Blue Rock Thrush on Paga Hill, Port Moresby. First record for the Australian Region east o f the Moluccas

At 18:00 on 7 January 1986 while watching a party of c.30 Red-rumped Swallows Hirundo daurica feeding over the eucalypt savanna on the eastern slopes of Paga Hill in port Moresby, RKH noticed a bird fly across an open space and perch on a building under construction below use. He thought it might be a Blue Rock Thrush Monticola solitarius and pointed it out to BWF who confirmed the identification.

The bird was observed without binoculars for about five minutes in fading light and the following notes were made. It was considerably larger than a  Pied Chat Saxicola caprata available for direct comparison and held itself in a typical thrush-like stance. Upon landing it flicked its tail slowly downwards, a movement often repeated while perched. Plumage details were difficult to determine in the fading light, but it was thought to be uniform blue-grey with darker primaries, a dark bill na dark legs. It eventually flew into the half completed building and was lost from sight.

We returned to the area at 06:00 the following morning, armed with binoculars. BWF spotted the bird almost immediately and we watched it for nearly an hour in good light. The dull image of the previous evening had changed overnight into a resplendent adult male of the chestnut bellied race M.s.philippensis. It was seen daily up to 19 January 1986 and appeared to range widely, although it was often found around the houses in the early morning and late afternoon. It was subsequently seen by 13 other observers.

The following description is taken from notes made at the time. The bird was shaped like a thrush, with a moderately long tail, often held pointing downwards and flicked agitatedly. Head to chest and entire upperparts were blue-grey, primaries and central retrices were darker. The wing coverts had small dark centres and whitish crescent shaped tips. The feathers across the back, bordering the wings and across the upper breast similarly had whitish crescent shaped tips. The underparts from chest to vent were a uniform, deep chestnut-orange, sharply contrasting with the blue-grey of the chest. The feathering at the base of the legs was blue. The bill was slender and quite long for a thrush and uniform blackish. The legs were also uniformly dark. The iris was large, prominent and dark.

 

There are ten species of rock thrush Monticola, five of which are confined to Africa (Howard & Moore 1984) and are not considered further here. The remaining five species are distributed across Eurasia. One reaches no further east than north India. Four species can be found in south-east Asia (King et al 1984) and all are at least partially migratory. The chestnut-bellied race of Blue Rock Thrush M.s.philippensis winters further south and east than any other species, reaching the Philippines and Indonesia. The Blue Rock Thrush is the only one of these four to have a blue breast and, in non-breeding plumage, to have scaly markings across the mantle and on the breast (King et al 1984, Viney & Phillips 1983). Both these features were noted on the bird at Paga Hill. This is the first record of this species in Papua New Guinea and in the Australia region (east of the Moluccas).

Howard, R. & A.Moore. 1984. A complete checklist of the birds of the world. Papermac.

King, B., M.Woodcock, E.C.Dickinson. 1984. A field guide to the  birds of south-east Asia. Collins.

Viney, C. & K.Phillips. 1983. New Colour Guide to Hong Kong Birds. J.R.Lee.

First published in Muruk 2(2): 64-65 co-authored with B.W.Finch

A Week in West New Britain 9 – 16 January 1986

For our week in West New Britain we were based at the Hoskins Hotel, close to Hoskins airfield at the eastern end of the sealed road which round Kimbe Bay to just beyond Kimbe in the west. Along much of this road the land has been given over to plantation crops, mostly oil palm. Birds were relatively few among the palms although we did see Eastern Black-capped Lory, White-necked Coucal and Slaty-backed Goshawk. Around the villages Olive-backed and Black Sunbirds were common, Black Myzomela, New Britain Black Mannikin, Metallic Starling, New Britain Friarbird and Moustached Tree-Swift were also seen. A flock of seven Little Curlew which were feeding among the houses at Dami Reasearch Station, should have been sseing out the northern winter in Australia. A roosting flight of Blyth’s Hornbills heading west over Dami was seenmost evenings, with 79 being the most recorded. Inland and beyond the end of the sealed road the rain forest eventually gave way to rain forest and it was here we spent most of our bird-watching time. On our first day we went east along the coast road towards Lavege where we found a guide to take us to the hot springs. On the half hour walk we saw Red-knobbed Imperial Pigeon, Eclectus Parrot and Spangled Drongo. Near the hot springs we saw the nest holes dug by megapodes, using the ground warmed by geothermal activity to incubate their eggs, but sadly there was no sign of the birds. On subsequent days we went inland, first along the road to Bargua where we saw Pacific Baza, White-rumped Swiftlet and the New Britain subspecies of Dwarf Kingfisher which has a red bill. Next we explored the highway that will eventually link west to east New Britain. The best bird-watching was along the shores of Lake Lalili, made accessible by logging tracks. Here we saw Common Kingfisher, Comb-crested Jacana, Pied Cuckoo-Dove, Blue-eyed Cockatoo and Black Bittern. The highlight of the week was our first experience of snorkelling on a coral reef. We were taken to Ema Reef, 10 miles out in Kimbe Bay. The underwater scenery and colours were out of this world and fish-watching could be as pleasurable as bird-watching. En route to and from the reef we saw Common, Swift (Crested) and Little Terns, Lesser Frigatebird and Brown Boobies.

Our thanks to Max Benjamin of Walindi for the snorkelling and special thanks to Bob Prior for his time and hospitality.

Species List:
Lesser Frigatebird, Little Pied Cormorant, Brown Booby, Black Bittern, Pacific Baza, Slaty-backed Goshawk, Brahminy Kite, Spotted Whistling Duck, Pale-vented Bush-hen, Comb-crested Jacana, Pacific Golden Plover, Little Curlew, Common Sandpiper, Swinhoe’s Snipe, Common Tern, Swift (Crested) Tern, Brown Noddy, Brown Cuckoo-Dove, Pied Cuckoo-Dove, Red-knobbed Fruit-Dove, Pied Imperial Pigeon, Eastern Black-capped Lory, Coconut Lorikeet, Red-flanked Lorikeet, Blue-eyed Cockatoo, Eclectus Parrot, White-necked Coucal, Moustached Tree-Swift, Uniform Swiftlet, White-rumped Swiftlet, Dwarf Kingfisher, Common Kingfisher, Blyth’s Hornbill, Pacific Swallow, White-bellied Cuckoo-Shrike, Varied Triller, Northern Fantail, Willie Wagtail, Shining Flycatcher, Olive-backed Sunbird, Black Sunbird, Papuan Black Myzomela, New Britain Friarbird, Metallic Starling, Spangled Drongo, New Britain Black Mannikin, Yellow-faced Myna, Torresian Crow.

First Published in PNGBS Newsletter 219: 4 – 6, co-authored with Jenny H. Bott

In Search of Macgregor’s Bird of Paradise 21 – 23 December 1985

This was meant to be Brian Finch’s farewell fling, a weekend trip to find Macgregor’s Bird of Paradise, the only Bird of Paradise to occur in PNG that had managed to elude his binoculars. Macgregor’s Bird of Paradise is a high altitude species found from 9000 – 13000 feet in Podocarpus (high altitude pine) forests. The closest point to Port Moresby where this habitat and this species’ range coincide is on the Mount Victoria Massif. A few miles north of Mount Victoria lies Mount Scratchley and here PTC have built a microwave repeater station, including a hut for service engineers and a helipad. We had permission to use this hut, and so it was to Mount Scratchley, with the help of Pacific Helicopters that we headed in search of Macgregor’s Bird of Paradise.

Brian, John Ismay, Paulene Kibble and myself departed from Jacksons Airport at 06:25 on 21/12/1985, piloted by Mike Stockton. The view was superb with the top of Mount Victoria completely clear. The helicopter with five aboard, (plus gear) would not be able to make it up to the rarified heights of the PTC station (11600 ft). Brian and I were off-loaded at Onange mission airstrip (c.6000 ft) where, during a twenty minute wait I had distant views of a Great Wood-Swallow. We were landed on top at about 07:30 to find Paulene and John had already moved the gear into the hut so it was on with the birding.

At that altitude birds are few and far between. In the pine forests below the PTC station we saw Papuan Mountain Pigeon, Belford’s Melidectes and Papuan Scrub-Wren. On the grass and scrub covered hillsides there were Crimson Firetails and at least one pair of Alpine Pipits. These have a display flight like the Eurasian Tree Pipit and also sing from tree tops. The most colourful bird was Crested Berrypecker, found both in the scrub and forest and usually in small parties. There was no sign of Macgregor’s Bird of Paradise, probably because none of the pines were in fruit.

We climbed back to the hut noticing the effect of the altitude for the first time,a fast pumping of the heart as it tried to grab the necessary oxygen from the thin air. In the afternoon the weather deteriorated rapidly and we sheltered in the hut while strong north-west winds sent clouds of rain scudding past the window. Birding was almost impossible but an enjoyable time was spent collecting some of the numerous varieties of lichen.

Monday dawned cold, clear and calm. The helicopter duly arrived and departed with all of us aboard in a stomach wrenching dive to lose altitude and gain speed. We were back in the tropical humidty of Port Moresby within half-an-hour. We had only recorded 13 species and failed to see Macgregor’s Bird of Paradise. Still there is always next time.

Our thanks to Mike Stockton for landing us safely on Scratchley and for coming to take us off again when it looked like we could have been there for Christmas. Also thanks to PTC for the use of their hut without which our stay would have been a lot less enjoyable.

Species List:
Little Eagle, Papuan Mountain Pigeon, Fan-tailed Cuckoo, Glossy Swiftlet, Alpine Pipit, Island Thrush, Papuan Scrub-Wren, Crested Berrypecker, Regent Whistler, Friendly Fantail, Belford’s Melidectes, Sooty Melidectes, Crimson Firetail.
First published in PNGBS Newsletter 219: 2 - 3

PNGBS Outing 14th December 1985: Pelagic Birding

On the 14th December 1985, fourteen PNGBS members and friends left Port Moresby aboard the motor launch ‘Tarangau’ skippered by her owner Paul Jenkins, with the hope of seeing some of the seabirds that are to be found beyond the reef. The seabirds are most active early in the day when the fish on which they feed are closer to the surface having followed the plankton as it rises during the night and sinks during the day.

We were underway by 06:00 and a few birds were recorded on the way out to the reef: Common Tern, Crested Tern and Brown Booby. The largest concentration was seen around the light tower at the landward side of the Basilisk Passage. Over 100 birds of several species were noted there, including Brown Boobies, Black-naped Terns, much whiter than Common Terns, at least one Roseate Tern with noticeably lobg tail streamers and a few White-capped Noddies. In the passage itself, a sandy coloured juvenile Bridled Tern were seen perched on some floating vegetation. Other species recorded making use of similar perches at sea were Brown Boobies, Common Terns and Common Noddies. Near the mouth of the passage both Common and White-capped Noddies were seen together when the smaller size of the latter was quite apparent.

Beyond the reef the number of birds was noticeably fewer. Small parties of Brown Boobies were noted moving west and a few terns and noddies were encountered. A solitary Streaked Shearwater was seen followed about quarter of an hour later by a raft of about 30 and a single Wedge-tailed Shearwater. The Wedge-tail was easily separated on its smaller size and uniform brown plumage, including the unde wing. I did not notice a wedge-shaped tail though. Three single Pomarine Skuas, on dark juvenile, one pale sub-adult and one pale adult were also seen on the trip to a point about 15 miles south of the reef.

We started back at about 10:00. Large numbers of butterflies were observed moving over the sea. Only one species, the Canopus Swallowtail was seen moving south. The following were recorded moving north: Blue Tiger, Caper White Beak and Australian Gull. Just off the reef we came across a raft of 20 Common Terns sitting on the sea, something they are not supposed to do.

Lunch was taken aboard ‘Tarangau’ while anchored off the beach at the western end of Fisherman’s Island. Afterwards a few went ashore while others swam around the boat. In the few palms at the end of the island a Varied Honeyeater was heard calling and then seen. Later another two were heard calling. Although common on the north coast of PNG, this species is only found on this island on the south coast. Large numbers of waders were roosting on the island’s airstrip: Pacific Golden Plover (c.100), Lesser Sand Plover (c.300), Greater sand Plover (c.300), Sharp-tailed Sandpiper (c.20), Red-necked Stint (c.20), Little Curlew (2) and Ruddy Turnstone (c.20). Also recorded on the island were Golden-headed Cisticola, Horsfield’s Bushlark and Pied Bushchat, one of which was observed riding a wind sock.

And that was the Bird Society’s day at sea. Although only a few species were recorded, it was an enjoyable day and many of the party had their first good views of pelagic species such as Shearwaters and Skuas. Our thanks to Paul for following the birds and rowing us ashore.

SPECIES LIST:
Streaked Shearwater, Wedge-tailed Shearwater, Brown Booby, Lesser Frigatebird, Pacific Golden Plover, Lesser Sand Plover, Greater Sand Plover, Little Curlew, Ruddy Turnstone, Sharp-tailed Sandpiper, Red-necked Stint, Pomarine Skua, Common Tern, Roseate Tern, Black-naped Tern, Bridled Tern, Little Tern, Crested Tern, Common Noddy, White-capped Noddy, Pacific Swallow, Horsfield’s Bushlark, Pied Bushchat, Varied Honeyeater, Singing Starling, Golden-headed Cisticola.

A Weekend at Bensbach 15 - 17 November 1985

This is an account of a weekend that Brian Finch, Paulene Kibble and I spent at Bensbach Lodge. It was one of the most enjoyable weekends I have spent anywhere. I can only hope that this account will do it justice.

We left Jacksons Airport at 13:30 on Friday afternoon aboard Ian Hodgson’s Piper Comanche, having only received the ‘All Systems Go’ at 10:30 that morning. We had an uneventful three and a bit hours’ flight, passing over all our regular birding haunts at a height of 5000 feet. We reached the coast near Yule island and followed it round the Gulf of Papua to the mouth of the Fly River. It was then overland, passing over Morehead to arrive at Bensbach at about 16:35.

Birding had begun even before we had touched down when Torresian Imperial Pigeons were seen flying over the tree tops. They were much more common than around Moresby and when closer views were obtained were seen to be scruffier with brown mottling on their white plumage.

While our bags were transported to the lodge, we opted to walk and spent an enjoyable couple of hours around the airstrip. Several specialities of the area were seen including Blue-tailed Bee-eater and Magpie Lark. In Australia, the latter is commonly known as Pee-wee after its call, probably a better name for it as it only superficially resembles a magpie and looks nothing like a lark. There seems to be a trend to move away from these colloquial names which I think is a shame. There were distant views of a Spangled Kookaburra and a pair of Australian Magpies at the end of the runway. As evening drew in flocks of Swifts were seen over the airstrip, probably all Fork-tailed Swifts. A minimum of three Moustached Tree-Swifts were also seen flying over the trees, reminding me of terns with their distinctive outline, bouncy flight and relatively slow wing-beats. We walked along the track to the lodge in increasing gloom, listening to calling Barking Owls.

And so we came to the lodge where we were welcomed with copious amounts of muli (wild lemon) juice. This was followed shortly by an excellent meal prepared by our host, Brian Bromley. We retired early, anticipating an early start the next morning, but not without a look at the night sky where we were hoping to see Halley’s Comet, but none of the stars had tails.

We were out and about before it was fully light the next morning. The Barking Owls were still calling and a Large-tailed Nightjar was seen hawking for insects over the track. In the grassland near the airstrip we saw White-shouldered Fairy-Wrens. The female is markedly different from those around Port Moresby, having a dark cap, brown back and wings, white throat and buffish underparts. In an area of Melaleuca (paper bark) scrub we found Brown Honeyeaters and had good views of a party of Grey-crowned Babblers. A flock of Red-winged Parrots flew overhead, with almost luminescent lime green bodies and a large red flash on the inner wing. On our way back to the lodge for breakfast Paulene spotted a pair of Barking Owls perched in an Acacia. They watched us while we watched them.

After breakfast came the highlight of the weekend: a boat trip down the Bensbach River while we reclined in comfortable armchairs letting the birds come to us. This must be the height of decadence! White-bellied Sea-Eagles were hardly ever out of view, their pure white heads, undersides and tails glistened in the sun and contrasted with their slate grey backs and wings. Several pairs were nesting in trees alongside the river. Egrets and herons were to be seen all along the river and as we entered the riverside grasslands south of the village of Balamuk they were joined by Glossy and Australian White Ibises. Here, we also saw our first Australian Bustards and Black-necked Stork, both species dwarfing the other birds near them.

For the rest of the day our bird-watching was dominated by grasslands and marsh species. Huge flocks of Little Curlew were visible and we estimated that there was a minimum of 10,000 over the grasslands. While investigating a flock of these a Zitting Cisticola was seen carrying nesting material and a Red-backed Button-Quail was flushed. Also spotted was a late flock of c.50 Australian Pratincoles, that should have been down south at this time, and four Bush Stone-Curlews standing in the shade of some trees. Herds of Rusa Deer and Agile Wallaby were frequently seen.

Further south were some muddy areas, possibly silted up ox-bow lakes, and we had our picnic lunch beside one of these. Many species were attracted to the mud and shallow water including a flock of c.500 Magpie Geese, c.50 Brolga, some of which were dancing and 10 Red-kneed Dotterels, probably the highest count of this species recorded in PNG. A further six, presumably different individuals had been seen at another marsh earlier in the day. Other species seen at these marshes included: Red-necked Stint, Marsh Sandpiper, Curlew Sandpiper and a Little Ringed Plover of unknown subspecies as it remained silent. A Wedge-tailed Eagle, identified by the dark colouring of its underparts and wedge-shaped tail, was seen in the distance.

En route back to the lodge we observed an Osprey carrying a fish over the village of Balamuk and a Blue-faced Honeyeater feeding at coconut flowers in the village. Our last bird of the boat ride was a Great-bileld Heron flying out from an over grown area of river bank. Yet another excellent meal, roast venison, rounded off an exceptional day, one of the most enjoyable I have spent birding. We retired early, once again dipping out on Halley’s Comet.

On Sunday our start time was a little more civilised, we even had time for breakfast before boarding the boat and again heading downstream. We stopped in a sedge bed and were rewarded with excellent views of Fly River Grassbird. Paulene and I probably being only the third and fourth birders to have seen this species since it was rediscovered by Brian. Further on, during a stop to photograph a Black-necked Stork, the Gods were really smiling on us. A harsh grating and churring song was heard which on investigation turned out to be the sub-song of a Great Reed Warbler, only the second record for PNG. It was skulking in a dense bush and brief views showed it to be much larger than Australian Reed Warblers singing nearby; the colour if wings and back appeared much more yellow brown. Returning upstream, we called in at the lodge so our boatman could show us the Papuan Frogouth roosting in the trees behind the laundry. Further upstream the banks of the river were more overgrown and as a result both Great-billed Heron and Striated Heron which favour this habitat were commoner than downstream.

Our weekend at Bensbach ended with another delicious meal, this time fried Barramundi. We had seen nearly 130 species, the majority from the comfort of an armchair aboard river boats, for which we thank the boat handlers. We extend warm thanks to our host, Brian Bromley, who enabled us to eat and sleep so well. And finally thanks to out pilot, Ian Hodgson.

If anybody, however slight their interest in natural history, is thinking of a quiet time away from it all, Paulene, Brian and I would have little hesitation in recommending Bensbach. Anyone who has a greater interest wildlife should jump at the first chance they have to get down there. It was the most enjoyable birding weekend.

Species List:
Little Black Cormorant, Little Pied Cormorant, Australian Darter, Australian Pelican, Great-billed Heron, Eastern Great Egret, Pied Heron, Intermediate Egret, Eastern Cattle Egret, Little Egret, Striated Heron, Nankeen Night Heron, Black-necked Stork, Glossy Ibis, Australian White Ibis, Straw-necked Ibis, Royal Spoonbill, Osprey, Pacific Baza, Whistling Kite, Brahminy Kite, White-bellied Sea-Eagle, Collared Sparrowhawk, Wedge-tailed Eagle, Magpie Goose, Raja Shelduck, Green Pygmy Goose, Grey Teal, Pacific Black Duck, Garganey, Common Scrubfowl, Red-backed Button-Quail, White-browed Crake, Brolga, Australian Bustard, Comb-crested Jacana, White-headed Stilt, Bush Stone-Curlew, Australian Pratincole, Masked Lapwing, Pacific Golden Plover, Red-kneed Dotterel, Little Ringed Plover, Lesser Sand-Plover, Little Curlew, Common Sandpiper, Marsh Sandpiper, Black-tailed Godwit, Sharp-tailed Sandpiper, Red-necked Stint, Curlew Sandpiper, Whiskered Tern, White-winged black Tern, Gull-billed Tern, Little Tern, Peaceful Dove, Bar-shouldered Dove, Orange-fronted Fruit-Dove, Superb Fruit-Dove, Pinon Imperial Pigeon, Collared Imperial Pigeon, Torresian Imperial Pigeon, Coconut Lory, Red-flanked Lorikeet, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Red-cheeked Parrot, Eclectus Parrot, Red-winged Parrot, Common Koel, Channel-billed Cuckoo, Pheasant Coucal, Barking Owl, Papuan Frogmouth, Large-tailed Nightjar, Moustached Tree-swift, White-throated Needletail, Fork-tailed Swift, Rufous-bellied Kookabura, Spangled Kookaburra, Blue-winged Kookaburra,Azure Kingfisher, Little Kingfisher, Forest Kingfisher, Sacred Kingfisher, Yellow-billed Kingfisher, Blue-tailed Bee-eater, Oriental Dollarbird, Blue-breasted Pitta, Noisy Pitta, Horsfield’s Bushlark, Tree Martin, Black-faced Cuckoo-Shrike, Black White-bellied Cuckoo-Shrke, Cicadabird, Varied Triller, Grey-crowned Babbler, Australian Reed Warbler, Great Reed Warbler, Tawny Grassbird, Fly River Grassbird, Golden-headed Cisticola, White-shouldered Fairy-Wren, Willie Wagtail, Frilled Monarch, Shining Flycatcher, Brown Honeyeater, Dusky Myzomela, Puff-backed Meliphaga, Mimic Meliphaga, Graceful Meliphaga, Tawny-breasted Honeyeater, Blue-faced Honeyeater, Little Friarbird, New Guinea Friarbird, Brown-backed Honeyeater, Rufous-banded Honeyeater, White-spotted Mannikin, Yellow-faced Myna, Yellow Oriole, Spangled Drongo, Magpie-Lark, White-breasted Wood-Swallow, Black-backed Butcherbird, Australian Magpie, Spotted Catbird, Fawn-breasted Bowerbird, Glossy Manucode, Torresian Crow.

First published in PNGBS Newsletter 218: 4 – 6

PNGBS Outing: 6th October 1985: Lea Lea and Lake Iaraguma

Several car loads of members and friends met at the Baruni turn off at 06:00. Unfortunately two car loads were lost before the birding had begun, one to a puncture and a second to escort duties. The latter was subsequently unable to locate the rest of the party. Perhaps a map of reas to be visited should be supplied to all participants in the future. Along the way to the first stop at Lea Lea salt pans, Australian Kestrel and Horsfield’s Bushlark were seen in the grassland near Fairfax. Relatively few waders were recorded at the salt pans: several Common Sandpipers, 3 Black-tailed Godwits, 2 Red-necked Stints and one each of Eastern Curlew, Whimbrel, Little Curlew and Grey-tailed Tattler. The Eastern Curlew was the first returning bird after the northern breeding season.Two of the uncommon (or less often observed) herons, White-faced Heron and Striated Heron were seen around the edge of the pans.

From the salt pans it was a short drive to the mud flats at Lea Lea where an opening in the mangroves afforded some good views of a variety of shore birds being pushed steadily closer by the in-coming tide. There were distant views of four species of terns: Little, Common, Gull-billed and Crested (Swift). The proble of distinguishing between Greater and Lesser (Mongolian) sand-Plovers raised its ugly head again. For me the bird of the day was the solitary Terek Sandpiper, with bright orange legs and an incongruously long upturned bill, so long it seemed it might over-balance.

The next stop was Lake Iaraguma. Here the birds were watched from a small hillock over-looking the flood plain of the Laloki River, most of which was under water. It was quite an unexpected vista. There were distant views of soaring White-bellied Sea-Eagle and Australian Pelicans. One of the latter drifted over head and landed on the lake in full view. Amongst the many herons and egrets were four Cattle Egrets in full breeding plumage. A single Australian White Ibis and a flock of 11 Little Curlew were seen flying over the lake, possibly looking for non-existent mud.

To sum up: 74 species were recorded including 9 species of heron.

Australasian Grebe, Lesser Frigatebird, Little Black Cormorant, Little Pied Cormorant, Australian Darter, Australian Pelican, Eastern Great Egret, Pied Heron, Intermediate Egret, Eastern Cattle Egret, White-faced Heron, Little Egret, Eastern Reef Egret, Striated Heron, Nankeen Night Heron, Australian White Ibis, Whistling Kite, White-bellied Sea-Eagle, Swamp Harrier, Papuan Harrier, Nankeen Kestrel, Spotted Whistling Duck, Wandering Whistling Duck, Green Pygmy Goose, Grey Teal, Pacific Black Duck, Brown Quail, Comb-crested Jacana, Dusky Moorhen, Purple Swamphen, Masked Lapwing, Grey Plover, Pacific Golden Plover, Lesser Sand-Plover, Greater Sand-Plover, Eastern Curlew, Little Curlew, Whimbrel, Grey-tailed Tattler, Common Sandpiper, Common Greenshank, Terek Sandpiper, Black-tailed Godwit, Red-necked Stint, Gull-billed Tern, Common Tern, Little Tern, Swift (Crested) Tern, Peaceful Dove, Bar-shouldered Dove, Torresian Imperial Pigeon, Yellowish-streaked Lory, Rainbow Lory, Red-cheeked Parrot, Eclectus Parrot, Pheasant Coucal, Blue-winged Kookaburra, Forest Kingfisher, Sacred Kingfisher, Rainbow Bee-eater, Oriental Dollarbird, Horsfield’s Bushlark, Pacific Swallow, Tree Martin, Black-faced Cuckoo-Shrike, White-bellied Cuckoo-Shrke, Willie Wagtail, Golden-headed Cisticola, Mangrove Greygone, Lemon-bellied Flyrobin, Yellow-tinted Honeyeater, New Guinea Friarbird, Grey-headed Mannikin, Singing Starling, White-breasted Wood-Swallow, Black-backed Butcherbird, Torresian Crow.

PNGBS Outing: 8th September 1985: Kanosia, Cape Suckling and sites en route

This was my first experience of bird-watching in Papua New Guinea outside the immediate environs of the capital. So much was new to me that I missed many birds observed by the rest of the party, if my impressions differ from those of the ‘old hands’ then I apologise in advance.

After meting at the NBC tree, we were on the road before 06:00 heading out of town on the Hiritano Highway. First stop was Veikabu Oxbow where I had my first sight of Azure, Little and Forest Kingfishers, Australian Darter and Comb-crested Jacana. Many other species were seen by the group, some identified only by ‘jizz’ or call which I have yet to learn.

The second stop in the rain forest shortly after the oxbow supplied the highlight of the day for many members of the party with a brief look at a Bat Hawk flying across the road, its moustachial streaks very prominent. Not having learnt the rarity value of various species yet, I was much more taken with the excellent views of a male Black Sunbird and a Yellow-billed Kingfisher. If I offend anyone’s sensibilities I can only apologise again and promise to look more carefully next time.

En route to Kanosia were several birds of prey, including a pair of Papuan Harriers, a Crested Hawk and a white phase Grey Goshawk of ghostly appearance. Kanosia Lagoon proved to be a bit of a disappointment as the water level was quite high. I for one did not mind too much as my list continued to increase with my first Green Pygmy Geese, Wandering Whistling Duck and Pacific Black Duck. An inadequate glimpse wasthe first view for most of us of a Baillon’s Crake, while a single Wood Sandpiper was a reminder of home. A brief stop was made at Aroa for refreshments and here we were entertained by Silver-eared Honeyeaters, probably my favourite bird of the day. Then it was off through the coconut plantations to Cape Suckling where Paulene fed the multitudes, and delicious it was too. Here I found it quite easy to separate Greater Sand Plovers and Mongolian Plovers and learnt to distinguish between Greater and Lesser Frigatebirds. Birds familiar from home, Common Sandpiper, Turnstone, Grey Plover and Whimbrel were seen alongside species previously seen only on the pages of books, Grey-tailed Tattler and Red-necked Stint. All these species were searching out the sun during the northern winter while in contrast three Channel-billed Cuckoos seen flying out to see were heading south to their Australian breeding grounds.

To sum up: 109 species were recorded including 10 birds of prey, 7 pigeons, 8 parrots and 7 kingfishers. I can only count half of these but intend to catch up with the rest shortly. Thanks to all the members who came along and helped me; especial thanks to Paulene, who supplied the grub, without which more than just one new arrival would have starved.

Species List:
Australasian Grebe, Greater Frigatebird, Lesser Frigatebird, Little Black Cormorant, Australian Darter, Brown Booby, Eastern Great Egret, Intermediate Egret, Eastern Reef Egret, Nankeen Night Heron, Osprey, Pacific Baza, Bat Hawk, Whistling Kite, Brahminy Kite, Papuan Harrier, Swamp Harrier, Grey Goshawk, Collared Sparrowhawk, Nankeen Kestrel, Spotted Whistling Duck, Wandering Whistling Duck, Green Pygmy Goose, Pacific Black Duck, Buff-banded Rail, White-browed Crake, Baillon’s Crake, Dusky Moorhen, Purple Swamphen, Comb-crested Jacana, White-headed Stilt, Masked Lapwing, Grey Plover, Lesser Sand-Plover, Greater Sand-Plover, Ruddy Turnstone, Whimbrel, Grey-tailed Tattler, Common Sandpiper, Bar-tailed Godwit, Red-necked Stint, Gull-billed Tern, Common Tern, Black-naped Tern, Swift (Crested) Tern, Lesser Crested Tern, Stephan’s Ground-Dove, Peaceful Dove, Bar-shouldered Dove, Orange-bellied Fruit-Dove, Pinon Imperial Pigeon, Torresian Imperial Pigeon, Yellowish-streaked Lory, Coconut Lory, Black-capped Lory, Red-flanked Lorikeet, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Buff-faced Pygmy-Parrot, Red-cheeked Parrot, Eclectus Parrot, Channel-billed Cuckoo, Pheasant Coucal, Papuan Spinetail, Uniform Swiftlet, Azure Kingfisher, Little Kingfisher, Forest Kingfisher, Sacred Kingfisher, Yellow-billed Kingfisher, Rufous-bellied Kookabura, Blue-winged Kookaburra, Rainbow Bee-eater, Oriental Dollarbird, Pacific Swallow, Tree Martin, Black-faced Cuckoo-Shrike, Black Cuckoo-Shrike, White-bellied Cuckoo-Shrke, White-shouldered Fairy-Wren, Australian Reed Warbler, Golden-headed Cisticola, Willie Wagtail, Shining Flycatcher, Olive Flycatcher, Papuan Flowerpecker, Black-Sunbird, Olive-backed Sunbird, Tawny-breasted Honeyeater, Dusky Myzomela, Brown-backed Honeyeater, Rufous-banded Honeyeater, Silver-eared Honeyeater, Graceful Honeyeater, Yellow-tinted Honeyeater, Grey-headed Mannikin, Chestnut-breatsed Mannikin, Yellow-faced Myna, Singing Starling, Metallic Starling, Figbird, White-breasted Wood-Swallow, Black-backed Butcherbird, Hooded Butcherbird, Fawn-breasted Bowerbird, Trumpet Manucode, Glossy Manucode, Raggiana Bird of Paradise.

First published in PNGBS Newsletter 218: 3 - 4