PDF version available here: Vol. 20 No. 4

Journal of the
N.S.W. FIELD ORNITHOLOGISTS CLUB
Volume 20, No. 4 December 1986

ISSN 0311-8150

Registered by Australia Post Publication No. NBH0790THE NEW SOUTH WALES FIELD ORNITHOLOGISTS CLUB
OFFICE BEARERS
PATRON A.R. McGill, O.A.M.
PRESIDENT A.K. Morris
VICE-PRESIDENT P.E. Roberts
SECRETARY N. Maxwell
ASSISTANT SECRETARY F. Brown
MINUTES SECRETARY M. Sach
TREASURER N. McKelvie
RECORDS OFFICER T.R. Lindsey
ACTIVITIES OFFICER A.O. Richards
CONSERVATION OFFICER J. Dalby
EDITOR (AUSTRALIAN BIRDS) T.R. Lindsey
EDITOR (NEWSLETTER) M. Tyler
COMMITTEE P. Davie
D. Smedley
The object of the Club is to promote the study and conservation of Australian birds and the
habitats they occupy.
Annual subscription rates of the Club (due 1st July each year) are:
Adult Member $15.00
Junior Member (up.to 17 yrs) $ 5.00
All members receive a quarterly newsletter and a copy of the quarterly journal “Australian
Birds”. The price of the journal is $3.50 plus postage per issue to non-members. Club badges
are available to club members at $1.40 or $1.70 if posted. The Club holds a meeting and a field
excursion each month.
All correspondence should be addressed to the Hon. Secretary and all membership fees should
be sent to the Hon. Treasurer at: P.O. Box C436, Clarence Street, Sydney, N.S.W. 2000.
Manuscripts should be sent to the Editor at: Dept. of Ornithology, Australian Museum, 6-8
College Street, Sydney 2000.AIWAALMA
Volume 20, No. 4 December 1986
NEW SOUTH WALES BIRD REPORT FOR 1984
T.R. LINDSEY
This is the fifteenth annual report and covers the period 1 January to 31 December 1984. For this
period, just over 200 observers submitted some 3425 observations in addition to many general notes
and comments. As before, the chief aims of this report are threefold: to place on record observations
of birds accidental or rare in the State; to record observations that delineate with greater precision
the normal distribution of birds within the State; and to record observations that may reflect changes
in numbers, range or movements. All reports are collated and held on file; those which seem most
significant (about 1400) are presented here.
At least one new species was added to the Stat- e list during the year when a Black-nap-ed Tern
was seen in the far north-east. Two other species Audubon’s and Manx Shearwater were
identified at sea, though the process of vetting these records has not been completed. Otherwise,
1984 appears to have been a “normal” year. Broadly speaking, numbers of waterfowl and waders
seem to have been about average. Influxes of woodswallows were noted in the far west and lorikeets
in the Illawarra, and quails and several other ground birds appear to have been somewhat more
numerous than usual, but these appear to have been relatively small-scale events. It is hard to find
any indication of significant aberrations in the body of observations received.
Abbreviations are as used in previous reports, and other conventions are as explained in the
1983 Report (Aust. Birds 19: 65-100), including the organization of observations according to 17
State regions (Fig. 1). One popular bird -watching spot falls almost precisely on a boundary between
two such regions, causing some difficulties in the allocation of records. According to the system98 Australian Birds 20(4)
7 Grafton
Bourke
Narrabri
16 14 Armidale it
13
Nyngan
Tamworth 4
Port Macquarie
Broken Hill 11 2 rr(
Parkes
17
Newcastle
Bathurst 4
12 Sydney
Griffith Wagga Wagga Wollongong
15
Canberra’
9 M o4r, ruya
KEY: 1 Northern Rivers 10 North-west Slope
2 Mid -north Coast 11 Central -west Slope
3 Hunter 12 South-west Slope
4 Sydney region 13 North-west Plain
5 Illawarra 14 Central -west Plain
6 South Coast 15 Riverina
7 Northern Tableland 16 Upper Western
8 Central Tableland 17 Lower Western
9 Southern Tableland
Fig. 1. Regions of New South Wales, based on Morris, McGill & Holmes, 1981. A handlist of
birds in New South Wales. NSWFOC, Sydney. One -degree intervals marked.December 1986 99
of region boundaries adopted in these reports, the Shoalhaven River constitutes the southern
boundary of the Illawarra region and the southern bank constitutes the northern limit of the South
Coast region. Shoalhaven Heads is a small hamlet lying at the mouth of the river on the north bank
and is therefore in the Illawarra region; Comerong Island, however – extending as it does from the
Shoalhaven south to the Crookhaven River – is clearly in the South Coast region. The geographic
aPiomaly that causes difficulty is that a sandbank has long since closed off the mouth of the
Shoalhaven proper, which now empties into the sea via the Crookhaven. Convenient access to
Comerong Island is a short stroll across the sandbar from Shoalhaven Heads. Hence, some
observers record their observations almost interchangeably as Shoalhaven Heads or Comerong
Island. None of the possible solutions to this anomaly seem entirely satisfactory and observers are
therefore urged to be aware of this difficulty and specify accordingly.
The annual Gould League Campout (GLC) was held this year at Mt Murchison homestead
some 30 km north-west of Wilcannia. Because this is a sparsely populated and under -reported region
of New South Wales, a number of reports of species, even some common birds, have been included.
am grateful to J.N. Hobbs, G. Holmes, E.S. Hoskin, I.A.W. McAllan, A.R. McGill, A.K. Morris,
I
A.E.F. Rogers, J. Shields, and I. Taylor, who all read an earlier draft and made many valuable
comments. I.A.W. McAllan provided a list of all specimens acquired in New South Wales by the
Australian Museum during 1984. W.P. Barden, W. Emery, and J. Campbell, as in earlier years,
provided summaries of observations submitted to the Hunter Bird Observers Club (HBOC), Illawarra
Bird Observers Club (IBOC) and Sunraysia Bird Observers Club (SBOC) respectively.
SELECTED BIBLIOGRAPHY, NEW SOUTH WALES, 1984
Anonymous. 1984. Barren Grounds Bird Observatory Report 1982-84. RAOU Report No. 11, pp 1-76
Barlow, C.G. & K. Bock. 1984. Predation of fish in farm dams by cormorants, Phalacrocorax spp. Aust. Wildl.
Res. 11: 559-566
Bell, H.L. 1984. Polygamy in the Speckled Warbler Sericornis sagittatus. Emu 84: 183-184
Bell, H.L. 1984. A note on communal breeding and dispersal of young of the Hooded Robin Petroica cucullata.
Emu 84: 243-244
Beveridge, I. 1984. Yellow Rosella at University House. Canberra Bird Notes 9: 146
Bigg, R. 1984. A Black-naped Tern at Fingal Beach, Tweed Heads, NSW. Aust. Birds 19: 10
Campbell, J. 1984. Grey Falcons and beach washed petrels. Canberra Bird Notes 9: 23
Chafer, C. 1984. Two unusual waders sighted at Lake Illawarra. Stilt no. 5: 25
Chafer, C. 1984. Northern distribution of the Hooded Plover in N.S.W. Stilt no. 5: 27
Close, D. & 0.M.G. Newman. 1984. The decline of the Eastern Curlew in south-eastern Australia. Emu 84: 38-40
Dalby, J.; E. Hoskin; M.&V. Tyler. 1984. First breeding records for the Silver Gull in the County of Cumberland.
Aust. Birds 18: 87-88
Davey, C., H. Prendergast & I. Taylor. 1984. Honeyeater migration through the Canberra region: a project proposal.
Canberra Bird Notes 9: 142-146
Dawson, T.J.; D. Read; E.M. Russell & R.M. Herd. Seasonal variation in daily activity patterns, water relations
and diet of Emus. Emu 84: 93-102
Day, J.H. & P.A. Hutchings. 1984. Descriptive notes on the fauna and flora of Merimbula, Pambula and Back
Lakes, New South Wales. Aust. Zool. 21: 269-289
Debus, S.J.S. 1984. Breeding habitat of the Little Eagle at Armidale, New South Wales. Aust. Birds 18: 86-87
Debus, S.J.S. & I.A.W. McAllan. 1984. The corvids of north-eastern New South Wales. Aust. Birds 18: 83-85
Debus, S.J.S. 1984. Biology of the Little Eagle on the Northern Tablelands of New South Wales. Emu 84: 87-92
Hahne, K. 1984. Aviary escapee in Aranda? Canberra Bird Notes 9: 157
Hardy, J.W. 1984. A third record of the Pink Robin near Sydney, NSW. Aust. Birds 19: 13-14
Humphries, C. 1984. An observation of the Pectoral Sandpiper near Ulladulla, NSW. Aust. Birds 19: 9-10
Larkins, D. 1984. Little Tern breeding colony on artificial site at Port Botany, New South Wales. Corella 8: 1-10
Marchant, S. 1984. Notes on the breeding of Varied Sittellas Daphoenositta chrysoptera. Corella 8: 11-15
Marchant, S. 1984. Nest -records of the Eastern Yellow Robin Eopsaltria australis. Emu 84: 167-174
McBride, A.P. & D. Hobcroft. 1984. A sight record of the Kerguelen Petrel in New South Wales. Aust. Birds 19:
15-16100 Australian Birds 20(4)
McFarland, D.C. 1984. Behaviour of White-cheeked Honeyeaters and Little Wattlebirds in Banksia integrifolia.
Aust. Birds 19: 1-5
McFarland, D.C. 1984. The breeding biology of the Willie Wagtail Rhipidura leucophrys in a suburban woodlot.
Corella 8: 77-82
McFarland, D.C. 1984. Protection behaviours of breeding White -plumed Honeyeaters Lichenostomus penicillatus.
Emu 84: 42-44
Metcalf, E.C. 1984. Gang -gang Cockatoos. Canberra Bird Notes 9: 29-30
Mills, K. 1984. Rainforest birds of the Shoalhaven Gorge, New South Wales. Aust. Birds 18: 76-79
Mills, K. 1984. Seasonal fluctuation of numbers of Ruddy Turnstones at Bellambi Point, Wollongong, NSW. Aust.
Birds 18: 80-82
Moffat, R. 1984. Nesting of Australian Pelicans on the mid -north coast of New South Wales. Aust. Birds 19: 6-7
Nias, R.C. 1984. Territory quality and group size in the Superb Fairy -wren Malurus cyaneus. Emu 84: 178-180
Nix, H. 1984. Breeding record of Eurasian Coot in Canberra. Canberra Bird Notes 9: 46
Olsen. P.D. 1984. Heavy metal residues in Pacific Black Duck Anas superciliosa from Griffith, New South Wales.
Emu 84: 44-46
Pierce, R. 1984. Nutmeg Mannikin at the Botanic Gardens. Canberra Bird Notes 9: 156-157
Prendergast, H.D.V. 1984. Feeding times of honeyeaters on Banksia ericifolia infloresences. Corella 8 83-88
Prendergast, H. 1984. Bibliography of birds of the Canberra region. Canberra Bird Notes 9: 31-37
Ross, D. 1984. Observations of birds at Jerrabomberra Wetlands and eastern Lake Burley Griffin: July
1982-June 1983. Canberra Bird Notes 9: 2-23
Ross, D. 1984. Sighting of Common Sandpiper. Canberra Bird Notes 9: 30
Ross, D. 1984. Musk Duck breeding record. Canberra Bird Notes 9: 30
Ross, D. 1984. ACT breeding record: Hardhead duck. Canberra Bird Notes 9: 37
Ross, D. 1984. Eurasian Coot breeding near Dairy Flat Road. Canberra Bird Notes 9: 46-47
Schlager, F. 1984. Long -billed Corella at Kambah. Canberra Bird Notes 9: 156
Schodde, R. 1984. Taxonomic status of Long -billed Corellas in the southern Riverina. Aust. Birds 19: 7-8
Shields, J.M. & H.F. Recher. 1984. Breeding bird censuses: an evaluation of four methods for use in sclerophyll
forest. Corella 8: 29-41
Smith, P. 1984. Prey items of the Sooty Owl and the Barn Owl at Bega, New South Wales. Corella 8: 71-72
Bega, New South Wales. I. Differences between forest types. Emu
84: 200-210
Taylor, I. Annual bird report: 1 July 1982-30 June 1983. Canberra Bird Notes 9: 50-139
Taylor, I. 1984. The history of the Emu in the Canberra area. Canberra Bird Notes 9: 150-155
Wettin, P. 1984. Simultaneous polyandry in the Purple Swamphen. Emu 84: 111-113December 1986 101
O 100 200 300 4100 500 600
seabirds
cormorants
herons
waterfowl
raptors
rails
waders
gulls & terns
pigeons
parrots
cuckoos
owls to dollarbird
pittas to cuckooshrikes
robins to warblers
honeyeaters & allies
finches, crows, etc
Northern Rivers
Mid -north Coast
Hunter
Sydney region
Illawarra
South Coast
Northern Tableland
Central Tableland
Southern Tableland
North-west Slope
Central -west Slope
South-west Slope
North-west Plain
Central -west Plain
Riverina
Upper Western
Lower Western
unspecified
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
Fig. 2. Bar charts indicating major trends in reports received for 1984, analysed (a) by taxonomic group
(b) by region (see Fig. 1) and (c) by month. In (b) the analysis yields an unsatisfactory figure (1164)
for Sydney region because of a very high incidence of duplicate records (sightings independently
reported by two or more members of a party of observers) in the data set; a rough manual check
suggests the true figure is about 980. Duplicate reporting from other regions was negligible.102 Australian Birds 20(4)
CONTRIBUTORS
Aitken, J (JA) Dibley, M( MDb) Imisides, R (RI) IBOC
Albrecht, G (GA) HBOC Disher, PA (PAD) Imrie, J&K (J&KI) HBOC
Aldis, R (RA) Dixon, J (JDx) Izzard, J (JI)
Allanson, R (RAI) HBOC Douglass, T (TD) HBOC
Alley, TH (THA) Downer, B (BD) Jackson, K (KJ)
Almond, R (RAI) Drake, VA (VAD) James, B (BJ)
Axtell, J (JAx) HBOC Driscoll, C (CD) HBOC James, D (DJa) HBOC
Drummond, R (RD) Johnson, M (MJ)
Barden, WP (WPB) HBOC Dunnett, G (GD) Johnson, S (SJ) HBOC
Bartrim, A&G (A&GB) HBOC Dunstan, R (RDu) Johnston, F (FJ)
Barwell, G (GBw) Dwyer, M (MD) Johnston, D (DJ)
Baverstock, J (JBv) Jordan, R&P (R&PJ)
Bell, G&H (G&HB) Embury, W (WEb)
Best, D (DB) Emery, W (WE) Kelsey, T (TK)
Bigg, R (RB) Ewin, P (PE) Kendall, T (TKn) HBOC
Boles, WE (WEB) King, A (AK)
Boyd, B (BB) HBOC Field, L (LF) Kirby, NL (NLK)
Brandwood, K (KB) Finley, E (EF) Klampes, L (LK)
Brickhill, J (JB) Fischer, D (DF) Knight, BJ (BJK)
Brown, G (GB) HBOC Foster, AT (ATF) Korn, T (TKo)
Burfoot, J (JBu) Francis, JJ (JJF)
Bushell, D (DBu) Lake, B (BLk)
Gay, E (EG) Lane, SG (SGL)
Cambridge, B (BC) HBOC Geering, D (DGe) Larkins, D (DL)
Campbell, J (JC) Gillies, M (MG) HBOC Lee, B (BL)
Carey, J (JCa) Gilligan, B (BG) HBOC Leishman, A (ALe)
Carter, MJ (MJC) Goodsir, D (DG) Ley, A (AL)
Carthew, EL (ELC) Gosper, D (DGs) Lindsey, TR (TRL)
Chafer, C (CC) Gould League Camp (GLC) Lisser, K (KL)
Charley, D (DC) Lock, D (DLk)
Cheshire, NG (NGC) Hamonet, S (SH) HBOC Love, J (JL)
Christian, P (PC) Hardy, JW (JWH) Lucas, T (TL)
Christidis, L (LC) Harris, J (JHa)
Clancy, GP (GPC) Harvey, l&P (l&PH) Maddock, M (MM) HBOC
Colemane, A (AC) Hatton, AIG (AIGH) Magarry, D&A (D&AM)
Conray, R (RCn) Hedley, A (AH) Maher, PN&PM (PN&PMM)
Cooper, C (CCo) Heeney, LJ (LJH) Mannell, P (PM)
Corben, CJ (CJC) Hobbs, JN (JNH) Mannes, H&B (H&BM)
Corbould, R (RC) Hobcroft, D (DH) Manuel, S (SMI) HBOC
Crombie, IA (IAC) Holmes, G (GH) Marchant, S (SM)
Hooke, BM (BMH) Marr, A (AMa)
Dalby, J (JD) Hoskin, ES (ESH) Marr, N (NM)
Dampney, A (AD) Houghton, J (JH) Marriott, C (CM)
Davies, P (PD) Howie, B (BH) Martindale, J (JM)
DeBelin, W (WDB) Hughes, G (GHu) Mathew, A (AMt)
Dengate, J (JDn) Hutton, K (KH) Maxwell, N (NMx)December 1986 103
McAllan, IAW (IMcA) Reid, T (TR) Tarr, JNS (JNST)
McAllan, K (KMcA) Richards, A (AR) Taylor, A (AT)
McAllan, ME (MEMcA) Richards, AM (AMR) Taylor, (IT)
I
McBride, AP (AMcB) Richards, DC (DCR) Thomas, EB (EBT)
McGill, AR (ARMcG) Roberts, GJ (GJR) Thompson, L (LT)
Mendel, G (GM) Rochford, K (KJ) Turner, D (DT)
Mills, K (KM) Rogers, AEF (AEFR) Turner, RJ (RJT)
Mitchell, P (PMt) Rose, AB (ABR)
Moffat, R (RM) Rups, F (FR) Virtue, B&C (B&CV)
Morris, AK (AKM) Russill, J&N (J&NR)
Murphy, B (BM) HBOC Wakeling, N (NW)
Murray, R (RMr) Sach, M (MS) Walker, R (RW) HBOC
Salter, AJ (AJS) Wallace, S (SW)
Nelson, P (PN) HBOC Sawyer, D (DSy) Waugh, J (JW)
Nicholson, SF (SFN) Schrader, NW (NWS) Waymark, R (RWa) HBOC
Secomb, D (DS) Weber, G (GW)
Palliser, T (TP) Sheppard, NW (NWSh) West, J (JWe)
Parish, D (DPr) Shields, J (JSh) Wheeler, E (EW)
Partridge, L (LP) Smith, JO (JOS) Williams, A (AW) HBOC
Pegler, J (JPg) Smith, L (LS) Williamson, PS (PSW)
Penman, S (SP) Smith, LE (LES) Willimont, L (LW)
Perry, J (JP) HBOC Smith, P&J (P&JS) Wilson, J (JWI)
Potts, DJ (DJP) Sonter, C (CS)
Poynton, T (TPt) Stephenson, J (JSt) HBOC
Priddel, D (DP) Stewart, DA (DAS)
Stokes, R&B (R&BS)
Quested, T&C (T&CQ) Strudwick, J (JS)
ADDENDA AND CORRIGENDA, 1983 REPORT
Beach Stone -curlew Esacus magnirostris
It was wrongly implied (p 82) that two separate pairs were involved in breeding attempts at
Red Rock: in fact one pair made two successive attempts at nesting. Both failed.104 Australian Birds 20(4)
SYSTEMATIC LIST
Emu Dromaius novaehollandiae Central Tableland: 3 at Goulburn River NP Sep (SH).
Northwest Slope: 1 seen 20 km NW of Bonshaw 10 Sep (GH). Upper Western: recorded at Mt
Murchison HSD 27 Aug -7 Sep, common; max 34, 1 with 3 chicks, 1 with 11 half-grown young (GLC).
Lower Western: hundreds at Coombie HSD near Roto, many breeding (JH).
Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus Sydney region: 2 at Lake Gannaway 28 Aug (J&NR);
2 at Penrith Lakes 5 Sep and 22 Dec, bred (RB; ARMcG); max 10 at Bushells Lagoon Nov -Dec (2
in display (TK, IMcA; AMcB). Illawarra: max 66 at Wingecarribee Dam 11 Aug -7 Oct (CC). North-
west Plain: 1 at Whittakers Lagoon W of Moree 22 Apr (JHa). Riverina: many pairs with young at
extensive lignum swamp near Booligal 24 Dec (PN&PMM). Lower Western: max 20+ at Imperial
Lake (2 pairs bred), Stephens Creek and Umberumberka Reservoirs near Broken Hill Jan -Feb, Sep
and Dec (NWSh); 2 at Hollands Lake, Dareton 22 Feb (JNH).
Hoary -headed Grebe Poliocephalus poliocephalus Sydney region: pair nesting near Richmond
8 Dec, very small area of water (AMcB). Illawarra: 90 + at Wingecarribee Dam 20 Jul (ARMcG); 30
at Fitzroy Reservoir 2 Sep (CC).
Little Penguin Eudyptula minor Mid -north Coast: nesting at Seal Rocks 3 Aug (JP).
Wandering Albatross Diomedea exulans Sydney region: arrival South Head, Sydney Harbour
NP 29 Apr (AKM); summer records include 1 seen 10 km off Sydney Heads 24 Nov and 2 off Sydney
Heads 15 Dec (AMcB). Illawarra: first seen 3 off Flagstaff Point, Wollongong 1 Jun, common 11 Aug,
last seen 25 Nov (CC; IMcA et al).
Royal Albatross Diomedea epomophora South Coast: 1 off Green Cape 25 May (TR).
Black-browed Albatross Diomedea melanophrys Sydney region: several summer records:
1
derelict at Narrabeen Beach 9 Nov (WEB, IMcA); 1 subadult 10 km off Sydney Heads 24 Nov; 4 (2
ad, 2 imm) off Sydney Heads 15 Dec (AMcB). Illawarra: first seen 1 off Red Point, Port Kembla 21
May (CC); very numerous Aug -Sep (max 150+, ca 7/imm), last seen 25 Nov (CC, AMcB, IMcA et al).
Grey -headed Albatross Diomedea chrysostoma Sydney region: 1 juv/imm photographed 12
naut. mis E of Barrenjoey Head, Sydney 5 Nov (NGC).
Yellow -nosed Albatross Diomedea chlororhynchos Mid -north Coast: 10+ off Seal Rocks 3 Jun;
1 same place 26 Aug (JP). Illawarra: 2 off Wollongong 1 Jun, seen regularly thereafter (“common”
during Aug), last reported 20 Sep (DF, CC; IBOC; IMcA et al).
Shy Albatross Diomedea cauta Illawarra: 2 off Wollongong 10 Aug, subsp salvini (AMcB); max
10 through Aug, last seen off Bass Point 3 Nov (CC, IMcA et al). South Coast: max 75 off Green Cape
25-26 May (TR). 2 seen 3.5 naut. mis E of Montague Island 15 Aug, 1 salvini (NGC).
Southern Giant Petrel Macronectes giganteus Sydney region: 1 white morph at Cape Solander
30 Sep (JJF, JA, FJ).
Northern Giant Petrel Macronectes halli Sydney region: recorded Sydney Autumn Count 26
May (NSWFOC -80). Illawarra: 1 off Red Point, Wollongong 30 Jun; 1 seen 20 km off Wollongong
25 Nov (CC, AMcB). South Coast: 2 off Green Cape 25-26 May (TR).December 1986 105
Antarctic Fulmar Fulmarus glacialoides Mid -north Coast: 1 derelict at Dunbogan Beach 28 Oct,
now AM 0.58474 (LT et al per IMcA).
Great -winged Petrel Pterodroma macroptera Northern Rivers: total 184 passing Ballina
lighthouse during strong S wind 21 May (GH). Hunter: 3 off Munmorah SRA 30 Sep (EF). Sydney
region: 2 seen ca 5 km off Sydney Heads 30 Jun, frequently reported Oct -Dec (DL, IMcA et al; AMcB).
White -headed Petrel Pterodroma lessonii Sydney region: seen 40 km off Sydney Heads 22
1
Sep (AMcB). 2 seen 13 naut. mis SSE of Botany Bay 7 Nov (NGC). 1 derelict at Narrabeen Beach
8 Nov (IMcA).
Providence Petrel Pterodroma solandri Northern Rivers: 1 seen 11 naut. mis E of Cape Byron
26 Jul and 15 seen 17 naut. mis SE of Ballina same day, max 10 -minute counts (NGC). 2 derelicts
and 5 Oct, latest 1 on 15 Dec has now been recorded all months off Sydney (IMcA et al, AMcB,
NSWFOC -80, NGC). Illawarra: 60+ off Wollongong 10 Aug (AMcB). South Coast: 25 + off Batemans
Bay 19 Aug (AMcB). 2 seen 15 naut. mis ESE of Kiama 29 Jul and 2 seen 10 naut. mis E of Jervis
Bay same day, max 10 minute counts (NGC).
Herald Petrel Pterodroma arminjoniana 1 intermediate morph 42 km off Sydney Heads 5 Oct
(AMcB).
Tahiti Petrel Pterodroma rostrata Total ca 9 seen on voyage 16-32 km offshore Sydney-
Ballina-Port Stephens 21-22 Dec (AMcB).
Mottled Petrel Pterodroma inexpectata Northern Rivers: 1 derelict at South Ballina 2 Nov (GH);
1 derelict just S of Sandon, Yuraygir NP 2 Nov, photographed (P&JS). Sydney region: 1 seen 25
km SSE of Botany Bay 7 Nov, full description supplied (NGC). 1 derelict at Dee Why Beach 8 Nov,
female, now AM 0.58124 (LJH per AM). Illawarra: 1 derelict at South Wollongong Beach 18 Dec
(DF, CC). Note clustering of dates; unusual number of reports also remarked Tasmania, but not
Victoria (TBR, VBR).
Gould’s Petrel Pterodroma leucoptera Sydney region: 1 off Sydney Heads 28 Apr and 2 seen
30 Jun (IMcA et al); 3 seen 26 naut. mis SE of Botany Bay 7 Nov (NGC); 1 seen 30 km off Sydney
Heads 15 Dec (AMcB). Tasman Sea: total 22 at sea up to 140 km off Port Stephens-Batemans Bay
22 Dec (AMcB).
Black -winged Petrel Pterodroma nigripennis Northern Rivers: heard (1 + seen) at night at
Mutton Bird Island, Coffs Harbour 16 Jan (SGL). Tasman Sea: 2 at sea up to 140 km off Port
Stephens-Batemans Bay 22 Dec (AMcB).
Cook’s Petrel Pterodroma cookii Illawarra: 1 seen 45 km off Wollongong 25 Nov (AMcB et an.
Tasman Sea: seen ca 100 km off Sydney 22 Dec (CJC, GJR, TP, DH, AMcB).
1
White -necked Petrel Pterodroma cervicalis Sydney region: off Sydney Heads 28 Jan; seen
1 1
40 km off Sydney Heads 15 Dec (AMcB et al). Tasman Sea: 2 at sea up to 140 km off Port Stephens-
Batemans Bay 22 Dec (AMcB). Details in prep.
Thin -billed Prion Pachyptila belcheri Illawarra: 2 seen 36 km off Wollongong 11 Aug (AMcB,
IMcA et al).
Fairy Prion Pachyptila turtur Mid -north Coast: 3 off Port Stephens 3 Jun, probably this species
(JP). Sydney region: recorded Sydney Autumn Count 26 May (NSWFOC -80). Illawarra: 50+ off106 Australian Birds 20(4)
Bass Point, Wollongong 28 Jul; very common off Wollongong 11 Aug (CC; IMcA et al). South Coast:
max ca 35 off Green Cape 25-26 May (TR).
Black Petrel Procellaria parkinsoni 2 off Sydney Heads 27 Oct (MJC et al); seen 36 km off
1
Sydney Heads 24 Nov (AMcB et af).
White -chinned Petrel Procellaria aequinoctialis Illawarra: derelict, tentatively this species,
1
at Port Kembla Beach 19 Dec, now AM 0.58761 (DF, CC); examined at AM, shows several conflicting
characters; identity still uncertain (IAWMcA, TRL).
Wedge-tailed Shearwater Puffinus pacificus Northern Rivers: 1 derelict at Wardell 11 Apr, pale
morph (GH). Sydney region: off Sydney Heads 26 May, unusually late (NSWFOC -80). Illawarra:
1
1 seen 20 km off Wollongong 11 Aug (AMcB et an. South Coast: 3 off Batemans Bay 19 Aug (AMcB).
Streaked Shearwater Calonectris leucomela Northern Rivers: 1 at Ballina 11 Apr, 1 same place
10 Sep (GH). Hunter: 1 male at Blacksmiths Beach, Newcastle 24 Jan, found distressed, later died,
now AM 0.57500 (BC). Sydney region: 2 off Sydney Heads 25 Feb and on 28 Feb (IMcA, DL, AMcB
1
et al). Illawarra: 1 at sea off Wollongong 23 Mar (AMcB); 1 derelict at South Beach, Wollongong 27
Dec, male, now AM 0.58746 (DF per IMcA).
Buller’s Shearwater Puffinus bulleri Northern Rivers: 1 at Evans Head 26 Feb; 1 derelict at
Seven Mile Beach, Lennox Head 12 Apr (GH); 1 derelict just S of Sandon, Yuraygir NP 1 Nov,
photographed (P&JS). Sydney region: 1 off Sydney Heads 28 Jan (AMcB et al). 1 seen ca 6 km off
Sydney Heads 24 Mar (AEFR).
Sooty Shearwater Puffinus griseus Illawarra: recorded off Wollongong 11 Aug, very early date
(IMcA et al). South Coast: off Green Cape 25 May (TR).
1
Short -tailed Shearwater Puffinus tenuirostris Hunter: ca 50 000 just offshore Munmorah SRA
30 Sep, average rate 110/min, almost constant stream from 1000-1700 hrs (EF). Sydney region:
derelicts Oct -Nov, max 21 at Dee Why Beach 8 Nov (LJH per AM), no reports of major mortality.
South Coast: off Green Cape 25 May (TR).
1
Fluttering Shearwater Puffinus gavia Illawarra: much scarcer than usual offshore all year,
counts seldom exceeding 20 (CC). South Coast: ca 100 off Green Cape 25-26 May (TR).
Hutton’s Shearwater Puffinus huttoni Northern Rivers: 1 at Evans Head 25 Feb; 1 derelict at
Wardell 11 Apr (GH). Sydney region: low numbers (max 5) off Sydney Heads Jan -Feb and Sep
(AMcB, IMcA et al). Illawarra: 70 + birds off Wollongong 25 Nov (AMcB). South Coast: 2 off Green
Cape 25-26 May (TR).
Little Shearwater Puffinus assimilis Sydney region: off Sydney Heads 28 Apr. full notes
1
supplied (IMcA, EF, DL). 1 derelict at Long Reef 9 Nov (WEB, IMcA).
Audubon’s Shearwater Puffinus lherminieri seen 28 km off Sydney Heads 25 Feb; first NSW
1
record, details in prep (AMcB et al).
Manx Shearwater Puffinus puffinus 1 photographed 32 km off Sydney Heads 22 Sep; first NSW
record, details in prep (AMcB, TRL et al).
Wilson’s Stormpetrel Oceanites oceanicus Sydney region: off Sydney Heads 28 Apr, another
1
26 May (AMcB).December 1986 107
White-faced Stormpetrel Pelagodroma marina Mid -north Coast: off Port Stephens Jan (JP).
1 1
Sydney region: 15+ at Cape Solander 7 Jul (JJF, KB). Illawarra: recorded off Wollongong 11 Aug
(IMcA et al).
Australian Pelican Pelecanus conspicillatus Northern Rivers: 1-2 (max 9) at Nambucca Heads
erratically all year, scarce during 1984 (BLk, DS). Mid -north Coast: small colony at Wallis Lake, Myall
Lakes NP 10 Mar, total ca 100 pairs, ca 20 nest with eggs, ca 200 small young, 100 large young;
still breeding in Dec (GB, RM per AKM, Aust. Birds 19: 6-7). Illawarra: 10 pairs nesting Martin and
Big Islands, Five Islands NR (IBOC per WE; Aust. Birds 20: 61-62).
Brown Booby Sula leucogaster Northern Rivers: 1 at Ballina 10-11 Apr (GH). Mid -north Coast:
1 at Seal Rocks 31 Dec (JP). South Coast: 1 adult male off Green Cape 25 May (TR).
Darter Anhinga melanogaster Hunter: 40+ nests at Norahville STW Jan -Apr (SMI). Riverina:
25+ nests at Barrenbox Swamp near Griffith 11 Feb (SMI).
Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo Hunter: 20-30 nests at Norahville STW Nov -Dec (SMI).
Illawarra: 1 at Barren Grounds NR 9 Dec (R&PJ). Riverina: 30+ nests at Barrenbox Swamp 11 Feb
(SMI).
Pied Cormorant Phalacrocorax varius Hunter: ca 25 nests at Norahville STW Jan -Feb (SMI).
Sydney region: 57 at Botany Bay 2 Feb, high local count (AKM).
Little Pied Cormorant Phalacrocorax melanoleucos Hunter: 75+ nests at Norahville STW Jan –
Mar (SMI). Sydney region: 5+ at nests in date palms at Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney 28 Aug
(GPC).
Least Frigatebird Fregata ariel Northern Rivers: 2 at South Ballina 9 Jan (DAS). Hunter:
1
probable at Dudley Beach, Newcastle 11 Mar and 1 at Blacksmiths Beach 18 Mar (SJ, AW).
Red-tailed Tropicbird Phaethon rubricauda Northern Rivers: 1 derelict at Pottsville 14 Apr,
immature (GH).
White-tailed Tropicbird Phaethon lepturus Northern Rivers: 1 adult at Valla Beach 25 Jan (CM
per DS). 2 derelicts at South Ballina 17 Mar and another 28 Apr; derelict at Seven Mile Beach,
1
Lennox Head 12 Apr, all immature (GH). 1 at Coffs Harbour 21 Aug, seen frequently thereafter (AT).
1 derelict at Marley Beach, Royal NP 3 Nov, now AM unregistered (NSWFOC -80, DT & BL per AM).
Illawarra: 1 derelict at Wollongong Beach 27 Dec (DF per IMcA). Tasman Sea: 2 at sea up to 140
km off Port Stephens-Batemans Bay 22 Dec (AMcB).
Pacific Heron Ardea pacifica South Coast: 2 small colonies at Moruya, 3 nests in one, 4 in the
other (SM). Riverina: ca 250 nests at Barrenbox Swamp during Feb -Mar (JB, SMI).
White-faced Heron Ardea novaehollandiae Sydney region: 2 over edge of continental shelf
off Sydney Heads 28 Feb; 1 seen 10 km off Sydney Heads 26 May, flying E (AMcB). 1 dead, being
eaten by Swamp Harrier at Towra Point NR 30 Jun (AKM).
Cattle Egret Ardeola ibis Northern Rivers: 1000+ nests at Middle Boambee 18 Jan, mostly
with nestlings; hundreds of nests at Lawrence 21 Jan (GPC). Hunter: recorded erratically along lower
Hawkesbury near Dharug NP 29 Mar -18 Nov, max 36 at Roses Creek 21 Jul (GPC). Breeding at
Shortland Swamp, Newcastle in Dec (MM). Riverina: 2 pairs nesting near Barham Jan -Feb, in mixed
egret colony (PN&PMM).108 Australian Birds 20(4)
Great Egret Egretta alba Hunter: breeding at Shortland Swamp, Newcastle in Dec (MM).
Riverina: ca 100 pairs nesting at swamp 5 km SE of Mathoura during Jan -Feb and in Dec; ca 50
pairs nesting near Barham Jan- Feb, in mixed egret colony (PN&PMM).
Little Egret Egretta garzetta Hunter: 12-16 nests at Chittaway Point near Wyong Jan (SMI).
Breeding at Shortland Swamp, Newcastle in Dec (MM). Sydney region: 2 at Towra Point NR 14 Apr,
only 1984 record for locality (AKM). 1 at Pitt Town Ferry Road 11 Jul, 8 Aug and 29 Aug; 1 at
Yarramundi Bridge 25 Jul, closely followed a Little Black Cormorant fishing in the river for some
minutes (RB). Illawarra: 1 at Lake Illawarra 20 Jul (RB). Central -west Plain: 1 at Tottenham 21 Apr
(NWS).
Plumed Egret Egretta intermedia Hunter: breeding at Shortland Swamp, Newcastle in Dec
Feb, in mixed egret colony; ca 80 pairs nesting at swamp 5 km SE of Mathoura during Jan -Feb and
again in Dec (PN&PMM).
Mangrove Heron Butorides striatus Sydney region: 1 at Parramatta River, Meadowbank 13
Apr (incorrectly shown as 2 birds CBOC NewsletterJul-Aug 84) (BD). 1 immature at Dee Why Lagoon
22 Jun (and several days thereafter) and 23 Jul (LJH). Illawarra: at Mullet Creek, Lake Illawarra
1
6 Jan (KM). 2 at Duck Creek, Lake Illawarra 17 Mar (CC). South Coast: at Orient Point, Shoalhaven
1
River 10 Mar; 1 at Greenwell Point 1 Jul (CC).
Little Bittern lxobrychus minutus Sydney region: 1 at Penrith Lakes 12 Jan (AC, KB per ESH).
Southern Tableland: bred at Canberra, ACT (IT). Riverina: 2 at Lake Wyangan near Griffith 1 Jan
(J&NR). Numerous at a swamp 5 km SE of Mathoura during Jan, mainly in Juncus ingens, and at
a swamp near Gunbar Jan -Mar; numerous (breeding confirmed), in extensive cumbungi and lignum;
ca 20 seen in a day, many more calling (PN&PMM). Lower Western: 1 at Dareton STW 16 Feb (JC).
Black Bittern Dupetor flavicollis Hunter: 1 at The Palms, Munmorah SRA 14 Apr (EF, IMcA ).
Sydney region: 1 at Mitchell Park 18 Feb (CC, PM per ESH); 1 at Stannix Park 24 Mar (RB). Illawarra:
2 at Duck Creek, Lake Illawarra 17 Mar (WE, CC). South Coast: at Clyde River, Nerriga 24 May
1
(JNH).
Brown Bittern Botaurus poiciloptilus Hunter: 1 probable heard at night at Mill Creek, Dharug
NP 13 Dec and 17 Dec (GPC). Sydney region: 1 at Narrabeen Lake 17 Feb (JJF, JA, MS). 1 at
Woolooware Swamp, Cronulla, seen several times 16 Sep -18 Oct (JJF). Riverina: at Barrenbox
1
Swamp 20 km NW of Griffith Mar (JB).
1
Black -necked Stork Xenorhynchus asiaticus Northern Rivers: bird at nest at Swan Creek near
Grafton 11 Sep (EW). Mid -north Coast: 2 at Bulandelah 18 May (JP); 1 seen 2 km S of Taree 25 Aug
(J&KI).
Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus Hunter: recorded erratically Minmi-Raymond Terrace area
Jan -Feb, Jun -Jul and Sep -Oct, max 19at Hexham Swamp, Minmi 29 Jun (AW, RW, J&KI, SH,
SJ, WPB). Sydney region: recorded erratically Hawkesbury Swamps Jun -Dec, max ca 10 at Bushells
Lagoon 31 Dec (AKM, RB, AC, TQ, AEFR). Illawarra: 1 seen frequently at Dunmore 8 Aug -16 Dec,
rare locally (IBOC). North-west Plain: 25 at Watercourse Swamp W of Moree 22 Apr, on the
Collarenebri road (JHa). Riverina: ca 900 pairs nesting in cumbungi and lignum near Gunbar Jan –
Mar; ca 2000 pairs nesting in lignum swamp 50 km NE of Balranald Nov -Dec; ca 4000+ pairs nesting
in lignum near Booligal, most perished when swamps dried out (PN&PMM). Upper Western: 3 at
Racecourse Swamp 2 km N Wilcannia 31 Aug; 16 at Oakvale Crossing, Paroo River 2 Sep (GLC).
Lower Western: ca 55 at Lake Gol Gol near Dareton 15 Dec (JC). 8 at Stephens Creek Reservoir
16 Dec and 1 at Umberumberka Reservoir near Broken Hill 23 Dec; observer’s first local records
(NWSh). Recorded at Coombie HSD near Roto in Dec (JH).December 1986 109
Sacred Ibis Threskiornis aethiopica Northern Rivers: 1 pair nesting in egret colony at Lawrence
in Dec (SGL). Hunter: 71 at Roses Creek near Dharug NP 31 Jul, high local count (GPC). Sydney
region: 6+ nests at Taronga Zoo 30 Aug; 8+ nests in date palms at Royal Botanic Gardens 28 Aug
(GPC). Central -west Plain: 300-400 pairs with eggs or small young, northern section Macquarie
Marshes NR in Jan (RA per AKM). Riverina: 5000+ nests at Barrenbox Swamp 11 Feb, in cumbungi,
mostly eggs, few young chicks (SMI).
Straw -necked Ibis Threskiornis spinicollis Riverina: ca 20 000 pairs nesting at Littlewood HSD
50 km NE of Balranald Nov -Dec; ca 30 000 pairs nesting at Booligal HSD in Dec, first breeding at
the site since 1969 (JB); ca 80 000 pairs nesting in lignum near Booligal, massive casualties when
swamps dried out (PN&PMM).
Royal Spoonbill Platalea regia Northern Rivers: 50 pairs nested at Harwood Island, Clarence
River during Dec (EW per AKM). Riverina: 8+ nests at Barrenbox Swamp 11 Feb, in upper branches
of willows (SMI).
Yellow- billed Spoonbill Platalea flavipes Northern Rivers: 1 pair at nest at Clarenza during Dec,
unusual coastal breeding record (EW per AKM). Hunter: at Roses Creek near Dharug NP 10-29
1
Jul (GPC).
Magpie Goose Anseranas semipalmata Northern Rivers: 21 at Caramana Pond, Waterview
near Grafton 6 Sep; 19 same place 3 Nov (GPC). Hunter: 3-4 at Seaham Swamp NR 14 Jul, 9 Dec
and 23 Dec (MM, GA, WPB, J&NR). Central -west Plain: 7 at Macquarie Marshes 25 Jan and 4 on
29 Dec (TKo per AKM, AL). Riverina: 3 at Lytton HSD near Barham 28 Feb (EBT). 2 at Warrawidgee
15 km W of Griffith 3-4 Mar (JB). For detailed review of recent records in NSW see Clancy 1985.
Aust. Birds 19:41-45.
Wandering Whistling -duck Dendrocygna arcuata Northern Rivers: 2 at Tweed Heads 21 Oct
(GH). 8 near Woolgoolga 9 Oct, 1 same place 27 Oct (SGL). Mid -north Coast: 3-4 at Port Macquarie
STW 29-30 Oct and 20 Dec (AR, GPC). Hunter: max 9 at Shortland Swamp, Newcastle 10 Mar, 23
May, 17 Oct (MM, GA, BC).
Plumed Whistling -duck Dendrocygna eytoni Northern Rivers: recorded at Clarenza Jan to mid –
Sep, max 60 on 9-30 Mar and 10 Sep, and 300 on 28 Sep; small flock at Waterview 6 Sep (EW, GPC).
Hunter: 6 at Morpeth STW 8 Jan (JS, WPB). Sydney region: max count 327 at Hawkesbury
Agricultural College, Richmond 29 Jul (DJ). North-west Slope: 100 + at Mooki River near Quirindi
19 May (RB). Central -west Slope: 27 near Bullenbung, Wagga-Lockhart 23 Sep (RB). Central -west
Plain: 18 at Tottenham 21 Apr (NWS).
Black Swan Cygnus atratus Northern Rivers: recorded regularly at Nambucca Heads during
Mar, most flying N (DS). Upper Western: 17 at Purnawilla Lake 30 km NNE of Wilcannia 27 Aug -7
S Ae up g, – 71 Sn ees pt , ( G3 Lp Ca )ir .s with young; 2 nests at Racecourse Lagoon, 1 pair with well -grown young 27
Freckled Duck Stictonetta naevosa Riverina: numerous at swamp near Gunbar Jan -Mar;
numerous, 2 nests found at swamp near Booligal 24 Dec, all males in breeding condition (PN&PMM).
Australian Shelduck Tadorna tadornoides Sydney region: 3 at Pitt Town Lagoon 22 Dec
(ARMcG, J&NR), 1 same place 31 Dec (AC, TQ, AEFR). Flock 32 seen 27 naut. mis SE of Sydney
Heads 12 Nov, flew around ship and departed SE (NGC). Illawarra: 11 at Shoalhaven Heads 1 Jul
(B&CV, CC). South Coast: 1 at Nowra 10 Jun, 11 at Comerong Island 1 Jul, locally rare (IBOC per
WE). Upper Western: 1 at Racecourse Swamp 2 km N of Wilcannia 27 Aug -7 Sep; 3 at Lake
Purnawilla 30 km NNE of Wilcannia 30 Aug -7 Sep (GLC).110 Australian Birds 20(4)
Black Duck Anas superciliosa Hunter: substantial numbers (max 300 +) on Lower Macdonald
River Jun -Jul (GPC).
Mallard Anas platyrhynchos Northern Rivers: 1 male at Susan Island, Grafton 2 Nov, with hybrid
female (GPC). Mid -north Coast: 1 female at Port Macquarie STW 5 Jul, 9 Sep, 29 Oct and 20 Dec
(GPC). Hunter: 2 at Teralba 3 Jun (WPB, MG).
Chestnut Teal Anas castanea Sydney region: 496 at Parramatta River 15 Apr, max local count
(H&BM, JD, AKM). Riverina: 6 males at Lake Wyangan near Griffith 24 Jun; 1 nest plus 3 young
same place 12 Dec (JB).
Blue -winged Shoveler Anas rhynchotis Sydney region: recorded Hawkesbury swamps Feb –
Aug, max 40 + at Pitt Town Lagoon 15 Aug (RB, J&NR). 8 flying SE 10 km off Sydney Heads 23 Jun
(AMcB). 2 at Stinkpot Bay, Towra Point NR 30 Jun, first local record (AKM). Illawarra: ca 50-60 at
Lake Illawarra during Jun -Jul, minor influx; 6 at Bong Bong Reservoir 2 Sep (CC). South Coast:
5 at Comerong Island 4 Aug; 6 same place 1 Sep (CC). Riverina: 200+ at Griffith STW 1 Jan (J&NR).
Pink -eared Duck Malacorhynchus membranaceus Hunter: 2 at Yallah 4 Aug (J&NR). Sydney
region: recorded Pitt Town Lagoon 11 Aug -31 Dec, max 25 on 11 Aug (J&NR, RB, AC, TO, AEFR).
Illawarra: 1 at Tallawarra ash ponds 3 Jun and 7 same place 8 Jul (CC, IBOC). Riverina: 1000+ at
Griffith STW 1 Jan (J&NR). Upper Western: recorded at Mt Murchison HSD 27 Aug -7 Sep, est 10
000 (GLC).
Hardhead Aythya australis Mid -north Coast: 150+ at Port Macquarie STW 5 Jul; 100+ same
place 20 Dec (GPC). Sydney region: 120 at Pitt Town Lagoon 23 Jun (AKM). Illawarra: 35 at Tallawarra
ash ponds 3 Jun (CC). 84 at Hoskins NR, Moss Vale 4 Aug (KM). 30 at Bong Bong Reservoir 2 Sep
(CC). Lower Western: 40+ at Umberumberka Reservoir ca 20 km W of Broken Hill 23 Dec (NWSh).
Maned Duck Chenonetta jubata Hunter: 200+ near Gunderman 23 May, high local count
(GPC).
Blue -billed Duck Oxyura australis Southern Tableland: bred at Lake Bathurst (IT). Riverina:
50 at Griffith STW 1 Jan (J&NR); many pairs with young at extensive lignum swamp near Booligal
24 Dec (PN&PMM). Upper Western: 1 male at Oakvale Crossing, Paroo River 1 Sep; max 8 at
Racecourse Swamp 2 km N of Wilcannia 2-6 Sep (GLC). Nest at Fords Bridge 12 Sep (GH).
Osprey Pandion haliaetus Northern Rivers: 4 known pairs nesting in Nambucca Valley, one
failed, outcome otherwise unknown (DS, GPC). Mid -north Coast: nests known near Taree, Port
Macquarie and Forster, total 1 young fledged (GPC, RM per AKM). Hunter: nesting near Newcastle
(GPC); 1 at East Gosford 17 Oct; 1 at Terrigal Lagoon 18 Oct (DCR). 1-3 seen at least 6 occasions
at Lake Macquarie Jan -Sep, young being fed (SH, AW). South Coast: at Murrays Beach, Jervis
1
Bay NR 22 Jun (CC).
Black -shouldered Kite Elanus notatus North-west Plain: 6 pairs nesting on km of creek at
Goorianawa in Apr, near nesting Black Kites and Spotted Harriers (DJ per AKM).1
Black Kite Milvus migrans Mid -north Coast: at Woko NP 30 Jan (SH). Hunter: at Redhead
1 1
rubbish tip 14 Mar (AW). 1 seen 10 km SE of Denman 26 Nov (IMcA). North-west Plain: 1 pair nesting
on 1 km of creek at Goorianawa in Apr, near nesting Spotted Harriers and Black -shouldered Kites
(DJ per AKM).
Square -tailed Kite Lophoictinia isura South-west Slope: 2 at Lake Cowal 24 Jun, unusual winter
record (NWS). North-west Plain: 1 at Warrumbungles NP 13 Nov (ARMcG). Upper Western: 1 at
Four Corners Lake 42 km NE of Wilcannia 30 Aug; 1 possible at Jamieson Billabong 52 km NE
Wilcannia 1 Sep (GLC). Lower Western: 1 at Lake Gol Gol, Buronga 13 Nov (JNH).December 1986 111
Black -breasted Kite Hamirostra melanostemon Hunter: immature or light morph found near
1
Wollongong, taken to Taronga Zoo, inspected 15 Aug (GPC). Lower Western: 1 at Mt Murchison
HSD 27 Aug -7 Sep (GLC); at Euston 15 Sep (JNH).
1
Brahminy Kite Haliastur indus Northern Rivers: pair nesting at Nambucca Heads, chick seen
1
7 Oct (DS, GPC). Mid -north Coast: at Seal Rocks 20 Oct (RA).
1
Grey Goshawk Accipiter novaehollandiae Riverina: at Gulpa Creek near Mathoura 23 Sep
1
(RB).
Red Goshawk Erythrotriorchis radiatus Northern Rivers: at Lismore 15 Feb (GH).
1
White -bellied Sea -eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster Hunter: 2 young in nests near St Albans 12
Aug (GPC). Illawarra: 1 at Barren Grounds NR 6 Sep (PE per R&PJ). Riverina: 1 juvenile 15 km W
of Griffith Jul (JB); active nest near Mathoura 15-22 Oct (JSh). Lower Western: at Talpee HSD
1 1
near Balranald 24 Apr (JC). at Mallee Cliffs SF near Euston 15 Sep; once common along Murray,
1
now seldom seen (JNH).
Black Falcon Falco subniger Sydney region: recorded Hawkesbury Marshes 26 May (NSWFOC
-81). Illawarra: 1 at Bargo 7 Apr (J&NR). Central Tableland: 1 seen 15 km S of Merriwa 2 Mar (IMcA).
Central -west Plain: 2 at Tottenham 20 May (NWS). Riverina: 2 seen 32 km W of Hay 13 Dec, attacked
by kestrels (WEB, IMcA). Upper Western: 1 at Oakvale Crossing, Paroo River 31 Aug (GLC). Lower
Western: at Fletchers Lake, Dareton 23 Jan (JNH).
1
Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus Mid -north Coast: at Smiths Lake May (GPC). Hunter:
1 1
seen frequently in lower Hawkesbury area May -Dec, near suspected nest at Dharug NP 26 Feb
1
(GPC). Sydney region: total ca 16 reports metropolitan area all year; pair successfully raised young
at Royal NP; total 10 young fledged since discovery of eyrie in 1981 (JJF, IMcA, RB, EF, AKM, BH,
DL et al). Illawarra: 3 at Kangaroo Valley 29 Sep (CC). South Coast: 1 at Jervis Bay NR 10 Jun; 1
at The Grotto, Nowra 22 Jul (CC). Central Tableland: several records Blue Mountains NP, possibly
breeding (RJT). Southern Tableland: 1 male found dead a few km N of Lake George 11 Jun, now
AM 0.57815 (LC & PC per AM). Upper Western: at Lake Purnawilla 30 km NNE of Wilcannia 1-5
1
Sep (GLC). Lower Western: pair nesting at Garston HSD near Wentworth 6 Oct (SBOC per JC).
Grey Falcon Falco hypoleucos Lower Western: 2 at Matakana 26 Jul (NWS). 1 at Burtundy
HSD NE of Wentworth 13 Nov (JNH).
Malleefowl Leipoa ocellata South-west Slope: 33 eggs at mound near West Wyalong 18 Feb;
5 mounds worked all year but no eggs laid at Yalgogrin 45 km- W of West Wyalong (JB). Riverina:
28 eggs at mound at Pulletop NR, last egg laid about 20 Feb late date (JB). 2 active mounds NE
of Wentworth 6 Oct (JNH, SBOC per JC). Comment: some large clutches recorded in the cool wet
summer 1983-1984 but many eggs lost due to nests being saturated (JB).
Brush Turkey Alectura lathami Hunter: seen erratically all year at Mill Creek, Dharug NP, max
3 on 21 May; 1 caught and banded 10 Aug; single feather found at Screech Owl Creek, Dharug NP
18 Dec, new locality according to long-term resident nearby (GPC).
Stubble Quail Cotumix pectoralis Central -west Plain: 60+ seen N of Tottenham 23 Apr (NWS).
Riverina: numerous in Conargo area Sep -Dec (PN&PMM).
Brown Quail Coturnix australis Apparently somewhat more common than usual in many areas.
Hunter: many at Munmorah SRA 21 Apr, including 1 group 26 + , in low heath (EF). Sydney region:
4 at Kurnell 24 Mar (DF, CC). 7 at Jibbon Lagoon, Royal NP 18 Mar (CC). 2 in heathland at North
Head, Sydney Harbour NP 9 Oct (AKM). South Coast: 2 at Bamaranq near Nowra 8 Dec (CC). South-112 Australian Birds 20(4)
west Slope: 8 seen by roadside several km E of Wyalong on Quandialla road 7 Oct (RB). Central –
west Plain: 2 at Tottenham FOC campout 20 Apr; 2 at Nevertire 27 Jul (JNH). Lower Western: 1 at
Mandleman HSD E of Pooncarie 29 Mar, very uncommon in far west (ARMcG, JNH). at No. 183
1
Dam, Lake Nearie near Wentworth 7 Apr (SBOC per JC). 1 at Fletchers Lake, Dareton 18 Jul; 1 at
Gol Gol 26 Jun (JNH).
Ring-necked Pheasant Phasianus colchicus Central Tableland: at Sublime Point 14 Oct
1
(J&NR).
Black -breasted Buttonquail Turnix melanogaster Northern Tableland: 1 at Tooloom Scrub 19
Nov (GH).
Little Button -quail Turnix velox Central -west Plain: 6 seen N of Tottenham 23 Apr (NWS).
Riverina: numerous in Conargo area Sep -Dec (PN&PMM). Upper Western: 3 near Lake Purnawilla
30 km NNE of Wilcannia 29 Aug (GLC). Lower Western: abundant from Ivanhoe S to Mungo NP
late Mar to early Apr (ARMcG, JNH). Common in and near Mungo NP 15-20 Dec (IMcA, WEB).
Red -chested Buttonquail Turnix pyrrhothorax Central Tableland: several 15 km S of Merriwa
3 Mar (IMcA). South-west Slope: 1 at Charcoal Tank, West Wyalong 7 Sep (J&NR). 1 found dead
at Mulyan HSD near West Wyalong 7 Oct, now AM 0.58051 (DP per AM). Central -west Plain: 4 seen
N of Tottenham 23 Apr (NWS). Riverina: many nesting in Conargo area Sep -Dec; recorded near
Booligal 24 Dec (PN&PMM). Lower Western: recorded at Mungo NP 16 Dec (IMcA, WEB).
Plains -wanderer Pedionomus torquatus Riverina: seen regularly all year Conargo-Wanganella
area, breeding Jan -Mar, Aug -Oct (PN&PMM).
Banded Landrail Rallus philippensis Several records Northern Rivers and Mid -north Coast,
many records Hunter and Sydney region; also several Canberra records, first since 1981 (IT). South-
west Slope: 1 seen 10 km NW of Binalong 26 Oct (BH). 1 at Lake Cowal 13 Dec (MD per JB). Central –
west Plain: several at Monkeygar Creek 30 km W of Quambone 29 Dec; several at Terrigal Creek
15 km W of Quambone 29 Dec (AL). Riverina: 4 at extensive lignum swamp near Booligal 24 Dec
(PN&PMM). Upper Western: 1 at Mt Murchison HSD 4 Sep (GLC). Lower Western: 2 at Dareton 18
May; at Dareton 26 Aug (JNH).
1
Lewin’s Rail Rallus pectoralis Northern Rivers: at Toonumbar SF near Kyogle 20 Jun; at
1 1
Little Brindle Creek near Kyogle 25 Oct; 1 at Tomewin via Murwillumbah 19 Oct; 1 at Tuckean Swamp
S of Lismore 9 Dec (GH). Mid -north Coast: 1 in Eucalyptus pilularis woodland near heath at Queens
Lake N of Laurieton 6 Apr (P&JS). Heard at Port Macquarie STW 3 Sep (GPC). Hunter: regularly
recorded at Mill Creek and Hazel Dell, Dharug NP, all year, including juv on 4 Jan, fox or cat kill 9
Mar and 1 banded after it hit window after dark 17 Dec (GPC, AMcB). 1 at Dudley 8 Mar (SJ). 1 at
Kooragang Island NR 14 Apr (EF, IMcA). Sydney region: 1 at Towra Point NR 11 Feb (JW). Central –
west Plain: 1 in lucerne at Harparary HSD 10 km NE of Baan Baa 19 Sep; 1 with young at Weetawa
25 km W of Wee Waa 15 Sep, west of known range (DCR).
Marsh Crake Porzana pusilla Hunter: 1 at Shortland Swamp, Newcastle in Apr (SH). Sydney
region: first recorded at Bushells Lagoon 14 Nov, common through Dec (IMcA, TK, AMcB, AC, TQ,
AEFR, J&NR). Unusually common at Canberra, ACT (IT).
Australian Crake Porzana fluminea Sydney region: at Bakers Lagoon 17 Mar (EF). at
1 1
McGraths Hill STW 8 Sep (AMcB). 6+ at Bushells Lagoon 31 Dec, including 1 immature (J&NR,
AC, TQ, AEFR). Riverina: 5+ at Fivebough Swamp near Griffith 31 Oct (JB). Upper Western: 1 at
Wilcannia Swamp 5 Sep (GLC). Lower Western: large influx to Wentworth area mid -Jun to year end,
max 20 any one locality (JNH).December 1986 113
Spotless Crake Porzana tabuensis Illawarra: found dead at Woonona Heights, Wollongong
1
29 Sep, now AM 0.58867 (IBOC, KM). Central -west Plain: recorded at Baan Baa 4 Nov (DCR).
Riverina: 1 at small swamp 25 km E of Deniliquin 19 Sep (CC). Lower Western: large influx to
Wentworth area mid -Jun to year end (JNH).
Bush -hen Gallinula olivacea Northern Rivers: 1 found dead at Pimlico 8 Mar, now AM
unregistered (GM per AM).
Black -tailed Native -hen Gallinula ventralis Upper Western: many thousands at Mt Murchison
HSD 27 Aug -7 Sep (GLC). Lower Western: influx to Wentworth region early Aug to year end;
hundreds not thousands (JNH).
Brolga Grus rubicundus Central -west Plain: 2 near Condobolin 28 Mar (ARMcG). 3 seen 30
km E of Quambone 15 Sep (AL).
Australian Bustard Ardeotis australis Upper Western: ca 16 at Glenmore Bore S of Tibooburra
5-6 Jun, with 2 young (JJF, LS, JW). 2 seen 10 km E of Wilcannia in Jun (AMa per AKM). male
1
between Lightning Ridge and Goodooga, near Narran River bridge 3 Aug (DG per AKM). 3 near
Four Corners Lake 42 km NE of Wilcannia 31 Aug; 2 at Mt Murchison HSD 4-5 Sep; 2 seen 12 km
E of Wilcannia 5-6 Sep (GLC, AIGH). 3 at Yalcowinnia Creek on the Wilcannia road 50 km NE of
Broken Hill 6 Sep (JB).
Lotusbird lrediparra gallinacea Hunter: recorded erratically Minmi-Shortland Swamp-
Teralba-Kooragang Island NR Aug -Nov, max 3 at Minmi 8 Sep (SH, GW, GA, WPB et al). Illawarra:
1 seen frequently at Killalea Swamp and Dunmore Swamp 7 Jul -16 Aug, first County of Camden
record; seen also at nearby Bass Point SRA (CC, IBOC per WE). North-west Slope: at Derra
1
Lagoon, Bingara 25 Jan (JHa).
Bush Stone -curlew Burhinus grallaria Hunter: 4 at Rileys Island near Gosford 12 Feb (JCa per
AKM). Sydney region: 2 at Careel Bay 3 Nov (NSWFOC -85). 2 at nest (eggs C/2) at Glossodia 27-28
Nov and 5 Dec (RB, LS). Lower Western: present at Dareton all year, nested (JNH).
Beach Stone -curlew Esacus magnirostris Northern Rivers: at Woody Head Beach near Iluka
1
8 Feb (PD per AKM). Reported regularly at Red Rock NP; bred, young reared (SGL, DGe, SW
1
per AKM, J&NR, AT, GPC, NW per AKM).
Painted Snipe Rostratula benghalensis Hunter: 1-2 females at Minmi 18 Aug, 6 Sep, 7 Sep
(ALe, SJ, WPB). Riverina: 1 pair nesting in canegrass near Gunbar during Feb; 11 near Gunbar
21 Dec; 8 in lignum near Booligal 24 Dec (PN&PMM). Lower Western: 2 at Broken Hill STW 11 Feb
(NWSh). 3 at Lake Gol Gol, Buronga 12 Jul (JNH).
Pied Oystercatcher Haematopus longirostris Bred Nambucca Heads, Stockton Bight and
Comerong Island (DS, AW, IBOC, CC). Highest counts: 33 between Seal Rocks and Yacaba Head,
Myall Lakes NP 4 Feb (RM per AKM); 27 at Wagonga Inlet, Narooma 5 Feb (P Mannell per AKM);
21 at Towra Point NR 22 Mar and 3 Apr (AKM, JW); 15 between Woody Head and Jerusalem Creek,
Bundjalung NP 17 May (AKM).
Sooty Oystercatcher Haematopus fuliginosus Highest count: 40 on rocky shoreline at Ulladulla
24 Jul (PSW); other counts, 9 at Boat Harbour, Sydney, 22 Mar (AKM, JW); 8 at Shellharbour 19 Feb
(CC). No counts received from Long Reef.
Masked Lapwing Vanellus miles Lower Western: 238 at Lake Gol Gol, Buronga 20 Jun, max
local count (JNH).114 Australian Birds 20(4)
Banded Lapwing Vanellus tricolor Hunter: 7-16 at Kooragang Island NR during Oct, pair bred
1
(AKM, JP, BC et al). 50+ at Williamtown airfield 2 Nov (J&KI).
Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola All reports. Hunter: at Swansea 25 Feb (J&NR, ARMcG).
1
2 at Kooragang Island NR in Nov (JP, AIGH). Sydney region: 1 at Long Reef 7 Oct (NM, NMx).
Illawarra: 2-3 at Windang 24 Sep, 29 Sep and 9 Nov; 2 at Boomerah Point, Lake Illawarra 6 Nov
(LES, DF, CC). South Coast: 3 at Comerong Island 27 Sep (CC).
Lesser Golden Plover Pluvialis dominica 3 at Comerong Island all winter (CC) otherwise not
reported in NSW 11 Apr to 30 Aug. Highest counts: 195 at Botany Bay 21 Mar (JPg, MDb, AKM),
158 at Comerong Island 10 Nov (CC). Other reports of interest: Riverina: 1 at Tullakool salt works
22 Jan (EBT, PAD). Upper Western: in breeding plumage at Lake Purnawilla 30 km NNE of
1
Wilcannia 30 Aug -6 Sep (GLC).
Red -kneed Dotterel Erythrogonys cinctus Sydney region: 1-3 in Hawkesbury Swamps May –
Sep, runner at McGraths Hill STW 7 Sep (RB, AEFR). Lower Western: flocks of 552 at Lake Gol Gol,
Buronga 20 Jun and 474 on 12 Jul (JNH).
Hooded Plover Charadrius rubricollis South Coast: 2 at Bawley Point near Batemans Bay 23
May (NWS). 10 at Bherwerre Beach, Jervis Bay NR 30 Jun, including 3 in juvenal plumage (CC).
Mongolian Plover Charadrius mongolus No winter reports, latest 11 Apr. Highest count: 204
at Botany Bay 19-20 Feb, highest local count since 1976 (JPg, MDb, AKM, T&CQ per AKM, CC).
Double -banded Plover Charadrius bicinctus Recorded 22 Feb -2 Sep; highest counts: 174 at
Botany Bay 21 Jul, highest local count for some years (MDb, JPg, AKM); 21 at Windang 29 Mar (CC);
130 at Comerong Island 1 Jul (IBOC per WE, CC). Other records of interest: 1 at McGraths Hill STW
24 Mar and 30 Jun (RB); 1 at Lake Purnawilla 30 km NNE of Wilcannia 29 Aug -2 Sep (AIGH, GLC);
1 at Fletchers Lake, Dareton 9 Apr, 2 same place 30 Apr (JNH).
Large Sand Plover Charadrius leschenaultii All reports. Northern Rivers: 5 at Richmond estuary,
Ballina 6 Feb (JM per AKM); not recorded at Ballina 30 Apr -19 Sep (GH). Hunter: 1-2 at Kooragang
Island 20-22 Jan (RD, AMcB); 1 at Swansea 13 Feb (BC per AKM). Illawarra: 1 at Shellharbour Beach
1 Oct (LES, CC); 1 at Windang 5 Nov (CC). South Coast: 4 at Comerong Island 21 Jan (AMcB); 1
same place 22 Dec (CC).
Red -capped Plover Charadrius ruficapillus Northern Rivers: 35 between Woody Head and
Jerusalem Creek, Bundjalung NP 17 May (AKM). Sydney region: 59 at Botany Bay 28 Jun (JPg,
MDb, AKM). South Coast: 134 at Comerong Island 11 Feb, 136 same place 10 Mar (CC). Upper
Western: 300+ at Lake Purnawilla 30 km NNE of Wilcannia 5 Sep (GLC). Lower Western: 494 at
Fletchers Lake, Dareton 14 May, max local count (JNH).
Black -fronted Plover Charadrius melanops Sydney region: 10 at Centennial Park 25 Apr,
unusual locality (ESH). Lower Western: 234 at Lake Gol Gol, Buronga 20 Jun, a very high count
(JNH).
Black -winged Stilt Himantopus leucocephalus Hunter: 5 at Lower Macdonald 10 Nov,
observer’s first local record (GPC). 3 pairs nesting Kooragang Island NR 30 Dec (GH). Sydney region:
60 at Homebush Bay 20 Jan, nesting (H&BM, JD, AKM). Riverina: 28 + nests at Lake Wyangan 3
Nov, first local breeding in 4 years (JB). Upper Western: 24 at swamp 44 km E of Wanaaring 10 Feb,
including 6 juveniles; 28 at Poloko Lake 140 km S of Wanaaring 10 Feb (PN&PMM, NWSh). Lower
Western: 2 at Kinchega NP 5 Feb (JOS, AH, NWSh). 641 at Lake Gol Gol, Buronga 12 Jul, max local
count (JNH).December 1986 115
Banded Stilt Cladorhynchus leucocephalus An unusual number of reports around NSW.
Hunter: 1 immature at Kooragang Island NR 7 Oct -9 Dec (JP, AKM, AIGH). Central -west Slope:
1 immature at Parkes STW 8 Sep, first local record (NWS). Riverina: ca 100 at Tullakool salt works
21 Jan (PAD, EBT); 8 same place 18 Nov (PN&PMM); 20 same place 14 Dec (PAD). Upper Western:
4-5 at Lake Purnawilla 30 km NNE of Wilcannia 30 Aug -1 Sep (GLC). Lower Western: ca 70 at
Fletchers Lake, Dareton 9 Jan and 31 Aug (JNH, J&NR).
Red -necked Avocet Recurvirostra novaehollandiae Hunter: recorded at Kooragang Island
Jun -Dec, steady increase 5-53 (JP, BC, WPB, A&GB, AKM, AIGH). Illawarra: 21 at Lake Illawarra
7 Jul, incl 1 imm, first local record; 1 at Tom Thumb Lagoon 14 Jul (LES, CC, BJ, DF, IBOC per WE).
Upper Western: 44 at Poloko Lake 140 km S of Wanaaring 10 Feb, juveniles present, breeding
reported Aug -Sep (PN&PMM, NWSh).
Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres Sydney region: 220 at Botany Bay 19 Feb, highest local
count since 1976 and by far the highest State count during 1984 (JPg, MDb, AKM).
Eastern Curlew Numenius madagascariensis 5 flying S 7 km off Sydney Heads 28 Jul (AMcB).
Highest counts: 900+ at Kooragang Island NR 22 Jan (AMcB); 653 same place 3 Feb (WPB per
AKM); 247 at Botany Bay 22 Sep (JPg, MDb, AKM); 300+ at Comerong Island 21 Jan (AMcB).
Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus Highest counts: 36 at Ballina 12 Nov (GH); 30 at Taylors Beach,
Port Stephens 11 Feb (BC, JP per AKM); ca 60 at Kooragang Island NR 7 Jan (AMcB); 66 at Botany
Bay 22 Sep (JPg, MDb, AKM).
Little Curlew Numenius minutus Hunter: 32 at Kooragang Island NR 8 Mar (ATF, ESH). Lower
Western: 1 at Fletchers Lake, Dareton 9-23 Jan (JNH). 1 at Lord Howe Island 4 Nov (PMt, D&AM).
Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola Only one report received. Riverina: at Fivebough Swamp,
1
Leeton 5 Feb (JNST per AKM).
Grey -tailed Tattler Tringa brevipes Sydney region: ca 100 at Shell Point, Botany Bay until Apr
and from Sep; max 123 on 14 Apr and again 22 Sep (AMcB, DPr, J&NR, JW, FJ, JPg, MDb, AKM).
South Coast: 15 at Comerong Island 11 Jun (CC).
Wandering Tattler Tringa incana Illawarra: 2 at Windang Island 4 Mar, in breeding plumage
1
(B&HM per AKM); 1 same place 11 Mar (NM, JJF).
Common Sandpiper Tringa hypoleucos All reports. Northern Rivers: 1 at Evans Head 5 Jan
(DGs per AKM). 1 at South Ballina 5 Feb (JBu per AKM). 2 at Brunswick Heads 8 Feb (AJS per AKM).
Mid -north Coast: 3 at Wallis Lake, Tuncurry 4 Feb (KJ per AKM). Hunter: 2 at Kooragang Island NR
7 Jan (DJa). 1 at Dora Creek late Feb (CD). 1 at Stockton Bridge 14 Oct (JP, BC). Sydney region:
1 at Silverwater bridge 5 Jan (KB per ESH). Illawarra: 1 at Minnamurra River, Illawarra 31 Jan and
6 Feb (IBOC per WE, WEb per AKM). Lower Western: 1 at Stephens Creek Reservoir, Broken Hill
11 Feb (NWSh).
Greenshank Tringa nebularia 177 at Kooragang Island NR 3 Feb (J&KI per AKM) and 100+
at Tullakool salt works 29 Jan (PAD); these are the first NSW counts on file to exceed 100 birds since
1974; also 54 at Windang 19 Feb (CC). A number of records far west Jan -Feb.
Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis Highest counts: 50 at Kooragang Island NR 3 Feb (J&KI
per AKM) and 35 at Fivebough Swamp, Leeton 5 Feb (JNST per AKM). No reports after 11 Feb except
1 at Nambucca Heads 25 Jun (DS); spring reports include 1 at Pitt Town Lagoon 30 Oct (KB per
ESH), 3 at McGraths Hill STW 10 Nov (AC et al per ESH) and at Saltwater Swamp, Upper
1
Crookhaven River 27 Oct (CC).116 Australian Birds 20(4)
Terek Sandpiper Tringa terek Sydney region: max 20 at Shell Point, Botany Bay Feb -Apr, last
seen 14 Apr; arrival 26 Oct, Nov max 17 (AMcB, J&NR, ARMcG, JW, AKM). Illawarra: at Windang
3 Feb and again 22-27 Dec (IBOC, LES, CC). 1
Japanese Snipe Gallinago hardwickii No reports after 11 Feb; earliest arrival Merrylands,
Newcastle 19 Aug; highest count 104 at Shortland Swamp, Newcastle 15 Oct (WPB, J&KI, AKM,
GA). Other reports of interest: 1 at Oakvale, Paroo River 30 Aug, well W of normal range (GLC).
Black -tailed Godwit Limosa limosa Reported all months except May -Sep, latest 4 at Comerong
Island 7 Apr (IBOC per WE, CC), earliest 5 at Homebush Bay, Sydney 20 Oct (H&BM, JD per AKM);
highest count ca 3000 at Kooragang Island NR 7 Jan (AMcB), the highest NSW count on file.
Riverina: 1 at Tullakool salt ponds 22 Jan (EBT).
Bar -tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica Most counts somewhat higher than normal: 1720 at
Kooragang Island NR 3 Feb (J&KI per AKM); 860 at Botany Bay 26 Oct (AKM, JPg, MDb); 206 at
Parramatta River 29 Dec (H&BM, JD per AKM); 196 at Windang 6 Nov (CC); 748 at Comerong Island
27 Oct (CC).
Hudsonian Godwit Limosa haemastica Hunter: 1 at Kooragang Island NR 21 Jan, 7 Apr, 11
Nov (DJa, H&BM, AIGH).
Red Knot Calidris canutus ca 1000 at Stockton Bridge 26 Sep (WPB, A&GB), highest ever NSW
count on file. Other counts also somewhat higher than usual: 305 at Botany Bay 22 Sep (JPg, MDb,
AKM); 146 at Windang 3 Oct (LES, DF, CC); 100 at Comerong Island 27 Oct (CC).
Great Knot Calidris tenuirostris Highest count: 20 at Prospect Estate, Ballina 5 Feb (JBu per
AKM); latest report, Ballina 2 Jun (GH), earliest Ballina 20 Sep (GH) and Windang 21 Sep (LES, DF,
CC).
Sharp -tailed Sandpiper Calidris acuminata Substantial numbers in far west but coastal counts
seemed low: 52 at Botany Bay 26 Oct (JPg, MDb, AKM); 400+ at Oakvale, Paroo River 30 Aug -6
Sep; 600+ at Lake Purnawilla 30 km NNE of Wilcannia 30 Aug -6 Sep (GLC); 353 at Fletchers Lake,
Dareton 9 Jan (JNH).
Illawarra: 1 seen frequently at Lake Illawarra 3-17 Feb, first County of Camden record (LES & RI
per AKM, IBOC per WE, CC). Riverina: 1 near Booligal and 1 near Gunbar 21 Dec (PN&PMM).
Red -necked Stint Calidris ruficollis Highest coastal counts: 123 at Parramatta River 28 Nov
(H&BM, JD, AKM); 379 at Botany Bay 16 Dec (JPg, MDb, AKM); 342 at Comerong Island 11 Feb
(CC). Upper Western: max 20 at Oakvale, Paroo River 31 Aug -5 Sep (GLC). Lower Western: 428
at Fletchers Lake, Dareton 6 Feb (JNH).
Long -toed Stint Calidris subminuta Lower Western: 1 at Fletchers Lake, Dareton 20 Feb (JNH).
Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea Highest counts: 1366 at Kooragang Island NR 3 Feb
(AKM); 510 at Parramatta River 20 Jan; (H&BM, JD, AKM); 610 at Botany Bay 22 Sep (JPg, MDb,
AKM). Upper Western: 60+ at Oakvale, Paroo River 30 Aug -1 Sep; recorded at Racecourse Swamp
2 km N of Wilcannia 5 Sep (GLC).
Sanderling Calidris alba Northern Rivers: 42 at South Ballina Beach 5 Feb, 63 same place 10
D ree gc io, nla : rg 2 e as t t Blo oc aa t l Hc aou rbn ot uo rn 2r 2e c Mo ard r (( AJM KM p )e . r I A llaK wM a; r rG a:H ) 3. 81 aa tt WN ia nm dab nu gc c 8a FH ee ba , d 1s 2 2 s8 a mDe ec p(D laS ce). S 16y d Fn ee by ,
16 on 21 Mar, 7 on 1 Apr; 1 at Shellharbour Beach 4 Oct; 1 at Windang 9 Nov (CC).December 1986 117
Broad -billed Sandpiper Limicola falcinellus Northern Rivers: seen frequently at Ballina 22
1
Jan -1 Mar; 2 at Ballina 12 Nov (GH). Hunter: 1-9 at Kooragang Island NR Jan -Feb, lowest count
in years (AMcB, DJa, BC).
Ruff Philomachus pugnax Riverina: at Tullakool salt ponds 4-23 Feb (PN&PMM, PAD).
1 1
at Fivebough Swamp near Griffith during Oct -Nov (KH, JB).
Southern Skua Catharacta antarctica Few reports. Sydney region: off Sydney Heads 26 May
1
(AMcB). 2 off Cape Solander 7 Jul (J&NR). 7 seen 8 naut. mis ESE of Botany Bay 29 Jul, followed
1
ship until 19 naut. mis E of Ulladulla (NGC).
Arctic Jaeger Stercorarius parasiticus Few reports, low numbers. Departure off Sydney Heads
26 May, arrival Nambucca Heads and Botany Bay 23 Oct (DS, NSWFOC -80, AMcB, AKM).
Pomarine Jaeger Stercorarius pomarinus Northern Rivers: 2 at Nambucca Heads 9 May (DS).
Hunter: 2 off Newcastle 1 Apr (TKn). Sydney region: 4 off Sydney Heads 28 Apr (AMcB).
Long-tailed Jaeger Stercorarius longicauda Northern Rivers: 1 at North Creek, Ballina 9 Apr
(J1 per ESH). Sydney region: 2 off Sydney Heads 28 Feb (AMcB et al); off Sydney Heads 27 Oct
1
(AD et a/ per ESH). Illawarra: off Wollongong 24-25 Nov (CC. AMcB et al).
1
Silver Gull Larus novaehollandiae Hunter: ca 10 nests on dead stumps in water at Munmorah
Power Station Jan -Feb (SMI). Sydney region: 13 prs nesting at Homebush Bay, Sydney 17 Nov
(AIGH; see also Aust. Birds 18:87-88). Upper Western: recorded at Mt Murchison HSD 27 Aug -7
Sep, small numbers most wetlands (GLC). Lower Western: recorded at Coombie HSD near Roto
in Dec (JH).
Pacific Gull Larus pacificus All reports. Sydney region: 1 at Boat Harbour, Kurnell 21 Aug,
immature (4th year) dropping shellfish (AKM). 2 immatures at Long Reef 7 Oct (NM, NMx). Illawarra:
1-2 imm at Windang 30 Apr, 7 Jul, 3 Aug, 30 Aug (CC, IBOC per WE). South Coast: at Green Cape
1
25-26 May (TR).
Kelp Gull Larus dominicanus All reports. Sydney region: at Observatory Hill, Sydney 13 Apr
1
(EF); 1 imm at Boat Harbour 1 Jun (JW); 1 adult at Dee Why Lagoon 9 Nov (LJH). Illawarra: 10 at
Windang 24 Feb; 11 at Flagstaff Point, Wollongong 14 Jun; recorded at Windang all year (CC). South
Coast: 2 at Crookhaven Heads 1 Sep (CC).
Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybrida Northern Rivers: nesting (ca 50 young) at Casino 10 Mar
(GH). Riverina: ca 500 + pairs nesting in 2 canegrass swamps near Gunbar Jan -Mar (PN&PMM).
1000 + at Mirrool Creek NW of Griffith 12 Feb, 10+ nests (SMI). 500 + at Mirrool Creek 6 Oct, most
in breeding plumage (RB). Flock 2000+ at Mirrool Creek, Gunbar 26 Oct (JDx, ARMcG). Upper
Western: recorded at Mt Murchison HSD 27 Aug -7 Sep, small numbers most wetlands (GLC). Lower
Western: 20+ at Stephens Creek Reservoir 10 km E of Broken Hill 16 Dec (NWSh).
White -winged Tern Chlidonias leucoptera Northern Rivers: 1 at South Ballina 11 Apr (GH).
Hunter: 25 at Kooragang Island NR 3 Feb (HBOC); 6+ same place 14 Apr, in breeding plumage
(EF, IMcA). Illawarra: 1 at Windang 18 Dec (CC).
Gull -billed Tern Gelochelidon nilotica Riverina: 26 pairs nesting at Tullakool salt ponds Jan –
Feb (PN&PMM, EBT), ca 560 nests same place during Dec, in three colonies (PAD). Upper Western:
63 at Poloko Lake, Paroo River 10 Feb (PN&PMM per AKM). Recorded at Mt Murchison HSD 27
Aug -7 Sep, small numbers most wetlands (GLC).118 Australian Birds 20(4)
Caspian Tern Hydroprogne caspia Upper Western: small numbers at Jamieson Billabong 52
km NE of Wilcannia 27 Aug -7 Sep (GLC).
Common Tern Sterna hirundo Reported counts substantially higher than 1983 and perhaps
also 1982 but much lower than 1981 (see previous Reports). Northern Rivers: 200+ at Nambucca
Heads 6 Oct, 14 Oct and 21 Oct (DS). Sydney region: 24 at Centennial Park, Sydney 4 Feb (TPt
per AKM); 1 same place 19 Mar (BD). 282 at Boat Harbour 22 Mar (AKM). Arrival 30+ at Hermitage,
Sydney Harbour NP 24 Oct (H&BM, JD, AKM); max 60 at Sydney Harbour NP late Oct (AKM).
Illawarra: 48 at Windang 7 Nov, high local count (CC).
Arctic Tern Sterna paradisaea Northern Rivers: 1 at North Creek, Ballina 9 Apr (JI per ESH).
Sydney region: 1 probable 30 km off Sydney Heads 5 Oct (AMcB).
White -fronted Tern Sterna striata Reports few, numbers low, all records listed. Northern Rivers:
1-2 at Nambucca Heads 18 Jul, 20 Jul and 23 Aug (DS); at Ballina 30 Aug (GH). Hunter: at
Stockton 12 Aug (JP). Sydney region: 6 off- S ydney Heads1 26 May (NSWFOC -80). 4+ at Ca1 pe
Solander 7 Jul, observer’s only 1984 record none recorded off South Head (AKM). at Long Reef
1
15 Jul, in breeding plumage (BD). South Coast: ca 75 off Green Cape 25 May, ca 50 same place
26 May (TR).
Sooty Tern Sterna fuscata Northern Rivers: 2 adults derelict at South Ballina 10 Dec (GH). 1
at Sawtell 28 Oct (SGL). Mid -north Coast: derelict at Port Macquarie Beach 29 Jan, now AM
1
0.58489 (NPWS per IMcA). Hunter: immature derelict at Dudley Beach 30 Dec (SJ). Sydney region:
1
7 off Sydney Heads 28 Jan (AMcB). 2 adults seen 26 naut mls SE of Botany Bay 7 Nov (NGC). South
Coast: 1 derelict at Bherwerre Beach, Jervis Bay NR 30 Dec (CC). Tasman Sea: total 52 seen at
sea up to 140 km offshore from about Port Stephens to Batemans Bay 22 Dec (AMcB).
Black-naped Tern Sterna sumatrana Northern Rivers: 1 at Fingal Beach, Tweed Heads 15 Feb
(RB), first NSW record, see Aust. Birds 19:10.
Little Tern Sterna albifrons Northern Rivers: 2 runners at Red Rock 20 Jan (GPC); bred at
Nambucca Heads (DS); ca 500 in non -breeding plumage at Sawtell 28 Oct (SGL). Mid -north Coast:
8 pairs nesting at Forster 9 Nov (R Moffat per AKM). Hunter: 500+ at Stockton Bridge 20 Dec (WPB,
A&GB). Sydney region: 10 at Eastlakes, Sydney 4 Feb, unusual locality (TPt, DSy per AKM). Illawarra:
counts at Wingang: 282 on 5 Feb, 250 on 5 Mar, 84 on 8 Nov, 115 on 18 Dec (CC). South Coast:
28 at Comerong Island 28 Jan (CC). Results of NSW census 9-10 Dec: total 1308 birds, 40 nests,
30 hatched (AKM).
Crested Tern Sterna bergii Sydney region: ca 210 at Long Reef 23 Oct, unusually high count
(BD).
Common Noddy Anous stolidus Northern Rivers: 1 derelict at Wardell 11 Apr (GH). Lord Howe
Island: total 10+ seen 5-16 May; none on census 12 May (BJK).
Black Noddy Anous minutus Northern Rivers: at Ballina 18-19 Feb and Mar (GH).
1 1
White Tern Gygis alba Northern Rivers: 1 at North Creek, Ballina 9 Apr (JI per ESH). Sydney
region: seen 10 km off Sydney Heads 15 Dec (AMcB, CC et al). Lord Howe Island: ca 10+ seen
1
5-16 May (BJK). Tasman Sea: 2 at sea up to 140 km offshore, Port Stephens-Batemans Bay 22
Dec (AMcB).
Superb Fru itdove Ptilinopus superbus Sydney region: 1 male found dead at St Ives, Sydney
29 Mar, now AM 0,57905 (TL per AM). 1 at Long Reef 3 Jun (AMcB).December 1986 119
Rose -crowned Fruitdove Ptilinopus regina Illawarra: 1-2 seen frequently at Bass Point 27
Aug -20 Oct (often 2 roosting together during Oct), first County of Camden record (IBOC, WE).
Wompoo Fruitdove Ptilinopus magnificus Northern Rivers: heard at Booyong RS 27 Jan (GPC);
recorded at Woolgoolga 11 May (J&NR). Northern Tableland: several feeding on Ficus macrophylla
near Kunderang East, S of Wollomombi 24-25 Sep (P&JS).
Topknot Pigeon Lopholaimus antarcticus Northern Rivers: 60 at Bellingen 29 Apr (CC). Mid –
north Coast: common (including immatures) at Sharpes Creek camping area, Gloucester Tops 21-23
Apr (IMcA, DL, KL et al). 12 at Shelly Beach, Port Macquarie 3 Sep; 5 at Port Macquarie 9 Sep (GPC).
Hunter: 130+ at The Palms, Munmorah SRA 30 Sep, feeding on fruiting Cabbage Palms; ca 22 +
immature, many adults feeding young (EF). 12+ at Mill Creek, Dharug NP 5 Oct, flying E (GPC).
Flock 22 at Ourimbah 10 Oct (AKM). Sydney region: 13 flying S over Taren Point bridge ca 0830
hrs 14 Oct (AR). Illawarra: 70+ at Jamberoo Pass 4 Aug (AC, ARMcG et al). South Coast: ca 20
at Pebbly Beach 10-13 Aug (KMcA & GD per IMcA). 20 at Shoalhaven Heads 7 Oct (CC). ca 40 seen
regularly 3-4 km S of Moruya Nov -Dec, at grove of huge fig trees (SM).
White -headed Pigeon Columba leucomela Northern Rivers: Common in camphor laurels at
Grafton during Jul -Aug; 2 nests in small relict patch rainforest at Swan Creek near Clarenza in Aug
(EW). 1 roadkill at Warrell Creek 4 Sep (GPC). Flock 20 at Swan Creek near Clarenza 11 Sep (EW).
1 roadkill at Rosewood Creek near Warrell Creek 29 Oct; 6 at Carrs Creek near Grafton 31 Oct; 3
at Grafton Nov (GPC). Mid -north Coast: recorded at Sharpes Creek camping area, Gloucester
1
Tops 20-23 Apr (DL, KL, IMcA et al). 20+ at Wombah near Nabiac 19 May (AKM). at Port Macquarie
1
5 Jul; roadkill (immature) at Fernbank Creek, Port Macquarie 29 Oct (GPC). Pair at nest at
1
Cooranbong early 1984 (JAx HBOC). Hunter: recorded at Ourimbah SF 25-26 Feb (J&NR, ARMcG).
2 at Paterson 24 Jun (BM HBOC). 1 at Elermore Vale, Newcastle 27 Sep (BB HBOC). 30 at Cardiff,
Newcastle 5 Oct (TD HBOC). Sydney region: many records, especially winter and spring in upper
Lane Cove River valley, but in lower numbers (max 20) than other years, possibly associated with
poor privet crop (EF, RDu, IMcA, DL, BD, AK, l&PH per ELC). Illawarra: 1 at Mount Keira 3 Mar
(ARMcG). found dead at Bulli 14 May, now AM 0.57809 (LK per AM). at Bass Point near
1 1
Wollongong 17 Aug (CC) and 29 Nov (ARMcG).
Feral Pigeon Columba livia Hunter: several on sea cliffs at Terrigal 18 Oct, possibly nesting
(GPC). Lord Howe Island: 7+ recorded 5-16 May (BJK).
Spotted Turtledove Streptopelia chinensis Northern Tableland: 2 at Armidale 2 Sep (AL).
Peaceful Dove Geopelia placida South Coast: 12 at Bamarang 5 km W of Nowra 4 Aug, in
cornfield (CC).
Diamond Dcve Geopelia cuneata Central Tableland: 1 at Pheasants Nest 7 Apr (J&NR).
Bar -shouldered Dove Geopelia humeralis Sydney region: 3 at Towra Point NR 25 Nov (AKM).
Illawarra: 11+ at Bass Point SRA all year (CC). Central Tableland: 1 near Glen Davis 10 Nov (RJT).
South-west Slope: several at Jimberoo SF 20 km NNE of Rankin Springs 7 May (PN&PMM).
Emerald Dove Chalcophaps indica Hunter: at Blackbutt RS, Newcastle 13 Mar (WPB).
1
Illawarra: 1 caught and banded near warden’s house, Barren Grounds NR 7 Feb, first local record
(R&PJ). at Mt Keira scout camp 14 Aug (RAI, EG, AKM). Lord Howe Island: common 5-16 May
1
(BJK).
Brush Bronzewing Chalcophaps elegans Mid -north Coast: 3 at Myall Lakes NP 30 Aug (JP).
Hunter: 1 at Ten Mile Hollow, Dharug NP 14 Jan (GPC). 8 at Bennetts Green 14 Sep (AW HBOC).120 Australian Birds 20(4)
Crested Pigeon Ocyphaps lophotes Mid -north Coast: 1 found dead at Bulandelah 5 May (ABR
per AM). Hunter: many records at Dharug NP and nearby localities, mostly May onwards; bred
Dharug NP in Sep (GPC). Illawarra: 1-4 regularly recorded Dapto-Berry-Albion Park Jan -Jul, small
numbers in farmland (IBOC per WE, KM).
Glossy Black Cockatoo Calyptorhynchus lathami Northern Rivers: recorded at Nambucca
Heads Feb -Jul and Dec (NW, DS). 2 at Nymboida River, Moonpar SF near Dorrigo 27 Apr (CC).
Mid -north Coast: recorded near Gloucester Tops 23 Apr (IMcA, DL et al). Hunter: noted frequently
at Dharug NP, including juveniles (GPC). Sydney region: 3 at Cowan Creek, Ku-ring-gai Chase NP
26 Feb and 23 Jun (BD). Illawarra and South Coast: 2 at Shoalhaven Heads 11 May, rare locally
(IBOC per WE) and 2 at nearby Pyree near Nowra 12 May, possibly same birds (CC). Central
Tableland: seen occasionally at Blaxland Jan -Feb (P&JS); nested at Winmalee May -Jul (NLK,
J&NR). 1 roadkill at Fitzgeralds Mount W of Bathurst 21 Dec (WEB, IMcA). Central -west Slope: 19
drinking at waterhole near Balladoran in NW Goonoo SF 11 Jun (TKo per AKM). North-west Plain:
2 at Pilliga Scrub 24 Apr (WE, CC).
Yellow -tailed Black Cockatoo Calyptorhynchus funereus Hunter: recorded at
Grahamstown Reservoir 20 Apr (DL, IMcA et al). Sydney region: 5 at Penrith Lakes 8 Jul (AIGH).
Recorded often at South Turramurra Jun -Aug (IMcA). 2 at Beacon Hill 31 Aug (LJH). 3 at Yowie
Bay 4 Nov. feeding in ban ksia (JJF). Central Tableland: 27 at Wentworth Falls 19 Feb, feeding in
Pinus radiata (RJT). 2 at Munghorn Gap NR 29 Oct (AIGH).
Gang -gang Cockatoo Callocephalon fimbriatum Hunter: recorded frequently Dharug NP
(nested Oct -Dec) and Watagan Mts (GPC, PN HBOC, JAx HBOC, GH). Sydney region: 2 at
Peakhurst 9 Feb (J&NR). 9 at Pitt Town Lagoon 17 Mar (IMcA); two groups resident Lane Cove River
area, Epping and South Turramurra (DL, IMcA). Central Tableland: 2 seen 15 km S of Merriwa 13-17
Jun (MEMcA per IMcA). South-west Slope: 2 at Illalong Creek 7 km S of Binalong 27 Oct (BH).
Galah Cacatua roseicapilla Illawarra: 1 seen 14 nm SE of Port Kembla 18 Aug (NGC). Lower
Western: ca 4000 at roost in flooded red gums at Talpee HSD near Balranald 24 Apr (JB).
Long -billed Corella Cacatua tenuirostris Coastal records continue to increase. Mid -north Coast:
2 at Port Macquarie 3 Sep (GPC). 8 near Nelsons Bay 30 Sep (D McNair et al HBOC). Hunter: pair
with 1 young at Duckenfield 17 Oct (per GW HBOC). Sydney region: 10+ at Avalon Beach, Sydney
19 Feb, flocking in tall pines (LP). 2 at East Wahroonga 13 Jul; 2 at East Turramurra 26 Oct and 2
Nov; recorded all year at South Turramurra (EF, IMcA). Flock 5-7 near Cobbity Nov -Dec (ARMcG,
J&NR). Riverina: 150 + at Deniliquin caravan park 19 Sep; 300+ near Caldwell SW of Deniliquin
18 Sep (CC).
Little Corella Cacatua sanguinea Coastal populations continue to consolidate and spread.
Northern Rivers: 5 at Laughtondale 17 Sep (GHu per GPC). Hunter: 2 at Shortland Swamp,
Newcastle 16 Mar, 19 Aug and 16 Oct (JP, WPB). Sydney region: reported at Royal NP, Sydney
Harbour NP, Dee Why Lagoon, Wahroongah, Turramurra, max metropolitan count 52 (AMR, AMt,
LJH, AKM, EF, IMcA). Illawarra: 2 at Dapto-Balgownie May -Nov, bred at West Dapto in Nov (IBOC,
LES).
Sulphur -crested Cockatoo Cacatua galerita Hunter: large flocks at Lower Macdonald Mar –
Jun, max 450 + on 9 Jun (GPC). Illawarra: recorded Dapto-Balgownie during May and Nov (IBOC).
Rainbow Lorikeet Trichoglossus haematodus Illawarra: minor influx Nowra-Berry area Jul –
Aug; mainly in flowering Spotted Gums (CC). South-west Slope: 2 at Lake Cargelligo town 26 Nov,
in Tamarix aphylla, ?escapees (JB).December 1986 121
Musk Lorikeet Glossopsitta concinna Illawarra: large influx (probably several thousand birds)
Nowra-Berry area Jul -Aug; mainly in flowering Spotted Gums (CC). South Coast: 200+ at Worrigee
Swamp, Nowra Jul (CC).
1
Red -winged Parrot Aprosmictus erythropterus Central Tableland: female at Munghorn Gap
1
NR 22 Apr, S of normal range (AKM).
Superb Parrot Polytelis swainsonfi All reports. Sydney region: 2 at Winston Hills 12 Sep,
probable escapees (WDB per ESH). Illawarra: 2 at Primbee 9 Mar -2 Apr, feeding on lerps in foliage;
possibly escapes (LES, RI, IBOC per WE). Central -west Slope: 11 flying E near Trangie 8 Sep, at
least 2 adult males (AKM). South-west Slope: common at Binalong 25-30 Oct (BH). Central -west
Plain: 3 at Mayfield HSD 29 km S of Quambone 22-24 Apr (DS). Recorded at Inglewarra HSD near
Gulargambone 17 Jul and at nearby Baroone HSD 17 Aug (DB). Riverina: 4 near Goolgowi 26 Oct
(JDx, ARMcG). 10 at Darlington Point 10 Nov (RB).
Cockatiel Nymphicus hollandicus Hunter: 7 at Beresfield 28 Sep (J&KI HBOC). Lower Western:
arrival Dareton 17 Aug; flock ca 200 wintered at Wentworth, new habit perhaps associated with
irrigated cropping (JNH).
Ground Parrot Pezoporus wallicus South Coast: 2 at Beecroft Peninsula 12 May (B&CV, CC).
Budgerigar Melopsittacus undulatus Central Tableland: 1 at Wolgan Gap 5 May (RJT). Central –
west Plain: large flocks at Tottenham FOC camp 21-22 Apr (JNH). Riverina: unusually abundant,
many flocks 10-20 Griffith -West Wyalong area Jan -Feb (JB). Upper Western: a few at Mt Murchison
HSD 2-7 Sep (GLC). Lower Western: departure Dareton 10 Apr, unusually late; 4 at Fletchers Lake,
Dareton 19 May, unusual winter record; arrival Dareton 6 Oct (JNH). Flocks max 4000 at Willandra
Lakes Heritage Area 14-20 Dec, very common (WEB, IMcA).
Swift Parrot Lathamus discolor Illawarra: 8 at Mount Warrigal 30 Apr, only record, contrast with
winter 1983 (IBOC per WE). 6 at Shoalhaven Heads 1 Sep (JWI, CC). 8 at Barren Grounds NR 12
Sep (R&PJ). Central -west Slope: 4 at Back Yamma SF E of Forbes 12 Jun (NWS).
Port Lincoln Ringneck Barnardius zonarius Sydney region: 2 at Wattamolla, Royal NP 16 Jun
(IBOC per WE). 2-3 at Neilsen Park, Sydney Harbour NP Jun -Sep (CCo, AKM). 2 at Stannix Park
7 Oct (J&NR). Recorded Sydney Spring Count 3 Nov (NSWFOC -85).
Bourke’s Parrot Neophema bourkii Upper Western: 3-4 near Fords Bridge 12 Sep (GH).
Blue -winged Parrot Neophema chrysostoma Riverina: 6 at The Ranch, Booroolban 5 Dec (RB).
Upper Western: 3 at Mt Murchison HSD 29 Aug (GLC). Lower Western: 3 at Garnpang HSD 20 km
N of Mungo NP 29 Mar (ARMcG, JNH).
Turquoise Parrot Neophema pulchella All reports. Hunter: 1 ?female 4 km NE of Patonga, in
Brisbane Waters NP, date not supplied, ?May, “looked sick” (DBu). Sydney region: at Fiddle Town
1
near Arcadia 26 May (DLk, JL per ESH). South Coast: 1 female 8 km W of Hill Top near Berrima
5 Jan (CS). Central Tableland: 2 near Glen Davis 2 Jun (AC et al per ESH). 20+ seen 15 km S of
Merriwa 13-17 Jun, flocks 15-40 same place 31 Aug and 3 Sep (MEMcA, IMcA). 3 at Mellong
Swamps, Wollemi NP 15 Sep (DC). at Singles Ridge Road, Winmalee 30 Nov (NLK). South-west
1
Slope: 1 at Buddigower NR 15 km SW of West Wyalong 15 Feb (JB).
Oriental Cuckoo Cuculussaturatus Northern Rivers: at Cambridge Plateau, Richmond Range
1
SF 31 Mar (GH); 1 at Nambucca Heads 18 Nov (DS). Mid -north Coast: 1 at Woko NP 30 Jan (RWa,
JSt). Sydney region: 1 immature at Lugarno, Sydney 4 Mar; 1 adult same place 12-13 Mar and 21
Mar (R&BS). 2-3 at Epping 27 Mar -11 Apr, 1 found dead, now AM 0.58025 (RB, IMcA, EF, AMcB,122 Australian Birds 20(4)
AEFR, LS). Illawarra: 1 at Barren Grounds NR 15-17 Dec, first local record, full description on file
(LW, JWe, LF).
Pallid Cuckoo Cuculus pallidus Sydney region: recorded Sydney Autumn Count 26 May
(NSWFOC -80). Illawarra: arrival Barren Grounds NR 2 Oct (R&PJ). South Coast: arrival Moruya
13 Oct (SM). North-west Slope: recorded at Quirindi 20 May (RB).
Brush Cuckoo Cuculus variolosus Northern Rivers: arrival Valla 16 Oct, Nambucca Heads 21
Oct; recorded at Valla 22 Oct and 12 Nov, thereafter 16 out of 17 days (DS). Hunter: arrival Dharug
NP 8 Oct (GPC). Sydney region: 1 at Stannix Park 10 Mar (J&NR). 4 at South Turramurra 3 Nov
(IMcA); recorded at Thorley Street, Windsor 3 Nov (RB); 1 at Scheyville 14 Nov (TK, IMcA). Illawarra:
arrival Barren Grounds NR 2 Oct (R&PJ). South Coast: departure Moruya 24 Jan, arrival 12 Oct
(SM). Central Tableland: 1 seen 15 km S of Merriwa 23-26 Nov, observer’s first local record (IMcA).
Black -eared Cuckoo Chrysococcyx osculans Sydney region: 1 at Scheyville 14 Jan and 31
Dec (AMcB, J&NR). Central Tableland: 1 seen 15 km S of Merriwa 2-3 Sep (MEMcA, IMcA). Central –
west Plain: 1 at Tottenham SF 20-23 Apr (NWS). Upper Western: 1 in leopardwood woodland at
Mt Murchison HSD 30 Aug (GLC).
Horsfield’s Bronze -cuckoo Chrysococcyx basalis Illawarra: regularly recorded at Illawarra
Jan -Jul, unusual in winter (IBOC per WE); arrival Barren Grounds NR 5 Sep (R&PJ). Central
Tableland: recorded at Lapstone 2 Sep (RJT).
Shining Bronze -cuckoo Chrysococcyx lucidus Hunter: frequently recorded at Dharug NP 30
Mar -29 Aug (GPC). Sydney region: recorded at Thorley Street, Windsor 26 May (RB); at Castle
1
Hill 23 June (IMcA). 1 calling at Towra Point NR 7 Aug, early record (AKM). 1 at Marsfield 9 Aug (IMcA).
Recorded at Scheyville 15 Aug (RB). Illawarra: departure Barren Grounds NR week beginning 12
Apr, arrival 9 Sep (R&PJ). South Coast: departure Moruya 21 Feb, arrival 26 Aug (SM).
Little Bronze -cuckoo Chrysococcyx minutillus Northern Rivers: recorded at Tweed Range 25
Oct, at Donaldson SF and at Woodenbong 21 Nov (GH).
Common Koel Eudynamis scolopacea Northern Rivers: arrival Wardell 17 Sep (GH); Macksville
29 Sep (BLk per DS); Nambucca Heads 2 Oct; and Valla 8 Oct (DS). Hunter: departure Dharug NP
20 Feb, arrival 20 Oct (GPC). Sydney region: 1 juvenile at Beacon Hill, Sydney 8-21 Feb (LJH).
Recorded at Castle Hill 1 Mar (RB). Departure East Wahroonga 1 Apr (EF). Arrival East Wahroonga
5 Oct (EF). Recorded at Castle Hill 7 Oct (RB). Arrival (heard) at North Head, Sydney Harbour NP
9 Nov (AKM). 1 at Parramatta 23 Dec, present about a week (AIGH). Illawarra: 1 at Shoalhaven Heads
27 Oct and 10 Nov (CC); calling at night at Woonona Heights, Wollongong 14 Dec (KM). Central
Tableland: departure Mount Riverview 24 Feb, arrival 21 Oct (LS).
Channel -billed Cuckoo Scythrops novaehollandiae Northern Rivers: arrival Nambucca Heads
1 Oct, Valla 25 Oct (DS). 2 at Susan Island, Grafton 2 Nov; 2+ at Moonee 19 Dec (GPC). Mid -north
Coast: 1 male found dead at Skido HSD 12 km N of Gloucester 10 Mar (BMH per AM). Hunter:
departure Rankin Park, Newcastle 4 Feb (TKn). Heard at Roses Creek, Dharug NP 5 Feb (GPC).
Arrival Blackbutt RS, Newcastle 14 Sep (WPB). at Sunnyvale, Lower Macdonald 22 Sep (KJ per
1
GPC); many further reports from Lower Macdonald, Mangrove Mountain, Wisemans Ferry and
Dharug NP from 6 Oct, including 2 juvs fed by Australian Ravens at Dubbo Gully, Mangrove Creek
31 Dec (IAC, GPC). More reports than ever before Newcastle suburbs, Lake Macquarie area, Woko
NP, Lostock Dam, Pokolbin, Wangi (WPB). Sydney region: very few reports; recorded Jan, Oct, Dec
(RB, J&NR). South Coast: departure Moruya 24 Jan, arrival 3 Oct (SM). 1 at Batemans Bay 11 Dec
(KM). Northern Tableland: 1 seen 26 km SE of Bundarra 27 Oct (AL). Central Tableland: 1 juv at
Blaxland during Jan, tended by Pied Currawongs; adults also recorded (P&JS). Departure WinmaleeDecember 1986 123
27 Jan but 1 juvenile seen 11 Mar, harassed by Pied Currawongs and uttering both begging and
adult calls; arrival Winmalee 29 Sep (NLK). Arrival Mount Riverview 9 Oct (LS).
Pheasant Coucal Centropus phasianinus Hunter: at Mangrove Mountain 7 Jun (GPC). Sydney
1
region: 4 recorded Sydney Spring Count 3 Nov (NSWFOC -85).
Powerful Owl Ninox strenua Hunter: heard at Mill Creek, Dharug NP several times during
1
Oct, ?first park record (GPC). Sydney region: 2 at Mitchell Park 28 Mar (LS, RB). At least 1 pair at
Lady Carrington Drive, Royal NP 26 Aug -6 Oct, bred (AMcB, J&NR, AR). Illawarra: seen frequently
1
at Bass Point SRA 17 Aug -2 Dec (CC). South Coast: at Jervis Bay NR 10 Jun (CC).
1
Barn Owl Tyto alba Central Tableland: 1 roadkill 3 km E of Berambing, Blue Mountains NP
21 Dec (WEB, IMcA). Southern Tableland: unusually common Canberra area (IT). Riverina:
exceptional mortality during spring, for details see Hutton & Brickhill 1985. Aust. Birds 20: 8-11;
also many roadkills between Hay and Darlington Point 11 Dec; one sample 20 in 2 km stretch; only
a couple E of Darlington Point (VAD). 30+ roadkills 20 km W of Darlington Point 20 Dec (IMcA).
Masked Owl Tyto novaehollandiae Riverina: 1 at Gunbar 6 Sep (J&NR).
Sooty Owl Tyto tenebricosa Northern Rivers: recorded at Cambridge Plateau, Richmond
Range SF 31 Mar, at Huonbrook near Mullumbimby 9 Jun and at Sawpit Creek, Border Ranges NP
6 Sep (GH). Mid -north Coast: 1 heard near Gloucester Tops 21 Apr (IMcA). Northern Tableland:
recorded at Minyon Falls Oct and at Yabbra SF near Urbenville 17 Dec (GH).
1
Marbled Frogmouth Podargus ocellatus Northern Rivers: recorded at Big Scrub FR, Whian
Whian SF 29 Sep (GH).
White -throated Nightjar Caprimulgus mystacalis Northern Rivers: recorded at Kalang 10 Feb,
23 Feb and 17 Oct (RB) and at Wardell during Jun (GH). Hunter: 1 heard at Dharug NP 13 Feb, 11
Mar, 16 Mar, 30 Mar, and frequently during Oct; seen 23 Dec (GPC). at Raymond Terrace 18 Nov
1 1
(AW). Illawarra: 1 at Barren Grounds NR 15 Dec, second local record (JDn per R&PJ). South Coast:
departure Moruya 13 Feb (SM). at Clyde Mountain near Batemans Bay 26 Sep (CC). North-west
1
Plain: roadkill at Harparary HSD 10 km NE of Baan Ina 24 Sep (DCR).
1
Spine -tailed Swift Hirundapus caudacutus Northern Rivers: departure Valla 16 Apr; arrival
Nambucca Heads 20 Oct; arrival ca 100 at 09:00 hrs at Valla 15 Oct (DS). Sydney region: departure
6 at Ku-ring-gai Chase NP 25 Mar (BH). Recorded at Castle Hill 18 Mar and at Tizzana 24 Mar (RB).
Departure East Wahroonga 1 Apr, arrival 27 Oct (EF). Arrival Epping 25 Oct (BD), Thornleigh 4 Nov
(BH); recorded at Windsor 28 Nov (RB). Illawarra: departure Barren Grounds NR week beginning
15 Mar, arrival 2 Dec (R&PJ). South Coast: departure Moruya 26 Mar, arrival 1 Nov (SM).
Fork -tailed Swift Apus pacificus Only one report received. Hunter: 2 at Newcastle 7 Jan (AMcB).
Azure Kingfisher Ceyx azureus Sydney region: at Mackerel Beach, Pittwater 18 Jan (AEFR).
1
Riverina: several on Edwards River, Gulpa Island SF 20 km S of Deniliquin, first seen since European
carp explosion 1974-75 but once regular locally (PN&PMM).
Laughing Kookaburra Dacelo novaeguineae Upper Western: recorded at Mt Murchison HSD
27 Aug -7 Sep, confined to redgums along Darling River (GLC).
Red -backed Kingfisher Halcyon pyrrhopygia Riverina: 4 at Cambria HSD 27 Jan (EBT). at
1
Gunbar 6 Oct (RB). Lower Western: 3 at Lake Nearie near Wentworth 7 Apr, unusual winter record
(SBOC per JB). 1 at Fletchers Lake near Dareton 10 Sep (CC); arrival Dareton 3 Oct (JNH). 1 at Lake
Ganaway 5 Oct (RB).124 Australian Birds 20(4)
Sacred Kingfisher Halcyon sancta Hunter: departure Dharug NP 3 Mar; 1 at Mill Creek, Dharug
NP 1-3 Jul (GPC); arrival Blackbutt RS, Newcastle 26 Sep (WPB). Dharug NP 26 Sep (GPC). Sydney
region: recorded at Stannix Park 4 Apr (LS, RB), at Bonner Point 31 Aug (RB). Arrival 2 at Thornleigh
4 Oct (BH). Illawarra: departure Barren Grounds NR week beginning 5 Jan, arrival 11 Oct (R&PJ).
South Coast: departure Moruya 11 Mar, arrival 25 Sep (SM). Central Tableland: departure Mount
Riverview 21 Feb, arrival 10 Oct (LS). Southern Tableland: arrival Canberra ca 11 Sep (IT). Riverina:
1 at Hay 26 Jul (JNH). Lower Western: departure Dareton 16 Mar, arrival 24 Aug (JNH). Recorded
at Oxley 5 Oct (LS). 1 at Wentworth overwintered on the Darling River (JNH).
Rainbow Bee -eater Merops ornatus Northern Rivers: arrival Nambucca Heads 12 Sep, Valla
17 Sep (DS). Hunter: departure Dharug NP 29 Mar (GPC). 1 at Martins Creek 2 Sep (WPB, BM).
2 at Yango Track, Wollombi 9 Sep (SM). Sydney region: recorded at Tizzana 24 Mar; at Pages Wharf
Road 31 Oct (RB). Central Tableland: departure Mount Riverview 5 Mar (LS). Heard 15 km S of
Merriwa 31 Aug and 1 Sep, not seen, ?high flying migrants; seen same place 2 Sep (IMcA). Arrival
Mount Riverview 9 Oct (LS). Southern Tableland: arrival Canberra 4 Oct (IT). Central -west Plain:
2 at Nyngan 7 Sep (AKM). Riverina: 10 at G unbar 6 Oct (RB). 2 at Cocoparra NP 2 Oct, late arrival
(JB). Lower Western: departure Buronga 15 Mar; arrival Euston 15 Sep (JNH).
Dollarbird Eurystomus orientalis Northern Rivers: arrival Valla 17 Sep, Nambucca Heads 23
Sep (DS). Hunter: recorded at Wrights Creek 27 Feb; departure Dharug NP 3 Mar (GPC); arrival
Dudley 23 Sep (SJ), Blackbutt RS, Newcastle 5 Oct, Dharug NP 6 Oct (GPC), Charlestown,
Newcastle 7 Oct (WPB). Sydney region: recorded at Grono Farm Road, Wilberforce 7 Mar (RB).
Arrival 1 at Thornleigh 4 Oct (BH). South Coast: departure Moruya 29 Jan, arrival 5 Oct (SM). Central
Tableland: departure Mount Riverview 4 Jan, arrival 20 Oct (LS). Southern Tableland: arrival
Canberra ca 25 Sep (IT). South-west Slope: recorded at Wyalong 6 Oct (RB).
Noisy Pitta Pitta versicolor Northern Rivers: 1 at Woolgoolga NR 11 May (J&NR); heard at
Nambucca Heads 5 Aug (DS). Illawarra: 1 at Bass Point 2 Oct, 6 Oct and 13 Oct, first Illawarra record
this century (CC, WE et al IBOC).
Rufous Scrub -bird Atrichornis rufescens Northern Rivers: recorded at Mount Bithongabel,
McPherson Range 8 Nov (GH). Mid -north Coast: several at Gloucester Tops 20-23 Apr (IMcA, DL).
Skylark Alauda arvensis Illawarra: 100+ at Bass Point, Illawarra during 1984, unusually
common (IBOC per WE).
White -backed Swallow Cheramoeca leucosternum Northern Rivers: recorded at Argents Hill
14 Jun (NW, BLk, DS). Hunter: 6 at Roses Creek near Dharug NP 8 Jan, 2 same place 6 Feb (GPC);
2 at Denman 2 Sep (JP). Sydney region: recorded at Londonderry, Yarramundi, Penrith Lakes,
Ebenezer and Pitt Town; scattered records Mar -Aug, max 8; 2 at Yarramundi 21 Nov, only summer
record (RB, AMcB, AIGH).
Welcome Swallow Hirundo neoxena Sydney region: at edge of continental shelf off Sydney
Heads 28 Feb (AMcB). Lord Howe Island: common 5-16 1 M ay, max 137+ at Soldiers Creek 1700
hrs 6 May (BJK).
Black -faced Cuckooshrike Coracina novaehollandiae Lower Western: ca 35 in one flock at
Euston 20 Oct (JB).
Little Cuckooshrike Coracina robusta Hunter: 2 at Ten Mile Hollow, Dharug NP 16 Jun (GPC).
Illawarra: 8 at Wollongong 13 May, 4 dark morph (IBOC per WE). Riverina: 1-2 at Gulpa Island SF
near Mathoura 30 May, 22 Aug, 10 Sep and 28 Sep; 2 at nest along Edwards River, Gulpa Island
SF near Mathoura 27 Nov; 1-2 at Moira SF near Mathoura (PN&PMM).December 1986 125
Barred Cuckooshrike Coracina lineata Northern Rivers: recorded at Toonumbar SF 24-26 Jan
(WEB et al); 6 at O’Donnells Creek near Kyogle 21 Jan; 6 at Old Grevillea 4 Mar; 2 at Wardell 13
Nov (GH).
Cicadabird Coracina tenuirostris Northern Rivers: departure Valla 19 Apr; arrival Hungry Head
3 Oct, Valla 5 Oct, Nambucca Heads 7 Oct (DS), Wardell 16 Oct (GH). Hunter: arrival Blackbutt RS,
Newcastle 5 Oct (WPB); departure Dharug NP 29 Mar, arrival 19 Oct (GPC). Sydney region: male
1
at Thornleigh 1 Oct (BH). Illawarra: 1 at Badgerys Lookout, Tallong 11 Mar (CC). South Coast:
departure Moruya 10 Mar, arrival 15 Oct (SM). Central Tableland: recorded at Bowen Mountain and
at Kurrajong 29 Feb, male with dependent young (RB). Departure Mount Riverview 9 Mar, arrival
9 Oct (LS). Departure Winmalee 6 Mar, arrival 20 Oct (NLK). North-west Plain: at Yearanin near
1
Coonabarabran 12 Nov (ARMcG).
Ground Cuckooshrike Coracina maxima Northern Rivers: 1 at Woodview near Casino 29 Aug
(SP per GH). Central Tableland: 3 seen 5 km SW of Merriwa 26 Nov (IMcA). Riverina: 2 at Cambria
HSD 6 Mar (EBT). Upper Western: recorded at Mt Murchison HSD 30 km ENE of Wilcannia 27 Aug -7
Sep (GLC).
White -winged Triller Lalage sueurii Hunter: arrival Cedarhill Drive, Minmi 6 Sep (ALe, WPB).
Sydney region: 2 pairs nesting at Berkshire Park 21 Nov (RB); recorded at Bernera HSD, Hoxton
Park 21 Oct (DL). Upper Western: recorded at Mt Murchison HSD 31 Aug -7 Sep, common but only
males seen (GLC). Lower Western: departure Dareton 26 Feb. arrival 26 Aug; common from Sep,
extensive breeding but few left by year end (JNH). First noted 60 km NW of Ivanhoe 5 Sep (JB).
Varied Triller Lalage leucomela Northern Rivers: adult male in coastal banksia scrub at
1
Bundjalung NP 17 May (AKM); 1 at Moonee 10 May (J&NR); 2 at Coffs Harbour 28 Jun, winter record
(SGL). 1-2 at Nambucca Heads 9 Jun, 1 Jul, 22 Jul, 18 Aug and 1 Sep, recorded 5 out of 10 visits
during winter (DS). Recorded at Kalang 30 Dec (RB).
Red -whiskered Bulbul Pycnonotus jocosus Hunter: at Alstonville 4 Jan, observer’s first local
1
record (THA). Recorded at Mill Creek, Dharug NP almost all year, juveniles seen; 2 at Wrights Creek,
St Albans 23 Jun, observer’s first local record; 2 at Hawke Head, Bouddi NP 17 Dec (IAC, GPC).
South Coast: now extended S to Bamarang W of Nowra, at least one pair present since Aug (CC).
Common Blackbird Turdus merula Sydney region: adult male at Ashton Park, Sydney
1
Harbour NP 3 Mar, first park record (AKM). Male resident all year in a garden at Georges Hall (DL).
Lower Western: now abundant in far SW, pest in gardens and vines, frequently away from towns
in Old Man Saltbush, Lignum and Prickly Wattle (JNH).
Song Thrush Turdus philomelos Lord Howe Island: recorded 5-16 May, only pair positively
1
identified (BJK).
Rose Robin Petroica rosea Hunter: arrival Dharug NP 30 Mar, departure 14 Sep (GPC).
Flame Robin Petroica phoenicea Riverina: arrival (1 male) at Cambria HSD 4 May (EBT).
Scarlet Robin Petroica multicolor Northern Rivers: 1 at Valla 21 May (DS). Mid -north Coast:
1 at Swan Bay, Port Stephens 30 Jun (HBOC). Hunter: 1 adult male at Dharug NP 15 Sep, observer’s
first park record (GPC). Sydney region: 1 female at South Turramurra 16 Aug (IMcA).
Red -capped Robin Petroica goodenovii Sydney region: none seen Windsor area during 1984
(LS).126 Australian Birds 20(4)
Yellow Robin Eopsaltria australis Lower Western: recorded at Coombie HSD near Roto in winter
and spring (JH).
Olive Whistler Pachycephala olivacea Northern Rivers: recorded at Mount Bithongabel,
McPherson Range 8 Nov (GH). Mid -north Coast: recorded at Gloucester Tops 21-23 Aug (IMcA,
KL et al).
Gilbert’s Whistler Pachycephala inornata Lower Western: 7 at Euston 20 Oct (JB); common
at Dareton all year, nesting recorded (JNH, J&NR).
Golden Whistler Pachycephala pectoralis Sydney region: first winter arrival at south side,
Sydney Harbour NP 17 Apr (AKM). Central -west Plain: recorded at Baroone HSD near
Gulargambone 13 May (DB).
Rufous Whistler Pachycephala rufiventris Hunter: arrival Awakabal study centre 5 Aug (SM),
Shortland Swamp 3 Sep (WPB). Sydney region: recorded at Agnes Banks NR 18 Apr, Stannix Park
8 Aug (RB). Illawarra: departure Barren Grounds NR week beginning 19 Apr, arrival 8 Sep (R&PJ).
South Coast: departure Moruya 23 Apr, arrival 17 Sep (SM).
Crested Bellbird Oreoica gutturalis Northern Tableland: seen 25 km SE of Bundarra 14 Jul
1
(AL). Central Tableland: 2 at Munghorn Gap NR 10 Jun (HBOC). Upper Western: uncommon at Mt
Murchison HSD 27 Aug -7 Sep (GLC).
Black -faced Monarch Monarcha melanopsis Northern Rivers: arrival Wardell 20 Sep (GH).
Hunter: arrival Blackbutt RS, Newcastle 18 Sep (WPB), Dharug NP 5 Oct (GPC). Sydney region:
several Apr records, latest immature at Mitchell Park 15 Apr, late (AMcB). at Beacon Hill 4 Oct
1 1
(LJH); 1 at Nielsen Park, Sydney Harbour NP 5 Oct (AKM). Illawarra: departure Barren Grounds
NR week beginning 22 Mar, arrival 2 Oct (R&PJ). South Coast: departure Moruya 9 Mar, arrival 13
Oct (SM). Central Tableland: recorded at Bowen Mountain 3 Nov (LS).
Spectacled Monarch Monarcha trivirgatus Northern Rivers: recorded at Kalang 12 Feb and
16 Dec (RB).
White -eared Monarch Monarch leucotis All reports listed. Northern Rivers: recorded at
O’Donnells Creek near Kyogle 21 Jan; at Tayling Creek near Kyogle 25 Mar; at Terania Creek 1 Oct;
and at Tomewin near Murwillumbah 19 Oct (GH); 1 at Bilambil Heights 3 May (MJ).
Leaden Flycatcher Myiagra rubecula Northern Rivers: arrival Nambucca Heads and Scotts
Head 16 Sep (DS). Hunter: departure Dharug NP 19 Mar, arrival 15 Sep (GPC). Sydney region:
recorded at Mitchell Park 4 Apr (LS, RB); male at Thornleigh 4 Oct (BH). Illawarra: arrival Barren
1
Grounds NR 16 Sep (R&PJ). South Coast: departure Moruya 9 Mar, arrival 3 Oct (SM). Central
Tableland: departure Mount Riverview 25 Jan, arrival 9 Oct (LS); recorded at Bowen Mountain 3
Nov (RB).
Satin Flycatcher Myiagra cyanoleuca Sydney region: 1 ?female at Bernera HSD, Hoxton Park
8 Apr (DL). South Coast: 1 ?female at summit of Mount Gillamatang, Braidwood 11 Feb (DL).
Restless Flycatcher Myiagra inquieta Hunter: at Kooragang Island NR 9 Oct (WPB).
1
Rufous Fantail Rhipidura rufifrons Northern Rivers: immature at Nambucca Heads 29 Apr;
1
arrival Macksville
30 Sep, Nambucca Heads Oct (DS); recorded at Kalang 12 Oct (RB). Hunter: departure Dharug
1
NP 4 Mar, arrival 20 Oct (GPC). Recorded at Awakabal study centre 5 Aug (SM). Sydney region:December 1986 127
1 at Cumberland SF 11 Apr and 14 Apr (LS, RB, AMcB). 1 in garden at Camp Cove, Sydney Harbour
NP 19 Oct (AKM). Illawarra: departure Barren Grounds NR week beginning 5 Apr, arrival 14 Oct
(R&PJ).
Grey Fantail Rhipidura fuliginosa Upper Western: uncommon at Mt Murchison HSD 27 Aug -7
Sep (GLC). Lower Western: arrival 2 at No. 183 Dam, Lake Nearie near Wentworth 7 Apr (SBOC
per JB); arrival Dareton 20 Apr, departure 2 Oct (JNH).
Logrunner Orthonyx temminckii Illawarra: 1 below Mount Keira 4 Aug (J&NR). 2 adults and
2 young in relict rainforest at Barrengarry Mountain, near Kangaroo Valley 7 Oct (DF, CC). ca 3 (1
immature) at Woonona Heights, Wollongong Oct -Nov (KM).
Chirruping Wedgebill Psophodes cristatus Upper Western: uncommon at Mt Murchison HSD
27 Aug -7 Sep (GLC).
Chestnut Quailthrush Cinclosoma castanotum Lower Western: 4 at Euston 9 Jun (SBOC per
JB).
Chestnut -breasted Quailthrush Cinclosoma castaneothorax Upper Western: recorded at
Gunderbooka Range, Cobar-Bourke Road 13 Sep (GH).
White-browed Babbler Pomatostomus superciliosus Northern Tableland: several seen 25 km
SE of Bundarra during Jul and Sep -Oct (AL). Upper Western: uncommon at Mt Murchison HSD
27 Aug -7 Sep, in leopardwood woodland only (GLC).
Chestnut -crowned Babbler Pomatostomus ruficeps Central -west Plain: flock 5 in saltbush at
Micabil 18 km W of Condobolin 19 Jul (JB). Upper Western: common at Mt Murchison HSD 27 Aug -7
Sep, nesting (GLC).
Clamorous Reed -warbler Acrocephalus stentoreus Mid -north Coast: at Port Macquarie STW
1
5 Jul (GPC). Hunter: 1 at Shortland Swamp, Newcastle 22 Jul (WPB). Sydney region: recorded at
Yarramundi Lagoon 26 May (RB). Upper Western: 1 at Oakvale, Paroo River 30 Aug; 2 calling at
Mt Murchison HSD 5 Sep (GLC); 1 in low scrub near the Darling River at Bourke 24 Aug (GBw). Lower
Western: 5+ at Lake Nearie near Wentworth 7 Apr. including adults feeding young, unusual date
(SBOC per JC). 1 at Imperial Lake, Broken Hill 23 Sep, observer’s first local record (NWSh).
Tawny Grassbird Megalurus timoriensis Hunter: nesting at Shortland Swamp, Newcastle during
Feb, also recorded 14 Apr (GA; IMcA, EF); several at Seaham Swamp 3 Sep (BG). Sydney region:
2-4 territories at Beacon Hill 31 Aug and 1 Nov (LJH).
Golden -headed Cisticola Cisticola exilis Illawarra: 1 at Barren Grounds NR 15 Apr, second local
record (J&PJ). North-west Plain: recorded in thick grass around old irrigation dam on Collarenebri
road W of Moree 22 Apr (JHa). Lower Western: now established in all swampy areas in far SW, west
to Pomona N of Wentworth where occupying irrigated sorghum (JNH).
Rufous Songlark Cinclorhamphus mathewsi Sydney region: recorded at Grose Wold 18 Jan,
observer’s only Sydney region record during 1984 (LS). Illawarra: 4 at Bullio W of Mittagong 31 Dec;
4 at Goodmans Ford W of Mittagong 31 Dec (CC). South-west Slope: 1 at Ingalba NR 25 Aug, an
early date (J&NR). Riverina: arrival Griffith 2 Sep (JB). Upper Western: common at Mt Murchison
HSD 27 Aug -7 Sep (GLC). Lower Western: 3 at Buronga STW 21 Jul, unusual winter record (JC);
arrival Banoon HSD 40 km NE of Mildura 31 Aug (JB).
Brown Songlark Cinclorhamphus cruralis Upper Western: recorded at Mt Murchison HSD 27
Aug -7 Sep, uncommon then abundant by 6 Sep, obviously just arriving (GLC).128 Australian Birds 20(4)
Red -backed Fairywren Malurus melanocephalus Mid -north Coast: 7 at Woko NP 28-30 Jan
(H BOO).
Southern Emuwren Stipiturus malachurus Northern Rivers: recorded at Wilsons Peak,
Koreelah SF near Woodenbong 22 Apr (GH). Hunter: 2 at Roses Creek, Dharug NP 11 Feb; 2 at
Dinner Creek near Spencer 13 Aug (GPC). 4+ pairs on island below The Entrance bridge near
Gosford 14 Oct (DCR). Illawarra: 2 below Mount Keira 28 Apr (J&NR). Northern Tableland: recorded
at Tooloom Scrub 5 Oct and 18 Nov (GH). Central Tableland: 3 at Kings Tableland, Wentworth Falls
23 Mar; 1 near Blackheath 4 Aug (RJT).
Grey Grasswren Amytornis barbatus Upper Western: male found dead at Caryapundy
1
Swamp ca 50 km NE of Tibooburra 28 Aug, now AM 0.58004 (JWH et al per AM).
Eastern Bristlebird Dasyornis brachypterus Northern Rivers: 11 new territories between Levers
Plateau and Nightcap Range, Tweed Range Oct -Nov; now 30 known territories in the region (GH).
Rock Warbler Origma solitaria South Coast: at Bundanoon, Morton NP 17 Oct (DJ P). Central
1
Tableland: 9 at Wollangambe River 13 Oct, 1 active, 2 old, nests (RJT). Nesting 15 km S of Merriwa
25 Nov, km from nearest surface water (IMcA).
1
Yellow -throated Scrubwren Sericornis citreogularis Hunter: 1-2 at Simpsons Track, Dharug
NP 1-2 Jul, ?first park record (GPC).
White-browed Scrubwren Sericornis frontalis 2 seen 15 km S of Merriwa 25 Nov, in small grove
of Backhousia myrtifolia (40.5 ha), observer’s first local record (IMcA).
Shy Heathwren Hylacola cauta Lower Western: several pairs resident at Coombie HSD near
Roto (JH).
Redthroat Pyrrholaemus brunneus Lower Western: 2 seen 20 km N of Penarie 20 Apr and 1
near Penarie 28 Apr (AMcB); 4 near Wentworth 29 Aug (J&NR); seen regularly at Hatfield: max 8
at Moorna HSD W of Wentworth all year (JNH, ARMcG).
Mangrove Warbler Gerygone levigaster Sydney region: recorded Brisbane Water 3 Nov
(NSWFOC -85); at Towra Point NR 14 Nov (AKM).
1
Western Warbler Gerygone fusca Upper Western: uncommon at Mt Murchison HSD 27 Aug -7
Sep (GLC). Lower Western: pair at nest at Woorlong HSD, Gol Gol in Dec; nest and eggs in low
mallee, broken eggshell, no young; first far SW breeding; western breeding limit Balranald (RC, JNH).
White -throated Warbler Gerygone olivacea Northern Rivers: arrival Hungry Head and Valla
28 Aug, Nambucca Heads 1 Sep (DS). Mid -north Coast: recorded Port Macquarie 3 Sep (GPC).
Hunter: departure Dharug NP 17 Mar (GPC). Sydney region: recorded at Stannix Park 4 Apr
and at Kings Plains 7 Oct (RB). South Coast: arrival Moruya 11 Oct (SM).
Brown Thornbill Acanthiza pusilla Northern Tableland: found dead at Glencoe near Glen
1
Innes 23 Jul, now AM 0.58289; near western limit (SGL per AM).
Inland Thornbill Acanthiza apicalis Upper Western: recorded at Mt Murchison HSD 27 Aug -7
Sep, rare, only in leopardwood woodland (GLC).
White-browed Treecreeper Climacteris affinis Riverina: several at Stackpoole SF 25 km NE
of Goolgowi 5 May, observer’s first record S of the Lachlan; most potential habitat in the area now
cleared (PN&PMM). Upper Western: uncommon at Mt Murchison HSD 27 Aug -7 Sep, inDecember 1986 129
leopardwood woodland (GLC); recorded at Gunderbooka Range, Cobar-Bourke Road 13 Sep (GH)
Lower Western: 3 seen 35 km NE of Mildura 20 Apr (AD, AMcB); at Euston 9 Jun (SBOC per JC);
1
recorded at Coombie HSD near Roto in Jul (JH); 8 near Dareton 29 Aug (J&NR); 4 near Hollands
Lake E of Dareton 10 Sep (CC).
Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater Acanthagenys rufogularis Sydney region: in ban ksia heath at
1
South Head, Sydney Harbour NP 4 Dec, 3rd Sydney record (AKM).
Striped Honeyeater Plectorhyncha lanceolate Mid -north Coast: 2 at Canton Beach, Toukley
19 Jun (FR). Central Tableland: 1 near Glen Davis 10 Nov (RJT). –
Regent Honeyeater Xanthomyza phrygia Status controversial all reports listed. Sydney
region: 1 at Peakhurst 27 May (J&NR); recorded Sydney Autumn Count 26 May (NSWFOC -80).
Northern Tableland: several pairs nesting 25 km SE of Bundarra Aug -Oct; 1 at Two Mile Creek 24
km SE of Bundarra 22 Dec (AL). Central Tableland: 14 at Munghorn Gap NR 22 Apr, in yellow box
and white box woodland (AKM) and 8 same place 10 Jun (HBOC). 6 near Glen Davis 2 Jun (AC et
al per ESH). 2 seen 15 km S of Merriwa 2 Sep, observer’s first local record; 4 same place 22-29
Nov, adults feeding 2 chicks (MEMcA, IMcA). South-west Slope: 1 at Illalong Creek 15 km S of
Binalong 27 Oct (BH). North-west Plain: pair breeding near Upper Bingara 2 Jan (JHa).
Blue -faced Honeyeater Entomyzon cyanotis Hunter: 2 adults, 2 juvs at Wrights Creek near
St Albans 20 Jan (IAC per GPC). 2 at Gibba Swamp, Putty Road 18 Nov (P&JS).
Bell Miner Manorina melanophrys Illawarra: 6 at Goodmans Ford 50 km W of Mittagong 31
Dec, new County of Camden locality (CS, CC).
Singing Honeyeater Lichenostomus virescens Central -west Slope: 2 at Black Mountain W of
Bogan Gate 20 May (NWS). Central -west Plain: at Tottenham 21 Apr (NWS).
1
Mangrove Honeyeater Lichenostomus fasciogularis Northern Rivers: recorded at Iluka 11 Mar
and at Terranora Broadwater 21 Oct (GH).
White -eared Honeyeater Lichenostomus leucotis South Coast: arrival Moruya 10 Apr, departure
20 Aug (SM).
Grey -fronted Honeyeater Lichenostomus plumulus Lower Western: first recorded at Coombie
HSD near Roto in Apr (JH).
Fuscous Honeyeater Lichenostomus fuscus South Coast: -ar rival Moruya 1 May, departure 6

Oct (SM). Central Tableland: recorded 15 km S of Merriwa 3 Mar very rare locally (IMcA). Central

west Slope: 60 at Back Yamma SF near Forbes 20 May, gradually increasing to 200+ on 28 Sep;
abundant flowering white box; continual nesting (NWS).
Black -chinned Honeyeater Melithreptus gularis Central Tableland: 4 at Munghorn Gap NR 22
Apr, including 1 retrap banded same place 7 years before (AKM). Central -west Plain: 2 at Tottenham
22 Apr (NWS). Riverina: numerous along Murray River between Corowa and Tocumwal during Sep,
in flowering yellow box (PN&PMM).
Brown -headed Honeyeater Melithreptus brevirostris Illawarra: recorded at Barren Grounds
NR 17 Mar, first recent local record (J&PJ).
Painted Honeyeater Grantiella picta Central Ta-ble land: 7 at Goulburn River NP 16 Sep (SH
et al). none recorded 15 km S of Merriwa during 1984 late flowering and fruiting of mistletoe; see130 Australian Birds 20(4)
1983 Report (IMcA). South-west Slope: 3+ at Clear Ridge near Wyalong 27 Oct (JDx, ARMcG).
Upper Western: 1 at Gunderbooka Range, Cobar-Bourke Road 13 Sep (GH).
Crescent Honeyeater Phylidonyris pyrrhoptera Hunter: 6+ at Munmorah SRA 21 Apr (EF).
New Holland Honeyeater Phylidonyris novaehollandiae Northern Rivers: recorded at
Donaldson SF 20 Apr and at Wilsons Peak, Koreelah SF 24 Apr (GH).
White-cheeked Honeyeater Phylidonyris nigra Central Tableland: at Linden Ridge 27 May;
1
recorded at Martins Lookout near Springwood 17 Jun (RJT).
White -fronted Honeyeater Phylidonyris albifrons Lower Western: recorded at Matakana 14 Sep
(GH); nested at Coombie HSD near Roto in Jul -Sep (JH 04/130).
Eastern Spinebill Acanthorhynchus tenuirostris Riverina: 1 in garden at Deniliquin Jun -Sep
(PN&PMM).
Black Honeyeater Certhionyx niger Riverina: 1 at Scenic Hill, Griffith 1 Oct (JB). 2 near Goolgowi
26 Oct, male in full song (JDx, ARMcG). Upper Western: recorded at Mount Merrere N of Cobar
13 Sep (GH). Lower Western: influx Dareton area, began 11 Aug (JNH J&NR); arrival Coombie HSD
near Roto in Sep (JH). 2+ at Garston HSD near Wentworth 6 Oct, 4 at Euston 20 Oct (JC). Last
recorded Dareton 24 Nov; 18 nests found locally in 3 sites, two in Eremophila maculata, one in
Casuarina cristata, all in prolific bloom (JNH).
Pied Honeyeater Certhionyx variegatus Lower Western: max 4 at Dareton 22 Sep -9 Oct, male
in persistent display flight but no breeding recorded (JNH).
Scarlet Honeyeater Myzomela sanguinolenta Perhaps more common than usual Hunter,
Sydney and Illawarra regions; many reports but data difficult to evaluate. Central Tableland: recorded
15 km S of Merriwa 3 Mar, 21 Apr, 2-3 Sep and (very common) 23-26 Nov, first local records since
Feb 1978 (IMcA). 1 at Lapstone 2 Sep, feeding in Eucalyptus beyenii; also recorded near Glen Davis
10 Nov (RJT). Recorded at Boggy Swamp Creek, Putty road 26 Nov (IMcA).
Crimson Chat Ephthianura tricolor Upper Western: recorded at Hungerford and at Yantabulla
12 Sep (GH). Lower Western: arrival ca 30 at Hazeldell HSD near Wentworth 6 Oct, but very few
birds in contrast to 1983 (JNH, SBOC per JC); small party at Lake Mungo 14 Dec (IMcA, WEB). None
at Coombie HSD near Roto in 1984 (JH).
Red-browed Pardalote Pardalotus rubricatus Upper Western: recorded at Mt Murchison HSD
29 Aug -4 Sep, pair excavating nest -hole (GLC). seen 64 km S of Camerons Corner 12 Oct, on
1
SA border (PN&PMM).
Striated Pardalote Pardalotus striatus Subspecies striatus: 2 at Back Yamma SF near Forbes
12 Jul (NWS).
European Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis Sydney region: 2 at South Head, Sydney Harbour NP
20 Dec, first local record in years (AKM). Lower Western: at Coombie HSD near Roto 16 Oct (JH).
1
Greenfinch Carduelis chloris Sydney region: 5 adults at Port Botany 28 Jul (JW).
Beautiful Firetail Emblema bella South Coast: 1 at Tomerong Road SW of Nowra 2 Nov (KM).December 1986 131
Zebra Finch Poephila guttata Illawarra: 200+ at Bass Point SRA 7 Jul (DF, CC, IBOC per WE).
Lower Western: 3 nests at Yalcowinnia Creek on the Wilcannia Road 50 km NE of Broken Hill 7 Sep,
all built into base of Spotted Harrier nest (JB).
Chestnut -breasted Mannikin Lonchura castaneothorax Hunter: 3 at Roses Creek, Dharug NP
11 Feb and 26 Feb (GPC). Illawarra: 200-300 at Bass Point SRA 7-15 Jul, decreasing to 40 on 8
Aug and 6 on 17 Aug (DF, CC, IBOC per WE).
Common Starling Sturnus vulgaris Lord Howe Island: recorded 5-16 May, max count 8; on
1
5 May but none seen on census 12 May (BJK).
Common Myna Acridotheres tristis Hunter: recorded intermittently all year at Dharug NP and
Macdonald River valley; max count 45+ at Wisemans Ferry 24 Mar (GPC). 2 at Charlestown 17 Jun
(AW). Illawarra: recorded at Mittagong 17 May (GPC). South Coast: 2 at Erowal Bay 11 Jan (CS).
Southern Tableland: recorded at Marulan 6 May (GPC).
Olive -backed Oriole Oriolus sagittatus South Coast: departure Moruya 10 Mar, arrival 28 Aug
(SM). Central -west Plain: recorded at Inglewarra HSD near Gulargambone 30 Jul (DB). at Dareton
1
15 Aug, very rare far SW (JNH).
Figbird Sphecotheres viridis Sydney region: 2 at Bernera HSD, Hoxton Park 11 Nov, in isolated
Moreton Bay Figs Ficus macrophylla just ripening, area dry cleared land (DL). Illawarra: male at
1
Gerroa S of Kiama 30 Jan (KM); 4-6 at Bass Point SRA 15-21 Jul (CC).
Spangled Drongo Dicrurus hottentottus Normal scatter of reports Northern Rivers and Mid –
north Coast. Hunter: 1 at Mill Creek, Dharug NP 10 Feb, 12 Mar and 16 Mar (GPC); recorded at
Spencer 14 Apr (EF, IMcA); 1 at Canton Beach, Toukley 19 Jun, feeding at flowering coral tree (FR).
Sydney region: major influx, numerous reports spanning 11 Feb -14 Oct; regularly seen Royal NP,
Kurnell, Towra Point NR, Sydney Harbour NP, Mosman, Turramurra and elsewhere, including
Botanical Gardens, Hyde Park and Macquarie Street in the centre of the city; mostly near coast but
also reported East Hills and Wilberforce. Seen almost daily some areas (eg Sydney Harbour NP
14 Feb -14 Oct, max 6), about 30 additional isolated reports; mostly single birds, but 8 (in two flocks)
at Turramurra 30 Mar (J&NR, AKM, AIGH, WEB, IMcA, DL, RB et al, LS, RB, SFN, JBv, DJP, LJH,
G&HB, BD, RMr, EF). Illawarra: 1-3 locally 14 Feb -22 Jun, total 23 records within County of Camden,
unusually common over 9 months, usually only Feb -May (IBOC per WE).
Satin Bowerbird Ptilonorhynchus violaceus Northern Tableland: at UNE campus, Armidale
1
13 Jul (AL).
Spotted Bowerbird Chiamydera maculata Lower Western: 3 near active bower at Euston 20
Oct (JC).
Paradise Riflebird Ptiloris paradiseus Northern Rivers: 1 female at Star Creek, Coramba 22
Sep, at 100 m asl (DS). Mid -north Coast: recorded at Sharpes Creek camping ground, Gloucester
Tops 22-23 Apr (IMcA).
Apostlebird Struthidea cinerea Sydney region: recorded Sydney Spring Count 3 Nov (NSWFOC
-85).
Magpie -lark Grallina cyanoleuca Illawarra: 4 at Barren Grounds NR 17 Mar, second local record
(J&PJ). Riverina: several large flocks (100+) at Griffith during Apr (JB). Lord Howe Island: very
common 5-16 May, max count 57 on 12 May (BJK).132 Australian Birds 20(4)
White -breasted Woodswallow Artamus leucorhynchus Northern Rivers: departure Nambucca
Heads 13 May, arrival 11 Aug; departure Valla 9 May, arrival 13 Aug (DS). Hunter: 52 at Dora Creek
6 Feb (RW).
Masked Woodswallow Artamus personatus Upper Western: small numbers at Mt Murchison
HSD 31 Aug -7 Sep (GLC). Lower Western: substantial numbers associated with a major influx of
White-browed Woodswallows (qv) in Apr and again from Aug onwards; breeding at Lake Garnpung
and Lake Mungo 14-20 Dec (WEB, IMcA, JNH).
White-browed Woodswallow Artamus superciliosus Mid -north Coast: 2 seen N of Tea Gardens
17 Dec (A&GB). South-west Slope: recorded at Ingalba NR 25 Aug (J&NR). Central -west Plain:
recorded at small swamp on Bogan River at Nyngan 8 Sep (AKM). Upper Western: very common
at Mt Murchison HSD 31 Aug -7 Sep (GLC). Lower Western: widespread breeding at Willandra Lakes
14-20 Dec (WEB, IMcA). Major influx Dareton to Ivanhoe in Apr, huge flocks of thousands, coinciding
with hatching of plague locusts; no breeding, numbers declined May; another major sustained influx
in the region from 31 Aug, again coinciding with hatching of plague locusts, widespread breeding
into Dec (JNH); exceptional numbers also reported northern Victoria (VBR).
Dusky Woodswallow Artamus cyanopterus Sydney region: 1 female found dead at Ku-ring-
gai Chase NP 19 Apr, now AM 0.58082 (RCn per AM). ca 12 at Beacon Hill, Sydney 14 May, 31 May,
15 Jun; 1 same place 18 Jun; several nesting in regenerating heath 24 Oct (LJH). South Coast: arrival
Moruya
21 Sep (SM). Central Tableland: flocks ca 20 at Winmalee almost daily during May, tending NW,
apparently on passage (NLK). Upper Western: uncommon at Mt Murchison HSD 27 Aug -7 Sep
(GLC). Lower Western: ca 35 at Buronga STW 21 Jul, unusual winter record (JC); flock 120 at Dareton
throughout Aug, in Belar woodland, feeding on fruits of Exocarpus aphyllus; rare in far SW (JNH).
Little Woodswallow Artamus minor Central -west Plain: 4 at a small swamp on Bogan River at
Nyngan 8 Sep, with White-browed Woodswallows (AKM).
Pied Butcherbird Cracticus nigrogularis Hunter: 1 at Tomago 18 Jan (WPB); pair with 2 young
at Shortland, Newcastle during Feb (AW). Recorded at Putty 7 Oct (J&NR).
Australian Magpie Gymnorhina tibicen Hunter (white -backed form): at Elermore Vale,
1
Newcastle 4 Oct (BB).
Pied Currawong Strepera graculina Central -west Slope: 1 at Bogan Gate 12 May (NWS).
Riverina: recorded at Barham 9 Jun (EBT); none recorded at Griffith during winter (JB). Lord Howe
Island: total ca 52 censused 5-16 May, in ca 20-30 groups, max 5 per group (BJK).
Grey Currawong Strepera versicolor Hunter: 2 near Bulga 30 Oct, observer’s furthest N record
(ARMcG). Lower Western (subsp melanoptera): recorded in mallee at Mungo NP 15 Dec and 5 km
N of Mallee Cliffs NP 20 Dec (WEB, IMcA).
Australian Raven Corvus coronoides Mid -north Coast: 2 (male, female) at Rawdon Island,
Wauchope in Sep, now AM 0.58487, 0.58488; female adult (curved oviduct) (per AM).
Forest Raven Corvus tasmanicus Northern Rivers: 1 at Dorrigo NP 5 Sep (GPC).NOTICE TO CONTRIBUTORS
Contributors are requested to observe the following points when submitting articles and notes
for publication.

1. Species, names, and the order in which they occur are to be in accordance with ” Handlist
   of Birds in New South Wales”. AK. Morris, A R. McGill and G. Holmes 1981 Dubbo:
   NSWFOC.
2. Articles or notes should be typewritten if possible and submitted in duplicate. Double
   spacing is required.
3. Margins of not less than 25mm width at the left hand side and top, with similar or slightly
   smaller at the right hand side of pages.
4. No underlinings and no abbreviations except as shown in the examples.
5. Photographs should be glossy finish and not too small.
6. The Style Manual Commonwealth Government Printing Office, Canberra (1966) and
   subsequent editions will be the guide for this Journal.
7. Diagrams should be on plain white paper drawn with india ink Any lettering is to be
   ‘professional style’ or lightly pencilled.
8. Dates must be written “1 January 1975” except in tables and figures where they may be
   abbreviated.
9. The 24-hour clock will be used, times being written 06:30, 18:30 for 6.30 a.m. and
   6.30 p.m. respectively.
10. Mr, Mrs, Dr are not followed by a full stop.
11. In text numbers one to ten are spelt numbers of five figures or more should be grouped in
    threes and spaced by a thin gap. Commas should not be used as thousands markers.
12. References to other articles should be shown in the text-‘…B.W. Finch and M.D. Bruce
    (1974) stated…’ and under heading
    REFERENCES
    Finch, B.W. and M.D. Bruce 1974 The Status of the Blue Petrel in Australian Waters
    Aust Birds 9, 32-35
13. Acknowledgements to other individuals should include Christian names or initials.Volume 20, No. 4 December 1986
    AUSTRALIAN BIRDS
    CONTENTS
    97 NEW SOUTH WALES BIRD REPORT FOR 1984. T.R. Lindsey
    97 Introduction
    99 Bibliography
    102 Contributors
    103 Addenda and Corrigenda

104 Systematic List

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