Warbler

Volume 7 Number 1 March 2018

EDITOR’S NOTE – Peter Crane Welcome to the March 2018 issue of Warbler, the quarterly e-magazine of BirdLife Southern Queensland,

your region of BirdLife Australia. We are pleased to again present a variety of interesting and informative articles with something for all readers. Rochelle Steven and Judith Hoyle, Co-Convenors have provided a report that highlights the significant activities of our branch. Of particular note is the update on the Yandina Wetlands and the announcement of Brolga Lakes. The report from Rob Clemens, Branch Support Officer again briefs us on his activities during the last quarter and ends with a call to action. Will you respond?

The On Tour section provides tour reports on Bhutan, Vanuatu, Portland (England), Northern Thailand and New Zealand. I have rounded this out with reviews on field guides that you might use for Indonesia, Taiwan and Vanuatu. In The Green Corner Sheena Gillman starts by referring to a Guardian Online article on the national loss of biodiversity and then shares the current status of a proposed coal mne at Aldershot – on the banks of the Mary River. Nikki and Sylvia have shared wth us the work that they are carrying out in Fig Tree Pocket – check their blogspot. Camilla Wagstaff from

WildMob has provided information on their rehabilitation work on Great Barrier Reef islands – will you join them? There is also a summary of the Eungella Bird & Wildlife Week in September. We conclude this section with a Deforestation article from Gemma Plesmann, Wilderness Society. In The Classroom the Joint BQ-BSQ Education Committee notes that the 2018 school year has commenced. Can you make time to participate in this program? Cooloola Nature

invites you to their Bird Trails of Cooloola excursion. Finally, we have two short anecdotes. Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) are important for our birds. Rochelle Steven has continued in her series of articles on each KBA looking this month at the Diamantina Floodplain. We live in a wide, diverse continent and an interesting world. There are birding opportunities in each State and overseas. Our regular contributors Alana Dare and Barry Heinrich have told us about the birds that they have been seeing.

The Book Corner has four book reviews for your perusal. These books cover a range of topics – bird families or types, role of birds in human awareness and a new methodology for land management - and each will have appeal to a section of our membership.

I am particularly drawn to the grasswrens and shorebirds books – which interests you? We have just received three books including ‘Birds in their Habitats - Journeys with a Naturalist’, that will be reviewed for the June edition. The Back Page provides a summary of upcoming events, outings and surveys. Until next quarter best wishes with your birding activities and

please consider submitting an article for Warbler. Peter Crane

INDEX

Editor’s Note and Index ------------------------------------------------------- 1

From the Co-Convenors - Rochelle Steven and Judith Hoyle --------------- 2

From the Branch Support Officer – Rob Clemens --------------------------- 3

Night Parrot Update – Nick Leseberg ---------------------------------------- 4

On Tour

Java-Bali Jaunt: A Guide – Peter Crane ------------------------------------ 5

Taiwan Tea: A Guide – Peter Crane ---------------------------------------- 6

Bhutan – A Long-held Dream Fulfilled – Dick Holroyde ------------------- 7

Bhutan–Australia Friendship Offer – Peter Crane ------------------------- 10

Vanuatu Long Weekend – Peter Crane ------------------------------------ 11

Vanuatu Long Weekend: A Guide – Peter Crane -------------------------- 12

Portland Bird Observatory Revsited – Pat Comben ----------------------- 13

Northern Thailand Christmas – Barry Heinrich ---------------------------- 14

Heading home to New Zealand – Rochelle Steven ------------------------ 16

Book Competition – Birds of South-East Asia, Craig Robson ------------- 17

Eungella Bird and Wildlife week – Camilla Wagstaff, WildMob ------------- 18

The Green Corner

National Loss of Biodiversity – Sheena Gillman -------------------------- 18

An Unwelcome Mine at Aldershot – Sheena Gillman --------------------- 19

Fig Tree Pocket habitat – Nikki Hill and Sylvia Alexander --------------- 21

Barrier Reef Islands Rehabilitation – Camilla Wagstaff, WildMob ------- 22

Deforestation - Gemma Plesman, The Wilderness Society -------------- 23

The Classrooom

2018 Schools Program ---------------------------------------------------- 24

Bird Trails of Cooloola – Kelvin and Amelia Nielsen ---------------------- 24

The Birds and the Moths; Living and Learning – Tim Thornton --------- 25

Lorikeets Leaf Salad – Neil Humphris ------------------------------------- 25

The Darkroom

BirdLife Photography – Rodney Appleby ---------------------------------- 26

The Places That Matter The Most – KBAs ----------------------------------- 27

Diamantina Floodplain KBA – Rochelle Steven --------------------------- 28

Over the Border

From the Driest State – Alana Dare -------------------------------------- 29

Over the Water

A Thai Dish – Barry Heinrich ---------------------------------------------- 31

The Book Corner

Grasswrens, Australian Outback Identities – Andrew Black ------------- 32

The Wonder of Birds – Jim Robbins --------------------------------------- 33

Shorebirds in Action - Richard Chandler ---------------------------------- 34

Call of the Reed Warbler - Charles Massey ------------------------------- 35

The Back Page --------------------------------------------------------------- 36

2 Warbler

FROM THE CO-CONVENOR

This is a bitter sweet contribution for me this quarter, as I make my last instalment as Co-convenor for Warbler. Exciting opportunities will see me relocate to Perth in March 2018, and I will be stepping down from many of the responsibilities I derive much pleasure from as part of the BirdLife Southern Queensland volunteer committee. I will not disappear

completely though, with every intention of continuing to make my regular contributions about the branch’s KBAs and the odd travel article. So look out for some of my ramblings about all of the neat birds and plants I will discover in the South West of this massive country.

A lot has happened since the last issue of Warbler, with possibly the biggest feature being the Queensland State election. While the dreaded Adani coal mine was still in favour for both of the big political parties, Labor went into the election with promises to do something about the rampant vegetation clearing occurring across the state. Despite their best efforts, during Labor’s last term, Steven Miles’ department were unable to repeal the changes Campbell Newman’s LNP government made to the Vegetation Management Act.

However, now with a greater majority and a Queensland Greens MP as part of the cabinet, there could be a much better chance of getting the environmental vandalism currently happening in Queensland under control. When your state’s land clearing rates rival those of Brazil, you know something is drastically wrong and needs to be addressed. All of this will take place against the backdrop of BirdLife Australia’s campaign theme for 2018 – Nature Laws. BirdLife Australia will be at the forefront of lobbying the government to both enact stronger laws for nature protection as well as enforce those laws. Currently, Australia’s constitution does not recognise the environment as having any inherent rights. As a country, we

are behind others including New Zealand and Ecuador on this matter, and given the global significance of much of our biodiversity it must be changed. Please look out for any opportunity to support this campaign, whether it be financial or even just starting a conversation with someone you know that might not be aware of the dire situation our natural environment is facing. The birds need your voice!

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the BirdLife Southern Queensland committee for the amazing few years I have had being part of this remarkable team. I have learned so much from this group of dedicated people, and formed some friendships that I am sure will transcend the physical space between us. I would also like to thank the people that have given me feedback and kind words about my Warbler

contributions over these last few years. I thoroughly enjoy sharing my passion and love for birds with you all and hope to continue to be a presence for birds and conservation in the media going forward. As I said, I will still be lurking in the background throwing in my contributions to the branch’s good work, albeit in a decreased capacity.

Rochelle Steven Co-Convenor

I draft this report with mixed feelings due to Rochelle’s advice that she is relocating to Western Australia. We congratulate Rochelle on her new professional role that is an acknowledgment of her years of study and diligence in her recent roles. I am sure that Rochelle will excel in this new opportunity. I thank her for her enthusiasm, vision, determination and happiness! Most of all, thank you Rochelle for personally helping me on so many levels.

After months of speculation, Unitywater has informed us that work will commence on opening the floodgates at Yandina Creek Wetlands in early March. It is so exciting to be involved in a ‘win-win’ outcome for our birds, and we look forward to a long and fruitful relationship with Unitywater. The site is strictly off limits to all our volunteers until this work is completed, but if you want to see the regeneration for yourself you can volunteer to be part of our enthusiastic survey team, led by Ken Cross and our Sunshine Coast Branch, which will be undertaking seasonal surveys for the foreseeable future.

Most of you will not have heard of Brolga Lakes, in East Burpengary, north of Brisbane. But you can expect to hear a lot more about it in the coming months and years! The property, which boasts some exciting bird habitats, lies adjacent to the Moreton Bay-Pumicestone Marine Park which

is also one of our KBA’s. BirdLife Australia is exploring an exciting and visionary opportunity which will see the gifting of a large parcel of conservation land purchased by the Alzino family in 2003. Led by the family patriarch, Ernie Alzino, in the past ten years the family has single-mindedly devoted themselves to creating a “Kakadu-like” network of wetlands, billabongs and lakes which form the heart of the conservation land that BirdLife Australia will inherit. The Alzinos have worked with the Sunrise Australia Group – Michael Myer and Dan Raymond – to obtain approval to develop the Brolga Lakes village using their visionary methodology of Conservation

Sustainable Development. Together the Alzinos, Sunrise Australia Group and BirdLife Australia feel privileged to progress this visionary development into being. With plans for a BirdLife Australia Interpretive Centre in the grounds of the community, coupled with a massive planting program in the conservation area, this project will be a national BirdLife flagship situated on the doorstep of many of our members. The project will be an innovative example of how developments can create spaces for nature and people that have ecological integrity, and a place for residents that provides health and wellbeing benefits rarely found in modern

developments.

Bird surveys have also commenced on the property, and in the coming months we will be calling for volunteers to assist in this

important work. Novices, beginners and experts are all welcome, so please consider joining our Yandina or Brolga Lakes survey teams (or both!) For more information email us at southernqld@birdlife.org.au and we will direct your enquiry to the appropriate coordinator. The above information demonstrates that the BSQ committee continues to achieve many outcomes due to the inputs of a number of dedicated people. The committee has been working with a number of vacant positions for an extended time period and this will only be increased with Rochelle’s resignation.

Please consider your ability to nominate for one of the vacant positions or as a committee member. You can dnow but do so now, but it is appropriate for me to advise that the 2018 BirdLife Southern Queensland Annual General Meeting will be held on Saturday 23 June at St Lucia immediately following the 2018 Queensland Ornithological Conference.

The 2018 Queensland Ornithological Conference is advertised on The Back Page of this e-magazne and will be further advertised in future editions of our e-News and Warbler and will also on our website. The program of presenters and displays has not yet been finalised but I am sure that it will again meet the benchmarks created in previous years.

Judith Hoyle Co-convenor

March 2018 3

FROM THE BRANCH SUPPORT OFFICER After having studied migratory shorebirds for about 15 years, I’ve been feeling remarkably hopeful about the news that China are aiming to halt coastal developments. After years of documenting declines in habitat and bird numbers it seems we might see a halt to the large declines. Time will tell, but I’m

feeling more optimistic than I have in a long time. The new year has brought a number of other new surprises. First, I just wanted to say THANK YOU! to Sheena and Jess from our committee for the great effort at the Woodford Stall! Working hard for seven days, we brought in the new year in a tent that was at times more like an oven. Aside from the work and the heat, we all had a great time hearing some great music and meeting some wonderful people who cared about birds. Thanks also to Judith, Deb, Denise, Maggie, and Emily who also helped out at the stall. It was a great outreach event that

allowed me to recharge my batteries. We gave away 500 BirdLife Magazines, gathered nearly 200 signatures for the Wilderness Society land-clearing petition, talked to around 70 people for over 20 minutes each, with a few hundred stopping by to purchase enough goodies to nearly break even.

Brisbane Botanic Gardens, Mt Coot-tha hosted the traveling exhibition ‘Circle’

After the reminder that art, music, conservation, and science can all be inspired by birds I attended two art openings where I was asked to speak about shorebirds. Jeannie Baker was opening her traveling exhibition “Circle” which celebrates the migration of Bar-tailed Godwits. The art was amazingly detailed three-dimensional collage. Jeannie is well known in shorebird circles not just for her great art and books, but

because she advocates for shorebird conservation and she visited the Alaskan Arctic, as well as the Chinese coastline to research her Bar-tailed Godwit subjects. In short it was a real treat to meet her.

The second exhibition was held by Griffith Phd candidate Leila Honari, and it too celebrated birds (including shorebirds) as well as the various connections in the world. The work

included moving images of birds, as well as traditional music. A central piece was an animated mandela projected onto the floor, which danced magically when while wearing a white dress, she spun under the projection. How wonderful! I now am excited as the Powerful Owl project is getting ready to start again, and the first Powerful Owl has already been reported in the Logan area. To get ready I’ve been submitting a couple of permits for access to areas to conduct surveys and training. I’ve also written a report which highlights what we’ve done so far and why, but perhaps more importantly identifies where we will be conducting surveys. Dr Melinda Laidlaw from

the Queensland Herbarium provided a species distribution model for Powerful Owl which has allowed us to identify 100 random point locations along roads or trails that are in areas that are broadly suitable. These random survey locations will be critical to allow for statistical analyses which looks to identify the habitat features related to areas where owls are and where they are not. I also collated available data on owl locations which identified 19 likely territories last year, and another 80 locations where Powerful Owl have been reported since 2010. I think we now have a sound foundation to initiate this monitoring program.

Two more successful surveys have been conducted by dedicated volunteers from BirdLife Sunshine Coast at Yandina wetlands, and they are planning another one in the next week. On recent counts I had just collated the data, but I got to go out in December and was really surprised to see a handful of Pacific Golden Plover. I’m used to seeing them at the coast or in near-by salt marsh, but four kilometers inland was a first for me, and a great sign of what might be coming. Heavy rains in the area over the summer meant there was some water in the wetlands on recent visits, and no doubt it will only get better when water is returned to the area regularly.

We continue to write letters, articles and emails to advocate for the protection of birds. This year, so far I helped with an article advocating to keep Great Sandy Strait pristine by not approving a coal mine that would discharge wastewater into a river that flows into the strait. We’ve written another letter advocating to protect the shorebird habitats in the southern Broadwater, and we’ve written a submission against a development south of Hervey Bay which could impact internationally important numbers of shorebirds. We have also been talking with staff at Brisbane City Council so that a planned tree-top walk does not impact Powerful Owls there.

If you are interested in volunteering there are a number of things we would love help with 1. owl monitoring throughout southeast Queensland (we will

provide training and workshops for those interested, and we now know where to send you);

2. waterbird monitoring in the Sunshine Coast; 3. reporting of any Painted Honeyeater sightings in BirdData. Dr Rob Clemens 0425 805 087

CAN YOU VOLUNTEER FOR OWL OR WATERBIRD MONITORING? Contact Dr Rob Clemens

4 Warbler

BIRDLIFE SOUTHERN QUEENSLAND Co-Convenor Judith Hoyle Co-Convenor, Social Media Moderator, member Conservation Subcommittee Rochelle Steven Deputy Convenor, Chair Comms & Development Sam Price Acting Secretary, Acting Treasurer, Education Chair

Neil Humphris Conservation Chair & PTBA Co-ordinator Sheena Gillman Education Subcommittee, Joint BQ/BSQ Education Committee Val Catchpoole Conservation Subcommittee Jessie Cappadonna Conservation Subcommittee Elisha Taylor Research Subcomittee Gary Fitt Atlas Coordinator, Data Manager Ellen Thompson BIBY Program Manager, ex officio committee attendee Monica Awasthy Branch Support Officer, ex officio committee attendee

Robert Clemens

LOCAL BRANCH CONVENORS – Brisbane North vacant Brisbane South Sandra Gallienne Gold Coast Beth Hall South Burnett Julian Bielewicz Sunshine Coast Ken Cross Redland-Bayside Kathy Clark Postal Address - PO Box 375 Annerley QLD 4103

WARBLER E-MAGAZINE CONTRIBUTIONS Warbler is a quarterly e-magazine available on the BirdLife Southern Queensland website. if you have an article or news item send it to Peter Crane, editor. Please note that photographs of people need to have consent from those people for publication in this e-magazine.

Opinions expressed by authors are not necessarily those of BirdLife Australia or BirdLife Southern Queensland. No part of Warbler may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the prior written consent of BirdLife Southern Queensland. COPYRIGHT © 2017.

Speckled Warbler (Peter Crane)

NIGHT PARROT UPDATE 2017 was a big year for the Night Parrot! In March a pair of birds and a nest were discovered in central WA by Bruce Greatwich, Nigel Jackett, George Swann and Adrian Boyle. A critical discovery by Bruce and co was that the birds in WA apparently sound quite different to those in QLD.

Since then, possible Night Parrot calls have been detected at a couple more locations in central and northern WA. At one of these sites, the local indigenous rangers also captured a fuzzy image of what is probably a Night Parrot flying in front of a camera trap! Meanwhile the University of Queensland has continued resarch at Bush Heritage’s Pullen Pullen Reserve. Cattle have now been removed from the reserve, and despite

the dry conditions the parrots have continued breeding throughout the year; there were observations indicating breeding in April, July and September. It seems that extremely wet conditions in 2016 have created a resource pulse that has enabled the birds to continue breeding through the year. Preliminary analysis points to an increase in seed resources on Pullen Pullen since the removal of cattle, but in this dynamic environment there are plenty of potentially confounding variables.

Work in 2018 will continue to focus on why this site seems so suitable for the birds, and how many more there may be in the area.

Night Parrot (Nick Leseberg)

Nick Leseberg Editor’s comment: I clearly remember Steve Murphy’s presentation to the 2016 Queensland Ornithological Conference and Nick Leseberg’s talk to the BSQ 2017 AGM. I do hope that we get a further update at the 2018 Queensland Ornithological Conference.

HAVE YOU BEEN ON A BIRDING SURVEY? Share your birding survey story and photos in Warbler. Articles to Peter Crane, editor

March 2018 5

ON TOUR

A section for articles about your birdwatching travels. Your contributions are welcome, please email Peter Crane.

BIRDS OF JAVA, SUMATRA AND BALI – TONY TILFORD

BOOK REVIEW – Peter Crane

December 2017, Bloomsbury, $19.99, Paperback, 144 pages, 190 x 95 mm, ISBN 9781472938183 Also available as PDF eBook or EPUB/MOBI eBook.

In the September Warbler edition we published an article on my June birding tour to Java and Bali and then in the

December edition I reviewed the bird guide that I purchased for the trip. I have found another for your consideration. This is a Pocket Photo Guide and therefore meets my preference for photos over sketches. I have considered this preference and decided that it gives me an opportunity to consider the skill of the photographer. The major sections of the guide are: Contents (1p), Introduction (1p), Birdwatching (1p), How to use this book (1p), Key to Coloured Tabs (1p), Glossary (1p), The Region

and The Avian Fauna (1p), When and Where to Find Birds, Important Birdwatching Sites, Map and Visiting National Parks (4p), Species Descriptions (118p), Further Reading (1p), Useful Websites, Index (4p). The guide covers Java, Sumatra and Bali and includes a map in the Important Birdwatching Sites section but not in the Species Descriptions.

The Species Description section is arranged with two species per page. Each species has a photograph (some have two), the field notes and the Family tab. The summaries in the Species Description section provide sufficient, though not detailed, information. The Cinnamon Bittern notes state ‘One of the smaller, more timid bitterns of the region which remains under cover while stalking its prey in grassland, freshwater swamps and rice paddies. When disturbed it rises quickly from cover with a croaking alarm call and flies off with slow powerful wingbeats.’ We had our sighting in the Bali interior but it was a bird making a short

flight across a freshwater wetland area. We did get good views.

The Bali Myna notes state ‘This beautiful myna is endemic to

Bali. Its distinctive plumage is entirely white, apart from black wing-tips and the tip of the tail. It has a long white crest, and a patch of sky-blue skin around the eye. It prefers the drier lowlands of West Bali. This is one of the world’s most threatened species, with very few birds now surviving in the world.’ Our sightings were in the Bali Barat National Park. First a single bird and then a breeding pair. Then at the breeding program area we were rewarded with close-up views of this beautiful bird and then we saw about 10 wild birds drawn in by the calls of the captive birds. How would the guide perform on the tour?

The odd-sized paperback format gves a book that is small and easy to carry in a daypack or even in a large pocket. The Species Descripton sumaries are sufficiently detailed and accurate as noted in the previous paragraphs. The photographs are very good, and the image size suits the page size. The Index (common and scientific names) is easy to use. What birds are listed? I sighted 144 new species and a total of 189 species. Unfortunately only 65 of those species are listed in the book. A number of the missing species will be because of the

different taxonomies and recent splits. This book is a compact, easy-to-use bird identification guide suitable for any birdwatcher visiting Java, Sumatra and/or Bali. The book provides photos and descriptions of 236 species, up-to-date tips and information on bird biology and behaviour. The book would be a useful adjunct to the tour provided field guides. Peter Crane

6 Warbler

BIRDS OF EAST ASIA – MARK BRAZIL BOOK REVIEW – Peter Crane

2009, Bloomsbury, $69.99, Paperback, 528 pages, 210 x 148 mm, ISBN 9780713670400 Also available as EPUB/MOBI eBook

In the June and September Warbler editions we published an

article on my April birding tour to Taiwan and then in the December edition I reviewed a bird guide that could have been used on the trip. I have located another for your consideration. The major sections of the guide are: Acknowledgements (1p) Preface (1p), Introduction (4p), How to use this book (2p), Avian Topography and Terminology (2p), Key to Families and References (16p), Plates and Species Accunts (456p) Appendix 1 Status (12p), Appendix 2 Vagrants (1p), Index (14p). The Introduction section includes a map of the areas covered

by the guide, eastern China, Taiwan, Korea, Japan and eastern Russia, and also explains the taxonomy used. Other paragraphs include bird identification, bird habitats and migration. The How to use this book section provides explanatory notes to assist in getting most use from the guide. The Key to Families section is particularly useful for a preliminary read on families that are absent from Australia. The Species Account section is arranged with three-five

species per 2-page spread. Each species listing provides – common name, scientific name, measurements, country/region location list, global status rating, status within region (resident, migrant or visitor), habitats, identification indicators, bare parts and voice. I generally found this section to be very comprehensive with excellent sketches. There is one page of Extinct or Presumed Extinct Species – a good addition.

The Status of the Birds of South East Asia appendix provides a table listing each species and a column for each of the five major regions. The table provides: status codes – resident, breeding, migrant or winters; including number estimates; vagrant status including number of sightings; if an introduced species and possible escapee. A useful table in a guide that covers such a large geographic area. I have now used this table as a second list. The Possible Vagrants appendix lists the 46 species considered likely to reach East Asia as vagrants.

The Taiwan Scimitar Babbler species account states ‘Common endemic resident of Taiwan. Monotypic. Lower and mid-level (below 2,500m) mixed and evergreen forests, secondary growth, scrub, tall grass and bamboo thickets; also suburban parks and gardens. Not shy, may approach observer closely.’ Our sighting was in Yangminshan National Park on day 1 and was in an area that had a mixed forest with bamboo thicket beside the road. The Black-necklaced Scimitar Babbler species account states ‘Endemic to Taiwan. Monotypic. Skulking resident of montane forests (100-2,200m) in undergrowth, forest edge, scrub and

tall grass.’ Again in Yangminshan National Park and we had to work for this sighting proving the ‘skulking’ term.

How would the guide perform on the tour?

This guide is A5 format but with 528 pages weighs about 900g and therefore you might not want to carry it in your daypack. The Species Account sumaries are comprehensive and accurate. The sketches are excellent, and the size suits the page size.

The maps are relatively small but Taiwan is easy to identify. The Index (common and scientific names) is easy to use. What birds are listed? I sighted 161 new species during the Taiwan tour and all were lsted in this guide – including a vagrant Stejneger's Stonechat on Lanyu Island. A number of the listings were somewhat difficult to find due to different taxonomies and recent splits. This guide is A5 format and weighs about 900g and therefore you would keep it in the vehicle. The guide provides descriptions and sketches of 918 species, as well as other useful information. The book would be a very

useful guide for the regions covered. Peter Crane

March 2018 7

BHUTAN – A LONG-HELD DREAM FULFLLED

Well before my interest in birding bloomed, I had a desire to visit the mysterious Kingdom of Bhutan. In May 2017, I was lucky enough to combine my loves of exploring new places and birding when I took a three week

Birding across Bhutan tour with Off to Bhutan, a local tour operator who also specialises in cultural and trekking tours. The tour began in Guwahati, Assan, NE India. I chose to transit through Delhi and so I added 2 extra days, one to see the wonders of Delhi and the other to go to Agra to see the Taj Mahal, etc. Both days were in the mid 40’s, but the unmissable sights got me through. I did some casual birding while I was there and came up with about 20 species including Alexandrine Parakeet, Egyptian Vulture and Painted Stork. While the tour was a scheduled one, I was the only participant.

I was collected at Guwahati Airport by my guide, Tshering and my driver, Kalyan. Both were very friendly and spoke excellent English (the second language of Bhutan). Tshering proved a first-rate birding guide and kept me supplied with cultural and other information about his country, as well as running the tour and phoning ahead to alert the next restaurant about my culinary foibles. Kalyan was a very good driver, which was very reassuring as roads, particularly in the east of the country, were not for the faint-hearted. The Toyota Prado made the trip safe and comfortable

It was about 120kms north from Guwahati to the Bhutan border and we stayed a little north of the border town of Samdrup Jongkhar for three nights. Virtually all birding was done from the roads, and unless we were travelling on that day, the birding consisted of an early start with a long morning birding, and more birding after a midday break. Typically, the mornings averaged 40-50 species, and the afternoons an additional 15-25 species. In this area, the Red-vented and Black Bullbuls seemed the most numerous, while sightings of Rufous-necked Hornbill, Beautiful Nuthatch, Common Green Magpie and Streaked Spiderhunter stood out among various species of Flycatchers, Barbets, Minivets, Sunbirds, Yuhinas

and Laughingthrushes, etc. Then came two days of driving, with an overnight stop in Trashigang. There were stops for birding here and there and we also visited a traditional weaving place. There were a number of hot-spots for Warblers, Tits and small birds; standouts were Yellow-cheeked and Black-spotted Yellow Tits, Mrs Gould’s Sunbird, Fire-breasted Flowerpecker, Yellow-billed Green Magpie, Bhutan Laughingthrush and Kalij Pheasant. There were also several species of Langur (Old World Monkeys) and Squirrels.

We then had three nights in Yongkala. The majority of the country was forested, particularly in the east; further west, there was more farming. It became obvious that relatively small changes in elevation provided habitats for different species, even though there was no obvious change in vegetation. The areas we birded in ranged from about 700 metres elevation in the south-east, to about 4,000 metres in the far west. Around Yongkala, differences of only 200 metres or so, harboured different species. This area is one of the key birding areas in the whole country; some of the my sightings included, Black-eared Shrike Babbler, Yellow-rumped

Honeyglide, Rusty-fronted Barwing, Brown Parrotbill, Ward’s Trogan, Brown Dipper, Black-tailed Crake and Slaty-backed Forktaill.

Rufous-necked Hornbill, Yellow-cheeked Tit, Mrs Gould’s Sunbird, Yellow-billed

Green Magpie, Bhutan Laughingthrush (Dick Holroyde)

8 Warbler

Himalayan Monal, Crested Bunting, Crimson-browed Finch, Golden, Great Hornbill

(Dick Holroyde)

The next day we climbed up to our highest accommodation, at

Sengor, about 3000 metres. On the way, standout sightings were, Rusty-cheeked Scimitar Babbler, Golden Babbler, Red-billed Leiotrix, Orange-bellied Leafbird, Plain Mountain Finch and White-capped Water Redstart. We were in Rhododendron country and while the best of the flowering had passed, it was still spectacular. The vegetation

generally was noticeably different, with a lot of the trees moss-covered. We crossed over one of the high passes, Thrumshing La at 3800m from Eastern Bhutan into Central Bhutan, to stay in Jakar in the beautiful Bumthang Valley, the only substantial town since Samdrup Jongkha. Some of the key species seen included White-collared Blackbird, Great Parrotbill, Fire-tailed Sunbird (my new favourite bird), Fire-tailed Myzornis, Himalyan White-browed Rosefinch, White-browed and Orange-flanked Bush Robin and Spotted Nutcracker. Then we made a special late-afternoon excursion to find the Himalayan Monal. This one lives on a steep hillside, roosting high up and foraging lower down. Each morning and afternoon passing

through a Monastry/Temple complex. That is where we found it, enjoying its usual bowl of rice in the Abbot’s private garden before continuing home. The next day, we crossed more high passes and then descended into Trogsa an important town in Central Bhutan. We did a tour of the ancient Trongsa Dzong (Religious and Administrative Fortress). Not so much birding today, but still some good sightings, including Plumbeous Water Redstart, River Lapwing, Rufous-gorgeted Flycatcher and Rufous-bellied Niltava.

Then we headed south, down to Tingtibe, another of Bhutan’s key birding areas, where we had three nights. We passed some massive hydro-electric projects being undertaken in conjunction with India. The King and Government of Bhutan are committed to maintaining the country’s pristine environment. Sale of electricity to nearby India will rival tourism as the major source of Bhutan’s income. Notable sightings were Long-tailed Shrike, Rufous Sibia, Crested Bunting, Crimson-browed Finch, Striated Prinia, Nepal Fulvetta and Jungler Babbler. We also encountered a troop of the special Golden Langur.

Over the next two days we birded in a number of areas around Tingtibe and several times saw a good number of species. Some of the standouts were Chestnut-winged Cuckoo, Spot-bellied Eagle Owl, White-hooded Laughingthrush, Yellow-breasted Greenfinch, Suntan Tit, Great Hornbill and Drongo Cuckoo. There was also a profusion of butterflies. Then there was a long day driving, back up to Trogsa and then we continued westwards, over the high Pass of Pele La into Western Bhutan. We spent the night in the picturesque Phobjekha Valley. The Black-necked Cranes had already left to

return to Tibet, except for a juvenile that had been savaged by a dog. A special shelter had been constructed for “Karma”. Some of the species sighted were Golden-throated Barbet, Bay Woodpecker, Blyth’s Leaf-Warbler and Rufous-fronted Sunbird. The next morning, we returned to Pele La for a partial view of the Himalayan foothills (Jhomolhari, 7314m), then some high-elevation birding, before continuing to the important town of Punakha at the junction of the Pho (Father) and Mo (Mother) Chhu Rivers. After we birded up the Pho Chhu. Notable sightings included Dark-sided Rosefinch, Speckled Wood

Pigeon, Fire-capped Tit, Satyr Trogopan, White-winged Crosbeak, Himalayan Griffon and Rufous-bellied Woodpecker. We also had good looks at both Common and Large-eared Pika (small cute mammals). The following morning was spent in the Jingme Dorji NP along the Mo Chhu. After lunch we visited the impressive Puntang Dechen Phodrang (Palace of Great Bliss). Some of the notable sightings were Maroon Oriole, Spotted Wren-Babbler, Lesser Yellownape, Small Niltava and Crimson-breasted Woodpecker.

March 2018 9

After some time birding in the Royal Botanical Gardens, we crossed Dochu La and descended to the capital, Thimphu; a city squeezed into a narrow valley. We did a loop around and above the city before checking-in to the accommodation. After lunch, we visited the local Takin Reserve to see the White Takin, a goat-antelope, as well as Himalayan Serow, Goal and Barking and Sambar Deer. After dinner, we checked out the light show of Thimphu. Notable sightings for the day were Grey-sided Laughingthrush, Rufous-bellied Woodpecker and Brown-flanked Bush Warbler. Early the next morning, we headed downstream from the

capital to the Babesa Sewerage Ponds on the city’s outskirts. Then after checking out the 50m high Buddha overlooking the city, we headed to Paro, our last stop and where the only international airport in Bhutan is located. After lunch we had at look at the town centre, market, etc; then birded along the Paro Chhu upstream of the town. Not a lot of species seen this day, but the Ruddy-breasted Crake was a standout; also the Common Hoopoe, White Wagtail and Ruddy Shelduck (the only duck to see in Bhutan). The following morning, we drove up to the highest point on the trip, Cheli La at 4000 metres. We then birded back down

toward Paro for most of the morning. After lunch, we drove around Paro and birded in several locations along the river. Standouts were Blood Pheasant, Collared Grosbeak, Blue-fronted Redstart, Olive-backed Pipit and Hodgson’s Treecreeper On the last day in Bhutan, I achieved my main non-birding goal; the long, steep walk-climb up to the Paro Taksang, the Eagle’s Nest Monastery, clinging to the side of a cliff. It took 2 hours to get to the top, with an elevation change of 900 metres. Thankfully there was a teahouse half way and we had

a short stop for a very large cuppa and several sweet biscuits. It was a misty, drizzly day so that views were limited and it made conditions a bit slippery. From the highest point there were 600 steps down to a little bridge across a waterfall and then 200 more up to the temple proper. There was no standard height or width for the steps so full concentration was required. The way back down was nearly as confronting; but we did stop for a meal at the teahouse. There were a few birds about, but my concentration was elsewhere. On the whole a good day for the old fella. I thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of the trip and it all lived up

to my expectations and in some areas, exceeded them. I ended up with a total of 256 species. Dick Holroyde

Puntang Dechan Phodrang (Dick Holroyde)

Crimson-breasted Woodpecker, Blood Pheasant, Ultramarine Flycatcher, Paro

Taksang (Dick Holroyde)

10 Warbler

BHUTAN–AUSTRALIA FRIENDSHIP OFFER

On page 9 of Warbler Dec17 we had a Bhutan teaser and you have just read a Bhutan tour report in Warbler Mar18. Has this roused your interest as it did mine? Actually I was aware that Dick Holroyde was planning his

Bhutan trip and so had done my own preliminary research. My interest was roused at this stage but unfortunately I had other plans at the time. The Kingdom of Bhutan is a landlocked country in south-east Asia. Located in the eastern Himalayas it is bordered by Tibet, Nepal and Assam. It has a land area of 38,394 km2 and a population of 797,765 compared to Tasmania at 68,401 km2 and 520,100 respectively. The Bhutanese refer to their country as Dduk Yul, ‘Land of the Thunder Dragon’. The national flag is divided diagonally with a

yellow upper part, representing the king, and an orange lower part, representing the Buddhist religion. A white dragon (druk) is depicted along the diagonal. Bhutan has a bird list of 680 species including six rare and two introduced species. This diversity is supported by a range of habitats - alpine, cool broadleaved forests, forests and scrub, subtropical and warm broadleaved forests and some wetlands. There appears to be so much of interest in Bhutan – the birds, the unique architecture, the temples and monuments, the

scenery, the people with their unique culture, festivals and national holidays. When I first read about Bhutan I saw that minimum prices are government regulated: Tourists can book a package holiday to Bhutan through both international and Bhutanese local tour operators. Information is available from Off to Bhutan. The Royal Government of Bhutan sets minimum selling prices (tariffs) for packages to Bhutan, which must be paid in U.S.

dollars prior to arrival. I have recently received an Off to Bhutan email advising that ‘The year 2017 is a special occasion for the Kingdom of Bhutan and Australia as it marks 15 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries. To commemorate this happy occasion, the Royal Government of Bhutan welcomes all Australian nationals to visit Bhutan in 2018 by presenting the “Bhutan – Australia Friendship Offer”. The offer is valid from 1st June 2018 to 31st August 2018.’

To coincide with the offer Off to Bhutan are marketing a 14 Day ‘Birding Bhutan in June’ tour at US$2225 per person. Unfortunately I already have plans for April and therefore may not be able to get leave again in June but I will ask that a seat be held just in case. Peter Crane

March 2018 11

VANUATU LONG WEEKEND In September I had accepted a secondment to a project that required some extended hours over the Christmas-New Year period and therefore I had a few days off in mid-January. How do you decide where to go if you get a few days off work?

I log onto the airline websites and see where I can get to on frequent flyer points. I phoned a birding friend, Dick Holroyde, (see his earlier Bhutan report) and asked if he was interested in a short trip. My travel plans were – Saturday drive to Brisbane, Sunday fly to Port Vila and then to Espiritu Santo, bird on Monday and Tuesday, Wednesday fly to Port Vila and Brisbane, Thursday drive to Bundaberg for work at 9am. Dick’s plans were similar but he starts from Newcastle and is retired so no work.

I saw my first Vanuatu bird as the plane was taxiing at Port Vila, a Common Myna, so no great excitement. And then whilst waiting for Dick I also recorded House Sparrow and Pacific Swallow. What can you expect at an airport? But then at the Espiritu Santo airport we saw Satin and Uniform Swiftlets. A 30 minute drive north along the coast road got us to Turtle Bay Lodge, our home for three nights. Turtle Bay Lodge is small, has standard accommodation and good food, as I found out over the next two days. There are plans for renovations to the rooms and work is being done to the common areas.

An early morning walk around the Lodge grounds had us listing – Pacific Kingfisher, Silvereye, Vanuatu White-eye, Melanesian Flycatcher, Streaked Fantail, Pacific Emerald Dove, Cardinal Myzomela and Chestnut Munia. After breakfast our driver Kenneth took us the 30 minutes north to Kole 1 village to meet a guide for the walk through the Loru Conservation Area. A village elder had died the previous day so we did not have the preferred guide. We again saw some of the above and Gray Fantail, White-

rumped Swiftlet, Melanesian Whistler, Coconut Lorikeet, Metallic Pigeon, MacKinlay’s Cuckoo-Dove, Pacific Imperial Pigeon, Red-bellied Fruit-Dove, Buff-banded Rail, Melanesan Whistler and we heard Vanuatu Megapode. We met Kevin again at noon and returned to the Lodge where we added White-breasted Woodswallow to our lists and then went to our room and collapsed for a few hours – the heat and humidity had been oppressive and I had consumed 1.25 litres of water during the walk. In the late afternoon we returned to the road to Kole 1 but our birding was interrupted by rain showers.

An early start on Tuesday had Kenneth driving us 90 minutes north-west to Matantas village and the Vathe Conservation Area. More of the same birds and Palm Lorkeet seen on the drive. The 40 minutes of dirt road was interesting. Again we saw some of the above and South Melanesian Cuckooshrike, Fan-tailed Gerygone, Southern Shrikebill and Buff-bellied Monarch. On the road back we added Swamp Harrier and Red Junglefowl to our lists. Kenneth asked if we wanted to visit his farm so we took a diversion from the road. A great diversion from our primary purpose and interesting to see their ‘living’ fences.

The drive to the airport on Wednesday morning was more of the same birds.

My summary is – Vanuatu, a great place for a short birding trip however pick your month as January is very hot and humid. Peter Crane

Plane to Espiritu Santo, sunrise from Turtle Bay Lodge, one dining area at Turtle

Bay Lodge, Red-bellied Fruit Dove, Melanesian Flycatcher (Peter Crane)

12 Warbler

BIRDS OF MELANESIA – GUY DUTSON BOOK REVIEW – Peter Crane 2011, Bloomsbury, $79.99, Paperback, 448 pages, 234 x 156 mm, ISBN 9780713665406 Also available as PDF eBook

The major sections of the guide are: Acknowledgements (1p); Introduction (11p) including sections of Aims of this Book, Geographical Coverage, Maps, Island Types and Climate and Vegetation and Habitats; Melanesian Ornithology (3p) with sections of Nomenclature, Taxonomy, Biogeography and

Island Distributions, Endemism, Migration, Introduced Species and How Many Bird Species in Melanesia; Birdwatching in Melanesia (10p) with sections of Identifying birds, Plumages and moult, Finding birds, Studying birds, Birdwatchng etiquette, Birdwatching sites, Organisations and records and Further reading; Conservation (3p) with sections of Threats and solutions, Globally threatened species and Extinct species; using the Plates and Species Texts (1p); Island Groups of Melanesia (1p); Checklist of the Birds of Melanesia (14p) and Colour Plates (171p) with the plates grouped by family and by Island group; Species Accounts (202p); Gazetteer (5p) and

Index (15p). The Introduction section provides very interesting background reading and maps of each island group. The Melanesian Ornithology section provides concise relevant information for the Vanuatu tour.

The Birdwatching in Melanesia section again provides relevant information including information on birdwatching sites. The Conservation section is interesting reading. The Using the Plates and Species texts section is compulsory reading as this guide is set out differently from many others as the passerines plates are divided into groups of plates for each main island group. The Island Groups of Melanesia section lists and provides summary information on the 14 island groups. The Checklist of the Birds of Melanesia provides a checklist. The Colour Plates (below image) and Species Accounts sections should be reviewed together. The colour plate

provides one or more image, summary identification notes and island group distribution of each species. The species account provdes detailed information including description, similar species, voice, habits and range. The Gazetteer lists each island and provides an alternative name, island group, archipelago and nation. The Index is comprehensive. The Buff-bellied Monarch Species text states ‘Differs from trillers by habits, golden colour and black-breast band. From male Melanesian Whistler by pale patches on wing and tail, and white extending over eye.’ Our sighting was in the Vathe

Conservation Area and the bird was active and did not sit long enough for a good photo. These notes allowed a ready identification.

How would the guide perform on tour? This guide is A5+ format but with 448 pages weighs about 1.2kg and therefore you would keep it in the vehicle. The Species Account summaries are comprehensive and accurate and should be read with the plates. The sketches are excellent, and the size suits the page size.

The Index (common and scientific names) is easy to use. The 650 species that occur in the region are in this guide. Actually I would like to schedule a New Caledonia trip to make further use of the guide. Peter Crane

March 2018 13

PORTLAND BIRD OBSERVATORY REVISITED Like many migrants to Australia I first began birdwatching as a youth near my family’s Dorset home, on the coast of southern England. The Isle of Portland juts out as a peninsula from the coast and attracts many migrating birds as their first and or last contact with Britain. A somewhat sentimental visit

with Sheena Gillman in January proved that it is still a stunning part of the country with magnificent birdwatching.

Much of my misspent youth was spent watching (and chasing) birds and butterflies on the windswept isle with my boyhood, and lifelong, friend well-known Brisbane pelagic bird trip coordinator Paul Walbridge. Always a well-known bird watching mecca the importance of Portland as a migratory hotspot was formalised after the 1961 opening of the Portland Bird Observatory and Field Centre by Sir Peter Scott. For Paul and I, school boys in the early and mid-1960s, the Observatory

was a magnet full of people happy to show wildlife to enthusiastic young students. The Observatory is located in the “Old Lower Lighthouse” near the southern tip of the island. Built in 1869, the third lighthouse on the site, had been made redundant by the building of a newer and more powerful light on the island’s tip (Portland Bill) in 1905. After passing through a series of different owners and uses it was purchased by a group of bird watchers who converted it to the Observatory. The tower-keeper’s house and viewing area provides sea views and hostel

style accommodation. Martin Cade has been the full-time warden for 26 years and has an endless series of good stories and advice for birding. Accommodation can be booked for reasonable rates, but there is stiff competition in migratory and summer months. A daily blog provides much useful information on significant sightings. A group of sea watch devotees can be found daily on the Observatory veranda and readily share their local knowledge.

Warden Martin Cade with a bird ringed at the Observatory prior to release

About 30 hectres of land in the Observatory area are now owned by the Trustees with plans for rewilding some areas that have been farmed for two thousand years.

The immediate garden is one of the few vegetated areas on the rocky part of the island so it is a bird magnet especially for smaller species. The well-established blackthorn hedges provide a place for the birds to rest and feed on insects. During our winter visit and stay the highlight was four purple sandpipers feeding on the rocky shore. A variety of sea birds were noted over the sea and included red-throated divers, black-throated divers, red-breasted mergansers, pomarine skuas and guillemots. Only days before our arrival three great bustards were seen

near the Observatory. Likely releases from the Salisbury Plains site of the bird’s reintroduction to the British Isles. Sadly, we missed seeing them. The reintroduction project is in its twentieth year with some success but no certainty yet of an established population with long term viability. Conversely the hugely successful red kite reintroduction program meant that we saw many in a variety of locations, including an individual on Portland. Nearby a salt inlet (ferry bridge), the deeper waters of Portland Harbour and the RSPB reserve at Radipole (in Weymouth

seven miles away) all provide additional habitats worth visiting. During the migration seasons large numbers of birds pass by on the sea or make landfall on the island. Thousands of wintering dark-bellied Brent-goose visit in November and December, 44,000 Manx shearwaters passed Portland Bill in 2008, but normal numbers are about 4,000. Willow Warblers, in their thousands, stop off on Portland after epic migrations, travelling 5,000 kilometres from west Africa. Swallows fly nearly 10,000 kilometres on epic journeys from Southern

Africa to spend their summers at Portland. For those on holiday Portland has plenty of interest beyond its birds. It is the site of an early Viking raid, the best preserved Georgian stone church in England, a Henry VIII fort, the D-Day Museum and fantastic cliff walks. The island’s limestone quarries have provided fine building limestone since Roman times. Following the Great Fire of London Sir Christopher Wren used the stone for many of the iconic buildings he designed, including St Paul’s Cathedral. The isthmus connecting the isle of Portland to the mainland is

a perhaps unique 24 km long, six metres high pebble beach. Eventually leaving Portland Bird Observatory we headed north to visit, on the recommendation of a casually met birder (how else do you get good intelligence?), the RSPB Ham Wall Reserve, near Glastonbury. It was there that we saw the bird of the trip. We knew the reserve contained a number of breeding and furtive pairs of Bitterns among the extensive reed beds growing in an area of reclaimed peat quarries. Good water fowl were seen but a cry from a local spun us around to see a flying

Bittern. High fives were exchanged by even the locals. After 52 years away I am still a proud Portlander who loves the wild nature of the island but perhaps most importantly appreciates it as a place which encouraged two young men to see nature at its best and develop a passion which has stayed with us throughout our lives. Pat Comben

14 Warbler

NORTHERN THAILAND CHRISTMAS PART ONE – 24-27 DECEMBER 2017 Leading up to Christmas I was busy with end of semester work, but also looking forward to an extended birdwatching/bird photography trip to Northern Thailand over Christmas-New Year. My travelling companion was an Australian geologist

working as a volunteer in Vientiane, Laos who also likes birdwatching and photography. I picked him up at the Nakhon Pathom railway station on Christmas Eve and we drove to Nakhon Sawan. After finding accommodation in a hotel (THB 520) we went shopping for Christmas treats at Big C, the local supermarket. Mark suggested we get something to display some Christmas spirit as well so we splurged about THB 50 (nearly AUD$2.00) on some tinsel. On Christmas morning, an event that only has significance to Thai retailers in their marketing programs, we took a two-hour boat trip (THB 1000) on Bueng Boraphet, an IUCN listed KBA. I

had an opportunity to try out my newly purchased Nikon D500 camera, combined with my Nikkor 200-500mm lens I bought in July 2017. A good combination. After about 400 photos of varying value, mostly attempts to capture birds flying to and from their nesting tree on an island, we had some Christmas snacks for lunch. Breeding birds included Asian Openbills, Indian Cormorants, Little Cormorants, Darters and Great Egrets. Other birds included Pied Kingfishers, White-throated Kingfishers, White Wagtails, Barn Swallows, Oriental Reed Warbler, Asian Golden Weavers and Ashy Drongoes.

We then drove west to Huai Kha Kaeng Wildlife Reserve where we spent about four hours in the afternoon. We saw three species of deer - Javan Rusa, Hog and Red Muntjac, along with some birds we hadn't seen before, including a Changeable Hawk Eagle, Black-headed Woodpecker, Green Imperial Pigeons, Thick-billed and Yellow-footed Green Pigeons, Stork-billed and White-throated Kingfishers. Mark was impressed by the Coppersmith Barbet seen through my scope in the bright late afternoon sunlight. Unfortunately we couldn't stay in the reserve, but we found motel rooms (THB 500) in the nearest town, Lan Sak. An English speaking soldier showed us where to find a restaurant for dinner.

On Boxing Day I drove to Mae Ping National Park, where we got accommodation (THB 300 each) for the night near the park headquarters. We had time to drive to a camping area and we saw a Common Jackal along the road and some more birds. A brief bit of excitement was seeing a Collared Falconet catching a lizard about 10 metres from us. This took a few seconds, and there was no chance to even point a camera at the action. Other birds included a Black-headed Woodpecker, Blue Rock Thrush, Sooty-headed Bulbul, Burmese Shrike, Brown Shrike and Red-billed Blue Magpies.

At 2am on 27 December the rain started, so there wasn't much chance of birdwatching. It continued to drizzle for most of the day. We packed up and drove to the top of Doi Inthanon, Thailand's highest mountain 2,565.3341 metres above sea level (when it was surveyed many years ago). We managed to see some good birds in the drizzle near the coffee shop at the top of Doi Inthanon, including Green-tailed Sunbird, Bar-throated Minla, Dark-backed Sibia, Silver-eared Laughing-thrush, Ashy-throated Warbler and Blue Whistling Thrush. It was cold (for Thailand), 110 C as we were leaving around 4pm to go to Chiang Mai for the night (THB 1175 for the night).

Unfortunately we couldn’t check out the other recommended birding spots on the mountain because of the rain. Barry Heinrich

Asian Openbill, Changeable Hawk Eagle, Chestnut-headed Bee-eater, Pied

Kingfisher (Barry Heinrich)

March 2018 15

Asian Openbill, Burmese Shrike, Rose-breasted Parakeet, Chestnut-tailed Minla

(Barry Heinrich)

Stork-billed Kingfisher, Collared Falconet, Blue Whistling Thrush, Dark-backed

Sibia (Barry Heinrich)

16 Warbler

HEADING HOME TO NEW ZEALAND: A

LONG TIME COMING

First, a few confessions: I was born in New Zealand to a Kiwi mum and an Aussie dad; I was raised in Australia from the age of three and for the most part, Australian flora and fauna is the most familiar to me of all of this planet’s biodiversity. I know very little about New Zealand’s birds in terms of the field ornithology side of things. I know about the Kiwi, the Kakapo and the Kea, but could not detect their calls or ideal habitat the way I can Aussie birds. When I hear a Spotted Pardalote, it is as doubtless as a Laughing Kookaburra. When I am in fairywren habitat or tawny grassbird habitat I know it

immediately, and it rarely takes long for those ecological hints to be confirmed with calls or views of those birds. But, New Zealand birds are very green to me. Sure, I knew Kea are the world’s only alpine parrot and Kakapo are a nocturnal species, now restricted to only a couple of islands, but that is where most of my fun facts end. I had no idea about much of the Passerine community and what types of habitats I should be on the lookout for, in search of particular species.

Tui (Rochelle Steven)

In October, I went to Queenstown for a week; my first time back on the South Island, where I was born, in 10 years! I actually felt a pang of guilt flying over the Southern Alps that I had let so much time pass since visiting my homeland. Sure,

I was raised as an Aussie girl, but my Kiwi roots are still there and boy are they strong in their emotional impact when I land on NZ soil. It was a rather impromptu trip and all I knew was I would have plenty of time to explore the environs near the town on my own, in search of some NZ birds. I was pretty excited about the fact that it was bang in the middle of spring too. Hopefully the little cuties would be active enough to make my birding more fruitful than frustrating. Upon driving out of the airport, the first thing I noticed was the abundance of introduced species. I remembered this from a visit back in 2003 to the place of my birth, Christchurch -

before the big quake. Sitting outside in the early morning, the soundscape is that of blackbirds and starlings. An artefact of humans’ acclimation strategies during the colonial period – they wanted it to sound like ‘home’. Well these foreign birds are doing just fine in the harsh climates around Queenstown, in the valleys between the peaks of the Alps. The first native bird I cottoned on to was via hearing its call – a call I am familiar with. Silvereyes in New Zealand are the same species as (most of) those in Australia, Zosterops lateralis. The race found in New Zealand is a little different to the little bundles that pop in to my garden on the Gold Coast (westernensis),

with a much deeper flush of chestnut on their side flanks. Quite similar to the lateralis race found in Tasmania I believe.

I was already feeling chuffed with the Silvereye popping up on my auditory radar so quickly, but then I heard a less familiar sound. The Bellbird! A honeyeater, but not like the honeyeaters we know as Bellbirds or Bell Miners. New Zealand’s Bellbird is much more cryptic and the call is truly mesmerising. I saw them feeding on flowers, as you would expect for a honeyeater, but also gleaning what I can only assume was invertebrates from the conifers dotted in the parks along the edge of Lake Wakatipu and Lake Wanaka. Being springtime, the golden yellow-flowered Kowhai trees were in full bloom. The Bellbirds get into the nectar action that

these beautiful flowers offer, but they are often assertively reminded who the real honeyeater boss about town is, the Tui. New Zealand’s largest extant honeyeater, the Tui is a predominantly black bird, with feathers that gleam with an iridescence similar to that of the Metallic Starlings in North Queensland. Added to these flashes of colour in the sunlight are the white tufted plumes that protrude from the Tui’s neck. They are about the size of a Blue-faced Honeyeater and are very vocal when they are moving between the Kowhai blossoms, as if they are giving a running commentary of the quality of nectar each bunch of flowers provides. They often forage in pairs or small groups, so I am sure these chatterings

are also strongly related to maintaining social bonds with their mate or offspring. Being honeyeaters that target tubular flowers, they, like Australian honeyeaters, play a critical role in plant pollination. The evidence of this is illustrated by the bright yellow-orange patch of pollen they sport almost consistently during spring. It really stands out on their black feathers and it is just wonderful to see ‘ecology in action’.

Paradise Shelduck (Rochelle Steven)

So, honeyeaters were off to a good start. But if you know me, you know I just adore the little birds. Fairywrens at home are the definition of a time waster for me. The novelty never wears off, so I was keen to find some of New Zealand’s little birds

too. The Silvereyes were a taster, but what I found next was one of the funnier birding experiences of my life so far. I decided to go for a bit of a hike around a lake near Arrowtown. The track around Lake Hayes is well maintained and well loved by the locals. At approximately 8km long, it is a popular running trail. I begin my own circumnavigation of the lake and before long there was a song that stopped me in my tracks. It halted me with a jolt not because it was something completely new to me, but because it was completely familiar to me. Being in a new place, it took me a second to figure out what it was so reminiscent of. Then it hit me – a Gerygone! Not the repetitive chirping of a Brown Gerygone, but the sweet sound

of a Mangrove or White-throated Gerygone. I couldn’t see it anywhere, but the sound was close by. I looked around and thought “I really don’t think this particular spot is getting frequented by avid birders too often”.

March 2018 17

There were too many runners for a start. So I thought, “Well I will just play White-throated on my phone once, and see what happens”. So I pull out the app, turn the volume to a relatively low level, and play the call of the White-throated Gerygone – note I am a super rare user of call playback in recreation. It really has to be a common and abundant species for me to consider it, and even then one or two goes maximum. My understanding of birds living in areas used heavily by people also suggested I was probably not hearing the call of something very rare or vulnerable to disturbance. Well, within six seconds this little grey bird flies in right above my head and stares straight at me, as if to say “Where is the intruder that

is doing a terrible job of mimicking my call?” I didn’t have my field guide for New Zealand birds on me at the time, because I really didn’t expect to see too much at this particular site. But I had a strong feeling I was looking at a Gerygone now. Sure enough, back at the hotel, I confirmed I had been looking at a Grey Warbler, also known as a Grey Gerygone. Subsequent walks around the region on that trip confirmed it was not a rare species at all – in fact I was shocked at the densities that these little birds persist in, compared to their close relatives over the ditch here in Australia, I must have heard a pair every 50m in every patch of forest, degraded or not. In the absence of the diversity of little insectivores that

we have, the Grey Warbler is able to exploit habitats at a much higher density than I would have expected. Queenstown, Arrowtown and Wanaka are all quite close together. They also all feature a lake very close to the township. In Queenstown, it is Lake Wakatipu, in Wanaka it is Lake Wanaka and as mentioned above, Lake Hayes is next to Arrowtown. What I was surprised to see in both Lake Hayes and Lake Wakatipu were Great Crested Grebes. I had read that there was a solid population in Lake Hayes, so was pretty excited to try and spot some. After all, my views of the species

in Australia were rather strained. I did have nice views in Lake Hayes, but nothing compared to one I saw near the edge of Lake Wakatipu one morning. No more than 20m away from me, the other people nearby must have been quite bemused to see me openly expressing joy and excitement at getting such quality views and photographs of what seemed little more than a duck to them I am sure. The raptor scene got me excited too, until I realised I was seeing the same one species over and over. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t take any birds for granted and the Harrier that frequents the skies in the valleys around Queenstown was

spectacular to see doing some of its amazing aerial displays. I guess I just forgot for a minute that islands as small as New Zealand are known more for their endemism than their diversity. All in all, a trip that was not solely taken for birding turned out to be a very enjoyable introduction to the avifauna of the land I was born in, Aotearoa. The land of the long white cloud. I am looking forward to going back, in search of some of the species I mentioned at the beginning, which I didn’t see. The Kea is high on the list. This trip was not the time to go in search for them unfortunately. Probably a wise decision given the stories

I have heard about what they can do to hire cars – their intelligence is matched only by their destructiveness apparently. They are on my bucket list though! Perhaps I will go in search of them in one of those banged up vans that are already showing signs of neglect. All in good time. Kia ora New Zealand – I will come back home again soon. Rochelle Steven

BIRDS OF SOUTH-EAST ASIA – CRAIG

ROBSON

BOOK REVIEW – your name? Are you planning a birding tour of Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Peninsular Malaysia or Singapore? Do you want to see your name up in lghts – well at least in Warbler, your birding e-magazine?

If you answered yes to the above questions please email me as I have a review copy of birds of South-East Asia by Craig Robson that I will send to you in exchange for an undertaking to draft a tour report and book review on your return.

The book review is about 600 words, the above image of the cover and one other image from the book. The tour report will need to be longer but I can provide further assistance. Your report should include a number of photos so when you email please advise if you use a camera. It does not have to be a DSLR as compact and/or bridge cameras get many good images. Peter Crane

18 Warbler

EUNGELLA BIRD AND WILDLIFE WEEK Eungella Bird and Wildlife Week returns for a second year of magic in the Queensland rainforest this September. After a highly successful first run in 2017, this year brings Eungella’s natural beauty front and centre, with daily wildlife walks offered alongside expert-guided birdwatching.

Eungella Bird and Wildlife Week is aimed at bird watchers and nature lovers of all ages and stages who are keen to discover new places, meet like-minded people and learn stacks along the way. The week is also a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get up close and personal with the Eungella Honeyeater, an endemic species found nowhere else in the world!

Eungella Honeyeater, Eungella Bird Week 2017 (Barry Deacon)

Eungella National Park lies in the hinterland of central Queensland, just outside Mackay. The National Park and associated Clark Connors Range is the largest patch of tropical rainforest in Australia. Eungella supports almost 900 species of plants and a spectacular array of wildlife, including 227 recorded bird species. You’re almost guaranteed to see a platypus in Eungella’s lush creeks. Eungella township is a delightful one hour’s drive from Mackay through the picturesque Pioneer Valley. Mackay Airport enjoys

a host of services provided by most Aussie carriers from major airports across Australia. There is a range of accommodation options throughout Eungella to suit all needs and budgets including hotels, BnBs, farm stays and camping grounds. The Eungella Community Development Association will once again host amazing buffet-style welcome and farewell dinners featuring local produce. They’ll also be providing morning tea for all birdwatching activities. Visitors can also enjoy a wonderful afternoon at the local Cloudbreak Lowlines Farm in the beautiful Eungella

Hinterland. With a chance to feed the cows, tour the old dairy and learn about the local history, ecology and sustainability practices, the afternoon will culminate in a ploughman’s paddock-to-plate lunch featuring local Eungella Beef, homemade bread and Cloudbreak Tomato Relish. Yum! Eungella Bird and Wildlife Week is supported by conservation not-for-profit Wild Mob with the support of Birdlife Mackay and the Eungella Community Development Association and runs from 17-22 September 2018. Camilla Wagstaff

Communications Manager, Wildmob

THE GREEN CORNER The first article of a linked series, published in the January 30, 2018 edition of the Guardian Online, should be of concern to every birdwatcher. One line summed up the motivation for the series, “The nation

is losing the political will to protect our pristine places – and biodiversity is suffering.” The argument put by journalist Adam Morton, based on interviews with some of Australia’s best known environmental activists and policy makers is that with watered down environmental protection, and an apparently complacent public, our past environmental victories could not be achieved today. Dr Bob Brown is reported as believing there is a lack of modern political will, at both state and federal levels, to put the

environment first. Equally alarming is his view that today community environmental action, the force which drives political agendas, is missing. For any environmentally sensitive person aged 50 years or more the battle against Tasmania’s proposed Gordon-below-Franklin dam was all consuming in the 70s and 80s. A Hydro-Electric Commission sought to flood a unique temperate rainforest wilderness. Only the initial World Heritage listing of the area by Liberal

Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser, extensive public protests and the later willingness of ALP Prime Minister Bob Hawke to take the question of protection against development to the High Court saw the forest saved. Our own northern rainforests were similarly saved by public environmental pressure and eventual political action. But would such mega battles be won today? The main federal legislation controlling development and environment issues is the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (EPBCA). Once welcomed for its

ability to support good decision making by gathering all relevant material in one place when environmental values were being considered, it is now challenged as potentially giving an arbitrary decision making discretion to the environment minister. A key political player from the past, former Liberal environment minister Robert Hill, says the EPBCA was regarded as world’s best practice when passed by the Australian Parliament. But there is a need for review.

“It’s been nearly 20 years. I have assumed there will be a new evolution. I’ve been expecting it and I know various law reform bodies have been thinking about it,” he says. “I don’t know the act has always been employed as rigorously as I would have liked to have seen.” Hill is an ambassador for Conservatives for Conservation, a Coalition-aligned group making the case for environmental protection from the centre-right. He does not agree the big decisions of the 1980s would not be made now – the act makes them easier to achieve, he says. But he does not support the

targeting of environment and other civil society groups. “I wasn’t demanding it. I thought it was working OK.”

March 2018 19

Another former federal environment minister and activist Peter Garrett believes a lack of political will and reduced funding for political groups has in part caused environment issues to be lost sight of. The Guardian names three issues, involving one or other of the major parties, which have been a loss to environmental protection: “a staggering increase in land clearing in Queensland; a proposed 400,000 sq km reduction in marine park high-protection areas; Australia becoming the first country to abolish a carbon price that required business to pay for its carbon dioxide emissions”.

It is not simply an interesting academic debate. We as interested environment watchers can see in south-east Queensland the problems flowing from political inertia and possible community complacency. Recent publicity from the incredibly committed Ted Fenson about the tragic loss of prime Koala habitat to roads and urban sprawl in south-east Queensland is also a dire warning about avian habitat. Yet the public seems little motivated. Land clearing in the state has the same effects with limited

community pushback. Close to all members hearts will likely be the political interest in the future of the Eastern Bristlebird, decimated by habitat degradation, inappropriate fire regimes and feral predators. Similarly the development of Toonda Harbour at the cost of a RAMSAR site is devastating Moreton Bay’s ecology. It is an excellent example of the cumulative effect of small decisions over time. The developer’s claim every few years is “We’re only using 10 percent.” We fail to examine the historical and cumulative perspective

Opposition to the ADANI coal mining proposals in central Queensland is now gaining some political traction. Slowly begrudgingly we see our political leaders query the merit of a mega reef destroying proposal for an antiquated energy form. Hopefully short term gain may yet be overridden by the environment’s needs. Being an optimist I can at least look at the Guardian Online’s promotion of the issue as a positive sign that we as individuals are awaking to the possibility of further loss unless we demand decisions and decision makers are focused on that which

sustains us (and the birds) – the environment. Sheena Gillman

AN UNWELCOME MINE AT ALDERSHOT Colton Coal is planning a coal mine which would discharge polluting waste water into the broader Mary River system, which flows into the Great Sandy Strait. At the same time the Queensland State Government has applied for UNESCO listing of the environmentally sensitive Great Sandy Straits. This is an astonishing contradiction. Dr Rob Clemens of Birdlife Australia in a recent article for the Bay Bulletin noted “The potential cumulative impacts of the additional discharge from the potential mine have not been

assessed for their impact on the Strait’s environmental values, particularly water quality.”

Colton Coal Mine location

What does it mean to be a signatory to the RAMSAR convention? UNESCO’s Ramsar Convention's broad aims are to halt the worldwide loss of wetlands and to properly conserve, through wise use and management, those that remain. This requires

international cooperation and proactive policy making. RAMSAR’s legal title is The Convention on Wetlands of International Importance. It holds the distinction of being the first modern treaty between nations aimed at conserving natural resources. The signing of the Convention on Wetlands took place in 1971 at the small Iranian town of Ramsar. Since then, the Convention on Wetlands has been known as the RAMSAR Convention.

Australia was one of the first countries to sign the RAMSAR Convention, and in 1974 designated the world's first Wetland of International Importance: Cobourg Peninsula in the Northern Territory. Australia currently has 65 Wetlands of International Importance listed under the RAMSAR Convention, covering approximately 8.1 million hectares. Some of The Great Sandy Strait attributes qualifying it for RAMSAR listing are: permanent shallow marine waters, marine subtidal aquatic beds; includes kelp beds, sea-grass beds, tropical marine meadows, rocky marine shores; rocky offshore islands, sea cliffs, dune systems, estuarine waters, permanent

water of estuaries and estuarine systems of deltas and intertidal mud, sand and salt flats. It cannot be doubted that The Great Sandy Straits has it all. Queensland and its community has a serious obligation to maintain forever the safe custody of this special and significant marine environment. International treaties are not optional; we don’t get to do as we wish at a whim. In this instance the refusal by the federal department of environment, charged with applying the Environment

Protection Biodiversity Conservation Act, would confirm the process is seriously flawed.

20 Warbler

Shorebirds are exceptionally well studied globally, within Australia and in this region. Yet the Statement of Reasons provided in response to our asking for a federal review fails to consider vast amounts of literature, especially literature related to disturbance and the unique requirements of migratory shorebirds. Of great concern is a general consensus that our legislators appear to be absent from the proverbial coal face. Mine coal we may, however, the sensitive Mary and Susan Rivers are no place for such a polluting activity. Our groups will continue to ask that this mine is subject to a full ‘environmental impact statement’ (EIS) which should have

undoubtedly occurred at its inception.

Water Mouse Xeromys myoides nest, Tandorah Station Mary River Estuary

Key Facts about the Colton Mine • First proposed in 2009

• Qld Govt approval in 2017 • 8km from Maryborough • Owned by New Hope Coal • 0.5 Mtpa of export coking coal (expansion possible) • Affects the Susan River and Mary River • “The Susan River catchment is notable for its intact

connectivity between estuarine and freshwater systems which is important for diadromous fish migration.” Queensland Government, 2011

What are the issues with the mine? 1. Regular discharge of heavy metal contaminated untreated

waste water into the Mary River • Up to 5.8% of the daily flow • Due to Acid Mine Drainage it is acidic (low pH) and contains

heavy metals • Releases to the river contain concentrations of heavy

metals above 80th percentile background levels • Cobalt – six times • Cadmium – nine times • Manganese – sixteen times • Selenium – twenty nine times • Concentrations of Cobalt, Cadmium and Manganese will

exceed High Environmental Value safety guideline levels 2. Risk of uncontrolled discharge of heavy metal • contaminated untreated waste water into the Susan • Dams storing the wastewater have been under designed • Current design: 1 in 20 year critical wet season, 1 in 10

year storm • Previous design: 1 in 100 year critical wet season, 1 in 100 year storm

• Wastewater exceeds High Environmental Value guidelines for 11 heavy metals, e.g.

• Manganese 680 times the guideline (continued next page) • Chromium 940 times the guideline

• Cadmium 340 times the guideline • Dilution is not a solution • Mean annual runoff of the mine catchment is 4 ML. • Volume of the Mine Water dam is 678 ML 3. Environmental authority allows a void to be left behind

111ha in area and up to 50m deep 4. Inadequate monitoring required in the Environmental

Authority granted by the Qld Government a) No sediment monitoring b) No monitoring of the Susan River c) No ecological monitoring

In Summary • New Hope’s own modeling shows that the mine will worsen

water quality in the Great Sandy Strait Ramsar Wetland • Consequences for the food web, interconnected habitats,

processes and threatened species in the Great Sandy Strait

have not been assessed • If the mine proceeds the monitoring required in the Qld

Government issued Environmental Authority is unlikely to detect impacts on the ecosystem

Process to date • 2007 – Northern Energy Corporation (NEC) propose project • 2010 – Commonwealth decides “not a controlled action” • 2011 – New Hope Coal take over NEC • 2012 - Public comment period on the EMP (State Govt) • 2014 - Environmental Management Plan approved, draft

environmental authority granted

• November 2016 – AADAM lose Court Case • December 2016 – MRCCC submitted request for reconsideration • December 2016 – Environmental Authority Granted by Minister Miles

• 2017 – Mining Lease Granted by Minister Lynham • March 2017 – Public Comment Period on the request for

reconsideration –1800+ submissions • 29 September 2017 – Notified by delegate of Minister

Frydenberg that 2010 “not a controlled action” decision stands

• 13 October 2017 – Received legal advice from EDO and

Independent Barrister that judicial review of decision unlikely to be successful because there was no “legal error’.

Sheena Gillman

March 2018 21

FIGTREE POCKET HABITAT We have lived in Fig Tree Pocket since 1967 and have always been interested in birds, butterflies and native vegetation. Together with our neighbours, who also have similar interests, we have been rehabilitating our bushland areas since joining

Land For Wildlife (LFW) in April 2002 when the area was heavily weed infested. When we first came there was a great variety of birds, however as neighbours cleared and mowed to the river we lost habitat for many of the small birds, finches and wrens, in particular. However, since our rehab programme and war against weeds we have seen the return of many of our feathered friends. Together with our LFW neighbours, we cover an area of approximately four hectares, consisting of remnant rain forest and dry sclerophyll bush land, that is traversed by a casual water course. This flows into the river near the equestrian

centre- the lower reaches of this are tidal. We have a blogspot that documents what we have in our area. As members of the Cubberla-Witton Catchments Network (CWCN) we host bird walks yearly and record the birds spotted. These walks are advertised on the CWCN web page but give preference to network members. A pair of powerful owls has been regularly seen here since 20 June 2010. Their presence is dependent on ring tail possums and gliders for food. Although we have provided a nest box for them they

have yet to use it, perhaps possums or carpet pythons got there first! Lewin's Rails have been heard and possibly seen with two chicks in an area close to the river. This is similar habitat to that near the equestrian centre where there have been confirmed sightings. The blogspot shows images of our regular bird visitors as well as other wild life and native. As we are only 11 kilometres from the CBD the greatest threat to this natural refuge is development. The Council is approving at least five blocks per hectare and all the bush land is

becoming manicured exotic filled gardens, mainly occupied by mansions with mown lawns and few native plants. Bushland with no understory, does not foster insect life, a great source for many of the birds. Niki Hill and Sylvia Alexander

Silvereye, Powerful Owl, Barred Cuckoo-Shrike, Painted Button-quail (Sylvia

Alexander)

22 Warbler

BARRIER REEF ISLANDS REHABILITATION As we pull into the crystal-clear waters of Roylen Bay on Goldsmith Island, Great Barrier Reef, the warm winter sun has just dispersed the last of the morning cloud. As Wild Mob volunteers, Goldsmith Island will be our home for

the next four days. Wild Mob has been working on Great Barrier Reef islands like Goldsmith for almost 10 years. Here, group after group of amazing volunteers have been rehabilitating the island’s critically endangered beach rainforest. And conducting marine debris clean up on turtle nesting beaches. After a 3-hour sail from Mackay to Goldsmith on Wild Mob’s catamaran Wild Cat and a lunch of fresh veggie wraps, the first afternoon is dedicated to finding our feet at setting up camp.

We each find a spot along the beach to pitch our tents and swags (all provided by the Wild Mob crew). We return to Wild Cat at dusk for sundowners, “refreshing beverages consumed on the back of a vessel at sun set” our Skipper Steve announces in an official tone. We enjoy cheese, dips, beers and wines as the sun drops behind the neighbouring islands. It becomes a daily ritual. The next day, we get stuck into the weeds. We're attacking periwinkle, poinsettia and rhoea, all garden escapees wreaking havoc on the critically endangered littoral rainforest here.

Our project leader Derek explains why these island ecosystems are so important, and efficient, to protect. In Australia, islands make up about 1% of the total land mass, but a whopping 40% of coastal ecosystems. Islands also support more than 35% of threatened species listed under the Commonwealth’s Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act. “Importantly we can undertake management actions on islands that are simply not possible on the mainland, such as

eradication of weeds and feral animals. We can also effectively stop new pests arriving on islands by adopting sound biosecurity arrangements,” says Derek. You’re working small and targeted, but you’re achieving big results.

Cumberland marine debris clean up

By the end of the week, we’ve amassed two HUGE stockpiles of rhoea weed for disposal, and documented the management area on GPS so the next group can pick up where we left off.

We settle into the classic Wild Mob trip routine: Hearty breakfast on Wild Cat, morning conservation work, relaxing and exploring the stunning surrounds afternoons, sundowners, dinner, a sound sleep, and repeat. Midweek, we hike over the saddle of Goldsmith Island, enjoying the glorious views from the summit. Derek fills us in on many of the plants and wildlife (mainly lizards and birds) we see along the way. We’re heading to Stingray Bay, to conduct marine debris clean up on some key turtle nesting sites. “When we first started

doing marine debris clean up on Goldsmith, we were literally waste-deep in plastic, dishwashers, thongs, you name it,” Derek tells us. The situation is much better these days, but we still haul out around four large bags of plastic, rope, bait bags, bottles, drums, a tyre and a ladder. We stockpile it above the tideline to be collected later down the track by other Wild Mob volunteers.

Cumberland Wild Mob bags

That night we’re treated to a Mexican Fiesta! Nachos, burritos, fresh salads and plenty of guacamole zoom out of the Wild Cat’s tiny kitchen, and we once again marvel at the culinary prowess of the crew! Four days whizz by, and on the final night Steve suggests we head to Brampton Island for some Saturday snorkelling. We sleep on the roof of the boat, an incredible experience that produces a much sounder sleep than you might think! After a morning of attacking some nasty sisal weeds on the Brampton foreshore, we take our snorkels and wetsuits

(provided by Wild Mob) and head out to the reefs under the watchful eye of Skipper Steve. Poor water quality has killed much of the reef around the Great Barrier Reef islands, but there are still a few spots to visit. It’s a final reminder of the importance of protecting these incredible places, and how we all need to do our part.

Camilla Wagstaff Communications Manager, Wildmob

March 2018 23

FIVE REASONS DEFORESTATION MUST

END NOW Here are just five reasons deforestation must end now in Queensland—there are many more. 1 45 million native animals are killed every year as a result

of deforestation in Queensland alone[1]. The loss of habitat and impact on iconic threatened critters—such as the koala—is too great.

2 One third of all deforestation in Queensland occurs in Great

Barrier Reef catchments[2]. This means more erosion and more muddy and polluted water entering the already-struggling reef—which must stop.

3 Greenhouse gas emissions from deforestation are

beginning to climb[3]. Many trees are left to rot or are

burnt, which releases millions of tonnes of CO2,

contributing to dangerous climate change.

4 Deforestation is destroying some of Queensland's last

remaining virgin forests and bushland[4]. Once it's gone,

it's gone forever.

5 Queensland had made the top 10 global deforestation

hotspots[5].

The bottom line: Deforestation must end in Queensland this year!

Last year an alliance of community organisations and

supporters convinced the Queensland Labor Government to promise new laws to fix the state's out of control rates of forest and bushland destruction. This year, it's time to push the Government to enact strong laws that end the destruction of remnant and high conservation value regrowth. The only way the Queensland Government can do this completely is by closing off loopholes like self-assessable codes and large areas of vegetation currently exempt from regulation. So depending on how the next few months go it could be a really fantastic environmental outcome or a job only half done.

We know that, right now, lobbyists are trying to water down Labor’s promise, haggling for loopholes. That's why we need to tell the Premier that we support stronger laws to protect Queensland’s forests and bushland, and the beautiful wildlife that call them home.

Can you give Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk’s office a call and let her know we want strong laws to stop the destruction of forest and bushland in Queensland. Every call sends a powerful message. It's very easy - here's the steps: 1 Make the call. The number is (07) 3719 7000. A friendly

staffer will pick up the phone. 2 Tell the staff in the Premier’s office who you are, where you

live, and the top two reasons you want to see strong laws

to end deforestation (see some examples above)—be

respectful :)

Together we can end this deforestation crisis. Gemma Plesman Wilderness Society Queensland Campaign Manager

References

[1] WWF-Australia, 2017. Australian animals lost to bulldozers in Queensland

2013-15.

[2] Queensland Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation.

2017. Land cover change in Queensland 2015–16: a Statewide Landcover and Trees Study (SLATS) report.

[3] Queensland Government Media Statement, October 5th 2017. Excessive tree

clearing skyrockets due to LNP.

[4] Department of Environment and Energy, 2017. Australia State of the

Environment 2016 - Biodiversity report. [5] WWF-International, 2015. Living Forests Report (Chapter 5: Saving Forests

at Risk).

HAVE YOU BEEN WORKING ON THE ENVIRONMENT? Share your story and photos in Warbler. Articles to Peter Crane, editor

24 Warbler

THE CLASSROOM

THE NEW SCHOOL YEAR HAS STARTED – CAN YOU HELP WITH OUR SCHOOLS PROGRAM? As part of our work in the Joint BQ/BSQ Education Committee, we have made connections with a number of schools in the Greater Brisbane area. The Committee is involved again in a VET course at a High School starting mid-February. There is also a 50 minute presentation/workshop scheduled at the (STAQ) Primary School Science Teachers Conference on March 10th. This is expected to prompt a few requests for help as was the case last year.

Work continues on a special Website to further promote this initiative. We are now making contact with schools outside this area, and have started compiling a list of birders throughout Queensland who would be willing to: 1 conduct occasional surveys of birds near their local schools. 2 accompany teachers and students on occasional local birdwatching walks.

Buranda SS walk

Should these enjoyable activities sound like a good way to promote bird conservation in your area please provide us with your name and the names of nearby primary and secondary schools. If you are not familiar with the names of local schools, please send us your postcode so that we can match you with local schools as requests come in.

If you feel you need more information, please contact a member of the Education Committee (see list below). Please note that under Queensland law, we are required to have a Blue Card for working with children, but these can easily be arranged through Birds Queensland. our motto : The students of today are the conservationists of tomorrow. Thank you for helping us to encourage the next generations of birdwatchers!

Val Catchpoole Marie Bermingham Neil Humphris Greg Nye Richard Noske

BIRD TRAILS OF COOLOOLA – 17 MARCH

COOLOOLA NATURE is a ‘Not for Profit’ entity operating in the Field of Environmental Education

17 March excursion – Full day Tag-along Excursion along a selection of western Bird Trail sites. Departing 7.00am from the Lake Alford car park adjacent to the Gympie Gold Mining and Historical Museum, (Brisbane Road entrance), returning to Gympie by 4.30pm.

Morning and Afternoon Tea provided, please bring your own lunch, drinks, tables and chairs. RSVP by 13 March Numbers limited to 12 for a more personalised experience 4wd or high clearance vehicles are recommended, please carpool where able. Walking Conditions are easy to moderate. Fee of $10.00 per person, (payable on the day), is required to cover the cost of fuel and catering. Donations to Cooloola Nature would be much appreciated, and

will assist us in the continuation of our Educational Activities. To fulfill Public Liability requirements, and personal safety, all participants should wear a hat, long-sleeved shirt, jeans/long pants, covered footwear and insect repellent and sunscreen. Please also read The Ethics of Birdwatching and Other Aspects

Scarlet Honeyeater (Amelia Nielsen)

Kelvin & Amelia Nielsen Cooloola Nature Cooloola Nature - Educating youth and the general public in the care and appreciation of our environment, instilling in them a community awareness and appreciation of our natural world!

March 2018 25

THE BIRDS AND THE MOTHS; LIVING AND

LEARNING

A young bloke from up the road who gives me a hand around the Nature Refuge said to me that he had seen a Hummingbird. I told him there were no Hummingbirds in Australia. He replied that his father had said the same, but more forcefully. He described this creature as being grey greenish in the evening light and about 30 mm in length, flitting from flower to flower and hovering at each flower. This really puzzled me as he has bush craft and is a keen observer; his hobby is collecting old bottles, and this takes him to some

exotic local locations. I suggested it might have been a micro bat and we got out the books and Google. Clearly what he had seen was much smaller than the common Ruby-throated Hummingbird of North America, the only one I am familiar with. A few days later in an evening shower there was something like a large insect flitting from flower to flower on the Hoya Vine at the back of our home, and hovering at each flower. Sol managed to get a photo of it, despite the poor light and movement of the subject. Google revealed it to be a Hummingbird Hawk Moth, of which there are several species

in Australia. Others had been fooled by these creatures and had gone to great lengths to establish their identity.

Moral of the story: some of us think we know it all, but we don’t, there is so much more to learn from those around us, and observing Nature. Tim Thornton The Point Nature Refuge

ARE YOU INTERACTING WITH THE NEXT GENERATION OF BIRDWATCHERS? Share your story and photos in Warbler. Articles to Peter Crane, editor

LORIKEETS LEAF SALAD

Whilst conducting bird surveys out west of Stanthorpe recently we retired each evening to the old homestead for data compilation and meals. Outside in the old orchard within a good view were Peach and Apricot trees. The trees were covered in new leaves particularly the Apricots.

Each evening a number of Rainbow and Scaly breasted Lorikeets descended on the Apricots and would proceed to devour leaves in mouthfuls with much excitement.

Rainbow Lorikeet, Scaly-breasted Lorikeet (Neil Humphris)

Although we were not aware of such behaviour at the time I have since been told of similar activities by similar species.

However it doesn’t appear to be a common behaviour. Neil Humphris

26 Warbler

THE DARKROOM Birdlife Photography Special Interest group has an extensive library of bird images supplied by its members, many of which are kindly offered to Birdlife, conservation groups and suitable non-profit organisations for use with the appropriate recognition. To ensure that we have a good database to select

from, we often review the images to ensure they meet a minimum standard. The first question we ask is, “Is it in focus?” Now it doesn’t matter whether you are using a simple point and shoot or a professional telephoto lens that can pick out the goose bumps on a snowman, if the image is not in focus it simply isn’t a good image and no amount of post-processing is going to change that. After recently reviewing the database at least half of the pictures rejected were simply because they were not in focus, so I thought it would be worth putting down a few points on focus to think about that are applicable for all cameras and shooting skills. Yes, there are many others, some of them quite fancy, but these are simple,

easy to do and can make a big difference in the first step to capturing a quality image. Use single point focus. Even basic cameras boast 30 or more focus points in autofocus mode. This is great if you are taking landscapes, portraits, etc. The brain inside your camera looks at all those focus points and tries to average out over the area of interest the majority of the image that will be in focus and then selects appropriate points to be the focus region. When trying to shoot a bird in a tree, though you may have it in the middle of the viewfinder, all of those branches around the

outside of it may appear to the camera to be the better option. So, when you get home to look at that next prize-winning entry it turns out you will be entering the botanical competition rather than the birdlife photography competition (unabashed plug here). By changing your camera to a single focus point setting the camera concentrates (only) on the centre point of your image.

On autofocus the camera was distracted by the foliage around this Lewins

Honeyeater.

But trees get blown around by the breeze and leaves and twigs

move in and out of the viewing field or our bird is buried in the middle of that bush and the camera just will not focus on it, that motor whirring away continuously as it moves the focusing in and out until one of you gives in. Learn how to set your camera to manual. There is a skill set needed in taking a manual picture, especially for active birds, but with a little practise you will find yourself switching over more and more. DSLR’s have a switch on the side of the lens or camera body which you can flick to have full control over the focus ring on the lens.

On smaller cameras it may be a function button that you can set in the menu. I know we have all read the manuals for our cameras and can find this at a drop of a hat but for the more visual learners search the internet thingy and you will more than likely find a video or list of instructions on how to do this for your make and model. This will let you work your way through the branches and maybe get that once-in-a-lifetime bird. This also works well for small birds on wire fences where there is not enough detail for the camera to lock onto.

With single point focus and manual control there is a much better chance of

capturing a detailed shot of the bird.

The other thing that I find a lot of people are not aware of is that a lot of cameras have a dioptric adjustment on the view finder. A what? Well if you are starting to grey a little around the edges as I am (in a very handsome way I should mention) then you may find your eye sight is adjusting. Just like you have the lenses in your glasses adjusted for the variation in your eyes, a lot of cameras have a dial located next to the view finder which allows you to compensate for this as well, so you get a clear image. Put your camera on something stable, such as a tripod or table. Focus on a large, preferably flat object with some detail and then look through the view finder and

with a little contortion adjust the dial until the image looks crystal clear. This will help immensely with manual focus.

Dioptric adjustment location on a Nikon D7000

So even if you do these few simple tricks, which require little technical skill and are suitable for any level of shooter, on any camera, hopefully you will be one step closer to getting that ultimate shot. And remember the first rule of being a

photographer - bring a camera. Rodney Appleby

March 2018 27

TRANSITION FROM IBA TO KBA We don’t like change, do we? I can hear the sighs of exasperation now. Yes, BirdLife International, and thus BirdLife Australia, is changing how we identify our most important areas for biodiversity, just when you were getting your head around the Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas

program. It may come as a surprise, but IBAs have been around in their current form for quite some time. The first directory was compiled as far back as the late 1980s and the Australian network was formalised in 2008. The challenge of conserving biodiversity is as pressing as ever, but always changing at the same time. It makes sense that the way we identify the areas most in need of attention and protection should also change and adapt with the times. So, here we will outline where BirdLife is going with the KBAs and how they build on the momentum already gained through the IBA program.

What are IBAs and KBAs? IBAs = Important Bird and Bioderversity Areas KBAs = Key Biodiversity Areas Why is BirdLife Australia transitioning from IBAs to KBAs? In September 2016 BirdLife International on behalf of BirdLife Australia and 120 other bird conservation NGOs world-wide signed up to a partnership of 11 leading, global conservation organisations with the aim to map, monitor and conserve the most important places for life on earth. These places are referred to as KBAs (Key Biodiversity Areas). Much like IBAs

they are defined per rigorous scientific criteria (many overlapping with IBA criteria). Importantly they also align with criteria set in many international treaties e.g. the Convention for Biological Diversity. Thus, KBAs are likely to become the new global standard for government led area conservation. This and the backing by 11 global conservation NGOs makes KBAs a powerful advocacy tool in Australia that BirdLife Australia is eager to use.

How are KBAs identified? The KBAs are identified through the application of 11 criteria, grouped into five categories. The five categories are:

threatened biodiversity, geographically restricted biodiversity, ecological integrity, biological processes, and, irreplaceability. Criteria can be applied to species or ecosystems across diverse biomes; including terrestrial, freshwater and marine systems. Are all of Australia’s IBAs also KBAs? Over 95% of Australia’s IBAs qualify for KBA status based on the threatened bird species and numbers occurring there. The remaining IBAs are currently assessed for other threatened taxa occurring in them.

How many KBAs are there in Australia? Apart from Australia’s 315 IBAs only 18 other sites potentially qualifying for KBAs have been identified by the Alliance for Zero Extinction, however, 11 of these lie within IBAs. This illustrates the value of IBAs supporting biodiversity in general.

As analyses progress more KBAs for birds and other species are likely to be identified. What changes for my on-ground work in practice? There is very little change in practice as 1) The KBA program was largely modelled on the IBA program and 2) Many people active in KBAs already approach their conservation work in the way it is envisioned by the program, community-based, across taxa and with a whole of habitat focus. Now, you have more reasons to talk to friends of groups or frog experts etc. Will the Health-check change?

We are not planning to change the Easter Health-check anytime soon. As the program grows, however, and we receive more feedback from KBA Guardians small additions or changes are likely to make it more useful. Should I still do bird surveys in KBAs? Absolutely - yes! BirdLife Australia is setting an increasing number of ‘Shared surveys’ where we ask people to conduct regular standardized surveys, e.g. 20 min 2 ha surveys or 500 m area searches. If you are interested in setting up a ‘Shared Site’ please contact Golo Maurer.

Do you still have questions? Visit - Key Biodiversity Areas or email - Golo Maurer Golo Maurer and Rochelle Steven Southern Queensland KBAs 1 Bunya Mountains & Yarraman 2 Conondale Range 3 Moreton Bay & Pumicestone Passage 4 Tamborine Mountain 5 Scenic Rim

6 Cooloola & Fraser Coast 7 Great Sandy Strait 8 Traprock 9 Palmgrove 10 Paroo Floodplain & Currawinya 11 Lake Bindegolly 12 Bulloo Floodplain 13 Lake Yamma Yamma 14 Cooper Floodplain below Windorah 15 Diamantina Floodplain 16 Lake Machattie Area 17 Lake Muncoonie, Mumbleberry & Torquinie

18 Simpson Desert

HAVE YOU VISITED OUR KBAS? Share your story in Warbler - articles to Peter Crane, editor

28 Warbler

DIAMANTINA FLOODPLAIN KBA This issue of Warbler, we take a look at another channel country Key Biodiversity Area – Diamantina Floodplain. The channel country really is the network that connects us to the southern states. When the monsoon trough really kicks in to gear and dumps big falls in Central Queensland, it is the

channel country that provides the network that carries that water into the Murray-Darling System all the way down through the Lake Eyre system and ultimately into the Coorong. What an amazing country we live in! It blows my mind every time I visit somewhere new. The Diamantina Floodplain KBA is huge - 342,471 hectares in fact. Situated in the south west of the state, the KBA lies east of Birdsville and west of Windorah comprising channels, swamps and an extensive floodplain. Its status as a KBA is supported by the site’s importance as a breeding area for birds, with eight waterbird breeding colonies present at times

of favourable environmental conditions. The wetlands present in the Diamantina are almost exclusively ephemeral. Once inundated, they can stay flooded for anywhere between a few weeks to more than six months. This provides numerous species of waterbird with extremely valuable breeding habitat during times of drought. Two species that met the IBA criteria at the time of designation utilise the site as breeding habitat; Royal Spoonbill (Platalea regia) and Rufous Night-heron (Nycticorax caledonicus). These two species alone have been recorded in numbers exceeding 23,000 pairs. Additionally, the Diamantina Floodplain KBA is utilised as foraging habitat by

several other trigger bird species, including: Australian Bustard, Inland Dotterel, Little Curlew, Grey Grasswren and Pied Honeyeater.

Rufous Night-Heron (Rochelle Steven)

As far back as 2000, the site was recorded as supporting over 450,000 birds during a big inundation period. As staggering as these numbers are, they do not occur on a regular basis.

Among the species recorded in such large numbers are Great Egrets. It is thought the numbers of this species breeding in the KBA are the largest recorded anywhere in Australia. That must be a truly impressive sight, given they are a rather large bird and being all white would no doubt stand out as a striking contrast against the outback backdrop. Much of the KBA is under agricultural and pastoral ownership and leases. As a result, the practices associated with these land uses are recognised as threats to the biodiversity present at the site. Altered hydrology is also a listed threatening process in the Diamantina, as with much of the greater

Murray-Darling tributary system.

Great Egret (Peter Crane)

Finally, poor fire management practices also pose a threat to the birds and biodiversity in the KBA, with numerous species living in the channel country relying on vegetation types for

breeding that are significantly impacted by inappropriate fire regimes. Despite these threatening processes, the biodiversity values of the KBA are still significant and likely to deliver a fantastic outback birding experience. The trigger species are one attraction, but so too are the usual ‘outback’ suspects to be found in the area. Eyrean Grasswrens, Rufous-crowned Emu-wrens and Gibberbirds are always a sought after selection in the Outback. Perhaps even more exciting is the prospect of seeing all three Chat species (Yellow, Crimson and Orange); even though the Yellow Chat is especially rare.

Gibberbird (Peter Crane)

In terms of places to base yourself to explore this part of the world, the bustling metropolis of Birdsville is probably your best bet! It is still more than a hop, skip and a jump to the KBA, where I think your best birding will be had roadside along the Birdsville Developmental Road (Road Number 14). Of course, to explore this kind of landscape, you need to have the

right kind of transport and gear. However, after my own Outback experience doing the Oodnadatta track, I can attest to it being well worth it. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your Outback adventure now, and be sure to include the amazing Diamantina Floodplain KBA in your list of places to visit. Why not do some quick 20-minute bird surveys for upload to the Birdata Portal while you are on your travels. Then you are making your birding really count! As always, don’t forget to tell the locals why you have come to be in their neck of the woods too. Happy birding!

Dr Rochelle Steven

March 2018 29

OVER THE BORDER – FROM THE DRIEST

STATE Birding the Fleurieu Peninsula Over the holiday period in Adelaide many people head south down the Fleurieu Peninsula for the cooler weather and great beaches and it’s a good opportunity to do some coastal birding, especially with so many migratory waders around. A diversity of habitats in the area offer an interesting variety of species. Taking the Southern Expressway soon gets you to Noarlunga where you pass over the Onkaparinga River. It’s worth a stop

here as there are resident Nankeen Night Herons that roost in the Pine trees on the periphery of the eastern side of the park. There is also a good chance of seeing Peregrine Falcon perched in the cliffs beside the river. They have nested there for many years. On the western side of the highway is an extensive wetland with a good suite of water birds and woodland birds such as honeyeaters, Crested Shrike-tit, cuckoos etc. Heading south again take the turn off to Victor Harbor and pass through McLaren Vale, or maybe stop and sample some wines! The road narrows and passes through Mount Compass which is well worth a stop to explore the unique Fleurieu Swamps.

These hold many endangered plants and animals. There is a boardwalk and interpretive trail opposite the school on the western side and another on the eastern side behind the supermarket. There’s a very good chance of encountering Southern Emu-wren and Lewin’s Rail if you happen to strike a still day. From there you can head to Victor Harbor, the main coastal town and the best place from which to access many good birding sites. As you come in on the outskirts there is Flora Reserve, Nangawooka, that is full of native plants and features an excellent bird hide with a small pond in front. It’s a

wonderful place to spend some time watching birds up close while they come in to drink and bathe. To see the variety of species which come in there go to Australian Birds for an 18 minute film we made featuring 22 of the local species. An excellent field guide for the Fleurieu is ‘Fleurieu Birds’ by Peter Gower with photos and descriptions of every species you are likely to encounter and all the best sites. There are many nearby scrubs and conservation parks which are full of honeyeaters including Crescent, Tawny-crowned, Yellow-faced. New Holland, Brown-headed and sometimes

Black-chinned. Large populations of Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoos favour the area and often fly overhead. Cox Scrub is the best place to look for Chestnut-rumped Heathwren and Beautiful Firetail. All along that part of the coast, which is alive with Singing Honeyeaters, there are breeding pairs of Hooded Plovers at the river mouths. Strenuous efforts are being made to keep the chicks safe, although it’s a tough battle against holidaying humans, off-leash dogs and feral cats, but you stand a pretty good chance of catching up with these charismatic little plovers if you look around the signed beach areas. Pacific Gulls, locally

known as ‘Butcher Gulls’ because of their large, red-tipped beaks are common along the beach, as well as Crested, Lesser Crested and Caspian Terns. Gannets can occasionally be seen diving into the waters around Granite Island and on windier days there is good ocean watching for pelagic birds from Newland Head.

Hooded Plover, Ruff at Tolderol, Long-toed Stint at Tolderol (Peter Mackenzie)

Black-shouldered Kites and Nankeen Kestrels are very

common raptors along the foreshore and farmlands, and Brown Falcons and Wedge-tailed Eagles are often spotted inland. If you walk or take the horse-drawn tram across the causeway to Granite Island there is a good chance of seeing one or two of the Buff-banded Rails which scurry around the paths or a covey of Brown Quail emerging from a bush. Little Penguins nest there and come in from feeding in the evening, but unfortunately their numbers have been drastically reduced in the past few years and the delightful sight of them climbing from the sea up almost vertical rocks to their nest sites is, alas,

no longer free. You now have to pay to go on a tour to see them.

30 Warbler

Pectoral Sandpiper, Oriental Pratincole (Greg Dare)

Travelling east along the coast will take you through very picturesque Port Elliot (great bakery) and on to Goolwa, which is situated at the mouth of the Murray River at the start of the Coorong.

This is a wonderful place in summer for migratory waders. As you drive south on Barrage Road there is a chance of Crakes, Rails and Snipe in the reeds along the edge.

Beyond the barrage which controls the water flows there are extensive mudflats at low tide and you can enjoy close views of hundreds of sandpipers, plovers, and waders such as Stilts, Avocets, Egrets and of course the Pelicans, along with Ducks, Cormorants and Terns, sometimes including Little and Fairy Terns. Beacon 19 is a good viewing spot as there is a small island only a few metres away which is a haunt of many of these species. We have watched a Lewin’s Rail bathing here in the midday sun! From the boat ramp at the end of this road there is a track across the sandhills to Goolwa beach or you can access it in

your four wheel drive vehicle and there are nearly always Pied and Sooty Oystercatchers along the tide line. From the township of Goolwa you can drive across a bridge onto Hindmarsh Island which gives access to the Murray mouth from the other side. In the paddocks in summer there are usually flocks of Cape Barren Geese, and Rock Parrots often feed on the sandhills near the Murray Mouth Lookout which is also a good spot for White-fronted Chat. A fifty minute drive further east between Milang and Wellington is Tolderol Game Reserve on the shores of Lake

Alexandrina. There are seventeen ponds, some of which are flooded, and extensive areas of sedge, samphire and reeds which support an exciting variety of birds. There are often huge flocks of waders and ducks in summer which make a spectacular sight if a passing raptor such as Swamp Harrier, Hobby or Black Falcon puts them up. As well as the more common Sharp-tailed and Curlew Sandpipers, Red-kneed Dotterels, Red-necked Stints, Red-capped Plovers, Whiskered and Caspian Terns, it attracts all three Ibis species, Egrets, Spoonbills and less common species

which come from inland areas in the hotter weather. On a recent trip there we saw Banded Lapwing, Long-toed Stint, Pectoral Sandpiper, Ruff, White-winged Black Tern and two Oriental Pratincoles. The reed beds are full of Australian Reed Warblers, Golden-headed Cisticolas, Little Grassbirds and Spotted, Spotless and Baillon’s Crake can sometimes be seen on the muddy pond margins. White-fronted Chat is common in the samphire and Elegant Parrots like to feed there. There are also plenty of Red-bellied Black and Eastern Brown Snakes, so be careful where you tread!

Alana Dare

WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN? Your short tours are of interest to other readers. Draft an article to share with other members. Articles to Peter Crane, editor

March 2018 31

OVER THE WATER – A THAI DISH Birding Green

Mention green, and various ideas immediately come to mind. Some people are said to look to green when they feel unwell.

Beginners are often called green due to their lack of experience and maturity in a particular field. Envy is also associated with green, something that birders and bird photographers feel when their counterparts produce records of elusive species. On a more positive note, being green is associated with showing care and concern for the environment. Such people are often labelled as greenies by those who wish to exploit the natural environment. And at times we hear of birds that are called greenies, but this is normally due to their colour. Lorikeets, in Australia, are often given the name, “greeny”. In Thailand, where I live, lorikeets are not naturally found, and

there are very few parrots. Perhaps the closest species to lorikeets is the Vernal Hanging Parrot, a tiny species with a high pitched call not unlike a small lorikeet, often heard flying swiftly across the sky between trees. It’s also predominately green. Of course there are other groups of birds in Thailand that are mostly green. Leafbirds, for example are mostly green birds that spend most of their time among the green leaves of forest. They even

share the genus name of Chloropsis. Four species are found in Thailand if you look hard enough among the green leaves. Another larger group of birds that have a lot of green are the barbets. This group of fruit eating birds are related to woodpeckers, and excavate their own next hollows as woodpeckers do. Fourteen species of barbets can be found in Thailand. One of the most common is the Coppersmith Barbet. This small barbet is a stunningly beautiful bird when seen in full sunlight on an exposed branch of a tree. There is also a group of green pigeons that like eating fruit like

their Australian cousins. They can sometimes be seen, with some difficulty, foraging in fruiting trees with barbets and leafbirds. Green Imperial Pigeons can also be found in Thailand. There are several other groups of birds that have green individuals, such as Green Magpie, Green Cochoa, Green Iora, Green Broadbill and Green Peacock. Some of the woodpeckers are green, as are Long-tailed Broadbills and many bee-eaters. Well I hope you are not beginning to feel green from reading

about green birds in Thailand, whether it’s green around the gills, or with green with envy. If you haven’t been to Thailand you would almost certainly feel a bit green among all the unfamiliar green birds that can be seen here. And I do hope that you are one of those people who likes to be green, and who tries to protect the environment that we share with birds, especially the green ones. Barry Heinrich

Orange-bellied Leafbird, Green-eared Barbet, Green Inperial Pigeon, Green Bee-

eater (Barry Heinrich)

32 Warbler

THE BOOK CORNER

GRASSWRENS – AUSTRALIAN OUTBACK IDENTITIES – ANDREW BLACK AND PETER

GOWER BOOK REVIEW – Gil Porter Axiom 2017 – Hard cover - 153 pages, 210 x 297 mm – ISBN 9781864768213, Available from Peter Gower - $45 plus $15 p&p – Bank details from Peter Gower

Both Andrew Black and Peter Gower are long time active committed conservationists. Andrew’s interest in research of Grasswrens has brought this book forth coupled with images

of Grasswrens and habitat as selected by Peter. The book is printed on gloss paper that presents the images in great detail. And there are many full and half page illustrations of the Grasswrens as well as those showing the type of habitat these birds prefer. The book presents information gathered from many sources – noted at the end of some of the chapters as well as a comprehensive bibliography and other publications at the end of the book. There are five tables presenting useful information on Species and subspecies, naming of Grasswren species over

time, collectors of specimens, habitats of Grasswrens, and conservation status. In addition there are tables for Grasswren Phylogeny and dimensions of Grasswren eggs.

This book is a must have for those with a keen interest in Grasswrens and in particular if planning to see them. Andrew has organised 11 chapters to cover each species. In addition to overall comments, there are useful maps with location of expected distribution of species and/or subspecies with location area on a small map of Australia. These also have main town and/or property locations as well, where appropriate. These chapters are at the core of the book’s purpose. Andrew points out that there are large gaps in the information that calls for further research. Despite this, this book is a timely and valuable resource. The many really great illustrations show the Grasswrens in detail with the differences

that identify each species. Significant chapters also are on Voice (chapter 15) with comments on the calls of the various species and caution on using available recordings to call up species. A helpful chapter (16) on nests and eggs on research done so far, and an assessment of threats and conservation (17) rounds out the information. The final chapter (18) – A Photographer’s View - gives Peter Gower’s helpful comments on appropriate gear he has found suits the conditions in taking photos of this cryptic and elusive species. He emphasizes the need for long lenses but this must be balanced with the weight for the unavoidable

long walks involved when searching for these birds!

Striated Grasswren (Peter Gower)

I believe that those with an interest in our Grasswrens and in particular those who want to visit the areas and also to assist in further research, will want to add this book to their library. Gil Porter

March 2018 33

THE WONDER OF BIRDS – WHAT THEY TELL

US ABOUT OURSELVES, THE WORLD, AND A BETTER FUTURE – JIM ROBBINS BOOK REVIEW – Gil Porter Black Inc – 2017 – Paperback, 333 pages – 253 x 153 mm – $34.99 – ISBN 9781863959841 – available from Dymocks.

Jim Robbins has written for The New York Times for more than thirty-five years and this is his sixth book. It has drawn accolades from many, including Robert F. Kennedy Jr who said “Using enchanting stories and rich historical references, Jim Robbins explores the role of birds in the evolution of human self-awareness.” And from Michael Punke – author for New York Times who said “The Wonder of Birds provides a great and well-timed gift: a portrait of the quiet miracles around us each day of our ordinary lives. By sharing his perspective and insights, Robbins reminds us to slow down and to appreciate – and ultimately, to protect – a natural world that is essential for

both our physical and spiritual well-being.” His opening words in the Preface sets the stage for this book. “No wild animal lives so freely and in such variety and numbers among humans as do birds. For that reason alone, our relationship to them is unlike our connection to any other wild creature.” He writes passionately with facts and insight that informs, enthuses and challenges, making this a book that I found stimulating and a pleasure to read.

The chapters are organised around four parts - Part One – What Birds Tell Us About the Natural World. The four chapters are - Birds: The Dinosaurs That Made It; Hummingbirds: The Magic of Flight; Canaries and Black-backed Woodpeckers – Birds as Flying Sentinels; and A Murmuring of Birds – The Extraordinary Design of the Flock. Part Two – The Gifts of Birds with five chapters – The Power of a Feather; From Egg to Table – part one – the Chicken and part two – Wild Birds; The Miracle of Guano; and Nature’s Cleanup Crew. Part Three – Discovering Ourselves Through Birds, with five chapters – Bird Brain, Human Brain; The Surprisingly Astute Minds of Ravens and Crows; The Secret Language of Birds; The Bee-

eaters – A Modern Family; Extreme Physiologies – Birds, the Ultimate Athletes. Part Four – Birds and the Hope for a Better Future with six chapters. Nature’s Hired Men – Putting Birds to Work; The City Bird – from Sidewalk to Sky; The Transformational Power of Birds; Birds as Social Workers; Expanding Our Senses; and the Epilogue – The Future of Birds.

Each chapter is supported by the selected Bibliography at the end of the book- just before the index. Most of the illustrations are based on USA birds, but instances from other countries include Australia. You may be aware of much of the data that Robbins uses in his text. It may be in a different context however and allows a fresh look for you to consider. One of the things that struck me was the comment that birds have grown and developed over many millennia and that includes time with humans in various cultures. In more recent times many have lost that closeness with birds in nature as the urban

scene is a major and normal lifestyle now for so many. Even so, birds are adapting to that. However, much more research is needed to establish the important links with our birds. There is still much to learn from them that could enhance our lives. Robbins points out that the links we have with birds are important for them and us as well and are affecting how well we manage the overall environment that is crucial to the survival of all species. I found the chapters in Part Four especially challenging. Examples of what can be and in many cases is being done in

some circumstances. In particular the last two chapters were very thought provoking I found. Not surprisingly, the final chapter that looks at the future brings it all together. Robbins says “ It’s time to let birds be our guides on a journey back to the natural world, toward a Great Remembering, to counter what the writer Daniel Quinn called ‘the Great Forgetting’. We are creatures of nature, who have evolved over thousands of years in its midst, and today we are suffering greatly because we have separated from it.” Gil Porter

34 Warbler

SHOREBIRDS IN ACTION – AN INTRODUCTION TO WADERS AND THEIR BEHAVIOUR – RICHARD CHANDLER BOOK REVIEW – Gil Porter Whittles Publishing (Scotland) - paperback 256 pages - 226 x 210 x 14.99 mm – $57.99 – ISBN 9781849953559 – Available Dymocks or Booktopia.

Are you one of those who have joined an SIG (Special Interest Group) for Shorebirds? Or maybe you have thought about joining one but were daunted by the ability to identify the

birds. If so, you could benefit from this book by Richard Chandler. He points out that this is not a bird ID book but it is one that can be a useful additional reference. There are over 400 colour photographs covering 180 (around 80%) of the world’s 226 species. Chandler says, “The intention here is to describe and illustrate aspects of shorebird behaviour.” He combines the information interestingly with appropriate photos. Nearly every page has one or more photos. Following a few pages for the Introduction leads into chapter one – “Introducing the Cast – the shorebird species”. Photos

and brief comment on each species helps set the stage. This is the biggest chapter in the book with 66 pages. Chapter two is “Dressing for the Occasion – Shorebird Plumages and Moults.” A lot of great information is shared here with the plumage cycle for species and their needs including age, breeding and migration. At the end of the chapter a Table on page 90 organises the information. Next comes that vital chapter (3) – “Food Glorious Food – Shorebird Feeding and Feeding Mechanics.” This has lots of specifics on the species – type of foods, where found and how the birds hunt for and collect the food, using where so

equipped, their flexible bill. I found a lot about these species that I was not aware of in my more casual and occasional only experiences with most of the shorebirds. The next chapter (4) is entitled “ When ah Itchez ah Scratchez! – Plumage Maintenance and Shorebird Physiology.” This covers bathing, preening, waterproofing, and getting rid of surplus salt. Chapter five covers “This is My Patch – Shorebird Breeding and Territorial Behaviour. The various mating systems found in shorebirds have an impact on many aspects.

A Table (2) on page 175 outlines some of these. Many of the communal nesting territories are minimal being the areas immediately surrounding the nest. So protective action tends to be only beak thrust distances! Protective strategies include the well-known “broken wing” attempts to lure any threat away. Newly hatched chicks of most species have pretty effective camouflage. Chapter six – “In August, go he must – Shorebird migration” covers the long distance movements of most of the shorebird species with record distances covered in relatively short time frames. The strategies cover preparation, flight hops to the

next refueling feeding station and eventual arrival to or from the destination for breeding or non-breeding periods. Lots of information has been possible with the advent of lightweight computer GPS systems. Recent problems with the disappearance of long time feeding areas on the migration flyways have impacted on the drop in some species to concerning numbers. Chapter seven is allied to the previous chapter in discussing “Safety in Numbers – Shorebird Flocking, Roosting and Predator Avoidance.” At times shorebird flocks are large enough to form murmurations similar to other species. The

final few pages of the book cover an appendix table of the IOC list of Charadriformes and an Index. Each chapter ends with pertinent references applicable to the chapter.

Eurasian Oystercatcher, eastern race osculans pair, female left and male right,

South Korea, early May; Chestnut-banded Plover, South Africa, early November

(Richard Chandler)

I found a lot of information on this group of birds that I was not aware of. As already stated, I have not focused personally on this group of birds. Those who have taken a special interest in shorebirds may be aware of many of the observations, but I believe will still find interest in treatment of the whole shorebirds group that warrants investing in this book.

Gil Porter

March 2018 35

CALL OF THE REED WARBLER – CHARLES

MASSY BOOK REVIEW – Gil Porter

University Queensland Press - September 2017 – Paperback

592 pages, 152 x 227 mm – $39.95 – ISBN 9780702253416

This is an unusual book to find in our book reviews on birding matters. Charles Massy manages his grazing property in the Monaro area, southern NSW. He gained his BSc (1976) and later, his PhD in Human Ecology at the ANU. He is an unusual person who has studied at university, researched and written about Australian conditions and the special needs of this ancient

land. He has authored several books on the Australian sheep industry as well as being a member/chair/director on many national and international review panels on sheep and wool research and industry for which he was awarded an Order of Australia. Massy has visited many other countries to gain knowledge of successful practices in land management. Many others have been involved with him in following his strategies to improve the farming landscape by working with Australian conditions that are very different from the high rainfall areas of northern hemisphere UK and Europe etc. Essentially he has applied new strategies to work with

Australian soil and plant needs to reinvigorate and restore our landscape from desolation to the delightful natural character of our bushland.

In doing so he found that such restoration brings back wildlife – mammals, birds, reptiles, insects and bacteria – all life-generating organisms to our soils that brought him at one point to hear a Reed Warbler where none had been heard for many years. This gave rise to the title of this book. I found my interest was taken in his description about the transformation of the environment that brought with it the restoration of wildlife that previously occupied the areas before the changes that were made by earlier pioneer’s inappropriate farming practices. Massy found that those on the land need new strategies of

management to bring life through critical conditions as noted in his book. He gives many anecdotal and case history outcomes to back up his assertions. He includes working with knowledge gleaned from the experience of some aboriginals from the areas being changed. The areas he looks at in restoring the countryside are set out in the parts and chapters covered in his book. The broad scope of these is contained in the following chapters. Part One – Into the Anthropocene - A Gondwanan Ark and Emergence of the Mechanical Mind. Part Two – Regenerating the Five Landscape Functions -- Solar-Energy; the Water

Cycle; the Soil-Mineral Cycle; Dynamic Ecosystems; and the role of Human-Social aspects. Each of these areas has sub chapters exploring the subject and how the principles are applied to Australian landscapes successfully. The final part – Transforming Ourselves – Transforming Earth has five chapters exploring meanings relevant to Massy in this book for success. They are – The Big Picture: Co-Creating with Landscapes; Transforming Ourselves; Healing Earth; Healing Ourselves; Towards an Emergent Future. Following the final chapter you will find 28 pages for the Bibliography, 16 pages of Notes and References and 12 pages for the Index.

I have never been a farmer but I lived my first 17 years in a farming community in the mid north of South Australia with near neighbours one or two miles away. I read with interest even though I have no practical application for the principles spoken about. Our residence in a retirement village doesn’t have room for our own garden too. I did not read all of the nearly 600 pages but did read around 400 pages including the final 140 pages. I found interest in the deep appreciation of Massy and others he mentions in this book for engaging positively in the renewing techniques for the different farming needs on Australia’s ancient soils and bush landscape. In

particular he recognizes that unless the excessive land clearing is not halted and land management is not changed, Australia will suffer extinctions of many species and includes drastic outcomes for human life. Indeed, the same applies for many other countries of course. Perhaps some of our readers are or know of land managers who could benefit from reading this book and applying the methodology mentioned. There is hope that enough land managers will make the changes that will transform and rejuvenate our environment to the benefit of all those living in it, including us!

Gil Porter PS: I have now heard from a Sydney contact that the book has been through five reprints since September 2017. Further comment was that it is probably the fastest selling book on farming ever! Good reading. Gil

36 Warbler

THE BACK PAGE

BSQ AGM18 The BSQ AGM will be held immediately following the last conference session. Judith Hoyle OUTINGS

Enquire with Local Branch Convenors directly (email addresses on page 3) or see our events page for details. Gold Coast Branch Outing every Thursday: Meet at various locations in the region. Contact Beth Hall Rodney Appleby will be our Acting Local Branch Convenor, Brisbane South in Sandra Gallienne’s absence. Rodney has produced a time table of walks for the events page. Rodney will meet you at:

7am on Sunday 11 March at Eagleby Wetlands and 7am on Saturday 19 May at Berrinba Wetlands and 8am on Sunday 17 June at Henderson Rd Park, Jimboomba Rodney will be on Long Service Leave during April and asks if you could lead a walk during April

What do you call an Owl that drinks too much – an Owlcoholic!

EUNGELLA BIRD AND WILDLIFE WEEK

Eungella Bird and Wildlife Week returns for a second year of magic in the Queensland rainforest this September. After a highly successful first run in 2017, this year brings Eungella’s natural beauty front and centre, with daily wildlife walks offered alongside expert-guided birdwatching.

Azure Kingfisher (Barry Deacon)