s between 7^th-9^th and on 13^th singles were between the motel at Malandra and Broomfield Crater, Broomfield Crater and Mt. Hypipimee National Park with two between Yungabura and Nardellos Lagoon.

Pied Currawong   Strepera graculina

NSW: - Small numbers were present in the Royal National Park on 26^th July with six in the Silver Beach area of Botany Bay that evening. One was at the Peppin Motor Lodge in Deniliquin on 5^th August.

VIC: - Three were at Cape Otway on 31^st August with nine in the Halls Gap/Zumstien Car Park area on 1^st August. One was seen along the Eastern Lookout Drive at Wyperfeld National Park on 2^nd.

QLD: - On 6^th August two were at JC Slaughter Falls (Mt. Coot-tha) with a single at the Spit (Doug Jennings & Phillip Parks). Six were at Burleigh Heads National Park the next day and small numbers were present at O’Reilly’s between 7^th-9^th. One was also at the Canungra Valley Winery also on 9^th with three at the Paluma Tea Rooms on 11^th and two between the Crater and Hasties Swamp on 13^th.

Grey Currawong   Strepera versicolor

VIC: - Birds of the (presumed) nominate race versicolor were three along Rhyll Inlet (Phillip Island) on 29^th July. One was between Pt. Addis and Airey’s Inlet on 31^st with 31 in the Bellfield Picnic Site/Hall’s Gap/Zumstien Car Park area on 1^st August and a single up Mt. Ida on 5^th August. Six at Cape Otway on 31^st July were of the race melanoptera.

Paradise Riflebird   Ptiloris paradiseus

QLD: - Up to five were heard at O’Reilly’s 8^th August (along the Border Track) with another heard along there the next morning and a F seen along a track off Duck Creek Road also on 9^th.

Victoria’s Riflebird   Ptiloris victoriae

QLD: - A M and two F were seen at close quarters at the Tea Rooms at Paluma on 11^th August. On 13^th birds were heard at the Crater (Mt. Hypipamee National Park - two-three birds) and at the Curtain Fig Tree (one – two birds). Two M were seen and others heard up Mt. Lewis on 15^th.

Australian Raven   Corvus coronoides

NSW: - Small numbers were present around Sydney and at the Royal National Park on 26^th July with a single between Echuca and Gulpa State Forest on 3^rd August.

VIC: - Two were seen between Melbourne Airport and Edithvale on 28^th July with birds present along the Malleefowl Walk in the Wyperfeld National Park on 2^nd August and three between Boort and Echuca the next day.

QLD: - Two were at the Brisbane Botanical Garden on 6^th August with small numbers between Mareeba and Tinaroo Creek on 14^th.

Little Raven   Corvus mellori

NSW: - One was at the roadside at Gulpa State Forest on 5^th August.

VIC: - Small numbers were seen around Phillip Island with a flock of c20 near Rhyll on 29^th July. Many were around Werribee Sewage Farm on 30^th with ten between Pt. Addis and Airey’s Inlet the next day. 60 were between Port Fairy and Penshurst on 1^st August.

Torresian Crow   Corvus orru

QLD: - Small numbers were seen at many sites around Queensland and were not always recorded. The peak recorded counts were six at Broomfield Crater on 12^th August and between Mareeba and Tinaroo Creek on 14^th.

White-winged Chough   Corcorax melanorhamphos

NSW: - Eight were in Gulpa State Forest on 3^rd August with five seen at a roadside stop on the way to Hay next day and 16 between Gulpa State Forest and Echuca on 5^th.

VIC: - Five were near Bryon’s Swamp (Southern Grampians) on 1^st August with seven between Boort and Durham Ox on 3^rd. On 5^th ten were at Tooleen, 25 in Crosbie State Forest and 20 up Mt. Ida.

Spotted Catbird   Ailuroedus melanotis

QLD: - Singles were at the Ivy Cottage Tea Rooms (Paluma) and at the near by Birthday Creek Falls on 11^th August. Two-three were along the walking trail in the Licuala State Forest next day with singles at the Crater (Mt. Hypipamee National Park) and the Curtain Fig Tree on 13^th. On 15^th one was heard on the way to Mt. Lewis from Kingfisher Park with another five at Mt. Lewis.

Green Catbird   Ailuroedus crassirotris

QLD: - Up to three were at O’Reilly’s between 7^th-9^th August.

Tooth-billed Bowerbird   Scenopoeetes dentirostris

QLD: - One was seen and another heard singing up Mt. Lewis National Park on 15^th August.

Golden Bowerbird   Prionodura newtoniana

QLD: - The owner of the Paluma Tea Rooms (Ivy Cottage) told us of the location of a bower at Birthday Creek Falls, which we visited, but no birds were present (we were really at the wrong time of year for the bird to be attending the bower). Two immatures were seen around the car park at the Crater (Mt. Hypipamee National Park) on 13^th August and three+ were seen up Mt. Lewis on 15^th.

Regent Bowerbird   Sericulus chrysocephalus

QLD: - Up to 20+ were seen around O’Reilly’s Rainforest Guesthouse between 7^th-9^th August. Birds could be fed with raisins outside the reception.

Satin Bowerbird   Ptilonorhynchus violaceus

NSW: - Two M and four F were along Lady Carrington’s Drive in the Royal National Park on 26^th July.

QLD: - Up to 15 were around O’Reilly’s Rainforest Guesthouse between 7^th-9^th August, including a complete bower and a 1^st yr M building a bower outside of our room as we were leaving!

Great Bowerbird   Chlamydera nuchalis

QLD: - Two were at Cape Pallarenda (Townsville Common area) on 11^th August and a single at the lake up Mt. Carbine on 14^th.

Skylark   Alauda arvensis

VIC: - Eight were on Phillip Island (with six along Rhyll Inlet) on 29^th July, 20+ were noted at Werribee Sewage Farm the next day and birds were present at Cape Otway on 31^st.

Australian (Richard’s) Pipit   Anthus novaeseelandiae

NSW: - Ten were seen on the day out with Phil Maher around Deniliquin on 4^th August.

VIC: - Two were at the Wonga Campsite (Wyperfeld National Park) on 2^nd August with seven between Durham Ox and Echuca on 3^rd.

House Sparrow   Passer domesticus

NSW: - Two+ were in the Silver Beach area of Botany Bay on 26^th July.

VIC: - 50+ were at Werribee Sewage Farm on 30^th July with six at the Dimboola Rest area on 1^st August and 60 between Hopetoun and Birchip the next day.

QLD: - A single was noted between the motel at Malanda and Broomfield Crater on 13^th with two at Mossman on 15^th. Birds were also present at Cairns Esplanade on 16^th and at Centenary Lakes on 18^th.

Zebra Finch   Taeniopygia guttata

NSW: - 32 were seen on the day out with Phil Maher around Deniliquin on 4^th August.

Double-barred Finch   Taeniopygia bichenovii

QLD: - One was seen in the ford area near Mt. Nathan Fish farm on the way to O’Reilly’s on 7^th August. Six were along Pickford Road (2km from the main rd) on 14^th and c20 were on the Lake Mitchell Causeway the next day.

Crimson Finch   Neochmia phaeton

QLD: - One was at Eubenangee Swamp on 12^th August and four were at the Cairns Croc Farm at Edmonton on 16^th.

Red-browed Finch   Neochmia temporalis

NSW: - Ten+ were in the Royal National Park on 26^th July.

VIC: - 18 were on Phillip Island on 29^th July. Birds were present (although not counted) at Werribee Sewage Farm on 30^th with six at Dunkeld and ten around the lake at Bellfield Picnic Site (near Hall’s Gap) on 1^st August. Birds were also present around Mt. Ida on 5^th.

QLD: - Ten+ were seen in the ford area near Mt. Nathan Fish farm on the way to O’Reilly’s on 7^th August. On 13^th one was by the pool at the motel in Malanda and two were at Lake Echam. Up to 40 were around the feeders at Kingfisher Park on 14^th-15^th.

Diamond Firetail   Stagonopleura guttata

VIC: - Three were at the Dimboola Rest Area on 1^st August.

Nutmeg Mannikin   Lonchura punctulata

QLD: - On 10^th August, nine were at Centenary Lakes (Cairns), 40 were between Cairns and Innisfail and 50 were between Cardwell and Ingham. 14 were at Townsville Common the next morning and three were along the Esplanade at Cairns on 18^th.

Chestnut-breasted Mannikin   Lonchura castaneothorax

QLD: - One was in the ford area near Mt. Nathan Fish farm on the way to O’Reilly’s on 7^th August. Four were at Eubenangee Swamp on 12^th with 30 by the ford 2km from the main road along Pickford Road on 14^th.

European Greenfinch   Carduelis chloris

VIC: - Two+ were at Edithvale Wetlands on 28^th July.

European Goldfinch   Carduelis carduelis

VIC: - Four were at Edithvale Wetlands on 28^th July. Birds were noted at Werribee Sewage Farm but were not counted on 30^th. 20 were between Port Fairy and Penshurst on 1^st August.

Yellow-bellied Sunbird   Nectarinia jugularis

QLD: - Two were at Centenary Lakes (Cairns) on 10^th August with four there on 18^th. ‘Lots’ were noted at Townsville Common and three - four at Cape Pallarenda on 11^th. Singles were also seen at Kingfisher Park on 14^th, a F at Mossman on 15^th and on the Daintree River Cruise on 16^th.

Mistletoebird   Dicaeum hirundinaceum

VIC: - A M flew over Jeparit Lake on 1^st August.

QLD: - Single M’s were along the walking trail at Licuala State Forest on 12^th August and up Mt. Lewis on 15^th with others on the Daintree River Cruise and along the Esplanade at Cairns on 16^th. Two were between Kingfisher Park and Mt. Lewis on 15^th.

Welcome Swallow   Hirundo neoxena

NSW: - Ten were at Towra Point Nature Reserve on 26^th July and two were between Echuca and Gulpa State Forest on 3^rd August.

VIC: - Ten were at Edithvale Wetlands on 28^th July with ten+ on Phillip Island the next day. Birds were also present at Werribee Sewage Farm on 30^th. On 31^st 15 were seen between Airey’s Inlet and Cape Otway. Inland two were at the Dimboola Rest Area with ten at Rainbow on 1^st August. Birds were present in the Wonga Campsite area of Wyperfeld National Park and six were seen between Hopetoun and Birchip on 2^nd.

QLD: - Up to ten were present daily at O’Reilly’s between 7^th-9^th August. Small numbers were also seen, but not counted at, Burleigh Heads National Park, Clagiraba Park, Mt. Nathan Fish Farm, Sherwood Park and Centenary Lakes.

Tree Martin   Hirundo nigricans

VIC: - One was at Werribee Sewage Farm on 30^th July. Four were at the Dimboola Rest Area on 1^st August with 13 at Wyperfeld National Park on 2^nd.

QLD: - Two were at Brisbane Airport with 16 between Innisfail and Cardwell on 10^th August. 20 were at Eubenangee Swamp on 12^th, whilst on 15^th four were between Abattoir Swamp and Mossman with 40 between Mossman and Newell Beach. Ten were seen from the Daintree River Cruise on 16^th.

Fairy Martin   Hirundo ariel

QLD: - On 7^th August, two were at Clagiraba Park with four at Canungra. 40+ were around Townsville Common on 11^th.

Red-whiskered Bulbul   Pycnonotus jocosus

Australian (Clamorous) Reed-Warbler   Acrocephalus stentoreus

VIC: - One was at Werribee Sewage Farm on 30^th July.

QLD: - Singles were at the pond in the grounds of the motel at Malanda and at Hasties Swamp on 13^th August and by the ford 2km from the main road along Pickford Road the next day. Eight were around the lake up Mt. Carbine also on 14^th.

Tawny Grassbird   Megalurus timoriensis

QLD: - Two were at Townsville Common on 11^th August with singles at Eubenangee Swamp on 12^th and at the motel pond at Malanda and between Hasties Swamp and the Curtain Fig Tree on 13^th. Five were 2km from the main road, by the ford along Pickford Road on 14^th.

Little Grassbird   Megalurus gramineus

NSW: - Three+ were seen on the day out with Phil Maher around Deniliquin on 4^th August.

VIC: - Birds were present at several site around Werribee Sewage Farm on 30^th July.

Brown Songlark   Cinclorhamphus cruralis

NSW: - A M was present by the farm pond 16km west of Deniliquin on 4^th August.

Golden-headed Cisticola   Cisticola exilis

VIC: - One was at Edithvale Wetlands on 28^th July with several present at Werribee Sewage Farm on 30^th. Two were at the Bay of Islands Coastal Park on 31^st with a single between Durham Ox and Echuca on 3^rd August.

QLD: - Ten were 2km from the main road by the ford along Pickford Road on 14^th August.

Silvereye   Zosterops lateralis

NSW: - Six were in the Royal National Park with 36+ at Towra Point Nature Reserve on 26^th July.

VIC: - Six were at Werribee Sewage Farm on 30^th July with 15 at the Bay of Islands Coastal Park the next day and one or two at Crosbie State Forest on 5^th August.

QLD: - On 6^th August, five were at JC Slaughter Falls (Mt. Coot-tha) and five at Doug Jennings and Phillip Parks (the Spit, Surfers Paradise) with nine at Burleigh Heads National Park the next day. Six were at Townsville Common on 11^th and on 13^th in the flowering bush in a garden along Hasties Swamp road, when three were seen at the pond in the grounds of the motel at Malanda. Five were at Kingfisher Park on 14^th with two between there and Mt. Lewis the next day when ten were in Mt. Lewis State Forest. On 16^th two were seen on the Daintree River Cruise with three passing through the garden at Red Mill House.

Bassian Thrush   Zoothera lunulata

QLD: - Two were seen on the approach road to O’Reilly’s on 7^th August. At O’Reilly’s eight were seen along the various trails between 7^th-8^th and on 9^th a bird was seen with a pale (but not white) wedge in the outer tail feathers along Duck Creek Road (near the paddock overview).

Common Blackbird   Turdus merula

VIC: - Ten were at Edithvale Wetlands on 28^th July with four + on Phillip Island the next day. Eight were between Airey’s Inlet and Cape Otway on 31^st and birds were present at Rainbow on 1^st August.

Metallic Starling   Aplonis metallica

QLD: - 40 were seen along the walking trail in the Licuala State Forest on 12^th August with four between there and Bramston Road and 20 along Bramston Road the same day. Ten were seen on the Daintree River Cruise with six at Newell Beach on 16^th. One was at Centenary Lakes on 18^th.

Common Starling   Sturnus vulgaris

NSW: - Ten were in the Silver Beach area of Botany Bay on 26^th July.

VIC: - 40 were seen between Melbourne Airport and Edithvale with birds present at the Wetlands on 28^th July.

QLD: - Birds were present at Sherwood Park on the evening of 9^th August.

Common Myna   Acridotheres tristis

NSW: - Small numbers were seen around Sydney and Wollongong on 26^th-28^th July.

VIC: - 50+ were at Edithvale wetlands on 28^th July with birds present on Phillip Island the next day. Three were at Anakie Gorge on 5^th August.

QLD: - Two were between Canungra and Beaudesert and at Sherwood Park on 9^th August. Birds were present, but not always counted, at many sites around the Cairns leg of the trip.

Escapes:

Greylag Goose   Anser anser

VIC: - Four were on Swan lake on Phillip Island on 29^th July.

Critters and Things.

The following Critters were identified on our travels. Many were seen on the organized night walks at Deniliquin (Plains-wanderer trip), O’Reilly’s and Kingfisher Park.

QLD: - One was at Mt. Lewis State Forest on 15^th August.

QLD: - One 7^th August one was at the ford area before Mt. Nathan Fish Farm with three at the farm itself and four were between Canungra and O’Reilly’s. Six were at Tutt’s Gully (along Duck Creek Road – O’Reilly’s) on 9^th and one was at Lake Echam on 13^th.

QLD: - One was seen on the Daintree River Cruise on 16^th August. Many hundreds can be found at the Cairns Crocodile Farm at Edmonton.

Krefft's River Turtle   Emydura krefftii

QLD: - Three turtles, thought to be this species were seen in Brisbane Botanical Gardens on 6^th August.

QLD: - One was living in the ladies showers at Kingfisher Park, seen on the night walk on 14^th August.

Striped Marsh Frog   Limnodynastes peroni

QLD: - One was heard on the night walk around O’Reilly’s on 8^th August.

QLD: - One was found on the night walk with Carol and Andrew Iles around Kingfisher park on the night of 14^th August.

Brown Huntsman   Heteropoda jugulans

QLD: - One was seen on the night walk around Kingfisher Park on 14^th August.

Shield Huntsman   Neosparassus pictus

QLD: - One was seen on the night walk around Kingfisher Park on 14^th August.

VIC: - Four were seen around Werribee Sewage Farm on 30^th July.

European Hare   Lepus capensis

NSW: - One was seen in the Deniliquin area on 4^th August.

Fat-tailed Dunnart   Sminthopsis crassicaudata

NSW: - Three were seen in the Plains-wanderer paddock on the night of 4^th August.

Koala   Phascolarctos cinereus

VIC: - One was found along Anakie Gorge trail in the Brisbane Ranges National Park on 5^th August.

Duck-billed Platypus
             Ornithorhynchus anatinus

QLD: - One was seen at close quarters at the Canungra Valley Winery Platypus viewing platform on 9^th August.

Bush Rat   Rattus fuscipes

QLD: - One was seen on the night walk around Kingfisher Park on 14^th August.

White-tailed Rat   Uromys caudimaculatus

QLD: - One was heard gnawing at Coconuts in the gardens of Red Mill House on the night of 15^th August.

Long-nosed Bandicoot   Perameles nasuta

QLD: - One or two were seen on the night walk around Kingfisher Park on 14^th August.

Yellow-footed Antechinus   Antechinus flavipes

Eastern Grey Kangaroo   Macropus giganteus

NSW: - Ten were around Gulpa State Forest on 3^rd August with others seen on the day out with Phil Maher on 4^th.

VIC: - There is a captive flock of c40 at Edithvale Wetlands, which we saw on 28^th July. On 1^st August 38 were seen in the area of the Grampians National Park (including 1 dead by the roadside). Three were also seen at Crosbie State Forest with another three on the drive to Melbourne on 5^th.

QLD: - Ten were seen between Canungra and Beaudesert on 9^th August.

Western Grey Kangaroo   Macropus fuliginosus

VIC: - On 2^nd August one was seen between Rainbow and Wyperfeld National Park and they were present in the park itself (although not counted).

Red Kangaroo   Macropus rufus   

NSW: - Three were seen at the turn off for the Plains-wanderer site with others in the Plains-wanderer paddock itself on 4^th August.

Musky Rat Kangaroo   Hypsiprymnodon moschatus

QLD: - One was found dead on the road between Mareeba and Tinaroo Creek on 14^th August. Two were seen in Mt. Lewis State Forest the next day.

Swamp Wallaby   Wallabia bicolor

NSW: - One was along Lady Carrington’s Drive in the Royal National park on 26^th July.

QLD: - Three were seen between Canungra and O’Reilly’s on 7^th August.

Red-necked Pademelon   Thylogale thetis

QLD: - Common around the Guesthouse at O’Reilly’s at night between 7^th-9^th August. Small numbers (two-three) were seen whilst walking the trails during the day.

QLD: - Six were around Townsville Common on 11^th August with seven in the Granite Gorge/Chettle Creek area on 13^th and on 14^th two were at Pickford Road and by the lake at Mt. Carbine.

Common Ringtail Possum   Pseudocherius peregrinus

VIC: - One was seen crossing the road early in the morning near Point Addis on 31^st July.

QLD: - One of the mountain sub-species known as Mountain Ring-tailed Possum
            was seen on the night walk around O’Reilly’s on 8^th August.

Common Brushtail Possum   Trichosurus vulpecula

NSW: - Two were seen at the farm near the Plains-wanderer site just after dusk on 4^th August.

VIC: - Two (including an adult with young) were seen around Boort Ponds on the night of 2^nd August.

QLD: - Up to five were seen at the feeding stations and on the night walks around O’Reilly’s on 7^th-8^th August.

QLD: - One was seen along Duck Creek Road (where the Rainforest meets the Eucalypt Forest) near O’Reilly’s, on the night walk on 7^th August.

QLD: - One was seen along Duck Creek Road (where the Rainforest meets the Eucalypt Forest) near O’Reilly’s, on the night walk on 7^th August.

QLD: - Three were seen and heard on the night walk at Kingfisher Park on 14^th August. Odd bats were seen hanging dead on power lines at Newell Beach and in Daintree.

NSW: - Two were seen at dusk at the farm near the Plains-wanderer site N of Deniliquin on 4^th August.

Eastern Water Dragon   Physignathus lesueurii

QLD: - Two were in the Brisbane Botanical Gardens on 6^th August with one seen on the Daintree River Cruise on 16^th.

Lace Monitor   Varanus varius

QLD: - One (about2.5m long) was seen by the start of Mick’s Tower track at O’Reilly’s on 8^th August.

Northern Leaf-tailed Gecko    Phyllurus cornutus

QLD: - Two were seen on the night walk around Kingfisher Park on 14^th August.

Lashtail sp (skink)

QLD: - One was seen in the grounds of Kingfisher Park on 15^th August.

QLD: - Two were seen from the boat on the Daintree River Cruise on 16^th August.

NSW: - Thousands were seen at the mudflats of Towra Point Nature Reserve on 26^th July.

NSW: - One was seen on the pelagic from Wollongong on 27^th July.

VIC: - Hundreds were on the Nobbies on Phillip Island on 29^th July.

NSW: - Six were seen out on the pelagic off Wollongong on 27^th July.

QLD: - One was seen on the way out to Michaelmas Cay on 17^th August.

NSW: - c20 were on the pelagic out off Wollongong on 27^th July.

NSW: - Three were seen under the boat on the pelagic from Wollongong on 27^th July.

Yellow-finned Tuna   Thunnus albacares

NSW: - Three were seen under the boat on the pelagic from Wollongong on 27^th July.

QLD: - Four were seen in Centenary Lakes on 10^th August.

Mudskipper
   

QLD: - Few were seen in Centenary Lakes on 10^th August.