AGM 2016

Annual Report

CONVENOR’S REPORT This is my fourth Annual Report – time once again to reflect on our achievements for the previous year, and a time to give thanks to so many people. Where to start!

We never underestimate the importance of our local branches – for many of our members they are the pivotal point of interaction with BirdLife Australia. As important as regular outings are, it would be wrong to assume that this is the sum of the contributions made by the branches. By volunteering their time to participate in events such as the Maleny Wood Festival, the Queensland Garden Show, the Logan Eco Action Festival, and multiple other festivals and community events each year, each plays a significant role in public engagement way beyond meeting the needs of active local birders. Thanks to each one of our local branch volunteers who

dedicate their time and effort to causes such as these. We cannot thank all individuals, but Local Branch Convenors Ken Cross, Beth Hall, Sandra Gallienne, Kathy Clark and Julian Bielewicz, along with Robyn Coates, and her troupe from the Sunshine Coast Branch, Sandra Gallienne, Trish Ferguson, Meg Gordon and Ivan Reynolds do deserve special mention. The Queensland Ornithological Conference (QOC), a joint BirdLife Southern Queensland / Birds Queensland initiative, held in July, far exceeded our expectations, not only in terms of the quality of the presenters, but also the number of

registrants. Dr Steve Murphy mesmerised us all with his talk on Night Parrots, and Dr Leo Joseph told us what most of us already know – taxonomy is a complex, fascinating, and an ever-changing science! Our focus on showcasing the work of students once again proved to be a highlight. The success of such events rests squarely on the shoulders of the organising committee. David Exton admirably lead the team. David would want us to particularly thank Wayne Lock and Rae Clark for their support and attention to detail. Deb Metters did a great job with the photography competition. Our sponsors must also be thanked, particularly Swarovski

Optik who have been our major sponsors since the inception of the QOC. David Exton was also responsible for helping BSQ establish a bursary for the Science Teachers Association of Queensland, with students required to undertake a research program specifically related to birds. Our regular Warbler readers will know that the entry about the colour preferences of the male Satin Bowerbird was a deserving winner. The national campout was held hot on the heels of the QOC. Our camp at Murphy’s Creek proved to be the ideal location

to explore the best birding spots of the Lockyer Valley. Even without ephemeral water bodies – normally so productive at that time of the year – we still clocked up a

cracking list, with more than a few specialties turning up, including White-backed Swallow, Ground Cuckoo-shrike and Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater. Special thanks to Sheena Gillman for being a wonderful co-organiser of this event! Our conservation subcommittee continues to be arch advocates for our birds with Sheena Gillman, and other members of our conservation team, doggedly pursuing threats to the birds of our region. As to be expected,

shorebird conservation was high on our agenda. Throughout Australia there is a growing recognition of the need to demonstrate serious efforts to conserve migratory shorebirds. The Australian government commits substantial resources to encourage international efforts to take conservation action to protect them across their range. With international habitats disappearing it is now more important than ever to reduce disturbance to these birds while they are in Australia so they can achieve maximum weight gain, something which increases their chances of survival during migrations to the northern hemisphere.

This makes our campaigns for Toondah Harbour, Yandina Creek Wetlands, the Broadwater, and the Colton Mine/Great Sandy Straits even more important. The story is the same for each of these sites – shorebird habitat destruction in the name of progress and development. How can we begin to make sense of this frustrating dichotomy?! You can imagine the relief when we finally had confirmation in December 2016 that Yandina Creek Wetlands, at least, had been saved. The future of the other sites remains in the balance. You can read more on this in the article on our shorebird conservation initiatives.

The Joint BSQ/BQ Education Committee, recently renamed as the Bird Education Group (BEG), has just gone from strength to strength. With a small group of enthusiastic people, their work is nothing short of miraculous! We owe Neil Humphris and Val Catchpoole a huge debt along with their Birds Queensland counterparts. When you read the report of the BEG, understand that it is a highly abridged version of their activities. If you want to make a difference to the future of birds, then this could be the group for you! Neil Humphris also continues in his role as the coordinator of

our Adopt a Farm project. Do take the time to read his report. Late in 2016 keen members, including Neil, Sheena Gillman, Sandra Gallienne, and Paul and Leanne Grimshaw participated in a reconnaissance survey of 4 properties near Texas. At the time of writing, that initial foray has morphed into a 20 Million Trees Programme partnership between BSQ, the property owner and CO2 Australia. We look forward to this strategic relationship continuing well into the future. One of the products of a highly committed committee, that is immersed a ‘think globally, act locally’ philosophy, is the

2 Warbler

generation of increasing workloads. Our combined efforts would easily amount up to somewhere near 4 Full Time Equivalent employees! BirdLife Australia has long held up BSQ as one of its ‘model’ regional groups, and it became clear that some support was required for us to continue to hit that mark. So, one of the most exciting, and in truth, scariest events of the year was the appointment of our first part-time Branch Support Officer. Jointly funded by national office and BSQ, this was our first ‘paid’ person working for BSQ! After the appropriate interview process, Rochelle Steven, one of our dedicated committee members, was appointed to the

role. She quickly demonstrated the value of the role: reengaging with our local branches, writing submissions and media releases; and submitting grant applications, securing one Brisbane City grant in late 2016 for a series of owl workshops currently underway. Understandably, the lure of a full-time position at UQ as a post-doc working in the Fuller lab meant that we had to reappoint in March 2017. The good news for us is that Rochelle immediately recommenced her enthusiastic committee work. Whilst we derive income from other sources, it is our book the Birds of South East Queensland which continues to

provide us with financial security. In its third iteration, and wonderfully marketed by Neil Humphris, ably supported by the likes of Meg Gordon, Ivan Reynolds and many other volunteers and supporters. This is just as well, because later this year (2017) we will take over responsibility for fully funding our Branch Support Officer. As for other members of our committee in 2016: We welcomed Sam Price, Ellen Thompson and Elisha Taylor onto our committee, said goodbye to Angelina Rowell and ‘lost’ Monica Awasthy as she moved into the role of the National

Manager of BirdLife Australia’s Birds in Back Yards Program. We have gained much more because Monica now sits as an ex officio member allowing her to continue to provide valuable advice to the committee. Sadly, due to a heavy workload in his new job, Peter Crane stepped down as our Secretary. We are eternally grateful to him for continuing to edit our wonderful eMagazine. His leadership ensures that Warbler is of the highest standard. We are pleased to say that Gary Fitt will be renominating, and we congratulate Rob Clemens who completed his PhD – we also welcome him to the role of Branch Support Officer. Jessie Cappadonna, who is completing a bioacoustics PhD with the focus on Eastern

Bristlebirds, will follow in his footsteps soon. At our last AGM Sandra Gallienne and Neil Humphris were awarded our Distinguished Service Award. Two most deserving people. I do hope you will join us at this year’s AGM, when we reveal the identity of the next two recipients! My sincere thanks to those mentioned above, and to those not included, who equally deserve recognition! Finally, thank you to key BirdLife Australia people who, in 2016, made a difference to BSQ: Fiona Blandford, Sam Vine, Margaret Quixley, Diana Gibson and CEO Paul Sullivan.

We are all part of one big organisation: BIRDS ARE IN OUR NATURE and WE ARE HERE FOR THE BIRDS! Judith Hoyle, Convenor, July 2017

CONSERVATION REPORT The year 2016 presented continuing challenges to the birds that we share Southern Queensland with. On land and by the sea, we have been working hard to advocate for habitat conservation and raising awareness about the threats posed by inappropriate development; arguably the most pressing

issue facing our birds in the region. We summarise our campaigns and activities below: New Hope Coal Mine, Colton and Mary River system BSQ lodged a submission with the Department for Environment and Heritage Protection (Qld) voicing opposition to the development of a coal mine in the Colton-Aldershot area. Firstly, we oppose the construction of any new coal mines, given the clear relationship between extraction and burning of coal and the impact it is having on our global biodiversity. Secondly, the proposed development has included the provision of releasing waste water into the Mary

River system. This river system flows to the Great Sandy Strait, which is a key site for migratory shorebirds. The threat posed by waste water containing heavy metals and other inorganic compounds could have serious deleterious impacts on the important feeding grounds for the many threatened shorebirds that visit the Great Sandy Strait each year. View our media release regarding this development. Yandina Wetlands BSQ has continued work advocating for the protection of Yandina Wetlands and this has culminated with the purchase

of the key properties on Yandina Creek by Unitywater as part of their corporate offsets program. The main objective in the short term for the site is to facilitate natural restoration of the hydrological processes of the site as well as regeneration of the adjacent native vegetation. BSQ are in talks with Unitywater to commence bird surveys on site to provide valuable ecological baseline data that will enable them to track their ecological restoration progress on site. Gold Coast Broadwater After a significant investment of time and energy by local champions (in particular Bob Westerman), the Queensland

Government officially recognised the sand islands and sand bank west of Wavebreak Island and The Spit as ‘geographic features’ – giving these features official names (Curlew Banks, Curlew Island, Grand Channel (south of Wavebreak Island), Humphreys Basin, Kuringle Flats and Moondarewa Spit.). The features play a key role in providing resident and migratory shorebirds important roosting and foraging habitat in an otherwise human dominated land and seascape. Now that they have been officially recognised, we have a tangible spatial unit to refer to when advocating for sensitive management and protection of these habitats for shorebirds.

Queensland Conservation Council Round Table Sheena Gillman attended on behalf of BSQ. Briefings presented for Colton Mine, Black-throated Finch offsets in the Galilee Basin, increased protection for Nature Refuges and conflict of increased land clearing for expansion of CSG drilling across the State. Australian Earth Laws Alliance Conference Sheena Gillman attended on behalf of BSQ. Toondah Harbour

The Federal Government announced on the 8th June that the proposed re-development of Toondah Harbour and accompanying development activities is deemed a controlled action under the EPBC Act (1999). This is an ongoing issue

June 2015 3

the BSQ will continue to work with BirdLife Australia to campaign for the protection of shorebirds in the area. Wetland Bird ID Course Mike Ronan from the Department for Environment and Heritage Protection was kind enough to lead a workshop hosted by BSQ introducing people to a new interactive tool on the WetlandInfo website that maps our wetland values in Queensland. It is hoped that public participation can enhance our understanding of these critical ecosystems on which so many birds and other fauna rely upon.

Wilga Surveys In collaboration with CO2, BSQ has commenced bird surveys on a large private nature refuge near Texas in southern Queensland. The property landowner has high hopes of the property delivering significant outcomes for both biodiversity and carbon sequestration and has been working closely with BSQ to build a profile of the property’s avifauna ecology. Dowse Lagoon BSQ supported the local Sandgate community, in its opposition to the construction of a large fountain in Dowse Lagoon. This lagoon regularly supports large numbers of

waterbirds, which would have potentially been displaced by the disturbance a fountain would have created. Brisbane City Council withdrew the intended fountain development and the lagoon continues to be a peaceful and tranquil place to watch waterbirds on the northside. Eprapah Creek BSQ continues to support our members involved in caring for the Eprapah Creek catchment. A highly contentious footbridge is proposed for construction from the north to the south of the creek within walking distance of Victoria Point

shopping centre. The Redlands City Council admit ‘environmental damage will occur’. Hundreds of local residents are opposed to this example of chipping away at greatly valued natural resources in their region. A perfectly adequate path already exists. Rochelle Steven As I head off overseas this week, I am grateful to Rochelle for forming the majority of our Conservation Report. For my

contribution, I will enlarge on projects undertaken in Protect the Bush Alliance. To have any impact in bird conservation, we surely must protect our greater landscapes. It has been a wretched year ‘out there’. Our governments are determined to have ‘their way’, despite the anguish caused to many communities, many traditional owners and certainly to all of us concerned for country. That we rank second with Brazil in land clearing, is truly regrettable. Again this year I acknowledge many people working

effectively with this Alliance and also the various members who continue to attend PTBA meetings to support the advocacy work we undertake. Dr Stephen Prowse has dealt with the heady task of applying for Incorporation of PTBA and has agreed to be our Chair person. I continue to act as project coordinator and secretary and Dr Christine Galbraith has kindly agreed to be the treasurer. We could do more with more help – if you have time and skills to share, please offer to help, even in some small way.

North-East Gas Interconnector the Jemena Pipe Line NT to Mt Isa Queensland Submissions have been presented and we have had an ongoing dialogue with the ‘Petroleum and Gas Environmental Services and Regulation at Queensland Department of Environment and Heritage Protection’ on this case. In scrutinising the environmental impact statement (EIS) we note various ‘assumptions’ regarding edge effects and fragmentation of land which has had previously limited clearing. In asking for a Statement of Reasons that an amended EA was provided to the NEGI, we have been advised this will not be provided because we are not an

aggrieved party. We have been provided with other documentation and we continue to work with colleagues at Lock the Gate on this project. Murray’s Reserve at Tanamerah by invitation of Logan Albert Conservation Association A proposal for a children’s play park was noted as completely out of scale with the small Murray’s Nature Refuge and completely out of tune with the Management Intent of the Nature Refuge Agreement to make every effort to protect the endangered Gossia gonoclada, as well as Koalas, in this location. Advocacy with Logan City Council achieved the

placing of a play area in a different location. Black-throated Finch – Adani Mine This was one of our briefing topics at The Minister’s Round Table in November. DEHP Threatened Species Unit has recently appointed a project officer to coordinate a new species reference group. This has merit but we may also observe data collection and research will not avert the horrendously frank reality; if we keep clearing country with mining developments of this

magnitude, inevitably extinctions will occur. Mt Lofty Toooomba A local resident alerted us to a proposed development of a large area of escarpment land owned by Defence Housing Australia. Access to the site is restricted due to the presence of ordinance on site. We were able to involve local bird watchers and connect people to each other; these issues are best fought by the people they will adversely impact. Balaam Hills Poultry Farm Similarly here; this development on the Gatton-Esk Road at

Spring Creek proposes to farm 320.000 hens. The noise, smell and dust will likely impact neighbouring fruit producers and equestrian establishments. It runs parallel to Balaam hill Road which is a high value nature corridor where koala scats were detected by local conservationists. Four visits were made to the site but with a very active bunch of land holders fighting for their life styles, we have just offered help if needed. The Lockyer Valley Regional Council are to be commended for acting in court against the development of a MotorX facility on Adare Road. With our birding hats on, we took strong

issue against the inevitable loss of woodland associated with widening the access road. Thankfully as the costs of running this appeal rose, the appellant withdrew. DEHP development of Special Wildlife Reserves Nature Conservation (Special Wildlife Reserves) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2017 A submission has been lodged. Although we greatly welcome the intent of this legislation; it remains that Special Wildlife Reserves as detailed in section 27 of the Nature Conservation

4 Warbler

Act, special exemptions remain in relation to some petroleum and gas activities, such as pipeline licenses. We argue this is too broad; some petroleum and gas activities. Surely at this juncture it is imperative that absolutely no resource extraction activities occur in Special Wildlife Reserves, given the Minister of Natural Resources has previously agreed the area be relinquished for conservation. It remains immensely disappointing these areas are obviously not to be for the protection of threatened systems with the true exclusion of all else. The resource industry already has a disproportionate ‘right’ to over 80% of

Queensland. This “right” is untenable and inequitable. It was assumed the intention of this new legislation was, at least in part, to prevent more examples of Nature Refuges (Bimblebox Nature Refuge (Alpha) Strathtay Nature Refuge (Hughendon) and Mt Pleasant (Collinsville SDA)) being threatened by mining activities. It is regrettable if in fact it fails in this purpose. As I said, it’s been a tough year for the environment – we respond to constant ‘spot fires’ concerning bad planning permitting injudicious land clearing and unacceptable risks to

air, water and natural communities. Another inappropriate coal mine like Colton looms; it is inappropriately placed near significant conservation zones. Still, we will remain hopeful of change and plod on, on your behalf. Thank you so much for being ‘with us’. Sheena Gillman

KEY BIODIVERSITY AREAS

Transition to KBAs BirdLife Australia has been at the forefront of transitioning the previous Important Bird & Biodiversity Area program to the current Key Biodiversity Area program. As a collaborative process, several major players in the government and non-government conservation community worked together to develop a system of identifying and classifying the areas of greatest importance for biodiversity conservation. Key

Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) bring together indicators of high biodiversity value comprising both flora and fauna assemblages of a given area. You can read more about the KBA program here. Health Check 2017 Every year, BirdLife Australia calls on members and other volunteers in the community with local knowledge of the conservation pressures, threats and actions in our KBAs to be KBA Guardians and complete an annual Health Check form. Garnering volunteer support for this has been a challenge,

with only 3 KBAs in Southern Queensland having had a Health Checks completed this year by our local KBA Guardians. If you are actively involved in the monitoring and management of a KBA or perhaps you live near one and have a good knowledge of what is happening there, we need your support to ensure we are continuing the to effectively advocate for conservation in these very important areas for biodiversity. Health Checks can be done from the comfort of your own home, as they are completed electronically online. Please contact Golo Maurer (golo.maurer@birdlife.org.au) or Rochelle Steven (rochelle.steven@griffithuni.edu.au) to participate.

Rochelle Steven

KEY COMMUNICATIONS (E-NEWS AND

SOCIAL MEDIA)

e-News In the period of January 2016 – December 2016, 11 editions of our BSQ e-News (list below) have been sent to the general membership and supports via the email marketing service MailChimp, with a hiatus of editions for the months of July and August during a transition of responsibilities. The number of e-news subscribers has increased from 1411 (June 2016) to 1532 (June 2017), with an average opening rate of 47.8%, which is above industry standards. Regular e-news are sent out monthly with each e-news consisting of 4-8 items ranging

in topic from conservation news, media, workshops, and project, programs and campaigns from BirdLife/BSQ, partnerships and others related to birds. It also includes a list of branch events for each month. Regular e-news 12 February 2016 10 March 2016 8 April 2016 5 May 2016 2 June 2016 29 September 2016

7 October 2016 21 October 2016 21 November 2016 16 December 2016 Social Media In September 2016, BSQ joined the social media world by creating a Facebook page for the local branch. Since then, we have accrued 639 Likes (growing each week!) and 658 Follows. The Facebook page has been a valuable method of communication with a new pool of supporters of the organisation, providing a channel to share news and updates

about key conservation issues in the region, but also promote events that supporters can participate in. Successful posts have included images of some of our local iconic species, such as a pair of Rainbow Lorikeets at a hollow (posted on 22 December 2016), which reached over 43,000 people after being shared 165 times, including by World Parrot Trust. Posts regularly reach anywhere between 200-500 people, getting our messages of conservation and bird appreciation out to a substantial audience. If you haven’t Liked and Shared the page yet, then please find us at https://www.facebook.com/birdlifesouthernqld/

Rochelle Steven

June 2015 5

SHOREBIRD CONSERVATION INITIATIVES Broadwater: Late in 2015 we reported that the state government had finally agreed to the naming of Curlew Island, Curlew Banks in the Broadwater. Now that they have been officially recognised, we have a tangible spatial unit to refer to when

advocating for sensitive management and protection of these habitats for shorebirds. Regrettably, no further inroads have been made. The Gold Coast Water Authority also commenced a review of the water craft speed limits in the area, with proposals to increase the limit in many areas from 6 to 40 kph. This would result in much higher levels of disturbance at both the feeding grounds and high tide roost sites. We continue to work with Bob Westerman to have this area protected. Toondah Harbour Development on a Ramsar Site: Regular readers of our eMagazine will know of plans to

reclaim 50-ha of the internationally protected Moreton Bay -Pumicestone Ramsar site at Toondah Harbour to build 3400 apartments on the site. This area, which provides feeding grounds and roost sites for the Critically Endangered Eastern Curlew and Great Knot as well as other Endangered shorebirds, is also a marine park and, at the time of writing, has also been declared by BirdLife as a Key Biodiversity Area in Danger. That something that ticks every single high-value conservation box could be up for grabs for development is incomprehensible! BSQ and BirdLife Australia continue to work with the local community to lobby all levels of

government to prevent this development. In 2016, when the federal government postponed its decision for a record 6th time, we had high hopes that this would happen. The recent approval of revised plans as a ‘controlled action’ under the EPBC Act, means that this will be a long and drawn out campaign. New Hope Coal Mine, Colton and Mary River System In 2016, we, along with Protect the Bush Alliance, strongly lobbied, and continue to lobby, against the approval of New Hope’s Colton Mine at Aldershot, near Maryborough because the plans included releasing toxic water back into the Mary

and Sussan Rivers, both of which feed directly into the Great Sandy Strait Ramsar site. In a submission to the Minister for the Environment and Heritage protection, we voiced our opposition to the development of a coal mine in the Colton-Aldershot area. We oppose the construction of any new coal mines, given the clear relationship between extraction and burning of coal and the impact it is having on our global biodiversity. The proposed development includes the provision of releasing waste water into the Mary River system. This river system flows to the Great Sandy Strait, which is a key site for migratory shorebirds. The threat posed

by waste water containing heavy metals and other inorganic compounds could have serious deleterious impacts on the important feeding grounds for the many threatened shorebirds that visit the Great Sandy Strait each year. View our Media Release regarding this development. The mine has been approved. Part of the decision process focused on the fact that the water releases would be treated to Australian Standards prior to its release. In March this year, ex TC Debbie hit Adani’s Abbot Point coal mine. Adani sought and received permission for an emergency water release ahead of the event. The footage of the pristine Caley

Wetland full of black, silted water stands as testament to the need for the approvals process to incorporate precautionary principals in decision – making processes. As extreme

weather events increase, this has never been more important. Yandina Creek Wetlands When this wonderful artificial wetland was drained in 2015, the outlook looked equally grim, but the news is all good for this ‘ex-wetland’. In December 2016, we were finally able to reveal that Unitywater, a statutory authority providing water and sewerage services to the Sunshine Coast and other local authorities, had been negotiating with the two major land holders to purchase the land. The land was secured a nitrogen offset for their Coolum site, which lies on a different

branch of the local creek system. A management plan has been developed and the flood gates will be reopened in 2018. Once the twice daily tidal inundation resumes, the wetlands will naturally regenerate. BSQ has fostered a positive relationship with Unitywater and has submitted a survey proposal to commence bird surveys on site to provide valuable ecological baseline data that will enable them to track their ecological restoration progress on site. Thanks to Greg Roberts, all our members and other local community groups who contributed to this outcome. Judith Hoyle and Rochelle Steven, July 2017

Whimbrel, Great Knot (Peter Crane)

6 Warbler

SUNSHINE COAST BRANCH The year 2016 saw a continuation and expansion of activities and outings for Birdlife members of the Sunshine Coast. We also continued to communicate to our membership through emails and our blog. Through social media, specifically our Facebook competition, continued to attract attention,

participation in birding and conversation about birding and bird identification. Again we ‘manned’ displays at both the Maleny Wood Expo and the Queensland Garden Expo, held at Nambour, allowing our members the opportunity to talk birds and bird conservation with locals and visitors. We have continued to talk and brainstorm of ways to bring birds and birding to more people, to make more aware of the need for bird conservation and to expand and enrich our members’ birding lives. The Sunshine Coast group had long held bird outings once a month on a Saturday morning. 2016 saw an expansion in

these outings to include a mid-week outing. We have had excellent attendance generally to our outings with often between 30 and 40 members attending. Our outings have been chosen to offer a decent spread of Sunshine Coast habitats; from Tewantin area in the north to Toorbul and Bribie Island in the south and seemingly everywhere in-between! A variety of members have been coerced to lead our outings and thanks are due to John Kooistra, Vince Lee, Russ Lamb, Burnie Collins, John Malings, Paul Jensen and John Thompson.

Charlie Moreland Campout

In addition to our 20 or so mid-week and weekend outings we conducted a minitwitch in October to raise monies for Bird Conservation which ended in a dinner at the central Royal George Hotel in Nambour. A campout was conducted at Charlie Moreland, near Kenilworth, in May, to allow for opportunities for spotlighting nocturnal species and, just as

importantly, socialising!

Rainbow Beach weekend

Two accommodated weekend a-ways were held and on each occasion some 14 or so members attended. The first was to

Ipswich, which allowed us to bird the Lockyer Valley for a full day and to visit a few sites near Brisbane during our return drive. The Lockyer Valley day was guided by an excellent

naturalist and a good mate of mine, Dr Michael Mathieson and thanks are due to him for both his time and excellent company. Our second weekend away was to Tin Can Bay for an exploration of this area and the adjacent Rainbow Beach. Thanks here are due to Gympie Field Nats member, Lionel Muir, again for helping us navigate their local patch! It is planned to continue these weekend a-ways as they provide excellent opportunities to see new birds and new places. Our online presence continued however the blog is limping along… Our Facebook photo competition has been very successful with many members reaching and exceeding

photographing 200 Australian Bird species throughout the year. In 2016 it was decided to limit the geographic area of photo taking to the Sunshine Coast and, again, re-establish the emphasis on quantity rather than quality. For those unaware of the ‘competition’; it is a Facebook Group page. Participants are encouraged to post pics of Sunshine Coast birds and title them with ONLY a number and the location. It is for other members to identify the bird species. Using this approach participants are encouraged to get as many ‘clicks’ for the year as possible (and folks will see as much of the Sunny Coast as possible). Discussions on Bird ID hopefully will occur and members will also learn of new birding locales.

2016 saw over twenty people participating with Steve Popple winning by photographing 215 identifiable bird species within the Sunshine Coast area. Thanks are due to Robyn Combes who organised both of our outreach efforts at Maleny and Nambour for the Queensland Garden Expo. Thanks are due too, to all the members who volunteered time. Our year 2016 ended, as it started with a birding outing and BBQ breakfast.

We look forward to a productive birding year in 2017. Ken Cross Convenor – Sunshine Coast sub Branch

Australasian Little Bittern (unknown), Striated Thornbill (Wayne Kroll) – only pic

of this species in the 2016 competition

June 2015 7

GOLD COAST BRANCH

Gold Coast Local Branch activities are restricted in the main to bird watching and recording outings conducted every Thursday weather and public holidays permitting. During 2016, there were 51 outings and to the end of June 2017 there were 24 outings. Localities visited range from Ballina in

the south to Boonah in the west and Carbrook in the north, so we cover all of the Gold Coast, and most of the Logan, Scenic Rim, Tweed and Ballina Council areas. During 2016 we recorded 32087 birds and 234 species while to June 2017 we have recorded 17007 birds and 209 species. Average number of species recorded per outing was 77 in 2016 and to June 2017 it is 75. We have 36 members on our regular mailing list for active members and 14 members who have become inactive but remain interested in birding. As some members become

inactive due to health reasons we seem to recruit new members so that our average attendance was 16 in 2016 and to June 2017 it was 13. Since our membership is mainly retired people, there are always some members away travelling and almost always birding where ever they are in Australia or overseas. Visitors are always welcome and in 2016 we welcomed 1 from each of ACT, NSW, SA, NZ and England, 2 from Alaska, 2 from mainland USA and 6 from other QLD regions. (We have 4 regular members from NSW.) To June 30 this year,

our visitors include 6 from other QLD regions, 1 from SA, 1 from Thailand, 1 from TAS and 2 lucky nomads who travel Australia bird-banding and hosting at Eyre, Broome etc for BirdLife but use us as a home base. Visitors provide a good market for the “Birds of South East Queensland” book and we have recorded 20 sales since December 2016 to this date. Our “Where to find birds on the Gold Coast” Brochure has been widely distributed to visitors bureau etc and results in a steady stream of enquiries re birds, BirdLife and outings.

We cooperate with the Natural Areas Management section of the Gold Coast City Council by supplying information for bird identification signboards and generally strengthening their hand in the uphill battle to protect bird habitat from development. The statistics provided in this report have been compiled by our “Scribe” extraordinaire Jim Lucas who produces a very detailed weekly report of our outings as well as analysing the data on seasonal and species basis. Although formal surveys

are not conducted, most localities are visited on a repeated basis over time so it is possible to observe trends over the last decade. This data is available to any who wish to make use of it. I want to express my heartfelt thanks to Jim for his reports and assistance. In concluding BirdLife Gold Coast Local Branch wishes to congratulate Judith Hoyle on her well-deserved BirdLife Distinguished Service Award. Her enthusiasm and professionalism are inspiring.

Beth Hall Convenor BirdLife Gold Coast Local Branch

Coombabah Lakelands Conservation Area, Arundel Section; Lunch Time,

Tamrookum Creek Road; Wet-weather Birding , Colman Road Boat Ramp,

Coomera (Beth Hall)

8 Warbler

BSQ-BQ BIRD EDUCATION GROUP

It has been a busy but extremely rewarding year for the Bird Education Group, a joint initiative of BSQ and BQ. WHY WE CARE We are absolutely committed to our work with schools and

believe that the students we educate today are the conservationists of the future and the present, as they share their bird knowledge and enthusiasm with their families. HOW WE HAVE APPROACHED BIRD EDUCATION IN SCHOOLS We have concentrated on demonstrating how bird study can fulfil essential requirements of the current Australian Curriculum by fulfilling the objectives of the Biological strand of Science for students in Years 1-7. Our inspiration for this approach came from Allan Briggs and his colleagues in the Capricornia Branch of BirdLife.

We are happy to report that we have successfully demonstrated that a study of local birds is a fabulous and feasible way of achieving the objectives of the Australian Science Curriculum such as: • Living things grow, change and have offspring like

themselves. (Year 2) • Living things can be grouped based on observable features

and can be distinguished from non-living things. (Year 3) • Living things have life cycles and living things, including

plants and animals, depend on each other and the

environment to survive. (Year 4)

The above is only a sample of some of our objectives. We have also been keen to encourage students to observe and record their findings about birds and to ask questions as well as consider human impacts on local habitats. Such approaches are thoroughly aligned with the Curriculum. Therefore, we have had a very rich and broad canvas within which to design pilot Bird Study programs in collaboration with teachers, for students in Years 1, 2,3,4, and 5 in two Brisbane schools, namely St Joachim’s Catholic School, Holland Park and Buranda State School, South Bribane.

PILOT STUDIES IN SCHOOLS St Joachim’s - In July and August, 2016 we conducted a six week pilot study with 34 Year 5 students at St Joachim’s School which involved an excursion to the Karawatha Forest where members of our Bird Education Group and other volunteers assisted students to undertake bird walks in the forest to begin their study of how the birds are adapted to living in this typical Brisbane forest. We followed this with special classroom presentations and research activities for the students.

We also provided support in Term 3 of 2016 for a repeat of the Year 1 Pilot Study of 2015 by accompanying 55 Year 1 St Joachim’s students on their bird walk through nearby Mott Park, and by providing expert advice to the students when they were undertaking their research on local birds. Buranda State School - During the last term of 2016 we worked with two composite classes of Year 2/3/4 students with a total of 55 students involved. We introduced the students to the birds of Norman Creek via PowerPoint Images of the birds and specimens of local birds such as the Buff-

banded Rail on loan from the Queensland Museum. So by the time the students undertook their first walk they were already familiar with many of the birds and able to participate more readily in the Aussie Backyard Bird Count which was

held in the same week in which the walk along Norman Creek was undertaken. The students’ knowledge about the birds was then extended via video showing the birds feeding, building nests and feeding their young. We also introduced the students to some of the calls of the various birds of Norman Creek and discussed pollution of the creek by various forms of rubbish. By the time we took the second walk students not only recognised many of the birds they saw but some students were able to identify them just by their calls. During their first walk along Norman Creek the students were concerned about how much rubbish had accumulated in the

creek and subsequently the School community organised a clean-up of the rubbish, including an upturned shopping trolley, from Norman Creek. We were also delighted that the school decided to adopt the suggestion to feature a Bird of the Month in the school newsletter via a photograph of the bird with accompanying description written by the students. RESPONSE TO PILOT STUDIES There has been an extremely positive response to our work in schools by teachers, students, school principals, the Buranda State School Curriculum Head and the considerable number of parents who accompanied us on the walks. We, in

turn, thank them all for their great support. OTHER PROJECTS DURING THE PAST YEAR HAVE INCLUDED: • Participation in 4 after-school Bird Sessions as part of an

extracurricular environmental program called Wildlife Whisperers with Year 7 and 8 students at Corinda State High School.

• Workshop at the 2017 Queensland Science Teachers Association Primary Conference

• Presentations and bird walks for Year 7 students at Ferny Grove State High School

• A presentation at Noosa for members of the local Noosa Parks community

• A Bird session for students at the School of Veterinary Sciences at U of Q Gatton.

• Support for developing an individualised Science program for a Special Needs student with a passionate interest in birds at Laidley State High School.

• Successful displays/stands were manned at Indigiscapes, Capalaba, the Ipswich Garden Expo and at L.E.A.F. Logan, where we were visited by Costa from Gardening Australia.

• The Birds of South-East Queensland continues to sell well with current sales at 649 of the third edition and new retail

outlets for the book at Cathedrals on Fraser and Kingfisher Bay Resort on Fraser Island, and Eurong Beach Resort, with Takarakka Bush Resort and Queen Mary Falls buying more supplies.

2017 INITIATIVES In addition to continuing our partnerships with schools, we are working on a new Birding Journal for students, and a new resource-based website to enable teachers and members of the wider public to download materials for teaching and learning about the birds of South-East Queensland.

Neil Humphris (BSQ Chair of Education) and Dr. Val Catchpoole (BSQ/BQ Co-ordinator), on behalf of the other members of the Bird Education Group - Dr. Richard Noske, Marie Bermingham, Greg Nye and Ellen Thompson. We also wish to extend warm thanks to other BSQ and BQ volunteers who have included: Rae Clark, David Niland, Kathy Clark, Joy Graydon, Marilyn March, Dr Rochelle Steven, and Dr Monica Awasthy

June 2015 9

WARBLER Warbler is our quarterly e-magazine and is available on the BirdLife Southern Queensland publications page. A four-page monochrome print copy has been distributed with members‘ Australian Birdlife magazine.

This copy provides members with the Convenor’s report, brief news items, announcements, forthcoming events, one complete article and short summaries of all articles in the full issue. The full e-magazine has a number of discrete sections: . From the Convenor – the Convenor’s report . From the Branch Support Officer – a new report from the

December issue . Oddments – short, interesting observations from members . On Tour – members’ tour reports

. The Green Corner – conservation issues

. Adopt-A–Farm Granite Belt – report

. Birds in Backyards – general article

. The Places That Matter The Most – summary and a report on one KBA

. Over the Border or Over the Water – regular reports from interstate or overseas birding friends

. The Book Corner – book reviews

. The Back Page – news and forthcoming events The e-magazine has been from 26 to 33 pages per edition.

Thanks are extended to all contributors for past and more importantly future articles. Members generally, and Committee members in particular, are encouraged to submit at least one article on their birding activities or trips each year. My particular thanks go to the editorial team members – Gil Porter and Ross Smith – for their continued assistance and support.

Peter Crane

Speckled Warbler (Peter Crane)

2016 QLD ORNITHOLOGICAL CONFERENCE The 2016 Queensland Ornithological Conference was held at the University of Queensland on July 9. Over 200 registrants enjoyed a full day of lectures and presentations from world-renowned experts in their particular field of study. One of the main highlights of the day was Dr Steve Murphy sharing his

latest discoveries on the Night Parrot. As has been the tradition of all Queensland Ornithological Conferences a separate section was devoted once again to hearing from current PhD student’s outcomes from their research. This year over half the students came from outside Australia. In conjunction with the Conference a Photographic Competition was held. Over 174 photographs from across mainland Australia, Tasmania, Antarctica and Australian Islands were received. There were many stunning entries

with a total of 54 photographs being short-listed across two different categories – Best Rare Bird Photo and Overall Best Photo. Shortlisting and judging for both categories was done by a panel of respected avian photographers, The 54 shortlisted entries, as well as details about the photograph such as location, date and photographer, were printed and displayed at the Queensland Ornithological Conference. This allowed conference participants the opportunity to vote for their favourite in the People’s Choice category. Winning photographs will be displayed over the coming

weeks on the Birds Queensland and BirdLife Southern Queensland websites &/or Facebook pages. Evaluation feedback from the 200 delegates exceeded the Conference Committee’s expectations. With over a years planning and a very hardworking organizing committee the Conference became the largest and most successful ornithological conference ever held in Queensland. Special thanks are extended to our sponsors.

David Exton for the Organising Committee

10 Warbler

BIRDS, CAMERAS, ACTION, AWARDS The 2016 Queensland Ornithological Conference Photographic Competition received 174 photographs from across mainland Australia, Tasmania, Antarctica and Australian Islands. There were many stunning entries with a total of 54 photographs being short-listed across two different categories – Best Rare

Bird Photo and Overall Best Photo. Shortlisting and judging for both categories was done by a panel of respected avian photographers, Cheryl Mares, Ross Monks and Jon Norling. Entries in the Best Rare Birds and Overall Best Photo were anonymous when judged. No entries were received for the Under 16s category. The 54 shortlisted entries, as well as details about the photograph such as location, date and photographer, were printed and displayed at the Queensland Ornithological Conference. This allowed conference participants the opportunity to vote for their favourite in the People’s Choice

category. Judith Hoyle, BirdLife Southern Queensland Convenor, announced the winners and runner-ups for the three categories at the end of the Conference. The winners are: Overall Winner – Margaret O’Grady (Bar-tailed Godwit, Toorbul, Qld). Overall Runner-up – Peter Storer (Fan-tailed Cuckoo, Wights Mountain, Qld). Rare Bird Winner – Deborah Metters (Blue-faced Parrot-finch,

Mt Lewis, Qld). Rare Bird Runner-up – George Chapman (Western Grasswren, Monkey Mia, WA). People’s Choice Winner – Deborah Metters (Welcome Swallows, Jacob’s Well, Qld). People’s Choice Runner-up - Graham Donaldson (Rufous Fantail, Eagleby Wetlands, Qld). People’s Choice Second Runner-up – Sue Rodwell (Ducks at Sunset, Coongie Lakes, SA). The People’s Choice category awarded two runner-ups because the Winner passed on the prize, given that she had

already received a prize for another category. Winning photographs will be displayed over the coming weeks on the Birds Queensland and BirdLife Southern Queensland websites &/or Facebook pages. A wonderful array of prizes were awarded including a double-pass to Australia Zoo and a selection of avian, natural history and nature photography books from Andrew Isles and CSIRO Publishing.

BirdLife Southern Queensland and Birds Queensland wish to thanks Australia Zoo, Andrew Isles Natural History Books and CSIRO Publishing for donating prizes. This year’s competition was a great success and enabled avian photographers from across Australia the opportunity to showcase their works. It also offered Conference goers a mini-gallery of engaging, inspiring images to enjoy during their meal breaks. We hope you enjoying seeing some of the winning entrants as much as we did.

Deborah Metters

Bar-tailed Godwit (Margaret O’Grady), Blue-faced Parrot-finch (Deborah

Metters), Welcome Swallows (Deborah Metters)