Peltops Postcards

SPRING EQUINOX

2009-03-20T14:41:00.007Z

Spring is sprung the grass is riz, I wonder where the birdies iz?

The 2009 spring equinox fell on a Friday. Friday was a day of work. Work was where I was headed. In the preceding week the weather in southern Britain had been dominated by a high pressure system. This gave rise to clear nights resulting in a light frost followed by fine, sunny and warm days. Friday 20th March 2009 was no different. I ate breakfast looking out over the garden from the warmth of the kitchen and watched the frost dissipate as the sun slowly rose higher in the sky. The garden looks lovely at this time of year with daffodils flowering in the borders and the shrubs coming into leaf. Further evidence of spring was provided by two Eurasian Collared Doves canoodling on the garden fence, a Common Starling collecting a beakful of dried grasses and a female Common Blackbird tearing green vegetation from a flowering Aubretia and carrying it to a neighbour’s garden. Great Tits and Eurasian Blue Tits have been prospecting at a couple of our nest boxes but have not begun building yet. A pair of Robins have completed their nest in another box and already laid five eggs, but sadly, I think they may have deserted as I have not seen birds near the nest for several days.

Home is the Bedfordshire village of Henlow, about 45 miles (72km) north of London. By the time I came to leave for work at about 07:15, the frost had melted and I did not have to scrape the car windows. Several of the resident birds, Common Blackbird, Dunnock and European Robin were singing while both Common Wood Pigeons and Collared Doves were performing their ‘roller-coaster’ display flights. My office lies some 30 miles (48km) to the south entailing a commute of about an hour (depending on the traffic) and often enlivened by birding en route. The rookeries at Shillington (15 nests), Apsley End (49 nests) and Shillington Manor (3 nests) were hives of activity with much coming and going although building now appears to be complete. Major nest building in the rookery seems to take place between 8th-14th March in this part of the world. South of Hexton, my route climbs the north-facing scarp of the Chiltern Hills to 500 feet (155m) above sea level, before following the Mimram valley south-eastwards. A Red Kite, part of the successful reintroduction scheme, was seen perched in a roadside tree near Kings Walden. I now regularly record this species on my way to and from work, but less than 30-years ago had to make special trips to central Wales for a chance to see them. The upper reaches of the Mimram are dry, the first water appearing in ponds at Bendish Lodge where there were some Mallard and Common Moorhen. Nearby a pair of Mandarin Duck, they breed locally in most years, flew across the road. Northern Ravens are still quite rare in this area, so it was very pleasing to see one fly over just outside the village of Whitwell. My first for the year. Until very recently they were, like the Red Kites, absent from much of lowland England but in the last decade they have spread into the lowland counties although without the help afforded the kites.

My office is one of several in a converted barn at Bricket Wood, on the northern edge of Watford. Despite its location, the setting is pleasantly rural surrounded by horse paddocks and woods although traffic noise from the M25, London’s orbital motorway which lies just to the north, can be heard. In the warm, sunny conditions the birds were quieter than usual. Great Tits, Dunnocks and Starlings visited our bird table but only the wheezing European Greenfinches and the singing of Blackbirds, Dunnocks, Chaffinches and Robins came through the open window. The ringing cries of a European Green Woodpecker were heard, but other regularly heard species, such as Great Spotted Woodpecker, Eurasian Nuthatch and Eurasian Jay were noticeable by their absence.

I headed home via an alternative route, seeing fewer birds than on my way to work. Pairs of Red-legged Partridge were on the chalk fields along Whiteway Bottom, Kimpton where a Kestrel surveyed the ground from its vantage point on top of a telegraph pole. Sadly, the pair of Little Owls were not perched in their usual place.

Full species list for the Spring Equinox 20/03/2009: Grey Heron, Mandarin Duck, Mallard, Red Kite, Common Kestrel, Common Pheasant, Red-legged Partridge, Grey Partridge, Common Moorhen, Black-headed Gull, Mew Gull, Common Pigeon, Stock Dove, Common Wood Pigeon, Eurasian Collared Dove, European Green Woodpecker, Pied Wagtail, Dunnock, European Robin, Common Blackbird, Song Thrush, Eurasian Blue Tit, Great Tit, Eurasian Magpie, Western Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Northern Raven, Common Starling, Common Chaffinch, European Greenfinch, European Goldfinch, Yellow Hammer (33 species).

What is/are Peltops?

2007-02-09T18:43:00.000Z

Peltops (Gr. pelte, a small shield; ops the face, Jobling 1991) are two very similar species
endemic to the island of New Guinea. They are aberrant fly-catching species of uncertain affinity, previously included with the flycatchers, Muscipidae (Rand & Gillard 1967) but currently placed with the Australian Butcherbirds, Cracticidae (Beehler et al 1986). Currently known as Lowland and Mountain Peltops, in common with many other New Guinea birds they have gone under a variety of names e.g. Shieldbill (Rand & Gillard 1967), Crassbill (Mackay 1968). Peltops are boldly patterned black, white and red.

Peltops are predominatly glossy black with white patches behind the eye and onto the side of the neck and in the centre of the upper back. The rump, upper and under tail coverts are red. Both species are so similar that it was not until 1921 that montanus was even recognised as a subspecies (Diamond, 1972). Lowland Peltops occurs, as its name suggests, in lowland rainforest from sea-level to 550 m. Mountain Peltops inhabits hill and montane forest from 550m - 3000m (Beehler et al 1986). The latter is the bigger species, with larger white patches but the two species are best distinguished by voice. Lowland Peltops has a unique clicking song giving rise to an earlier name, Clicking Shieldbill. Mountain Peltops has a tinkling song and was previously known as Singing Shieldbill. Both species flycatch over open areas in the forest with long aerial sallies.

When I began contracting in the mid-1990s I chose Peltops for my company name and logo to maintain my links with Papua New Guinea where my family and I lived for 6 years between 1985 and 1991. Peltops are boldly patterned birds but with only a few colours and so would be easy to reproduce on business cards and paper with a name that is relatively short and easy to remember.

References:

Beehler, B.M., T.K. Pratt & D. Zimmerman. 1986.
Birds of New Guinea. Princeton.

Diamond, J.M. 1972. Avifauna of the Eastern Highlands of New Guinea. Nutall Bird Club.
Jobling, J. 1991. A Dictionary of Scientific Bird Names. Oxford.
Mackay, R.D. 1968. Birds of Port Moresby and District. Nelson.
Rand, A.L. & E.T. Gillard. Handbook of New Guinea Birds. Weidenfeld & Nicolson.

New Year’s Day, 2007

2007-01-02T12:57:00.001Z

For the past few years I have spent each New Year’s Day (NYD) trying to see as many species as possible within 10 km of home. This year (2007), as usual, I was up and about well before dawn but before the birding could start I had to retrieve Andrew (number one son) from a party in Hitchin so that he would be in a fit state to go to work later in the day. A Robin singing under the village street lights welcomed in the New Year but no other birds were seen on the 25 km round trip.

Home for the last five years has been the Bedfordshire village of Henlow. My ‘home range’ stretches from the chalk downland of the Chilterns, rising to 183 m at Telegraph Hill in the south across the flood plain of the River Ivel and its tributary the Hiz to the greensand ridge in the north from which Sandy, HQ of the RSPB takes its name. The A6 trunk road between Luton and Bedford forms the western boundary while the eastern border is a line on the map passing through the village of Ashwell. Three towns, Hitchin, Letchworth and Baldock, all in Hertfordshire, occupy the south-eastern quadrant while the smaller towns of Stotfold and Biggleswade lie on the route of the A1 which runs north-south across the area. The larger towns of Luton and Bedford lie outside this area, to the SW and NW respectively. As ever, the aim was to beat last year’s score of 75 species.

By the time I had returned Andrew to home, where a second Robin had joined the pre-dawn chorus, it was 06:00. Time to head off on an owl patrol. Following my usual route through Clifton to Stanford and then Southill, there was nothing to be heard save for the wind. There weren’t even any Wood Pigeons roosting in the roadside trees which were presumably too exposed in these windy conditions. Just north of Southill, a small bird of prey was seen perched close up against the trunk on the sheltered side of a horse chestnut tree. When I raised my binoculars I was expecting to see a Little Owl but was surprised to see a female Kestrel. Just as I was about to get back into the car a Tawny Owl hooted from the woods in Southill Park and was answered by another from somewhere in the village. While listening to the owls, several Jackdaws started calling. Continuing the owl patrol around Old Rowney Lane and past Keepers Warren, Rabbits were numerous on the roadside verge but only a single Wood Pigeon was seen.

As in previous years, I spent the first hour of daylight in the mixed woodland of Swiss Gardens arriving just as the sky in the east began to lighten. For a while I was still relying more on my ears than my eyes. The chorus of Robins were joined by a Song Thrush perched on a branch over-hanging the road while the calls of a Redwing, Pheasant and a scolding Wren were also heard. The distinctive silhouette of a Cormorant flying over the ornamental lake in the gardens was the first bird seen in daylight. On the lake were 16 Mallard, two male Tufted Ducks, one male and two female Shoveler and a winter plumaged Little Grebe. As I walked the edge of the lake, a Moorhen was disturbed from the waters edge and pattered away across the lake causing a Blackbird to give its alarm call. Back in the woods it was still quite dark, but a Carrion Crow was heard calling followed by the yaffle of a Green Woodpecker. As the light improved a flock of Common Gulls drifted over on the wind but I was still missing most of the smaller woodland species. As I headed back towards the car, I came across a mixed flock working its way along the roadside hedge and nearby woodland; among the flock were Great Tits, Blue Tits (20th species at 08:30, over 30 minutes later than last year) Long-tailed Tits, Coal Tits and at least a couple of Goldcrests. While following the tit flock I also saw Dunnock, Great Spotted Woodpecker and Chaffinch. In the windy conditions all species except the woodpecker were keeping low down in the shrub layer and rarely venturing into the tree canopy except in sheltered areas.

Leaving Swiss Gardens at 09:01 with 27 species, I retraced my earlier owl patrol. Between Swiss Gardens and Old Warden a male Kestrel hovering low over the edge of a ploughed field caused me to stop. Feeding in the furrows were at least 3 Pied Wagtails and a flock of Black-headed Gulls was spread across the field. A bird-feeder in Warden Street was attracting House Sparrows (31st species at 09:20) and Greenfinches while in nearby hedgerows there was a mixed thrush flock comprising mainly Fieldfare (c.80) but also including Redwing, Starling and Mistle Thrush; all feeding on hawthorn berries plus a pair of Magpies. A feature of this area in mid-winter are the belts of maize left standing to act as cover and feed for game birds but invariably attracting mixed flocks of finches and buntings. One such area, alongside the Greensand Ridge Walk and between the road and Warden Little Wood had attracted Brambling in March 2006 but had been devoid of birds when I had visited on a recce between Christmas and New Year. Undeterred, I decided to give the area a quick look, just-in-case. With a belt of coniferous woods running alongside the track from the road to Warden Little Wood, this maize strip was largely sheltered from the blustery westerly wind and had attracted a large flock of birds to feed in the calmer conditions. Most of the flock was concentrated at the road end of the strip so I did not even have to leave the car to get good views of the birds. Small flocks were feeding on the ground among the maize but would often fly to the nearby shelter-belt so there was a regular turn-over of birds. The flock was predominately Chaffinches (I estimated 100+) but included Reed Buntings (c.20), Yellow Hammers (c.10) and a few Goldfinches. Also associated with the flock were two Meadow Pipits but bird of the day was a single male Brambling which I eventually picked out from among the Chaffinches and even stood in full view on the track. Buoyed by this success I headed for Broom gravel pits via Old Rowney Lane, where a Green Woodpecker foraged on the roadside verge and my only Buzzard of the day was harassed by two Carrion Crows, two Magpies and a Jackdaw, and Southill Park where the water in the lake was very choppy in the wind and (as ever) mostly bird-less, save for two Tufted Duck. A flock of Rooks (42nd species at 10:31) fed in a field on the edge of the village.

In previous years I have seen a lot of birds at Broom gravel pits and this year started off well with three Shelduck and a Redshank on the G&M outwash pit and some waterfowl on the pits containing water including c.20 Shoveler, four Teal, a pair of Mute Swan, a single female Wigeon and several Coot. A few Lesser Black-backed Gulls drifted over and a single Skylark (50th species at 11:20) was disturbed from the edge of the track. But sadly, that was it for Broom. Peacock’s Lake had been cleared of birds by a shooting party that were still parked at the southern (Broom) end of the pits. In previous years the gravel pits have yielded 20-30 species, this year it was only nine. By way of compensation a Sparrowhawk flew over the track as I was leaving.

In an effort to find some of the waterbirds I was missing, I headed for Warren Villas GPs, parking in Biggleswade and walking north alongside the River Ivel. This is usually a reliable area for Kingfisher, but not today. A Kestrel was hunting over the waste ground north of Sainsbury’s and a flock of c.30 Lapwings flew over heading north-west, into the wind. A covey of c.20 Red-legged Partridge was found among the mud piles of the new workings, walking up and over the mounds to disappear from view, where there was also a pair of Stock Doves feeding. The long trudge to the gravel pits was only rewarded with two waterbirds, a winter plumaged Great Crested Grebe and a pair of Gadwall. On the way back to the car, a second Sparrowhawk was seen as it flew low over the cricket pitch and disappeared into the gardens.

Another Kestrel was seen perched on wires near the golf range as I made my way to Holme (Jordan’s) and Langford Mills. As usual I was hoping for a Grey Wagtail in either mill race but, also as usual, was disappointed. Where do they go in the winter? Or are they only scarce on NYD? An adult Heron stood sentinel in the wet meadows, west of Langford Mill, but there were no geese or Snipe although I did note my first Collared Doves of the day. A visit to Langford lakes failed to produce anything new but I did record my sixth Kestrel of the day. As the light faded, I returned to Swiss Gardens, seeing two Greylag Geese en route. No new woodland birds were seen but a pair of Mandarin, on the pond, was my 60th and last new species.

My final tally of 60 species was the lowest I have recorded on a NYD in Bedfordshire mainly as a consequence of the reduced haul from Broom gravel pits and not helped by the very windy conditions. With 50 species recorded before midday, the afternoon return was even poorer than usual, mostly through not having a good back-up site for Broom. As might be expected I missed several species I had hoped to find without too much trouble, chief of which were Canada Goose (where had they all gone?) and Golden Plover. The Brambling was the only species I had not previously recorded on NYD in Bedfordshire taking my NYD total to 87 species. As in previous years I had stayed within Bedfordshire and as usual in the area mostly to the north and west of Henlow. I did drive more miles than last year (67 compared to 59, but 14 of these were my early morning taxi run, to pick up Andrew). I wonder what next year will bring?

New Year’s Day, 2006

2006-01-02T00:00:00.001Z

Since 1995 I have spent each New Year’s Day (NYD) trying to see as many species as possible within 10 km of home, which for the past three years has been the Bedfordshire village of Henlow. This area stretches from the chalk downland of the Chilterns, rising to 183 m at Telegraph Hill in the south across the flood plain of the River Ivel and its tributary the Hiz to the greensand ridge in the north from which Sandy, HQ of the RSPB takes its name. The A6 trunk road between Luton and Bedford forms the western boundary while the eastern border is a line on the map passing through the village of Ashwell. Three towns, Hitchin, Letchworth and Baldock, all in Hertfordshire, occupy the south-eastern quadrant while the smaller towns of Stotfold and Biggleswade lie on the route of the A1 which runs north-south across the area. The larger towns of Luton and Bedford lie outside this area, to the SW and NW respectively. The aim for 2006 was to beat the 65 species recorded in 2005 while driving fewer miles.

At 05:30 on NYD, I was questioning my sanity as I headed out into a mild, breezy, showery and very dark morning after less than five hours sleep. Not surprisingly, I seemed to be the only one up and about, but I told myself that this earliest ever start in the UK would give me more time to find any owls that might be about. So, I was more than a little chuffed when the first bird of the day was a ghostly Barn Owl (seen at 05:41), perched in a roadside tree near Clifton cricket ground. It did not hang around and soon disappeared over the fields towards Cliftonbury Farm. Buoyed by this early success, I drove past Stanford plantation, Keeper’s Warren and Old Rowney Lane, sites where Tawny Owls have been heard calling on previous nocturnal excursions – but not today. It was a frustrating hour. Wood Pigeons were silhouetted in roadside roosts, rabbits were numerous on the verge, quacking Mallards were heard near Southill and a Muntjac crossed Old Rowney Lane, but no owls. Pheasants were grumbling noisily in anticipation of the new day as I made a second circuit of Keeper’s Warren and Old Rowney Lane. A Little Owl was seen briefly in the headlights but the regular Tawnies were ominously quiet. With dawn approaching I made my way towards Swiss Gardens, seeing the silhouettes of Jackdaws perched on thatched rooves in the picturesque village of Old Warden.

In the overcast and drizzly conditions, it was taking a while to get light. As last year, I had decided to spend the first hour of daylight in the mixed woodland of Swiss Gardens. While waiting for the light to improve, I heard Blackbird, Greylag Goose, Robin and Carrion Crow. By this time I had just about given up hope of any further owls when a Tawny Owl hooted from the direction of the gardens. I was a bit worried this might have been a bird from the Shuttleworth bird of prey collection, so was very pleased to hear an answering too-whit-too-whoo from the direction of Ickwell village – the first time I had recorded three species of owl on a NYD bird watch. A yapping call over the woods flummoxed me for a while until I made out the flying silhouette of two small ducks and realised they were Mandarins. Coot, Moorhen and Heron were also heard but the smaller birds were noticeably quiet. It was still dark in the woods and little seemed to be moving. The white flanks of two male Tufted Ducks made them easy to pick out on the pond but I was still hearing more than I was seeing; the thin whistle of Redwing, harsh churr of a Wren, noisy chattering of a mixed flock of Rooks and Jackdaws and the weak song of a Dunnock (20th species at 07:57, some 20 minutes later than last year despite the earlier start). As the light slowly improved two Cormorants and a pair of Shoveler were noted at the far end of the pond and a Magpie flew over. Little was seen on a circuit through the woods, it was still a bit gloomy under the trees but Great Tit and Green Woodpecker were heard. Back at the pond 5 Mandarin Ducks (3 males and two females) swam out from under some overhanging branches and two Muntjac were disturbed from the track. In pond side trees a Goldcrest was heard and then watched from less than two metres as it foraged among some ivy growing up an oak tree. Also heard were a flock of Siskins in a stand of alders and Chaffinches called from the wood. The ringing call of a Nuthatch was heard from the far side of the wood and while trying to track it down I saw my first Grey Squirrel of the day. A second circuit of the wood was mostly unproductive until I was nearly back at the car when a winter-plumaged Black-headed Gull drifted over and a flock of Blue Tits foraged along the roadside hedge.

The weather had still not improved when I left Swiss Gardens at 08:55 with 32 species; it was mild but overcast and drizzly as I retraced my earlier owling route. Near the few houses known as Warden Street a mixed flock of thrushes included Fieldfare while nearby a pale-phased Buzzard perched in an oak. Just down the road at Warden Abbey a large flock of Wood Pigeons included a few Stock Doves. Along Old Rowney Lane a covey of 10 Red-legged Partridges raced for the cover of the hedge as I came round the corner and a flock of Reed Buntings flew regularly between the roadside hedge and a maize crop while my second Buzzard of the day flew over the fields to the east. At the south end of the lane two Jays foraged on the roadside verge and another Buzzard flew over the woods of Keepers Warren.

My next stop was Southill Park. The lake, as usual, seemed devoid of waterfowl save for a few Mallards and a single winter-plumaged Great Crested Grebe and there was no sign of the goose flock reported in recent days from the fields between the lake and the house. My fourth Buzzard of the day flew over the fields to the east of the lake (and road). On the edge of Southill village another maize crop was attracting a large finch flock consisting mostly of Chaffinches but including Yellow Hammer, and Goldfinch. While scanning the finch flock a Great Spotted Woodpecker was heard and then seen in a nearby spinney and a single Lesser Redpoll was watched feeding in a silver birch. En route to Broom, I passed through Southill village, recording Collared Dove and my first House Sparrows of the day (45th species at 10:21).

As I approached the gravel pits at Broom an adult Lesser Black-backed Gull headed south in the company of several Black-headed Gulls. Making my way towards the G&M pits, I flushed a Snipe from the pond beside the track (and later found another 10 around the pits) and heard a Skylark calling. There were several species of waterfowl on the G&M pits (those closest to the Caldecote – Biggleswade road), including Teal, Canada Goose (50th species at 10:37), Pochard and Little Grebe. A small flock of Meadow Pipits were busy around a pile of gravel and a flock of 18 Lapwings flew north. I added nothing new on my way through the moat house wood, but on Peacock’s Lake were Mute Swan, a single adult Great Black-backed Gull, dwarfing the other gulls, Common Gull and numerous Wigeon. As I made my way round to the south, Broom village, side of the pits, flock of 20 Golden Plover flew east and three Gadwall (60th species at 11:20) were located on the landscaped lake closest to Broom village. In the SW corner of the same lake, I found the pair of Stonechat that had been present for much of the winter (assuming all the Broom records refer to the same birds). They perched on the tall, dead stems of waterside sedges, flying down to feed on the shorter grass around the lake. As I made my way back to the car along the western side of the pits, a male Merlin dashed low across the fields, causing panic among a flock of Meadow Pipits and being briefly mobbed by a Carrion Crow before disappearing across the Caldecote – Shefford road. That was two species I had not previously recorded on a NYD birdwatch in the space of 10 minutes. Shortly after a flock of c. 300 Greylag Geese descended on Peacock’s Lake and among their number were single Barnacle and Pink-footed Geese, the provenance of both of which must be doubtful. The Barnacle Goose presumably originated from the expanding feral flock that winters at Willington but could the Pink-foot be a genuine wild bird? Linnets feeding on thistle heads were my last new birds at Broom.

Snow between Christmas and New Year had tempted Andrew and Matthew, my teenage sons, out for a snowball fight with their mates. They returned several hours later cold but happy and reporting a ‘large snipe’ flushed from woodland near Henlow Grange. It was New Year’s Eve before I could follow up their sighting and confirm that they had stumbled on a wintering Woodcock, a species I had not previously recorded on NYD in Bedfordshire. So after my wander round the gravel pits I headed back towards Henlow, picking up a few species along the way. A flock of Starlings over fields near Langford Lakes and a Greenfinch at a feeder in Broom village were surprisingly my first of each species for the day. Brief stops at both Holme (Jordan’s) and Langford Mills failed to conjure up a Grey Wagtail, a species that has so far eluded me on all my NYD bird-watches in Bedfordshire. A male Kestrel, hovering over fields beside the Langford – Henlow road was the only one I recorded all day while my first Pied Wagtail was on the Pyghtles, Henlow’s sports field. The Woodcock was in much the same area as seen on New Year’s Eve (thanks boys), but despite a careful approach was only seen when as it zig-zagged away low through the trees.

Flushed with success, I returned to the car and headed for Stanford plantation; on the edge of the woods a mixed flock of thrushes included a Mistle Thrush (70th species at 13:57) while among the conifers I found a Song Thrush and eventually a Coal Tit which had been elusive up until then. Little was seen in the remaining couple of hours of daylight: another Buzzard, my fourth of the day was seen over Ickwell and a flock of Long-tailed Tits was in the hedgerow along Old Rowney Lane.

With 73 species recorded (75 if the two dodgy geese can be counted) this was my best NYD in Bedfordshire so far. As last year I had recorded 60 species by late morning but had then only added a further 13 species during the afternoon. A better plan is still required. As in previous years I had stayed within Bedfordshire and as usual in the area mostly to the north and west of Henlow. I did drive fewer miles than last year (59 compared to 70) but would like to reduce it further. A NYD bird-watch on bike might be a better way to do it – I’ll have to get fitter!. As ever there were several species that I had hoped to see but missed including Rock Dove/Feral Pigeon. Having missed this species last year, I kept an eye open for it this year and still failed to record it – I think I must have a blind-spot for this species. Only eight species recorded on previous NYD bird-watches in Bedfordshire were not seen this year, these were Sparrowhawk, Rock Dove/Feral Pigeon, Tree Sparrow, Green Sandpiper, Shelduck, Treecreeper, Herring Gull and Grey Partridge. Four species, Merlin, Woodcock, Stonechat, Redpoll and Reed Bunting and Pink-footed Goose (if the latter can be counted) were recorded for the first time on a NYD big birdwatch in Bedfordshire. taking the NYD total to 81 species.

Spotted Redshank at Wilstone Reservoir

2005-08-25T16:26:00.000Z

A visit to Wilstone Reservoir before work this morning, 25 August 2005, was rewarded with views of the juvenile Spotted Redshank, reported earlier on HertsBirding. I had been in the hide for 10-15 minutes before the Spotted Redshank, accompanied by a Greenshank, landed on the shingle spit in front of the hide. The Greenshank promptly went to sleep, balancing on one leg. The Spotted Redshank immediately began feeding, patrolling the shallows on the west side of the spit, often in water up to its belly so that its legs were rarely visible. It seemed to be picking small items from, or just below, the surface of the water – whatever they were too small to see through a X22 telescope. It then caught a small, about ⅔ length of bill, dark (brownish or dark olive, I think) fish which it spent nearly a minute manipulating and ‘washing’ by shaking vigorously in the water before swallowing it head first. Another similar fish was caught almost immediately and treated in the same way.

The Spotted Redshank was only seen briefly in flight as it came into land and not long enough to note any details. It was slightly smaller than the accompanying Greenshank, with a similar graceful build as opposed to the ‘chunky’ juvenile Ruff also on the spit. The bill was long but noticeably finer than the Greenshank and black with some red at the base (less than ⅓ length of bill. The books say this should only be on the lower mandible but I did not notice this. The legs, when visible, appeared pinker than those of the Redshank seen earlier, but this may have been an effect of back-lighting. Colours and fine detail were not easy to see looking into the bright morning sunlight. The Spotted Redshank was slightly darker than the Greenshank, not so grey-and-white, with a pale supercilium, more marked in front of the eye and only faint behind the eye. Underparts seemed uniform grey, with no hint of white. Upperparts were mottled and slightly darker than the Greenshank. The rump was not seen.

When I left at 08:45 the Greenshank and Spotted Redshank were still in front of the hide. Also seen at Wilstone this morning were:

Shelduck 1
Barnacle Goose 1
Ruff 1
Redshank 1
Kingfisher 2
Grey Wagtail 4 on bank near car park.

Pied Wagtail Behaviour

2005-05-13T15:33:00.000Z

Gardening has never been one of my favourite pastimes. On the evening of 13 May 2005 I was easily distracted from the task in hand, weeding the front garden, by the behaviour of a pair of Pied Wagtails Motacilla alba yarrelli. A female landed on the road less than three metres from where I was supposedly weeding and began walking, occasionally running, to and fro, picking something small from the surface of the road. Whatever she was gleaning was too small for me to see with the naked eye, let alone identify, even at close range. After a short while a male Pied Wagtail landed close to the female and began following her, almost beak to tail. The female continued to feed, seeming to completely ignore the male, who made no attempt to feed. The male must have followed the female in this way for more than a minute and for more than 10 metres across the road before giving a display that I had not seen before. He seemed to flatten himself into the road, spreading his tail and left wing wide while the right wing was kept folded close to the body. He took on a most unbird-like, startlingly black-and-white shape. The female continued feeding, walking away from, and still apparently ignoring, the male. He held the display posture for 5-10 seconds before standing up, shaking himself and then running after the female. Once behind her, he again flattened himself into the road. Sadly at that point a car came round the corner, disturbing both wagtails which flew away over the houses. I returned to my weeding.

A Six Warbler Walk

2005-04-17T17:00:00.002Z

A fine, clear, calm night had caused the temperature to plummet and when I woke at 06:00 there was a crisp frost. The cold had not deterred the birds: Goldfinches and Greenfinches were breakfasting at our seed feeders while Wood Pigeon, Collared Doves and Dunnock fed on the ground below. After my own breakfast, I headed out on my regular walk (although not as regular as I would like) which takes me from Henlow via Henlow Grange to Langford then north alongside the River Ivel to Langford Mill before turning south-westwards and crossing Langford Meadows to Stanford Lock and then home by way of Clifton. Overnight the Collared Dove nest in our silver birch tree seems to have succumbed to the local moggies, as there was broken shell under the tree and the flimsy nest looked even more fragile. The Pyghtles, Henlow’s playing fields was white with frost, except for the close-shaved strip of the cricket pitch, prepared for the opening game of the season later today. A flock of 40 Starlings were the only birds but on the nearby school fields was a group of four Stock Doves and a lone female Mallard. My first warbler of the day was a Chiff-chaff, rendering its name from the plantation on the bank of the R. Ivel. In the cold morning air the fishing lakes were steaming, hiding any but the closest waterfowl that might have been present. I only saw Coot and Mute Swans but Blackcap and Willow Warblers sang from the scrub surrounding the lakes. Beside the northernmost pond, a water-side tree rising above the mist provided a perch for four Cormorants. Even though the sun was now up, the frost still remained. On the edge of Langford village a male Whitethroat was an incongruous sight as moved through the dense tangle of a frost-rimed bramble. Further Whitethroats and Blackcaps were seen and heard in shrubbery beside the R. Ivel. Now the sun was higher, the frost had disappeared from all but shaded areas and as I crossed Langford Meadows my boots got a soaking from the now very wet grass. Faint at first, the reeling song of a Grasshopper Warbler, often likened to the sound of fishing line being reeled in, was heard on the still morning air. The Gropper was eventually located in the middle of a large bramble on the bank of a stream but I never saw it, not even a flicker of movement. While I was in the area, for nearly 20 minutes, it reeled almost continuously with only short pauses, none longer than a minute. Nearby by in another streamside bush was a much more obliging Sedge Warbler, which was not only heard but also seen, bringing my warbler tally for the morning to six. Near Stanford Lock, I saw my only Swallow of the morning, a single bird following the R. Ivel north-westwards. Many summer visitors, including Swallow seem later arriving and/or less numerous than in previous years. Later perusal of the web suggested that Swallow numbers were down 90% compared with recent years (BTO’s Bird Track, www.bto.org/birdtrack/index.htm). Theories for this include problems in sub-Saharan Africa where large amounts of pesticide, used to quell last year’s locust plague, could have seriously reduced the insect prey available to migrant birds heading for Europe. Near Clifton I heard the unmistakable call of a Cuckoo, my first of the year. I was back in Henlow about 3-hours after setting out having recorded 47 species on my local patch.

Brambling in Henlow

2005-03-26T14:57:00.000Z

Since we moved to Henlow in June 2002, the first week of the Beds Bird Club Summer Garden Bird survey has seen a new species added to our garden list. In 2003 it was a pair of Grey Partridge feeding on our front lawn and in 2004 it was a male Siskin visiting the peanut feeder. This year it was a male Brambling which joined the local Chaffinch flock and fed on seed that had been put out on the shed roof. It was first seen on Saturday morning (26th March) and was present regularly throughout the day, usually in the company of Chaffinches but once on its own for 10 minutes. It even fed during the heavy rain in the afternoon. At one point we had four species of finch feeding in the garden, Brambling, Chaffinch, Greenfinch and Goldfinch). The Brambling also visited other nearby gardens that put out food for the birds. It was seen briefly on Sunday 27th March.

It was a male Brambling, moulting from winter to summer plumage. It was noticeably larger than accompanying Chaffinches. The bill was pale with a dark tip and its head was mostly black but heavily mottled with brown/grey. The breast was pale orange and clearly separated from the white belly. This was a very noticeable feature when the bird was perched facing you. The upper scapulars were a similar colour to the breast while the lower ones were paler but not quite white. The back was mottled like the head. The rump was a large white oblong and the most noticeable feature when the bird flew.

It seemed to favour the stripy sunflower seeds, which it picked up flat. With a flick of its head, it turned the seed until it was held on its thin edges and then cracked the husk between its mandibles. The seed was then dropped and the seed heart eaten.

Waxwings in St Albans, continued

2005-02-02T14:40:00.001Z

I drove into work via Mayne Avenue, St Albans, at 08:30 this morning. TheWaxwings were again present and behaving in a more ‘typical’ Waxwing-like manner. 22 were perched in one tree beside Mayne Avenue, making quiet trilling calls. I checked through the flock, but could see no rings on any of the birds that showed their legs. After a while the trilling calls became more insistent (louder?) then half the flock circled over the houses to land in a small tree on the north side of Glevum Close where the other 11 birds joned them shortly. From this perch the birds flew across the road in ones and twos, to a berry-bearing tree (identified as a Sorbus, by Alan Gardiner in an earlier email to HertsBirding). I could happily have spent all morning watching the Waxwings, but when I left to continue on my way towork all the birds were in Glevum Crescent. Some were perched in the tree on the north-side of the street while others fed on the Sorbus berries (fruit?)There was a regular movement to and from the two trees .I have driven home via Mayne Avenue each evening (at about 16:30) since first seeing the Waxwings on Monday (31/01/2005), but have not seen them on eitheroccasion.

Waxwings in St Albans

2005-01-31T14:37:00.002Z

While on a lunch time mission (13:30-14:00), I was lucky enough to come upon 11 Waxwings perched in tree tops along Mayne Avenue where it runs alongside Bedmond Lane in NW St Albans (map ref: TL128064). The Waxwings were not in a flock but rather one or two perched in each tree, none of which was berry bearing. Indeed there were no berry bushes in the immediate vicinity.(although various berry-bearing ornanmental shrubs were seen when I later drove further into the estate). All the Waxwings were apparently fly-catching, flying out from their perch before turning and gliding back to the same perch, or moving along to the next tree. It was mild at lunch time, about 11oC and calm, but I could not see, even with binoculars, what the Waxwings were catching (if anything). I have not seen too many Waxwings previously but all have been feeding at berry-laden bushes and usually in a flock.

Going Solo : New Year’s Day, 2005

2005-01-02T00:00:00.001Z

For the first time since I started my New Year’s Day (NYD) big birdwatch I would be going out alone. My constant companion since 1994 has been eldest son, Andrew but he now has job at Henlow Grange and was shifted to work on New Year’s Day 2005. As usual, my aim was to record as many species within 10 km of home, in the Bedfordshire village of Henlow and try to better the 65 species I had recorded on NYD 2004. My home range, the area within 10 km Henlow, stretches from the chalk downland of the Chilterns, rising to 183 m at Telegraph Hill in the south across the flood plain of the River Ivel and its tributary the Hiz to the greensand ridge in the north from which Sandy, HQ of the RSPB takes its name. The A6 trunk road between Luton and Bedford forms the western boundary while the eastern border is a line on the map passing through the village of Ashwell. Three towns, Hitchin, Letchworth and Baldock, all in Hertfordshire, occupy the south-eastern quadrant while the smaller towns of Stotfold and Biggleswade lie on the route of the A1 which runs north-south across the area. The larger towns of Luton and Bedford lie outside our range, to the SW and NW respectively.

By 06:15 I was preparing to set off on a mild, calm, dry morning (another first for me on NYD in Bedfordshire!). At least two Robins were singing by the lights of the Henlow street lamps as I packed the car. And then I was off, touring the Southhill – Old Warden area in a search for owls before daybreak. First stop was Clifton cricket ground where the quacking of Mallard from the ornamental pond was interrupted by the tremulous hooting of a Tawny Owl (06:25). Rabbits were numerous on the roadside verge by Stanford plantation and a Muntjac stood frozen in the headlights. Next a very pale bird was seen perched in a sapling beside the Stanford – Ireland road. There was no other traffic about at this time on new year’s day, so it was safe to reverse and there watching me watching him was a magnificent Barn Owl (06:35). It eventually tired of looking at me and drifted off over the fields to the north of the road. A good bird to get this early. Wood Pigeons roosted in the roadside trees and other Tawny Owls were seen flying over the pub at Ireland and across the road into Keeper’s Warren where another Muntjac was seen on the edge of the woods. Another Tawny Owl was heard to the west of Old Rowney Lane, but try as I might I could not find a Little Owl, probably one of the commoner owl species. As the sky began to lighten in the east Carrion Crows and Pheasants were heard calling followed soon after by the chuntering of a Red-legged Partridge.

Last year after visiting Swiss Gardens in mid-morning, Phil Whittington had suggested this would be a good place to be first thing, so taking his advice, I headed through Old Warden, disturbing a Blackbird from the verge and pulled in at the green box lay-by. It was still not properly light and I was still hearing more birds than I was seeing. Robins and Wrens were singing, a Moorhen squawked, a flock of Greylag Geese honked and a mixed flock of Rooks and Jackdaws headed north-west, silhouetted against the lightening sky. As I made my way towards the woods, the thin whistle of a Redwing was heard, a Dunnock joined the weak dawn chorus and a Great Tit (20th species at 07:35) called from the roadside trees. On the Swiss Gardens pond there were two Tufted Ducks and 29 Mallard (17 males and 12 females). It was still quite gloomy under the trees and I was still hearing more than I was seeing. The calls of Nuthatch rang out and a Fieldfare ‘chakked’ as it flew over, then a Great Spotted Woodpecker was heard drumming and a Green Woodpecker yaffled. As I wandered through the damp woods Chaffinch, Goldcrest and Magpie were heard. Back at the pond, a pair of Mandarin Ducks swam out from beneath the overhanging trees and a Dabchick, drab in its winter plumage, dived repeatedly at the far end of the pond where there were also a couple of Coot. A second circuit of the wood in conditions more conducive to seeing the birds only added Blue Tit and Long-tailed Tit but there were now two drumming Great Spotted Woodpeckers. I left Swiss Gardens with 30 species and had picked up Nuthatch (missed last year) but not Treecreeper.

I now retraced my earlier owling route seeing a Sparrowhawk glide across the fields near Old Warden church, several Collared Doves in the village and a couple of Buzzards perched in oak trees near Warden Street. Nearby a flock of Starlings were feeding in a horse paddock. I was just about to close the car window, it had been opened to get a better view of the Buzzards, when I heard a familiar call, but one to which I struggled to put a name until I suddenly realised it was Tree Sparrow. I scanned the nearby hedges and eventually located two near the stable block. I think that is the first time I have recorded this species on a NYD birdwatch in this country and certainly a surprise to get it before House Sparrow! Along Old Rowney Lane was a single Stock Dove, a flock of seven Goldfinches feeding on teasel heads. Black-headed Gulls drifted over and Coal Tits were heard calling form the conifer woodland of Warden Warren. Eight Pochard seemed to be the only waterfowl on Southill Park lake where there was a solitary Grey Heron perched in bushes on the south side of the water. Between the lake and Southill village a field of sunflowers was attracting a large flock of seedeaters including Yellow Hammers, Greenfinches and numerous Wood Pigeons.

I reached Broom at 09:45 and got out of the car for my second walk of the day. The weather was still fine, cold (2oC), overcast with a light breeze. A flock of Lapwing had settled on the pit nearest G&M Growers while Pied Wagtails fed on the old out-wash pit. A single Skylark flew over calling. Another birder, ahead of me on the track disturbed a Green Sandpiper which circled the pits flashing its dark underwings and white rump while making its distinctive call. On the deeper pits, closest to the Biggleswade – Caldecote road, were the hoped for waterfowl including Teal, a pair of Mute Swans, a single Shelduck (50th species at 10:07) was an unexpected species, and a male Gadwall. Canada Geese stood on the banks between the pits and a solitary adult Cormorant flew over. In the woods near the moat house a Treecreeper was seen in a mixed flock of tits (we thought we had heard one hear last year, but did not manage to confirm it). The water in the new workings, between the moat house and Broom village, was much more extensive than on my last visit. An adult Lesser Black-Backed Gull bathed in the shallows as a flock of 7 Golden Plovers flew SW over the pits. As I walked round the new workings a single Meadow Pipit was disturbed. A small flock of c.20 Wigeon fed on the grassy banks of the landscaped pit closest to Broom village while on the rough ground of the new workings was a flock of c.30 Linnets. I left Broom at 11:06 having seen 59 species and high hopes of beating last year’s score.

From Broom, I drove by way of Holme (Jordan’s) Mill (no sign of Grey Wagtail around the various weirs and sluices) to Langford Mill where a Mistle Thrush fed on the playing fields and House Sparrows (61st Species at 11:40) were seen in the surrounding gardens. Again I missed out on Grey Wagtail and the Water Rail which I have seen on a couple of occasions below the mill weir. I had intended parking by the mill and having my lunch overlooking the water but the parking spaces were filled so I decided to head south-east to Clophill and Cainhoe sand-pits. The only species of note on the 20-mile drive were a Buzzard soaring over the fields to the north-west of Rowney Warren and a Common Gull among a flock of Black-headed Gulls on fields near Haynes Park. As usual most of the waterbirds at Cainhoe were on the easternmost (and furthest from the village) pit. There were disappointingly few new species, two pairs of Shoveler and a Great Crested Grebe in breeding plumage. I felt the time spent driving could probably have been better spent closer to home. I retraced my route to Swiss Gardens, seeing my first Kestrel of the day, characteristically hovering over the roadside. Another circuit of the Swiss Garden woods added nothing new although the Great Spotted Woodpeckers were still drumming.

I decided to spend the last light of the day on Biggleswade Common and Warren Villas nature reserve. Parking in Biggleswade, I followed the River Ivel north and almost immediately heard a Kingfisher, which was seen perched briefly in a willow over-hanging the water before disappearing along one of the numerous drainage ditches. Among the many gulls flying north-east over the common was at least one Herring Gull but no Great Black-Backs. At Warren Villas, I saw all the species I had seen at Cainhoe, including a Kestrel hunting over the fields, so could have saved myself that round journey and spent more time in the field. Among a flock of Greylags feeding in a field to the north of the pits was a single Barnacle Goose, which I am not certain can be counted, so have omitted from the final tally. In the pond side alders a flock of 20 Goldfinches extracted seeds from the small cones but no Siskins or Redpoll which seem rather scarce this winter. As I reached the furthest point of my walk, the sky darkened, threatening rain so I decided to make haste back to the car. As I walked back a Snipe flushed from a damp patch on the common was my first of the day. Meanwhile, as the light dropped, numerous Starlings and Pied Wagtails flew west over the common to their roost at Sainsburys. I beat the rain back to the car, just and in worsening conditions (well, it wouldn’t be New Year’s Day in Bedfordshire without some rain) decided to wend my home. Near the Shuttleworth collection a covey of 6 Partridge flew across the road and landed nearby. With no traffic on the road, I was able to stop and was pleased to find they were all Grey Partridges which turned out to be my 69th and last species of the day.

My third NYD in Bedfordshire had been blessed with better weather than the previous two and with longer in the field I had recorded four more species. However, after a good morning (59 species by 11:08) I had only added a further 10 species in the afternoon. Better planning to pick up some of the trickier species is required for the afternoon session. I had stayed within Bedfordshire, mostly to the north and west of Henlow and driven 72 miles (30 miles further than last year!). As usual there were several species that I hoped/expected to see including Rock Dove/Feral Pigeon (which I probably did see but not note down), Little Owl, Grey Wagtail, Song Thrush (which I seem to miss each NYD), Jay, Siskin, Redpoll, and Reed Bunting. Five species, Shelduck, Green Sandpiper, Barn Owl, Linnet and Barnacle Goose (if the latter can be counted) were recorded for the first time on a NYD big birdwatch in Bedfordshire. On three New Year’s Day birdwatches in Bedfordshire, I have recorded 75 species – not a bad target to aim for next year!

New Year’s Day, 2004 : The Tenth Anniversary

2004-01-02T00:00:00.001Z

Ten years ago, on 1 January 1994, Phil Whittington and I (accompanied for half the day by Jenny, Andrew & Matthew and Brian Bond) set out from Caerlaverock WWT reserve to tour the Dumfries & Galloway countryside with the aim of seeing as many species as possible. We recorded 60+ species starting with Whooper Swan and Barnacle Goose on the reserve, Goosanders on the River Nith in Dumfires, waders at Southerness Point, White-fronted Geese at Loch Ken and finishing the day with a Dipper as dusk fell. We had had a good days birding but covered a lot of miles. That was the start of my New Year’s Day (NYD) big birdwatch, which has now become something of a tradition. I now limit myself to an area within 10 km of home (wherever that may be) both to reduce the distance travelled and to maximise birding time. In the intervening years I have spent five NYDs around Codicote, Hertfordshire, England, three around Altona, Victoria, Australia and last year, for the first time, around Henlow, Bedfordshire, England. Fittingly for the 10th anniversary of that first NYD big birdwatch, Phil Whittington was back in the UK, having forsaken summer in South Africa where he now works on gulls for winter here, and did not need much encouragement to join Andrew, my eldest son and I. Our aim was to better the 62 species we had recorded on NYD 2003, our first in Henlow.

Our still relatively new home range within 10 km Henlow, stretches from the chalk downland of the Chilterns, rising to 183 m at Telegraph Hill in the south across the flood plain of the River Ivel and its tributary the Hiz to the greensand ridge in the north from which Sandy, HQ of the RSPB takes its name. The A6 trunk road between Luton and Bedford forms the western boundary while the eastern border is a line on the map passing through the village of Ashwell. Three towns, Hitchin, Letchworth and Baldock, all in Hertfordshire, occupy the south-eastern quadrant while the smaller towns of Stotfold and Biggleswade lie on the route of the A1 which runs north-south across the area. The larger towns of Luton and Bedford lie outside our range, to the SW and NW respectively.

Our early morning plans were scuppered when we woke at 05:30 to wind and driving rain. Start of play was delayed until 06:30 as we opted for an extra hour in bed. When we resurfaced the wind had dropped and rain eased. It was almost light by the time we had breakfasted and the first birds were recorded, Carrion Crow, Blackbird and Robin as we loaded the car with the necessary provisions. At 07:28, it was already too late for any owls and my latest ever start on a NYD birdwatch. Thankfully, the rain had all but stopped as we threaded our way through the lanes west of Henlow heading towards Clophill and the Cainhoe sand-pits. Rabbits were plentiful on the roadside verges. In the vain hope of a late-calling owl we pulled in at Stanford forestry plantation but only heard Redwings flying over head and a distant Mallard. Back on the road a Sparrowhawk flew fast and low into the plantation. Wood Pigeons and Jackdaws were seen en route to Ireland, where Andrew spotted a Buzzard feeding on the ground. Also seen near here were Pheasants, Rooks, a small flock of six Fieldfare and some winter-plumaged Black-headed Gulls. Near Haynes we came across our first covey of Partridge. Standing still within 10 m of they road, they allowed us a close view and proved to be Chukar, lacking the necklace of their red-legged cousins. A garden feeder attracted a Great Tit and as we approached Clophill we saw Magpie, Starling, House Sparrow, Blue Tit and Collared Dove (our 20th species at 08:20).

The yaffle of a distant Green Woodpecker, the song of a Dunnock and calls of Greenfinch, Chaffinch and Coal Tit were heard as we followed the narrow footpath between the houses towards Cainhoe sand pits. Carrion Crows and Moorhen fed in the horse paddocks and the second Sparrowhawk of the day, a male, soared overhead. The pit nearest Clophill, held few birds, as usual, but we did record our first Coot and Tufted Duck. On the further pit were more wildfowl, including Wigeon, Pochard, Gadwall plus winter-plumaged Great Crested Grebe. On the low-lying swampy area between the two pits was a gathering of gulls including Herring Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Common Gull, a single Great Black-backed Gull and a small party of Lapwing. Closer scrutiny of the marshy area revealed up to 50 Teal feeding and snoozing but no Snipe. While checking out the water birds a Meadow Pipit had flown over, identified by call, and a Wren was heard. Some Greylag Geese were feeding on the northern shore of the pit. Heading back to Clophill, a single Skylark flew across the open expanse of field to the west of the pits. A Cormorant had appeared on the first pit and a Heron stood sentinel on the bank (had we missed him on the way out?). Near the footbridge over the fast-flowing River Flit we heard and then saw a Great Spotted Woodpecker in the top of an alder tree and a Goldfinch flying over. We followed a flock of Long-tailed Tits along a hedgerow back into the village (48th species at 10:03).

It was still grey and murky as we left Clophill but at least we had not had to contend with the wintry squalls of last year. A Jay was seen in a garden on the edge of Rowney Warren while nearby were a flock of 120 Fieldfare and a covey of Red-legged Partridges. Along Old Rowney Lane, a female Kestrel was perched low in an oak tree and several small flocks of Golden Plover flew over most heading northwards. On a set-aside field near Abbey Farm were a flock of c.30 Chaffinches that included at least a couple of Yellow Hammers. Phil managed to get us onto a Stock Dove flying away and we heard a Mistle Thrush. It had now started raining and we thought we might be in for a repeat of last years wash-out. Undeterred, we stopped at Southill Lake where we peered through gaps in the trees to see if there were any waterbirds. Nothing new for the list (7 Great Crested Grebes and c.20 Pochards) but we heard a Goldcrest and saw a Grey Squirrel. A final scan along the south shore of the lake turned a white plastic bag into a Little Egret (57th species at 11:30), probably the biggest surprise of the day. From Southill, we retraced our steps to the deciduous woodland of Swiss Gardens. No new woodland birds were seen but the small pond held a pair of Mandarin and a pair of Shoveler. The third Sparrowhawk of the day flew over. Phil was of the opinion that we should have started the day at Swiss Gardens, to have more chance of picking up those elusive woodland species, such as Treecreeper and Nuthatch. We headed home for lunch via Jordan’s and Langford Mills without adding anything new, so finished the morning on 59 species.

Over lunch of the now traditional delicious home-made tomato soup and home-baked bread-rolls we kept an eye on the garden recording, Greenfinch, Starling, Great Tit, House Sparrow and Chaffinch on the feeders. A Wood Pigeon and two female Blackbirds fed on cotoneaster berries where Jenny had earlier seen a Song Thrush (we did not see one all day!). In contrast to last year the weather after lunch slowly improved. Accompanied by Matthew and Brian Bond we set out for Broom sand pits, counting a flock of 57 Redwing on the Pyghtles, Henlow’s sports ground. At Broom we quickly added Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Pied Wagtail, Redshank, winter-plumaged Dabchick and the long-staying sub-adult male Scaup but struggled to find anything else. Phil thought he might have heard a Treecreeper near the moat house, but we could not locate it. The highlight of the day was watching a flock of 100+ Golden Plover wheeling over the pits, with the weak late-afternoon wintry sun catching and flashing on their white underwings. We rounded off the day with a repeat visit to Swiss Gardens where we stayed until dark in the hope of an owl and were rewarded with the hoot of a Tawny Owl, our last bird and 65th species of the day.

Our second NYD in Bedfordshire had been blessed with better weather than NYD2003 and we recorded a couple more species. We had stayed within Bedfordshire, mostly to the north and west of Henlow and driven 42 miles. Four species, Little Egret, Scaup, Redshank and Chukar (if the latter can be counted) were recorded for the first time on a NYD big birdwatch in southern England. As usual there were several species we had hoped/expected to see including Grey Partridge, Snipe, Little Owl, Grey Wagtail, Song Thrush, Nuthatch, Treecreeper, Siskin, Lesser Redpoll and Reed Bunting. As I get to know my home range better, hopefully some of these species will appear on future NYD lists.

Flycatching Mandarins

2003-06-03T14:52:00.000Z

Mandarin Duck Aix sponsa was high on the wanted list of bird-watching friend Len Tolhurst visiting from Australia. With this in mind we visited Swiss Gardens (map ref. TL146446) on 3 June 2003. On the north bank of the ornamental lake we found a sleeping male Mandarin, which sadly remained in this comatose state throughout our stay so we were unable to fully appreciate his beautiful plumes.

Later, at the east end of the pond, we came across a female Mandarin accompanied by five downy young, each about ¼ (one quarter) adult size. In the still and muggy conditions there were large numbers of midges (sorry I am not an entomologist, so cannot be more precise) low over the surface of the pond. While the female Mandarin swam sedately across the pond, all five ducklings were actively feeding on these midges, snapping at those flying close and stretching their necks to reach those slightly further away. Occasionally, the ducklings would rush across the water leaving quite a wake, then jump clear to ‘flycatch’ a passing insect. This behaviour continued for the ten plus minutes we were on the bank of the lake and was delightful to watch – the ducklings really seemed to be enjoying themselves. I cannot recall seeing any waterfowl behaving in this way before.

Swiss Gardens has recently been a regular site for this species according to observations listed on the BedsBirds email group (BedsBirds@yahoogroups.com) and I had seen a pair there on New Year’s Day 2003. There were no records from this site in 2000 (Brind 2001) and only one winter record in 2001 (Brind 2002). The latest Bedfordshire atlas only records ‘probable breeding’ for this tetrad (Dazley & Trodd 1994). Is this the first confirmed breeding for this site?

Brind, R. (ed). 2001. The Bedfordshire Bird Report 2000. The Bedfordshire Natuarlist. 55(2):10.
Brind, R. (ed). 2002. The Bedfordshire Bird Report 2001. The Bedfordshire Natuarlist. 56(2):12.
Dazley & P.Trodd. 1994.

Blue Tit Parus caerulus Behaviour

2003-06-01T14:45:00.000Z

We did not put up our new nest box until 30 March 2003. A bit late in the season, but better late than never, we hoped. So, we were surprised but very pleased when within a week a pair of Blue Tits had begun visiting the nest box regularly. These visits were generally brief, with one bird (we were not certain if it was the male or female) perching at the circular entrance hole, looking into and occasionally entering the nest box. After a while we noticed that the dark brown wood-stain around the nest box entrance hole had been chipped away. Closer observation over the next couple of days revealed that one of the birds would perch at the nest box entrance and peck at the surrounds until the bare wood was revealed. Occasionally, the Blue Tit would perch in the entrance and peck at the inner edge of the hole. This behaviour continued for the next three days, with the pale scar slowly increasing in size, until it was approximately double the size of the entrance hole. We think only one bird was involved in this behaviour, but cannot be sure. The other bird of the pair was usually perched in a nearby lavender bush.

I have checked other nest boxes currently occupied by Blue Tits, nest box photographs from a variety of sources (????) and television footage (Gardener’s World) and have not seen similar scarring on any of the nest boxes. Male Blue Tits are reported to tap around the entrance of a nesting hollow when trying to entice a female (BWP) but I can find no reference to such extensive “re-decoration” of the nest entrance.

During nest building in the nest box, the Blue Tits paid frequent visits to the window frames of both our and our neighbours’ houses, most frequently to the upstairs windows but occasionally downstairs too. We could not determine what the birds were collecting or eating when we observed them through binoculars. We could not see any insects when we made a close inspection of our kitchen window frame where the Blue Tits had been seen and decided they were probably collecting spiders webs for nest building.

This nest box lid was difficult to remove, so we kept our investigations of the nest box contents to a minimum. The nest was complete when we looked on 8 May 2003. By 23 May 2003, the adults were paying frequent visits to the nest box suggesting the young had hatched. We heard the young for the first time on 27 May 2003. Following the hot dry spell at the end of May, all adult activity had ceased. When we checked the nest box on 1 Jun 2003 it contained one dead chick and one unhatched egg.

New Year’s Day, 2003

2003-01-02T00:00:00.001Z

Wet?! Looking out the window at 05:30 was like looking through a waterfall, so it was back to bed for a while. By 06:00 the rain seemed to have eased somewhat and my sons Andrew, Matthew and I decided to take our chances. While getting breakfast and loading provisions (and two teenage boys require a lot of provisions) the only sound was the drumming of rain on the conservatory roof. The local Robins that have been singing by the light of the street lamps in the recent mild conditions, were ominously quiet. Once again we wondered if we would not be better off back in bed. By 06:30 we were ready and decided to brave the elements for our ‘New Year’s Day Birdwatch’ where we try to see as many species as possible within 10 km of home.

During 2002, we had moved 25 km (15 miles) north from Codicote in the depths of darkest Hertfordshire to the Bedfordshire village of Henlow. Our new home range stretched from the chalk downland of the Chilterns, rising to 183 m at Telegraph Hill in the south across the flood plain of the River Ivel and its tributary the Hiz to the greensand ridge in the north from which Sandy, HQ of the RSPB takes its name. The A6 trunk road between Luton and Bedford forms the western boundary while the eastern border is a line on the map passing through the village of Ashwell. Three towns, Hitchin, Letchworth and Baldock, all in Hertfordshire, occupy the south-eastern quadrant while the smaller towns of Stotfold and Biggleswade lie on the route of the A1 which runs north-south across the area. The larger towns of Luton and Bedford lie outside our range, to the SW and NW respectively.

Our plan was to drive west past various plantations and woods on the greensand ridge hoping to pick up some owls, and any other birds that might be moving, before reaching Clophill at first light where we would walk around the Cainhoe sand pit. From there we intended to head for Swiss Gardens, stopping at likely spots en route for any farmland and woodland birds, then visiting Broom sand pits before heading home for lunch. No plans were made for the afternoon when we hoped to pick up any species still missing from our list. Our aim was to at least match the 68 species we had seen on New Year’s Day 2002 within 10 Km of Codicote, Hertfordshire.

As we pulled out of Henlow, the windscreen wipers were working overtime. Nothing else was stirring, not too surprising this early on New Year’s Day. Brief stops at Stockbridge Farm and Clifton cricket club failed to get our list started and all we heard was the wind and the rain. Our next stop was the car park nestled among the coniferous trees on the north side of Stanford Plantation and here we got lucky with a Tawny Owl calling, our first bird of the new year at 06:49 (some 44 minutes later than our first bird last year). Rabbits were numerous on the verge and Wood Pigeons disturbed from their roosts in small roadside trees as we drove towards Ireland. On the sheltered north side of Keepers Warren, a Tawny Owl flew across the road and when we stopped the car two more were heard calling. The sky was beginning to lighten, but it was still raining as we drove through Haynes where we heard Robin, Pheasant and Blackbird. Between Haynes and Clophill, a Kestrel moved from telegraph pole to telegraph pole as we slowly followed it. Carrion Crow was the only other species we saw along this stretch.

We reached Clophill at 08:00, donned our wet-weather gear and set off along the footpath towards Cainhoe sand pits. The rain had abated (a bit) but it was still a grey and murky day. As the light and weather slowly, very slowly, improved birds were becoming active. We heard Great Tits from a village garden, Redwings flying over and, more distantly, a honking flock of Canada Geese was on the move. Magpies, Jackdaws and Chaffinches fed on the ground in the horse paddocks behind the houses while a flock of Siskins (estimated at 100+) fed in the alders growing alongside the River Flit. Black-headed Gulls and Lapwings drifted over on the wind, like us heading towards the sand pits. By now the rain had stopped and I was no longer wiping the drops from my glasses every 5 minutes. A Wren burst into song as we crossed the swiftly flowing Flit on the narrow footbridge and then we had our first view of the pits; the nearest bordered with steep sand cliffs. This first pit was largely devoid of bird life but there was a solitary Great Crested Grebe in its breeding finery, a few Coot and a lone Cormorant glided in, to land on the water. Many of the gulls and Lapwings we had seen earlier had congregated on a marshy area between this first pit and another further east. We counted 300 Lapwings plus 3 Gadwall (our 20th species at 08:31) and c.30 Mallard. We followed the footpath that is routed along the western ‘cliffs’ to get a better view of the marshy area and eastern pit. A mixed flock of Skylark and Starlings were feeding on the open expanse of ploughed field. At the southern end of the pits, the mound of a ruined motte and bailey gives views over the whole complex. In scrub at the base of the mound, we saw our first Blue Tits while a mixed thrush flock feeding on the sheep-cropped sward included Fieldfare and Song Thrush. Herring and Common Gulls were found among the Black-headed Gulls on the marshy area where there was also a flock of 12 Wigeon and 22 Teal feeding on the shallows. There were many more waterfowl on the eastern pit, including rafts of Tufted Duck, among which were a few Pochard. As we turned to head back to the car we faced another wintry squall of rain and did not enjoy our trudge back towards the village. We did hear Meadow Pipits calling and see them perching on the wire fence but they were not much more than blurred shapes through my rain-spotted specs. A brief detour to the small sewage farm produced 4 Pied Wagtails and our first Moorhen of the day plus a noisy flock of Long-tailed Tits and a quieter Dunnock in the riverside scrub. In the village we saw Collared Doves and our first House Sparrows (39th Species at 10:05), but we were intent on reaching the comfort of the car and did not linger.

From Clophill we retraced our route of earlier, seeing Greenfinch visiting a feeder, a flock of Rooks in a stubble field and a Jay flying across the road. To the north of Keepers Warren, Andrew spotted a Buzzard on the ground. When we stopped the car for a better look it lumbered into the air and landed on a nearby telegraph pole. For a while the rain had again stopped and we took the chance to again venture out of the car. A flock of 50+ Fieldfare flew across the road and a Great Spotted Woodpecker flew into a roadside oak. Nearby a male Kestrel, looking very wet and bedraggled, perched on a dead snag – trying to dry out in the weak wintry sun – we knew how he felt! On the edge of a stubble field we found a covey of Red-legged Partridge and among a mixed flock of Chaffinches and Greenfinches were a few Yellow Hammers.

Our next stop was the deciduous woodland at Swiss Gardens, alongside the Shuttleworth Collection. As we got out of the car, a pair of Mistle Thrushes flew over and perched in the top-most branches of a bare tree. Goldcrests were fairly numerous in the undergrowth of the woods where Robins sang, Blackbirds foraged in the damp leaf-litter and Grey Squirrels were only our second mammal of the day. At the small ornamental lake we were treated to a double bonus. First, a pair of Mandarin Ducks, (50th species at 11:27), were swimming close to the bank, remaining under the over-hanging branches. While we were marvelling at the splendour of the male with his strange orange sail-like plumes, we heard a high-pitched whistle and two Kingfishers streaked low across the water, coming to a stop and perching a mere 10 m from where we were standing. They gave us ample time for a good look before they both flashed away down the length of the lake. Two bonus birds and the highlight of the day for all of us. Our visit to Swiss Gardens ended with a Tree-creeper spiralling up the trunk of an oak tree.

En route to Broom sand pits, we were detained by bird activity in the plantation beside the Old Warden- Southill road. Most of the birds turned out to be Goldcrests, but including a few Coal Tits. While searching through the Goldcrests, we heard the distant calls of a Nuthatch and Andrew spotted a Sparrowhawk soaring high overhead. When we eventually reached Broom, a charm of 12 Goldfinches was feeding on the dead-heads of some teasels and thistles and a Grey Wagtail flew over to land on the roof of the big house. There were few birds on the wash-out pit, but on the more over-grown pits to the east we saw Snipe and Mute Swan, before the rain returned and prompted us to dash for the car. It was time for lunch we decided. On the way back to Henlow, we saw a flock of Greylag Geese by the landscaped pond just north of Broom, a few Feral Pigeons among the 60 Collared Doves perched on overhead wires near in Stanford and a Heron, hunched up against the weather, standing in a flooded field near Clifton cricket club. We were well satisfied with our morning total of 62 species given the inclement weather and that we were not yet familiar with our new home range.

Over lunch of delicious home-made tomato soup and home-baked bread-rolls the weather deteriorated and by the time we came to go out again it was raining heavily. Still, accompanied this time by Brian Bond, venture out we did. A flock of Golden Plover was seen north of Caldecott but nothing else was added to our list. We drove around for another hour but with no sign of the weather improving gave it up as a bad job at 15:30. This was the first time we had finished our New Year’s Day birdwatch before dark.

On our first New Year’s Day in Bedfordshire we had recorded 63 species of which the undoubted highlight was the Mandarin Ducks and Kingfishers at Swiss Gardens. There were several species we had expected to see including Stock Dove, Little Owl and Green Woodpecker. With the exception of Wigeon, I had recorded all species on previous NYD birdwatches around Codicote, Hertfordshire. Given better (at least drier) weather we hope to improve on our total next New Year’s Day.

Astonbury Wood Bird Survey: Autumn 2002

2002-12-01T09:55:00.003Z

I have now been visiting Astonbury Wood for over a year recording all birds seen or heard in order to make comparisons with Richard Gazzard’s earlier study (Astonbury Wood Newsletter No. 9, March 1999) and to make specific notes of any birds using glades within the wood and any species using Long Meadow. My visits were at roughly fortnightly intervals, depending on weather and other commitments and were mostly made early in the morning as that is when the birds are most active. On each visit I kept a log of all species recorded. At each of nine recording points (7 in the woods and 2 in Long Meadow) I also counted all species seen or heard in a 5-minute recording period. Each visit lasted between 2-3 hours, usually depending on the time I had available, i.e. should I really be in work by now!

The bird survey got under way on the last Sunday of October 2001, the weekend the clocks went back. The following seasonal account of birds recorded in Astonbury Wood begins in December 2001. Some of my earlier observations have already appeared in ‘The Bluebell’ but are repeated here for completeness.

Winter: December 2001 – February 2002
By early December all the leaves have gone from the deciduous trees making it easier to observe mixed flocks of tits and finches that rove through the tree tops and other species that fly over the wood. Blue Tits and Great Tits were recorded throughout the woodland, although more numerous in the deciduous trees, while Coal Tits and Goldcrests were more likely to be found in the stands of coniferous trees. Nuthatches and Treecreepers were occasionally associated with these flocks, but not as frequently as I had expected. Winter thrushes, Redwing and Fieldfare, were largely absent from the wood, there being few berry bearing trees and shrubs, but were occasionally recorded flying over. Small flocks, often accompanied by Blackbirds and Song Thrushes were sometimes found in the hawthorn bushes bordering Stevenage Brook and Long Meadow, but disappointingly were never recorded feeding in the meadow itself. Up to three Woodcock wintered to the south-east of the main pond; their cryptic plumage is such that they were only seen when flushed as I moved between recording points. A feature of this season is the movement of gulls following the line of Stevenage Brook. All five common species of gull, Greater Black-back, Herring, Lesser Black-back, Common and Black-headed were noted although the latter was by far the most numerous.

Spring: March 2002 – May 2002
This is an exciting season for the bird-watcher. Resident birds begin to take up territories and advertise their presence with song, a few winter visitors are still hanging around and the summer migrants begin to arrive, slowly at first and the as conditions become more favourable, in large numbers. By early March the snowdrops and primroses were in flower and some trees were beginning to come into leaf. Despite early morning frosts all the common resident species were in song, Great Spotted Woodpeckers were drumming and Green Woodpeckers yodelling. A Chiff-chaff, calling at the southern end of the wood on 19 March 2002 was the first summer migrant. By the end of March both Blue Tit and Jackdaw had been seen carrying nesting material into tree hollows. By mid-April the number of singing Chiff-chaffs had risen to six, which were joined by several warbling Blackcaps and the occasional Swallow overhead. A pair of Canada Geese took up residence on the main pond, raising hopes that they might breed, but nothing seemed to come of it. By mid-May the floor of the wood was a sea of bluebells and most of the trees were in full leaf making it quite dark under the canopy and restricting the lines of sight. Most records would now be heard rather than seen. I only heard one Cuckoo, on 11 May 2002. I had hoped the wintering Woodcock might stay and breed but I had no sightings after 7 February 2002 and no roding birds were noted on my one evening visit in May.

Summer: June 2002 – August 2002
As the birds’ breeding season advances, the song that filled the wood, particularly at first light, is replaced by the many, varied and much more difficult to identify, squawks, cheeps and ticks of young birds demanding to be fed. The young of eight species (Moorhen, Robin, Blackbird, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Goldcrest and Jackdaw) were observed while a further 16 species probably bred in the wood. Moorhen nested on each of the ponds, one pair on each I think, hatching at least twelve young. At the end of June, a family of Goldcrests, the young fledged and out of the nest were seen at the north end of the wood. By mid-July much of the breeding season is over and the wood is a much quieter place as the adult birds become shy and retiring while they moult their old and worn feathers and replace them with new. At this time, some visits produced very few observations. During August some of the summer visitors begin to depart and the last Swifts were seen.

Most of my survey work takes place early in the morning, with only a couple of evening visits and so is not conducted at the best time of day to record butterflies. However, I have seen ten species: Large Skipper, Large White, Small White, Green-veined White, Purple Hairstreak, Comma, Speckled Wood, Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown and Ringlet.

Autumn: September 2002 – November 2002
As the birds finish their moult and the leaves begin to fall from the trees, the birds become easier to see. The autumn fruits are attractive to a wide variety of species. Normally insectivorous species, such as Blackcap and Chiff-chaff build up their body weight by gorging on elder berries, which also seem to be a favourite of Wood Pigeons. The summer migrants continue to leave and flocks of House Martin were recorded over the wood regularly during this period, usually in the company of Swallows. Other species also seem to be on the move; three Grey Wagtails and several Pied Wagtails appeared along Stevenage Brook. The last of the summer migrants was seen in early October. The gales of late October caused much damage, bringing down many trees and branches but on the positive side may have created more hollows for hole-nesting species. The first winter visitors were seen on 2 November 2002 when a mixed flock of Redwing and Fieldfare, plus a few Blackbirds and Song Thrushes was recorded feeding on the heavy haw crop in the bushes alongside Stevenage Brook. This hedgerow also provides a ‘main road’ for foraging flocks of tits including, on most autumn visits, up to 15 Long-tailed Tits accompanied by at least four Blue Tits and four Great Tits and on two occasions by a single Marsh Tit. Sadly, the Woodcock did not return to their wintering area in the east of the wood.

Conclusion
Seven species (Wood Pigeon, Robin, Blue Tit, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow and Chaffinch) have been recorded on every visit while a further four species (Wren and Dunnock, Blackbird and Great Tit) have been seen on all visits bar one. Conversely, six species were only recorded on one visit (Greater Black-backed Gull, Tawny Owl, Cuckoo, Lesser Whitethroat, Siskin and Lesser Redpoll). Wood Pigeon was the most numerous species, closely followed by Jackdaw and Robin.

Most surprising observation was a Harris Hawk first recorded on 22 February 2002 and then again on 19 March 2002. This distinctive North American bird of prey was assumed to have escaped from a falconry. At the same time there were reports of this species from Amwell gravel pits (near Ware, Hertfordshire) and somewhere in Bedfordshire (possibly relating to the same bird?).

The woodland glades with low shrubbery, mostly brambles were better for birds than those lacking ground cover, other than leaf litter, where no birds were recorded. Many of the smaller woodland species, e.g. Blackcap, Wren and Dunnock favoured the areas with dense undergrowth. However, the open areas of the glade do make observations easier as they allow unobstructed views into the tree canopy.

Long Meadow was a disappointment. Observations of birds feeding in the meadow were few and far between. Carrion Crow, Green Woodpecker and Magpie were recorded feeding in the field while two immature Herons were seen standing beside a flooded area (after heavy rain in November 2002). Blackbirds and Robins were occasionally seen at the meadow’s edges. I had hoped to see flocks of starlings and, possibly some winter thrushes feeding in the grassland but none were. This possibly suggests that the soil invertebrate fauna may be impoverished something that might possibly be improved by grazing stock on the meadow?

Kingfishers were only seen along Stevenage Brook on two occasions (10 November 2001 and 22 February 2002). Despite a careful search along Stevenage Brook, where it passes through Long Meadow, I could find no evidence of Kingfishers nesting. Indeed, none have been recorded during the spring and summer months.

In 29 visits to Astonbury Wood I have recorded 63 species of birds (listed below) including 45 of the species seen by Richard Gazzard in his earlier study; the exceptions are Lapwing, Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, Willow Warbler and Wood Warbler. A couple of species I hoped to record but did not were Hawfinch (apparently not recorded in Astonbury Wood since 1998) and Spotted Flycatcher.

Species List
Cormorant F
Heron
Canada Goose
Mallard
Harris Hawk
Sparrowhawk M
Kestrel P
Pheasant
Moorhen C
Woodcock W
Common Gull F
Black-headed Gull F
Herring Gull F
Lesser Black-backed Gull F
Great Black-backed Gull F
Wood Pigeon P
Stock Dove M
Collared Dove
Little Owl P
Tawny Owl P
Cuckoo S
Swift F
Kingfisher W
Green Woodpecker P
Great Spotted Woodpecker P
Skylark
Grey Wagtail
Pied Wagtail
Meadow Pipit
Swallow SF
House Martin SF
Wren C
Dunnock P
Robin C
Blackbird C
Fieldfare W
Song Thrush P
Redwing W
Mistle Thrush M
Blackcap SP
Lesser Whitethroat SM
Chiff-chaff SP
Goldcrest C
Long-tailed Tit P
Marsh Tit M
Coal Tit P
Blue Tit C
Great Tit C
Nuthatch M
Treecreeper M
Jay P
Magpie P
Jackdaw C
Rook
Carrion Crow P
Starling M
Chaffinch P
Greenfinch M
Goldfinch
Siskin
Lesser Redpoll
Bullfinch
Yellow Hammer

Key:
C = Confirmed Breeding;
F = Flying over only;
M = Might be Breeding
P = Probably Breeding
S = Summer Visitor;
W = Winter Visitor;

Astonbury Wood Bird Survey: Summer 2002

2002-08-01T09:53:00.002Z

With the school summer holidays upon us, the birds’ breeding season is almost over. The bird song that filled the wood, particularly at first light, has now been replaced by the many, varied and much more difficult to identify, squawks, cheeps and ticks of young birds demanding to be fed.

I have now made 20 visits to Astonbury Wood and have recorded 58 species including 44 of the species seen by Richard Gazzard in his earlier study; the exceptions are Lapwing, Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, Willow Warbler, Wood Warbler and House Martin. Nine species (Wood Pigeon, Robin, Blackbird, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow and Chaffinch) have been recorded on every visit while a further two species (Wren and Dunnock) have been seen on all visits bar one. Five species (Cuckoo, Swift, Swallow, Blackcap and Lesser Whitethroat), all summer visitors, have been added to the list since I last wrote in the newsletter. Wood Pigeon has become the most numerous species, closely followed by Jackdaw and Chaffinch. Movements of gulls, following the line of Stevenage Brook, cease over the summer months but as autumn progresses their numbers will pick up again. There have been no further sightings of the Harris Hawk although one, probably the same one, was seen over Amwell gravel pits during the summer.

Making fortnightly visits has not been as productive as I had hoped where finding birds’ nests has been concerned. I have only confirmed breeding for three species: Moorhens nested on both small ponds at the north end of the wood while both Blue Tit and Jackdaw were seen visiting tree hollows. However, breeding is suspected for a further 22 species, including Kestrel, Great Spotted Woodpecker and Chaffinch. Recently fledged young of Wren, Robin, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Goldcrest and Carrion Crow have all been seen, strongly suggesting that they nested in the wood. Despite a careful search along Stevenage Brook, where it passes through Long Meadow, I could find no evidence of Kingfishers nesting. Indeed, none have been recorded during the spring and summer months. If anyone has any bird breeding records for the wood, please forward them to me so I can include them in my report.

Long Meadow remains disappointing for birds. I have added only two further records, both of a pair of Carrion Crows, in the meadow. Birds are regularly seen and heard in the hedge alongside the brook and at the woods edge but none seem to feed in the field.

Most of my survey work takes place early in the morning, with only a couple of evening visits so far and so is not conducted at the best time of day to record butterflies. So far I have seen ten species: Large Skipper, Large White, Small White, Green-veined White, Purple Hairstreak, Comma, Speckled Wood, Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown and Ringlet.

Astonbury Wood Bird Survey: Easter 2002

2002-05-01T09:24:00.001Z

Since meeting Simon Smith at a Codicote village cricket match late last summer, I have been visiting Astonbury Wood about once a fortnight (depending on the weather and other commitments) to conduct a bird survey. The main aim of the survey was simply to record all birds seen or heard in order to make comparisons with Richard Gazzard’s earlier study (Astonbury Wood Newsletter No. 9, March 1999). Other aims were to make specific notes of any birds using glades within the wood and any species using Long Meadow.

Following a couple of preliminary visits to get my bearings and locate my recording points, I began my survey as the clocks went back on the last Sunday of October 2001. On each visit I kept a log of all species recorded. At each of nine recording points (7 in the woods and 2 in Long Meadow) I also counted all species seen or heard in a 5-minute recording period. I have now made 12-visits and so far have recorded 52 species. Of these, six species (Cormorant and five species of gull) have only been recorded flying over the wood and a further seven species (Sparrowhawk, Stock Dove, Little Owl, Tawny Owl, Marsh Tit, Starling and Yellow Hammer) have only been recorded on one visit. Ten species (Wood Pigeon, Robin, Blackbird, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Jay, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow and Chaffinch) have been recorded on every visit while a further two species (Wren and Dunnock) have been recorded on every visit bar one. The most numerous species so far have been Black-headed Gull, Jackdaw and Chaffinch. Some species have probably been under recorded e.g. large numbers of Wood Pigeons are disturbed when walking through the woods, but relatively few seen during the count periods.

There have been some interesting sightings: at least three Woodcock wintered to the south-east of the large pond; both Tawny Owl and Little Owl have been recorded and owl pellets are regularly found under the tall cypress(?) trees alongside the main track; Kingfishers have been watched fishing along Stevenage brook on a couple of occasions. However, the most surprising sighting has been a Harris Hawk, a distinctive, buzzard-sized North and central American bird of prey that appears all dark except for a large white patch at the base of the tail and white tips to the tail feathers. Closer views show that the thighs, under and upperwing coverts are a rich chestnut. Although no jesses were seen on this bird, it is assumed to have escaped from a falconry.

The weather can have a great effect on the number of birds recorded. Most are recorded on fine, calm days. On windy days, most birds will be found on the sheltered side of the woods. Traffic noise, from the Stevenage - Hertford (A602) road, can be bad at recording points on the south and west side of the woods making it difficult to hear the birds.

The woodland glades with low shrubbery, mostly brambles are better for birds than the clearings lacking ground cover where no birds have been recorded. Long Meadow has been especially disappointing with only three records of birds in the field, a Green Woodpecker possibly feeding at an ant nest, two Carrion Crows and two Magpies also seen on the ground. Birds forage along the hedgerows on either side of the meadow, with Blackbirds, Song Thrushes, Fieldfares and Redwings all seen feeding on haws but few seem to use the field.

In his earlier study, Richard Gazzard recorded seven species which I have not yet seen at the woods, although with the exception of Lapwing these were all summer migrants. With the clocks going forward over the Easter weekend and the days getting longer, signs of spring are much in evidence; Primroses are in flower, most of the trees are in leaf while the resident species’ breeding season is already under way. Robins, Blackbirds and Chaffinches have been singing for a few weeks and Great Spotted Woodpeckers have been heard drumming while Blue Tits and Jackdaws have been prospecting likely looking holes. Chiff-Chaffs, usually the earliest of the summer visitors have already been heard and over the next few weeks will be joined by other warblers. It will be a good time to go down to the woods.

It was cold, very cold : New Year’s Day, 2002

2002-01-02T00:00:00.001Z

It was cold, very cold. On new year’s eve, temperatures had dropped to -5^oC and overnight had fallen even further. By 05:30 our part of the world was blanketed in a hard, white frost, the rooves of Newtown and the cars parked along the street gleaming in the light of a full moon. Andrew, my eldest son and I, were up and about this early for our, now traditional, ‘New year’s day Big Day Birdwatch’ where we try and see as many species as possible within 10 km of home.

Home is the village of Codicote in north Hertfordshire. The towns of Welwyn Garden City and Stevenage lie within 10 km while Hitchin, Luton, Harpenden, St Albans, Hatfield and Hertford lie to the north, west and south of my home range. Despite this urbanisation, and the proximity of London (only 30 miles to the south), it is a surprisingly rural with some pleasant scenery. Three small rivers, the Lea, Mimram and Beane flow NW - SE across the area separated by low rolling hills, none higher than 200 m. Much of the higher land is given over to arable farming, with wheat and barley being the major crops grown in large fields from which the hedges have been removed. In recent years oil seed rape has become an important crop. In the depths of winter, these fields are largely bare, or with only small shoots of winter-sown grain showing through the soil. The hedges remain in the valleys where there is more pasture for grazing. Some flood meadows remain. A feature of the area are the watercress beds, some still operating commercially, others in disrepair and yet others now local nature reserves. There are numerous small woodlands, although few are natural, with plantations of both deciduous and coniferous trees.

Our planned route was much the same as last year: up early to listen for owls (and anything else) around Rabley Heath and Kimpton while it was still dark, before moving onto Stanborough Lakes, at the southern edge of our home range for first light. From there we would wend our way northwards via Beech Farm, the cress beds in the Mimram valley reaching Hitch Wood at lunch time. The short winter afternoon would be spent trying to fill in any missing gaps.

And so we set out. Covered overnight with newspapers, the car’s windscreen and rear window were frost free (forewarned is forearmed). And it started first time! Wrapped in as many layers as possible and with the heater on full blast, we drove slowly round to Rabley Heath. In the bitterly cold, pre-dawn hours of new year’s day we seemed, not surprisingly, to be the only things up and about. In contrast to last year (windy and very wet) conditions were much better suited to listening for birds but nothing stirred. Too cold, we thought. With a nearly full moon, clear skies and heavy frost, the countryside was lit with an eerie glow but we heard nothing until eventually a Little Owl called at 06:05. Shortly after we made tracks for Kimpton Mill where a Carrion Crow called once, a Moorhen squawked from the cress beds and a Tawny Owl hooted in the distance. Six Mallard were disturbed from the cress beds and flew off up the Mimram valley. En route to Stanborough Lakes, our headlights picked out numerous roadside rabbits, a single Hare and a Tawny Owl perched on a branch overhanging the road.

It was still dark, and still cold, very cold, when we arrived at the lakes on the outskirts of Welwyn Garden City (WGC), so we sat in the car with our hands wrapped around a mug of hot coffee. As the sky gradually lightened, in the clear conditions some 20 minutes earlier than last year, we began to see and hear some birds. Wood Pigeons and Magpies flew from their roosts to nearby fields and a Robin fed quietly at the edge of the car park. The peace was shattered by the loud alarm call of a Blackbird as a weasel rushed at the Robin, which fluttered to a nearby bush. The weasel was not deterred and continued its attack, climbing with agility, its movements so fast it was almost impossible to follow in the half-light. The Robin escaped but only just. Prompted by this excitement we left the comfort of the car. Only a little of Stanborough Lakes remained ice free. Crowded into this small patch of open water were 100+ Canada Geese, a few Mute Swans and several Coots but none of the other, hoped for, waterfowl. Three Black-headed Gulls stood on the ice and an adult Grey Heron flew low over the lake making its harsh, croaking call but few small birds were active yet: a Dunnock hopped along the edge of the footpath, a Wren moved through the reeds bordering the R. Lea and the ‘chack’ call of a Fieldfare was heard as it flew over but nothing else was seen until we got to Stanborough reed bed. Here, Reed Buntings were beginning to leave their roost either singly or in small flocks of up to 12 birds. While watching the buntings, a Green Woodpecker flew across the reed bed and a Great Spotted Woodpecker called from the nearby willow woodland. As it got lighter the birds were becoming more active: a mixed flock of Blue Tits and Great Tits was up and about, a Cormorant and 2 Jackdaws flew over and the raucous call of a Jay was heard. By now we had been out of the car for little over half-an-hour and it was still cold, very cold, so cold that we ached. We decided to head back to the relative warmth of the car, seeing a Common Gull on the ice and two Starlings flying over. Back at the car we had a reviving warm drink, noting a mixed flock of c.20 Siskins and a few Chaffinches feeding in a river side alder, a (presumably feral?) Barnacle Goose among the Canada Geese, a Treecreeper spiralling up the trunks of trees in the car park and a Water Rail delicately picking its way along the river’s edge. It was now 08:30 and we had seen 31 species.

The dearth of ducks on the lakes prompted our first change of plan, we drove through WGC, seeing Collared Dove, to Tewinbury Mill where we hoped the mill pond would be ice-free. It wasn’t, but there was a Dabchick fishing on the river and a Song Thrush feeding on ivy berries. Returning through WGC, we saw Feral Pigeons and Greenfinches feeding on the berries of some ornamental shrubs (where there had been Waxwings in April 2001, but not now).

Our next stop was, Beech Farm on the north side of the disused Hatfield airfield, where we hoped to find some farmland and open country birds. A male Pheasant stalked along a hedgerow and a flock of House Sparrows (38th species at 09:17) flew about the barns. In the reclaimed fields to the south of the farm a flock of 15 Meadow Pipits and Skylarks was put to flight by a marauding male Sparrowhawk while a party of Long-tailed Tits foraged busily along a hedgerow. Small flocks of gulls of all five common species, including Lesser Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull and Great Black-backed Gull flew over all heading west. No new species were seen in the rough grassland that borders the disused airfield, but a Yellow Hammer perched in the hedge as we returned to the farm where a Pied Wagtail was on a barn roof. Beech Farm hosts one of the few remaining Tree Sparrow colonies in Hertfordshire. We managed to miss them last new year, but this time, our patience was rewarded when we found one consorting with the House Sparrows.

Before Christmas, I had seen flocks of plovers beside the Sandridge–Wheathampstead road on my way to and from work so that is where we headed next, hoping that the cold snap, it was still cold, very cold, had not forced them to move on. Luck was with us and just outside Sandridge we found a flock of 25 Lapwings and a bit further north a flock of c.50 Golden Plover (50th species at 10:48), a species I had not recorded on previous New Year’s Day big days.

A feature of the Mimram valley is its watercress beds. Only a few are still operating commercially while others are now nature reserves. Water cress requires running water, so even in the coldest conditions (and it was still cold, very cold) they tend to remain ice free and, as such, attractive to birds unable to use frozen wetlands. From Sandridge, we drove north via Wheathampstead, where we saw a party of Rooks, to the Mimram valley and Kimpton Mill where there is both a commercial water cress nursery and some disused beds maintained as an unofficial nature reserve. Here, we flushed up to six Snipe which called as they flew off, circled high before coming back to land at the far end of the cress beds. When Andrew and I went in different directions, I was fortunate to see a flash of blue. Sadly Andrew missed our only Kingfisher of the day (and the only species not seen by both of us), a reversal of the situation a couple of years ago. The cress beds still had one more good bird: a snipe which flushed almost at my feet was noticeably smaller than those seen earlier, did not call, did not rise as high and dropped back to the ground less than 20 m away. When subsequently seen, it was positively identified as a Jack Snipe; the best views I have ever had of this species. A Goldcrest working its way along the hedgerow sent us on our way feeling rather pleased with ourselves.

From Kimpton Mill, we continued northwards slowly heading towards Hitch Wood for the woodland species that had eluded us so far. Regular stops to search likely looking fields added Mistle Thrush, Stock Dove and Red-legged Partridge to our lists.

Hitch Wood, a large mixed woodland, was to be our last stop of the morning. In previous years we had been lucky enough to find Woodcock, but this year the bracken in their favoured clearing was heavily encrusted with ice, it was still cold, very cold, and the ground was rock hard. While searching for the Woodcock, a Nuthatch was heard and then a mewing call caused us to look up, just in time to see two Buzzards (60th species at 12:30) drifting over. When we returned to the UK from PNG in 1991, Buzzards were scarce winter visitors to this area of north Hertfordshire. In the intervening years their numbers have steadily grown and they are now year round residents. Even so, this was the first time we had seen them on new year’s day. Having all but given up hope of finding a Woodcock, we were pleasantly surprised to flush one on the edge of the clearing where the ground, somewhat protected by overhanging trees, was frost free. Coal Tit, in a mixed tit and goldcrest flock, was our last new bird of the day before we headed home for lunch (13:10-13:45).

Full of a delicious home-made tomato soup mopped up with home-made bread rolls (thank you, Jenny), Andrew and I, now accompanied by my younger son, Matthew, and Brian Bond headed out for an afternoon’s birding. It was now a glorious winter’s day, sunny, clear and calm but still cold, very cold. First, we returned to Kimpton Mill as we had forgotten to check the mill pond this morning. Expecting it to be completely frozen over, we were surprised to find some open water and a female Tufted Duck. Two Water Rails were seen feeding on the nearby, ice-free cress beds. We also re-visited the mill pond at Tewinbury Mill but that remained ice bound and no birds were seen.

On the outskirts of Digswell, Andrew spotted a perched Kestrel. As I was driving, I missed it and so had to loop back round the roundabouts to add it to my list. In the minor lanes behind Welwyn a female Bullfinch flew across the road. Following news broadcast on the Hertfordshire Bird Club web page (http://www.hertsbirdclub.org.uk/index.html) our next stop was Waterend where a mixed flock of finches had been reported. We parked near the ford and took a footpath that followed the R. Lea upstream (west). The finch flock proved easy to find, feeding in a set-aside field just north of the river. The flock comprised c.20 Chaffinches, 52+ Linnet and at least 1 (a winter-plumaged male) Brambling. Returning to the car, we disturbed a Redwing (68th species at 15:20) that had been foraging in frost-free leaf-litter beneath a holly bush. This was the only one we recorded all day and assumed the others must have moved on to less cold climes.

With half-an-hours daylight left, we decided to return to Beech Farm in the hope we might see some hunting owls. By this time I think we had used up all our luck so the Redwing was our last new bird of the day. Between 13:45 and 17:05 we had only added six species, but at least we had beaten last year’s total (even if only by one)! As the light faded so the warming effects of the suns rays disappeared and the temperature began to drop again. It was cold, very cold.

…. Or the first day of a new millennium: 1st January 2001

2001-01-02T13:45:00.000Z

Following the wettest year on record, when large swathes of southern England were inundated, it should have come as no surprise when New Year’s Day 2001 dawned wet and windy. It was, however, a disappointment as in the days between Christmas and New Year the north Hertfordshire countryside had been blanketed with snow. While this made driving conditions tricky, especially on the minor country lanes, it did have the effect of concentrating the birds where food was to be found e.g. at the spring-fed cress beds where the water did not freeze and in farmyards. With the thaw on New Year’s Eve, the birds were again dispersed over the countryside. Despite the weather, Andrew, my oldest son and I, had planned a ‘New Year’s Day Big Day’ as usual limiting ourselves to a 10 km radius of home.

Home is the village of Codicote in north Hertfordshire. The towns of Welwyn Garden City and Stevenage lie within 10 km while Hitchin, Luton, Harpenden, St Albans, Hatfield and Hertford lie to the north, west and south of my home range. Despite this urbanisation, and the proximity of London (only 30 miles to the south), it is a surprisingly rural with some pleasant scenery. Three small rivers, the Ver, Mimram and Beane flow NW - SE across the area separated by low rolling hills, none higher than 200 m. Much of the higher land is given over to arable farming, with wheat and barley being the major crops grown in large fields from which the hedges have been removed. In recent years oil seed rape has become an important crop. In the depths of winter these fields are largely bare or with only small shoots of winter-sown grain showing through the soil. The hedges remain in the valleys where there is more pasture for grazing. Some flood meadows remain. A feature of the area are the watercress beds, some still operating commercially, others in disrepair and yet others now local nature reserves. There are numerous small woodlands, although few are natural, with plantations of both deciduous and coniferous trees.

As last year we planned to be up and about before dawn in the hope of hearing some night birds but the blustery wind and frequent, sometimes heavy, showers masked any calls there might have been. A distant Tawny Owl (our first bird at 06:24) was heard calling from Rabley Heath and another near Kimpton Mill but nothing else seemed to be moving.

The inclement weather, with worse forecast for later in the day, had prompted a change of route. We had decided to start at the southern end of our ‘patch’ where the mix of habitats would hopefully get our ‘big day’ off to a good start. The car headlights picked out Pheasant and Wood Pigeon as we made our way towards Stanborough Lake on the outskirts of Welwyn Garden City. Heavy rain kept us in the car for a while but did not stop the birding; by now the sky had lightened but the heavy covering of cloud prevented us from seeing if the sun was up; a marked contrast to our new year’s days down under. Blackbirds foraged in leaf litter at the edge of the car park, Coots, Moorhens and Mallards swam on the swiftly flowing R. Lea and an adult Grey Heron strolled along the bank of the lake. Despite the general thaw, much of Stanborough Lake was covered in thin layer of ice that was still strong enough to support a few winter-plumaged Black-headed Gulls. A Robin ticked from nearby and a Carrion Crow cawed from further away. By 07:30 the rain seemed to have abated a little and we decided to go for a wander along the bank between the lake and river. Our reward for braving the elements was a flash of blue, a Kingfisher, heading upstream and this year we both saw it! Where the lake was ice free, the water was crowded with birds; in the half-light we picked out Mute Swan and Canada Geese while a Common Gull had appeared on the ice. As the sky lightened more birds were becoming active despite the persistent drizzle. The chattering call of a Magpie and trilling song of a Wren were heard and a Dunnock hopped across the path. Three Cormorants circled once over the lake looking for somewhere to land, decided against it and headed off to the north-west. Great Tits and Redwings were heard calling and a flock of Greenfinches flew out from their roost in a dense laurel bush. The reed bed alongside the R. Lea, at the south end of the lake, is the second largest in Hertfordshire but was disappointingly devoid of birds. We sheltered out another heavy rainstorm under the viaduct carrying the railway across the valley. The birds must have been similarly sheltering because we saw nothing new. When the rain eased off we retraced our route back to the car seeing a flock of c.20 Goldfinches feeding in riverside alders and added three thrushes to the list: Song Thrush, two Fieldfares flying over and a couple of Mistle Thrushes. On the open water and amongst the swans and geese we picked out a winter-plumaged Great Crested Grebe and some Greylag Geese. The flock of gulls standing on the ice had grown and now included a couple of Lesser Black Backed Gulls. While sipping a reviving cup of hot coffee, a small flock of tits roving through the riverside willows and alders included Goldcrest, Blue Tit, Treecreeper and Chaffinch. With 33 species seen it was time to move on.

By 09:00 we were on the road, heading west to Beech Farm on the north side of the disused Hatfield airfield which has been the winter haunt of all five common species of owl (Barn, Long-eared, Short-eared, Tawny and Little). En route we saw a Kestrel perched on a telegraph pole and a flock of Starlings. As we pulled up at the farm a Jay flew across the road and into a small copse of Oak trees, a flock of 38 Skylarks flew over a stubble field and a hare, our first mammal of the day streaked across the same field. Beech Farm is home to one of the few remaining Tree Sparrow colonies in Hertfordshire but we could only find their close cousins, House Sparrows (our 39th species at 09:20). While looking for the Tree Sparrows we found a flock of Long-tailed Tits moving along a hawthorn hedge and disturbed a pair of Red-legged Partridges which flew away from the farmyard on whirring wings to join a covey of Grey Partridges on an adjacent field. As we followed a track across the former sand and gravel pits, now restored as pasture fields a flock of Meadow Pipits and a solitary Herring Gull flew over. Where an area of rough ground had flooded, the ice had not completely thawed and a pair of Reed Buntings picked fallen seeds from the surface of the ice. Sadly, none of the owls put in appearance over the rough ground recently used by Stephen Spielberg in the filming of “Saving Private Ryan” and “Band of Brothers”. The Stonechats we had seen here on Boxing Day were also absent, presumably the cold snap had forced them south. A flock of seven Lapwings and some Stock Doves flew over and a Pied Wagtail fed at a puddles edge. Back at the car a Great Spotted Woodpecker called from the oak copse (where we had earlier seen the Jay) and an adult Great Black-backed Gull flew over.

The showers of the early morning had given way to wintry sunshine (contrary to the forecast) and it was quite a pleasant day as we made our way to Tewinbury on the banks of the R. Mimram. En route we added Feral Pigeon/Rock Dove (our 50th species at 10:30), Jackdaw and Rook, all perched on lampposts beside our route. On a former millpond, now an ornamental lake, were several Tufted Ducks and three pairs of Gadwall. The highlight of the day came as we wandered back to the car; a male Sparrowhawk burst from the roadside vegetation and flew along the road, passing us at eye-height before swerving back amongst the trees: an impressive display of grace and power and an all-too-brief view. Nearby a small flock of Siskin fed in the alders growing on the riverbank and a Grey Wagtail flew over.

We wended our way home via the village of Tewin where we saw our first Collared Doves, and Mardley Heath where we saw Grey Squirrels but no new birds. Our last stop of the morning was Kimpton Mill, where a tributary of the Mimram has been dammed to form another millpond. A winter-plumaged Little Grebe was an expected species here, but the pair of Black Swans was something of a surprise but a pleasant reminder of our time down under. At the nearby cress beds we saw a Snipe but not the Water Rail that had been feeding in the open during the recent cold snap and so ended the morning on 60 species.

After a delicious lunch of homemade thick vegetable soup, Andrew and I were out again at 13:45, quickly adding one species that had eluded us in the morning when a Water Rail was seen at the edge of a flooded field. Far from deteriorating as predicted the weather had slowly improved and it was now fine with weak, wintry sunshine and a brisk, cool SW breeze. Hitch Wood, a large mixed woodland was our next stop. Three Woodcock flying up from the edge of the same clearing where we had seen them last new year’s day were a species we were particularly pleased to find as they are not always easy. Nuthatches were heard and then seen in an area of open beech woodland while in an area of fir plantation a mixed flock included both Coal and Marsh Tits (as well as Goldcrest, Treecreeper, Blue and Great Tits).

The remainder of the daylight was spent driving round the north Hertfordshire countryside searching for the now resident Buzzards and any other species we might have missed. We only succeeded in adding Linnet to the list when a mixed flock (also including Chaffinches, Goldfinches and Greenfinches) of some 70 birds was seen in a stubble field near Kings Walden. As the light faded we returned to Beech Farm in the hope of some early evening owls, but again there were none. Yellow Hammers, flying to roost in reed beds surrounding the disused gravel pits were, as last year, our last species of the day (67th at 16:20) Our wait for the owls was curtailed when Andrew, ignoring parental warnings, decided to test the strength of the ice on a ditch and promptly dropped in up to his waist - And it was COLD. After that there was nothing to do but head for home after a very satisfying New Year’s Day birding.

1st January 2000: Just another new year’s day....

2000-01-02T00:00:00.000Z

The wonders of television had allowed us to watch the beginning of the new year around the globe, starting in Kiribati then by way of Sydney, Moscow and Paris (the Eiffel Tower going off like a rocket was probably the best firework display!) until it was our turn in the U.K. We saw the new year in with our neighbours and had a wander up and down the village street but the many fireworks drowned out any birds that might have been flying over. Whether or not it was the first day of the new millennium, it was another first of January and I would be out and about trying to see as many birds as possible within a 10 km radius of home so I was soon in bed.

During 1999 we had returned from Melbourne, Australia to England where home was now the village of Codicote, about 50 km north of London, in the populous south-east corner of Britain. It is a far cry from the western suburbs of Melbourne, with more people living within 100 km than can be found in the whole of Australia. My home range includes a couple of small towns, Welwyn Garden City and Stevenage and is hemmed in the north, west and south by the towns of Hitchin, Luton, Harpenden, Hatfield and Hertford. Despite this urbanisation, and the proximity of London, it is surprisingly rural with some pleasant scenery. Three small rivers, the Lea, Mimram and Beane flow NW - SE across the area separated by low rolling hills, none higher than 200 m. Much of the higher land is given over to arable farming, with wheat and barley being the major crops grown in large fields from which the hedges have been removed. The hedges remain in the valleys where there is more pasture for grazing. Some flood meadows remain. A feature of the area are the water-cress beds, some still operating commercially, others in disrepair and yet others now local nature reserves. There are numerous small woodlands, although few are natural, with plantations of both deciduous and coniferous trees. With the change of hemisphere came a change of season and once more my new year’s day birdwatch would be taking place in the depths of winter, although the 1999/2000 winter had, so far, been exceptionally mild.

While most people were still sleeping off their new year’s eve celebrations, Andrew, my eldest son, and I were up and about at 06:00. It was still dark at 06:21 when a Robin singing under the street lights of the village was our first bird of the new year. Our plan was to spend the hour until first light searching for owls. Between Christmas and new year we had heard owls calling near the hamlet of Rabley Heath, so this is where we headed first. No sooner had we pulled up in the car park of the Robin Hood and Little John public house than we heard the piercing call of a Little Owl followed almost immediately by the too-whit-too-whoo of a Tawny Owl. Not a bad way to start new year’s day. Our next stop was a small plantation of conifers near the village of Kimpton where Long-eared Owl had been reported during 1999. It was a still morning, with no wind to rustle the trees and ideal for listening for bird calls. We heard several more Tawny and Little Owls but not the deeper hoots of a Long-eared Owl. Nor did we have any luck, at a nearby site, with Barn Owl. Our straining ears did pick up the flight calls of a flock of redwing, the louder caws of an early rising flock of Rooks and the deeper honk of a Pheasant. It was 07:00 and still dark but more birds were becoming active. A Moorhen squawked from the damp fields beside the river, a Blackbird gave its alarm call from gardens in the village and a Skylark called as it flew over.

As the eastern sky began to lighten we parked at Kimpton Mill to begin our first walk of the day. A pair of Mallards flying noisily from the water cress beds just north of the mill were the first birds we had seen. Nearby a Wren churred from the weeds, mainly the dead stems of rose bay willow herb, that clogged one of the cress-beds while a Grey Heron stood sentinel on the bank of the Mimram, flying off with a loud croak when we disturbed it. A pair of Carrion Crows foraged on the edge of a field. On the small millpond, formed where a tributary of the Mimram has been dammed, were a pair of Eurasian Little Grebes in winter plumage and a pair of Coot. While we scanned the pond a skein of 27 Canada Geese, in typical “vee” formation, flew south down the valley.

We retraced our steps past the mill house, where a pair of Jackdaws, small black crows with grey napes, warmed themselves by the smoking chimney pots. A small flock of Meadow Pipits flew over and some Collared Doves fed on the ground in a horse paddock. We continued north along the valley with an expanse of ploughed field, no birds, on our right and an area of rough, uncultivated ground between us and the River Mimram. Rabbits feeding close to a hedgerow were our first mammals of the day while Wood Pigeons feeding on ivy berries were our 20th species at 07:56. By this time last year, in the western suburbs of Melbourne, we had already seen more than 50 species. Alder seeds are a favoured food of many small finches but this morning the alder trees on the banks of the Mimram were sadly devoid of birds. Not until we reached a small poplar plantation, also on the banks of the river, did we see any new birds. Two Magpies perched in the tree tops and a flock of 20 Long-tailed Tits foraged through the tangle of brambles that formed the understorey. From an isolated oak tree on the hillside overlooking the valley we heard the distinctive kik call of a Great Spotted Woodpecker but were then surprised to hear it drumming on a dead branch. Drumming does not usually take place until later in the year when the woodpeckers are staking claim to a territory - another indication of the mildness of the weather this winter. As we continued northwards a Hare broke from cover and streaked up the field until it was lost to sight over the brow of a hill. A pig-like squealing from an overgrown marshy area beside the river alerted us to the presence of a Water Rail, which we later saw wading in shallow, flowing water at the river’s edge. Where a remnant of woodland bordered the river a flock of Blue Tits foraged in the outer branches and grey squirrels ran for the safety of the canopy when we disturbed their foraging on the ground. In an area of willow carr, which has become established on a former duck decoy, we saw Chaffinch, Song Thrush, Goldcrest and Great Tit. This stretch of the Mimram has been a wintering area for the introduced Mandarin Duck, which recent surveys suggest is now more numerous in southern England than in its natural range in East Asia. But none were present today so we headed back downstream. A Common Gull, only common in winter, drifted north along the valley and a flock of Fieldfares, another thrush and winter visitor accompanied by a few Mistle Thrushes flew to the top of a hedgerow tree. A handsome male Kestrel, with chestnut back and blue-grey tail hovered along the woodland edge where we had walked earlier. Where the footpath followed the bank of the Mimram, Andrew saw the vivid blue streak of a Common Kingfisher disappearing downstream, it did not even have the courtesy to call and as I was looking in another direction I missed it completely! Needless to say, we did not glimpse another one all day. A Dunnock, the archetypal little brown job, foraged at the base of a hedge around the gardens of Rye End cottages, where a flock of Starlings adorned the TV aerial. As we returned to the car we saw a pair of dapper Grey Wagtails feeding in the stony shallows of the cress beds.

From Kimpton Mill we drove the short distance to some now derelict water cress beds maintained as an unofficial nature reserve. Against the drab brown stems of dead rose bay willow herbs, the pink breast of a male Bullfinch positively glowed in the weak wintry sun, otherwise there were disappointingly few birds to be seen or heard. Several Lesser Black-backed Gulls flew over as did a flock of Siskins, heading for a nearby conifer plantation, and a single Pied Wagtail, our 40th species at 09:40.

Now it was time to get back in the car and explore the north Hertfordshire countryside further. On the edge of Kimpton village we stopped to scan a mixed flock of gulls roosting on a ploughed field and added Black-headed Gull to our list. Nearby was a covey of 11 Red-legged Partridges while in a farmyard were several Feral Pigeons (Rock Doves) and our first House Sparrows of the new year. As we drove towards Breachwood Green, looking for Buzzards that are now resident in the area, we found a covey of the rarer, native Grey Partridge (Red-legged Partridge having been introduced for hunting). We dipped on the buzzards but did see a pair of Jays feeding on the abundant acorn crop. While looking through a flock of thrushes (3 Mistle Thrushes & 95+ Fieldfares) we noticed a large raptor being mobbed by a pair of Carrion Crows. We raced down the road to get past the trees and give ourselves a clearer view. Expecting to see a Buzzard we were more than delighted to note the deeply forked tail and reddish plumage of a Red Kite. Formerly widespread in the UK, for much of the last century the Red Kite has been restricted to a small area of mid-Wales where a few pairs have been steadily, but slowly, increasing under the protection of the RSPB and other conservation bodies. In the 1990s it was decided to give the kites a helping hand by re-introducing them to some of their former haunts. We assumed that this bird, although carrying no obvious markings such as wing tags, originated from the new Chiltern population about 60 km to the west. Having previously driven hundreds of kilometres to catch a glimpse of a Red Kite it was great to find one on my local patch. We watched it for about five minutes until it disappeared over the woods to the north and then headed in the same direction.

Our final walk of the morning was through the mixed woodland of Hitch Wood where we hoped to pick up some of the woodland species currently missing from our list. In the coniferous plantation on the lower slopes a mixed flock of tits included Goldcrest and Coal Tit. As we climbed the hill the closely planted firs of the plantation gave way to more open broad-leaved, mainly beech and oak woodland. From the edge of a clearing, overgrown with bracken and brambles, a Woodcock, a large snipe-like wader that inhabits woodland, exploded from near our feet and zig-zagged away through the trees. A bonus bird. Another mixed flock included a noisy group of Nuthatches (our 50th species at 11:30) and a quieter Treecreeper, feeding on the trunks and main branches of the deciduous trees. The gentle contact calls of the feeding birds suddenly gave way to more strident alarm calls as a large raptor glided low over the tree canopy. Expecting Buzzard or possibly Red Kite, I was surprised to note, briefly, the dark grey upperparts, distinct supercilium, paler underparts and long rounded tail. Although the view was brief and we could not relocate the bird, I was almost certain it was a Northern Goshawk, a large relative of the more common Sparrowhawk. It is a rare resident in the UK with some if not most of its population derived from escaped birds. This was the first Northern Goshawk I had seen in the UK and so the second local area tick of the day. We headed home for lunch well satisfied with our mornings birding; en route a flock of Goldfinch feeding on some teasel heads became our last birds of the morning.

Following lunch we headed out again, accompanied now by Jenny, Matthew and Brian Bond. We saw our first Greenfinch while en route to Bramfield Woods where we did not see much at all. The finch flocks which in previous years had frequented the woodland were conspicuous by their absence. It would have paid to do some reconnaissance just prior to new years day, as it was we spent an hour without adding a species to the list. From Bramfield we drove via the village of Tewin to check out another stretch of the River Mimram. Near Tewinbury, where the river has been dammed to create an ornamental pond we found a flock of 20 Siskins feeding in riverside alders, plus a gathering of waterfowl, including Tufted Duck, Mute Swan, Gadwall and Shoveler. This was another site where Mandarin Ducks had previously been seen, but not today. Our final stop was Stanborough Lakes, alongside the River Lea immediately south of Welwyn Garden City. A flock of Canada and Greylag Geese begged hand-outs from those strolling the banks while Great Cormorants rested in island trees. On the more open eastern pond were four Great Crested Grebes in winter plumage and a solitary male Pochard. The reed bed to the south of this pond is the second most extensive in Hertfordshire, but yielded no new birds today. The yodelling call of a Green Woodpecker (at 15:04) and one Snipe flying over were all we added before returning to the car and resuming our drive. As the light was fading, shortly after 16:00, Yellow Hammer became our 65th and last species of the day. We had missed several common species such as Linnet, Lapwing and Herring Gull plus several others we had recorded on new year’s day 1996, Mandarin, Teal, Sparrowhawk and Corn Bunting but had had the pleasure of adding Red Kite and Northern Goshawk to my local patch list.

House Martins in Codicote, 1999

1999-10-01T15:58:00.000Z

I participated in the Hertfordshire Bird Club 1994 (pilot) and 1995 House Martin Delichon urbica survey (Davies & Smith 1996) covering tetrad TL21E which includes my home village of Codicote. After three years overseas, I returned to Codicote in the spring of 1999 and decided to repeat the survey. Codicote occupies the south-eastern quadrant of tetrad TL21E The remainder of the tetrad has only a few relatively isolated houses and farms. House Martin nesting activity was noted throughout the summer but as with the 1995 survey all farms and buildings within the tetrad were checked for House Martin nests over one weekend, 17 - 18 July 1999.

In 1999 I first saw House Martins in the Codicote area on 10 May when one was seen over High Heath Farm to the north-west of the village and were first seen over the village the next day. Numbers increased throughout May with a flock of 22 recorded over Valley Road on 22 May. Despite the build up in numbers I did not see birds visiting nest sites until the end of the month. After heavy rain in early June, House Martins were seen collecting mud from puddle edges and from then on were regularly seen visiting nests sites. I first heard young birds in the nest towards the end of June and first saw them being fed at the nest entrance on 5 July. I was not able to determine if pairs raised second broods, but gained the impression that only one brood was raised per nest. On 14 July a nest from which the young had recently fledged was found broken on the ground. Adults and young were recorded roosting in the still broken nest on 29 July. By 16 August the nest had been rebuilt. Although adults visited the nest up until 4 September I recorded no evidence of a second brood. Most of the nesting activity in the village appeared to have been completed by the end of August. (In contrast House Martins in Bottesford, near Scunthorpe, South Humberside, were feeding young in the nest on 28 August). On 10 September, 38 House Martins were seen over Valley Road, the largest flock recorded over the village this summer. The last House Martin over the village was seen on 27 September 1999.

Nineteen intact House Martin nests were found in the village of Codicote. As in 1994 and 1995 the majority of these were concentrated in the Valley Road area of the village with only four nests found away from this area. House Martins were recorded visiting each intact nest and evidence of young was recorded from most, but not all intact nests. Seventeen of this year’s nest sites had been utilised in 1995. One of the remaining two had definitely not existed in 1995 while the other could easily have been overlooked.

Evidence of a further 32 nests (either ruins from previous year(s) or abandoned attempts from this year) were noted. As with the intact nests most of these were in the Valley Road area. All had been intact or broken nests in 1994 and 1995. All nests, both intact and broken, were built against a white fascia board i.e. the ‘roof’ of the nest was white. None were built against black or dark fascia boards even where the building was otherwise identical to a site in use.

One group of houses had many splotches of mud under the eaves along the entire front of the building, as though the birds had begun building many times. It had been like this in 1995 and it was difficult to tell if the splotches were new or old. Only one house had an artificial nest which was not used and had only been successfully used once in the past 20 years. House Sparrows were recorded nesting in one broken House Martin nest.

The number of intact nests recorded in 1999 was markedly down on the numbers recorded in 1994 and 1995. With such a short series and lack of interim results it is not possible to determine if this represents a step in a downward trend, as recorded elsewhere in Hertfordshire (Davies & Smith 1996), or a one off poor year

NEW YEAR'S DAY BIRDWATCH 1999

1999-01-24T13:48:00.003Z

Our third New Year+s Day down-under was spent on a bird-watching 'big-day'. As in previous years, both in England and Australia, we limited ourselves to an area within 10 km of home. During our first year in Australia we lived in Seaholme and spent our first new years day (1997) birdwatching within 10 km of Seaholme station. Although we moved during 1997 we decided to use the same area for our New Year's Day bird-watch in 1998, and again on 1 January 1999.

Seaholme is a small suburb, sandwiched between Williamstown and Altona, to the west of Melbourne, Victoria. Taking Seaholme Station as the centre of our home range, Melbourne's western suburbs occupy the north-eastern quadrant while much of the south-eastern quadrant is covered by the waters of Altona Bay. The coast and Marybyrnong River form the southern and eastern boundaries with Point Cook R.A.A.F. base the southernmost point. The western border was formed by the Derrimut/HopkinsRoad (north of Werribee) while to the north we did not cross the Western Highway. This area offers a range of habitats including suburban gardens, grassland, wetlands and coast but little in the way of woodland. In this area, on the first days of 1997 and 1998 we recorded 74 and 85 species respectively. This year our aim was to beat our 1998 score and our dream was to record 100 species which should be possible if our luck held.

To maximise our chances we changed our strategy from last year. We would still start with a walk round Truganina Swamp, my local patch, followed by a drive around various sites such as Newport Lakes and Laverton grasslands before ending the day at Point Cook and Laverton saltworks. Andrew and I surfaced at about 05:00 on a cool, calm new year's morning while Jenny, my wife and Matthew, our younger son opted for a lie-in. By straining our ears we picked up the call of a Willie Wagtail for our firstbird of 1999 followed shortly by the carolling of an Australian Magpie. Breakfast of a crunchy muesli bar was taken while wandering around a stilld ark garden but nothing was heard until the munching abated. Rule 1 for the aspiring big-day birder, forget the crunchy muesli bars. Then, Skylarks could be heard singing from nearby Truganina Swamp and Blackbirds from closer rooftops while Silver Gulls called as they flew overhead. As the sky slowly lightened other birds gradually joined the dawn chorus; the raucousc alls of Common Mynas, the soft coos of Spotted Turtle Doves and the whistles of White-plumed Honeyeaters from surrounding gardens were joined by the harsher calls of Red Wattlebirds in trees bordering the swamp. House Sparrows feeding in a neighbour's garden as we made our way towards Truganina Swamp became the first birds seen on new year's day.

The swamp has been my local patch since we moved to Altona Meadows in mid-1997 and forms part of Melbourne Water's drainage system acting as a retarding basin to prevent flooding. Laverton Creek flows through the middle of the swamp and has been widened to facilitate flood control. For much of the time the swamp has been dry grassland due to lack of rain but currently the north-eastcorner is flooded. There are areas of salt marsh and reed-bed, the latter mainly to the east of the creek, and a small freshwater pond/swamp behind Mount St. Joseph's school which in contrast to last year is full of water. Kooringal Golf course, to the south-east, is well wooded but there is no access from the swamp. The Western Purification Plant, to the south-west, is similarly out of bounds but the settling tanks can be viewed through the fence and often hold concentrations of ducks and gulls.

As we approached the swamp Superb Fairy-Wrens were heard calling from the long grasses and a flock of mostly immature Common Starlings, some moulting into winter plumage, flew out from the housing estate and settled in some boxthorn bushes before dropping to the ground to feed. We were still hearing more birds than we were seeing so we stopped at the edge of the swamp for a listen. A Purple Swamphen squawked from the reeds growing alongside Laverton Creek; Magpie-Larks called from nearby suburbia; Golden-headed Cisticolasb uzzed and Little Grassbirds whistled from the taller stands of grass and reeds while Masked Lapwings complained, I don't know what about, from the centre of the swamp. Rabbits are common around here despite various control measures and were the first mammal seen followed shortly after by a solitary Hare, the only other mammal we recorded all day. New birds were coming much slower than at the same stage last year. As we followed the cinder track down the west side of Laverton Creek a party of Little Ravens flew over, heading towards the trees of the golf course. Where the creek broadens out there was a flock of six Greenshanks standing in the shallows, plus our first wildfowl of the morning; a couple of Black Swans, a pair of Grey Teal and Chestnut Teal plus a few Pacific Black Duck. Three White-headed Stilts waded amongst the duck delicately picking items from the surface of the water and 4 White-faced Herons foraged along the creek bank while a Common Tern in non-breeding plumage patrolled over the creek. The wheezing song of a Greenfinch was heard from the pines bordering the golf course and a pair of Little Lorikeets screeched overhead. As last year the settling ponds and surrounds of the Western Water treatment plant brought a rush of species. Australian White Ibis and Straw-neckedIbis stood on the grassy banks where a pair of European Goldfinch fed at a thistle head. The tanks held numerous Grey and Chestnut Teal plus Hoary-headed Grebe, Eurasian Coot, a small flock of Hardheads and a lone Australasian Shoveler. A single Little Black Cormorant and an Australian Pelican sat on the pontoons separating the ponds. We paused just long enough to complete a count for the Victorian Wetland database before continuing towards Queen Street. As we crossed the bridge over Laverton Creek a party of Musk Lorikeets exploded noisily from a flowering tree where they had been feeding and a pair of Feral Pigeons circled over the nearby netball and basketball centre. Following the edge of the golf course northwards we disturbed a flock of Yellow-rumped Thornbills and then some Crested Pigeons, the latter flying away with an audible whirring of their stubby wings while overhead an Australian Hobby soared on stiff wings. From the golf course woodland we heard the calls of Galah just before two flew over and then had our first surprise of the day when an Eastern Rosella, only previouslyrecorded once, was seen clambering through the casuarina trees that edge the golf course where there were also several New Holland Honeyeaters. Welcome Swallows and Eurasian Tree Sparrows belatedly put in a welcome appearance, they are normally common around home, where had they been earlier? As last year Red-capped Plover and Marsh Sandpiper were the only new birds seen on the shallow salt marsh. At 07:42 a burst of Clamorous Reed-Warbler song from the reed bed in the north-east corner of the marsh brought up our half-century, some 34 minutes later than last year. Two juvenile Black-shouldered Kites, still showing some pale rufous markings on the underparts, perched on top of a tall pole near Mount St Joseph's pond where only Dusky Moorhen was added to the list. In contrast to last year the pond remained full of water and this year there were no muddy margins to entice crakes into the open. However, a portion of the north-east corner of Truganina Swamp has been flooded and during December I had regularly seen Buff-banded Rails here. We were not disappointed on New Year's day. As we headed home across the northern end of the swamp a Striated Fieldwren popped up onto the fence bordering the track. This is a species that has eluded us on previous big days and is only irregularly recorded from the swamp, so it was doubly pleasing to see it this time. The mournful whistle of a Brown Quail was heard from the grassland where a party of White-fronted Chats fed on the shorter sward. Nearer home Purple-crowned Lorikeet, the commonest of the three smaller lorikeets fed in a flowering eucalypt where there was also a Little Wattlebird. Although birds seemed to be coming at a slower pace than in 1998 we had completed a circuit of my local patch at about the same time and with about the same number of species, 58 in 1999 cf 61 in 1998.

After breakfast, Jenny and Matthew joined Andrew and I for a drive to more distant parts of our home range. A Song Thrush perched on the overhead wires near home was the first new bird. This species can be surprisingly elusive so it was nice to get it under the belt without too much hard work. A small flock of Fairy Martins swooped over rough grassland south of Laverton and a shallow stretch of Skeleton Creek in Hoppers Crossing held a Black-fronted Dotterel and a Latham's Snipe. Richard's Pipits were common in the grasslands north-west of Laverton where we also found some Banded Lapwings near their regular site. Singing Bushlarks were back in residence and where one had imitated a Galah for us last year, this year we were treated to a fine rendition of a Goldfinch calling. Continuing west along ? road we could not repeat the luck of last year when we discovered a male Brown Songlark but were treated to a fine collection of raptors. Every other telegraph pole seemed to offer a perch for a Brown Falcon but one had been claimed by a magnificent Peregrine which allowed us two minutes to admire his finery before effortlessly powering away over the fields. A pale-phase Little Eagle soared over the Derrimut-Hopkins road which marks the western edge of ourt erritory and nearby another smaller bird of prey also soared on high - but too far away for me to identify. A Nankeen Kestrel was our last new bird from the grasslands.

Newport Lakes is an old quarry that has been made into an attractive park featuring wetland and some native bush. We visited it as a guaranteed site for Australasian Grebe, but we also pleased to add Darter and, our second surprise of the day a Great Crested Grebe in immaculate breeding plumage. At Jawbone Point, part of the Williamstown wetlands on the north shore of Kororoit Creek we saw Pacific Gull, Pied Cormorant (our 75th species at 11:39) and Little Pied Cormorant perched on rocks just offshore and a Royal Spoonbill roosting in the reeds with its bill tucked under its wing. Crested Terns off Altona were our last new birds of the morning.

Only Andrew and I ventured out after lunch, first visiting Cherry Lake, where we recorded Silvereye and Red-browed Firetail in the waterside vegetation and numerous Australian Shelducks on the lake. Next we visited a lower section of Skeleton Creek, near where it enters Laverton saltworks, but saw no new birds. Finally we drove to Point Cook Metropolitan Park where we intended spending much of the remainder of the day. Singing Honeyeaters were numerous around the picnic site car park and a male Swamp Harrier flew over Spectacle Lakes where there were a pair of Wood Duck. Sadly, thePink-eared Duck and Black-tailed Native-hen that I had seen at this site on Christmas Day were no longer in evidence. At the gate to Laverton saltworks we met the ranger Bernie McGarrick who kindly offered to drive us around, so saving us a fair amount of leg work. Most of the waders were roosting on one pond where we saw Red-necked Stint, Curlew Sandpiper, Sharp-tailed Sandpiper and Pacific Golden Plover but, disappointingly, could not pick out any other species. However, with 87 species we had now beaten our 1998 total although we were struggling to think where new birds were going to come from. A Whistling Kite in wing moult soared over the saltpans; the buzzy calls of a White-browed Scrub-Wren were heard near the Point Cook Homestead and an adult Gannet was seen off-shore from Point Cook. So we ended New Year's Day1999 on 90 species. We were a little disappointed not to have made the ton, especially as this will probably be our last new year down under (at least for a while), but we really could not think where we could have found another 10 species.

Post Script: On 23 January 1999, on one of my regular walks around TruganinaSwamp, I recorded six species that we did not see on New Year's Day. These were Musk Duck, Pink-eared Duck, Little Egret, White-necked Heron, Great Cormorant and Horsfield's Bronze Cuckoo.

Communal roosting of Brahminy Kites Haliastur indus

1998-10-13T15:55:00.001Z

Brahminy Kites Haliastur indus were regularly recorded during a recent visit to New Britain, both in the area between Hoskins and Talasea (West New Britain Province) and between Rabaul and Keravat (East New Britain Province). At 17:30 on 28 September 1998, in fine, calm weather, a large flock of Brahminy Kites was seen flying towards Keravat golf course (04o20' S 152o00' E) from the north-east. The birds were gathering above a grove of Swamp Terminalis Terminalia brassii on the edge of the golf course. At first the Brahminy Kites soared at varying heights above the trees and surrounding area before coming into roost. Some dropped on folded wings, losing height rapidly before gaining a perch in the grove. Others flew beyond the roost and then returned at tree height. The Swamp Terminalis in the grove were all c. 30 m tall. When first seen the flock of Brahminy Kites numbered 86 birds. In the next 30 minutes to 18:00 a further 35 kites flew in from the NE making a minimum of 121 birds in the roost. All birds observed were adults and no other species, of birds of prey or other families were noted.

In cloudier conditions on 12 October 1998 the Brahminy Kites approached the roost on a much lower flight path than on the earlier observation and from two directions. Between 17:00 and 17:30, 210 Brahminy Kites arrived at the roost and were joined by a further 110 between 17:30 and 17:50 giving a minimum of 320 birds in the roost. (R. Prior pers obs).

This roost is not a recent occurrence having been present for at least 12 months (R. Prior pers. obs.). Communal roosting of Brahminy Kite does not seem to have been recorded elsewhere in PNG (Coates 1985) and there is only one record from Australia (Gifford 1991). Communal roosting has been recorded where Brahminy Kites are numerous e.g. in southern India (Brown & Amadon 1968) and in Pakistan (Roberts 1991).

Brown, L. and D.Amadon. 1968. Eagles, Hawks and Falcons of the World. Volume 1. Country Life Books.
Coates, B.J. 1985. Birds of Papua New Guinea, Volume 1. Dove.
Gifford, C. 1991. A’asian Raptor Assoc News 12:27.
Roberts, T.J. 1991. Birds of Pakistan. Oxford.

Note submitted to Muruk. Jointly authored with Bob Prior.

Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis on New Ireland

1998-10-05T16:08:00.001Z

Coates (1985) lists Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis as occurring on New Ireland, although this island is not shown as part of its range on the distribution map. Coates (1990) in ‘Additions and Corrections’ notes that the Little Grebe’s range also includes southern New Ireland following a sighting by T.Palliser. Beehler et al (1986) lists this species as occuring in the Bismarcks (of which New Ireland is one). Bird-watchers visiting New Ireland subsequent to these publications have not recorded Little Grebe (Jones & Lambley 1987, Finch & McKean 1987, Lyburn 1991, Eastwood 1996).

On 3 and 5 October 1998 I observed seven Little Grebes on a small pond beside the road to Kaut at the northern end of New Ireland. The road to Kaut crosses the island from a point on the Boluminski Highway about 22 km south of Kavieng (just after crossing the first bridge out of Kavieng). The pond lies to the north of the road, 5 km from the junction. All the Little Grebes were in breeding plumage: black bill, black crown, red eye, obvious pale yellowish gape, sides of neck and throat a rich rufous while the lower neck and remainder of the body was dark grey with a rufous tinge on the flanks and paler round the rear end. Although the birds were in breeding plumage there was no evidence of nesting or breeding behaviour.

This note is submitted to confirm the presence of Little Grebe at the northern end of New Ireland.

Beehler, B., T.K. Pratt & D. Zimmerman. 1986. Birds of New Guinea. Princeton.
Coates, B.J. 1990. Birds of Papua New Guinea, Volume 1. Dove.
Coates, B.J. 1990. Birds of Papua New Guinea, Volume 2. Dove.
Eastwood, C. 1996. Kavieng, Djaul and Mussau Island, New Ieland: A trip report. Muruk 8(1):28-32.
Finch, B. & J. McKean. 1987. Some notes on the birds of the Bismarcks. Muruk 2(1):3-28
Jones, & P. Lambley. 1987. Notes on the birds of New Ireland. Muruk 2(1):29-33.
Lyburn, A. 1991. Report of an expedition to New Ireland. Muruk 5(1):32-33

Pectoral Sandpiper Calidris melanotos on New Britain

1998-09-27T16:11:00.002Z

While waiting for an Air Niugini flight from Hoskins airfield, West New Britain Province, on 27 September 1998, I passed the time by bird-watching around the airport terminal. Up to 20 Pacific Golden Plover Pluvialis fulva, one Large Sand-Plover Charadrius leschenaultii and one Whimbel Numenius phaeopus foraged or roosted on the short grass bordering the airports runway and taxi-way. Among these waders was a sandpiper, which at first I thought was a Sharp-tailed Sandpiper Calidris acuminata. Fortuitously, it flew closer to the terminal so that I could observe it from a distance of about 30 m, without the problems of heat haze, and could see that it was a Pectoral Sandpiper Calidris melanotus.

It was smaller than the Pacific Golden Plover; the Large Sand-Plover was too distant for direct comparison. It had a relatively short, straight, dark bill, yellowish at the base. There was no hint of rufous in its brownish crown. It had a pale supercilium. The streaked breast was a ‘cold’ brown with none of the buff or rufous tones of a Sharp-tailed Sandpiper. The breast streaking was cleanly demarcated from the white of the belly. Its legs were yellowish-green. In flight it showed a faint, pale wing bar while the rump had a dark central bar with white sides.

Pectoral Sandpiper is a regular but uncommon non-breeding visitor to PNG with the great majority of records (as for most migrant species visiting PNG) from the Port Moresby area (Coates 1985). The only records away from Port Moresby are from Higaturu, Northern Province and Bougainville, North Solomons Province (Coates 1985), which is more indicative of observer coverage than species occurrence. This is the first record of Pectoral Sandpiper for the island of New Britain and for the province of West New Britain.

Coates, B.J. 1985. Birds of Papua New Guinea, Volume 1. Dove.

Myola

1998-09-25T09:47:00.000Z

Roger and Jenny Hicks lived in Papua New Guinea for six years between 1985 and 1991. Their sons, Andrew and Matthew were both born in Port Moresby. They left PNG when the boys were still young but had always promised to return so Andrew and Matthew would have their own memories of the land of their birth.

Behind Port Moresby, the mountains of the Owen Stanley Range rise to 3500m with the peak of Mount Victoria dominating the skyline. Nestled beside a grassy basin at 2100m in the heart of this range, less than 30 minutes flying time from Port Moresby, is the small village of Myola and its bush materials guest house. Its proximity to the capital and the crisp, cool air at this altitude made it a favoured weekend retreat while we were resident in Port Moresby. It was also top of our list of places to revisit when we returned to PNG.

Myola is only accessible on foot or by air. We opted for the latter and as Myola is not on a scheduled route, we chartered a plane from one of the third level airlines. The flight parallels the route of the infamous Kokoda Trail, crossing the same rugged terrain, deep forest filled river valleys separated by steep, narrow ridges. From the air, the villages of the local Koiari people appear as a thin strip of bare earth lined with up to thirty houses built along one of the broader ridge tops. Nearby and usually along another ridge, is the wider, undulating village airstrip. Otherwise, the only break in the forest cover are the occasional glimpses of white water in the valley floors as the rivers tumble towards the sea.

At over 2000m, Myola lies above the limit of cultivation for the staple food crops of the area and so is not permanently occupied. It also differs from other villages in occupying a flat site on the edge of an inter-montane basin. It is believed this site was first occupied during WW2 when the open grassland of the basin was used as a dropping zone to re-supply troops fighting along the nearby Kokoda Trail. After the construction of an airstrip, at right-angles to the current strip, it was also used as a supply depot and field hospital.

Flights for Myola depart early, before convection currents in the mountains make flying a risky business. As we climbed steadily into the Owen Stanleys many of the valleys were still filled with cloud but the Myola basin, thankfully, was clear. From the air not much seemed to have changed. We could make out the guest house and the other village buildings, about 20 bush material huts, clustered around the northern end of the airstrip. Upon landing, the villagers gathered round the plane to help unload our gear. We were warmly greeted by Mark and his wife Gaba who still run the guest house. We had last seen them when we spent Christmas 1991, our last in PNG, at Myola, and I think they were surprised to see us again. When we had time to pause and take stock a few changes became apparent such as a few more huts at the forest edge but nothing to detract from our pleasure at being back and in no time at all it seemed as though we had never been away. Tawny Grassbirds chirruped from the dense grass beside the runway; Mountain and Glossy Swiftlets cruised overhead and Goldie’s Lorikeets streaked to and from their roost and nests in the crowns of tall pandanus trees close to the village.

Jenny and the boys had often heard talk of the tree fern forest which lies about 800m above Myola and had long wanted to see this magical valley for themselves. After a traditional Myola breakfast of fresh home-baked bread and coffee we set off. At first the going was flat but soon started climbing steeply. It quickly became obvious that not many had walked this way recently and at times we had to crawl under fallen trees or hack our way through dense undergrowth. This did not deter Andrew and Matthew who relished the role of trail blazers for most of the climb. While they remained bright and cheerful the rest of us floundered red-faced in their wake. Much of our effort was going into climbing with little energy to spare for birding. When I did stop for a breather my glasses would fog up. Such are the frustrations of a bespectacled birder in the tropics. I did manage to see small Plum-faced Lorikeets and larger Orange-billed Lorikeets feeding at the flowers of a towering Syzigium sp. where they were joined by Red-collared Myzomelas, small honeyeaters where the male is glossy black except for a red back, nape, neck and breast. When I first arrived in New Guinea it was known as the Red-caped Myzomela which seems a more appropriate name.

We reached the half-way point after about 90 minutes of climbing and when a Macgregor’s Bowerbird bower was discovered close by the trail we called a 10 minute halt. The bower was on a ridge crest and consisted of a bowl of moss about 1.5 m across with mossy walls between 10-15cm high. A small sapling in the centre of the bowl was decorated with moss for the first 10cm and then with a criss-cross of small twigs for a further 40cm. The rim of the bowl was decorated with butterfly wings (of at least five different species), black beetle cases, iridescent blue beetle cases, black lichen and black bark. I had previously seen a bower very near this one in August 1988. Although the bower appeared to be well maintained unfortunately the owner did not put in an appearance. When the colour of our faces had subsided from livid red to a more healthy pink we continued our climb seeing Canary Flycatcher, a bright yellow relative of the Jacky Winter, in the forest understorey and Brown-breasted Gerygones in the forest canopy. Another 90 energy-sapping minutes later we reached the summit of the ridge at about 2800m. Following a brief, very steep descent we broke out of the trees onto the edge of the tree fern forest.

The tree ferns occupy a valley at about 2700m through which runs the clear, sparkling and very cold Iora Creek. The upper slopes of the valley are cloaked in montane forest. The lower slopes are covered with evenly spaced tree ferns mostly 3-4m tall and interspersed with grasses. It is not a very rich bird habitat; we only recorded Tawny Grassbird and Grey Gerygone, but is nonetheless fascinating. Why is this valley dominated by tree-ferns when others nearby are forest filled? There are tree ferns just inside the forest so is the forest slowly encroaching or are the tree ferns spreading? We pondered these questions, without reaching any conclusions, while eating our picnic lunch on a vantage point that afforded views up and down this wonderful valley. All too soon it was time to leave. Bird-watching was easier on the way down. My glasses remained clear allowing me to record displaying Papuan Mountain Pigeons, climbing steeply above the canopy and then gliding down to the trees (just like Spotted Turtle Doves in suburban Melbourne). Also seen on the descent were a female Stephanie’s Astrapia (a bird of paradise) using her long bill to probe the rotting wood of a dead branch and a Black-breasted Boatbill flycatching under the canopy. It was a tired but well satisfied group that walked back into Myola at dusk.

That evening we recovered from our exertions while celebrating Chris’s birthday around the camp fire. The call of a Mountain Owlet-Nightjar rending the still night air prompted us to play recordings of other night birds. On previous visits we had heard the falling bomb whistle of Sooty Owls and more recently a visiting bird-watching tour group had recorded Feline Owlet-Nightjar. This species, the largest of the owlet-nightjars, has a boldly marked face and long cat-like ‘whiskers’. Sadly, we had no success and instead turned our attention to the night sky. Amongst the myriad pin pricks of light Will Glynn pointed out Jupiter and through the ‘scope we could see four of its moons. Eventually, it was time for bed.

Salvadori’s Teal is endemic to New Guinea, being found on mountain streams and lakes above 600m. So far it had avoided addition to my list, but had recently been recorded at Myola prompting a stomp through the grasslands of the basin and along the banks of Iora Creek. The grassland is home to very few birds: a local population of Grey-headed Mannikins probably of a subspecies awaiting formal description; ubiquitous Tawny Grassbirds and small parties of King Quail. Numerous Pacific Swallows hawked over the reed beds bordering Iora Creek and although we disturbed some duck they turned out to be Pacific Blacks. Undeterred, I set out alone early the following morning to explore the creek closer to Myola. They had to be there somewhere. More King Quail were flushed from the grassland as was a single Spotless Crake which flew away with its legs trailing. More Pacific Black Ducks were seen on the creek along with Little Pied and Little Black Cormorants. After two hours struggling through the uneven tussocky grass that edges the creek I heard splashing coming from under some grass that overhung the water. At first I thought it was probably one of the giant rats (up to 1m long) that can be found in this habitat but then made out the large yellow bill of a Salvadori’s Teal and its heavily barred flanks. At the same moment the duck saw me and flew off without a sound, keeping well below the banks of the deeply incised creek. I made a bee-line back to the village for a well earned breakfast feeling well satisfied with myself.

Bird-watching around the edge of the village, where the forest had once been cleared but had now regenerated to dense secondary growth, could be rewarding. Fan-tailed Cuckoos favoured the stumps of forest trees as perches while Pacific Swallows and Island Thrushes could be seen about the village. Three species of Birds of Paradise, Stephanie’s Astrapia, Brown Sicklebill and Loria’s Bird of Paradise fed on the small berries of an unidentified tree which also attracted flocks of New Guinea White-eyes and Tit Berrypeckers. Fan-tailed Berrypeckers fed on the same berries but kept to the denser undergrowth. Small parties of Blue-faced Parrot-Finches were regularly recorded feeding in the village gardens but flying to the surrounding forest when disturbed.

The forests around Myola are readily accessible along several trails where the walking is much easier than the climb to the tree fern forest or following Iora Creek through the grasslands. Belford’s Melidectes, a large friarbird-sized honeyeater was the most conspicuous and noisy bird in the forest. It was most often seen flying under the canopy of the 30m tall trees. The moss-draped branches of the forest trees were a rich hunting ground for numerous species. Blue-capped Ifritas, robin-sized brown birds with a white supercilium and stunning metallic light blue caps behaved much like the tits of northern Europe as they foraged amongst the moss. Papuan Treecreepers mainly confined their activities to the tree trunks and larger branches; as with their Eurasian counterparts they only ever spiralled upwards. Although closely related to the Australian treecreepers I have never recorded them foraging on the ground. Black Sittellas were adept at climbing up and down branches but mainly kept to the canopy and smaller branches. Other birds foraged on the ground amongst the leaf litter including; Rufous-naped Whistler, a large long-legged whistler, mainly dark green above and paler below with a rufous nape patch and yellow throat; Spotted Jewel-Babbler, thrush-sized with dark green upperparts, bluish underparts and white cheeks, it takes its name from two rows of spots across the wing coverts; and Lesser Ground Robin another thrush-sized ground-dweller with only weak powers of flight and drab brown plumage. It can take a while to get onto all these birds but it is worth the effort.

With great birding and good company Myola lived up to and even exceeded our expectations. It remains ‘nambawan ples bilong PNG’ for Jenny and I and now hopefully Andrew and Matthew will also regard it as a special place.

We would like to thank Will Glynn who organised our long weekend in Myola; our companions Brian Bond, Chris Eastwood, Will Glynn and Liz Kerr without whom it would not have been as much fun and, last but not least, Mark and Gaba who run the Myola Guest House. Thank you all for helping Jenny and I rekindle old memories and for giving all of us, but especially Andrew and Matthew, such enjoyable new memories of Myola.

Getting There: Accommodation at Myola Guest House can be booked through South Pacific Tours, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea; Fax: +675 323 5246; Email: spt@onthenet.com.au. Costs in September 1998 were K45.00 per night including accommodation and 3 meals per day. Charter Flights can be booked through MBA Tel: +675 325 2011. To charter a nine seater Islander cost K1800 in September 1998.

Complete list of species recorded at Myola between 1985 and 1998. Species recorded in September 1998 are marked with a ‘X’

Dwarf Cassowary Casuarius bennetti
X Little Black Cormorant Phalacrocorax sulcirostris
X Little Pied Cormorant Phalacrocorax melanoleucos
Darter Anhinga melanogaster
Swamp Harrier Circus approximans
New Guinea Harpy-Eagle Harpyopsis novaeguineae
Brown Falcon Falco berigora
X Peregrine Falco peregrinus
X Salvadori's Teal Anas waigiuensis
X Pacific Black Duck Anas superciliosa
Common Scrubfowl Megapodius freycinet
Wattled Brush-Turkey Aepypodius arfakianus
Brown Quail Coturnix australis
X King Quail Coturnix chinensis
Lewin's Rail Rallus pectoralis
Forbes’ Forest-Rail Rallina forbesi
X Spotless Crake Porzana tabuensis
Rufous Woodcock Scolopax saturata
Black-billed Cuckoo-Dove Macropygia nigrirostris
X Bronze Ground-Dove Gallicolumba beccarii
X White-breasted Fruit-Dove Ptilinopus rivoli
X Papuan Mountain Pigeon Gymnophaps albertisii
X Goldie's Lorikeet Trichoglossus goldiei
Pygmy Lorikeet Charmosyna wilhelminae
Little Red Lorikeet Charmosyna pulchella
X Papuan Lorikeet Charmosyna papou
X Plum-faced Lorikeet Oreopsittacus arfaki
X Yellow-billed Lorikeet Neopsittacus musschenbroekii
X Orange-billed Lorikeet Neopsittacus pullicauda
X Brehm's Tiger-Parrot Psittacella brehmii
Madarasz's Tiger-Parrot Psittacella madaraszi
X Fan-tailed Cuckoo Cacomantis flabelliformis
Rufous-throated Bronze-Cuckoo Chrysococcyx ruficollis
Sooty Owl Tyto tenebricosa
Feline Owlet-Nightjar Aegotheles insignis
X Mountain Owlet-Nightjar Aegotheles albertisi
Mountain Nightjar Eurostopodus archboldi
X Mountain Swiftlet Collocalia hirundinacea
X Glossy Swiftlet Collocalia esculenta
Shovel-billed Kingfisher Clytoceyx rex
Sacred Kingfisher Halcyon sancta
X Pacific Swallow Hirundo tahitica
Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea
X Island Thrush Turdus poliocephalus
X Spotted Jewel-Babbler Ptilorrhoa leucosticta
X Lesser Melampitta Melampitta lugubris
X Blue-capped Ifrita Ifrita kowaldi
X Tawny Grassbird Megalurus timoriensis
X Orange-crowned Fairy-Wren Clytomyias insignis
X Mountain Mouse-Warbler Crateroscelis robusta
X Large Scrub-Wren Sericornis nouhuysi
X Buff-faced Scrub-Wren Sericornis perspicillatus
X Papuan Scrub-Wren Sericornis papuensis
New Guinea Thornbill Acanthiza murina
X Grey Gerygone Gerygone cinerea
X Brown-breasted Gerygone Gerygone ruficollis
X Dimorphic Fantail Rhipidura brachyrhyncha
Black Fantail Rhipidura atra
X Friendly Fantail Rhipidura albolimbata
X Black Monarch Monarcha axillaris
X Black-breasted Boatbill Machaerirhynchus nigripectus
X Canary Flycatcher Microeca papuana
X Garnet Robin Eugerygone rubra
X Ashy Robin Poecilodryas albispecularis
Black-throated Robin Poecilodryas albonotata
X Lesser Ground-Robin Amalocichla incerta
X Blue-Grey Robin Peneothello cyanus
X Mottled Whistler Rhagologus leucostigma
X Regent Whistler Pachycephala schlegelii
X Brown-backed Whistler Pachycephala modesta
X Rufous-naped Whistler Pachycephala rufinucha
Wattled Ploughbill Eulacestoma nigropectus
Papuan Treecreeper Cormobates placens
Varied Sittella Daphoenositta chrysoptera
X Black Sittella Daphoenositta miranda
X Fan-tailed Berrypecker Melanocharis versteri
X Spotted Berrypecker Rhamphocharis crassirostris
X Tit Berrypecker Oreocharis arfaki
X New Guinea White-eye Zosterops novaeguineae
Olive Straightbill Timeliopsis fulvigula
X Slaty-chinned Longbill Toxorhamphus poliopterus
X Red-collared Myzomela Myzomela rosenbergii
Black-throated Honeyeater Lichenostomus subfrenatus
X Rufous-backed Honeyeater Ptiloprora guisei
X Belford's Melidectes Melidectes belfordi
X Common Smoky Honeyeater Melipotes fumigatus
X Blue-faced Parrot-Finch Erythrura trichroa
X Grey-headed Mannikin Lonchura caniceps
Eastern Alpine Mannikin Lonchura monticola
Torrent-Lark Grallina bruijni
Macgregor's Bowerbird Amblyornis macgregoriae
X Loria's Bird of Paradise Cnemophilus loriae
X Brown Sicklebill Epimachus meyeri

X Stephanie's Astrapia Astrapia stephaniae

(Originally published in Australian Birding 5(2): 12-14)

First documented record of House Sparrow Passer domesticus nesting in PNG

1998-09-23T16:02:00.000Z

On 14 September 1998 while visiting the Gateways Hotel, Seven Mile, Port Moresby, National Capital District (NCD), I heard the familiar chirping calls of House Sparrows Passer domesticus. Several sparrows were feeding along the Jackson’s Parade fence line of the hotel while others were perched in coconut palms growing along the same fence line. A minimum of four males and two female House Sparrows were seen. While searching for House Sparrows in the crowns of the palms I noticed nests in three of the trees. A female House Sparrow entered one of the nests.

The nests were large, untidy bundles of dried grasses built among the dead leaves at the base of the palms’ crowns. Each nest was approximately 25 cm across and 20 cm deep (from top to bottom of the bundle of dried grasses) with an entrance in the side.

On 22 September 1998 a second colony of House Sparrows was discovered at the Islander Hotel, Waigani, NCD. Two nests had been built in a patch of bamboo near the hotel’s main entrance. Adult House Sparrows were sitting in the bamboo near the nests. The nests were untidy balls, constructed of dried bamboo leaves, of which there was a plentiful supply nearby and supported by several bamboo stems. Each nest was approximately 20 cm across and 20 cm deep. By 15 October 1998 there were 4 nests in the patch of bamboo

These observation are the first documented occurrence of House Sparrows nesting in PNG although previously breeding was suspected on Yule Island, Central Province, c. 100 km NW of Port Moresby, in 1988 (Gregory-Smith & Gregory-Smith 1989). House Sparrows seem to be well established in Port Moresby now (Hicks in prep) so it is unlikely these are the first nesting attempt by this species.

The origins of Port Moresby’s House Sparrow colonists is not known. The first three records of House Sparrow in PNG all occurred near the port of Port Moresby (Ashford 1978, Hicks 1986, R. Gregory-Smith in Hicks 1988) prompting speculation that they had a ship assisted passage. However, this species has been spreading north along the east coast of Australia and by 1990 had reached the southern Torres Straits Islands (Coates 1990) so its occurrence in Port Moresby is not surprising.

Ashford, R.W. 1978. First record of House Sparrow for PNG. Emu 78:36.
Coates, B.J. 1990. Birds of Papua New Guinea, Volume 2. Dove.
Gregory-Smith, R. & J. Gregory-Smith. 1989. House Sparrow Passer domesticus on Yule Island, Central Province. Muruk 4(1):23.
Hicks, R.K. 1986. Female House Sparrow Passer domesticus on Paga Hill, Port Moresby - A second record for PNG. Muruk 1(3):20
Hicks, R.K. 1988. Recent Observations: January - March 1987. Muruk 3(1) 26-30.
Hicks, R.K. in prep. House Sparrow Passer domesticus established in Port Moresby.

Of Plumes and Wigs

1998-09-12T09:47:00.001Z

Roger and Jenny Hicks lived in Papua New Guinea for six years between 1985 and 1991. Their sons, Andrew and Matthew were both born in Port Moresby. They left PNG when the boys were still young but had always promised to return so Andrew and Matthew would have their own memories of the land of their birth.

Built overlooking the Tari Basin, Ambua Lodge in the Southern Highlands Province of Papua New Guinea is one of the best places in the world to see birds of paradise. Thirteen species have been recorded between the township of Tari, at 1600 m, where much of the land is under cultivation and Tari Gap, at 2700 m, where the moss forest gives way to mid-montane grassland. Ambua Lodge, at 2100 m, lies at the limit of cultivation and the edge of the moss forest. Many of the species recorded in this altitude range are New Guinea endemics, including such sought after birds as Chestnut Forest Rail, Crested Berrypecker and Plum-faced Lorikeet, making Ambua Lodge one of the premier birding destinations in PNG, if not the world.

Ambua consists of a large, comfortable lodge where all main meals are taken, with forty individual bush material huts spaced down the hill so that each hut has a panoramic view of the Tari Basin below. Although rustic on the outside, the huts are all mod-cons inside, even down to the electric blankets for those chilly nights. The electricity is supplied by the lodge’s own hydro-electric plant.

My family and I stayed at Ambua Lodge from 7 - 11 September 1998. As we arrived at the lodge a female Stephanie’s Astrapia, our first bird of paradise, flew over the car park to a fruiting umbrella tree Schefflera sp. This tree attracted several other species, including a pair of Tit Berrypeckers, the male superficially resembling the Great Tit of Eurasia but with yellow cheeks and a male Loria’s Bird of Paradise, about the same size as a Common Starling, but with velvety black plumage and a contrasting lime green gape.

Situated at the forest edge, the grounds of the lodge are a good place to start birding. It is often easier to see the birds here than inside the forest. Great Wood-Swallows, large cousins of the White-breasted Wood-Swallows, and Sacred Kingfishers used the hut rooves as vantage points from which to hunt while a male Pied Chat used the same perch as a song-post. However, the most obvious bird in the lodge grounds was a melidectes, a large friarbird-sized honeyeater, which woke us with its loud raucous calls each morning. Why do the loudest birds always wake first? The birds here exhibit characteristics of both Belford’s and Yellow-browed Melidectes making it difficult to know which one to tick.

The Wata River, which powers the lodge’s hydro-electric plant, flows through a deep forested valley immediately behind the lodge. Superb Birds of Paradise inhabit this forest and a male was heard calling and seen in the trees just below the lodge’s heliport on most mornings. The Superb Bird of Paradise is another medium sized velvety black bird of paradise, sporting a blue, wedge-shaped breast-shield that extends either side of the body. From the lodge a circular trail descends into the valley to vantage points overlooking spectacular waterfalls before continuing down to the river. Black and white Torrent Larks, close relatives of the Magpie Lark so familiar in Australia, were seen along the river. Their high-pitched calls which carry above the sound of rushing water drew our attention. Another inhabitant of swift flowing mountain streams is the endemic Salvadori’s Teal. It has been recorded along the Wata River, but unfortunately not by us on this trip. A traditional rope bridge spans the river and the trail climbs steeply out of the valley before following the valley edge upstream. Away from the noise generated by the river it was easier to hear and find forest birds. A Short-tailed Paradigalla, another medium sized, black bird of paradise distinguished by its yellow and blue facial wattles, foraged in the forest canopy by apparently probing in rotten wood with its relatively long bill.

The Highlands Highway, winding past Ambua en route to Mendi (and eventually via Mount Hagen to the sea at Lae, on New Guinea’s north coast) gives easy access to the moss forest above the lodge and to the alpine grassland of Tari Gap. Traffic on the highway is very light with only the occasional PMV (Public Motorised Vehicle) and 4WD to disturb the birds and bird-watchers. Near the lodge we saw a female Lawes’ Parotia (another bird of paradise) while further up the road we watched a Rufous-backed Honeyeater building its nest of moss in the top of a small tree. Numerous parrots and lorikeets flew over but only the sleigh bell-like calls of flocks of Blue-collared Parrots were identified. They are closely related to the Red-cheeked Parrot. After only four days back in PNG, I was still struggling to put a name to the majority of calls. Many of PNG's forest birds, and especially the birds of paradise, have much noisier wing beats than birds in Australia and Europe. A rustle of feathers caused us to look up just in time to see a male Stephanie's Astrapia flying across the road trailing his two long, broad, purple-black tail feathers behind him. As the morning sunlight caught his breast feathers they almost glowed, changing colour from a dark blue-green to an iridescent turquoise. Unfortunately, this wonderful view was all too brief.

Benson's Trail, named after the local land owner, is a 1 km track cut into the epiphyte-draped moss forest at about 2200 m. Among the birding tour groups visiting Ambua, it has gained a reputation as a prime area for seeing many of the areas specialities. We spent a morning along the trail and having been given permission to catch and band* birds set four mist nets in the forest under-storey. While wondering what we might catch, we bird watched along the trail, hearing the loud staccato machine-gun like calls of the Brown Sicklebill and the even stranger radio-static calls of a King of Saxony Bird of Paradise. By following the calls, a male King of Saxony Bird of Paradise, complete with head plumes longer than his body, was located in the forest canopy. Also in the canopy a party of Black Sittellas, all dark except for a reddish face and tail, foraged along the moss covered branches while a pair of Friendly Fantails attended a nest in the under storey. The first round of the nets produced a Common Smoky Honeyeater, blackish in colour that blushed when handled, turning its normally yellow facial wattle a bright red. Subsequently we caught Rufous-backed Honeyeater, Olive Straightbill (another honeyeater), Orange-crowned Fairy-Wren and a pair of Black-breasted Boatbills. However, the prize catch of the day was a male King of Saxony Bird of Paradise, complete with its weird and wonderful head plumes. The two plumes, about 40 cm long, each consist of a single feather starting from just behind the eye. The barbs on the feather are specially modified to form small platelets, about the size of a fingernail and with a rubbery feel. Whilst this bird was in the hand it kept up a constant barrage of calls which attracted a male Brown Sicklebill, one of the largest birds of paradise, to within a couple of metres of where we were sitting. Shortly after this, it began to rain heavily so ending our banding activities for the day.

Tari Basin, below Ambua Lodge, is home to the Huli people who were unknown to the outside, western, world before 1935 when Jack Hides, a patrol officer in the Papuan Service, led an exploratory patrol into their territory. The Huli are farmers, growing sweet potatoes and taro in gardens near their scattered settlements. They are, perhaps, best known for the wigs of human hair worn by the men and decorated with yellow and red flowers, cuscus (a type of possum) fur and bird of paradise plumes. These wigs, which can take up to two years to grow, are usually made from the wearer’s own hair. When young and single, Huli men attend special wig schools where their hair is sprinkled with special spring water to encourage its growth. As it grows it is stretched and shaped using a bamboo cane. When the head of hair has reached the desired size and shape, whether for a day-to-day mushroom-shaped wig or a special crescent-shaped ceremonial wig, it is painstakingly cut from the head using a ceremonial knife.

On an excursion to a Huli village we were shown around the wig school and later met some Huli warriors dressed up for a sing-sing. As well as the wigs, elaborately decorated with flowers, fur and feathers, the wigmen also paint their faces in intricate designs. In days gone by the colours would have been obtained from the surrounding bush, yellow from clay, black from charcoal and red from various fruits, but now they use poster paints. It was fascinating watching the Huli prepare for their dance, taking as much care over their make-up as Hollywood superstars.

Feathers, particularly bird of paradise plumes, are an important part of the wig decoration. During our visit to the Huli we identified feathers from the following species adorning their wigs:- the triangular, metallic, turquoise-blue frontal shield and black breast feathers of the Superb Bird of Paradise formed a centre piece over the forehead; the primary feathers of New Guinea Harpy Eagle or Long-tailed Buzzard were stuck in the edge of some wigs while others sported the whole wings of either Barn Owl or Grass Owl; the wings and tails of various lorikeets and occasionally whole birds, stuck in beak first, adorned some wigs; longer feathers, such as Ribbontail Astrapia and Black Sicklebill tail feathers or King of Saxony Bird of Paradise head plumes and a spray of Raggiana (red), Lesser Bird of Paradise (yellow) or Cassowary (brown) feathers topped off the wig. From the six wigs on display we identified the feathers of over 20 species of birds, including those of eight birds of paradise.

The Huli we visited lived in the Tani Valley, at about 1600m and some 15 km west of Tari. At this altitude cultivation is possible and much of the ground is given over to gardens with the occasional copse of casuarina trees. In this habitat the birds were different from those recorded around the lodge. Long-tailed Shrikes stood sentinel on roadside bushes and Western Mountain White-Eyes, here at the eastern edge of their range, foraged and fed fledged young in garden edge trees. Most interesting though was a flock of Hooded Mannikins. This species normally has a white breast, but the birds in the Tani Valley had cinnamon underparts and probably represent an undescribed sub-species.

Our stay at Ambua ended with an early morning foray up to the Tari Gap where we walked along the Highland Highway as the sun climbed over the surrounding mountains lending a golden hue to the montane grassland. The light really was magical. Island Thrushes, close relatives and very similar to the Common Blackbird, fed on the roadside and Red-collared Myzomelas, small honeyeaters, the males resplendent in scarlet and black, fed in the stunted forest trees. As we descended from the gap a male Ribbontail Astrapia with his 1 m long, black tipped white tail undulating behind him flew across the road. Our eighth bird of paradise and a fitting way to end our stay at Ambua Lodge.

*We were licensed to import mist-nets into and to band birds in PNG by the PNG Department of Environment and Conservation. The bands were supplied by the Australian Bird and Bat Banding Scheme with whom we are also licensed.

We would like to thank Neil DaCosta, manager at Ambua, who did much to make our stay so enjoyable; Maria and Mark who made a lasting impression on Andrew and Matthew; Jake who rescued us from the tropical downpour and finally Padja, our field assistant who stayed with us even when the rain poured. Thank you all for making our stay at Ambua so memorable.

Getting There: Accommodation at Ambua Lodge can be booked through Trans Niugini Tours, P.O. Box 371, Mount Hagen, Western Highlands Province, Papua New Guinea; Tel: +675 521438; Fax: +675 52 2470; Email: travel@pngtours.com. Air Niugini flies daily between Port Moresby and Tari.

List
Between 7 - 11 September 1998, I recorded 57 species while staying at Ambua Lodge. Included in this list are all the birds of paradise which have been recorded between Tari township and Tari Gap. Those I did not see on this trip are marked with an ‘X’.

Great Egret Egretta alba
Brahminy Kite Haliastur indus
Little Eagle Hieraaetus morphnoides
Brown Quail Coturnix australis
Common Sandpiper Tringa hypoleucos
Black-billed Cuckoo-Dove Macropygia nigrirostris
Papuan Mountain Pigeon Gymnophaps albertisii
Dusky Lory Pseudeos fuscata
Rainbow Lorikeet Trichoglossus haematodus
Goldie's Lorikeet Trichoglossus goldiei
Papuan Lorikeet Charmosyna papou
Yellow-billed Lorikeet Neopsittacus musschenbroekii
Blue-collared Parrot Geoffroyus simplex
Mountain Swiftlet Collocalia hirundinacea
Sacred Kingfisher Halcyon sancta
Pacific Swallow Hirundo tahitica
Long-tailed Shrike Lanius schach
Pied Chat Saxicola caprata
Island Thrush Turdus poliocephalus
Island Leaf-Warbler Phylloscopus trivirgatus
White-shouldered Fairy-Wren Malurus alboscapulatus
Orange-crowned Fairy-Wren Clytomyias insignis
Buff-faced Scrub-Wren Sericornis perspicillatus
Dimorphic Fantail Rhipidura brachyrhyncha
Friendly Fantail Rhipidura albolimbata
Willie Wagtail Rhipidura leucophrys
Black Monarch Monarcha axillaris
Black-breasted Boatbill Machaerirhynchus nigripectus
Canary Flycatcher Microeca papuana
Blue-Grey Robin Peneothello cyanus
Sclater's Whistler Pachycephala soror
Regent Whistler Pachycephala schlegelii
Brown-backed Whistler Pachycephala modesta
Little Shrike-Thrush Colluricincla megarhyncha
Grey Shrike-Thrush Colluricincla harmonica
Black Sittella Daphoenositta miranda
Tit Berrypecker Oreocharis arfaki
Western Mountain White-eye Zosterops fuscicapillus
Red-collared Myzomela Myzomela rosenbergii
Rufous-backed Honeyeater Ptiloprora guisei
Grey-streaked Honeyeater Ptiloprora perstriata
Belford's Melidectes Melidectes belfordi
Yellow-browed Melidectes Melidectes rufocrissalis
Common Smoky Honeyeater Melipotes fumigatus
Hooded Mannikin Lonchura spectabilis
Torrent-Lark Grallina bruijni
Great Wood-Swallow Artamus maximus
Mountain Peltops Peltops montanus
X Crested Bird of Paradise Cnemophilus macgregorii
Loria's Bird of Paradise Cnemophilus loriae
Short-tailed Paradigalla Paradigalla brevicauda
X Buff-tailed Sicklebill Epimachus albertisi
X Black Sicklebill Epimachus fastuosus
Brown Sicklebill Epimachus meyeri
Ribbon-tailed Astrapia Astrapia mayeri
Stephanie's Astrapia Astrapia stephaniae
Superb Bird of Paradise Lophorina superba
Lawes' Parotia Parotia lawesii
King of Saxony Bird of Paradise Pteridophora alberti
X Raggiana Bird of Paradise Paradisaea raggiana
X Blue Bird of Paradise Paradisaea rudolphi

(Originally published in Australian Birding 5(2):12-14)

Hooded Mannikins Lonchura spectablis with cinnamon underparts near Tari, Southern Highlands Province

1998-09-10T16:00:00.000Z

Hooded Mannikins Lonchura spectablis are locally common in northern New Guinea and also occur on New Britain. In PNG their range extends from the Sepik to Wau and through the eastern and central highlands west to Tari, Southern Highlands Province (SHP) (Beehler et al 1986). The more usual form has a white breast but birds with buffish underparts occur in the lowlands along the Sepik river, and in the highlands at Karimui, Chimbu Province (Coates 1990) and at Koroba, SHP (G. Clapp pers. comm. in Coates 1990). Some of these buff-breasted forms have been given subspecific status. Others, including those at Karimui and Koroba, are considered to be subspecifically distinct but have not been formally described (Restall 1996).

On 10 September 1998, I visited the village of Halungi, in the Tani Valley, SHP (map ref. YU002562, 05o49' S 142o49' E). Halungi lies at c. 1680 m and is about 14 km west of Tari and 13 km SSE of Koroba (distances as the crow flies). In a native garden a flock of 20 Hooded Mannikins fed on grass seeds and regularly flew to a nearby pool to drink allowing ample opportunity to study their plumage. All were typical Hooded Mannikins, with largish blue-grey bills, black heads, including chin and throat (giving hooded appearance), brown wings and back, and black belly (between legs), vent and undertail coverts. However, the breast, belly (to the legs), flanks upper tail coverts and upperside of the tail were noted as a uniform buffish-orange. The plumage of all birds in the flock was similar. Two Hooded Mannikins flew off carrying grass stems and were presumably nesting nearby, suggesting these birds were adults and not immatures.

Later comparison of pictures of the Hooded Mannikins seen at Halungi with the Naturalists Colour Guide (Smithe 1975) determined cinnamon (colour number 39) to be the closest match. The Koroba birds were described as having fawn underparts (G. Clapp pers. comm. in Coates 1990) and depicted with tawny breast and flanks in Restall (1996).

This observation corroborates the sighting of non-white breasted Hooded Mannikins by Clapp at nearby Koroba. No other flocks of Hooded Mannikin were seen during my stay in the Tari area but I was told both white breasted and buff breasted forms occur in the Tari Valley (J. Tano pers. comm.)

Beehler, B., T.K. Pratt & D. Zimmerman. 1986. Birds of New Guinea. Princeton.
Coates, B.J. 1990. Birds of Papua New Guinea, Volume 2. Dove.
Restall, R. 1996. Munias and Mannikins. Pica Press.
Smithe, F.B. 1975. Naturalist's Color Guide. American Museum of Natural History.

It’s good to be back....

1998-09-07T09:47:00.000Z

As our Air Niugini flight crossed the New Guinea coastline to the south-east of Port Moresby, a lump appeared in my throat. The approach to Jackson’s Airport took us over many well-remembered land marks; Paga Hill, our first home in PNG, Central Government Offices where I had worked for six years and Moitaka Settling Ponds where many happy hours were spent bird-watching. There had also been some changes with new roads and buildings, including the impressive new airport terminal which we passed through with the minimum of delay. It felt good to be back.

When we left PNG in February 1991, Andrew was three years old and Matthew only 18 months. Neither remembered much of the land of their birth so we had always promised them we would return when they were old enough to appreciate the unique and wonderful sights and sounds of Papua New Guinea. With Andrew ten and Matthew fast approaching nine years old we made the promised journey.

Some of the planning for our 2-month trip had been accomplished before we left Australia but we relied heavily on friends from days gone by who were still resident in Port Moresby. Chris Eastwood had very kindly offered to put us up while we were in the capital and Will Glynn had done much chasing around on our behalf. Included in our itinerary were Ambua Lodge in the Southern Highlands Province where we hoped to see several birds of paradise and something of the culture of the Huli wig men who inhabit the nearby Tari valley; Myola, a small guest house in the Owen Stanley Mountains, only about 20 minutes flying time from Port Moresby and probably our favourite place in PNG; Walindi, in West New Britain, where we hoped to introduce the boys to the colourful underwater world of the coral reef; devastated Rabaul, the town buried under volcanic ash and finally Kavieng on New Ireland, the one main island we had not visited. The itinerary was designed to show the boys something of the diverse landscapes and cultures that comprise PNG and, hopefully, to fill in some of the gaps in my PNG bird list.

The birding started as we touched down at Jackson’s Airport on the outskirts of Port Moresby. From his side of the plane Andrew saw a Brown Falcon while Matthew and I watched a flock of Torresian Crows. From the airport, we followed the new highway over Burns Peak seeing White-breasted Wood-Swallow and Singing Starling en route. Chris’ apartment looks towards the stilt village of Hanuabada and the blue waters of Fairfax Harbour with a back drop of brown, dry savanna covered hills. From the vantage point of his balcony we saw many of the familiar town birds of Port Moresby. Rufous-banded Honeyeaters dunked themselves in the swimming pool prior to preening on the nearby fence. Pacific Swallows, (looking surprisingly tailless as I have now got used to Australia’s Welcome Swallows), hawked around the apartment block although there was no sign of nesting. Peaceful Doves, Fawn-breasted Bowerbirds and Pied Chats were also seen.

Early on our first morning back in PNG, we were driving through the spectacular scenery of the Laloki Gorge and past Rouna Falls on the way to Varirata National Park although Andrew and Matthew were more impressed with the sight of their first Brahminy Kite. Its chestnut wings and white head gleamed in the early morning sun as it soared along the side of the gorge while we negotiated one of several hairpin bends. The park is perched at 900 m on a scarp of the Astrolabe Range with fine views back over the coastal plain. Blue-winged Kookaburras yodelled from trees near the park entrance and Rainbow Lorikeets screeched overhead. First stop in the park was the Raggiana Bird of Paradise display tree, conveniently situated close to the road leading to Varirata Lookout. The boys were entranced as six males, fluffed up their red plumes, strutted along their chosen perches and gave voice to their loud ringing calls - a rousing welcome fit for a David Attenborough wildlife documentary! Joining in the dawn chorus were numerous other, familiar, calls but the names of the perpetrators frustratingly eluded me. Those recognised included the hoarse wolf-whistle of the Magnificent Riflebird, the loud honking of the Black-billed Brush-Turkey and the far carrying whistle of a Pheasant Pigeon, which responded to my imitation of its call. It felt good to be back.

As the sun rose higher in the sky the intensity of the Raggiana display abated and, somewhat reluctantly, we left the display tree to reacquaint ourselves with some of the park’s trails and its birdlife. But first some breakfast. Most of the parks trails radiate from a central picnic area, well provided with sheltered tables and barbecues. Over a reviving cup of coffee, we kept our eyes on the surrounding forest; birds, particularly canopy dwelling species, can often be easier to see at the edge of clearings than in the forest. Glossy Swiftlets and Red-cheeked Parrots flew over the picnic area but there were few other birds moving. Our attention wandered to the more active butterflies. Vivid blue Ulysses flew powerfully round the edge of the clearing, seeming to patrol a preferred beat. A male Birdwing, with a 15 cm wingspan and boldly patterned in green, yellow and black, courted a black and white female with a 20 cm wingspan, by flying slightly below and in front of her. At the other end of the scale a very small blue, smaller than my thumb nail flew low across the grass.

Coffee finished, we set out along the circuit trail and into the hill forest. For a while the trail follows the course of Narirogo Creek and here we heard the high-pitched call of an Azure Kingfisher without even catching a glimpse of the bird. In recent times Blue-faced Parrot-Finches have frequented the patches of bamboo beside the trail but we were not lucky today. While looking for the parrot-finches the distinctive calls of the Crested Pitohui, a long series of identical notes, and Wompoo Fruit-Dove were identified. My ears were beginning to get tuned in but seeing the birds in the rain forest seemed more difficult than I remembered. White-faced Robin, Black Berrypecker, and Fairy Gerygone were seen well but many other birds remained just glimpses.

White-bibbed Fruit-Doves, a medium sized ground feeding pigeon, was something of a rarity when I lived in PNG, only occasionally being recorded in the remotest part of Varirata and I had not seen it. Like the Blue-faced Parrot-Finch, in recent times they have become quite common in the park and regularly recorded along the circuit trail. The reason for these more frequent sightings is not known, but it could possibly be in response to the 1997 drought. While I lingered looking for the parrot-finches, Chris flushed a White-bibbed Ground-Dove which flew to a nearby tree and remained perched. Jenny, Andrew and Matthew all had a good look at it, but Will and I were too late. After a few more false alarms, up to 6 birds were flushed from the side of the track, I eventually managed to get a good view of one perched in the open. It is an attractive dove with a dark head; broad white supercilium; white chin, throat and breast (and therefore male) and a greyish belly. The mantle and wing coverts appeared dark blue-black when in shadow but in the light took on a purplish sheen. A new bird on our first full day in PNG. Yes, it certainly was good to be back!

During our stay in PNG we returned to Varirata several times. Below is a complete list of the species we recorded in the park:

Long-tailed Buzzard Henicopernis longicauda
Little Eagle Hieraaetus morphnoides
Black-billed Brush-Turkey Talegalla fuscirostris
Brown Quail Coturnix australis
Brown Cuckoo-Dove Macropygia amboinensis
White-bibbed Ground-Dove Gallicolumba jobiensis
Pheasant Pigeon Otidiphaps nobilis
Wompoo Fruit-Dove Ptilinopus magnificus
Pink-spotted Fruit-Dove Ptilinopus perlatus
Superb Fruit-Dove Ptilinopus superbus
Beautiful Fruit-Dove Ptilinopus pulchellus
Greater Streaked Lory Chalcopsitta scintillata
Rainbow Lorikeet Trichoglossus haematodus
Western Black-capped Lory Lorius lory
Sulphur-crested Cockatoo Cacatua galerita
Red-cheeked Parrot Geoffroyus geoffroyi
White-crowned Koel Caliechthrus leucolophus
Channel-billed Cuckoo Scythrops novaehollandiae
Pheasant Coucal Centropus phasianinus
Papuan Frogmouth Podargus papuensis
Large-tailed Nightjar Caprimulgus macrurus
Glossy Swiftlet Collocalia esculenta
Brown-headed Paradise-Kingfisher Tanysiptera danae
Rufous-bellied Kookaburra Dacelo gaudichaud
Blue-winged Kookaburra Dacelo leachii
Forest Kingfisher Halcyon macleayii
Yellow-billed Kingfisher Halcyon torotoro
Chestnut-breasted Cuckoo Cacomantis castaneiventris
Azure Kingfisher Alcedo azurea
Hooded Pitta Pitta sordida
Chestnut-backed Jewel-Babbler Ptilorrhoa castanonotus
White-shouldered Fairy-Wren Malurus alboscapulatus
Rusty Mouse-Warbler Crateroscelis murina
Pale-billed Scrub-Wren Sericornis spilodera
Fairy Gerygone Gerygone palpebrosa
Chestnut-breasted Fantail Rhipidura hyperythra
Black-faced Monarch Monarcha melanopsis
Black-winged Monarch Monarcha frater
Spot-winged Monarch Monarcha guttula
Frilled Monarch Arses telescophthalmus
Leaden Flycatcher Myiagra rubecula
Lemon-bellied Flycatcher Microeca flavigaster
Yellow-legged Flycatcher Microeca griseoceps
White-faced Robin Tregellasia leucops
Dwarf Whistler Pachycare flavogrisea
Rufous Whistler Pachycephala rufiventris
Little Shrike-Thrush Colluricincla megarhyncha
Grey Shrike-Thrush Colluricincla harmonica
Hooded Pitohui Pitohui dichrous
Rusty Pitohui Pitohui ferrugineus
Crested Pitohui Pitohui cristatus
Black Berrypecker Melanocharis nigra
Black-fronted White-eye Zosterops atrifrons
Dwarf Honeyeater Oedistoma iliolophus
Papuan Black Myzomela Myzomela nigrita
Mountain Red-headed Myzomela Myzomela adolphinae
Blue-faced Parrot-Finch Erythrura trichroa
Mountain Drongo Chaetorhynchus papuensis
Spangled Drongo Dicrurus hottentottus
Hooded Butcherbird Cracticus cassicus
Black-backed Butcherbird Cracticus mentalis
Black Butcherbird Cracticus quoyi
White-eared Catbird Ailuroedus buccoides
Fawn-breasted Bowerbird Chlamydera cerviniventris
Magnificent Riflebird Ptiloris magnificus
Magnificent Bird of Paradise Cicinnurus magnificus
Raggiana Bird of Paradise Paradisaea raggiana
Torresian Crow Corvus orru

(Originally published in: Australian Birding 4(4): 7-8)

Opportunistic foraging by Superb Fairy-Wrens Malurus cyaneus

1998-08-06T16:14:00.000Z

From Point Addis, Victoria (38o25' S 144o15' E) the coast and hills to the west were bathed in a golden light as the sun went down, while off shore there was a steady, if not spectacular, eastward passage of Fluttering Shearwaters Puffinus gavia. The fine, calm evening of 6 August 1998 was not really conducive to sea-watching with only a few of the shearwaters passing close enough for us to be confident of identifying them. While waiting for these occasional closer groups of birds our attention wandered. A Rufous Bristlebird Dasyornis broadbenti fed in the open around the edge of the cliff top car park even running under some of the parked cars.

Two female-plumaged Superb Fairy-Wrens Malurus cyaneus were also working their way along the seaward edge of the car park. When they reached our car, they flew up onto the bumper and proceeded to glean dead insects from the headlights, radiator grill and bumper. The two birds fed in this way for about 90 seconds before continuing round the edge of the car park. We had watched from a distance of c. 6 m using 10 X 50 and 8 x30 binoculars but could not discern what the Fairy-Wrens were picking from the car, whatever they were taking was too small. Not being entomologists, we were also unable to identify the insect remains on the front of the car.

We have not been able to find any references to this behaviour for Superb Fairy-Wren, or any other Fairy-Wrens (Schodde 1982, Rowley & Russell 1997), although they are noted to quickly take advantage of any new food source that may present itself (Schodde 1982) and, for example, a male Superb Fairy-Wren took dead flies from the window ledge of the bird observatory at Melaleuca, SW Tasmania (RH pers obs). Other species have been recorded taking advantage of similar food sources e.g. House Sparrows in the U.K. (Bankier 1984, Simmons 1984)

Bankier, A.M. 1984. House Sparrows collecting insects from cars. British Birds 77(3):121.
Rowley, I., & E. Russell. 1997. Fairy-Wrens and Grass-Wrens. Oxford.
Schodde, R. 1982. The Fairy-Wrens. A Monograph of the Maluridae. Lansdowne Editions. Melbourne
Simmons, K.E.L. 1984. House Sparrows collecting insects from cars. British Birds 77(3):121.

NEW YEAR'S DAY BIRDWATCH 1998

1998-01-02T19:49:00.001Z

As has become a Hicks family tradition we spent the first day of 1998 and our second New Year's Day down-under on a bird-watching big-day. Usually we limit ourselves to an area within 10 km of home but as we had moved during 1997 (albeit only 5 km from Seaholme to Altona Meadows) we decided to use the same search area as last year.

Seaholme is a small suburb, sandwiched between Williamstown and Altona, to the west of Melbourne, Victoria. Taking Seaholme Station as the centre ofour home range, Melbourne's western suburbs occupy the north-eastern quadrant while much of the south-eastern quadrant is covered by the waters of Altona Bay. The coast and Marybyrnong River form the southern and eastern boundaries with Point Cook R.A.A.F. base the southernmostpoint. The western border was formed by the Derrimut /Hopkins Road (northof Werribee) while to the north we did not cross the Western Highway. This area offers a range of habitats including suburban gardens, grassland, wetlands and coast but little in the way of woodland. Last year we recorded 74 species but felt we could have done better witha bit more local knowledge and more experience of Australian birds. Our aim was to beat last year's total and if possible push on to the magical ton although to achieve this total we would need to be exceedingly lucky.

New Year's Eve had been warm and sticky and it did not seem much cooler when the alarm roused us from a deep slumber at 05:05. It was still dark outside but the first bird of 1998 was heard before we were out of bed when the distant strains of a Skylark wafted through the open window on the light morning breeze (poetical aren't I?). As night gradually gaveway to day, a Willie Wagtail was the second bird to join the dawn chorus quickly followed by a tuneful Blackbird, noisy White-plumed Honeyeaters and even more raucous Common Mynas. A little later the dulcet tones of an Australian Magpie and the more strident calls of a Red Wattlebird were heard. With the light improving and the eyelids gradually unsticking a flock of Silver Gulls drifting over the house became the first birds seen on New Year's Day.

It was 05:40 and time to get out and about. House Sparrow, Starling and Spotted Turtle Dove were seen in neighbours' gardens as we made our way to Truganina Swamp, my local patch. The swamp forms part of Melbourne Water's drainage system acting as a retarding basin to prevent flooding. Laverton Creek flows through the middle of the swamp and has been widened to facilitate flood control. Much of the area is currently dry grassland due to lack of rain but there are areas of salt marsh and reed-bed; the latter mainly to the east of the creek. There is a small freshwater pond/swamp behind Mount St. Joseph's school which is also in the processing of drying out. Kooringal Golf course, to the south-east, is well wooded but there is no access from the swamp. The Western Purification Plant, to the south-west, is similarly out of bounds but the settling tanks can be viewed through the fence and often hold concentrations of ducks and gulls. Since moving to the area, in May1997, I have recorded 91 species here and over recent weeks have regularly seen over 50 species in a two-hour walk. We were hoping for a similar score today.

As we neared the swamp a pair of Magpie Larks foraged on the grass reserve but more birds were being recorded by sound than sight; the buzzing song of several Golden-headed Cisticolas were heard from the first reed-bed while a Greenfinch wheezed and Superb Fairy Wren twittered nearby; the disjointed jangling notes of an Australian Reed Warbler came from the reed beds alongside the upper reaches of Laverton Creek. All this was a bit frustrating for Andrew and Matthew who wanted to see some birds. On cue, three Little Black Cormorants flew towards the coast, following the line of Laverton Creek while a solitary Australian Pelican and a squadron of Straw-necked Ibises glided towards the settling ponds of the Western Water treatment plant. Little Ravens flew over; Purple Swamphens and Dusky Moorhens streaked for the cover of the creek-side reed-beds. Black Swan, Pacific Black Duck and Hoary-headed Grebe inhabited this narrow, reed-fringed, section of Laverton Creek and the whistled call of Little Grassbird came from the reeds. Where the creek widened and the water became shallower a single Great Egret and White-faced Heron fed beside 15 White-headed Stilts. They were joined by 72 Sharp-tailed Sandpiper, 28 Curlew Sandpipers and three Greenshank, while overhead flew Welcome Swallow and Whiskered Tern,the majority still in breeding plumage although some are beginning to look scruffy. On land a female White-fronted Chat searched for food on the cinder track and a couple of Goldfinches feed from the seed head of a giant thistle. Stubble Quail had been heard calling from the grassland west of the creek for the first time in mid-December and we were fortunate to flush one from near the track on New Year's day. As expected the settling ponds and surrounds of the Western Water treatment plant brought a rush of species. Masked Lapwing, Feral Pigeon and Australian White Ibis foraged on the grassy banks while the tanks themselves held numerous Australian Shelducks, Eurasian Coots, Chestnut and Grey Teal. I was particularly pleased to pick out a pair of Australasian Shoveler. These had first been noted on 27 December and I was hoping they would hang around. Little Pied Cormorants sat on the pontoons separating the ponds and a small flock of White-eyed Duck (Hardheads) swam and dived on the pond closest to the road. Three Galahs flew from Kooringal Golf Course, where we think they roost, to feed on the short turf of the water works and a Royal Spoonbill flew down the creek. At 07:08 Yellow-rumped Thornbill became our 50th species(approximately an hour earlier than last year).

We crossed Laverton Creek and headed north beside the golf course fence. Grey Fantail and New Holland Honeyeater were seen in the bushes. By now the sun was up and had burnt off the early morning haze sending temperatures climbing. Marsh Sandpiper and Red-capped Plover were the only new birds seen on the shallow salt marsh on the east side of the swamp but there were a pair of White-headed Stilts with three young about half adult size. Mount St Joseph's pond, situated behind the school of the same name has been slowly drying out over the last month and has been home to several Australian Spotted Crakes and a couple of Latham's Snipe. Fortunately, the muddy margins had not dried out completely and both the crake and snipe found their way onto our list without too much hassle. With the rise in temperature bird activity had dropped off and as we headed homewards across the north end of the swamp we were bothered more by flies than birds, only Black-shouldered Kite, hovering laboriously over the dry grassland and a Brown Falcon perched on the railway's overhead lines were added to the new year's day list. Back home, our resident Tree Sparrows were up and about having been conspicuously absent when we set out, they must be late risers. Over breakfast in the garden Purple-crowned Lorikeets fed in some flowering eucalypts on the other side of the road and a Song Thrush visited our vegetable patch searching for snails. We had scored well on my local patch recording 61 species and were beginning to think the ton might be possible.

By 09:30 breakfast was over and we were on the road, heading for Point Cook Metropolitan Park. Richard's Pipits were common in the roadside fields. Spectacle Lake, in the Point Cook Metropolitan Park, was even drier than when we had last visited on Christmas Day, with even fewer birds present. Red-necked Stint was the only new bird amongst the small numbers of waders. A male Red-rumped Parrot bursting past the narrow windows of the hide in a kaleidoscope of colour was a nice bonus. From the homestead, we walked through the coastal scrub, hearing first then seeing Silvereye, before following the shore to Point Cook. An immature Pacific Gull and, Crested Terns were perched on the rocks while awinter-plumaged Common Tern patrolled off-shore. The buzzy calls of a White-browed Scrub-wren were heard from the brush at the back of the beach where a Singing Honeyeater was also seen. Further round the coast, also perched on rocks exposed by the falling tide were Pied Cormorants and a solitary Pied Oystercatcher. At 12:45 with the sun high in the sky we headed home for some shade and a late lunch. So far we had recorded 72 species, only two less than last year's total.

Only Andrew and I ventured out after lunch, the others deciding to remain at home in the shade. In the dry conditions the Fairy Martins had abandoned the only colony, of 5 nests, that I knew of within the area, so we dipped out there. Our first new bird of the afternoon was a Singing Bushlark, doing a very passable imitation of a Galah, while perched on a fence in the grasslands to the north-west of Laverton. Nearby, in the same fields we had first seen them on New Year's Day 1997, were a flock of 16 Banded Lapwing which included four juveniles. While scanning a mixed flock of Starlings and House Sparrows, one bird parachuted down to the fence with its legs extended, most un-starling-like. Closer examination revealed it to be a male BrownSonglark. This was a lifer and quite a bit bigger than I had expected. Not a bad way to go past last years total. The time was 15:10. Continuing through the grasslands we found a pair of White-browed Wood-Swallows along Woods Road (near Truganina homestead). I had not previously seen either the songlark or the wood-swallow in this area before and wondered whether the inland drought conditions had pushed these birds further south than usual. Nearby an Australian Kestrel hovered over the desiccated grasses. Now it was time to try and pick up species we had so far missed. Australasian Grebes, in breeding plumage were found at Newport Lakes and two Swamp Harriers terrorised the gulls and ducks at the Williamstown wetlands on the north shore of Kororoit Creek. A walk along the levee between Cherry Lake and Kororoit Creek produced a Crested Pigeon, our 80th species at 17:15, Red-browed Firetail and a Horsfield's Bronze-Cuckoo, but the water level was high in the pool where the creek widens out so no waders were present. Finally, we returned to Point Cook where the Black-tailed Native Hens still refused to show themselves at Spectacle Lake but we were compensated with an Australian Hobby dashing past. Near one of the picnic sites we came close to running over a covey of six Brown Quail that decided to cross the road right in front of the car - at least theygot themselves noticed and on our list. A Little Wattlebird, flying froma flowering gum tree was our 85th and last species of New Year's Day1998.

Is it possible to see 100 species within a 10km radius of Seaholmestation? Well, it should be. In December 1997, I saw 12 species in this area that we did not record on New Year's day. These were Great Cormorant, Little Egret, Black-tailed Native Hen, Red-necked Avocet, Black-fronted Plover, Broad-billed Sandpiper, Arctic Skua, RainbowLorikeet, Fairy Martin, Tree Martin, Black-faced Cuckoo-Shrike and Striated Fieldwren. As we get to know our home range better, there is more chance. Maybe next year - if my contract is renewed!

Spring Arrivals

1997-08-23T19:00:00.001Z

A wander around my local patch of Truganina Swamp, Altona (in Melbourne's western suburbs) provided a taste of spring with a singing Horsfields Bronze-Cuckoo, actually first seen a week earlier, followed by a Fan-tailed Cuckoo mobbed by several White-plumed Honeyeaters and a Whiskered Tern in full breeding plumage. Add to this a pair of Black Swans with a nest and Little Ravens carrying nesting material and it seems as though spring has arrived.

Portland Pelagic : 13 April 1997

1997-04-14T12:00:00.000Z

A week later than planned, inclement weather in the form of very strong winds claimed the scheduled trip, a pelagic from Portland, SW Victoria, went ahead, on 13th April in fine conditions. In fact, the weather was probably too fine, with a low number of species and total numbers of birds recorded. By compensation, those on board were treated to wonderful views of 2, possibly 4, Blue Whales seen about 8 miles south of Lawrence Rock both on the outward and return journey to Portland. One spouted, close enough to the boat to smell its breath and seen rolling on its side with a huge flipper in the air. This close encounter of the Leviathan kind was the highlight for most on board.

Weather was fine with minimal cloud cover for much of the day and temperatures climbing to the high 20s. The wind was 5-10 knots for most of the day but increasing to 20 knots in mid-afternoon giving us a bumpy ride home. The sea was slight with no swell and not a single case of mal-de-mer. We reached the shelf about 20 miles south of Lawrence Rocks, motored west along the shelf and then returned to Portland. Those on board were: Ian Ashton, Gail Berry, Rob Berry, Mike Carter,Peter Crabtree, Murray Grant, Ivor Grainey, Roger Hicks, Martin Hulzebosch, Peter Lansley, Rory O'Brien, Rod Sympson.

Birds
Little Penguin 1 in moult, on Lawrence Rocks and another dead in the seaover the shelf
Black-browed Albatross 30+ attracted to 'chum' put over the side of which about half were the pale-eyed race
Yellow-nosed Albatross 10 - In the morning seen closer inshore than other two species of albatross
Shy Albatross 30 attracted to 'chum' commonest albatross over the shelf
Great-winged Petrel 10 over the deeper water at the shelf
Fleshy-footed Shearwater 4 over the shelf
Short-tailed Shearwater small numbers (<20) in shore and 1 over shelf
Fluttering Shearwater 6
Wilson's Storm Petrel one flock of 30 over the shelf and other individuals seen during the day
White-faced Storm Petrel up to 6 with the Wilson's Storm Petrels and other singles seen through the day.
Common Diving Petrel 1
Australasian Gannet Numerous inshore with the colony on Lawrence Rocks being the focus of their movements
Black-faced Shag 50+ on the rocks of Lawrence Rocks
Pacific Gull Portland Harbour
Silver Gull Portland Harbour and Lawrence Rocks
Crested Tern Portland Harbour and 2 over the shelf
Arctic Skua (Jaeger) 6 2 light phase and 4 dark phase including 2 lightgrey/brown birds
Long-tailed Skua possibly one

Mammals
Blue Whale 2-4 about 8 miles south of Lawrence Rocks

ERECT-CRESTED PENGUIN ON VICTORIAN BEACH

1997-03-31T09:10:00.002Z

On 23 February 1997, while showing the sights of Victoria’s Great Ocean Road to a non-birding visitor, an unusual penguin was seen on the beach immediately west of the Twelve Apostles viewing platform (map refs. Topographic Map Sheet 7520 - XC828181; Lat/Long 143o 07’E 38o 40’S). We watched the penguin from the cliff top viewing platform, which was about 100 m from the bird, using Zeiss Jenoptem 10x50 Binoculars and Opticron Viewmaster x20 telescope. Numerous tourists enjoying the coastal scenery also stopped to look at the penguin, some taking photographs and video film, but as far as we are aware no other bird-watchers were present.

Description :-
It was larger than the Little Penguins Eudyptula minor seen earlier in our stay in Australia, although there were no other birds available for a direct comparison.

The bill was large, although finer than the illustrations in Slater et al (1986) and Simpson & Day (1996) suggests, and dark with a reddish tinge (rosy according to JHH). The feet were large and pink with dark, possibly black claws. The colour of the eye could not be determined from our observation point. The upper parts were uniformly black from head to tail except for a pale supercilium. This began as a narrow line in front of the eye, almost reaching to the bill, and broadened out behind the eye. Its shape seemed to vary, sometimes being arched over the eye and thinning to a point near the back of the head and at others flaring to be broadest near the back of the head. When the bird turned its head it seemed as though there was a ridge of feathers along either side of the crown. When first seen through binoculars the throat and chin appeared black but on closer observation (through the telescope) this area was grey and grizzled. We thought there probably was bare skin around the base of the bill. The remainder of the underparts were white.

We spent a long time looking at the flippers as Slater et al (1986), the only field guide we had with us, implied that the underwing pattern was one of the more reliable field characteristics. The upper-flipper was black with a thin white trailing edge on the inner half of the wing. The leading edge of the wing (not on the upper surface of the flipper) was pale. The under-flipper had a broad solid black leading edge and black tip. The centre of the under flipper and central portion of the trailing edge were white.

Enclosed is a photocopy of the field notes made at the time and a photo taken using a Canon Sureshot looking through the telescope. We also took some slides but these are still being processed.

Identification:
From these observations we decided it was probably a juvenile Erect-crested Penguin Eudyptes sclateri, based primarily on under-flipper pattern plus shape and extent of the supercilium. Royal Penguin E.chrysolophus was ruled out because the throat was dark. Rockhopper Penguin E. chrysocome was ruled out by the shape of the supercilium, which extended in front of the eye on the observed bird. Fiordland Penguin E. pachyrhynchus was ruled out as it has a white leading edge to the flipper where that on the observed bird was black. The choice between Erect-crested Penguin and Snares Penguin E. robustus was more difficult. In Slater et al (1986) both are shown as having a black leading edge and tip to the to the flipper. We decided this bird was probably Erect-crested Penguin because of the extent of black on the flipper’s leading edge (more extensive on Erect-crested than Snares) and the shape of the black/white feathering join at the wing tip (which is shown as more square on Erect-crested than Snares in Slater et al (1986).

Reference to further books at home reinforced this identification. Simpson & Day (1996) show a greater difference in the under flipper pattern than Slater et al (1986) with Snares Penguin having white feathering in the black leading edge and some black streaking in the white trailing edge of the flipper. The Erect-crested Penguin is depicted as having an entirely black leading edge to the flipper and entirely white central portion to the trailing edge. Harrison (1983) shows Snares Penguin with a narrower black leading edge to the flipper and less black at the flipper tip than for Erect-crested Penguin.

We have had no previous experience of any of the crested Eudyptes penguins and relatively little experience of any other penguins having only previously seen three species in the wild: Little Penguin Eudyptula minor, Yellow-eyed Penguin Megadyptes antipodes and Humboldt Penguin Spheniscus humboldti.

Behaviour:
When we first saw the bird it was standing on the beach, below the high-tide line and apparently following the water out. It shuffled forward a few steps but seemed in no hurry to reach the sea. When the water came further up the beach it retreated a little. At the top of the beach is a small sand-dune system; on the seaward side of this and amongst the vegetation were numerous tracks which were probably made by this penguin suggesting it had been present for a while. When we left it was still standing on the beach below the high water mark.

Prevailing weather conditions:
In the preceding week Melbourne had sweltered in 35+oC temperatures with a cool change passing through on Thursday. Another cool change passed through late on Saturday afternoon accompanied by heavy rain and strong winds. On Sunday morning, the day we observed the penguin, winds were SE and force 6. The wind dropped through the day, but the seas were still big at 15:00 when we arrived at the Twelve Apostles.

Further notes:
This penguin was apparently first noted by national park rangers on 20 February 1997 (M. Cameron pers. comm.). We first saw it on 23 February 1997 and broadcast its whereabouts the following day on the Birding-Aus mailing list. Subsequently, it has been seen by many people although it sometimes hides amongst the tussock grass growing on the small dune system at the base of the cliffs. The latest sighting I have is for the evening of 14 March 1997 (R.Atherton on Birding-Aus). Its arrival coincided with that of several other rare penguin species with a King Penguin Aptenodytes patagonicus on Bruny Island, Tasmania, another Erect-crested Penguin near Portland, Victoria and a Royal Penguin E. chrysolophus at Bridgewater, Victoria.

HANZAB lists only six previous records of Erect-crested Penguin in Australia with one each for South Australia, Tasmania and Western Australia and three from Victoria of which the last was a live bird at Phillip Island in February 1979 (Marchant & Higgins 1990). Five of the six previous records have also occurred in February and March. If this record, and that of the bird at Portland are accepted, they will constitute only the seventh and eighth documented occurrence of Erect-crested Penguin in Australia.

Harrison, P. 1983. Seabirds. An Identification Guide. Croom Helm.
Marchant, S. & P.J.Higgins (co-ordinators). 1990. Handbook of Australian, New Zealand and Antarctic Birds. Volume 1 Ratites to Ducks. Part A, Ratites to Petrels. Oxford.
Simpson, K. & N. Day. 1996. Field Guide to the Birds of Australia. 5th Edition. Viking.
Slater, P., P.Slater & R. Slater. 1986. The Slater Field Guide to Australian Birds. Rigby.

Erect-crested Penguin?

1997-02-23T19:00:00.001Z

This weekend while showing a non-birding visitor the sights of Victoria's Great Ocean Road we happened upon an unusual penguin on thebeach immediately north of the 12 Apostles viewing platform. We tentatively identified it as an immature Erect-crested Penguin, mainly based on the pattern on the underside of the flipper, but none of my guide books show the immature plumage of an ECP. (Slater et al,Simpson & Day, and Harrison). There had been very strong winds from the SE the preceding day and night.

Melaleuca Magic

1997-02-01T12:00:00.001Z

With a population of less than 200, the Orange-bellied Parrot ranks alongside Whooping Crane and Takahe as one of the rarest birds in the world. Like these species, it is the focus of an intensive conservation plan, but unlike the majority of rare birds the Orange-bellied Parrot is also migratory. It winters on the coastal marshes of Victoria and South Australia but breeds in woodland and isolated trees on the edge of the button grass plains of south-west Tasmania, where it is concentrated in the Melaleuca area, south of Bathurst Harbour.

The Orange-bellied Parrot’s rarity, isolated breeding range and migratory habits confer on it an almost mythical status. It is one of those species that most bird-watchers would like to see but have to content themselves with reading accounts of efforts to conserve the species and gazing longingly at published photographs. So it was for me when I took up a one-year contract in Melbourne in March 1996. I wasted no time in contacting the RAOU and was soon taking part in several of their surveys, including the winter Orange-bellied Parrot survey on the coasts of Port Phillip Bay. Unfortunately, my arrival coincided with a period when the Orange-bellied Parrots have been forsaking their traditional winter haunts for as yet undiscovered sites. Despite visiting likely habitat, Swan Bay, Swan Island and Werribee Spit, at the right season I failed to make the acquaintance of a single Orange-bellied Parrot.

In October 1996 I received an Email requesting volunteer wardens for the Orange-bellied Parrot recovery programme. A family conference was unanimous that we should volunteer, Jenny, Andrew (aged 8) and Matthew (aged 7) being as eager as I was to see these enigmatic birds. Mark Holdsworth, the recovery programme coordinator, raised no objections to the boys accompanying us, in fact quite the reverse (which made a very refreshing change to the attitudes of some organisations when we had offered our services elsewhere in the past). So plans were made.

We flew down to Tasmania on 10 January 1997 and spent the weekend round and about Hobart. A dawn visit to Mount Wellington brought the first birds of the trip including the Tasmanian endemics, Yellow-throated Honeyeater, Tasmanian Thornbill, Green Rosella and Tasmanian Scrubwren; search as I might I could not find a Scrubtit. The remainder of the morning was spent enjoying the sights and sounds of Hobart’s Salamanca market before we had brunch at a pavement cafe. The Port Arthur settlement was our destination that afternoon; we dutifully completed a Bird of Prey Watch sheet (recording a Brown Falcon and a Swamp Harrier) as we covered the 100 km from Hobart. The boys were more interested in the cricket pitch, where Shane Warne & Co had recently played a charity game, than the historic buildings, but these held some interest. Up to five pairs of Tree Martins were feeding young in nests above the windows. We returned via the tessellated pavement at Eaglehawk Neck which allowed us to add Strong-billed and Black-headed Honeyeaters to our list. The following day we headed south, seeing a Yellow Wattlebird in suburban Hobart, to take the ferry from Kettering across to Bruny Island. Roadside birds here included Dusky Robin and Tasmanian Native Hen but our main quarry was Forty-spotted Pardalote. We had seen this species on a previous visit to Bruny, seven years ago, and headed back to the same site. We took the first left off the ferry road and followed the coast north towards Barnes Bay. Forty-spotted Pardalotes are supposed to occur in the wooded valley of MacCrackens Creek but we had no luck this time. A little further on we came across a flock of birds moving through the roadside bushes. These proved to be predominantly Spotted and Striated Pardalotes. Jenny managed to pick out several Forty-spots with their paler faces but I struggled until I saw them flying away across open water when their uniform greenish back and rump was conspicuous. Later, we watched a very confiding individual from less than two metres. Nearby a flock of 13 Swift Parrots allowed a similar close approach as they fed in a flowering gum tree. We had a picnic lunch on the sand dunes of Bruny Neck, the narrow isthmus that links the north and south ‘islands’ and the boys even braved the cold waters of the southern ocean. I chose to remain dry. Our weekend ended with a delicious meal on the Hobart waterfront.

Monday morning was spent stocking up on provisions for our two-week stay in Melaleuca - it seemed we would need more than a cessna to transport our mountain of gear into the remote south-west. The weather was perfect for our flight with clear blue skies affording spectacular views over the rugged landscape of this corner of Tasmania. From Cambridge we headed south-west, crossing the Derwent just south of the Tasman Bridge and flying over Hobart city centre, leaving Mount Wellington to the north. At Huonville we left the populated south-east behind although the marks of man were still evident with large areas of clear-felled forest on the slopes above the Picton River. Our pilot pointed out Mount Bob to the south but passed closer to Federation Peak with its curious Hanging Lake. The rugged ridge of the Arthur Range was stark against the northern horizon as we dropped down to Bathurst Harbour before following Melaleuca Inlet up to the airstrip. We circled once, having views over Melaleuca Lagoon and the nearby walkers accommodation and ranger’s hut; the latter to be our home for the next fortnight. Before long we were on the ground, stretching our legs after an exhilarating flight.

As we trundled our pile of gear the 500 m from the airstrip to the huts we enjoyed the surrounding scenery; the button grass plain stretching to the south, Melaleuca Lagoon and its fringe of woodland with rugged Mount Rugby as a backdrop to the north, and lower more rounded, moorland covered hills to the east and west. It was much more open than both Jenny and I had expected with the woodland restricted to the waters edge and in some of the steeper valleys. As expected we could not load everything on a single flight, and while waiting for the remainder of our stores to arrive, we saw our first birds as some Tree Martins swooped over the trees alongside Moth Creek. We also paid a brief visit to the public bird hide, erected in memory of local tin-miner and naturalist Deny King, and there on the bird table were our first Orange-bellied Parrots. MAGIC.

The ranger’s hut at Melaleuca is situated in the forest, predominantly Woolly Teatree and Smithton Peppermint Gum, close to the southern shore of Melaleuca Lagoon. It proved to be a comfortable home-from-home being well provided with a cooker and oven running off bottled gas and electric light powered by solar panels. We occupied one of the bedrooms with boys taking the bunk beds. From the hut’s windows were views into the canopy of the surrounding forest where we saw Strong-billed Honeyeater, Black Currawong and Green Rosella. Olive Whistler and Tasmanian Scrubwren would take cheese from the kitchen windowsill, while a Grey Shrike Thrush would take food from your hand. Andrew and Matthew, after a chat with Albert the ranger, decided that perhaps these birds should have a more natural diet and collected all the dead flies from the ranger’s and walker’s huts. The birds seemed to appreciate these offerings as much as the cheese.

Our duties as volunteer Orange-bellied Parrot wardens were not too onerous. The very comfortable Deny King hide acts as a focal point for visiting tourists. When the weather was fine nearly 20 planes a day landed. We were responsible for keeping the hide neat and tidy and, if present, explaining the conservation programme. A bird-table/feeding station has been established in front of the hide. We had to put seed out for the parrots early in the morning (usually between 0630 and 0700) and evening (1630 - 1700) and then record which birds came to the table. A large proportion of the parrots are colour banded so individuals can be recognised. During our stay we saw 39 different banded birds and had a maximum of 14 unbanded birds in view at one time so recorded a minimum of 53 individuals. Our highest count at the bird table, at any one time, was 44 birds, probably over 30% of the breeding population, a staggering proportion that makes you realise this species’ vulnerability. Several other species also fed at the bird-table including Beautiful Firetails, the males, especially, living up to their name, Olive Whistler and Dusky Robin. Green Rosellas also fed on the supplied seed, apparently only a recently acquired habit. When there were more than three Green Rosellas at the table, and on occasions there were as many as seven, they intimidated the Orange-bellied Parrots and other smaller species with their bulk, keeping them away from the seed. Numerous nest-boxes have been put up to enable easier monitoring of the Orange-bellied Parrot’s breeding success. We kept watch at several in an attempt to identify the parent birds but more than half were unbanded. Orange-bellied Parrots were not the only species to utilise the nest boxes; Tree Martins especially found them to their liking occupying 7 of the 17 we observed while a pair of Starlings bred in another.

Our nearest resident neighbours were Peter and Barbara Willson who operate the tin mining lease south of the airstrip. They have been recording the Orange-bellied Parrots they see at their garden feeding station for many years, We paid them a visit on our first day and they were kind enough to tell us something of the area and its birds, including possible pitfalls when recording the coloured bands. When we returned a few days later, we were pleased to see that the colour combinations we had noted closely matched those Peter and Barbara had recorded in their garden. It gave us confidence in our observations. Towards the end of our stay in Melaleuca we were treated to a tour of their tin mine and shown how they extract the tin ore from the rock. We had never considered mining on such a small scale before and it seemed a hard way to make a living. Andrew and Matthew were especially thrilled to learn that very small amounts of gold are found with the tin and were already to stake their own claim there and then.

If we had expected Melaleuca to be a quiet haven we were surprised. Visitors to the ranger’s hut during our fortnight included Parks & Wildlife scientists, journalists writing a book for Australian Geographic, a BBC film crew getting footage for the latest David Attenborough wildlife spectacular and last, but by no means least, Albert the ranger. At times it felt like all these people were trespassing on our turf when really, of course, it was the other way round. All added, rather than detracted, from our stay in Melaleuca. We watched the film crew in action, helped locate small mammal traps in the button grass plain and watched Mark Holdsworth colour band nestling Orange-bellied Parrots. We were even fortunate enough to hold some of these priceless youngsters - and now fully expect these birds to visit our local patch in Altona!

Although we spent most of our time in the vicinity of Melaleuca airstrip, we did have a memorable ride aboard the Parks and Wildlife patrol boat, Maatsuyker. From the mooring on Melaleuca Creek we headed down Melaleuca Inlet to a very calm Bathurst Harbour, where Mount Rugby and the clouds were reflected in its still waters. Then it was through the narrows which separate Bathurst Harbour from Port Davey before circling the Breaksea Islands which as their name implies, lie across the mouth of the Narrows protecting them from the ocean beyond. A White-bellied Sea-Eagle soared on the updraughts from the islands’ cliffs while Swamp Harrier quartered the grassland. We made a brief landing at the idyllic Bramble Cove where temperate rain-forest comes down to the shore. While I bird-watched, seeing very little, the boys swam and fossicked in the rock-pools. Then it was back to Melaleuca ahead of the freshening sea-breeze.

Weatherwise, we experienced the rough and the smooth. The fine, sunny weather of the first few days gave way to a grey, drizzly period. This was followed by a period of northerly winds, blowing out of central Australia and raising the temperature to a sweltering 38 oC - even I braved the waters of Melaleuca Creek that day. The good, as ever was followed by the bad and the BBC film crew had their departure delayed by 36 hours when the clouds and rain rolled in. Eventually, the clouds cleared and the weather slowly improved over our second week.

Throughout it all we were logging the activities of the Orange-bellied Parrots and other birds, recording 34 species of which eight were only seen on the boat trip. Among the highlights were the five Ground Parrots which Jenny and I flushed from the side of the tracks . Unfortunately, the boys always missed them and had to content themselves with hearing their bell-like calls coming from the button-grass plains at dusk on still evenings. By way of compensation, Andrew managed to see a Lewin’s Rail running across a trail south of the airstrip, a species which still eludes me. We all saw the Southern Emu-Wrens in the taller shrubs alongside the airstrip. A fair selection of animals were also seen including a couple of close (but not too close) encounters with Tiger Snakes. More pleasurable were the several sightings of Spotted-tailed Quoll; seen a few times on the boardwalk leading to the hut and several times around the bird-table, causing all the avian diners to scatter in panic.

It seemed as though our stay in Melaleuca would be brought to a triumphant climax when we saw our first Orange-bellied Parrot fledgling at the bird table on our last morning. We returned to the ranger’s hut in buoyant mood to complete our packing. By the time of our anticipated departure the clouds had once again rolled in, and like the BBC crew before us, we were weathered in for 36 hours. With plenty of food to see us through, it was not really a hardship to spend an extra couple of nights in Melaleuca. We continued with the observations at the bird table but did not see any more fledgling Orange-bellied Parrots. Too soon the weather cleared and we were whisked back to Hobart and thence to Melbourne. It had been a magic fortnight for us all.

There are several people we would like to thank for making this trip possible and enjoyable. Chief amongst these is Mark Holdsworth who gave us the chance to visit south-west Tasmania and become part of the Orange-bellied Parrot recovery programme. Peter and Barbara Willson were extremely friendly, and, dare we say it, a ‘mine’ of information concerning the local area. We are especially grateful to Albert Thompson, the ranger, who could not have been more helpful , organising our boat trip to Port Davey and the replenishing of our dwindling supplies. To all these people a big THANK YOU.

NEW YEAR'S DAY BIRDWATCH 1997

1997-01-02T13:42:00.006Z

Traditionally New Year's Day has been a bird-watching 'big-day' and 1 January 1997 was not going to be an exception. As in recent years the search for birds would be limited to an area within 10 km of home but there the similarity ends. Having only recently arrived in the southern hemisphere, last new year's day was spent in the depths of darkest Hertfordshire (southern England) where the temperature only barely exceeded zero and visibility was rarely greater than 50 m. Despite the prevailing conditions, 60 species were recorded of which the highlights were a Dipper (unusual in lowland England) and a pair of Common (River) Kingfishers. Along with the change of hemisphere came the change of seasons and associated length of daylight; at least in the northern hemisphere the first dawn of the new year was not much before 08:00 allowing at least some recuperative sleep after the celebrations!

Home for our first year in Australia has been the small suburb of Seaholme, sandwiched between Williamstown and Altona, to the west of Melbourne, Victoria. Taking Seaholme Station, only 100 m from home as the centre of our home range, then Melbourne's western suburbs occupy the north-eastern quadrant while much of the south-eastern quadrant is covered by the waters of Altona Bay. The coast and Marybyrnong River form the southern and eastern boundaries with Point Cook R.A.A.F. base the southernmost point. The western border was formed by theDerrimut/Hopkins Road (north of Werribee) while to the north we did not cross the Western Highway. This area can offer a range of habitats including suburban gardens, grassland, wetlands and coast but little in the way of woodland.

It was still dark when the alarm sounded at 05:00 on the first morning of 1997, but the sky began to brighten while we sipped a refreshing cup of coffee. Like us some birds were active before it was fully light. First awake were Common Mynas closely followed by House Sparrows. The next few birds were all species we had seen regularly from our garden over the last 10-months; Red Wattlebirds breakfasted in a red-flowering eucalypt (we are still struggling to get to grips with the identification of Australian trees); a femaleBlackbird possibly one of the pair that nested under our porch, fed along the edge of a flower bed tossing wood chips to one side as she searched for grubs; Spotted Turtle Doves were also active feeding on the grass verge while flocks of Silver Gulls flew towards the coast and a male Greenfinch sang briefly from his perch on an overhead cable. Starlings were perched on the rooves of houses across the street and White-plumed Honeyeaters visited the tree frequented by the Wattlebirds earlier.

The plan was to walk round my local patch first, following the railway line east, crossing the Cherry Lake overflow before continuing along the shore to Kororoit Creek. Shortly after leaving home, two Common Terns,in winter plumage flying over the houses of Seaholme were a bit of a surprise. I had expected to see them later, but not over suburbia. Little Wattlebirds visited another flowering gum while two juvenile Goldfinches, lacking the red-faces of adults, twittered from a phoneline. As usual there were a couple of Australian Pelican incongruously perched on the lamp-posts by the boat ramp, surely not waiting for a free hand-out at this early hour. Little Raven, Australian Magpie and Magpie Lark foraged on the grassy expanses just behind the beach. Pacific Gulls landed on another lamp-post near the Pelicans. Welcome Swallows swooped low over the waters of Cherry Lake over-flow. They had nested under the railway and road bridge, but no longer seemed to be caring for young. A Song Thrush perched on a fence was the first I had seen in this area for several months and the twentieth species of the day. Of these 20 no fewer than eight species had been introduced to Australia. Once across the Cherry Lake overflow we made our way to the seashore. Two Royal Spoonbills headed east along the coast towards Kororoit Creek. As we crossed the rough ground masquerading as cricket pitch we disturbed a Willie Wagtail and seven Yellow-rumped Thornbills that had been feeding amongst the grasses. The high-pitched contact calls of Superb Fairy Wrens were heard from the nearby bushy perimeter of Altona workers club and two Masked Lapwings flew up from the middle of the cricket pitch where the outfield is continually dug up by the large population of rabbits. The calicivirus does not seem to have reached Altona yet. Skylark, another introduced species sang on high reminding us of summer (and not new year's day) back home. The tide was high and several Black Swans swam close in shore. No other birds were seen west of the rocky point but a single, pale Brown Falcon perched on top of a bush in the area of grassland and scrub known as Altona Coastal Wetland. Up to 300 Red-necked Stint were roosting on the exposed rocks and among them were a few Curlew Sandpipers. A careful check through the telescope revealed that none of the waders were wearing leg-flags. Six Australian Shelduck flew over, the first time I have seen them at this site. BlackSwan were more numerous in the bay between the rocky point and KororoitCreek with 149, all adults, being counted. Is this a flock of non-breeding birds or a moulting flock? A solitary Greenshank fed at the water's edge and two Little Pied Cormorants stood on a sandbank with their wings out to dry. Earlier in the season the song of Golden-headedCisticolas had been a common feature of the grassland, but now the breeding season is almost over only one male was seen performing his song-flight. As we continued along the shore an adult Crested Tern flew in the opposite direction while a flock of Feral Pigeons wheeled over the large storage tanks of the mobil refinery, which dominates the skyline to the north. A single White-faced Heron fed in the shallows accompanied by two Australian White Ibis. Six Chestnut Teal, four males and two females stood at the water's edge, waiting for the tide to recede so they could continue feeding. An adult White-headed Stilt disturbed from the head of a small creek, flew about making its yapping call. Similar agitated behaviour had been noted on a couple of recent visits and it was thought to be nesting nearby. This was confirmed on new year's day when a young stilt (about half adult-size) was seen running across a bare area ofg round. We left the area quickly, so the young stilt would not be left alone longer than necessary. A group of White-fronted Chats, one male and several female plumaged birds flew along the track in front of us. An obvious Grey Teal was feeding at the edge of a pool left behind after a high tide but the six Sharp-tailed Sandpipers were much more difficult to see. The drawn out whistle-call of a Little Grassbird was heard but the bird not seen. An adult Black-shouldered Kite hovered in a laboured fashion over the grassland, soon moving on when mobbed by several Little Ravens. At 07:40 we were bird-watching along the lower part of Kororoit Creek. Just down stream from the ford is a rocky area of the stream with a few small islands which normally attracts several ducks and other waterfowl. New birds here for 1997 included Little Black Cormorant, Pacific BlackDuck and Hoary-headed Grebe. Above the ford, which is only affected bythe highest of tides the only new species was a Dusky Moorhen. The small reed bed which up until Christmas had held a singing Australian Reed Warbler was ominously quiet.

By now Jenny and the boys had had enough bird-watching and headed home while I continued up Kororoit Creek to complete a circuit of Cherry Lake. Two Purple-crowned Lorikeets (a pair?) and several New Holland Honeyeaters (my fiftieth species at 08:10) were feeding in a floweringt ree beside Millers Road. Eurasian Coots were as numerous as ever on Cherry Lake; it seems strange that I so rarely record them on Kororoit Creek. From Millers Road I followed the embankment between Cherry Lake and the extensive reed beds that line Kororoit Creek. Red-browed Firetails flew from the track to nearby bushes where some of their old, bulky, grass nests were seen. The pool formed where the creek widens out amongst the reeds was a haven for birdlife with 14 species seen there including eight Red-necked Avocets and three Black-fronted Plovers. Other waders, apparently using this pool as a high-tide roost as none were actively feeding were eight White-headed Stilt, 13 Greenshank, six Sharp-tailed Sandpipers and five Curlew Sandpipers. A short burst of Australian Reed Warbler song greeted me as I reached the shore of Cherry Lake, thankfully they had not all given up singing. Purple Swamphens frequented the reed beds and a Great Cormorant stood amongst the birds on the point opposite the bird hide. A flock of 67 Australian Shelduck were spread around the western end of the lake. Several Tree Sparrows were in the bushes on the south shore from where a Pied Cormorant was seen to have replaced the Great Cormorant that was there earlier. By 09:45 I had returned home having seen 59 species and looking forward to a cooked breakfast.

After breakfast it was time to explore further afield. Matthew decided he had had enough bird-watching for one day, so Jenny stayed at home with him, while Andrew came with me. Skeleton Creek, was disappointingly devoid of waterbirds, as it had been for the twitchathons back in October and no new birds were seen here. We fared better at Point Cook disturbing a Richard's Pipit form the access road and seeing four Australasian Grebes, two adults plus two full-grown juveniles, on the small pond near the homestead. A single Pacific Golden Plover flew along the coast where Silvereyes and Singing Honeyeaters called from the bushes and a Whistling Kite flew over the car park before dropping into the grasses. The water level in Spectacle Lake was low so there were few waterfowl, but Black-tailed Native Hens fed on the lake's grassy banks and an adult Red-capped Plover stood at the water's edge. An Echidna, ambling across an open space between two bushes during the heat of the day, was our most surprising sighting. It was now 15:00 and difficult to think where new birds might be found. The resident Crested Pigeons could not be found near Point Cook R.A.A.F. base but a male Australian Kestrel was seen perched on a fence post. We headed out to the grasslands around Truganina, north-west of Laverton and explored the many tracks. Singing Bushlarks were reasonably common, frequently perching on fences and a Horsfield's Bronze Cuckoo seen in a patch of scrub took the species total to 70 but bird activity was at a minimum in the 30^oC temperature and blustery, dry wind. Most unexpected bird of the day was Banded Lapwing, a flock of 13 was seen sharing afield with several horses from a nearby stables. And with that sighting we headed for home and tea.

I ventured out alone in the evening. Now that the temperature and wind had dropped somewhat, the birds were again active. The Point Cook Crested Pigeons had returned to their usual haunt. From a vantage point near Skeleton Creek a vixen and two cubs were watched trotting across the dried salt pans startling a hare, the fourth animal recorded. The final birds of the day were two Black-faced Cuckoo-Shrikes flying over the creek and a flock of 41 Marsh Sandpipers roosting in the shallows.

So ended my first New Year's Day birdwatch down-under. Few regularly recorded species were missed (e.g. Great Egret, Straw-necked Ibis and Striated Fieldwren) but given the available habitats within 10 km of Seaholme, the total of 74 species was not a bad haul, although I am suremore experienced Australian bird-watchers could have bettered it.

Return From The Red Centre

1996-10-31T11:21:00.002Z

Of course, in order to return from anywhere you first have to get there. The cost of flights and one-way car hire proved to be too costly for us, so we opted for a long train ride - car and all. We travelled on the overnight 'Overland' from Melbourne to Adelaide, where we had a few hours before joining the famous 'Ghan' for the long haul (18 hours and 1555 km) north to Alice Springs.
Alice Springs, when we arrived, was sunny and hot with temperatures in the mid-thirties; a bit of a shock after the air-conditioned cool of 'The Ghan'. After stocking up with provisions we headed west through the spectacular red scenery of the West MacDonnell Ranges, made even more spectacular by the strong, gusty winds raising storms of red dust. In these conditions birds were few and far between and little time was spent birding as we concentrated on keeping the car on the road.

Ormiston Gorge, in the heart of the West MacDonnell National Park and about 130 km west of Alice Springs was our first base. The campsite here lies in the shadow of the mountains with a view towards the gorge where Ormiston Creek has cut its way through the range. Beware, the rocky ground was extremely hard and we are now the proud owners of several interesting shaped tent pegs; we ended up guying the tent to large rocks, of which there were plenty. While pitching camp, we saw the first of the birds we had come this far to see. A Western Bowerbird foraged around the barbecue area and was later seen to take items from a hot barbecue plate as were Little Crows. Crested Pigeons were common around the camp and were soon joined by up to 20 Spinifex Pigeons; running around like 'little clockwork red indians' according to Andrew (aged 8). While the campsite was relatively deserted these engaging pigeons were always present but when busy, they made themselves scarce.

At the mouth of the gorge is a permanent water hole, created where rocks carried by the river when in flood have scoured out the ground to below the level of the water table. No real rains had fallen in this area for 18-months prior to our visit so the rivers were dry and water in the water hole low. Andrew and Matthew (aged 7) needed no second invitation to cool off in the surprisingly chilly water. Just as the water was irresistible to two boys so it was to various waterbirds with the following being present during our stay: Australasian Grebe, 10; Little Black Cormorant 4; Pacific Heron,1; White-faced Heron, 1; Pacific Black Duck 2; Grey Teal 4 and Black-fronted Plover, 1. Also seen at the waterhole were our first Diamond Doves plus thirsty Common Bronzewings.

The blustery conditions continued all day and put us off walking through the hills. Instead we opted for a drive to Glen Helen, at the western end of the sealed road. From here an unsealed road passes through aboriginal land and a permit is required. En route we crossed range land, where cattle had completely denuded the vegetation leaving tracts of bare red earth - the source of the dust. The waterhole here is much larger than that at Ormiston with extensive reed beds at its southern end from where a few Clamorous Reed Warblers could be heard singing. Further exploration was unfortunately thwarted by the challenging climb along the sides of the waterhole, so while Jenny and the boys went for a dip, I contented myself with a wander round the northern shores adding Little Woodswallow to our slowly expanding list.

Thankfully, the wind died down overnight and our second morning at Ormiston dawned bright and calm. We were up with the sun, (well almost), for a saunter along the Ghost Gum trail. It follows the gorge beyond the waterhole before climbing the cliffs and returning to the campsite via a solitary ghost gum perched on a crag high above the waterhole. Apparently, the roots of this tree reach down to the watertable some hundreds of feet below. This early in the morning we shared the gorge only with the previously invisible Black-footed Rock-Wallaby; amazingly agile as they bounded over the scree slopes. We counted 34 including at least one joey in the pouch, but suspect that others remained invisible. As the sun rose the ringing calls of the Pied Butcherbird echoed eerily from the ever-changing, but always vivid red, coloured walls of the gorge. As we followed the trail back along the cliff tops two small, dark birds were disturbed from the path, flying to a nearby bush where they perched in full view allowing us to identify them as Dusky Grasswrens. This was my first species in a family I had long wanted to see and we watched them for more than 5 minutes. The male was often in view as it sang from exposed perches, either a rock or bush top. The presumed female was more secretive. As we returned to camp a pair of Pink (Major Mitchell's) Cockatoos were perched in the top of a gum tree, breaking up small ants nests and apparently eating the contents. They were accompanied by a single Australian Ringneck which was apparently feeding from the nests that the cockatoos had already broken open.

After a cooked breakfast, shared with a Western Bowerbird and Little Crow, we broke camp and headed back towards Alice Springs. In stark contrast to our outward journey birds were plentiful by the roadside in the calm but hot conditions. Our first Red-backed Kingfisher was seen near the Ochre Pits. Zebra Finches flocked to drink at Ellery Creek Big Hole regardless of the swimmers nearby. A Crested Bellbird perched high in a bush when I expected to see it on the ground while Black-faced Woodswallows swooped overhead.

In Alice Springs we visited the School of the Air and Flying Doctor Service, Australian institutions about which we had heard much back in England. Both offered a fascinating insight into the problems of providing services to remote locations in the vast, sparsely populated interior. A picnic lunch was taken at the original springs, near the Telegraph Station, currently no more than a small muddy puddle in the bed of the dry Todd River. In bushes around the car park we identified Slaty-backed Thornbill and Red-browed Pardalote. Still celebrating these latest two additions to our list, we attempted to start the car, only to be greeted with an ominous whirring. Not what we wanted to hear with the best part of 2500 km to drive home. It bump-started O.K. and we reached a garage who diagnosed a poorly alternator. The good news was that they could probably fix it for the next morning. We would not lose too much time but my plans to go in search of Bourke's Parrot were scuppered.

Next day we were on the road before midday with nothing more than a hole in the budget for our problems. We were bowling along quite nicely, with one eye on the sky for raptors, when, less than 100 km south of Alice Springs the car lost all momentum. Not being mechanically inclined I did not have a clue what had gone wrong. Fortunately (?) we were less than 2 km from Stuart's Well, a small wayside halt with motel, bar and garage. Within 30 minutes we had been towed in.The problem this time turned out to be a broken timing chain which would take 4 hours or so to fix once the part was available. Unfortunately, that would not be until late the next day so we would be marooned in Stuart's Well for a couple of nights at least.

Common birds around the roadhouse included Galah, Yellow-throated Miner, White-plumed Honeyeater and Little Crow. A waterhole, by the carpark, attracted Zebra Finch, Tree Martin and Common Bronzewing. The rocky, scrub-covered hills to the north seemed particularly devoid of birds with only the antics of brightly coloured Rainbow Bee-eaters enlivening a long walk. A dry valley through the hills, where the water course was traced by a wriggling line of small trees was more productive with Chestnut-rumped Thornbill, Crested Bellbird and White-backed Swallow (one of my favourite Australian birds) all being seen. Across the Stuart Highway ('look both ways before crossing!') is a lucerne farm, a vivid swathe of green, maintained by irrigation, in stark contrast to the surrounding reddish-brown countryside. Many birds came to feed where the crop had been harvested including Australian Bustard, Banded and Masked Lapwings among the Galahs and Little Crows. The locals reported both Cockatiel and Budgerigar occurred in the area but I did not have the fortune to find either. If you are interested in birding the area around Stuart's Well, I can supply a mud map. Please seek permission from the bar before wandering away from the immediate vicinity of the roadhouse.

Following a day's sojourn, which included a camel ride plus a dip in the motel pool as well as the birding, our car was ready to go the next morning. Now it was decision time. One of the main reasons for coming to this part of the world was to see Ayers Rock but we were running short of time. We decided that having got 'so close' we could not miss out. With some trepidation and an even bigger hole in the budget, we said farewell to the kind folks of Stuart's Well and continued south on the Stuart Highway. At Erldunda we filled up with petrol (only 97 cents per litre!) before heading west on the Lasseter Highway. A fortuitous lunch stop at a picnic site resulted in directions from a fellow traveller to a nearby saltpan where White-winged Fairy Wrens and Grey Falcon could be seen Disappointingly, Grey turned out to be Brown but the Fairy-Wrens, the male a vivid blue against the dull green of the vegetation, were present as were a couple of Banded Whitefaces, a flock of White-browed Babblers and a pair of Red-backed Kingfishers. Continuing towards Yulara every cutting through the sand dunes/hills seemed to hold a pair of White-backed Swallows.

Our arrival at Yulara campsite coincided with an unexpected rain shower which dropped the temperature by several degrees. Thankfully, the storm had passed before sunset and we were able to enjoy the rock changing through various hues of red with the additional treat of a rainbow over one end. Arriving at 16:00 one day and departing at midday the next did not give us nearly enough time to do the area justice. We could have lingered much longer in the cultural centre, an ideal place to visit during the heat of the day and would have enjoyed longer walks through the Olgas and round the base of Ayres Rock. Maybe next time.

We now only had 2.5 days to get back to Melbourne and a large portion of Australia to cover. Our stops were brief and highlights were few. A spectacular electrical storm raged overhead as we drove south towards Coober Pedy where we spent the night in a very nice cave. Continuing down the Stuart Highway, we disturbed 7 Wedge-tailed Eagles from a road-killed Kangaroo and saw our first House Sparrows and Starlings at Glendambo roadhouse. A party of Blue-Bonnets were seen just north of Port Augusta where we turned east, reaching Peterborough as the sun was setting. We were woken early by the noisy calls of an Apostlebird and thanks to this unusual alarm-clock were on the road before 07:00 with the promise of breakfast in Broken Hill. Twenty Wedge-tailed Eagles, mostly perched on telegraph poles beside the railway, were seen along this stretch.

Being Sunday, Broken Hill appeared closed and we missed out on breakfast so we turned south on the Silver City Highway. A close encounter of the bird kind (actually a Long-billed Corella, now one of our least favourite Australian birds) left us with a starred windscreen, with most of the damage on the passenger's side. A very welcome break of a couple of hours was taken in Hattah-Kulkyne National Park where rest was more important than birding but Regent Parrot and White-winged Choughs came to us. After negotiating flooded sections of the Calder Highway, we eventually reached Melbourne and home at 23:00. We had made it back from the Red Centre!

In conclusion we could easily have spent our entire holiday at each of the places we visited, even Coober Pedy had a certain fascination. We saw some wonderful scenery, a few good birds (but left plenty to go back for) and drove a long, long way (3726 km) while completing more than 20 Bird of Prey Watch sheets.

Return from the Red Centre: Species List

1996-10-31T10:00:00.001Z

Emu
Australasian Grebe M
Little Black Cormorant M
Little Pied Cormorant
Australian Darter M
Great Egret M
White-faced Heron M
Pacific Heron M
Sacred Ibis
Straw-necked Ibis
Black Swan
Wood Duck
Pacific Black Duck M
Australian Grey Teal M
Chestnut Teal
Collared Sparrowhawk S
Brown Goshawk
Black Kite A
Whistling Kite A
Wedge-tailed Eagle M
Black-shouldered Kite
Brown Falcon MSU
Australian Kestrel MS
Australian Hobby S
Australian Bustard S
Eurasian Coot M
Black-tailed Native Hen A
Masked Lapwing AS
Banded Lapwing S
Black-fronted Plover M
Silver Gull
Spinifex Pigeon* M
Crested Pigeon MASU
Common Bronzewing MS
Diamond Dove* M
Peaceful Dove A
Pink Cockatoo M
Galah M
Sulphur-crested Cockatoo M
Little Corella*
Long-billed Corella
Rainbow Lorikeet
Ringneck Parrot M
Regent Parrot H
Mulga Parrot S
Blue Bonnet
Pallid Cuckoo
Horsfield's Bronze-Cuckoo S
Southern Boobook M
Laughing Kookaburra
Red-backed Kingfisher* MS
Rainbow Bee-eater S
Welcome Swallow
Fairy Martin M
Tree Martin S
White-backed Swallow S
Richard's Pipit S
Singing Bushlark
Black-faced Cuckoo-Shrike MASU
White-winged Triller A
Hooded Robin MS
Rufous Whistler S
Grey Shrike-Thrush MS
Crested Bellbird* MS
Willie Wagtail MASU
White-browed Babbler
Grey-crowned Babbler M
Clamorous Reed Warbler M
Superb Fairy-Wren
Splendid Fairy-Wren
White-winged Wren*
Variegated Fairy-Wren
Dusky Grasswren* M
Western Gerygone M
Southern Whiteface AS
Banded Whiteface*
Weebill A
Yellow-rumped Thornbill A
Chestnut-rumped Thornbill S
Slate-backed Thornbill A
Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater ASU
Blue-faced Honeyeater
Yellow-throated Miner MASU
Noisy Miner H
Singing Honeyeater
Grey-headed Honeyeater* MASU
White-plumed Honeyeater MASU
Mistletoebird MA
Red-browed Pardalote* AS
Zebra Finch MASU
House Sparrow
Common Starling
Common Myna
Magpie Lark MASU
White-winged Chough H
Apostlebird
Little Wood-Swallow* M
Black-faced Wood-Swallow MSU
Masked Wood-Swallow*
Pied Butcherbird MASU
Australian Magpie SU
Western Bowerbird* M
Little Crow* MAS
Australian Raven H
Little Raven

105 Species recorded 13 lifers

Abbreviations :- *=lifer; Northern Territory Sites: A=Alice Springs; M=MacDonnell N.P.;S=Stuart's Well; U=Uluru; Victorian Sites: H=Hattah-Kulkyne N.P.

Report of 'THE MURUKS' 1996 Twitchathon

1996-10-28T13:24:00.001Z

'THE MURUKS', also known as the Hicks Family, (Roger , Jenny, Andrew (aged 8.5) and Matthew (aged 7)), being relative newcomers to the Melbourne area (having only arrived in March this year) were taking part in their first RAOU twitchathon. Our preparation time had been limited (by among other things holidays and a seventh birthday party) so we decided to stick to areas we knew, reckoning we should notch up between 120 and 150 species. We did not expect to challenge the big guns but hoped for a good 24 hours birding and a reasonable score. We also decided that as Andrew and Matthew were not too hot on bird calls, and mum and dad were no better, that to count a species at least three of us, in line with Twitchathon rules, would have to SEE it.Access to Laverton Salt Works was arranged. We met the ranger, Bernie McCarrick, at 14:00 and he treated us to a guided tour. This proved invaluable for locating birds once the race had begun. Half of the old saltworks have been sold for a residential development including an exclusive golf course, designed by Greg Norman, and an extensive freshwater lake. The remainder, the salt pans closest to the sea, will be maintained as a nature reserve. Many of the pans are currently drier than normal as vandals had wrecked the pump, a replacement is due next week. This was possibly to our advantage as it concentrated the birds on the few ponds where some water remained.Shortly after 15:00 we were back at our car and ready to begin the Twitchathon. First bird was a Welcome Swallow soon followed by a Willie Wagtail. No surprises there. New birds came rapidly as we drove into the salt works; Common Starling, Australian Magpie, Little Raven etc. As on the junior twitchathon the previous weekend, Skeleton Creek was disappointingly devoid of wildfowl, the only duck were a pair of Pacific Blacks, presumably indicative of the wet conditions inland. By way of compensation a Swamp Harrier drifted low over a reed bed while 3 Whiskered Terns patrolled along the edge of the reeds. Our visit coincided with high tide in Port Phillip Bay and we estimated 5000 waders were roosting on the salt pans. By far the most numerous were Red-necked Stints; at least 3 were wearing orange leg flags, followed by Curlew Sandpipers and then fewer Sharp-tailed Sandpipers and Red Knot, including one of the latter still retaining the vestiges of its breeding plumage - made it much easier for the boys to pick up through the 'scope. A pair of Masked Lapwing were seen with a full grown young while the behaviour of a Red-capped Plover suggested it might be breeding nearby. Greenshank and Marsh Sandpiper were seen where the water levels were higher while on the ponds closest to the sea, where the water was deepest, were Red-necked Avocet and White-headed Stilt plus numerous Black Swan and Australian Shelduck. An Australian Kestrel seen as we left the salt works was particularly pleasing as we had contrived to miss this species entirely on the junior twitchathon. We felt we had done quite well to reach 43 species although we had probably spent half-an-hour longer than intended. Many thanks to Bernie for allowing us into the saltworks - it got our twitchathon off to a good start.It was a short drive down the road to Point Cook Metropolitan Park. Unfortunately, the track leading to the homestead was closed off so we had to double back to the picnic area adding common species such as Greenfinch, New Holland Honeyeater, Blackbird and Spotted Turtle Dove. SingingHoneyeater became our 50th species at 17:00. Spectacle Lakes provided the highlight of the twitchathon, not for waterbirds, although we saw Black-tailed Native Hen and Chestnut Teal but for a small party of Blue-wing Parrots, probably 3 pairs, feeding on the small white flowers of the common bushes near the hide (sorry, I do not know what they are). This was a LIFER and it was extremely difficult to tick and move on besides Matthew was trying his hardest to turn them into OBPs. We couldn't be that lucky!!>From Point Cook we drove to the You Yangs picking up Crested Pigeon and four species of parrot en route. The Tawny Frogmouth was sat on its nest near the park gate and Purple-crowned Lorikeets were zitting through the tree tops. Fan-tailed Cuckoos were calling incessantly and we eventually managed to locate one perched so we could all see it. A gang of White-winged Choughs were feeding by the track side and were feeding young in their mud bowl nest. We could have done with being at You Yangs half-an-hour earlier (the time we had lost at the salt works) as dusk came all too quickly. We failed to locate any night birds on a cross-country route back to Altona and so finished the first day on 71 species.The next morning we were on the road by 05:45 (remember daylight saving came into effect overnight) heading for the Brisbane Ranges. It was already too light for any chance of an owl but we had a wait before finding our first new bird, a Eurasian Coot seen at a roadside dam where therewas also a Grey Teal. Other roadside sightings included Long-billed Corella, Singing Bushlark and Laughing Kookaburra. By 07:00 we were at Stony Creek picnic ground enjoying a cup of coffee and the Brown Treecreepers which foraged around the picnic tables like sparrows in suburbia. A pair of Crested Shrike-Tits were nesting in the top of a small tree by the car park while another White-winged Chough nest was located near the road. Twenty species were added before 09:30 with a Red-browed Firetail being number 100. Scarlet Robin, Buff-rumped Thornbill and Yellow Thornbill were seen on the drive up to the main road.I now made a tactical blunder deciding to chase down to Lake Gherang for birds I hoped might be there rather than going to sites we knew. In the last seven hours of the race we only added a further 17 species seeing relatively few new birds while travelling. This decision probably cost us 10-15 species and I am still kicking myself. We did see both Yellow-billed and Royal Spoonbill at Lake Gherang while on the Lake to the east were our only Pelicans of the race plus a pair of Caspian Terns. An Australasian Gannet was eventually seen by the required majority from Point Addisbut it was tricky. We were late setting out for Melbourne, not even leaving ourselves enough time to visit our local patch in Altona so we were a little bit down as we approached the zoological gardens. Tree Sparrow and Rainbow Lorikeet were our last birds, taking our total to 120 species.Before I finish here are some suggestions for twitchathon novices (so you do not fall into the same traps as us):- 1) Have a game plan including route, sites and latest departure times AND stick to it; 2) Go where you know there are birds NOT where you hope they might be; 3) For night birds especially, but diurnal species too, known sites where you can tick and run are invaluable; 4) Some knowledge of bird calls is similarly invaluable, even if like us you intend seeing every species, knowing what you are looking for helps. I just hope we can follow our own advice.Finally, it was great to unwind at the post-race barbecue, and to listen to the other racers stories. Andrew and Matthew really liked the idea of spot-lighting for waterfowl but I am not sure Jenny or I have the stamina. It was even better to realise we had not disgraced ourselves and were not even last. And last but by no means least a very big THANK YOU to all those who sponsored 'The Muruks'Now, we are off to plan 'The Muruks' assault on the 1997 twitchathon......

'THE MURUKS' 1996 Twitchathon List
SATURDAY 26th OCTOBER 1996
Laverton Salt Works - 15:00-16:45
001. Welcome Swallow n
002. Willie Wagtail
003. *Common Starling
004. Australian Magpie n
005. Little Raven
006. *Common Myna
007. Yellow-rumped Thornbill
008. White-fronted Chat
009. Magpie Lark
010. Swamp Harrier
011. Whiskered Tern
012. Hoary-headed Grebe
013. Great Egret
014. Pacific Black Duck
015. Purple Swamphen
016. White-faced Heron
017. Silver Gull
018. *House Sparrow n
019. *Skylark
020. Curlew Sandpiper
021. Red-necked Stint
022. Red Knot
023. Sharp-tailed Sandpiper
024. Red-capped Plover
025. Masked Lapwing y
026. Greenshank
027. Australian Shelduck y
028. Marsh Sandpiper
029. Sacred Ibis
030. White-headed Stilt
031. Black Swan ny
032. Red-necked Avocet
033. Pacific Gull
034. Little Grassbird
035. Golden-headed Cisticola
036. Dusky Moorhen y
037. Little Black Cormorant
038. Little Pied Cormorant
039. Black-shouldered Kite
040. European Goldfinch
041. Silvereye
042. Superb Fairy-Wren
043. Australian Kestrel

Point Cook Metropolitan Park 16:50-17:30
044. *Greenfinch
045. New Holland Honeyeater
046. Pied Cormorant
047. White-plumed Honeyeater
048. Red Wattlebird
049. Crested Tern
050. Singing Honeyeater
051. *Blackbird
052. *Spotted Turtle Dove
053. Blue-winged Parrot *** LIFER ***
054. Black-tailed Native-Hen
055. Chestnut Teal
056. Pallid Cuckoo
057. Crested Pigeon

Point Cook - You Yangs 17:30-18:00
058. Galah
059. Sulphur-crested Cockatoo
060. Straw-necked Ibis
061. Red-rumped Parrot
062. Eastern Rosella

You Yangs 18:00-19:00
063. Tawny Frogmouth n
064. Purple-crowned Lorikeet
065. Noisy Miner
066. Tree Martin
067. Eastern Yellow Robin
068. Dusky Woodswallow
069. White-winged Chough
070. Little Wattlebird
071. Fan-tailed Cuckoo

SUNDAY 27TH OCTOBER 1996
Altona - Brisbane Ranges 04:45-06:00
072. Eurasian Coot ny
073. Grey Teal
074. Singing Bushlark
075. Long-billed Corella
076. Australasian Grebe n
077. Crimson Rosella
078. Grey Shrike-Thrush
079. Grey Currawong
080. Mistletoebird
081. Australian Shoveler
082. Laughing Kookaburra
083. Maned Duck y

Stony Creek Picnic area, Brisbane Ranges06:00-08:30
084. Brown Treecreeper
085. Rufous Whistler
086. Grey Fantail
087. Black-faced Cuckoo-Shrike
088. White-browed Scrub-Wren
089. Yellow-tufted Honeyeater
090. Musk Lorikeet
091. Crested Shrike Tit n
092. Striated Pardalote
093. Olive-backed Oriole
094. White-throated Treecreeper
095. White-naped Honeyeater
096. Striated Thornbill
097. Brown Thornbill
098. Satin Flycatcher
099. Sacred Kingfisher
100. Red-browed Firetail
101. Scarlet Robin
102. Buff-rumped Thornbill
103. Yellow Thornbill

Brisbane Ranges - Lake Gherang
104. Brown Falcon
105. Whistling Kite
106. *Feral Pigeon

Lake Gherang
107. Royal Spoonbill
108. Yellow-billed Spoonbill
109. Richard's Pipit

Lake Modewarre
110. Australian Pelican
111. Cattle Egret
112. Caspian Tern
113. Brown Goshawk

Point Addis & Ironbark Basin
114. Australasian Gannet
115. Brown-headed Honeyeater

Torquay - Melbourne 15:00-16:10
116. Little Egret
117. Great Cormorant
118. Black Kite
119. *Tree Sparrow
120. Rainbow Lorikeet

Key: * = Introduced Species; n = nesting noted; y = noted with young

Purple-crowned Lorikeets roosting and possibly nesting in metal pipes

1996-06-30T19:43:00.000Z

Purple-crowned Lorikeets Glossopsitta porphyrocephala have been resident in Seaholme (Long. 144o50'E Lat 37o52'S), between Williamstown and Altona (to the west of Melbourne), Victoria since I arrived in the area in April 1996. Between April and June 1996 flocks of up to 20 birds were regularly recorded feeding in the flowering gum trees that line the railway track. At this time other flocks were noted on the shores of Cherry Lake, near Altona civic hall, in Altona town centre, in fact wherever there were winter flowering eucalypts. Subsequently only pairs or small parties of up to six birds have been seen.

At dusk on 26 June 1996, two Purple-crowned Lorikeets were seen circling over Seaholme station, just above tree height, prior to roosting. Their chosen roost was one of the metal pipes from which the railway's overhead electric cables are supported. The pipes have a square cross-section with sides of c. 5 cm. They are c. 2.5 m long of which 1 m is horizontal while the portion closest to the supporting stanchion slopes down at a 45o angle. Along a 2 km section of the Altona branch line of the railway, between the Millers Road level-crossing and east to the Kororoit Creek bridge are 36 stanchions from which the overhead electric cables are suspended. Since the first observation in June 1996 and until the end of the year Purple-crowned Lorikeets had been observed flying to roost, either singly or in pairs (but never more than two birds to a pipe), in 11 of the pipes. Other pipes may have been used during this period but unless the birds were seen entering, leaving or were heard calling from inside the pipe they would easily have escaped detection. Each observed roosting site was within 200 m of a flowering gum tree.

Purple-crowned Lorikeets were able to fly directly into the pipes. If a pair approached a pipe together the second bird would almost hover at the mouth of the pipe before it too darted inside. They were also seen to climb into and out of the pipe from a perching position on top.

There are no previous references to Purple-crowned Lorikeets roosting in hollows, whether natural or man-made although this would seem natural for a hole-nesting species. Forshaw & Cooper (1981) note they roost in the 'dense foliage of tall trees'.

Evidence of the Purple-crowned Lorikeets using these metal pipes for nesting is circumstantial and inconclusive i.e.,
1) Birds were regularly recorded (i.e. on more than 5 occasions with observation dates covering more than one week) at four pipes;
2) Purple-crowned Lorikeet activity at the same four pipes was noted at times other than dawn and dusk suggesting the pipes were not solely being used for roosting. However, regular and frequent trips suggesting the adults were feeding young were not recorded;
3) At four pipes (including three from above) single Purple-crowned Lorikeets were recorded flying to the pipes which they either entered or perched on top of and shortly after left accompanied by a second bird that had been in the pipe. Such behaviour has been noted in captive breeding birds when the male escorts the brooding female when she leaves the nest to feed (Forshaw & Cooper 1981);
4) Calls, sounding like those made by young birds but possibly only the calls of adult birds muffled by the pipe, have been heard coming from six pipes (including three from above). At Seaholme station soft calls were heard coming from a pipe two hours after sunset. However, all my sightings have been of adult Purple-crowned Lorikeets with extensive purple foreheads and well marked orange cheeks. I have no records of juvenile Purple-crowned Lorikeets.

Various parrot species make use of nest boxes e.g. Orange-bellied Parrots Neophema chrysogaster in Tasmania (pers. obs.) and Red-tailed Black Cockatoos Calyptorhynchus banksii in western Victoria (M. Fendley pers. comm.) and nest in other man-made structures e.g. , Eastern Rosellas Platycerus eximus under rooves and Crimson Rosellas P. elegans in a steel girder (Carter 1996) but, if confirmed, this could be the first record for Purple-crowned Lorikeets nesting in a man-made structure.

Carter, M. 1996. Nesting Rosellas Playcerus spp.: Innovative site selection and notes on repeat breeding and other behaviour. Aust. Bird Watcher 16(8): 344-348.
Forshaw, J.M. & W.T.Cooper. 1981. Australian Parrots. Lansdowne Editions.

NEW YEAR'S DAY BIRDWATCH : 1995

1995-01-01T19:34:00.000Z

The first day of 1995 was going to be spent in the depths of darkest Hertfordshire, Jenny and I had opted for a quiet New Year's Eve, spent at home in Codicote. As usual, I had planned a New Year's Day birdwatch but had limited myself to the area within 10 km of home (stretching from Offley in the north to St Albans in the south and from Luton airport in the west to Watton-at Stone in the east).

New Year's Eve had been sunny and clear in the morning but this had given way to wintry showers and the occasional flurry of snow by mid-afternoon. The forecast for New Year's Day was similar so I resolved to be up and out early. Thanks to Jenny kicking me out of bed at 07:00, while it was still dark, that was one New Year's resolution I (we?) managed to keep. I ate my breakfast standing at the kitchen window, but no birds were seen from this limited view (quite a contrast to the breakfast birding last year!). At 07:30, as the sky began to lighten, I loaded the car and recorded my first birds of the day, a pair of Jackdaws(1) flying over the village. Only a pair of Carrion Crows(2) feeding on a squashed rabbit and a Blackbird(3) were noted on the short drive to Kimpton Mill, but it was still not properly light.

Arrival at Kimpton Mill, at 07:50, seemed to coincide with the birds becoming active; a pair of Magpies(4) flew over the road and several Wood Pigeons(5) were feeding on ivy fruits near my usual parking place. A Grey Heron(6) stood sentinel on the bank of the cress beds and a Mute Swan(7) could be seen on the mill pond. More than 20 Moorhens(8) were feeding on the cress beds and all raced for the far bank as I got out of the car. Six Mallards(9) (2 males and 4 females) were also disturbed and flew off. As I walked back towards the mill, for a better look at the mill pond, a Collared Dove(10) flew over and a Robin(11) perched on a gatepost. Numerous House Sparrows(12) were in the bushes by the mill house and a few Starlings(13) were gathered around the chimney pots while a solitary Blue Tit(14) made its way along the hedge opposite. The mill pond was full of water and as well as a pair of Mute Swans held a few Coot(15), a female Tufted Duck(16) and at least two Dabchick(17), both in winter plumage. Several Black-headed Gulls(18), all adults in winter plumage, flew west.

From the mill pond I headed back past the cress beds, and the parked car, to take the track towards Rye End. A Great Tit(19) had replaced the Blue Tit and a Pheasant(20) was heard in the distance. The track runs parallel to the course of the Mimram. To the west of the track, between it and the river, is an area of rough, overgrown land while on the other side is a large expanse of open field. A few Fieldfare(21) flew over calling and a flock of c.25 Lapwing(22) headed south-west, an indication of colder weather to come? The loud, raucous calls of a Jay(23) were heard from the trees around Rye End farmhouse and a Wren(24) was heard, and then seen, moving through the dried grasses on the rough ground. This section of the Mimram is lined with Alder trees and the expected Siskin(25) flock was found in an Alder beside the small bridge, but disappointingly there were no other finches with them. Beyond Rye End the track passes through an area of damp woodland, where a couple of Goldcrests(26) flitted ahead of me, and then through some pasture. At the woodland/pasture edge a Great-spotted Woodpecker(27) was heard and eventually located perched in a dead elm and a flock of 15 Common Gulls(28) headed north along the Mimram valley. A Grey Squirrel making its way from branch to branch of the oak trees that lined the Whitwell road was my first mammal of the year. North of the track to The Hoo is the remains of a duck decoy now completely overgrown with reeds and grasses where a charm of 14 Goldfinches(29) were feeding on teasel heads. The small poplar plantation nearby was alive with birds on a visit just before christmas but today I could only find a pair of Treecreepers(30). I made my way back towards Rye End across the fields, hearing a Skylark(31) fly over and then not seeing any new species until I was nearly back at Kimpton Mill. The Siskins were still alone in the alders but a Greenfinch(32) did fly over and a Reed Bunting(33) was heard and then seen in the grasses. A flock of five Redpoll(34) flew from the ground to perch in a sapling and a Herring Gull(35) drifted over. As I came up to the cress beds a Canada Goose(36) was heard and a Kingfisher(37) flew in to land on a stake in on of the beds before disappearing towards the mill pond - a good bird to get on a "big day". My last bird at this site was a male Chaffinch(38) feeding on a dung pile.

Kimpton cress beds, which lie less than half-a-mile west of Kimpton Mill, was my next site. Over the past couple of years these have been dredged clear and maintained as a local nature reserve by Tom Kittle and the Kimpton Nature Society. As I got out of the car a Grey Wagatil(39), which had been feeding on the large manure heap, flew over the road and was later watched in much more salubrious surroundings, as it foraged amongst the water cress. A single Green Sandpiper(40) fed on a muddy stretch of the shoreline but I could not make out if it was wearing any colour rings. Four Teal(41) and a couple of Mallard were disturbed from the water close to the near bank while a Water Rail(42) run along the far side to disappear into the vegetation. This was one species I had not expected to record on my New Year's Day bird watch. A male Kestrel(43) flew over the fields to the north of the cress beds where a pair regularly nest in an oak tree. A Snipe(44) was flushed from a muddy area at the top, western, end of the cress beds as a tribe of Long-tailed Tits(45) made its way along the hedgerow. The bushes and trees we had planted all seemed to be doing well, it will be nice to see how it develops. As I returned to the car a Song Thrush(46) flew across the road to disappear in a bush on the other side.

I was pleased to have recorded a total of 46 species by 09:40, after only 2 hours in the field. It was good to have already seen Kingfisher and Great-spotted Woodpecker, both of which could take some finding and the Water Rail was a real bonus. So far I had not missed any species that I did not expect to see later in the day. However, it was now going to be difficult to find additional birds. My plan was to drive from Kimpton to the Offley area to try and find the Buzzards that are wintering in the area meanwhile stopping off at likely looking sites en route. A Pied Wagtail(47) flew across the road just outside Whitwell and along Lilley Bottom a couple of Brown Hare were seen in the centre of a field where there was also a covey of 11 Grey Partridge(48). The temporary pond in Lilley Bottom is currently completely dried out, but according to Tom Kittle this is the driest part of the year - before the winter rains have had chance to replenish the ground water. While unsuccessfully searching for the Buzzards a herd of c. 30 Fallow Deer were seen in the lee of Stubbocks Woods; a flock of Rook(49) were seen in fields near Offley Hoo Farm where there were also some Rabbits.

After an hour I gave up on the Buzzard Hunt and headed for Hitch Wood and hopefully some woodland birds. After checking out the old barn for owl pellets, without any luck, I walked into the woods. A large tit flock roving through the woods included c. 20 Long-tailed Tits plus Blue Tit, Great Tit, Goldcrest and Coal Tit(50). The fiftieth species being recorded shortly after 11:00. Three Nuthatches(51) foraged up and down the trunks of the larger trees while the tits flitted through the branches. As I followed the tit flock through the woods I disturbed a Muntjac (my fifth and last mammal of the day) which bounded down the hill.

Now it was back on the road, heading to Brocket Park and hoping for some more waterfowl on the park lake. En route a large flock of all five species of thrushes including Mistle Thrush(52) and Redwing(53) was feeding in the fields of The Bury, Whitwell, where the winter sun had melted the frost. With them was a pair of Stock Dove(54). Just south of Kimpton a covey of 7 Red-legged Partridge(55) was found in a roadside field. The open spaces of Brocket Park were cold and windy and the lake disappointing with Cormorant(56) and Great Crested Grebe(57) being the only new birds. As I headed back to the car a Dunnock(58) fed on a lawn in Lemsford. My last stop was Stanborough Lakes, where a male Mandarin(59) was a splash of bright colour amongst the motley crew of Mallards and farmyard ducks and a Greylag Goose(60) had attached itself to the flock of Canada Geese. A walk to the Stanborough reed bed, the second largest in Hertfordshire, produced no new birds. As I returned to the car park it began to snow and by the time I reached home it seemed to have settled in for the afternoon and I did likewise.

I had missed a few species I had expected to see (Green Woodpecker, Meadow Pipit, Linnet and Yellow Hammer) but had still seen a total of 60 species on a cold wintry New Year's Day and all within 10 km of home.

A WINTER'S WEEK AT CAERLAVEROCK

1994-01-05T19:28:00.000Z

"AVF is back again", "LYL, we haven't seen that one before", "This fruit cake is delicious!". It had become a ritual during our week at Caerlaverock to gather in the East Park Farm observatory for afternoon tea and to witness the daily spectacle of Whooper and Mute Swans coming in for their evening feed. Many of the Whooper Swans (and a few of the Mute Swans) wore yellow darvic rings on their legs each bearing a unique three-letter code. Feeding time, when the birds were either out on the bank or up-ending in the water was a good time to record the ring codes. Between 30 and 60 ringed swans were noted each evening and over 100 different birds during our short stay.

We had visited Caerlaverock previously, but had not realised it was possible to stay on the reserve. It was while on a visit to the Welney Wildfowl and Wetland Trust (WWT) Reserve in mid-summer (we were butterfly and dragonfly hunting at the time) that we discovered accommodation was available at Caerlaverock. It seemed the ideal place to get away from it all over New Year. Then we thought maybe some friends would like to join us. Which is how we came to spend a week (27th December 1993 - 3rd January 1994) in East Park Farm, enjoying the wonderful sights from the observatory and the good company of our friends.

Caerlaverock WWT reserve is situated on the northern shore of the Solway Firth about 8 miles south of Dumfries. It is renowned for the flock of 12000 Barnacle Geese and other wildfowl, most notably the Whooper Swans that winter in the area. East Park Farm lies at the entrance to the reserve and houses the reserve's offices as well as the visitor's accommodation. The Farmhouse can sleep 13 people in comfort. There are three double rooms (two en suite), one single and a dormitory with bunk beds for six (also en suite). The Farmhouse has a very efficient heating system, very important in the depths of winter and a plentiful supply of hot water. No food is supplied but there is a large well-equipped kitchen and an equally large, comfortable sitting room. And then there is the observatory.

The observatory runs the length of the ground floor, along the south side of the Farmhouse with a view across Folly Pond and Folly Field to the Southcott observation tower on the edge of the merse. On a clear day the hills of the English Lake District were visible. Bird-watching from the observatory could be rewarding at any time of day although we tended to be there first thing in the morning (although as sunrise was not until 08:45, "first thing" was not excessively early) and, as mentioned above, for afternoon tea. Although the swans were generally fewer and more distant in the mornings there tended to be more species to be seen. As the sky began to lighten, skeins of Barnacle Geese began flighting across the merse, as they headed from their roost to their feeding grounds. Usually, they were distant, but occasionally flew closer to the Farm, including one memorable morning when a small flock included a Red-breasted Goose. Before it was properly light other birds began to feed on the grain that the swans had missed the previous evening. There seemed to be a resident flock that included 30 Chaffinches, up to 70 Yellow Hammers, five Corn Buntings plus the occasional Moorhen, Pheasant, Dunnock and Blackbird. As the light improved it became possible to distinguish birds further out on the pond and surrounding field. If the pond was ice-free there were usually 200+ Wigeon, a few Mallard, Teal, Shoveler and Pintail while on the banks of the pond were flocks of Golden Plover, Lapwing and Curlew. However, if the pond and ground was frozen, as on half the mornings during our stay there were many fewer birds to be seen. A Peregrine was seen twice, once attempting to take a male Pintail but having knocked it to the ground was chased off by a pair of Carrion Crows. In the excitement of following the Peregrine we never did see what become of the Pintail. Buzzard and Sparrowhawk were also noted. These are just a few of the special moments seen from East Park Farm observatory. Our time spent at the observatory windows was rewarded with 41 species during our week's stay.

Not all our time was spent at the observatory window. We did get out and about on the reserve and further afield in Dumfries and Galloway. Venturing along the reserve's avenues added Goldcrest, a solitary Long-tailed Tit and two Bullfinches to our list. From Southcott Tower there were closer views of feeding Barnacle Geese, including an albino, although some of these birds were ringed they were too distant for the codes to be noted using binoculars. The reserve reception centre looked out over Whooper Pond which must be deeper than Folly Pond because it never completely froze over. Tufted Duck and Pochard were more often noted here.

A day was spent visiting Murray's Monument, about 12 miles west of New Galloway, but the hoped for Golden Eagle did not materialise in the damp murky conditions. A pair of Ravens flew across the valley and a skein of Greylag Geese followed the valley southwards. A picnic in the rain on the shores of Clatteringshaws Loch was enlivened by a small flock of Crossbills flying overhead and a Treecreeper foraging amongst the pine needles on the ground. The weather had marred what was an enjoyable day especially as on our return to Caerlaverock we learned it had been sunny there all day. Caerlaverock Castle presented an eerie spectacle in the freezing conditions and dense fog which blanketed the countryside on New Year's Eve. These conditions had prevented us wandering too far and the afternoon was passed skimming stones across the frozen moat.

New Year's Day dawned clear, cold and crisp. Thankfully, it remained sunny all day, although I doubt if the temperature rose much above freezing. Even so, it was a great improvement on the conditions that had prevailed on New Year's Eve. Roger and Phil, accompanied for part of the day by Brian, Jenny, little Andrew and Matthew, set out on a "big day", aiming to see as many species as possible. A route was chosen to minimise the driving and maximise the bird-watching time while still visiting a variety of habitats. As might be expected we started in the East Park Farm observatory where we recorded 22 species without leaving the warmth of the Farmhouse. A further 11 species, including Corn Bunting, were added before we headed for Dumfries, where Goosander and Goldeneye were found on the River Nith in the town centre. Then we drove south to Carsethorne, at the mouth of the river, where there were plenty of waders on the mudflats and our total rose to 60 species. A few more species were added at Southerness, but not the hoped for sea-duck or divers. The next stop was Loch Ken of Dee, where a solitary Greenland White-fronted Goose and several Farmland and woodland species took our total to 73 species. Jay and a singing male Crossbill were seen in Laurieston Forest but Coal Tits were conspicuous by their absence and nothing else was added on the drive across the hill road to Gatehouse of Fleet. A Dipper was the final bird of the day, giving a respectable total of 76 species.

Meanwhile, Marie-Lou, Frances, big Andrew and Peter set out to scale Criffel, the highest peak in the immediate area. The plan was to complete a circular walk of about 6 miles. The fact that the eventual route was not circular and turned out to be closer to 10 miles was put down to the previous nights festivities. Criffel was approached along a treacherous Farm lane where Marie-Lou and Peter gave a performance that would have put Torville and Dean to shame. Treecreepers and Crossbills were noted in a small patch of woodland on the east flank of the hill. The climb to Criffel was very popular, obviously our team were not the only ones using it as a New Year's Day restorative. Although busy the walk was very enjoyable and as the summit was approached very snowy. Once at the peak, the wind increased and the cloud base dropped, obscuring the view and curtailing the planned lunch stop. The descent was eventful with the snow masking deep holes in the heather, into which the intrepid quartet took turns to fall. While Frances was being pulled from a particularly nasty pit, a Red Grouse was heard. The drive back to Caerlaverock was memorable for a couple of Peregrines perched on telegraph poles. On returning to East Park Farm, while Frances and Marie-Lou prepared tea, Peter and Andrew went in search of owls. Stealthily, they followed the paths deep into the reserve, placing each boot carefully lest it should disturb the unseen quarry. Thoughts were very much of the warmth of the Farmhouse and tea in front of the fire, when suddenly, there was a crescendo of sound and a flurry of feathers as a frightened pheasant crashed out of its hiding place within inches of our now less than intrepid pair. Discretion being the better part of valour, it was instantly decided to retire to the Farmhouse for that tea.

Our final full day in Dumfries and Galloway was spent heading into the hills north of Dumfries in search of snow so that little Andrew and Matthew could build their first snowman. We found a suitable field without too much searching and, thanks to a friendly Farmer, spent a very enjoyable afternoon whizzing down the slope on fertiliser bags. In all the excitement the snowman never did get built, so we will have to leave that for next year.

During our winter week at Caerlaverock eleven assorted friends had shared East Park Farmhouse with us for varying lengths of time. Not all were bird-watchers but all enjoyed the natural spectacle of birds on show at the reserve and the surrounding countryside. We all hope to return in the not too distant future and renew our acquaintance with "AVF", "LYL" and all the other whoopers.

NEW YEAR'S DAY BIRDING IN DUMFRIES AND GALLOWAY

1994-01-01T19:23:00.000Z

Before the new year was five minutes old the first birds of 1994 were on the list when the pale shapes of both Mute and Whooper Swans could be discerned through the observatory's windows while the last notes of "Auld Lang Syne" were accompanied by whistling Wigeons. It was not long before I returned to the New Year festivities, content to leave adding more species to the list until the daylight hours. The observatory was in East Park Farm, at the heart of the Wildfowl and Wetland Trust's Caerlaverock reserve, where I had been staying with family and friends since Boxing Day. The reserve, on the north shore of Solway Firth about 8 miles south of Dumfries is renowned as the winter home of up to 12000 Barnacle Geese plus numerous other waterfowl. We had seen some memorable sights, including the Barnacle Geese accompanied on one morning by a Red-breasted Goose; a Peregrine perched on a male Pintail before being driven off by two Carrion Crows (I never did see what happened to the Pintail) and up to 180 Whooper Swans feeding outside the observatory every evening.

New Year's Day was going to be a "big day". The aim was to see as many species as possible. A route was chosen that would that cover a diversity of habitats with minimal driving to make the most of the few hours of winter daylight. On New Year's Eve it seemed that all the fun planning the route and anticipating which species that might see had been in vain. A freezing fog blanketed the reserve and surrounding countryside all day. I feared the same conditions would prevail on New Year's Day and severely curtail the bird-watching. Fortunately, the fog dispersed during the evening leaving a clear star-studded sky.

The New Year's Day birding began as early as the previous night's celebrations would allow. Given that dawn was not until about 08:50 this did not have to be very early anyway. By 08:00 I was waiting for the birds in the comfort of the heated East Park Farm observatory with a mug of coffee. The sky had remained clear all night, the fields were white with frost and Folly Pond was frozen over. Mute Swans(1) and Whooper Swans(2) broke the ice on the pond as they made their way towards the Farm, to feed on grain they had missed the previous night. A few Wigeon(3) were already feeding at the water's edge. A Robin(4) was heard singing briefly from the Farmyard while a female Blackbird(5) and a Dunnock(6) fed beside the swans. Barnacle Geese(7) had begun flighting as soon as there was a hint of light in the sky and in the course of an hour we had counted more than 2000 going over. As a result of the frozen conditions fewer wildfowl and other wetland species were present on the pond. Where there had been 14 species two days previously today there were only Canada Geese(8), Moorhen(9) and Greylag Goose(10). While Jenny supplied toast and more coffee the birds were beginning their breakfast too; Chaffinches(11), a male Pheasant(12), up to 40 Yellow Hammers(13), three Blue Tits(14) and one Collared Dove(15) were attracted to the scattered grain. A single Buzzard(16) flapped languidly across Folly Field, apparently taking no notice of two mobbing Carrion Crows(17), to land in a solitary oak. A short while later a second Buzzard was noted perched on a fence post overlooking the merse. As the sun rose, and the light improved, the sky remained clear auguring a good day. A flock of starlings(18) landed on one of the islands and an adult Heron(19) flew slowly across folly field causing more consternation amongst the Wigeon than had the Buzzard. Wood Pigeons(20), always late risers burst from the hedgerow alongside and a few Curlew(21) stood around at the southern end of the pond where a Black-headed Gull(22) joined them for a while. The two Buzzards were still on their respective perches when it was time for us to venture out.

Outside it was a crisp winter's day, cold calm and clear; very pleasant in the sun but chilly in the shade. House Sparrows(23) and Greenfinches(24) were attracted to the various bird feeders placed around the Farmyard. En route to the Caerlaverock observatory two Great Black-backed Gulls(25) headed east over the reserve and a flock of Fieldfare(26) flew along the hedgerow. A visit to the Caerlaverock reception centre observatory produced some of the hoped for waterfowl. The pond here must be deeper because it never completely froze over. Mallard(27), Tufted Duck(28), a single female Pintail(29) a pair of Teal(30) and Pochard(31) were seen but even here numbers were lower than on previous days. A Roe Deer hind wandering along the bank behind the pond was my first mammal of the year. As we prepared to leave the reserve a pair of Great Tit(32) visited one of the bird-feeders and a couple of Corn Buntings were found amongst the Yellow Hammer(33) flock.

Now it was time to head further afield. Rook(34), Jackdaw(35) and Skylark(36) were recorded before we reached Bankend. Halfway to Dumfries a stop to check-out another flock (more Skylarks) also produced nine Pink-footed Geese(37) feeding in a field further back from the road. The lampposts of the town provided perches for Common Gulls(38) and Herring Gulls(39). Five male and four female Goosanders(40) were watched fishing in the rough water below the weir on the River Nith at Whitesands in the centre of Dumfries where there was also a male Goldeneye(41) and a Pied Wagtail(42). The intended brief stop was extended when Andrew, my oldest son, inadvertently(?) flicked a glove into the weeds at the water's edge. As this was a Christmas present from grandma it had to be retrieved, and ten (or so) heroic minutes later it was. During my scramble along the base of the river wall I disturbed a Wren(43), the only one I can remember seeing or hearing all day (although that cannot be right).

From Dumfries we headed south along the western bank of the Nith, heading for Carsethorne and the mud-banks at the river's mouth. The weather remained sunny and calm and as the day progressed the frost disappeared from south-facing fields. These were host to large flocks of Fieldfare and Redwing(44) which in turn attracted a marauding Sparrowhawk(45). A party of Twite(46) were probably the most unexpeccted species of the day. It is not often my annual list includes Twite before Linnet. They were seen on the edge of a bean field where flocks of Greenfinch and Reed Bunting(47), were also feeding. Another Sparrowhawk caused panic amongst this gathering of small birds, as it dashed low along the edge of the field, but did not disturb any species we had not already seen. The mud flats at Carsethorne were rapidly being covered by the in-coming tide. Lapwing(48), Shelduck(49), Redshank(50) and Ringed Plover(51) were feeding over the mud flats but Dunlin(52) and Turnstone(53) were mostly along the water's edge. Numerous Oystercatchers(54) were feeding on a more rocky area of the strand and a single Grey Plover(55) flashed its black armpits as it flew up river followed a short while later by a male and two female Red-breasted Mergansers(56). Further out on the water a Scaup(57) and winter-plumaged Great Crested Grebe(58) were identified. A raft of ducks south of the village remained just that as the glare from the sun on the water made sorting them out impossible. A Song Thrush(59) feeding on the verge and a Kestrel(60) perched in a roadside oak were seen as we left Carsethorne for Southerness.

Southerness, sticking out into Solway Firth, was a big disappointment with none of the hoped for sea-duck. (Maybe we should have walked south from Carsethorne, sorry Phil). On a previous visit, at about the same time of year, but many moons ago, I had seen Eider, Common Scoter, Velvet Scoter and Red-throated Diver, but this new year's day there were only 100+ Great Crested Grebes on the sea. We spent a long time on the rocks by the 18th Century lighthouse, scanning the sea, hoping to turn up something but all we got for our efforts was a Rock Pipit(61) and the excitement of nearly being cut-off by the in-coming tide. As the water rose large numbers of Oystercatcher flew round the headland presumably to their high-tide roost, accompanied by a flock of 72 Bar-tailed Godwit(62). After a lengthy search a couple of Purple Sandpiper(63) were found amongst the Turnstone congregating on the highest rocks.

Lunch was eaten in the car as we drove towards Loch Ken of Dee. Stops were made at likely looking spots. The woods alongside the Boreland Burn at Caulkerbush held a roving flock of tits, including Long-tailed Tits(64) but we could not find any Dippers along the stream. Two Magpies(65), the only ones we recorded during our week in Dumfries and Galloway were seen in Farmland south of Dalbeattie, where a land-fill site had a flock of gulls (Great Black-backed, Herring and Black-headed) and one Buzzard perched in a conifer over looking the site.

The minor road along the western shore of Loch Ken of Dee was still icy, as Phil discovered when he got out of the car. There were many wildfowl on the loch including Cormorant(66), our first Coots(67) of the day and Dabchick(68). From a point near Livingstone Hill we counted 21 Goosander; the seven males looked particularly splendid in the winter sunlight. A pair of Mistle Thrushes(69) were seen near Mains of Duchrae Farm but we could only find a single Greenland White-fronted Goose(70) although others may have been hidden in folds of the land. As we walked back to the car a mixed feeding flock made its way along the hedgerow included a Goldcrest(71) and a Willow Tit(72) and a female Bullfinch(73) perched in a tree over the car.

Our final stop was Laurieston Forest, reached along the hill road from Laurieston to Gatehouse of Fleet. By now the sun was low in the sky and the temperature had begun to drop. For the first time in the day it began to feel cold but this did not prevent us taking a stroll along the road. A faint shape flitting through the tree tops may have been a Coal Tit. We did hear a Common Crossbill(74) and saw one briefly as it flew across the road but otherwise the woods seemed lifeless. Further up the road a pair of Jays(75) flew across the road and a male Common Crossbill sang from the top of a spruce. We were running out of light as we approached Gatehouse of Fleet but decided to check out the streams. We eventually tracked down our quarry on a small stream near Low Creoch Farm where we spent an enjoyable five minutes watching a Dipper(76) dipping. A nice way to end a very enjoyable days birding.

As we made our way back towards Caerlaverock along the A75 and a skein of 140 Pink-footed Geese flew south over the road we pondered on the birds we had seen and those we had missed. Species we expected to see but did not, included Eider, Golden Plover, Meadow Pipit and Coal Tit. Surprise of the day was the flock of Twite seen near Caerlaverock, while the highlights for me were my first singing male Crossbill and eventually finding a Dipper. With a little more planning and luck we might have got even closer to a first day century.

Bluethroat Luscinia svecica at St. Mary's Island

1993-05-13T21:31:00.001Z

At 19:50 on 12th May 1993 I saw a male Bluethroat near the mouth of the small stream just west of Curry's Point (near St Mary's Island, map ref NZ348753). Unfortunately conditions were poor, a cold north-east force 4 wind with driving fine rain so that my binoculars and glasses misted up, so I was unable to note much detail. Despite the conditions it was fairly active, feeding amongst the piled up seaweed and boulders, occasionally disappearing under the rocks. The most obvious features were the chestnut wedges on either side of the tail, only seen when the bird was flying and the pale supercilium broadest above the eye. Details of the throat were difficult to make out, other than it was a red-spotted bird with the red of the spot appearing to join with the darker breast band.

Conditions the following morning were much kinder and by 06:10 I was again watching a male Bluethroat feeding amongst the piled up seaweed and occasionally amongst the rocks. It was similar in size to Rock Pipits, which were also feeding amongst the seaweed, but with a typical chat stance. It hopped or flew short distances, but was not seen to walk or run. It was aggressive towards the Rock Pipits, chasing them for short distances when they came too close. In flight the rufous wedges on either side of the tail were the most obvious feature, but when the bird was standing were difficult to see. Upperparts were similar to those of a Robin but were possibly more grey. They were unstreaked. Cream supercilium, extending behind eye (but not much in front of eye) and broadest above the eye was another distinctive feature. Ear coverts were greyer than crown. The blue throat was not as neatly marked as in illustrations (suggesting this may be a young bird?). The blue extended as a triangle from chin to upper breast, with a small pale spot at the "corner" under the ear coverts (this is not shown in any of the field guides I have consulted). At the base of the triangle was a diffuse breast band, darker blue than the throat. I did not notice a rufous breast band as shown in the field guides. The rufous spot in the centre of the throat was not discrete and merged into the darker blue of the breast band. The remainder of the underparts were pale with a rufous wash on the flanks. My observation ended at 06:30 when a Kestrel flew over and disturbed the birds on the beach. I could not re-locate the Bluethroat.

A second male Bluethroat was also seen on 13th May 1993, just north of the start of Trinity Road (map ref NZ346746). It was first seen beside a small pool/puddle and then flew up to a fence post where it began to sing. The song was quiet especially when compared with nearby Reed Bunting and Skylark. This was a much nicer marked bird, looking more like the illustrations in the field guides. It had a small, discrete red spot in the centre of the blue throat. At the base of the blue throat was a dark blue breast band separated from a rufous breast band by a thin pale line. This bird was still perched on the fence and singing when I left to get into work.

Also seen on 13th May were 10 male and 3 female Wheatear on the Pitch and Putt course and 1 Whinchat close to the second Bluethroat.

A Windy Weekend in Suffolk

1993-05-10T21:34:00.002Z

an account of the Hicks Family sojourn on the east coast and not the result of having too much sausage and baked bean casserole.

Friday 7th May
We just had time for a 30 minute bird watch around the Southwold boating pond while Jenny cooked tea, but it would perhaps have been more productive if we had stayed in. Only birds of note were four terns battling north against a cold NE5. First attempted string of the weekend had these down as Roseate before sense prevailed. It was a relief to get back indoors.

Saturday 8th May
It was still windy but sunny when we finally stirred. No crack of dawn birding for these dudes. First stop was Reydon Wood where botanising took precedence over birding. The floor of the wood was carpeted with Bluebells amongst which were a few colonies of Early Purple Orchid. Also noted were Greater Stitchwort, Yellow Archangel, Germander Speedwell, Herb Robert, Ground Ivy, Primrose and Common Dog-Violet. Several species of warbler were in song but among the few birds seen were a pair of Marsh Tits. Two butterflies, Green-veined White and Holly Blue were noted in the shelter of the wood. We collected a pile of coppiced poles and transported them to Alan's school before returning to base for a well earned lunch.

Over lunch the weather deteriorated; it was still windy but the sun had been replaced by clouds and occasional showers. This prompted us to head for Minsmere where at least we could shelter in the hides. We made a brief stop, en route, in Dunwich Forest to search for Woodlarks but the high wind put paid to our hopes. Jenny, Andrew and Matthew made the wise decision to stay in the car for a snooze.

And so to Minsmere. One of the first birds was a Shelduck, flying out of a hole at the base of the Sand Martin cliff, where presumably it was nesting. We opted to walk round the scrape and ignoring the North hide, set off along the dyke to the sea wall. The boys enjoyed the traditional hide and seek among the tank traps as we made our way to the first hide. After disappointing visits last year, this time the scrape lived up to its reputation with many birds to be seen including summer-plumaged Spotted Redshank (1), Bar-tailed Godwit (24), Black-tailed Godwit (3) and Dunlin (8). Also present were three species of tern (Sandwich, Common and Little) and more than 100 Avocet. Matthew was tickled pink at being able to see things through his binoculars - one of the few times he has managed this feat, Andrew was a bit more blase. Bird-watching from the hides was comfortable; walking between the hides was distinctly less enjoyable with relatively few birds to enliven proceedings.

As we made our way along the path between the scrape and marsh two more strings were perpetrated - those Mallard really did look small, but as for the swan! The highlight of the day (for Roger) was still to come. From the north-western hide (I forget its name) almost the first bird seen when we looked out over the northern end of the scrape was a smallish duck with a large white flank patch and brownish breast. Nothing could be seen of its head because this was underwater as it fed. When it lifted its head it was brown with a broad white supercilium sweeping back behind the eye - a spring Garganey. Now, Garganey has been something of a bogey bird in the U.K. with countless excursions failing to produce one until just before I left for PNG - but that was a drab bird in eclipse (which hardly counts when compared with a bird in breeding plumage). If only we had gone into the North Hide at the start of our walk we would have seen it that much earlier. As we left the hide, Andrew and Matthew were delighted to find a male and female Pheasant feeding on the path within only a few feet. We rounded off our day with a pint in the Eels Foot before heading for home and the sausage and bean casserole.

Sunday 8th May
Again the weather did not look too promising; it was overcast and the wind persisted. So again we opted for Minsmere. First stop this time was the North Hide, but no sign of the Garganey this morning. The most contentious bird of the weekend was a gull that was the centre of an argument in the hide. I did not get on to it until just before it flew, but saw enough to be doubtful it was a BHG. Subsequent perusal of Alan's library suggested it was probably a first-summer Med. Gull. Today we headed for the woods and marsh. We were well rewarded with excellent views of a food pass between a male and female Marsh Harrier; also seen were a pair of Turtle Doves while heard from the reed beds were Reed and Sedge Warbler and Bearded Tit. The first Swifts of the year were noted, with the number over the marsh steadily increasing while we watched. A Nightingale was heard singing, from the same bush where we had recorded one last year, but the strangest record was bumping into Andrew Lyburn (ex-PNG) and his dad. The final string was trying to make a fritillary out of a wall brown and then it was back to Alan's for lunch. Needless to say, as it was time to go home the sun was shining.

SPECIES LIST : 7TH - 9TH MAY 1993
Key: D = Dunwich Forest; R = Reydon Woods S = The scrape; M = Rest of Minsmere;
Great-crested Grebe M
Cormorant M
Grey Heron SM
Mute Swan SM
Greylag Goose SM
Canada Goose S
Shelduck SM
Wigeon S
Gadwall S
Teal S
Mallard SM
Pintail S
Garganey S
Shoveler S
Pochard M
Tufted Duck M
Marsh Harrier M
Kestrel
Red-legged Partridge D
Grey Partridge
Pheasant SMD
Moorhen SM
Coot SM
Oystercatcher SM
Avocet S
Ringed Plover S
Lapwing SM
Dunlin S
Ruff S
Snipe S
Black-tailed Godwit S
Bar-tailed Godwit S
Spotted Redshank S
Redshank SM
Common Sandpiper S
Turnstone S
Mediterrannean Gull S
Common Gull SM
Black-headed Gull SM
Lesser Black-backed Gull S
Herring Gull SMDR
Great Black-backed Gull M
Kittiwake S
Sandwich Tern S
Common Tern S
Little Tern S
Wood Pigeon SMDR
Stock Dove M
Collared Dove
Turtle Dove M
Cuckoo SM
Swift M
Skylark
Sand Martin SM
Swallow SM
Pied Wagtail MD
Wren MDR
Dunnock M
Robin MDR
Nightingale M
Blackbird MDR
Song Thrush MD
Mistle Thrush M
Sedge Warbler M
Reed Warbler M
Lesser Whitethroat D
Whitethroat MDR
Garden Warbler M
Blackcap MDR
Chiffchaff MDR
Willow Warbler SMDR
Bearded Tit M
Long-tailed Tit M
Marsh Tit MR
Blue Tit MDR
Great Tit MDR
Jay MD
Magpie SM
Jackdaw M
Rook M
Carrion Crow SM
Starling SM
House Sparrow M
Chaffinch MD
Goldfinch M
Linnet SM

Reed Bunting M

ASIAN WATERFOWL CENSUS : PORT MORESBY AREA 1991

1991-02-04T18:43:00.000Z

This was the second year in which the PNGBS had participated in the Asian Waterfowl Census (AWC). The AWC is co-ordinated by the International Waterfowl and Wetlands Research Bureau (IWRB) and Asian Wetlands Bureau (AWB) with the aim of gathering information on the mid-winter (January) waterfowl populations at wetlands throughout Asia (Scott & Rose 1989). Twenty-eight countries had participated in 1990, recording more than 200 species at 1476 sites (Perennou, Rose & Poole 1990) including, for the first time, PNG where 59 species were recorded at 8 sites (52 species at 7 sites in the Port Moresby area, Hicks 1991). The avifauna of PNG is more akin to that of Australia than Asia, although PNG was included in the Directory of Asian Wetlands (DAW) (Scott 1989). January is not the best month to conduct a census of waterfowl in the Port Moresby area, as it is the height of the wet season. As a consequence the area of wetland is greatly increased as the floodplains become inundated and access to some sites becomes impossible. As the waterfowl become dispersed over a greater area, numbers at accessible sites are reduced.

Between 6 January 1991 and 3 February 1991, six members of the PNGBS (Helen Fortune, Will Glynn, Roger Hicks, Andrew Hicks, Prakash and Shobha Srinivasen) visited nine wetland sites in the Port Moresby area, six of which are included in the DAW. All sites visited for the 1990 AWC were also visited in 1991, with the exception of Hisiu Beach. Access to this site was impossible because the bridge at Hisiu mangroves had been washed away. Three new sites were included; the Oxbow at Veikabu and the Pacific Adventist College (PAC) campus and Kobibi Swamp, alongside the Magi Highway (c. 40 km south-east of Port Moresby). Each of theses sites, with the exception of Kobibi Swamp, had been regularly visited by members of the PNGBS over the previous five years.

At sites covered in both 1990 and 1991 numbers of species and birds were lower in 1991. Thirty-eight species were recorded in 1991 (c.f. 52 species in 1990, Hicks 1991). Several factors contributed to the lower totals. The preceding year had been wetter than usual with record rainfall in June and September 1990, as a result the flooding was more extensive in 1991 than 1990 and wildfowl were more widely dispersed. Two wetlands had become infested with exotic water weeds. Lakes Bunu and Iaraguma are infested with Salvinia. Although the weed appears to be dying out on Lake Iaraguma, there was more open water in 1991, it does not appear to be attractive to birds. Lake Bunu has become infected more recently and now has little open water, causing reduced numbers of (visible) waterfowl. Moitaka settling ponds, and the nearby Waigani Swamp, are being overgrown with water hyacinth Eichornia crassipes. It was first noted in September 1990 and by the time of the AWC covered 2.5 ha (25%) of the largest pond. (This had increased to 50% of the ponds' area by the end of February 1991). The city council are attempting to clear the weed, but with little success. Disturbance by the weed-clearers probably reduced bird numbers at the settling ponds. Fisherman were present at Hisiu Lagoon on the day of the AWC, which probably explains the reduced count at this site.

The following observations were of interest for the Port Moresby area. All species of egret were noted in breeding plumage, including 18 Cattle Egrets at Kanosia Lagoon. Australasian Grebes were in breeding plumage at all sites where recorded but breeding was only confirmed at one, on the PAC settling ponds. A single Australian White-eyed Duck and Garganey were seen at Kanosia Lagoon where there were also 14 Wood Sandpipers (and 10 Red-rumped Swallows and five Barn Swallows). The best selection of waders was at Hisiu Lagoon where there were 18 Greenshank, 11 Marsh Sandpiper and 44 Sharp-tailed Sandpipers plus two White-headed Shelduck and four Sacred Ibis.

Hicks, R.K. 1991. Asian Waterfowl Census : Port Moresby Area 1991. Muruk 5: 8-11.
Perennou, C., P. Rose & C. Poole. 1990. Asian Waterfowl Census 1990. IWRB, Slimbridge, U.K.
Scott, D.A. (ed). 1989. A Directory of Asian Wetlands. IUCN.
Scott, D.A. & P. Rose 1989. Asian Waterfowl Census 1989. IWRB, Slimbridge, U.K.

Birds and Dragons feeding on Hawk Moths

1991-01-31T18:47:00.002Z

Throughout the period just before the onset of wet season large numbers of Hawk Moths (and other insects) are attracted to the security lights around my house on Matirogo Point, Port Moresby (National Capital District). During the day these Hawk Moths "roost" in nearby trees, usually under a leaf, or in shaded nooks on the outside of the house. In the third week of December 1990 (16-21/12/90) and again during 16-19 January 1991, when conditions were hot, humid and calm, numerous Hawk Moths were noted around the house. Both these periods preceded some heavy rains. Five species have been identified using Mackey (1975). The most numerous species was Daphnis dohertyi (Rost), possibly outnumbering the other species by 10:1. Also recorded were some D. hypothous (Cr.), D. protrudens (Felder) and singles of Thereta clotho (Dry) and Chromis erotus (Cr.). Other unidentified species of moth and other insects were also seen on the walls of the house. This abundance of prey was exploited by several species of birds.

A family of Torresian Crows Corvus orru, two adults and two fledged young, visited the roof of the house each morning between 05:30 and 07:30. The young were readily identified by their dark eyes and pinkish gape. I assume all the birds were feeding on insects that had been attracted to the security lights but the prey was only identified on three occasions. Each of these times a young bird was noted holding a Hawk Moth in its bill. The young bird transferred the Hawk Moth from its bill to its feet where it was held against the bird's perch while the Hawk Moths wings were stripped and discarded before the body was eaten. On one occasion the Hawk Moth escaped while the young Torresian Crow was transferring it from bill to foot.

Two Pheasant Coucals Centropus phasianinus, not usually recorded in the garden, were observed in trees near the house where the Hawk Moths "roosted", but I could not confirm they were feeding on the moths. They were noted on the ground beneath the security lights where they fed on Hawk Moths that had come to grief during the night.

Up to four White-breasted Wood-Swallows Artamus leucorhynchus snatched moths from trees near the house. The wood-swallows picked the moths, and other insects, from the foliage with their feet as they flew past. Their prey was then manipulated and passed from feet to bill while in flight. Some of the moths taken in this way may have been Hawk Moths, but I cannot be certain and most seemed too small.

One Fawn-breasted Bowerbird Chlamydera cerviniventris was seen carrying a Hawk Moth (possibly D. dohertyi) into a tree near the house on 18 January 1991.

A dragon Lophognathus temporalis was also noted feeding on damaged Hawk Moths on the ground.

Mackey, A.P. 1975. Hawk Moths of Port Moresby. Occasional Paper No. 4. Biology Dept, UPNG.

Birds Feeding at Syzygium sp Flowers at Myola

1990-12-29T21:21:00.002Z

While staying in the guest house at Myola (Oro Province), from 22-27 December 1990, we noted the synchronous mass-flowering of Syzygium sp (Myrtaceae) trees. The trees were all tall, 30+ m. They occured in clumps of 6-10 trees, all of similar height and trunk diameter, on the flatter ground around the edge of the so-called Myola Lake at c. 2100 m. No flowering Syzygium sp trees were noted on steeper slopes above Myola. The inflorescences were ramiflorous, i.e. produced on branches, behind or below the leaves. The flowers had numerous stamens around the edge of the "cup" (calyx tube) which presumably contained nectar. The petals were shed as a cap when the flower opened.

Nine species (5 Honeyeaters and 4 Lorikeets) were noted feeding at the Syzygium flowers. Each clump of flowering trees seemed to have its own "resident" flock of birds. Similar numbers of each species of birds were noted on each visit to a clump of trees (although individuals could not be recognised). All nine species were recorded at a clump of trees which had the most easy to view crown and hence was the one we visted most regularly.

Although on one occasion there were more than 70 birds, of 6 species, present in one flowering tree, no interspecific aggression was noted.

Red-collared Myzomela Myzomela rosenbergii was the most numerous species to visit the flowering trees at all the clumps, although at times it might have been out-numbered by Goldie's Lorikeet Trichoglossus goldiei. It was difficult to obtain exact counts of the number of individuals of this species present due to their small size and rapid movements. However, on one occasion we estimated there were 40 birds, approximately even numbers of males and female-plumaged birds, in one tree. We noted some intraspecific aggression but was mostly males chasing female-plumaged birds and may not have been in defence of a feeding site.

Belford's Melidectes is one of the more noticeable species at Myola. It is a large Honeyeater with a loud raucous call. It would not be easy to overlook this species. Although regularly recorded visiting the flowering trees it was only in groups of 2-3 birds. We could not tell whether it was the same individuals repeatedly visiting the Syzygium trees or if many birds were involved.

Two Black-throated Honeyeaters Lichenostomus subfrenatus regularly visited the most-watched clump of trees. They were assumed to be a pair as they were always recorded together in this one clump of trees. Rufous-backed Honeyeaters Ptiloprora guisei were less frequently recorded on this trip than on previous visits to Myola. We only noted a few visits by single birds to the most-watched clump of flowering trees. We only had one record of Common Smoky Honeyeater Melipotes fumigatus throughout our stay and that was of a single bird visiting the most-watched clump of trees.

Goldie's Lorikeet was the most numerous lorikeet with flocks of c. 20 at each clump of flowering trees. As with the Red-collared Myzomelas it was difficult to obtain exact counts of the birds in the trees as they were continually moving. However, as they generally left the tree in noisy flocks, reasonable counts could be obtained then.

Yellow-breasted Sunbird Nectarinia jugularis bathing in dew

1990-09-21T18:57:00.000Z

At 06:30 on 21 September 1990, at Matirogo Point, Port Moresby (National Capital District), a female Yellow-bellied Sunbird Nectarinia jugularis was observed bathing in the dew that had collected along the outer edge of a banana leaf. When first seen she was perched on the rib in the centre of the leaf. After a short while she slid, with wings spread but drooping at the tips, towards the edge of the leaf. The posture of the sunbird was similar to that adopted by some birds, e.g., Eurasian Jay Garrulus glandarius when anting. When the sunbird reached the dew at the edge of the leaf, she tried to maintain her position by scrabbling with her feet and flapping with her wings. This also splashed the drops of water, but was only successful for a few seconds. She then dropped off the banana leaf and flew to another where she landed for a brief preen of her body and wing feathers. The whole process was repeated three times before she flew off. By 07:20 all the dew had evaporated.

Originally published in MURUK 5(2):93.

Brahminy Kite Haliastur indus Fishing?

1990-09-17T18:07:00.000Z

Since January 1990 I have regularly recorded an adult and immature Brahminy Kite Haliastur indus on my Town Bird Survey site at Matirogo Point, Port Moresby (National Capital District). Over this time the immature has been slowly attaining its adult plumage and now only has some flecks of white in the rufous of the upper wing. North of Matirogo Point, a stream flows into a small, unnamed bay and at low tide flows across the exposed mudflats. At 11:05 on 17 September 1990, when the tide was half out, these two Brahminy Kites were seen bathing in the stream. They stood within two feet of each other, in water that was almost belly-deep. After about 5 minutes, the immature flew c. 10 m to a rock, on which it perched. The adult remained in the water and began, apparently, to fish. It waded c. 30 m through the shallows of the stream, stopping frequently. During the stops it occasionally stabbed at something on or in the water. It made a total six stabs in seven minutes. Each stab seemed to be successful, although the distance from my vantage point to the bird, c. 150 m, was too great for the prey to be discernible. The stabbing action it used for "fishing" was of too short a duration for the bird to have been drinking. After seven minutes wading the adult Brahminy Kite flew and landed near the immature. The immature took off immediately, circled the bay and then was joined by the adult.

Rand & Gilliard (1967) recorded one Brahminy Kite that had eaten many small fish, but considered they may have been carrion. Coates (1985) reports that Brahminy Kites are expert at snatching fish from just below the surface, but there are no PNG records of Brahminy Kites fishing in the manner described above.

Coates, B.J. 1985. The Birds of Papua New Guinea. Vol 1. Dove Publications.
Rand, A.L. & E.T. Gilliard. 1967. The Handbook of New Guinea Birds. Weidenfeld & Nicolson.

PNGBS OUTING TO LEA LEA AND IARAGUMA - 9th SEPTEMBER 1990

1990-09-09T18:59:00.002Z

Six cars containing eleven PNGBS members and friends gathered at the Baruni turn-off for a run out to Lake Iaraguma and Lea Lea, some 60 km north-west of Port Moresby. While waiting for late-comers a Large-tailed Nightjar was heard calling. Our first stop at a patch of gallery forest by the road produced about 20 species including good views of White-throated Gerygone and a pair of amorous White-winged Trillers. We then continued across the Fairfax Grasslands, seeing Cattle Egrets, all in non-breeding plumage, Singing Bushlarks and a female-plumaged Australian Kestrel. This is the first record of the latter for more than two years.

Our next stop was Lake Iaraguma. Last time I visited the Lake (Jan '90) it was heavily overgrown with Salvinia, an introduced weed, but this appeared to be dying out as more than half the lake was open water. There were not many waterbirds or waders, either here or at Lake Bunu. Of interest were a pair of Brown-backed Honeyeaters which were nest building in a bush on the shore of the lake. Both these birds had neat plum-coloured throats, a feature not mentioned in any guides. The site was revisited a week later, when both birds appeared to have "normal" plumage. It is now assumed the colouring was some type of staining, either from the eucalypts where the birds had been seen collecting bark for their nest building or from some unidentified food source.

From Lake Iaraguma we headed for the end of the road at Lea Lea, en route stopping at Papa where there is a high-tide wader roost amongst the mangroves. This early in the season there were relatively few birds - c. 25 Grey-tailed Tattlers, 3 Sharp-tailed Sandpipers, 1 Whimbrel and 1 Masked Lapwing. We did have good views of a Glossy-mantled Manucode as it perched in the top of a mangrove tree and a pair of Yellow-bellied Sunbirds were nest building. Our normal wader-watching site at Lea Lea was inaccessible as the village of Lea Lea has moved to the south side of the mouth of Rea Rea Creek because the village site north of the mouth is being eroded. It was also high tide, about two hours earlier than that advertised for Port Moresby. So we headed home having recorded 63 species.

Australasian Grebe/ Great Frigatebird/ Lesser Frigatebird/ Little Black Cormorant/ Little Pied Cormorant/ Darter/ Great Egret/ Pied Heron/ Intermediate Egret/ Cattle Egret/ Little Egret/ Whistling Kite/ Brahminy Kite/ Collared Sparrowhawk/ Australian Kestrel/ Pacific Black Duck/ Common Scrubfowl (h)/ Dusky Moorhen/ Purple Swamphen/ Comb-crested Jacana/ Masked Lapwing/ Whimbrel/ Grey-tailed Tattler/ Sharp-tailed Sandpiper/ Gull-billed Tern/ Peaceful Dove/ Bar-shouldered Dove/ Orange-bellied Fruit-Dove/ Pied Imperial Pigeon/ Rainbow Lorikeet/ Red-cheeked Parrot/ Brush Cuckoo (h)/ Pheasant Coucal/ Large-tailed Nightjar (h)/ Blue-winged Kookaburra/ Sacred Kingfisher/ Rainbow Bee-eater/ Singing Bushlark/ Pacific Swallow/ Tree Martin/ White-bellied Cuckoo-Shrike/ Black-faced Cuckoo-Shrike/ White-winged Triller/ Golden-headed Cisticola/ White-throated Gerygone/ Willie Wagtail/ Jacky Winter/ Lemon-bellied Flycatcher/ Grey Shrike-Thrush/ Papuan Flowerpecker/ Yellow-bellied Sunbird/ Graceful Meliphaga/ Yellow-tinted Honeyeater/ White-throated Honeyeater/ Helmeted Friarbird/ Brown-backed Honeyeater/ Rufous-banded Honeyeater/ Grey-headed Mannikin/ Figbird/ White-breasted Wood-Swallow/ Black-backed Butcherbird/ Fawn-breasted Bowerbird/ Glossy-mantled Manucode/ Torresian Crow : 63 Species

Originally published in PNGBS Newsletter 261: 2-3.

Pheasant Coucal Centropus phasianinus attacking birds caught in a mist net.

1990-07-17T21:26:00.001Z

On 17 July 1990 we visited the Pacific Adventist College (PAC), National Capital District, in the hope of catching some Mannikins Lonchura spp. We set a 20 m, 4-panel mist net at a site where mannikins had been observed feeding on the ground. We then left the net for an hour. On our return we had caught 12 birds (10 Grey-headed Mannikins L.caniceps and 2 Chestnut-breasted Mannikins L.castaneothorax). Two Pheasant Coucals Centropus phasianinus had been attracted to the net, presumably by the flutterings of the trapped mannikins. One of the coucals was actually in the net but escaped as we approached. It had attacked and killed two juvenile Grey-headed Mannikins by pecking at the head and neck, but had not been able to get the mannikins out of the net. After extracting the birds, we again left the net. RR returned after about half-an-hour. We had caught no more birds, but a Pheasant Coucal was sitting close by the net where it was apparently visible to the mannikins as these were now flying higher than they had earlier and so missed the net.

Previously, RH had noted Pheasant Coucals sitting under mist nets set in his garden on Matirogo Point, Port Moresby, but no birds had been found dead in the nets.

(Originally published in Muruk, co-authored with Robin Restall)

Feeding Behaviour of Sacred Kingfisher Halcyon sancta

1990-07-01T19:03:00.001Z

On 1 July 1990, at Jais Aben Resort, Madang Province, I watched two Sacred Kingfishers Halcyon sancta, feeding. One of the birds had a more prominent white supercilium which allowed me to keep track of each bird, as they were not in view the whole time. My observations lasted from 11:35 - 12:49 (74 minutes) and only ended when both birds were disturbed by a party of people sitting under the tree from which they were hunting.

Both Sacred Kingfishers employed a "sit and wait" approach. They perched on the lower branches of a large rain-tree, c. 8 - 10 m above the ground. They always perched in the shade, although they did not always use the same perch. At times they were within 3 m of each other although there appeared to be no intraspecific aggression. From their perch they dropped at an angle of between 30o and 45o from the vertical. Six forays were to the ground, which was the short grass of the hotel grounds. Two forays, both by the same kingfisher were into the foliage of a bush on the shoreline. Seven forays, out of nine observed, resulted in prey being caught.

Sacred Kingfisher "A" was in view for 53 minutes. During this time it made five forays, all to the ground. All were successful although only three of the prey items were seen for long enough by me to identify them. They were a beetle, a small (c. 3 cm long) lizard and a grasshopper. The kingfisher returned to a perch, not necessarily the one from which it had dropped, to consume its prey. Each of the above prey items was banged against a branch a few times and turned round in the bill before being swallowed. The grasshopper and lizard were swallowed head first. The other two prey items were small and swallowed too quickly for me to see them. On one occasion, when returning to a perch, kingfisher "A" landed near a Willie Wagtail Rhipidura leucophrys which chased it to another perch.

Sacred Kingfisher "B" was in view for 36 minutes. During this time it made four forays, two to the ground and two to the foliage of a bush. Only two were successful, one to the ground and one to the bush. On neither occasion could the prey be identified. It handled its prey much as kingfisher "A", returning to a perch, banging the prey against a branch and turning it around in its bill before swallowing.

Originally published in Muruk 5:110

Asian Waterfowl Census : Port Moresby Area, 1990.

1990-01-15T17:54:00.002Z

The Asian Waterfowl Census (AWC) is co-ordinated by the International Waterfowl and Wetlands Research Bureau (IWRB) and Asian Wetlands Bureau (AWB). The aims of the AWC are "to obtain information on waterfowl populations at wetlands in Asia during the mid-winter period (January), as a basis for evaluation of sites and monitoring populations" and "to encourage greater interest in wetlands and waterfowl amongst governmental, non-governmental and private individuals and thereby promote the conservation of wetlands in Asia". In 1989 twenty countries participated, 1319 sites were covered and 6.9 million waterfowl of 222 species were recorded (Scott & Rose 1989).

PNG is not part of Asia, but was included in the Directory of Asian Wetlands (DAW) (Scott 1989). This was presumably because Irian Jaya, the western half of the island of New Guinea is a province of Indonesia which is in Asia, so the eastern half of the island, PNG, was also included. PNG's avifauna is distinctly Australian, with less than 50% of south-eastern Asian waterfowl (as on the AWC form for that region) and if the long distance migrants (waders and terns) are ignored, then only 33% of waterfowl are common to PNG and south-east Asia. However, in 1990 PNGBS members were invited to participate in the AWC for the first time.

January is not the best month to conduct a census of waterfowl in PNG. It is the height of the wet season in most parts of the country. High rainfall causes extensive flooding in the lower reaches of most rivers, greatly increasing the area of wetland. Access to some sites becomes difficult if not impossible. The waterfowl also tend to disperse over a greater area, depressing numbers at accessible sites. Numbers of waterfowl are usually augmented each wet season by migrants from Australia. The late eighties were wet years in Australia, so birds have not moved to find more suitable habitat. Concentrations of waterfowl, in the Port Moresby area, are greatest towards the end of the dry season, October - November, when the wetland is smallest.

Between 11 - 14 January 1990 five members of the PNGBS (Will Glynn, Roger Hicks, Edel & Lex Kraaijo and Niklas Wahlberg) visited seven wetland sites in the Port Moresby area, six of which were included in the DAW. Each of these sites has been regularly visited by PNGBS members over the last five years, at least. Counts have been made regularly at Moitaka Settling Ponds and Hisiu Beach.

Fifty-two species were recorded in the course of the census. Over the previous year only 12 other wetland species were recorded at these sites. These included two vagrants, one passage migrant and two Australian breeding species, leaving only seven species which might have been expected on the census days. No large concentrations of any species were noted, for the reasons outlined above.

The following observations were noteworthy for the Port Moresby area. At a high-tide roost near the village of Lea Lea we saw c. 50 Grey-tailed Tattlers, c. 80 Greenshanks and most unexpectedly six White-headed Shelduck. At Kanosia Lagoon we counted nine Wood Sandpipers and three Oriental Pratincole. There were also eight Red-rumped Swallows hawking over the lagoon. The rarest species recorded, for PNG, was probably the single adult Great Cormorant seen at Moitaka settling ponds where a Little Bittern was heard and a Black bittern seen. Individuals of all egrets recorded, at all sites, were in breeding plumage, although no nest sites were found. Australasian Grebes were noted nesting or with young at most freshwater sites and the behaviour of a pair of Little Ringed Plovers, of the resident race, suggested they were probably breeding at Kanosia Lagoon.

Scott, D.A. (ed). 1989. A Directory of Asian Wetlands. IUCN
Scott, D.A. & P. Rose. 1989. Asian Waterfowl Census 1989. IWRB

Originally published in MURUK 5(1): 8-11

A Red Little Curlew or something else?

1989-10-26T18:12:00.000Z

The first Little Curlews Numenius minutus of the 1989 southwards passage were seen on 6 October on the UPNG playing fields and were seen almost daily, by several observers, until 28 October. They favoured a rugby pitch that was watered regularly. The flock size varied from a minimum of two (when any were present) to a maximum of 18 on 20 October. A flock of presumably the same birds was seen at Moitaka SP, only 4 km as the Little Curlew flies, from UPNG on 20 October.

The "red" Little Curlew was first noted on 16 October amongst a flock of six normally-plumaged Little Curlew and was always seen in the company of Little Curlew. From 16 - 20 October it was observed daily and was last seen on 25 October.

This "red" bird was obviously a curlew, having a black bill, sightly decurved near the tip, which was similar in size and shape to other Little Curlew. Its legs were blue-grey. It had a dark crown with a pale central crown stripe and an obvious, broad, buff supercilium, broadest behind the eye. The "face", neck, breast and belly were cinnamon with no strong streaking. This colour continued onto the flanks, which also appeared unmarked, and onto the underwing coverts (noted in flight). The feathers of the mantle and upper wing coverts also had a cinnamon background colour, giving the bird an overall reddish appearance.

The "red" bird was very similar to the Little Curlew with which it associated, but differed in the following ways. The most obvious distinguishing feature was its colour, rich cinnamon, that was strongest on the breast, flanks and underwing coverts, but which suffused the whole plumage. This bird could be picked out with the naked eye across the width of a rugby pitch (c. 50 m). It stood half-a-head taller than its contemporiees, although its legs seemed the same length as other Little Curlew. Its wings appeared to extend beyond its tail when standing, and when in flight appeared longer than other Little Curlew. The buff supercilium appeared more pronounced, possibly because the surrounding plumage was darker.

There are only two small Curlews. The Little Curlew breeds in Siberia and winters in Australia (Hayman et al. 1987). It occurs annually in the Port Moresby area, usually in small numbers with most records occuring in October and November (Hicks 1990). The Eskimo Curlew N. borealis is its North American equivalent, which is extremely rare, if not extinct. There have been no confirmed sightings recently and no records for Australasia (Hayman et al. 1987). As might be expected none of the observers of the "red" bird have had any experience of Eskimo Curlew, but all are familiar with Little Curlew. Several features of the "red" bird fit Eskimo Curlew, i.e., its colour especially the cinnamon underwing coverts, its apparent tallnes and long wings. However, comparison with field guides (Hayman et al. 1987, National Geographic 1983) and with photographs of Eskimo Curlew at (details please) indicate a lack of corroborating plumage features (except colour) i.e. lack of heavy barring on breast and flanks.

We think the "red" Little Curlew was just that, an erythrystic bird, but for a while it had our hearts pounding. And it certainly was an attractive bird.

Hayman, P., J.Marchant & T.Prater. 1987. Shorebirds. An idnetification guide to the waders of the world. Helm.
Hicks, R.K. 1990. Arrival and Departure dates in the Port Moresbby area of migrants from the north. Muruk 4: 91-104.

Originally published in Muruk 6(3) co-authored with Dr I. Burrows

Whitehead's Swiftlet Collocalia whiteheadi on Manus?

1989-05-15T17:47:00.000Z

On a recent visit to Manus, 11 - 14 May 1989, three types of swiftlet Collocalia spp with white rumps were observed, where only two had previously been recorded (Coates 1985). These were identified as follows.

1) The commonest swiftlet was small with narrow pointed wings and a pointed tail. It had dark brown upperparts except for a neat, small, oblong (broader across the body than along it) white rump. The underparts were paler brown and a bit smudgy on the belly. This was identified as White-rumped Swiftlet C. spodiopygia, a species I had previously seen on New Britain and Bougainville. On Manus it was recorded in all habitats visited, from Lorengau at sea-level to rain forest at 200 m. It was the most numerous bird I recorded.

2) This type was similar in size and shape to the White-rumped Swiftlet and also with a small, neat white rump. This was distinguished by a glossy sheen on the upperparts (not always discernible) and a clean white belly sharply demarcated from a darker breast, which I find is a more reliable field characteristic than glossiness. This was identified as a white rumped form of Glossy Swiftlet C. esculenta, probably stresemanni. It was much less numerous than White-rumped Swiftlet and seemed to favour valleys with running water through forest or secondary growth.

3) The third form was larger than the preceding two, having a stockier body, broader wings and a square tail. Its upperparts were dark brown with a large, square, smudgy, ill-defined white rump. The belly was smudgy brown on a dirty white background, becoming more uniform on the breast. It was regularly recorded in small numbers along ridge tops in the interior of the island and always associated with White-rumped Swiftlets.

In shape and size it closely resembled Uniform Swiftlet C. vanikorensis, which has been recorded on Manus, although I did not see it on this trip. Four very similar swiftlets have been recorded in PNG, although two of these, Mountain Swiftlet C. hirundinacea and Three-toed Swiftlet C. papuensis, are endemic to mainland New Guinea (Beehler et al. 1986, Coates 1985). Both Uniform Swiftlet and Whitehead's Swiftlet have ranges extending north of Papua New Guinea (Beehler et al. 1986) although only Whitehead's Swiftlet has a white-rumped form, the New Ireland subspecies, leletensis. This subspecies is known only from a single specimen from the Lelet plateau, New Ireland (Coates 1985).

I think this third type of swiftlet I observed on Manus may be Whitehead's Swiftlet of the New Ireland subspecies. This would extend this subspecies' range 250 km westwards and would be a new species for Manus. However swiftlets are not the easiest species to identify in the field. These observations are presented in the hope that subsequent bird watchers will carefully observe the swiftlets on Manus and either confirm or refute my identification.

Beehler, B.M., T.K. Pratt & D.A. Zimmerman. 1986. Birds of New Guinea. Princeton University Press.
Coates, B.J. 1985. The Birds of Papua New Guinea. Vol 1. Dove Publications.

Originally published in MURUK 5(2):64

In Search of the Manus Endemics.

1989-05-15T17:41:00.000Z

Manus is one of the more remote of Papua New Guinea's provinces, lying about 250 km north of Madang and the same distance west of New Ireland. It was to this splendid isolation that we flew in early May 1989 for a long weekend away from Port Moresby. Of course while we were there we hoped to see some of the island's endemic birds. Depending which book you read there may be five or six of these: Meek's Pygmy Parrot Micropsitta meeki, Manus Boobook Ninox meeki, Superb Pitta Pitta superba, Manus Rufous Fantail Rhipidura semirubra (sometimes considered only a race of Rufous Fantail), Manus Pied Monarch Monarcha infelix and White-naped Friarbird Philemon albitorques. Manus and its birds have featured relatively little in PNGBS publications to date, so descriptions of the birds we saw are included here to help those who follow.

We arrived at Momote airfield at midday after a flight that had touched down in four provinces and flown over another four. Momote is a large ex-WW2 airfield on the island of Los Negros, which is separated from Manus island by the narrow Lonui Channel. We slowly drove the 25 km to Lorengau, the provincial capital, but only saw White-rumped Swiftlets en route.

Following a lazy afternoon, we went bird watching in the evening at a site recommended by Tony Palliser. It was less than 3 km from Lorengau (see map) and several of the endemics had been seen there. It proved productive for us too. White-rumped Swiftlets were again much in evidence, accompanied by a few Glossy Swiftlets, which also have white rumps here, but are distinguished by cleaner white bellies. Our first new bird was a Black-headed (Bismarck) White-Eye, which was relatively common in areas of secondary growth. It has, as its name implies, a black or dark grey head, including chin and throat, which becomes paler on the nape, shading into the dark green of the upperparts. The white eye-ring was broken in front of the eye and was not as broad as that of the Black-fronted White-Eye, the species with which we are most familiar. The underparts were dusky yellow, brighter on the undertail coverts.

The first endemic we saw, not surprisingly, was a White-naped Friarbird, flying across the valley. In silhouette it was not unlike the Eurasian Jay, albeit with a thinner neck. For a friarbird it was quite striking. It had a dark brown face, crown, mantle, back and wings. The nape and all underparts were pale fawn. It had an amazing range of calls, at times sounding like a Rufous-bellied Kookaburra or a Raggiana Bird of Paradise, neither of which occurs on Manus. It was widespread and we recorded it in all the habitats we visited, including around Lorengau.

The next bird we saw had us puzzled. A cuckoo-shrike landed in a fruiting tree where some Singing Starlings were already feeding. It seemed uniform dark grey with perhaps darker wings, and was noticeably smaller than the starlings. We ruled out Cicadabird at first because we thought it too small, but shortly after it was joined by a female-plumaged Cicadabird. As the starlings appeared normal sized we decided it must be a small subspecies. A second puzzle followed a little later when a third type of swiftlet with a white rump was seen. It was generally larger and stockier than both White-rumped and Glossy Swiftlets, with a large, square, dirty white rump. We think this may prove to be Whitehead's Swiftlet of the New Ireland race. As this may be a new record for Manus, one of only a few records of this subspecies and an increase in the known distribution of this subspecies, this observation will be written up in more detail (Hicks in prep).

Our third new bird was Meek's Pygmy-Parrot, which we heard repeatedly before seeing a small flock foraging along the branches of a large tree. Generally they had mustard yellow heads, although some had dark crowns, and underparts, except for the undertail coverts, which were brighter yellow. The mantle, back, wings and tail were dark green. The legs were orange. They were relatively common and easily seen in both forest and secondary growth. Our second new record for Manus, which will also be written up in more detail, was a pair of Claret-breasted Fruit-Doves feeding in the same fruiting tree as the Cicadabirds and starlings. This rounded off our evening's bird watching.

Disappointingly the remainder of our stay produced no more new birds although we did see Common Golden Whistler and more Claret-breasted Fruit-Doves in rainforest along the highway. Frustratingly the endemic Superb Pitta may have been glimpsed. A bird was flushed from a forest track, all that was noted of this bird was a flash of electric blue on the inner wings and across the back of a pitta-sized bird. What else could it have been? If Superb Pitta is found at this site (see map), then all the Manus endemics can be found within 3 km of Lorengau, as Tony Palliser recorded Manus Boobook and Manus Pied Monarch in the same area.

We would like to thank Tony Palliser who provided information about bird watching on Manus and supplied the very useful map, which we have reproduced here, with some additions.

Species List: Brahminy Kite; Grey Goshawk; Large Sand-Plover; Grey-tailed Tattler; Black-naped Tern; Crested Tern; Claret-breasted Fruit-Dove; Rainbow Lorikeet; Black-capped Lory; Meek's Pygmy-Parrot; Eclectus Parrot; Brush Cuckoo (h); Moustached Tree-Swift; White-rumped Swiftlet; Glossy Swiftlet; Whitehead's Swiftlet (?); Rainbow Bee-eater; Superb Pitta (?); White-bellied Cuckoo-Shrike; Cicadabird; Northern Fantail; Shining Flycatcher; Common Golden Whistler; Yellow-bellied Sunbird; Black-headed White-Eye; White-naped Friarbird; Singing Starling; Metallic Starling. 28 species.

Originally published in MURUK 5(1):34-36

Range extension for Claret-breasted Fruit-Dove Ptilinopus viridis

1989-05-13T17:34:00.001Z

On a visit to Manus in May 1989, Claret-breasted Fruit-Doves Ptilinopus viridis were noted on two occasions. As this species had not previously been recorded from Manus (Coates 1985) details of these observations are presented here.

On the evening of 11 May 1989, while bird watching c. 3 km outside Lorengau on the Trans-Island Highway, a pair of Claret-breasted Fruit-Doves were observed for nearly 20 minutes while they fed and sat in an unidentified fruiting tree, in the company of a pair of Cicadabirds Coracina tenuirostris, Black-headed White-Eyes Zosterops hypoxantha and a Singing Starling Aplonis cantoroides. The fruit-doves were in view nearly the whole time and I watched them using 10x binoculars from a distance of less than 30 m. The following notes were made: both birds were mainly "fruit-dove" green with a broad, triangular shaped (apex uppermost) claret patch extending from the throat onto the breast. The head was greyer than the body and the undertail coverts were off-white. I did not note the colour of bill nor any markings on the inner wing. This breast patch was smaller on the presumed female, but was not a small crescentic mark as in the northern New Guinea race salvadorii, suggesting these are birds of one of the eastern races vicinus or lewisii. The second observation on 12 May 1989, c. 10 km from Lorengau along the Trans-Island Highway was brief, but long enough to identify the species. Other fruit-doves were seen but not identified. I have previously seen Claret-breasted Fruit-Dove once, on Bougainville in June 1986.

The Superb Fruit-Dove P. superbus, with which I am familiar from the Port Moresby area and the Yellow-bibbed Fruit-Dove P. solomonensis, which I have seen once on Bougainville, have both been recorded on Manus. I identified neither during my stay on Manus, but do not think either could be mistaken for a Claret-breasted Fruit-Dove.

In PNG the Claret-breasted Fruit-Dove has a disjointed range, being found along the north coast of New Guinea east to Madang, in the D'Entrecasteaux islands (Goodenough, Fergusson and Normanby) and the North Solomon Islands (Nissan, Buka and Bougainville) (Coates 1985). In the Bismarck archipelago it is known only from Lihir Island, north of New Ireland (Coates 1985, Burrows 1987). Manus lies c. 250 km north of Madang and c. 600 km west of Lihir, so this observation represents a considerable range extension for this species.

Burrows, I. 1987. Some notes on the Birds of Lihir. Muruk 2: 40-42.
Coates, B.J. 1985. The Birds of Papua New Guinea. Vol 1. Dove Publications.

Originally published in MURUK 5(2):85.

Welcome Swallow Hirundo neoxana at Moitaka Settling Ponds

1988-03-30T17:25:00.001Z

A single Welcome Swallow Hirundo neoxana was seen at Moitaka Settling Ponds (National Capital District) at 07:15 on 30 March 1988. The most notable feature was its elongated outer tail feathers, which made it appear more slender than the Pacific Swallows H. tahitica available for comparison. Its plumage was very similar to the Pacific Swallows': dark blue-black above, greyish below with a rich rufous throat and upper breast. The long tail streamers and rich colour of the throat indicated this bird was an adult, as immatures have short tails and duller plumage (Pizzey 1980). A swallow with tail streamers, that had been glimpsed but not identified, at the settling ponds on 24 March 1988, is now assumed to have been this Welcome Swallow. The other two possible options are Barn Swallow H. rustica and Red-rumped Swallow H. daurica, both northern winter visitors to PNG (Beehler et al 1986). It was not considered to be either of these species as it lacked the dark breast band and white underparts of Barn Swallow and did not have the pale or rufous rump and collar of Red-rumped Swallow. We are familiar with all three species.

The Welcome Swallow is endemic to Australia, although some authorities consider it conspecific with the Pacific Swallow (Howard & Moore 1984). It is a partial migrant; some southern breeders desert their nesting areas in the austral winter and move north. It is self-introduced to New Zealand (Pizzey 1980). The first record in PNG was of a single bird associating with Barn Swallows and Tree Martins H. nigricans at Aroa Lagoon, Central Province, in November 1980 (Finch 1980). The second record was of two birds, an adult and an immature at Hisiu Lagoon, Central Province, in October 1984 (Finch 1984). Hence, this is only the third record for PNG and the entire New Guinea region.

Beehler, B.M., T.K. Pratt & D.A. Zimmerman. 1986. Birds of New Guinea. Princeton University Press.
Finch, B.W. 1980. PNGBS Newsletter 173-74: 4-5.
Finch, B.W. 1884. PNGBS Newsletter 212: 4-5.
Howard, R & A. Moore. 1984. A Complete Checklist of the Birds of the World. Papermac.
Pizzey, G. 1980. A Field Guide to the Birds of Australia. Collins. Sydney.

Originally published in MURUK 4(3):110 co-authored with Richard Gregory-Smith

Myola in December

1987-12-07T18:41:00.001Z

The heat and humidity of pre-wet season Port Moresby was gladly swapped for the cooler, fresher air of Myola at 2080m in the Owen Stanley Mountains. We landed at Myola shortly after 07:00 on 4 December 1987. The birding began almost immediately with small parties of Goldie’s Lorikeets flying overhead as they left their roost in the crowns of nearby Pandanus trees. Glossy Swiftlets and Tawny Grassbirds were soon added to the list, all these birds new for Phil who had recently arrived from England for a bird-watching holiday.

Following the welcoming breakfast, the bird-watchers and bush-walkers went their separate ways. The walkers stretched their legs in the direction of the crashed WW2 aircraft while the birders set mist nets in the forest to the east of the village using the same sites as in September 1987. The first birds, a pair of Orange-bellied Fairy-Wrens, were in the net before we had even finished putting it up. Once up, the nets were left for a while and we bird-watched in the moss forest seeing female Stephanie’s Astrapia feeding in the canopy and a Papuan Treecreeper spiralling up tree trunks. We had caught several birds when we made our first round of the nets including three Olive Straightbills, two of which we had ringed the previous September, and a Tawny Grassbird.

Shortly after lunch it began raining and we were treated to heavy showers through the afternoon. This was the pattern throughout our stay with clear mornings and wet afternoons. This reduced our bird-watching and bird-catching time. The mist nets were furled during the heaviest rain and checked often while there were only light showers. Despite the rain we managed to see some good birds. Phil caught up with the elusive Spotted Jewel-Babbler, often heard but seldom seen, while Barry and Lynda glimpsed a Lesser Ground Robin.

On Saturday the bush-walkers made a bog-stomp towards the Kokoda trail as low cloud had deterred them from trying to reach the tree fern forest. This was a wise choice because the rain came early. En route Peter saw a Lesser Melampitta hopping along the trail. The birders stayed around the village seeing ashy Robin, Regent Whistler and Grey Wagtail and catching Large Scrub-Wren and Rufous-backed Honeyeater. A male Mottled Whistler, not previously recorded from Myola, was also caught.

On Sunday the bush walkers, accompanied by Phil, set off early in the hope of reaching the tree fern valley before the rain started. This they managed even seeing Papuan Lorikeet and Painted Tiger-Parrot on the way but they were soaked by the time they returned to the village. Meanwhile, the nets had been going up and down regularly between the showers and catching a few good birds. The star of the weekend was the very last bird caught, a male Garnet Robin.

Once again we would like to thank the villagers of Myola for their hospitality, Pacific Expeditions through whom we organised the weekend and Talair.

People List: bird-watchers: Roger & Jenny Hicks (+1/2), Barry & Lynda Hopkins and Phil Whittington; bush-walkers: Veronique Badoux, Dave Briggs, Peter & Andrea Storer.

Species List:r = ringed,, h = heard only
New Guinea Harpy-Eagle (h), King Quail, Forbes’ Forest Rail, Black-billed Cuckoo-Dove, White-breasted Fruit-Dove, Goldie’s Lorikeet, Papuan Lorikeet, Painted Tiger Parrot, Fan-tailed Cuckoo, Sooty Owl (h), Mountain Swiftlet, Glossy Swiftlet, Pacific Swallow, Pied Chat, Lesser Ground Robin, Island Thrush, Spotted Jewel-Babbler, Lesser Melampitta, Blue-capped Ifrita, Orange-crowned Fairy-wren (r) Tawny Grassbird (r), Mountain Mouse-Warbler, Large Scrub-Wren (r), Buff-faced Scrub-Wren, Papuan Scrub-Wren (r), New Guinea Thornbill, Brown-breasted Gerygone, Dimorphic Fantail, Black Fantail (r), Friendly Fantail, Black Monarch (h), Black-breasted Boatbill, Canary Flycatcher, Garnet Robin (r), Ashy Robin (r), Mottled Whistler (r), Regent Whistler (r), Rufous-naped Whistler (r), Papuan Treecreeper, Fan-tailed Berrypecker (r), Olive Straightbill (r), Rufous-backed Honeyeater (r), Belford’s Melidectes, Common Smoky Honeyeater (r), Grey-headed Mannikin, Loria’s Bird of Paradise, Stephanie’s Astrapia.

First published in Muruk 3(2): 67-68

White Pygmy Goose - new for the Port Moresby Area

1987-11-22T08:44:00.002Z

On 22 November 1987, at 14:30, a female White Pygmy-Goose Nettapus coromandelianus was observed at Aroa Lagoon, Central Province, c.100 km north-west of Port Moresby. The following description is from notes taken at the time: At first the bird was swimming in a channel of open water, between dense beds of water weed less than 50m from the shore. It was similar in size to Green Pygmy-Goose N.pulchellus which were present in large numbers, but smaller than Pacific Black Duck Anas superciliosa. It had a black bill, a dark crown, and a dark smudge about the eye. No obvious white supercilium was noted. The rest of the head, neck, breast and flanks were bright white. It was a much ‘cleaner’ looking bird than expeted from the illustration in Beehler et al (1986) so that we considered at first it was a male in eclipse. After five minutes it flew to another channel further out in the lagoon and was eventually lost to sight. In flight the back and wings appeared grey with a narrow white bar across the tips of the secondaries. The bird was therefore identified as a female.

There are no previous published records of this species in southern PNG (Coates 1985, Beehler et al 1986). The Asian subspecies N.c. coromandelianusis resident in the Sepik basin of nort-western PNG and Lake Kandeep in the Central Highlands (Beehler et al, 1986). The Australian subspecies N.c. albipennis is resident in north-east Australia (Slater et al, 1986) although “it can be expected to occur as a vagrant in southern New Guinea (Beehler et al, 1986).

The origins of the bird at Aroa are not clear. Illustrations of the female of the Asian subspecies (Beehler et al, 1986, King et al, 1984) show a dusky looking bird wile illustrations of the Australian subspecies (Slater et al, 1986, Simpson & Day 1984) show a much whiter appearance. The bird at Aroa appeared most similar to the illustrations of the Australian subspecies. Unfortunately, none of the field guides consulted deal with both subspecies and the written accounts in the above four field guides and in others (Coates 1985; Pizzey 1983; Macdonald 1973; Rand & Gilliard 1967) are very similar although describing different subspecies.

Beehler, B.M, T.K.Pratt & D.A.Zimmerman. 1986. Birds of New Guinea. Princeton University Press.
Coates, B.J. 1985. Birds of Papua New Guinea, Volume 1. Dove.
King, B., M. Woodcock, E.C.Dickinson. 1984. A Field Guide to the Birds of South-East Asia. Collins.
MacDonald, D. 1973. Birds of Australia. Reed.
Pizzey, G. 1983. A Field Guide to the Birds of Australia. Collins.
Rand, A.L. & E.T. Gilliard. 1967. Handbook of New Guinea Birds. Weidenfeld & Nicolson.
Simpson, K. & N.Day. 1984. The Birds of Australia. Lloyd O’Neill
Slater, P., P.Slater & R.Slater. 1986. The Slater Guide to Australian Birds. Rigby.

Originally published in Muruk 3(1): 5, co-authored with Chris Eastwood and Will Glynn.