Vol. 22 No, 1&2 part1-text

Journal of the
N.S.W.FIELD ORNITHOLOGISTS CLUB
Volume 22, No.1&2
May 1989
ISSN 0311-8150

NEW SOUTH WALES FIELD ORNITHOLOGISTS CLUB
President
OFFICE BEARERS
P.E.Roberts
Vice -PresidentA.K.Morris
SecretaryF. Brown
Assistant SecretaryN.Maxwell
Minutes SecretaryM.Sach
TreasurerR. Morrow
Records OfficerR.Cooper
Activities OfficerA.O.Richards
Conservation OfficerE.Karplus
Editor,Australian BirdsR.Cooper
Editor,NewsletterT.Karplus
Committee MembersP.Davie
S. Fairbairn
J.Ironside
N.McKelvie
D.Siems
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 July each year) are:
1
Adult Member
Junior Member (up to 17 years)
$20.00
$10.00
All members recieve a quarterly newsletter and a copy of the quarterly journal ‘Australian Birds’.
The price of the journal is $5.00 plus postage per issue to non members. Club badges are avail-
able to club members at $2.50 or $3.00 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: PO Box C436,Clarence St,Sydney NSW 2000.
Manuscripts should be sent to the Editor at: PO Box C436,Clarence St,Sydney NSW 2000.

Volume 22, Nos.l & 2
May 1989
1985 NEW SOUTH WALES BIRD REPORT
R.M.Cooper
This report, the sixteenth annual NSW Bird Report, covers the period 1 January to 31 December

It summarises the more significant observations of birds in New South Wales during the
1985 calendar year.
The main aims of the NSW Bird Report are:
.
to record reports of observations of species accidental or rare to NSW;
to record observations which more precisely define the normal distributions of the birds
within NSW; and
.
to record observations which may indicate changes in species’ numbers, frequency, range
or movements.
.
With a change of Records Officer, one might anticipate some differences in the form of the
report. Most of the conventions applied previously remain. But let me assure you that changes
do exist. One variation in this report’s format from Its predecessors is that in the more recent
reports, observations have been arranged according to 17 State regions. This method is not
followed here, though the general presentation of observations follows a north -south pattern.
A Location Guide is provided as Appendix 2 to help readers more accurately establish
the general location of reported observations, The Guide is not precise and would welcome
more precise information on any location.
I
Another variation is that only the person(s) reporting a particular observation is men-
tioned in the Systematic List. All persons notified as having been present at the time of observa-
tion, however, are included in the List of Contributors (see Appendix 1).
There are a number of new, ususual or otherwise significant records in the report. These
include Light -mantled Albatross, Kermadec Petrel, Kerguelen Petrel, Blue -footed Petrel, Juan
Fernandez Petrel, Grey Petrel, Streaked Shearwater, Grey -backed Storm -petrel, White -bellied
Storm -Petrel, Black -bellied Storm -Petrel, Masked Booby, Brown Booby, Magpie Goose, Wander-
ing Whistling -Duck, large numbers of Freckled Duck, Red Goshawk, large numbers of Bustard,
Asiatic Dowitcher, Hudsonian Godwit, Sabine’s Gull, Black -eared Miner (or hybrids thereof),
Purple-gaped Honeyeater and Olive -backed Sunbird.
Full details of some of these records have never been published nor has supporting
notes or other evidence been submitted to the Records Officer as part of the report process.
The failure to properly report such sightings is detrimental to the accumulation of information
about the birds occurring in New South Wales.
In the ordinary course of a report such as this, it would not be inappropriate to omit such
records, however, have refrained from doing so on this occasion for two reasons. Firstly, each
of the observations is generally widely known; and, secondly, this situation has meant that now,
four years later and simply because of the passage of time, such records have gained a degree
of credibility which may not be warranted.
I
So inclusion in this report is intended to highlight the short -comings of such records
rather than validate them. On the other hand, do not want to suggest the observations are in
error. would like to be able to assure readers that each observation is entirely satisfactory but,
as indicated, cannot do this.
The difficulty is a growing one and appears, am afraid, to be a sign of the times. The
growth In twitching appears to be creating this trend towards avoidance of detailed reports on ‘new’ birds. The long list of sightings of the Hudsonian Godwit at Stockton is a good example of this situaton. More than 6 years have passed since the first sightings and still there is no proper,documented record of either the first Australian record or any of the subsequent sightings.
The point is that for rare species especially simply seeing a bird and saying you have
seen it Is not good enough. Nor is it sufficient to merely include a note of the observation in the monthly unusual records list, In the RAOU Newletter’s ‘Twitchers’ Corner”, the Bird Observer’s
Unusual Sightings Reports series or even to submit the sighting to a records appraisal commit-
The only practical course is to arrange publication of a full description of the observation
in a suitable periodical, e.g. “Australian Birds”.
There is a separate matter about which ask for the support and assistance of all con-
tributors. You will all appreciate that preparation of the report Is very time consuming, but, this
situation could be Improved markedly – with your help.
I
What would ask from each contributor is that they submit records in taxonomic order
and, then, in regional order within each species (the regions are shown in Fig. 1. Aust. Birds
20:98). If contributors can assist in this way, the whole preparation process can be simplified
enormously and save considerable production time. The result would be that reports could be
produced on a more timely basis and, am sure, this would be a benefit to everyone.
Abbreviations are as used in previous reports and other conventions are as explained in
the 1983 Report (Aust. Birds 19:65-100), including the organisation of observations according to
17 state regions.
wish to thank Ian McAllan and Alan Morris for their information and advice.
grateful to Alan Morris for his assistance with the compilation of the Location Guide.
also hope YOU find the report useful.
NEW SOUTH WALES ANNUAL BIRD REPORT – 1985
SYSTEMATIC UST
Emu, Dromaius novaehollandiae
Iluka: 4, in NR, 30 Mar., (CJC); 3, 26 Oct.; 1, immature, 27
Oct., (GC); 3, Mann R., 27 May, (HH). It is likely the latter birds are captive. 80 + approx. 10 km
E. of Walgett, 25 July (DR); 2, 15 km. S. Merriwa, 18 Dec., (IMcA).
,
Great Crested Grebe, Podiceps cristatus Adult with 2 young, Danger’s Lagoon, 16 Nov., (HH).
Southern Tablelands: Populations on dams in this region are considered to be of major impor-
tance In NSW (pers comm., AKM). Wingecarribee Dam: 126, 5 May; 175, 16 June, (CJC); Raft
exceeding 1500, 20 July, (AMcB); 30, 17 Aug., (CJC); Fitzroy Reservoir: 12, 16 June; 6, 12 Oct.,
(CJC); 2 nesting pairs, Cecil Hoskins NR, 7 Dec., (CJC).
Hoary -headed Grebe, Podiceps poliocephalus 2000-3000, Morpeth STW, 27 Apr. (HBOC,
AMcB), an exceptional number. 7, Stinkpot Bay, 29 May, (AKM); 1, on stock dam NW of Lake
Garnpulig, 21 Feb. (IMcA); 4 nesting pairs, Comanditchie Lagoon, 5 Jan.; Winge-carribee Dam:
200 + 5 May; 250+, 16 June; 200+, Fitzroy Reservoir, 16 June; 30, Comerong Is., 23 June,
,
(CJC).
Little Penguin, Eudyptula minor 3+, came ashore, North Head, 28 Sept., (AT); 2 adults came
ashore to burrow containing 2 large downy chicks, other birds seen/heard, North Head, 27 Dec.,
(AT); 1, nr. Mascot Airport runway, 14 June, (BD).
Royal Albatross, Diomedea e. epomophora 1, off Wollongong, 28 July, (AMcB).
Wandering Albatross, Diomedea exulans
Sydney: 1, off Long Reef, 13 July; 1, c. 10 km off
Sydney, 25 May. (IMcA); 1, off Sydney Heads, 23 June, (AKM); 1, in Sydney Harbour, 29 June;
1, <10 km. off Sydney, 27 July, (IMcA). Illawarra: 10, off Wollongong, 21 Sept., (AMcB).
1, beach -washed, Station Crk, 20 Oct.,
Sydney: at sea, c.10, incl. some impavida, off Sydney Heads, 27 Apr., (IMcA);, c. 10, off
Sydney, 25 May; low numbers reported, from <10 km off Sydney to c. 40 km, 29 June; 1, off
Long Reef, 13 July; 30 + <10 km. off Sydney, 27 July;and low numbers again observed off
Sydney (from c. 15 km to Continental Shelf), 24 Aug., (IMcA); 2, off Sydney Heads, 14 June,
(AKM); c 50, but only two of the race impavida, off Wollongong, 10 Aug., (AEFR).
Black-browed Albatross, Diomedea melanophrys
(GC).
,
Grey -headed Albatross, Diomedea chrysostoma
643: 75).
1, off Wollongong, 26 May,
(MJC), (see TBO
Yellow -nosed Albatross, Diomedea chlororhynchos 2, off Nambucca Heads, 27 July, (DS).
Sydney: 1, off Long Reef, 13 July; low numbers reported off Sydney 25 May- 24 Aug max 30+ 29
June (IMcA). Illawarra: 30+, off Wollongong, 10 Aug., (AEFR); 1, beachwashed, North Shellhar-
bour, 16 March, (CJC).
1, <10 km. off Sydney, 27 July; 1, c. 15 km off Sydney, 24
Shy Albatross, Diomedea cauta
Aug., (IMcA); 15 – 20, off Wollongong, 10 Aug., incl. 1, salvini race, and 10, 21 Sept.,
(AMcB,AEFR).
Buller’s Albatross, Diomedea bulleri
tails not supplied.
Sooty Albatross, Phoebetria fusca
1,
off Wollongong, 2nd, 3rd and 23rd Sept., (AMcB). De-
1, off Wollongong, 25 May, (MJC),
(see TBO 643: 75).
Light -mantled Albatross, Phoebetria palpebrata 3 beachwashed birds Ballina – Evans Head, 11 –
12 July, (GH). Illawarra: 1, off Wollongong, 21 Sept. and 27 Oct., (AMcB). Details not supplied. If
confirmed, these birds comprise the 6th, 7th and 8th NSW records.
Southern Giant -petrel, Macronectes giganteus
record. Newcastle Region: 1, US banded, caught and released, off Swansea, 11 Aug., details of
band not provided, (HBOC). Sydney Region: 1, white phase, Long Reef, 13 July, (AMcB); 1, c.10
km off Sydney, 25 May. (IMcA); 2, off Sydney Heads, 7 June, (AKM); 1, <10 km. off Sydney, 27
July; 5 +, off Sydney (from bet. 5 km to beyond Continental Shelf), 24 Aug., (IMcA). Illawarra: 8,
off Wollongong, 21 Sept., (AMcB).
1, c. 10 km off Kurnell, 25 May; 4, <10 km. off Syd-
Northern Giant -petrel, Macronectes halli
ney, 27 July, (IMcA); 12, off Wollongong, 21 Sept., (AMcB).
Southern Fulmar, Fulmarus glacialoides
1, off Wollongong, 21 Sept., (AMcB).
White -necked Petrel, Pterodroma cervicalis
period is consistent with previous records.
1, Ballina, 9 Feb.,
(GH), 9th NSW record, Dec. – Apr.
1, beachwashed, Wardell, 10 July, (GH). Newcastle
Providence Petrel, Pterodroma solandri
Region: 1, Newcastle Beach, 25 Nov., died later (HBOC). Sydney Region: c. 20, off Sydney
Heads, 27 Apr.; low numbers reported, from c. 20 km off Sydney, 29 June; 5+, off Sydney (from
c. 15 km to Continental Shelf), 24 Aug., (IMcA). Illawarra Region: Off Wollongong, from 5 – 70, 23
Mar. to 21 Apr., (AMcB) (see also TBO 641); 50, 26 May, (see TBO 643), (MJC); 15 +, 10 Aug.,
(AEFR); c.20, 24 and 25 Aug.; 10, 21 Sept.; 1, 23 and 29 Nov., (AMcB). All observations consist-
ent with known occurrences.
Great -winged Petrel, Pterodroma macroptera 1985 was an exceptional year for NSW reports of
this species, as Indicated by the following. 1, beachwashed Iluka Beach, 31 Mar.; 2 beach –
washed birds, Station Crk., 4 Apr., (CJC). Sydney: 5+, off Sydney Heads, 23 Feb., (AEFR); 2, in Sydney Harbour (to Laings Point), one found dead later on Camp Cove Beach, 23 Feb., (see
Aust. Birds 20:92), (AKM); seen, at Continental Shelf off Sydney Heads, 27 Apr., (IMcA); 1
(dead), Dee Why Beach, 27 Oct., (DSa). Illawarra: 60 + bet. Wollongong and Jervis Bay, 10
Feb.; off Wollongong, 40 + 24 Mar.; 80, 20 Apr.; numbers ranged from 2 to 300 + over 5 trips
bet. 25 Aug. and 14 Dec., max. number on 24 Nov., (AMcB); 6 beachwashed birds, South
Wollongong Beach, 27 Mar.; 15 beach -washed birds, Port Kembla Beach, 28 Mar., (CJC).
White -headed Petrel, Pterodroma lessonii Illawarra: 1, bet. Wollongong and Jervis Bay, 10 Feb.,
(AMcB). Off Wollongong, 1, 20 Apr. (AMcB); 6, 26 May; 2, 27 May, (see TBO 643:76), (MJC); 1,
29 June, and 27 July.; 20 +, 28 July; 2, 24 Aug.; 8, 25 Aug.; 15, 21 Sept.; 6, 27 Oct., (AMcB); and
1, 16 Dec., (CJC). More records than usual but are consistent with known occurrences.
Kermadec Petrel, Pterodroma neglecta Illawarra: Off Wollongong, 1, intermediate phase, 20
Apr. (AMcB); 7, 21 Apr., (AMcB,CJC). First records since 1976. Details not supplied or published,
if confirmed, would be represent the 4th and 5th NSW records.
Kerguelen Petrel, Pterodroma brevirostris
Australian Birds 22(1&2) May 1989
1, c.40 km off Wollongong, 21
Sept., (AMcB).
Soft-plumaged Petrel, Pterodroma mollis 1, Byron Bay, 10 July, (JW), (see TBO 645); 2, off
Wollongong, 10 Aug., (AMcB). Details not supplied or published, if confirmed, would be repre-
sent the first and second NSW records.
Black -winged Petrel, Pterodroma nigripennis Sydney: 1, c. 22 km off Sydney, 27 Apr.,
(IMcA,DLa). Illawarra: off Wollongong, 1, 20 Apr.; 7, 21 Apr., (AMcB).
Juan Fernandez Petrel, Pterodroma externa 1, off Wollongong, 10 Aug., (AMcB,AEFR), (see
TBO 645:99). There are no published, verifiable details of this record which, if confirmed, would be the first NSW and second Australian record.
Blue-footed Petrel, Pterodroma cookii 1, c. 13 – 15 km off Sydney, 25 May. (IMcA,DLa). Illawarra: – 2, bet. Wollongong and Jervis Bay, 9 Feb., (AMcB); off Wollongong, 1, 20 and 21 Apr., and
1
27 Oct., (AMcB,CJC). Details only supplied for first report. If all confirmed then represent the 5th,
6th, 7th and 8th NSW records.
1, beachwashed, Ballina, 29 Mar., (GH). Sydney: 1, at
Gould Petrel, Pterodroma leucoptera
sea, 26 Jan., (AMcB). Illawarra: off Wollongong, 1, 26 Jan., 11, 27 Jan., 3, 24 Mar.; 20 + 20
Apr.; (AMcB); 80 – 100 + 21 Apr., (AMcB,CJC); 2, bet. Wollongong and Jervis Bay, 9 and 10
Feb., (AMcB); 1, beachwashed South Wollongong Beach, 27 March, (CJC); 1, dead, Boambee
Beach, 10 May, (BL). The numbers off Wollongong probably represent part of the post breeding
dispersal of the Cabbage Tree Island population, though race of Boambee bird not noted.
Slender -billed Prion, Pachyptila belcheri 50 +, <10 km. off Sydney, 27 July, (IMcA). Illawarra:
Off Wollongong, 5, 27 July; 3, 28 July; 2, 10 Aug.; 1, 25 Aug., (MJC per AMcB). 1, Green Cape,
22 Aug., (GH). Prior to these reports there have been few observations of birds at sea due to
identification difficulties.
1, c. 10 km off Kurnell, 25 May; low numbers reported, 29 June;
Fairy Priori, Pachyptila turtur
50+, <10 km. off Sydney, 27 July; 1, beach -washed, Long Reef, 13 July; low numbers observed
nr Continental Shelf, off Sydney, 24 Aug., (IMcA).
Dove -type Prion, Pachyptila sp.
and 5, 21 Sept., (AMcB).
Illawarra: off Wollongong, 2, 27 July; 2, 10 Aug.; 20, 24 Aug.;
1, beach -washed, Ballina, 2 Feb., (JI), (see TBO 641). Details
Grey Petrel, Procellaria cinerea
not supplied or published, if confirmed, this would be the first NSW record.
White -chinned Petrel, Procellaria aequinoctialis
Details not supplied.
Illawarra:
1,
off Wollongong, 2 Nov., (AMcB).
Black Petrel, Procellaria parkinsoni 2, c. 10 km off Sydney Heads, 27 Apr., (IMcA,DLa). Details
supplied. Illawarra: 2, bet. Wollongong and Jervis Bay, 9 Feb.; 1, off Wollongong, 24 Feb., 27
Oct., 2 Nov., 3 Nov., 23 Nov. and 24 Nov. (AMcB). Details not supplied.
Streaked Shearwater, Calonectris leucomelas 1, Ballina, Feb., (GH). Illawarra: Off Wollon-
gong, 1, 27 Jan. and 24 Feb., (AMcB), (see Aust. Birds, 19: 50 – 51); 1, 28 Jan., (MJC), (see TBO
641); 1, beachwashed South Wollongong Beach, 27 Mar., (CJC). Constitute 8th – 12th NSW
records.
1
,
Abt. 40, bet. c. 5 km off Sydney and Continental
Fleshy -footed Shearwater, Puffinus carneipes
Shelf, 27 Apr., (IMcA); 1, beachwashed, South Wollongong Beach, 27 Mar., (CJC).
Ballina: 1, beachwashed 21 Jan.; 1, 17 Feb., 22 Feb.
Buller’s Shearwater, Puffinus bulleri
and 10 Mar., (GH). Illawarra: 1, off Wollongong, 24 Feb., (MJC,AMcB), (see TBO 641); 1, on 4 occasions bet. 3 Nov. and 14 Dec., (AMcB). All reports consistent with known occurences.
,
Wedge-tailed Shearwater, Puffinus pacificus
Sydney: 1, Long Reef, 4 May, (AMcB); Abt. 20,
bet. c. 5 km off Sydney and Continental Shelf, 27 Apr., (IMcA); 100+, off Sydney (bet. c. 5 km to beyond Continental Shelf), 24 Aug., (IMcA). All relatively late dates for this species.
Fluttering Shearwater, Puffinus gavia Newcastle: 6 + nr mouth of Hunter R., 10 Aug., (IMcA).
Regularly sighted between <5 km to Continental Shelf, 25 May; 40 + <10 km. off Sydney, 27
July; 100’s, off Sydney (bet. c. 5 km to beyond Continental Shelf), 24 Aug.; 1, In Sydney Harbour,
29 June, (IMcA).
,
Hutton’s Shearwater, Puffinus huttoni
Sydney: Off Sydney: 10, off Heads, 23 Feb.,
(AEFR,AMcB); 2, <10 km., 27 July; 100’s, bet. c. 5 km to beyond Continental Shelf, 24 Aug.,
(IMcA); 1, Long Reef, 23 Sept. and 3, 10 Nov., (AMcB). Illawarra: off Wollongong, 10+, 24 Feb.;
3, 21 Apr., (AMcB); 1 – c.200, bet. 10 Aug. and 14 Dec., (AEFR.AMcB).
Little Shearwater, Puffinus assimilis
1, beach -washed, Long Reef, 13 July.
Sooty Shearwater, Puffinus griseus
1, beach -washed, Illaroo, 5 Dec., (GC). Sydney: Off
Sydney: 2, off Heads, 23 Feb., (AEFR); Abt. 40, bet. c. 10 km off Sydney and Continental Shelf,
27 Apr., (IMcA). Illawarra: off Wollongong 10, 23 Nov.; 20, 24 Nov., (AMcB).
Wilson’s Storm-petrel, Oceanites oceanicus 6, Seal Rocks, 12 May (HBOC). No known previ-
ous records for mid -North Coast. Sydney: off Sydney, 5, 26 Jan.; 20 + 23 Feb., (AMcB); 100’s,
widely distributed and all travelling N (from 5+ km off Sydney Heads to beyond Continental
Shelf), 27 Apr., (IMcA,DLa). Similar numbers reported by the WA RAOU seabird group at about
this time, (see The West Australian, 27 Apr. 1985). Illawarra: off Wollongong, 70 – 80, 21 Apr.; –
1
20, bet. 24 Aug. and 14 Dec., (AMcB). (See also Wood, K., in prep.)
Black -bellied Storm -petrel, Fregetta tropica
2, c.32 – 40 km off Wollongong, 21 Sept.,
(AMcB). Details not supplied or published. Various researchers suggest field recognition, from
the White -bellied Storm-pretel, Fregetta grallaria, of this species cannot be assured. (See also
Wood, K., In prep.)
Grey -backed Storm -petrel, Oceanites nereis 3, off Wollongong, 27 July, (AMcB). Details not
supplied or published, if confirmed, would be the fourth NSW record. (See also Wood, K., in
prep.)
White-faced Storm -petrel, Pelagodroma marina 1, Ballina, 9 Feb., (GH); 3, c. 15 km off Sydney
Heads, and 1, at Continental Shelf, 27 Apr., (IMcA). Illawarra: off Wollongong c.20, 10 Aug.,
(AEFR); 5, 24 Aug.; 15, 25 Aug.; 3 – 8, 23 Nov. – 14 Dec., (AMcB); 1, Green Cape, 22 Aug., (GH).
(See also Wood, K., in prep.)
White -bellied Storm -petrel, Fregetta grallaria Illawarra: Off Wollongong, 1, 26 May, (MJC); 2, 10
Aug.; 1, 21 Sept., (AMcB). Details not supplied or published, if confirmed, would comprise the
7th, 8th and 9th NSW records. Various researchers suggest field recognition, from the Black-
bellied Storm-pretel, Fregetta tropica, of this species cannot be assured. (See also Wood, K., in
prep.)
Red-tailed Tropic -bird, Phaethon rubricauda 1, Mount Moonbil, followed very strong SE gales
during previous 7 days, 12 July, (BL). Inland records occasionally occur. 1, off Wollongong, 21
Apr., (AMcB,CJC).
White-tailed Tropic -bird, Phaethon lepturus Coffs Harbour: 1, flying over, March; 16, 25 Sept.,
(MLS,SPW), (see Aust. Birds 21:60). Illawarra: 1, beachwashed South Wollongong Beach, 27
March; 3 beachwashed birds, Port Kembla Beach, 28 March, (CJC).
,
Lesser Frigatebird, Fregata ariel
1, c.10 km off Sydney Heads, 23 Feb.,
(AMcB,AEFR).
Great Cormorant, Phalacrocorax carbo Breeding colonies during year, Shortland and Seaham
Swamps (HBOC); Approx. 1000 pairs nesting, Lake Bullogal, January (PM);
Pied Cormorant, Phalacrocorax varius 70, roosting in Quibray Bay and Wheeney Bay, 8 Feb.,
(AKM); Approx. 5 pairs nesting, Lake Bullogal, January (PM); 1, on pool of snowmelt at c.1750 m
on Perisher Valley – Charlotte Pass Rd., 26 Oct. (BD);
Little Black Cormorant, Phalacrocorax sulcirostris Breeding colonies during year, Shortland
and Seaham Swamps (HBOC); 4 pairs nesting, The Lakes Golf Course, 1 June, (AKM,BV); 1,
Coombie Hsd., 8 Aug., was unusual for this locality, (JaH); Approx. 500 pairs nesting, 30 km SW
of Booligal, January (PM).
Little Pled Cormorant, Phalacrocorax melanoleucos Newcastle: Breeding colonies during year,
Shortland and Seaham Swamps (HBOC). Illawarra: 4 – 6 pairs, breeding, Bellambi Lagoon,
Wollongong, Oct. ’84 – Mar. ’85 and Nov. – Dec. ’85, (KAW), (Aust. Birds 21: 66 – 69), first breed-
ing record for County of Camden. Approx. 1500 pairs nesting, in swamp off Lachlan River, 30
km SW of Booligal, January (PM).
Australian Darter, Anhinga novaehollandiae 1, Coombie Hsd., 4 – 5 Apr., and again in Oct.,
were unusual for this locality, (JaH). Sydney: 6, Towra Point, 25 Jan., (AKM). Illawarra: 2, Nowra
SW, 12 Feb.; 1, Numbaa Is., 7 July; 4, Maquarie Rivulet, 7 Oct.; and 1, Bamerang, 21 Nov.,
(CJC). These are an unusually large number for this region. Approx. 80 pairs nesting, 30 km
SW of Booligal, January (PM).
Masked Booby, Sula dactylatra
1, Ballina, 21
May, (GH). 5th NSW record.
Brown Booby, Sula leucogaster
Illawarra: 1, off Wollongong, 23 Mar. (AMcB,CJC); 1, off
Windang Is., 30 Nov., (CJC). Reports south of Port Stephens are rare.
Australian Pelican, Pelecanus conspicillatus
3000 + pairs nesting, Lake Brewster, Jan. – May,
(AKM); Small colony, Martins Is., Five Islands NR, Oct. ’84 – Jan. ’85, (HB,AJL,LES), (see Aust.
Birds 20: 61-62); Max. 368, 25 June, and 446, 29 July, Wentworth, feeding on dead or dying
Bony Bream, (JH).
Pacific Heron, Ardea pacifica
Approx. 300 pairs nesting, in 2 swamps near Booligal, January
(PM); 1, Faulconbridge, unusual locally, 27 Jan., (AT); 1, flushed from small swamp in heathland,
North Head, SHNP, 25 June (AKM); 26, soaring, Narrandera – Jerilderie Rd, 29 Sept., (KH); 2
small colonies in Moruya area, Nov. – Dec., (SM), (see Aust. Birds 21:3).
Great Egret, Egretta alba
Approx. 750 pairs nesting, in 2 swamps near Booligal, January (PM);
breeding colonies during year, Shortland and Seaham Swamps (HBOC).
Intermediate Egret, Egretta intermedia
1, Coombie Hsd.,
Dec., was unusual for this locality,
(JaH); Approx. 605 pairs nesting, in 2 swamps near Booligal, January (PM); breeding colonies
during year, Shortland and Seaham Swamps (HBOC).
1
Little Egret, Egretta garzetta Approx. 12 pairs nesting, in 2 swamps near Booligal, January
(PM); breeding colonies during year, Shortland and Seaham Swamps (HBOC); 2, Fivebough
Swamp, 14 Dec., not common this area, (KH).
Cattle Egret, Ardeola ibis 3, Monkeygar Crk, 25 Nov., (AnL). Newcastle: An estimated 150 –
200, Seaham Swamp, 16 Jan. (AEFR); Shortland and Seaham Swamps colonies bred during
year, (HBOC,IMcA); 1200 +, Hexham, 19 Apr. (EF). Sydney: Upto 18, Roses Crk, Dharug NP, 6
Apr. – 11 May; 16, St Albans Common, 17 Mar.; 41, Lower McDonald R, 16 Apr.; Upto 41, Gund-
erman, 1 May – 21 Aug., (GC); 130+ feeding with Straw -necked and Sacred Ibis, Richmond, 9
June (AEFR); 16, Leeton, 16 Sept. then seen regularly in district throughout summer, (KH); 360,
at night roost, considered to be the total winter population in the Shoalhaven area, Numbaa, 26
May, (JH).
Reef Heron, Egretta sacra
1, Station Creek Beach, 30 Mar., (CJC); Black Head: 1, 8 Apr.; 2, 16
Apr.; and 2, single birds, 10 Sept., (CJC); 1, Murray’s Beach, 17 Sept., (CJC);
NP: 1 – 2, Hazel Dell, 11 Feb. – 18 Mar., first park records, (GC); 1, Homebush Bay, 3 Nov., (SJG);
Observations of this species in Parramatta R suggest some improvements are being achieved in
water quality and habitat preservation in this area. Illawarra: 1, Comerong Is., 27 May (JH); 1,
Nowra Creek, 20 June, (CJC).
Rufous Night -heron, Nycticorax caledonicus Approx. 4000 pairs nesting, in 2 swamps near
Booligal, January, (PM), an exceptional breeding colony. 1, Fivebough Swamp, 20 and 27 Jan.,
(KH); Juvenile bird, Mungo NP, 24 Feb., found dead on 27 Feb., (IMcA).
1, Shortland Swamp, 10 Nov. (HBOC), first record for the
Little Bittern, Ixobrychus minutus
Wetland Centre; 1, nr Deniliquin, 12 Jan., (CJC); Several pairs heard and seen in Deniliquin area
during November (PM).
1, nr Macksville, 24 Mar.; 1, Valla, 3 July, (DS); 1, Hyde Creek,
Black Bittern, Dupetor flavicollis
27 Apr. (BL);1, Wyong R., 2 Feb., (AMcB); 1, Bakers Lagoon, 9 Mar., (AMcB);1, immature, Mowll
Village, Castle Hill, 27 July, (IMcA). A small number of reports in comparison with recent years.
Brown Bittern, Botaurus poiciloptilus
1,
Shortland Swamp, 3 Feb. (HBOC); Booming call heard,
4 Jan., Mill Crk, Dharug NP, considered to be from this species, (GC); 1, seen regularly, Kurnell
area, 1 – 15 June (AKM); 1, Woolooware Swamps, 3 Aug., (AMcB); 1, Killalea Lagoon, 3 Mar.,
(CJC); 1, Shellharbour STW, bet. 26 May and 15 June, (CJC); 1, nr Windang, 16 June, (AMcB).
Jabiru, Xenorhynchus asiaticus 3, Tucabia, 3 Apr., (CJC); Numerous sightings in Grafton-
Glenugie-Coutts Crossing area, 3 Apr. – 24 Nov., (GC); More sightings this year in Nambucca
Valley than prior 5 years; Adult with immature, 7 Oct., (DS); 2, Manning Point, 28 July, (DG); 1,
Seaham, 16 Nov. (HBOC).
1, nr Coutts Crossing, 16 Oct., (GC); 1, Macksville, 6 Oct.,
(DS); Flock, Armidale, 31 Jan. and 2 Mar., SD); 1, Racecourse Lagoon, 9 Mar., (SD). Newcastle:
18, MInrinl, 22 Jan. (HBOC); 100 +, at temporary surface water bet. Tarro-Hexham-Shortland, 20
May (PAB); 1, Tarro, 9 June (HBOC). Sydney: 6, Bushells Lagoon, 23 Feb., (AT); McGraths Hill,
Apr., (LJH). illawarra Region: 5, Maquarie
9, 28 Jan., (DSm); 13,9 Feb., (AT); 3, Cattai SRA,
Rivulet, 7 Oct., (CJC). Approx. 2000 pairs nesting on Little Wood Hsd., January (PM); 400 – 500,
roosting, Fivebough Swamp, Jan. and Feb., (KH); 38, Barham – Moulamein road, 13 Jan. (EBT);
16, ‘Cambria’, 2 Oct., (EBT).
Glossy Ibis, Plegadis falcinellus
1
White ibis, Threskiornis aethiopica Sydney: Royal Botanic Gardens: c. 20 active nests, 10
Sept., (IMcA); cf. around 320 birds and at least 60 active nests were seen in a count lasting just
over hour on 26 Sept. (EF); 232, in salt marsh and exposed seagrass beds from Ouibray Bay
to Woolooware Bay, (Observer’s highest recorded number), 29 May (AKM).
1
Bet. 40,000
White Ibis/Straw-necked Ibis, Threskiornis aethiopica and Threskiornis spinicollis
and 50,000 pairs nesting on Little Wood Hsd., January. Majority of breeding birds were Straw –
necked Ibis (PM).
Royal Spoonbill, Platalea regia Approx. 50 oairs nesting, 30 km SW of Booligal, January (PM);
c. 50, Longneck Lagoon, 10 Feb., (AT).
Yellow -billed Spoonbill, Platalea flavipes Illawarra: 2, Toolajoola, 29 Mar.; 1, Comerong Is., 2
June; 3, Albion Park, 16 June; 1, Pyree, 7 July; 1, Comerong Is., 7 July – 31 Aug.; 7, Worrigee
Swamp, 10 Oct., (CJC). These are higher numbers than usual for this area. c. 50 pairs nesting,
30 km SW Booligal, January (PM).
Magpie Goose, Anseranas semipalmata
13, Waterview Heights, 31 Aug. and 4 Sept., 14, 15
Sept.; 18, Cowans Pond, 12 Oct., (GC); 1, Macquarie Marshes, 20 Feb., (AKM); 1, Little Lagoon,
8 Mar., (HH). Newcastle: 4, Seaham Swamp, first reported 10 Jan., stayed in area during re-
mainder of year (HBOC,GH,AEFR, AMcB,AKM), (see also Aust. Birds 19: 41-45).
Plumed Whistling -duck, Dendrocygna arcuata Recorded near Yalgogrin 7 – 9 Dec. (HH); Dan-
gar’s Lagoon: 2, 27 Oct., (AnL); 2, 16 Nov., (HH). Newcastle: 2, Mlnml, 8 Nov. (HBOC). Syd-
ney: 111, 3 July, and 105, 31 Aug., Killarney Stud, (IMcA,EF); Approx. 80, just west of Richmond,
24 Sept. (FL). Illawarra: 150, Hazeldeen Hsd 12 Jan., (CJC). Fivebough Swamp: 30, 3 Mar.; 100,
13 Apr., 210, 8 Sept.; 300, 2 Nov.; (KH). 9, Junee STW (unusual In this locality), 26 Apr.
(AKM,BV,MC); 2, Cambria Hsd, 25 Dec., (EBT).
Wandering Whistling -duck, Dendrocygna eytoni
More reports of this species than usual. 14,
Uangothlin Lagoon, 23 Sept., (HH); Moonee: 28, 3 Aug., 40, 11 Aug., 33, 5 Oct., (DS); small
group, nr Yalgogrin, 7 – 9 Dec., (HH); Dangar’s Lagoon: 2, 20 Oct., (AnL); and 2, 16 Nov., (HH).
Port Macquarie STW: 3, 13 Jan., 1, 23 and 27 Dec., (GC). Newcastle: Numerous sightings in
Shortland Swamps area throughout year, incl. 7, 3 Jan.; 20, 5 Jan.; 17, 6 Jan.; 20, 8 Jan.; 2, 13
Sept.; 7, 22 Oct.; and 2, 3 Nov., (HBOC,GH, MT); 2, Minmi, 9 Nov. (HBOC).
Black Swan, Cygnus atratus
1, Coombie Hsd., Feb., was unusual for this locality,
(JaH).
Freckled Duck, Stictonetta naevosa
32, Sturt NP, 27 Sept. (MS); 20, Lake Bancannia, 4 Sept.,
(DSm); 400 – 1000, Yantara Lake, 28 Sept. (PM,GH); Occasional sightings, Nocoleche NR, 3 – 10
Oct., (WL); Dangar’s Lagoon: 1 bird, 5 Apr.; 7, 16 Nov.;and 1, 28 Nov., (HH); 1, 2 Nov. (AOR);
Pair, 23 Nov., (SD); Newcastle: Numerous sightings during year, including Shortlands Swamp, 3,
19 Apr. (EF); 3, 16 Apr.(DSm); 1, 10 Nov. and 13, 16 Nov. (HBOC); 5, Kooragang Island, 12 May;
10, Morpeth STW. 28 June; 3, Tarro, 7 Sept.; Sydney: 1, Pitt Town, 19 June, 3 and 5 July
(IMcA,DLa); 11, Lake Wyangan, 17 Apr.; 15+, near Lake Wyangan, 1 Dec. (EF); 1, Weetawa, 25
Feb. (DR); 14, shot at Barren Box Swamp, and a further 9, shot in lower Lachlan swamps on
Duck Opening Day, 2 Mar., (AKM); 25, Tupuntil Hsd, 29 June, (JB). Tullakool Saltworks: Bet.
50+ and 200 +, from 6 Jan., gradually declining in numbers until 10 Mar. when last sighting was
of a single bird only, (EBT,PM,CJC,AMcB); The 20+ shot at this location on Duck Opening Day,
2 Mar., probably explains the low count on 10 Mar., (GC); Reported from Corowa, 3 Feb., (PSh),
(see TBO 639).
Cape Barren Goose, Cereopsis novaehollandiae 3, not always together, Minnie Waters, 2 Jan. –
7 Jan. Not known to be escapees but probably so (AKM)
Mountain Duck, Tadorna tadornoides
recorded on North Coast. Newcastle: 1, Morpeth STW, 10 Jan (HBOC,GH). Sydney: Bushells
Lagoon: 3 – 15, 6 Feb. – 10 Mar., 1, 22 Sept., and 1, female, 29 Dec., (AT,AKM,ML,AMcB). 100 +,
Fivebough Swamp, 29 Dec., (KH).
1, nr Coutts Crossing, 13
Mallard, Anas platyrhynchos
and 19 July, (GC).
Nov.; Port Macquarie STW: 1, 13 Jan.
Grey Teal, Anas gibberifrons 1000 +, Stockton/Kooragang area, 13 Apr. (AEFR); Large influx to
Illawarra district during June/July, viz. 1830, Lake Illawarra, 6 July, and 2873, in lower Shoalha-
ven R., 7 July, (CJC).
Pair, Armidale WVVT Plant, 8 Jan., (HH). Pair with 3 half-grown
Chestnut Teal, Anas castanea
young, Towra Point NR, 25 Jan., (AKM); 330, Comerong Is., 27 May (JH); Single male, Fivebough
Swamp, 6 July, (KH); 2 males, female, Tullakool Salt Works, 13 Jan., (EBT).
1
Nambucca Heads STW: 2, 22 June, 2, 2 June;
Australiasian Shoveler, Anas rhynchotis
Macksville STW: 14, 29 June; 16, 21 July, (DS); Port Macquarie STW: 2, 7 Mar., 10 Mar. and 16
May, (GC). Newcastle: Approx. 100, Stockton/Kooragang area, 13 Apr. (AEFR). Sydney: 100+,
Pitt Town, 3 July, (IMcA); Female at Dee Why Lagoon, 11 Dec., (FC). Illawarra: 128, Lake Illawar-
ra, 6 July; 137, on lower Shoalhaven R., 7 July; and 10, Cecil Hoskins Res., 7 Dec., (CJC); Killa-
lea Swamp, 25 and 27 Apr. (AL); Comerong Is.: 53, 11 May; 83, 27 May, (JH); 50, 23 June, (CJC).
These are higher numbers than usual for Newcastle and Illawarra regions. 100 + Fivebough
Swamp, 8 June, (KH); 131, Mourquong Saline Basin nr Buronga, 27 June, (JH).
,
Pink -eared Duck, Malacorhynchus membranaceus Nambucca Heads STW: 8, 25 Apr.; 2, 5
May; 1, 2 June; Macksville STW: 3, 29 June; 6 June (DS). Newcastle: Kooragang Is., 2000 + 15
Sept., 700 – 800, 7 Oct., (HBOC,AMcB). Sydney: 300 +, Pitt Town, 3 July, (IMcA); 2, Homebush
Bay, 9 June, (BD) and 3 Nov., (DSa). Illawarra: 12, Killalea Swamp, 25 and 27 Apr. (AL); 1,
Comerong Is., 27 May (JH); 142, Bevans Is., 6 July; 25, Pig Is., 7 July, (CJC); 6, Cecil Hoskins
,
Res., 7 Dec., (CJC).
Hardhead, Aythya australis Valla: Seen May – Sept., max. 22, 9 Aug.; Macksville STW: Seen
most of year, maximum numbers being 56, 29 June and 75, 20 July; 160, Moonee, 3 Aug., (DS);
Total of 127, on Mill Pond, Airport Swamp and Eastlakes, June, (AKM,BV); 52, Killalea Lagoon,
6 July; 765, Nowra SW., 7 July, (CJC); 50 +, Fivebough Swamp, 29 Dec., (KH).
1
2, Dangar’s Lagoon, Uralla, 2 Nov., (LJH); 1, Port Mac-
Blue -billed Duck, Oxyura australis
(GC); 2, Grahamstown Reservoir, 23 June (HBOC);
Coast
record,
quarie STW, 4 May, 1st North
1, Coombie Hsd., 3 Mar., was unusual for this locality, (JaH); 20 + Griffith STW, June, (AMcB); 1,
near Lake Wyangan, Dec., (EF); Cecil Hoskins Res.: 5, 7 Dec., and 4, 28 Dec., (CJC); 1, (fe-
male), Comerong Is., 21 May, (CJC); 1, shot, Tullakool Salt Works, 19 Jan., (EBT).
Osprey, Pandion haliaetus
July. Limb collapsed and new nest built in a tree nearby (10 metres away); Breeding, nr Old Bar,
28 July, (DG). Newcastle: Lake Macquarie (Eraring) 1, 20 Sept.; Bird observed attending nest, 6
Jan., (Blackalls) 1,4 May (HBOC); Pair at nest, S. Newcastle, 25 June., (GC). Illawarra: 1, Mur-
ray’s Beach, 22 June, (CJC). 1, on Mirool Crk, 8 July, an unusual inland record, (JB).
Black -shouldered Kite, Elanus notatus
Blue Mtns: 1, Faulconbridge, 1 July; 1, Springwood, 28
July, considered unusual this area, (AT); Over 100, seen bet. Leeton and Coleambally, 20 July,
54 of which were in one rice stubble paddock nr Coleambally, (KH).
Letter -winged Kite, Elanus scriptus
1, with approx. 80 Black -shouldered Kites, 20 km N
Conargo, during mouse plague, 2 Feb. (PM).
Crested Hawk, Aviceda subcristata
3, Forest Top, Border Ranges NP, 4 Oct.; Coutts Cross-
ing: Single birds, 25 Oct. and 3 Nov., (GC); Pair, Jacana Hsd Clarenza, 13 May (AKM, EW).
Newcastle: Nesting, Stockrington, Feb., (KI), (see TBO 651); at least 9 reports, – 2, bet. 8 June
and 11 Aug. from Seaham, Lemon Tree Passage, Blackbutt Reserve and Gwandalan, (HBOC).
1, nr Ourimbah SF, 30 Nov., (IMcA). Sydney Region:
adult, Middle Dural, 13 Aug., (HR). Winter
records for Hunter/Sydney regions are unusual.
1
1
Black Kite, Milvus migrans
1, near Little Lagoon, 17 Jan., (HH); 1, Armidale, 6 Oct., (SD); Five
sightings in Leeton/ Griffith area during year, viz. 3 Mar., 15 June, 9 July (9,),
27 Sept. and 30 Nov., (KH); 1, 12 km W of Bathurst, 19 Feb., (IMcA); Pair bred in Wanganella
area, during Sept. First known breeding record for area (PM); 1, Howlong, 1 Jan., (JS), TBO 639;
Four single sightings in Barham area during year, viz. 17 Jan., 10 Mar., 12 Mar. and 15 Apr.,
(EBT).
Square -tailed Kite, Lophoictinia isura 1, Chaffin Swamp nr Tucabia, 16 Jan.; 1, approx. 15 km N.
of Armidale, early Feb., (SD); Probably same bird seen over Armidale, 15 Mar., (HH); Pair, nested
in Baradine area, nest failed, 13 Sept. -29 Nov., (DJ);
1, Lee Crk, Wollemi NP., 31 Jan., (GC); 1, Kooragang Is., 6 July (HBOC,AMcB); 1, 5 km SE of
Capertee, 28 Jan., (IMcA); 1, Leeton, 13 Feb., (KH); 1, Eurragobah nr Booligal, 3 Mar., (GC); 1, nr
Pigeon House Mtn., 4 Jan. (IMcA); 1, Cootamundra, 10 Sept., (JB).
Black -breasted Kite, Hamirostra melanosterna Sturt NP: 1 adult, Sept. (MS); 2 seen and a pair
reported as nesting, 27 Sept., (PM,GH). 2 separate sightings along NSW/SA border S. Hawker
Gate, 26 Sept., (PM,GH); 1, Narran Lake Hsd., 22 Sept., (AnL); Occasional sightings, Nocoleche
NR, 3 -.10 Oct., (WL); 1, Harparary Hsd, 31 Jan. (DR); 1, dark phase bird being harassed by
Black Kite, Milvus migrans, Wiliandra NP, 25 Aug.,(LJH); 1, c.20 km N. Rylstone, 9 Nov.,(AMcB).
Black Kite, Milvus migrans, Willandra NP, 25 Aug., (LJH); 1, c.20 km N. Rylstone, 9 Nov., (AMcB).
A good year for reports of this species.
Brahmlny Kite, Haliastur Indus
1, flying over Manning R., 28 July, (DG); 1, Immature, S.
Bonny Hills, 17 May, (GC); unusual these areas.
Whistling Kite, Haliastur sphenurus
Bobbin Head, 29 Sept., (EF).
Adult seen feeding 2 young along Grosvenor Track, nr
1, South Turramurra, 31 Aug., (DLa); First record for
Brown Goshawk, Accipiter fasciatus
South Head, SHNP, 20 Jan., (AKM); Noted at Fivebough Swamp, only on 23 Feb. and 23 June,
(KH).
Collared Sparrowhawk, Accipiter cirrocephalus
Tasman Sea nr Green Cape, 9 May, (KH).
Grey Goshawk, Accipiter novaehollandiae
1,
1,
East Wahroonga, 3 Aug., (EF); 1, over
Barham, (PD), (see TBO 651).
1, nr Ballina, 27 July, (F&RS), (see TBO 647:123); 1,
Red Goshawk, Erythrotriorchis radiatus
Born Born SF, 18 Aug. (DG,SD); seen at Burringbar Gap, 2 Dec., (SG). Note that this species is
clearly an endangered species in NSW and as such is in urgent need of strong, positive conser-
vation action.
White -bellied Sea -eagle, Haliaeetus leucogaster 1, Guy Fawkes R. valley, 11 – 21 Apr., (KM),
(Aust. Birds 20: 44 – 47); 1, Dumaresq Darn, 24 Feb., (HH); 1, adult, Tala Lake, 30 Aug. (AKM); 1,
Immature, Homebush Bay, 9 June, (BD); 1, flying bet. Darling Harbour and McMahon’s Point, 24
Oct., (IMcA).
2, Beacon Hill, 29 Jan., (LJH); Not common at Fivebough
Wedge-tailed Eagle, Aquila audax
Swamp, with sighting confined to 2, on 26 May and 1, on 28 Sept., (KH).
1, nr Central Mangrove. 13 Mar.; 1, Roses Crk, Dharug
Little Eagle, Hieraaetus morphnoides
NP, 19 Apr., (GC). Sydney: 1, Bernera HSD, Hoxton Park, 22 Jan., 3 Feb., and 21 Apr., may have
bred here; 1, South Turramurra. 11 Aug., (DLa). Illawarra: 1, Shoalhaven Heads/Berry area, 24
Mar., (AKM). Generally scarce, Leeton area throughout year, (KH).
1, immature bird, Ebor, 24 Mar., (SD); Pair quartering
Spotted Harrier, Circus assimilis
paddock nr Moorland, an unusual location, 18 May, (AKM); 1, Royal NP, 13 Sept. (AOR); 2, over
wheat stubble, Tully’s HIII, 28 Apr.; 1, Fivebough Swamp, 8 June, considered an unusual record,
(KH).
1, Sturt NP, 27 Sept.; 1, Tibooburra, 27 Sept.; 1, Carypundy
Black Falcon, Falco subniger
Swamp, 28 Sept., (GH); 1, Lake Bancannia, 4 Sept., (DSm); 2, seen bet. Coleambally and Conar-
go, 17 Sept.; 1, Westward Downs Hsd, 25 Sept.; 1, Carroll, 4 Apr.; 1, Tamworth, 29 July, (SD); 1,
Seaham Swamp, 13 Apr., (CJC); 1, nr Yanga Lake, 27 Feb., (IMcA); Single birds, 60 km NW. Grif-
fith, 16 Feb., (JB); Pair courting, C Lake Hsd, 14 June, (JH); 1, Tupuntll Hsd, 29 June, (JB); 1,
approx. 10 km. W. Cowra, 28 Nov. (EF); 1, Lake Urana, 5 Sept., (AKM). A good spread of re-
cords for 1985.
Peregrine Falcon, Falco peregrinus
7
Oct.
and
6 Dec., (GC); 1, 6 km SW of Merriwa, 18 Dec., (IMcA);
5
Sept.,
Birds,
Single
Crossing:
1, Widden Valley, Wollemi NP, 31 Jan., (GC); 1, Port Macquarie, 27 Dec.; 1, Bonny Hills, 19 July,
(GC); Sydney: Dharug NP: Frequently seen, 21 Apr. – 11 Aug., (GC); 1, McGraths Hill, 8 Dec.,
(IMcA); 1, Baulkham Hills, 24 Oct. (GG); 2, East Wahroonga, 4 Feb. (EF); 1, South Turramurra, 16
Feb., 7 Apr., 6 Sept., (IMcA); 1, from 10th floor of North Sydney office block 6 different dates
during year (AEFR); 1, flying over Sydney Domain, 12 Jan., and 1, from Centrepoint Tower, 20
Nov., (IMcA,DLa); 1, Wentworth Park, 23 Jan., (DLa); 1, flying bet. York St. buildings, Sydney, 26
Sept., (RMo); 1, on Sydney Harbour Bridge, 29 June, (IMcA,DLa); 1, South Head, SHNP, 6 Apr.
and 5 May, AKM); Juvenile at fresh kill (= Little Pied Cormorant), Towra Point NR, 25 Jan., (AKM);
Lake Wyangan, 8 July, (JB); 2, Shepherds Hill Quarry, 12 Mar., (JB); Considered resident in
Cocoparra NP, (KH); Fivebough Swamp: 1, 10 Mar., successfully fended off Swamp Harrier and
Brown Falcon from Grey Teal kill; 2, 22 June, (KH); Pair, nest with 3 eggs, Mootwingee NP, 5
1,
Sept., (DSm); Nesting pair, The Rock NR, 6 Sept., (AKM); 1, near Barham, 9 Mar., (EBT).
Australian Hobby, Falco longipennis
1, at The Gap,
first known record for SHNP, 14 Feb.,
(AKM).
Pair observed near Tibooburra during Sept. (PM); 1, Wilbrig-
Grey Falcon, Falco hypoleucos
gie, 12 Sept. (ER); 1, nr NSW/SA border in Scotia Country mallee, 22 Sept., (GH).
1, Wittenbri SF, 24 Sept.; 1, nr Yearinan, 24 Sept., (ER); 1,
Mallee-fowl, Leipoa ocellata
Coombie Hsd., 26 Apr., in very burnt mallee area, (JaH); 1, Pulletop NR, 30 Nov. and 2 Dec.
(EF); Disused mound and fresh tracks found in mallee vegetation Lock Lily Hsd September
,
(PM,GH); 1, Mallee Cliffs NP, where considered extremely rare, 9 Nov., (JH).
Brown Quail, Coturnix australis
Regularly recorded during year in short heath, North Head,
SHNP, (AKM).
4+, Diggers Camp, 24 Nov., 2, Red Rock, 26 Dec., (DG); 1
King Quail, Coturnix chinensis
male, Valla, 3 and 13 Dec., (DS); 1, male, Harparary Hsd, 10 Mar. and again on 27 Aug. (DR).
3, caught and banded, Minnie Water, 18 Dec., (DG); 1,
Painted Button -quail, Turnix varia
Gloucester Tops NP, 12 Jan., (HBOC); 1, Round Hill NR, 27 Apr., (CJC); 1, Bethungra SF, 28
Apr., (AKM); 2, caught and banded, Pampoolah, 27 July, (DG); 4, Sackville Lagoon, 28 July (EF);
1, McClymonts Crossing, Scheyville, 29 Dec., (AKM, ML); 1, in tall heath, Dobroyd Head, 23
June, (AKM); 2, Pulletop NR, 30 Nov. (EF).
Little Button -quail, Turnix velox Adult with 4 well -grown young, Minnie Water, 18 Dec., an
unusual location but observer is quite familiar with most quail, (DG); min. 5, Fowlers Gap, 8
Sept., (DSm); 2, Conargo, 11 Jan., (CJC).
Red -chested Button -quail, Turnix pyrrhothorax 6, seen 20 kms Booligal, 2 Jan. (PM); reported-
ly numerous In Wanganella/Conargo areas, incl. adults with young, during Jan. and Feb.
(PM,CJC); 1, Conargo, 11 Jan., (CJC); 1, Lake Bancannia, 4 Sept., (DSm); 1, nr SA border in
mallee area known as Scotia Country, 22 Sept., (GH).
Chukar, Alectoris chukar 1, (probable escapee), Martins Creek, 25 Nov. and several other
observations this locality (HBOC).
Plains -wanderer, Pedionomus torquatus 7, Conargo, 11 Jan., (CJC); Present in good numbers
throughout year in Wanganella/ Conargo areas. Nest and small young found on 27 Dec. (PM).
Banded Landrail, Rallus philippensis The following records broadly indicate the species NSW
range. 1, Lake Zot, 26 Oct., and another, 3 kms. N. of Armidale, same day, (HH). Sydney:
Dharug NP, frequently seen, Jan. – Aug., (GC); 6, Bushells Lagoon, 23 Feb., (AT); 1, Lindfield, 10
Feb. (WB); 1, Deepwater Park, 27 Dec., (DSm). Illawarra: 1, (road -killed), Bendeela, 29 Dec.; 1,
Bamerang, 5 Jan.; 5, Why Juck Bay, 28 Jan.; 4, Culburra, 2 Feb., (CJC). 1, Willandra Billabong,
30 Aug., (LJH); Adult with half grown young observed 20 km N Booligal, Jan., (PM); 6, in about
12 ha. of rice fields (i.e. 1,:2 ha.), 12 km S. Griffith, 1 May, (JB); 1, Fivebough Swamp, 13 Jan.,
(KH); 1, Wentworth STW, 30 Sept., (JH); 1, Cambria Hsd, 31 Jan., and 1, c. 25 km. from Barham
on Moulamein road, 5 June, (EBT).
Lewin’s Rail, Rallus pectoralis 1, Geebung Munmorah SRA, 23 Mar., (EF,IMcA); Several birds,
Dudley 8 May (HBOC); Dharug NP: Frequently recorded, 7 Jan. – 23 Aug., (GC,AMcB); 1.
heard, Shaws Creek, 10 June, (AMcB); 1, Towra Point NR, 2 Nov., (SBr).
,
Jan. (HBOC); Up to 5, Killalea Lagoon,
1, Shortland Swamps,
Marsh Crake, Porzana pusilla
14 Jan. -Mar., (CJC); 2, in about 20 ha. of rice fields (i.e. 1,:10 ha.), 10 km S. Griffith, May, (JB);
1, Fivebough Swamp, 13 Jan., (KH); 1, 25 km E. Deniliquin, 12 Jan., (CJC).
1
1
Spotted Crake, Porzana fluminea 2, 10-15 km S. of Uralla, 24 Mar (HH); at least 3, Dangar’s
Lagoon, 5 Apr.(HH); 1, Harparary Hsd, 24 Jan. (DR); 2, Shortland Swamps, 6 Jan. (HBOC); – 2,
St. Albans Common, 24. Feb., 26 Feb. and 26 Mar., (GC); 2, Deepwater Park, 27 Dec., (DSm).
Illawarra: Up to 5, Killalea Lagoon, Jan., (CJC); 2, Windang, 5 – 14 Mar., (CJC); 3, Broughton Crk,
2 Sept., (CJC); Single birds at Kully Bay, and at Killalea Lagoon, 16 Aug., (CJC). Often seen,
Fivebough Swamp, 13 Jan. to 20 July, (KH); Wanganella: 6, 12 Jan., (CJC); 1, 22 June, (AMcB);
Present in numbers in Dareton area, mid -Jan. to Apr., with max. 29, seen at any one time, (JH);
1
Max. 9, Finley SW, 26 Apr., (AKM).
1, Lake Cargelligo, 29 Nov. (EF); 1, Shortland Swamps, 19
Spotless Crake, Porzana tabuensis
Jan. (HBOC); 1, under mangroves at Hazel Dell, Dharug NP, 26 Mar., (GC); 1, Woolaware,
Feb., (AMcB); 1, 25 km E. Deniliquin, 10 and 12 Jan., (CJC).
1
Only 4, seen, same place, 19 Oct. and none seen
Black -tailed Native -hen, Tribonyx ventralis
for remainder of year, (KH); 1, Harparary Hsd, 11 Apr. (DR); Large parties, Coombie Hsd.,
through Apr. and May. A few birds reappeared in Sept.. Not seen this locality since 1983, (JaH);
300 + Lake Cargelllgo, 26 Apr., (CJC); Over 500, Fivebough Swamp, 13 Jan. with 250 – 400,
remaining through year unil early Sept.; Small invasion during second week of Jan. with good
numbers remaining present until end Aug., Dareton area, up to 250, seen at any one time, (JH).
Brolga, Grus rubricundus
vised in area since ‘late 1984’, (DS); Groups of 3, 2 and 2 resp., northern sections of Macquarie
Marshes NR, 20, 21 and 25 Nov., (AnL); 3, Lake Ballyrogan, 22 Feb.; 3, Banar Lake, 22 Feb.; 7,
Lake Cullivel, 24 Feb.; and 25+, 8 km E. of Darlington Point, 26 May, (JB); 2, Fivebough Swamp,
13 Apr., (KH); Pair, Jerilderie, 5 Sept., (AKM).
Numbers observed in all parts of NSW during the year represent
Bustard, Ardeotis australis
the largest numbers recorded for many years. These include: 3, 35 km NE. Coonamble; 4, 15
km. NE. Coonamble, June -July, (DJ); 1, Greenthorpe, July; 2, nr Collie, 11 July; 9, Bywanah
Hsd, Dandaloo, 11 July, (TK); 2, Currawan Hsd, Tooraweenah, June -July, (DJ); 1, Wemabung
Crk., 4 Oct., first for area since mid -1950s, (HAJ); 1, near Narromine, Nov.; a number of birds
reported as having been sighted near irrigation channels in Trangie area earlier in the year (BS);
2, White Cliffs area, 5 Jan., (RA), (see TBO 639); 1, 20 km Lake Cargelligo, 8 – 9 June; 1, c.30 km
N. Carathool, 6 July, (JaH); 1, 35 km N. Griffith, 10 and 15 June; 1, 60 km NW. Griffith, 15 June; 1,
30 km N. Griffith, 19 June; 2, South Bri Bri Hsd, June – Sept., breeding attempt suspected from
behaviour; 2, Gunbar Hsd, mid -Aug. to mid. -Oct.; and 1, Merri Merrigal Hsd, 21 July and 9 Sept.,
(JB); 1, Blue Plains, 15 June, feeding on broken ground in stubble paddock where trees had
been pulled and stumps and branches being burnt, (KH); 1, bet. Marsden and Caragabal, 13
Sept. (ER); 1, Fan Ban Hsd, 4 May (JH).
1
1, Coombie Hsd., 3 Mar., was unusual for this locality, (JaH); 550, lower
Coot, Fulica atra
Shoalhaven R., an unusually high number in this locality, 7 July, (CJC).
Lotusbird, Jacana gallinacea
14, Tucabia, 3 Apr., (CJC); 6, 10-15 km. E. Grafton, 28 Apr.
(HH); 2, Dorroughby, 15 Sept., (DSm).1, Bushells Lagoon, 20 Oct., (TL).
Bush Stone -curlew, Burhinus magnirostris Pair, nest with 2 eggs, 4 km N. Pilliga, 11 Sept.,
(JA); 4, Riley’s Island, Feb., (JW, MCa); 2, adj. Sturt Highway, c.100 km. E. Hay, 27 Aug. (AH);
Nest with 2 eggs, Barham Lawn Cemetery, 18 Jan., (EBT).
Beach Stone -curlew, Esacus magnirostirs
Reported from all known regular sites, viz: 2, Clar-
ence Estuary, Feb., (JM); 2, Nambucca Heads, Feb., (DS); Red Rock Estuary: 3, 30 Mar., (CJC);
2, 6 Sept., (AT); Up to 3, incl. runner, 20 Oct. – 7 Dec., (GC).
Painted Snipe, Rostratula benghalensis
2 – 3, Bushells Lagoon, 13 – 19 Jan., (AMcB); 4, on
swamp 20 km N Booligal, Jan., (PM); 25, on wetlands in Urana District, 18 Nov., (AKM), (see TBO
648).
Pied Oystercatcher, Haemotopus ostralegus 8, and nest with 2 eggs, Brunswick Heads, 12
Nov., (RMo); 18, Shark Beach, 16 May, (AKM); 1, Woody Head, 31 Mar.; 1, Diggers Camp, 16
Jan.; 1, Illaroo, 4 Dec.; – 3, Red Rock, 20 Oct. – 8 Dec., (GC). Botany Bay: Recorded through-
out year Incl. nesting pair (1 egg), max 20 birds on 17 Apr., Towra Point NR,
(PDa,ADR,AKM,RMo,BD). Recorded at Comerong Is., all year with a max. of 21, 7 July, no nest-
ing reported In this locality during the year, (CJC); Reported at Moruya, 23 – 26 Feb. (ADR).
Sooty Oystercatcher, Haemotopus fuliginosus 2, Brunswick Heads, 12 Nov., (RMo); 21, Woody
Head, Feb., (JM); 4, Diggers Camp, 16 Jan., 5, Wooli, 16 Jan. and 31 Mar., (GC); 2, Station Crk.,
30 Mar., (CJC); – 2, Red Rock Estuary, 6 Sept., 18 and 22 Nov., (AT,GC). Sydney: 15, Long
Reef, Feb., (FC); 1, Nielsen Park, SHNP, Oct., (AKM, Aust. Birds 20:73); 12, Boatharbour, 4 June,
1
(AKM).
Illawarra: 8, Bellambi Point, 1 June, (CJC); 14, Black Head, 8 Apr., (CJC).
Banded Plover, Vanellus tricolor 30 + Retreat, 16 Nov. (HH); 1, Merriwa, 7 Oct. (HBOC).
Newcastle: Kooragang Is., several birds, 5 Jan.; 11, mid -Sept. (HBOC). Sydney: Richmond Air
Base: 12, 3 July, 7, 30 Aug., (IMcA,EF); 25, Baker’s Lagoon, Feb., (RB,AC,JF); 6, Camden Air-
port, 17 Nov., (DLa); 10, Bankstown Airport, 28 Feb., (GC); Pair, vicinity of Malabar Treatment
Sept. (HLB); 1, Botany Bay, 3 Aug., (AMcB). 12, Fivebough Swamp, 30 Mar.; 2, same
Plant,
place, 13 July, (KH). Illawarra: 12, Pyree. 15 Dec., (CJC).
,
1
2, Ballina, Feb., (JM); 1, Nambucca Heads, 30 Nov., (DS).
Grey Plover, Pluvialis squatarola
Newcastle: 1, Kooragang, 15 Sept, (AMcB); 1, Swansea, 7 Sept., (CJC). Illawarra: 1, Windang,
21 – 26 Sept., (CJC); 1, Comerong Is., 19 Jan. and 2 Mar.; 10, 29 Sept. – 30 Nov., (CJC). 3, Tulla-
kool Salt Works, 24 Nov., first record for this area, (EBT).
of American form, Ballina, 22 Nov., (GH); 15,
Lesser Golden Plover, Pluvialis dominica
Tyagarah, Apr., (RMo); 226, Clarence Estuary, Feb., (JM). Newcastle: 220, Kooragang Island,
Feb., (HBOC). Sydney: 66, Parramatta R., Feb., (BM); 134, Botany Bay, Feb., (JPe,AKM,PDa).
Illawarra: Present all year, Shoalhaven Heads-Commerong Is., max. 150 +, 23 Mar., and 172 +
29 Dec., 3, over -wintered, (CJC,AKM). Earliest return: 2, Koona Bay Lake Illawarra, 24 Sept.,
(CJC).
1
Macksvilie: 5, 16 Feb.; 3, 29 June; 3, 7 Sept., 1, 16
Red -kneed Dotterel, Erythrogonys cinctus
Oct., (DS); Newcastle: Large numbers, Shortlands Swamp, 23 Mar. (EF); Stockton/ Kooragang,
March -May, max. 63, 13 Apr., (AEFR,GH). 1, St. Albans, 24 – 26 Feb., (GC). Sydney: 35 +
McGraths Hill; 20, Pitt Town, 28 July (EF) 4, Mason Park Homebush, 13 July, (BD).. Present all
year, Fivebough Swamp, with max. 141, 10 Mar., (KH). Illawarra: 1, on flood -water, Dunmore, 26
May (JH); 1, Saltwater Swamp, 7 July, (CJC); 153, Fletcher’s Lake, Feb., (JH); 80, Dry Lake,
Feb., (KH); 99, Menindee/Cawndilla Lakes, Feb., (JS).
,
Hooded Plover, Charadrius rubricollis
Aug., (GH).
4, Bherwerre Beach, 22 June, (CJC); 5,
Disaster Bay, 22
Mongolian Plover, Charadrius mongolus 304, Clarence Estuary, Feb., (JM); 171, Richmond R.
Estuary, Feb., (JM); Max. 32, Comerong Is., 19 Jan., (CJC). Latest Sighting: 30, Comerong Is., 2
Mar., (CJC).
Early records for 1985 season: 1, immature bird,
Double -banded Plover, Charadrius bicinctus
North Botany Bay, 3 Feb., (AKM); 1, Wlndang, 24 Jan.; 1, Comerong Is., 19 Jan., (CJC). Latest
Sightings: 4, Wlndang, 25 Aug.; 12, Comerong Is., 31 Aug., (CJC); 2, N. Botany Bay, 31 Aug.,
(RMo). Other reports: 4, Red Rock Estuary, 6 Sept., (AT); 10, North Haven, 19 July, (GC); Max.
149, Botany Bay, 29 June, is higher than usual, (AKM); 2, Long Reef, 24 Mar.; Max. 100, Come-
rong Is., 23 June, (CJC); Fivebough Swamp: Single birds, 10 Mar., 23 June and 3 Aug.; 3, 6 July,
(KH); 1, The Lakes Beach, 6 Apr.,(IMcA); 1, Corowa, 22 Apr., (JTh), TBO 643:75).
Large Sand Plover, Charadrius leschenaulti 38, Richmond R., Feb., (JM); 1, Long Reef, 13 Jan.
(FC); 1, Boat Harbour, 17 Dec. (AOR); 1, Comerong Is., 19 Jan., (CJC).
Oriental Plover, Charadrius veredus
1,
North Botany Bay, 12 Jan. – 3 Feb., (AMcB,AKM,DSm).
5295, Yantara Lake, Feb., (JHo); 200 + Lake Ban-
Red -capped Plover, Charadrius ruficapillus
cannla, 4 Sept., (DSm); 75, North Botany Bay, 20 May, is the highest winter count in this area for
many years (AKM); Comerong Is.: 170, 2 Mar. and 195, 7 July, the latter being the highest known
local count (CJC); 300, Dry Lake, 16 Feb., (KH); 1200, Tullakool Salt Works, Feb., (PD).
,
Inland Dotterel, Peltohyas australis 14 adults and 2 runners, Fowlers Gap, 1 – 8 Sept., (DSm); 1,
Coombie Hsd., 25 Apr., was unusual for this locality, (JaH); 1, 20 kms N of Booligal 15 Jan. (PM);
2, 20km N of Conargo 20 Apr. (PM).
Pied Stilt, Himantopus himantopus 1205, Hunter Wetlands, Feb., (HBOC); 270, Dry Lake, (KH);
10, Dunmore, 26 May; 634, Mourquong Saline Basin, 27 June, (JH); 250, Fivebough Swamp, 23
Nov., (KH); 860, Tullakool Salt Works, Feb., (PD).
Banded Stilt, Cladorhynchus leucocephalus
bird, Mourquong Saline Basin, Feb., (JH); 166,
Fletchers Lake, 14 Feb., (JH); 4, 19 Jan., and 5, 9 Feb., Tullakool Salt Works, (PM).
1
Red -necked Avocet, Recurvirostra novaehollandiae
300 + Lake Corooran, 25 July (DR); 1, on
beach at Bunjalung NP, 17 May, (AKM); 1, Lake Bancannia, 4 Sept., (DSm); 1, 20 km SE. Narra-
bri, 28 June, (DR); 1, Dangar’s Lagoon, 24 May, (HH); 2000 + Wilcannia, 31 Aug. Newcastle:
Still present all year at Kooragang Is., max. 1200 +
Sept., (HBOC,AMcB,GH). Sydney: 1, at
Curl Curl Lagoon, 20 April (NM,FC). Illawarra: 12, Comerong Is., 11- 18 May, (CJC). 12, Lake
Merimbley, 27 Apr., (AKM); 400, Tongo Lake, Feb., (MM); 340, Olepoloko Lake, Feb., (MM); 11,
Wentworth Swamp, 16 Feb. (HBOC); Present all months except May, bird, Fivebough Swamp,
max. 35, 20 Jan.; 89, Dry Lake, (KH); 454, Tullakool Salt Works, Feb., (PD); 541, Mourquong
Saline Basin, 27 June, (JH). The Bundjalung NP and Curl Curl records are of note while num-
bers in the Hunter Estuary continue to increase.
,
,
,
1
Turnstone, Arenaria interpres
1, Lake Salisbury, 11 – 14 Oct., (WL); 3, Cape Byron, 3 Apr.,
(RMo). Sydney: 65, Long Reef, Feb., (FC); Botany Bay: 86, Feb., (JPe, AKM, PDa); Fivebough
Swamp: 1, 19 Oct.; 2, 2 Nov., considered very scarce at this location (KH); 1, Fletcher’s Lake, 20
Sept. (PM). Inland records, other than Fletchers Lake (which is a regular site), are rare.
Eastern Curlew, Numenius madagascariensis
Newcastle: 418, Port Stephens, Feb., (HBOC);
310, Kooragang Is., Feb., 1 Sept. and
Dec., (HBOC, AMcB); 650 +, Stockton Bridge, 12 Jan.,
(AEFR). Sydney: 216, Botany Bay, Feb., (JPe,AKM,PDa); several birds, Careel Bay, 15 and 20
May (JP); Illawarra: Comerong Is.: 170, 19 Jan.; 123, 15 Dec., (CJC). Observations of c. 1500
birds bet. Port Stephens and Comerong Is. is consistent with reports in recent years.
Whimbrel, Numenius phaeopus 52, Clarence Estuary, Feb., (JM); 22, Macleay R. Estuary, Feb.,
(DS); 145, Pelican Is Port Macquarie., Feb., (RDr). Newcastle: 60 +, Kooragang, Dec., (AMcB).
63, Towra Point NR, 29 May, (AKM). Sighting of several birds nr Deniliquin during Sept.
(PM,GH), represents 3rd Inland record for NSW. 25, South Head, Moruya Estuary, Feb., (SM).
1
Observation of 2 birds, Wentworth Swamp, 10 Jan.
(HBOC,GH), is the 5th record for County of Northumberland and first for that county away from
Kooragang Is. Sydney: – 3, Bakers Lagoon, 2 – 21 Feb., (AC,JF,AMcB).
Little Curlew, Numenius minutus
1
1, Casino, 20 Oct., (GH); 1, Morpeth, 30 Dec., (GH). The
Wood Sandpiper, Tringa glareola
Griffith-Leeton area appears to be the most regular NSW site for this wader with 1985 reports of
Dec. (EF); and Fivebough Swamp: A few birds
1, on small swamp near Lake Wyangan,
through year, i.e. 4, in Feb., 5, in Mar., 2, in Apr., and – 2, from 18 Aug. to Dec., (KH).
1
1
Grey -tailed Tattler, Tringa brevipes 114, Richmond R. Estuary, Feb., (JM); Brunswick Heads,
Apr., (RMo); 120, Clarence R. Estuary, Feb., (JM); 69, Botany Bay, Feb.,
12, 29 Mar.; 20 +
(AKM).
,
1
1, Woody Head, Feb., (JM). Sydney: Long Reef, 1, 3 Feb.,
Wandering Tattler, Tringa incana
(IMcA) and 1, 10 Nov., (AMcB). 1, in breeding plumage, Windang, 13 – 23 Mar., (CJC).
5, Salisbury Lake, Feb., (MM); 1, Westward Downs
Hsd, 25 Sept., (GH); 6 Cawndilla Creek and Channel, Feb., (JS); 1, Red Rock Estuary, 20 Oct.,
(GC); Stockton: 1, 23 Mar. (EF); 1, 29 Mar., (CJC); 1, Werri Swamp, 16 Apr., (CJC).
Single birds reported at Kooragang and
Asiatic Dowitcher, Limnodromus semipalmatus
Common Sandpiper, Tringa hypoleucos
Stockton, (possibly the same individual), 6 – 28 April (AMcB,TRL,HBOC,AEFR,CJC,AKM).
Second NSW record, (see Aust. Birds 20: 91).
2, Port Macquarie, Apr., (DG); 561, throughout Hunter Wet-
Greenshank, Tringa nebularia
lands, Feb., (HBOC). 1, Coombie Hsd., 10 Jan., is unusual for locality, (JaH); Fivebough Swamp:
25, 6 Apr.; Up to 11 at one time, Oct. -Dec., (KH); 55, Comerong Is., 7 Apr., (CJC); 55, Shoalha-
ven Heads, 23 Mar., (AKM); 30 +, Windang, Oct. -Dec., with max. 36, on 18 Dec., (CJC); Report-
ed at Moruya, 23 – 24 Feb. (ADR);
Marsh Sandpiper, Tringa stagnatilis Occasional sightings, Lake Salisbury, 50, Feb., (MM,JHo);
11 – 14 Oct., (WL); 277, Hunter Wetlands, Feb., (HBOC); 7, Lake Wyangan, 5 July, (JB); 70 +, on
small swamp near Lake Wyangan, Dec. (EF); 4, Fivebough Swamp, 18 Aug., rising to summer
peak of 56, In Dec., (KH); 1, Comerong Is., 22 Oct., (CJC); Tullakool Salt Works: 4,6 Jan. and 2,
10 Mar., (EBT); 110, 11 Jan., (CJC); and 112, Feb., (PD); 50+, 24 Nov., (EBT). Numbers record-
ed In NSW each year continue to rise.
Terek Sandpiper, Tringa terek
Estuary, Feb., (JM); 1, Nambucca Heads, 13 Oct., (DS); 16, Botany Bay, 17 Apr., (AKM); 1,
Windang, 18 Dec., (CJC).
Japanese Snipe, Gallinago hardwickii First for season, Coutts Crossing, 17 Sept., (GC). 79,
Hunter Wetlands, Feb., (HBOC). 3, St. Albans, 24 Feb.. Sydney: 1, Dubbo Gully, 17 Feb., (GC);
42, Hawkesbury Wetlands, Feb., (JMI,AC,GC,JF); 13, Eastlakes Golf Course, 6 Mar., (AKM); 27+,
Deepwater Park, 27 Dec., (DSm). 1, Fivebough Swamp, 20 Oct. was only 1985 record, (KH).
Black -tailed Godwit, Limosa limosa Newcastle: 800 – 3000, Kooragang Is., Jan. – Feb., and
rising from c.100 on Sept. to 4000 on 9 Nov. before declining to around 2000 on 1 Dec.,
(HBOC, AEFR,AMcB). The Hunter Wetlands is the most important NSW site NSW for this spe-
cies. Sydney: 3, Pitt Town, 31 Aug., (AMcB). Illawarra: Comerong Is., 5, 2 June -7 July; 1, 30
Nov., (CJC). Inland records: bird (almost taken by Black Falcon), Westward Downs Hsd, 25
Sept., (PM,GH). 1, Fivebough Swamp, 20 Oct. only 1985 record, (KH); 7, Tullakool Salt Works, 24
1
1
Nov., (EBT).
Hudsonian Godwit, Limosa haemastica 1, Kooragang Is., 5 Jan. and 7 April (HBOC,AMcB).
Note: Although many people have seen this species at this location, no published details of such
sightings exist. The above reports probably represent the 3rd and 4th NSW records. All same
bird?
Bar -tailed Godwit, Limosa lapponica 700, Clarence R. Estuary, Feb., (JM). Newcastle: Bet.
2000 and 4000, Kooragang Is., Jan. – Feb., and 3000 – 4000, 1 Sept. – 1 Dec., (HBOC,AMcB).
Sydney: 534, Botany Bay, Feb., (JPe, AKM, PDa). Illawarra: Numbers at Comerong Is., viz.
max. 440 on 19 Jan. and max. 272 on 7 July, considered to be much lower than previous years,
(CJC).
Red Knot, Calidris canutus 160, Clarence R. Estuary, Feb., (JM). Newcastle: Kooragaong,
c.400, 15 Sept. and 9 Nov., (AMcB).Sydney: 220, North Botany Bay, 19 Oct., (AKM). Illawarra:
Comerong Is., 5, 11 May; 1, 23 June; 114, 29 Sept., (CJC). 1, Fivebough Swamp, 13 Oct., (KH).
Great Knot, Calidris tenuirostris
15, Clarence R. Estuary, Feb., (JM). Sydney: Towra Spit: 2,
25 Jan.; 1, 8 Feb. (AKM); 2, off Penrhyn Rd., Botany, 3 Feb.; 1, 19 Oct., (AKM). Illawarra: 8,
Comerong Is., 29 Sept., (CJC).
Sharp-tailed Sandpiper, Calidris acuminata 6266, Yantara Lake, Feb., (MM,JHo,DL); 14, Lake
Bancannia, 4 Sept., (DSm). 157, Towra Point NR, 2 Nov., (AKM), a large number for this site.
Max. 1000, Fivebough Swamp, Jan., (KH); 635, Olepoloko Lake, Feb., (MM); 690, Fletchers
Lake, 14 Feb., (JH); 800, Tullakool Salt Works, Feb., (PD).
Pectoral Sandpiper, Calidris melanotus
Newcastle: 1, Shortland Swamps, 8 Jan.; 1, Grahams-
town Lake, 11 Jan., (GH); 1, Wentworth Swamp, 13 Jan. (HBOC); 1 – 2, Stockton/Kooragang
area, 13 and 14 Apr. and 1 Dec., (AEFR,HBOC,AMcB,IMcA); 3, Morpeth, 27 Dec., (GH). Sydney:
Bushells Lagoon, 1, 19 Jan.; 2, 6 Feb.; and 1, 22 Sept., (AMcB). Fivebough Swamp: Up to 3,
from Jan. – Apr.; 1, 29 Dec., (KH); Max. 2, at Tullakool Salt Works, through Jan. and Feb.,
(EBT,PM). Numbers of this species continue to increase. This may reflect an improved ability by
observers in identifying the species.
4, Lake Bancannia, 4 Sept., (DSm); 369, Botany Bay, Feb.,
Red -necked Stint, Calidris ruficollis
(JPe, AKM,PDa); 409, Comerong Is., 15 Dec., highest count for year, (CJC); 408, Fletcher’s Lake,
Feb., (JH).
Long -toed Stint, Calidris subminuta
Dec., (KH).
1,
on many occasions, Fivebough Swamp, 26 Oct. – 14
Curlew Sandpiper, Calidris ferruginea 47, Yantara Lake, Feb., (MM). Kooragang Is., 1900,
Feb., and 4000 9 Nov., (HBOC,AMcB). 14, Botany Bay, 31 Aug., (RMo). 100, WIndang, 18 Dec.,
an unusually high number for this locality, (CJC). 158, Tullakool Salt Works, Feb., (PD).
Sanderling, Calidris alba
40, Richmond R. Estuary, Feb., (JM).
2, Ballina, 22 Jan., (GH). Newcastle: Kooragang
Broad -billed Sandpiper, Limicola falcinellus
Is., 2, 21 Jan., 1, Feb. and 9 Mar. (HBOC); 3, Stockton, 23 Mar. (EF). In this area, numbers have
declined since the early 1970’s when up to 180 birds could be seen. Sydney: 1, Botany Bay, 12
Jan. and 10 Mar., (AMcB).
Single male, Fivebough Swamp, 17 Nov. until 29 Dec., (KH);
Ruff/Reeve, Philomachus pugnax
Up to 2 Ruffs and 1 Reeve at Tullakool Salt Works, from 13 Jan. to 18 Feb., (EBT,PM,AMcB).
41, Dry Lake, 16 Feb., (JB,KH); 1, Fivebough Swamp, 7
Australian Pratincole, Stiltia isabella
Oct., (KH); 74, on freshly tilled arable paddock, nr Whitton, 27 Apr., (KH); 1, Hay SF, 24 June,
(AMcB).
Great Skua, Stercorarius skua
(See also Wood, K., in prep.)
Off Sydney: 1, c. 10 km, 25 May; 2, <10 km, 27 July, (IMcA).
Arctic Jaeger, Stercorarius parasiticus
20 + off Sydney Heads, 23 Feb., (AEFR). (See also
,
Wood, K., in prep.)
Pomarine Jaeger, Stercorarius pomarinus
also Wood, K., In prep.)
About 50, off Sydney Heads, 23 Feb., (AEFR). (See
1, Ballina, 9 Feb., 22 Feb. and 24 Feb., (GH).
Long-tailed Jaeger, Stercorarius longicauda
20 +, seen regularly from Wollon-
Illawarra:
(AEFR).
23
Feb.,
Heads,
Sydney: About 20, off
gong to Jervis Bay, bet. 27 Jan. and 21 Apr.; 5 – 8, off Wollongong, bet. 27 Oct. and 14 Dec.,
1
(AMcB). (See also Wood, K., in prep.)
Silver Gull, Larus novaehollandlae
Continental Shelf, 29 June, (IMcA).
Large numbers reported at sea (very flat) off Sydney out to
3 immature plumaged birds, Long Reef, 4 April (FC); No records
Pacific Gull, Larus pacificus
for Windang this year, (CJC); 1, Comerong Is., 27 May (JH).
Sydney: 1, off Penrhyn Rd., Botany, 17 Dec. and 30 Dec.,
Kelp Gull, Larus dominicanus
(AOR). Illawarra: Present all year, Windang, max. 9, 25 May, (CJC); 2 immature birds, Windang,
19 Jan (DD); 9, Bellambi Point, July, (CJC).
1
1st NSW record and 3rd Aust. record: off Wollongong, a first
Sabine’s Gull, Larus sabini
winter bird moulting to 1st summer plumage, 23 Mar. (AMcB,CJC,PSL,TR), (refer Aust. Birds
21:89-90). 1, same area, 30 June, possibly same bird as on 23 Mar., (AMcB,CJC). (2nd NSW
record and 4th Aust. record., see Aust. Birds, 21:91-92).
1, Macksville, 30 Dec., (DS); Flock of 17, seen bet.
Whiskered Tern, Chlidonias hybrida
Hexham and Tarro, 20 May (PAB); 5, Windang, 27 Sept., (CJC); Fivebough Swamp: Massive
influx, more than 2000, 21 Sept. yet all had departed by 22 Sept.; 120, 29 Dec., (KH); 500 +
Tullakool Salt Works, 11 Jan., (CJC).
,
White -winged Tern, Chlidonias leucoptera 1, Station Crk., 9 Nov., (DS); 1, Nambucca Heads, 5
Jan. and 22 Feb., (DS); 7, Lawrence, 21 Apr., (GH). Newcastle: Approx. 150, Grahamstown
Reservoir, 9 Feb. (HBOC), the largest number ever recorded in NSW. 1, Kooragang Is., 10 Mar.
(HBOC). Illawarra: Windang, 1, Jan. – 24 May, (CJC); 1, 9 – 22 Dec. and 8, 29 Dec., always In
association with Little Terns, Sterna albifrons, (CJC).
1
Small numbers, Poon Boon Lakes, 31 Aug. – 4 Sept.
Gull -billed Tern, Gelochelidon nilotica
(AKM); 17, Stockton Bridge, 12 Jan. (AEFR); Group of c. 60 and another of c 40,
Stockton/Kooragang area, 13 Apr. (AEFR); 1 – 4, Comerong Is., 19 – 23 June, usually considered
rare In this area, (CJC); Only 2, Dry Lake, 16 Feb., (KH); 1, 65 km. W. of Hay, 27 Feb., (IMcA);
Approx. 600 pairs nesting, in three colonies, at Tullakool Salt Works, during Jan. (PM,CJC);
again nested same area during Dec., with 22 runners counted on 22 Dec., (EBT).
Caspian Tern, Hydroprogne caspia 1, Lake Corooran, 25 July (DR); small numbers, Poon Boon
Lakes, 31 Aug. – 4 Sept. (AKM).
Brunswick Heads: 3, 29 Mar.; 1, 1 Apr., (RMo); 1, Black Rock
Beach, 17 May, (AKM), a late date. Departure date, Nambucca Heads: 14 Apr.; Arrival date: 28
Sept., (DS). Sydney: Approx. 340, Botany Bay., 9 March, (BD); 5, Clovelly, roosting In car park
during heavy storm, 13 Oct., (RMo); 4, Broadmeadow, 29 Oct., (BD).
Common Tern, Sterna hirundo
Illawarra: Off Wollongong, 1, 21 Apr., (AMcB); 1, 25 May, (MJC),
(see TBO 643:76); 1, 27 July, (AMcB); 1, 10 Aug., (AEFR,AMcB); and 3, 21 Sept., (AMcB).
Arctic Tern, Sterna paradisaea
1, nr Bradleys Head, 27 Apr., (IMcA); 5, Murray’s Beach, 22
White-frbnted Tern, Sterna striata
June (CJC); 1, <10 km. off Sydney, 27 July; also seen c. 15 km. off Sydney and nr. Continental
Shelf, 24 Aug., (IMcA)
Little Tern, Sterna albifrons
Brunswick Heads: 3, 29 Mar.; 4, Apr., (RMo); 7+ pairs bred, Red
Rock, Nov. – Dec., 11 runners banded, 7 Dec., (GC); Departure: Nambucca Heads: 25 May.
Arrival: 15 Sept.; Bred here, (DS); Max. 258, Windang, 7 Dec., (CJC).
1
$r’nty Tern, Sterna fuscata 1, off Long Reef, 9 Feb., (IMcA); 1, off Sydney, 23 Feb., (AMcB).
Bet. 1 and 4, off Wollongong, 27 Jan., 24 Feb., 20 Apr., and 14 Dec., (AMcB).
Common Noddy, Anous stolidus
Black Noddy, Anous minutus
1, Cape Byron, 29 Mar.,
1, Ballina, 15 and
(RMo).
17 Feb., (GH).
Grey Noddy, Procelstema albivittata Ballina: 1, 25 Jan. and 11 Feb., (GH); Sydney: 1, possibly
2, off Sydney Heads, 23 Feb., (AEFR,AMcB). Illawarra: off Wollongong – Jervis Bay, 3, 9 and 10
Feb.; 9, off Wollongong, 24 Feb., (AMcB).
White Noddy, Gygis alba
1, Ballina, 8 Mar. and 21 May, (GH); 1, found exhausted after heavy
rain, Dorrigo, 21 Feb., (SGL), (see Aust. Birds 20:94). 1, off Wollongong, 12 Dec., (AMcB).
Rose -crowned Fruit -Dove, Ptilinopus regina Illawarra: 1, immature, Bass Point, 20 Aug. – 1
Sept.. (CJC). Second record for County of Camden.
Superb Fruit -Dove, Ptilinopus superbus
Single birds, feeding on blackberries, Kiah, 29 Mar.
(LS).
Wompoo Fruit-Dove, Ptilinopus magnificus
1, found dead, Plum Scrub, Port Macquarie, Oct.,
(GC). Sydney: 1, feeding in rain -forest remnant, Collaroy, 11 Aug. (SB); 1, feeding on Blue Berry
Ash berries, Elaecarpus reticulatus, Collaroy Plateau, 9 Sept. (AM). Probably the same bird.
Second and third records for County of Cumberland.
Topknot Pigeon, Lopholaimus antarcticus
10+, Iluka NR, 4 Aug., (DG); 1, in Camphor Laurel
at South Grafton, 12 Nov., (DG); 20+, Pappinbarra FSC, 22 June, (DG). Newcastle: 8, Blackbutt
Reserve, 28 July; 5, 26 Oct., (HBOC). Up to 100, McBrides Beach area, and c.5, Elizabeth
Beach area, 5 Sept. (AEFR); 1, Ourimbah SF, 23 Mar., (IMcA). Sydney: Westleigh, max. c.50, 9
Mar., (AEFR).
White -headed Pigeon, Columba leucomela
Newcastle: Numerous reports throughout year, of
between 1 and 8, from various suburbs, esp. nr Blackbutt and Glenrock Reserves, (HBOC); 1,
Ourimbah SF, 23 Mar., (IMcA); Sydney: Regular sightings, usually 1 – 6, max. 40+ (on 10 Sept.),
Beecroft, along Devlins Creek/Lane Cove River area of South Turramurra, East Wahroonga, Killa-
ra, Lindfield and East Roseville, 17Mar. – 19 Oct., (BD,EF,HR,MH, IMcA,DLa). Reports and
numbers In from Sydney Region appear to be increasing.
Spotted Dove, Streptopelia chinensis1, Tamworth, 24 Mar., (AnL).
Collared Dove, Streptopelia decaocto1, Boambee, 18 Jan., probable escapee, (BL).
Brown Cuckoo -dove, Macropygia amboinensis Numerous reports, of or 2, from various
Newcastle suburbs, esp. near Blackbutt and Glenrock Reserves, and from East Maitland,
throughout year (HBOC); – 6, regularly seen or heard along Devlins Creek and in South Turra-
1
1
murra, (BD,EF,IMcA).
Peaceful Dove, Geopelia placida
1, Cardiff, 4 Mar. (? possible escapee) (HBOC).
Diamond Dove, Geoplelia cuneata 4, Lake Bancannia, 4 Sept.; 2, nr Nuchea Lake, 7 Sept.,
(DSm); 5, along Lake Cargelligo – Rankin Springs Rd., 29 Nov. (EF); Barham district: 1, 31 Jan.;
2, 10 Mar.; and 1, 10 Nov., (EBT); Pair, Lake Eucumbene, 13 Mar., (DLi; 1, Tabletop Mtn. Fire
Trail, 24 Mar. (ML).
Pair, observer’s first record for area, 15 km. S.
Bar -shouldered Dove, Geopelia humeralis
Merriwa, 14 – 18 Dec., (IMcA). 1, Bulga, 5 Dec., (DSm). Reported as unusually abundant in the
Budgewol/Lake Munmorah area, Including an adult accompanied by a juvenile, 23 Mar. Num-
bers considered to have increased quite significantly In the area during the past 2 years (EF).
Sydney: 1, North Head, SHNP, Oct., (AKM) and 4 Nov., (GG), (see Aust. Birds 20:74); 2, in dune
scrub, Towra Point NR, 29 May. and 26 June, (AKM). These birds appear to be resident, cf. 1984
Report.
Common Bronzewing, Phaps chalcoptera 68, Grono Farm Rd., 28 July (EF).
Brush Bronzewing, Phaps elegans Sydney: Beacon Hill, 1, 30 Jan.; 3, 9 Aug.; 2, 15 Aug., (LJH).
1, Manly Dam, 29 Oct., (DS). Few recent records for Sydney Region.
Emerald Dove, Chalcophaps indica Single birds, Blackbutt Reserve, Kotara, during April and on
13 Aug. (HBOC); 1, Cooranbong, mid -June (HBOC); 1, Byrell Crk., 13 Sept., (DSm).
Crested Pigeon, Ocyphaps lophotes Numerous coastal sightings reported from Oland border
to Sydney, incl. regular reports on long-established, small population along Hawkesbury R., in
vicinity of Dharug NP, (GC); Breeding, South Turramurra, 7 July, (IMcA); Up to 16, throughout
year, at feed station in Chatswood garden; First sighting, Falconbridge, 3 Feb., of a single bird.
Since that date, sightings have been regular and included observations of more than one bird.
Flock Pigeon, Phaps histrionica
1, Yantara Lake, 28 Sept., (PM,GH).
Wonga Pigeon, Leucosarcia melanoleuca
20:74).
1, Ashton
Park, SHNP, Oct., (AKM, (see Aust. Birds
Glossy Black Cockatoo Calyptorhynchus lathami 4, Coutts Crossing, 11 Dec., (GC); 2, Arrawar-
ra, 12 May, (AKM); 3, Station Crk., 3 Mar., (CJC); Nambucca Heads: Up to 29 separate Individuals Identified, by plumage, during year; Juvenile being fed by adults, Aug.; Seen at Valla, Bellin-
gen, Urunga and Scott’s Head, bet. Jan. and June, (DS); Pair, 8 km N. of Lees Pinch, 18 Dec.,
(IMcA). Sydney: Small numbers, Dharug NP, Jan. – 20 Aug., max. 6 on 10 Jan. and 25 June;
1 +, Wrights Crk., 12 Feb.; 1+, Spencer, 13 Feb., 1, nr Gunderman, 5 May, (GC); 3, nr Appletree
Bay, 2 June, (IMcA); Cowan Creek: 1, 30 June, and 3, 28 Sept., (BD). 3, Little Smoky Mtn., 22
July (GN); 2, Tully’s Hill, 23 Apr.; 2, Mt. Misery, 5 May, (KH).
1
Yellow -tailed Black -cockatoo, Calyptorhynchus funereus Sydney: Westleigh, several occasions
between 12 May (3,) and 21 Aug. (c. 20), (AEFR); 4, East Wahroonga, 9 June (EF); 6, South
Turramurra, 3 Aug., (DLa); 3, 17 Aug., Pymble, (RMo). 50+, Bellanglo SF, 30 June, (CJC).
Small numbers, Dharug NP, Jan. – Aug.,
Gang -gang Cockatoo, Callocephalon fimbriatum
Max. 10 + at Dubbo Gully, 17 Feb., (GC). Sydney: 2, Devlins Creek/Lane Cove River area of
South Turramurra, 2 Jan., 12 Jan., 3 Aug., 14 Sept., 24 Nov.; 2, Kissing Point Road, South
Turramurra, 3 Nov., (DLa); 6, Campbelltown, 23 Oct. (AJ). 2, The Rock NR. 2 Apr., (JB) – an
exceptional record although occasionally recorded in winter nearby at Wagga Wagga and Liv-
ingston SF.
,
Reported from many coastal and hinterland districts from Kyogle
Galah, Cacatua roseicapilla
that this species is clearly well established east of the
indicating
throughout
year,
to Sydney,
Great Divide, (GC).
1, Tyalgum, probable ex-avairy, 13 Sept., (DSm); 1,
Long -billed Corella, Cacatua tenuirostris
Gunderman, probable ex-avairy, 18 Aug., (GC); 6, Tullakool, 18 Feb., (GC); 60 +, feeding on
grain spilled on road nr Deniliquin township, 26 Apr., (AKM), consistent with NSW occurrences.
1, Tyalgum, probable ex-avairy, 13 Sept., (DSm); 7, Harpa-
Little Corella, Cacatua sanguinea
of Boggabri, 8 Sept. (DR); Sydney: 80 + McGraths Hill,
NE.
rary Hsd 7 June, and 17, c.l0kms
29 Dec., (AKM); 2, in Hoop Pine, Royal Botanical Gardens, 2 Jan. (DD); 8, 5 Mar., 1, 17 June; 14,
18 July; 1, 3 Aug.; 2, 19 Oct., East Wahroonga – Turramurra, (EF,IMcA). 35, Kooraleigh, 31 Aug.
(AKM); 2, Seven Mile Beach, Sept. – Nov., (CJC).
,
,
Small flock, just S. of Nyngan, 19 Feb., (IMcA); 2, Bogan
Pink Cockatoo, Cacatua leadbeateri
5 Sept., (DSm); Pair, attending nest, nr Nuchea Lake, 7
NP,
2,
Mootwingee
(DSm);
R., 31 Aug.,
Sept., (DSm); 1, Yelkin SF, 29 Nov. (EF); 2, Kyalite, 2 Sept. and 2, Penarie, 4 Sept. (AKM); 80,
Tarrara Hsd, 13 May; seen regularly In the area bet. Dareton and Ivanhoe (300 km), throughout
year with max. 35, on 27 Aug., (see also Aust. Birds 21: 104); throughout year at Dareton, with
max. 18, at one time, (JH); 68, Buronga, 5 Feb., (IMcA).
Sulphur -crested Cockatoo, Cacatua galerita Nambucca Heads: Seen sporadically, usually 2 – 3,
throughout year (since Christmas 1983); Valla: recorded in Mar., and May – Sept., (DS); Lower
June; hundreds, 10 June and 13 July; 250 + 21 July,
McDonald R.: 170 + 27 Apr.; 400 +
,
,
1
,
(GC).
20 + feeding on flowering Forest Redgum, bet. Tabbi-
Musk Lorikeet, Glossopsitta concinna
Up
to 14, present, East Wahroonga, bet. 20 Mar. and 12
(AKM);
14
May,
mobile and Woodburn,
Apr. (EF).