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The Rainbow Bird
Volume 4 Number 4 November 2015 (Issue 84)
VALE NEIL LEVEY 17.2 1946 - 26.8.2015
Alec Hawtin shares with us his involvement with Neil over
the years.
I first knew Neil, an upholsterer, when we delivered furniture
to his workshop to be altered or repaired for Maples store in
Mildura. We often talked about birds on those occasions and
he was encouraged to join our SUNBOC. Neil had been an
egg collector when he was a young lad in the northeast area
of Victoria like lots of young boys in those days. He became
a friendly and respected member of our club who enjoyed
our meetings and outings. He always looked forward to the
annual Challenge Count and usually came with our crew.
His Dad, Wally, worked at Maples where he managed the
second-hand department. Lyn was an office girl there also.
His brother Arthur, a carpet layer, collected carpet and lino
from Maples consequently I knew Neil and some of his
family as well.
Our thoughts and sympathy go to Lyn and family from all
members of Birdlife Mildura.
Contents 1. Vale Neil Levey
2. Outing to Mallanbool Reserve
3. Outing to Nowingi
4. Birds of Bellbrae
5. A Reminiscent Trip North
6. Visit to The Kimberly National Parks
7. Interesting Sightings
8. Life Returns to the Billabong
9. Club Calendar
BirdLife Mildura P. O. Box 1722, Mildura, VIC 3502
The Rainbow Bird Editor: Rae Jeffers, raelenjeffers@gmail.com
The Rainbow Bird
2 The Rainbow Bird
OUTING TO MALLANBOOL RESERVE - AUGUST 9TH, 2015
The morning started in overcast conditions but progressively cleared during the course of the day. We left the bike hub
at 8.30 and travelled along Deakin Avenue then turned into the 22nd Street Swamp. This swamp adjoins the Koorlong
State Forest and appears to be the semi-permanent home of Blue-billed and Musk ducks. As well as seeing those, we
saw Pacific Black Duck, Hardhead and Australian Shoveler, Grey Teal and Australian Shelducks as well as the other
species listed below. A Swamp Harrier flew around the perimeter of the swamp.
Then we drove through the State Forest to Meridian Road with the idea of seeing a flock of Cockatiels at that junction.
However, they appeared to have left during the preceding week. Instead, we had sightings of White-winged Fairy-
wrens, Australasian Pipit, White-fronted Chats, Brown Songlark and Chestnut-crowned Babblers, amongst other
species.
We travelled south on Meridian Road and then turned into
Ryan Road. Some 3 km along that road there is a spot which usually attracts Black Faced Woodswallows, Pipits,
Rufous and Brown Songlarks and Chats during second half of each year. On this occasion however, of that group, we only
saw two White-fronted Chats.
On the corner of Ryan Road and Pirlta Road a Brown
Songlark pair appears to be nesting. Some members of the convoy saw the Songlark a little way down Pirlta Road as we
journeyed south. At this point Roger stopped to photograph a Red-capped Robin. He, later, made the valid point that
the lead car should have kept an eye on our rear-view mirror and waited whilst he did so. Stopping at the location
of any special bird sighting is, apart from the social and sightseeing aspect of the outings, probably, the main point
of our outings.
Major Mitchell's Cockatoo Photo: Allan Taylor
We continued down Pirlta Road, crossed the Millewa Road and stopped for smoko at a spot that had a little mallee
blossom several days earlier. This had gone in the intervening days and we saw only Striated Pardalotes,
Yellow-rumped Thornbills and Weebills at that spot. Further on, we saw Black-faced Woodswallows before turning right
into Cleary Road extension. Our first Mulga Parrot sighting came a few minutes later.
We reached Settlement Road after turning left down an un-named track and very soon had sightings of a Chestnut
Quail-thrush and Babblers – almost certainly White-browed Babblers.
A little after 11.30 we stopped for a "hot spot" of birds –
Grey Shrike-thrush, Horsfield's Bronze-Cuckoo, Pallid
Cuckoo and Striated Pardalotes and, a little later, Striped,
Spiny-cheeked and White-fronted Honeyeaters, Jackie
Winter, Australian Ringneck and Blue Bonnet parrots.
At the corner of Settlement Road and Underbool Track we
had lunch, finished off by a slice each of June’s birthday
cake – thanks June! Lindsay left the group to prepare for a
photographing trip north the next day. Alec and Sharon
inspected a nearby Mallee Fowl mound and saw a Crested
Bellbird on the way.
Three kilometres further along Settlement Road we stopped
for two Shy Heathwrens. We only got very quick sightings
as the little birds scurried from bush to bush.
Shy Heathwren Photo: Allan Taylor
At the corner of
South Werrimul
Road we heard a
Rufous Whistler.
The highlight at
Mallanbool Reserve
was multiple
sightings of a male
and female Gilbert’s
Whistler. Dianne
whistled the male up
several times. She
has proved
invaluable as a bird-
caller and bird
species recorder. I
have relied heavily
on her notes in
preparing this
summary. My
thanks, Di – most
appreciated! Gilberts Whistler Photo: A Taylor
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November 2015 3
Before leaving we heard White-browed Treecreepers and Ev.
saw a raptor – most probably a Brown Falcon.
On the way home Pauline, Jayna and I saw a pair of Major
Mitchell's Cockatoos and more Black-faced Woodswallows
and Colin and Dianne saw several Black Kites.
Another 25 species were seen that are not mentioned above
making 65 species in all.
Allan Taylor
Sightings: 65 species
Musk Duck Black Swan Australian Shelduck Australasian Shoveler Grey Teal Pacific Black Duck Hardhead Blue-billed Duck Common Bronzewing Crested Pigeon Eastern Great Egret Black Kite Swamp Harrier Nankeen Kestrel Brown Falcon Purple Swamphen Masked Lapwing
Major Mitchell's Cockatoo Galah Rainbow Lorikeet Crimson Rosella Australian Ringneck Blue Bonnet Mulga Parrot Horsfield's Bronze-Cuckoo Pallid Cuckoo White-browed Treecreeper Brown Treecreeper White-winged Fairy-wren Shy Heathwren Weebill Yellow-rumped Thornbill Chestnut-rumped Thornbill Southern Whiteface
Striated Pardalote Singing Honeyeater White-fronted Honeyeater Yellow-throated Miner Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater White-fronted Chat Striped Honeyeater White-browed Babbler Chestnut-crowned Babbler Chestnut Quail-thrush Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike Gilbert's Whistler Rufous Whistler Grey Shrike-thrush Crested Bellbird Black-faced Woodswallow Pied Butcherbird
Australian Magpie Willie Wagtail Australian Raven Magpie-lark White-winged Chough Jacky Winter Red-capped Robin Australian Reed-Warbler Little Grassbird Brown Songlark White-backed Swallow Welcome Swallow Common Starling Australasian Pipit
OUTING TO NOWINGI - SEPTEMBER 5TH, 2015
Ears. Ears are essential for birdwatching, almost as
important as eyes. Some people have very good ears for bird calls and it's thanks to Pauline Bartels for having such
good hearing and knowledge of bird calls that the group had an amazing view of four Mallee Emu-wrens on the Saturday
outing to Nowingi.
As the group of 14, led by Alec Hawtin, were ambling along
a track in the vehicle convoy Pauline actually heard the Mallee Emu-wrens above the noise of the vehicles. A
message was relayed instantly over the CB's so all vehicles stopped. Everyone was then able to see and photograph the
4 emu-wrens moving in and around a couple of clumps of spinifex. A couple of them even emerged above the clumps,
briefly, to perch on branches above the spinifex. After an enjoyable 4 minutes of observing we left them in peace,
thrilled with the sighting so early in the day but also concerned that the emu-wrens may be in an area nominated
for a prescribed burn.
Photo: Finlay Japp
Photo: Peter Dunstan
The day itself was warm and sunny with no wind - an ideal day for bird watching. The drive south to Nowingi was a
picture with white pimlea daisy bushes, wattles and cassias in full bloom along the roadside, and brilliant flowering
canola in the distance. In the reserve amongst the mallee trees were many small plants in flower also, so much so that
some of the group spent more time looking at the ground instead of birdwatching. Sharon even found a greenhood
orchid.
Alec led the group over the railway line in a westerly
direction from the highway. We then stopped at various points to spend a half hour searching the surrounding area
for birds and hopefully finding evidence of Mallee-fowl nests or activity. It was around midday when we came across the
Mallee Emu-wrens.
The Rainbow Bird
4 The Rainbow Bird
Despite seeing a good number of species individual numbers were low, apart from Weebill. They were seen and heard
continuously. Some were fortunate to see Inland Thornbill and Jacky Winter.
Alec selected an area, which had mallee trees on one side of the track and belah on the other side, not far from a
partially filled water hole, to have our lunch.
Photo: Peter Dunstan
Whilst we lunched the birds came to us; White-winged
Choughs, Apostlebirds, Blue Bonnets and Grey Currawongs. Following lunch we spread out around the area. A very
excited group returned from the waterhole with the news that 20 Major Mitchell's Cockatoos had flown to the water.
Wood Ducks were on the water and a Mulga Parrot was also seen.
At a brief stop travelling north along the power line Kestrels were seen at a nest on a power pole. Further on we came
towards the edge of the cropping country. A mud nest of the White-winged Choughs, with young inside, was seen at
this spot and several observed a Pallid Cuckoo feeding another adult Pallid Cuckoo with a large caterpillar.
Photo: Finlay Japp
Hairy caterpillars are a favourite food of Pallid Cuckoos and
the hairs line their stomach's like fur, but why would an adult be feeding another adult?
Australasian Pipit were seen as we travelled beside the crop and White-browed Babblers, Yellow-throated Miners and
Red-rumped Parrots were added to the list at the last stop.
With energy sapping in the warmth of the day it was decided
to head for home after thanking Alec for leading such an interesting and memorable outing.
Rae Jeffers
Sightings: 51 Species
Emu Australian Wood Duck
Rock Dove Common Bronzewing
Crested Pigeon Black-shouldered Kite
Wedge-tailed Eagle Nankeen Kestrel
Black-winged Stilt Major Mitchell's Cockatoo
Galah Crimson Rosella
Australian Ringneck
Blue Bonnet Red-rumped Parrot
Mulga Parrot Pallid Cuckoo
Brown Treecreeper Splendid Fairy-wren
Mallee Emu-wren Weebill
Yellow Thornbill Yellow-rumped Thornbill
Chestnut-rumped Thornbill Inland Thornbill
Southern Whiteface
Spotted Pardalote Striated Pardalote
Singing Honeyeater White-eared Honeyeater
Yellow-throated Miner Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater
Red Wattlebird Striped Honeyeater
White-browed Babbler Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike
Grey Shrike-thrush Grey Butcherbird
Pied Butcherbird
Australian Magpie Grey Currawong
Willie Wagtail Australian Raven
Magpie-lark White-winged Chough
Apostlebird Jacky Winter
Red-capped Robin Tree Martin
Common Starling Australasian Pipit
BIRDS OF BELLBRAE
In the evening, I relaxed in the lounge at the Hepburn Springs Chalet, a quaint retro guesthouse with avocado
green, burnt orange and vintage nostalgia everywhere. After getting lost in a Tretchikoff print on the wall, I
reflected on the day’s journey.
It was the 9th April, 2015, and Dad and I had left Gol Gol
early to allow plenty of time for breaks. A number of bird sightings were recorded along the way. Regent Parrot flew
across the Sturt Highway before Euston. Musk Lorikeet were feeding on eucalypt blossoms adjacent to the Pioneer
Settlement, Swan Hill. A Black-shouldered Kite was perched on a pylon near Kerang.
We had lunch amongst hordes of Little Corella by the Loddon River in Bridgewater. I noticed there was one Long-billed
Corella with them. We visited the Castlemaine Botanic Garden where I saw Yellow-faced Honeyeater, White-browed
Scrubwren, Brown Thornbill, Crimson Rosella and a Silvereye with chestnut flanks (race lateralis).
The following day we headed for Geelong. Our journey south saw us pass through the Brisbane Ranges NP where
we stopped at the Stony Creek Reservoir. Despite being overcast and misty, I saw some great birds, including a
young male Flame Robin and Red-browed Finch feeding on the lawn, and a Great Crested Grebe and Male Musk Duck on
The Rainbow Bird
November 2015 5
the reservoir. After reaching Geelong we travelled to Queenscliff and rendezvoused with my sister and niece.
After fish and chips in the park we travelled to Torquay and then to Bellbrae Country Club where we would be staying for
a week. En route, we called into Lake Lorne at Drysdale, where I found Freckled Duck, Blue-billed Duck, Chestnut
Teal, Pink-eared Duck and Australasian Shoveler.
The Bellbrae Country Club is situated in a rural setting,
surrounded by farmland and forest, whilst only being a short distance away from Torquay. It proved to be the ideal
central location. Whilst my sister and niece were with us for a couple of days, my birding pursuits were somewhat
curtailed. Instead of chasing birds I found myself in trendy surfers clothes outlets, looking at cheaply made items that
were fetching huge prices. After only 5 minutes I was getting bored and longed to be looking for birds. My fortune
changed when I saw 2 Gang- gang Cockatoo feeding in a flowering gum in Torquay.
At last I was able to go birding. A trip along the Great Ocean Road took us to Anglesea. I walked along the
Anglesea River estuary to the ocean. I found a flock of Crested Tern bathing in the surf.
Some immature birds had silver bands on their legs.
On nearby rocks I discovered 3 Double-banded Plover in non-breeding plumage. Further along I saw a black Grey
Fantail (race Keasti) normally found in north-east Queensland. We headed inland to the famous Anglesea
Heath. This area has the most richest and diverse vegetation community in Victoria. A quarter of Victorias
plant species can be found. Over 80 types of orchids have
been identified. More than 100 species of bird can be found here, including the Powerful Owl.
Over the next week I found myself returning several times to the Anglesea Heath in search of more bird species.
During my visits I discovered many birds including Golden Whistler, Purple-crowned Lorikeet, Yellow-faced Honeyeater,
Eastern Yellow Robin, Eastern Spinebill, Flame Robin, Scarlet Robin, White-throated Treecreeper, King Parrot, White-
naped Honeyeater, Crescent Honeyeater, Dusky Woodswallow, and Spotted Pardalote.
The only negative was the ALCOA brown coal mine and Power Station in the middle of the heath land. (Since
returning from holidays the coal mine and power station have been closed down after bowing to public pressure. It
was reported that the electricity generated was not enough to keep it open. The area will be partly filled in and made
into a lake).
Other areas that we visited included the Great Ocean Road
to Lorne, Aireys Inlet, Bells Beach, and Point Addis. A couple of Rufous Bristlebird were seen at Bells Beach and
Point Addis. They prefer coastal heath, and I found them darting along the walking tracks, trying to dodge bicycles,
dogs and people. Also, whilst looking out to sea, Australasian Gannet were viewed flying by. The most
numerous bird found in all habitats was the New-holland Honeyeater. Its strident call quickly alerted me to its
presence. At Lorne there were adult and immature Pacific Gull resting on rocks near the pier. They could not look
more different. The adult with its clean grey and white plumage is a complete contrast to the immature, which is
brown. At Anglesea I saw a flock of Yellow-tailed Black-cockatoo and a Collared Sparrowhawk. At Aireys Inlet we
had lunch at the ‘Allen Noble Sanctuary’. It is a small wetland which has a rich variety of waterbird. It is worth a
visit. I found a Nankeen Night-heron roosting in the vegetation behind.
After much exploring, it was time to depart and go home to Gol Gol. We had visited some wonderful places and met
some nice people. It was obvious that I needed to return in order to see more birds in this wonderful part of the world
and revisit the Anglesea Heath.
Photos:Pauline Follett. Pauline Follett
The Rainbow Bird
6 The Rainbow Bird
A REMINISCENT TRIP NORTH
In mid August Marilyn and I set off on the Newell Highway to Dubbo with destination Nelson Bay in mind. Forty odd years
ago we took our four small children there and it rained day and night the four days we were there. This time the
weather was perfect, and Port Stephens was great spot to stay for a few of nights.
Spotting a White-bellied Sea-Eagle started our trip birdlist. After a dozen or so birds, including Sooty Oystercatchers,
Little Egrets, and Brown Goshawk we travelled the Hunter River and New England Highway, Tamworth, Armidale etc.
While lunching in a park at Tenterfield, just south of the border, Little and Noisy Friarbirds were feeding on a bush
with Blue-faced and other honeyeaters. Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoos flew over. Before reaching Toowoomba we added
White-browed and Grey-crowned Babblers.
The crops on the Darling Downs around Dalby looked great,
including a mob of Cockatiels, as we headed for Bunya Mountains. It is a semi-tropical rainforest area with many
large bunya pines and a few hoop pines, with similar birds to Lamington NP. We managed to see Australian Brush-
turkeys, Lewin's Honeyeaters, Eastern Yellow Robins, Bassian Thrush, Buff-rumped Thornbills, Topknot Pigeons
and the Noisy Pita.
He actually said 'hello' with his 'walk-to-work' call to ensure
we didn't pass him by! We 'heard' the Green Catbird, but we missed Paradise Riflebird, Regent Bowerbird and Sooty
Owl! The Ranger assured us they were there! Not for us that day! From there we headed to Bundaberg to fly out to
Lady Elliott Island. Near Bundaberg, on a dam by the roadside,we saw approximately 400 Magpie Geese. We
visited pals of Sharon and Alec's there on their sugar-cane farm. Brown Honeyeaters, Spangled Drongos, Pheasant
Coucals, and Scaly-breasted Lorikeet were amongst the birds they showed us - a nice interlude thanks to the
Hawtins.
Next came the Island. We were greeted by the Buff-banded
Rails, we estimated at 200, on the 30 acre Island and you didn't dare turn your back at the table or you lost some
lunch! There were up to 4-500,000 Black Noddys roosting at night and some by day where we were able to get up
close and personal! They were preparing for nesting and feeding not far past the coral, where at dusk it was a great
sight as they flew in, within metres, and settled on their roosts.
There were Red-tailed Tropicbirds nesting on the ground very close to the accommodation. We also saw Bridled and
Roseatte Terns, and Lesser Frigatebirds. Recommend Lady Elliott! (55th honeymoon!)
We returned to the mainland and headed to Rockhampton - saw Olive-backed Orioles, Australasian Figbirds and Leaden
Flycatchers, then headed West. At a wetland area we saw Black-necked Stork, Brolga and many Plumed Whistling-
Ducks, plus whilst driving, a Black-breasted Buzzard flew over the car! Next, on to Emerald. We went out to the dam
to see the large citrus and grape properties on the way. Many water birds were on the Lake including the two
spoonbills.
From Barcaldine with its "Tree of Knowledge" the drought
became very evident and it got 'worse'! We have never seen so many dead 'roos on the roadsides with at least 500
Black Kites feeding. Longreach was next where we noted the Mulga and bushes are dead and dying.
We travelled on to Winton to see the 'Age of the Dinosaurs' and particularly the Dinosaur 'Stampede' - both were great.
It takes you back 90 million years! We thoroughly enjoyed the visit. Next we headed to Jundah on the way to Welford
NP. Last time we visited this area the wetland was great - not so this time.
It was dry! However we 'heard' then found a Red-browed Pardalote and had a good look at some Red-tailed Black-
Cockatoos, plus four Australian Bustards and Spinifex Pigeons - pretty special birds to spy.
Next stop Quilpie. Next morning we drove to the a lookout area and spied friendly Hall's Babblers and five Little
Woodswallows cuddled up on a dead branch. That particular day we saw 5 of the 6 Woodswallows with Dusky not in the
area. The last 1,000 km we saw lots of small mobs of Budgerigars. From Thargomindah, Tiboorburra, Broken Hill
we noted Crimson Chats, Australian Pratincoles, Spotted Nightjar and Chirruping Wedgbill - a great trip with a total of
around 162 birds! You see some and you miss some! Enjoy your birding.
Marilyn and Ken. Rix
The Rainbow Bird
November 2015 7
VISIT TO THE KIMBERLY NATIONAL PARKS
Our trip on the Ghan to Darwin in August to September this year was certainly very rewarding both in scenery and
birdlife. It was very dry, very hot and also humid but whereever there was water the birds were present.
Truly the finches of Western Australia and the Northern Territory are worth seeing. There were Masked, Double-
barred, Crimson, Long-tailed, Black-throated, Zebra, Star and Gouldian finches. The Gouldians with black faces were a
surprise. We found most birds up in the "top end" to be sub-species.
Gouldian Finches' preferred habitat is very long grasses so we were surprised to see about 40 plus Gouldian finches
where most of the country had been burnt with very few patches of long grass stalks. Nearly all the finches were
feeding on seeds in the burnt ground.
The National Parks we covered were the Gregory N.P., Keep River N.P., Litchfield N.P., Kakadu N.P., Bungle Bungle N.P.
and Fogg Dam N.P. All had a good number of finches however there is one less Crimson Finch. It met its demise
at the beak of a Brown Goshawk. Other notable birds, seen amongst quite a few different honeyeaters found only in this
area, were the White-quilled Rock Dove, flushed out of the Echidna Chasm in the Bungle Bungle N.P., plus a Sandstone
Shrike-thrush with his song resonating through the gorge - absolutely heart-stopping.
Their black-headed Northern Rosella is quite different to
ours, sitting so quietly in the trees. Unless you looked up you would not know they were there.
Photos: Chris Woods Betty, Doug and Chris Woods
The Rainbow Bird
8 The Rainbow Bird
INTERESTING SIGHTINGS
22/04/2015 Cattle Egret (1) Williamsville (Curlwaa). In paddock with sheep P Follett/A Taylor/J Podgorski
23/05/2015 Little Egret (1) Lake Hattah. P Follett/J Podgorski
08/06/2015 Spotted Nightjar (2) Mallee Cliffs State Forest. Sitting on ground at night P Follett/A Taylor/J Podgorski
08/07/2015 Australian King-Parrot (2) Waratah Bay Vic.. Feeding, quite used to visitors I Benning
10/07/2015 Mallee Emu-wren (4) Nowingi Track. Flitting around F Japp/M Keenen
19/07/2015 Major Mitchell's Cockatoo (1) Ontario Ave. Mildura near Golf course. Flying over J Petschel
20/07/2015 Blue-faced Honeyeater (3) At home, West Mildura. Using bird feeder A Campbell
20/07/2015 Black-shouldered Kite (1) Hay. M Mack
20/07/2015 Black Falcon (1) Merbein. Flying South M Mack
22/07/2015 Metallic Starling (600) Cairns. Roosting in palm trees L & R Jeffers
22/07/2015 Red Goshawk (1) Between Kuranda & Cairns. Sitting in tree L Jeffers
23/07/2015 Redthroat (2) Chowilla Station. P Follett/A Taylor
25/07/2015 Black Falcon (1) Twenty-first St. Swamps. Flew over quickly F Japp
25/07/2015 Australian Hobby (1) Twenty-first St. Swamps. Feeding on Starling F Japp/L Modica
25/07/2015 Blue-billed Duck (4) Twenty-first St. Swamps. F Japp/L Modica
27/07/2015 Major Mitchell's Cockatoo (2) At home, Gol Gol. Examining Red Gums along billabong B MacMillan
27/07/2015 Peregrine Falcon (1) At home, Gol Gol. Flying with prey - prob. Crested Pigeon B MacMillan
29/07/2015 Major Mitchell's Cockatoo (10) Pine Plains. In trees, nesting in hollows C MacGillivray
30/07/2015 Common Bronzewing (12) At home, Irymple. Been here since summer J Surman
31/07/2015 White-necked Heron (1) Deakin Ave. Mildura. Flying over S Fisher
01/08/2015 Olive-backed Oriole (2) Speed. In an overgrown garden C MacGillivray
02/08/2015 White-faced Heron (2) At home, Mildura. Sitting in trees at home R Lonsdale
04/08/2015 Brown Falcon (1) Second St. Merbein. Being hassled by Noisy Miners L & R Jeffers
06/08/2015 Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater (1) At home, Mildura. In bird bath I Benning
13/08/2015 Black-eared Cuckoo (1) Pink Lakes. Calling and seen F Japp
13/08/2015 Major Mitchell's Cockatoo (2) Nichols Point Cemetry. Feeding on Pine cones J Petschel
18/08/2015 Little Grassbird (1) Cowanna Billabong - Merbein Common. R Jeffers
20/08/2015 Australian Reed-Warbler (2) Cowanna Billabong - Merbein Common. R Jeffers
20/08/2015 Silvereye (4) Cowanna Billabong - Merbein Common. In saltbush R Jeffers
23/08/2015 Black-eared Miner (8) Bambill Sth Tr.(6) & Pheenys Tr.(2). Feeding M Mack/K McGrath/L & R Jeffers
23/08/2015 Red-lored Whistler (1) Pheenys Track. Sitting in tree & calling M Mack/K McGrath/L & R Jeffers
23/08/2015 Southern Scrub-robin (1) Bambill S Track. M Mack/K McGrath/L & R Jeffers
27/08/2015 Rainbow Pitta (4) Darwin Territory Wildlife Park. Wild and captive A & S Hawtin
30/08/2015 Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike (2) 725 Walnut Ave. Sitting in tree P Williams
01/09/2015 Collared Sparrowhawk (1) At home, Mildura. Flew in and out J Greatz
01/09/2015 White-faced Heron (2) At home, Mildura. Have mated R Lonsdale
15/09/2015 Rainbow Bee-eater (3) Australian Inland Botanic Gardens. Flying over A & S Hawtin
18/09/2015 Red-necked Avocet (100) Psyche Lagoon. Feeding vorciously D & B Woods
18/09/2015 Eastern Osprey (1) Iraak. Flying along creek P Follett/J Podgorski
22/09/2015 Square-tailed Kite (1) North Gol Gol. Chased by 2 Magpies P Follett
23/09/2015 Australasian Shoveler (2) Kings Billabong. Swimming in environmental water D & B Woods
25/09/2015 Peregrine Falcon (1) Gol Gol. In dead tree in river B MacMillan
26/09/2015 Whiskered Tern (6) At home, Yelta. Flew over West to East L & R Jeffers
28/09/2015 Sacred Kingfisher (1) Cowanna Billabong - Merbein Common. R Jeffers
29/09/2015 Western Gerygone (2) Wallpolla Island. Making nest in sapling P Follett/A Taylor/F Japp
30/09/2015 New Holland Honeyeater (1) At home, Nichols Point. Feeding in correas C Woods
30/09/2015 Black-breasted Buzzard (1) Darling River. Sitting in nest not breeding P Follett/A Taylor/F Japp/J Podgorski
03/10/2015 Black Kite (2) Lock Island. A Campbell
03/10/2015 Rainbow Bee-eater (2) Kings Billabong. Darting over lagoon B & C Woods
05/10/2015 Australian Shelduck (7) Cowanna Billabong - Merbein Common. M, F and 7 young L & R Jeffers
05/10/2015 Red-necked Avocet (50) Brickworks B'bong - Merbein Common. L & R Jeffers
06/10/2015 Masked Lapwing (4) Gliding Club. Adult and 3 chicks - here a week I Benning
The Rainbow Bird
November 2015 9
LIFE RETURNS TO THE BILLABONG
Curious to see how far the environmental water at Kings Billabong had gone, after seeing Duck Foot Lagoon full again after many months dry, we walked around it to the 0.3 km sign at the crossroads on the 18th September this year. A chorus of
different frog calls gave us an inkling of what was in store for us at the little foot bridge and what a sight it was to behold! The lagoon created looked like it had been there for years with a Black Swan swimming and giving a warning call to an
obviously nesting mate. A couple of Little Grassbirds were calling to each other at the edge.
Ducks; Grey Teal, Australian Wood, Pacific Black, Australian Shelduck, and even a pair of Australian Shovellers, along with
grebes, egrets and White-necked Heron were feeding. Swallows and martins were dipping into the water in long swoops. Bush birds such as Superb Fairy-wrens, Rufous Whistler, Yellow Thornbills and butcherbirds were also evident. The young
box and red gum trees around the edges had a welcome drink as well.
Going home we called in at Psyche Lagoon where hundreds of ducks, mainly Grey Teal, were feeding and 100+ Red-necked
Avocets, which we have not seen for over 10 years, were also feeding voraciously.
Betty Woods
CLUB CALENDAR 2015/16
Nov
Tues 3rd Club Meeting at Carnegie Centre, 74 Deakin Ave, Mildura at 7:30pm
Sat 7th
Outing - Birdwatching event at Lakes Powell and Carpul.
Free bus transport is available. The bus will pick up and drop off at the bus stop on Eighth Street,
in front of Kmart.
The bus will be departing from the Kmart stop at 8:30am and arriving back at 5pm.
A complementary lunch will also be provided, consisting of sandwiches, water, slice and fruit. If
you have any dietary requirements please advise when registering for the event.
To register for this event please ring 50 514 377 or email susan.saris@malleecma.com.au
Sat 28th / Sun 29th Challenge Bird Count
Dec Tues 1st Club Meeting at Carnegie Centre, 74 Deakin Ave, Mildura at 7:30pm
Sun 6th Outing - Christmas Get-together at Lake Hawthorn - Regina Ave. picnic area from 6:00pm
Jan Sat 2nd
Outing - Etiwanda Wetlands (AM only) - Leader: Jenny Surman Meet at Bike Hub Pine Ave. at 8:00am
Thurs 28th Committee Meeting
Feb Tues 1st Club Meeting at Carnegie Centre, 74 Deakin Ave, Mildura at 7:30pm
Sun 7th Outing - Thegoa Lagoon - Leader: Col Stewart Meet at Bike Hub Pine Ave. at 8:00am
March Tues 1st Club Annual Meeting at Carnegie Centre, 74 Deakin Ave, Mildura at 7:30pm
Sat 5th Outing - Waders at Morquong - Leader: Allan Taylor Meet at Bike Hub Pine Ave. at 8:00am
April
Tues 5th Club Meeting at Carnegie Centre, 74 Deakin Ave, Mildura at 7:30pm
Sat 9th / Sun 10th Campout at Bamera CP. Visit Banrock Station and other local birding sites
Tues 19th Ned’s Corner survey
Recommended