And the week belongs to......Central Australia! 1st Mainland Forest Wagtail for OZ!

Well, its not the Top End, but if what has turned up in a backyard in Alice Springs is not a reminder that we should be checking our own back yards regularly and enthusiastically, nothing ever will be.

Local birding Guru and Ornathologist, Chris Watson was called around to a friends backyard to identify a strange little wagtail and found after some deliberation...a FOREST Wagtail (Dendronanthus indicus)!!!!

A long way from his breeding grounds in East Asia or his winter haunts in the Orient (sometimes in Sumatra and Java but more commonly known I believe further North), this little fellow has obviously been blown off course, BUT, to end up in our countries Red Centre instead of our Northern Coast, just beggers belief and highlights that; despite how much we think we know, there's much that we don't.

I couldn't pass up the opportunity to see him and, I am closer to most others in the country (14hrs by road) so a quick trip down and back was possible.

The finders; Will and Anne McCormack were so welcoming and were keen for all to share in this phenomenal visit to their beautifully gardened suburban home. Thankyou!!

A little wait and he showed up, being harassed by local species, so flighty at first, but when all was settled down, he was most accommodating and enjoyed strolling through the well placed thicket and terraces and found time to feed on local delights like this cricket.

More can be read on this bird at   http://www.comebirdwatching.blogspot.com.au/   Thanks to Chris for his  efficient reporting and dissemination of information.

While I was down there I thought it diligent to have a look at the famous waste treatment plant (as Freckled ducks had been reported there a little while ago (NT first for me).  Chris and Will came along (in fact, I came along as Will kindly provided access).  Unfortunately, no Frecklies, but a nice visit anyway, with a male Chestnut Teal (now seemingly a resident), some Great Egrets, 600 or so Pink-eared Ducks, Spinifex Pigeon and some Fairywrens and Orange Chats.

 

 The long drive back north gave me the little afforded opportunity to come by some Ground Cuckoo-shrikes. Although present in the Top End, just not very common, so I was thankful for this sighting at dusk on the roadside.

 I think I will end this post by highlighting just how amazing the Northern Territory is as a Birding destination.  Even more rewarding is the opportunity to link the Top and the Centre together by either, flying in to Alice Springs OR Darwin, hiring a car and starting the exciting drive.  Just don't be too casual, as this post accentuates, "you never know what might drop in"

Good Birding

Mick

Some VERY interesting arrivals in the Top End

Since January 2013, Birders have had mixed fortunes with being able to observe some pretty special arrivals.

Vagrant arrivals:

Oriental Warbler - seen at Fogg Dam, just off the wall. has been seen here in the past.
Spotted Whistling Duck - also at Fogg Dam, is a Northern species, but has been recorded a number of times on the Western side of the Cape in North Queensland.  This arrival supports theories that there is a growing breeding population, possibly resident in Australia.  Whether true or not, it has alerted me to the fact that I should be scanning the large flocks of Wandering Whistling Ducks. A nice photo is available for viewing on the NT Birdline link at the bottom of this post.
Freckled Duck - A vagrant only reported in the NT about 1700km south in Alice Springs (and rarely at that).  This is the first record in the Top End and was seen at Leanyer Waste Treatment Plant
Eastern Yellow Wagtail - Although a more regularly seen Migrant than the species above, they are still somewhat a scarcity.  2 birds were seen in April, once again at Leanyer Treatment Plant, and a larger flock reported in January at that location.  I was lucky enough to spot these 2 individuals in full colour and no doubt heading North for some breeding time.  Photos also available on the Birdline link

As I wasn't lucky enough to get any good pics  this link has some nice imagery of these significant observations.

http://www.eremaea.com/BirdlineRecentSightings.aspx?Birdline=4


Good Birding

Trip Report: Tablelands and Carpentaria Highway Jan 2013

I drove back into the Northern Territory on January 24th after a bit of a road trip down to Victoria and up the NSW and Qld coast.

For anyone driving in from Queensland, on the black-stuff anyway, you will come in along the Barkely Highway across to Three Ways, Just North of Tennant Creek.  This is the informal division between Birding the Top End and Central Australia.

At the Barkley Homestead ther is a turn-off up the Tablelands highway upto Cape Crawford and Heartbreak Hotel.  This is a vast open landscape  comprising treeless plains and lots of grassland, ideal for grazing, hence you are driving along a road among vast cattle stations.

I chose to go up this path as there was a report in 2004 that some Yellow Chat (Epthianura Crocea) had been observed.  I didnt have an NT Yellow Chat on my life list so the choice was easy.  My first stop at the Platford River crossing, where I thought was going to be successful was dissappointing.  There had not been enough rain to fill the river or the surrounding plains and a 2hour walk around the area producedn some Crimson Chat, Brown Falcon, Peaceful and Diamond Dove, Singing (Horsefields Bushlark) and Masked Woodswallows. List for Playford River Crossing

Hawking Oriental Pratincole

Another 30km North though and I came across a watery crossing and plains filled with Cyperus sedge (great YC habitat).  There was an amazing amount of activity here, with large flocks of Oriental Pratincole constantly hawking for insects, flocks of Flock Bronzewing pigeon and Little Curlew regularly passed through and either landed nearby in the thick plain or continued on an circled in the distance.  Some more Bushlark, a couple of Crimson Chats and then I saw it, Yellow Chat.  The Chat turned out to be at least 20 individuals and I am guessing many more in the wider area.  List for site

Unfortunately I could only manage this heavily cropped image of Yellow Chat Race Crocea, due to the very muddy surrounds (I sank up to my knees trying).

 Oriental Pratincole

I continued up the highway, stopping frequently to see Australian Bustard, Yellow-billed Spoonbill and browsing some small flocks of Whistling duck, Ibis and raptors on the fence like Wedge-tailed Eagle, Black Falcon and Nankeen Kestrel.

On the 25th and 26th of January, I spent some time at the small town of Borroloolla on the McCarthur River.  I was hoping to find the Endemic Carpentarian Grasswren at Carabarina Reserve and the Mcgilvaryi race of the Purple-crowned Fairywren.  Carabarinni is a striking place and well worth the visit if not only for scenic value.

 It has 3 distinctly different habitats within a close range, hence a diverse biota.  I did find a number of Purple-crowned Fairywrens alongside the waterway, but unfortunately didn't happen across the Grasswren.  I did have a couple of nice surprises in Sandstone Shrike-thrush (an endemic to the sandstone areas of the Top End) and a nice view of a day roosting Owlet-nightjar. Carabarinni List

 Sandstone Shrike-thrush (Colluricincla woodwardi)

Australian Owlet-nightjar

Further surveying around the town and environs produced another 30 species, the highlight being Buff-sided Robin at the town Boat ramp.

 Apostle Birds - always interesting to watch

Borroloola Block list

All in all, a very enjoyable few days, despite the lack of rain and high mercury levels in the thermometers (38-42 degrees).

Trip Report: Kakadu, Yellow Water, November 2012

Sunset on Yellow Water Billabong - Not to be missed

A Birding trip to the Top End would not be complete without a visit to Kakadu and specifically, to the bird rich 'Yellow Water' Billabong (Gurrungurrujdba).  Scenic boat cruises are available and do concentrate on birds as they are a stand-out, as well as crocodiles, but it is possible to get a privately chartered boat out.

This trip we were in a private boat for one late afternoon and one early morning.  We saw 59 species and photographed most.

 Little Kingfisher - Ceyx (Alcedo) pusillus

 Comb-crested Jacana - Irediparra gallinacea

Highlights of the trip were the Little Kingfishers, (which were astonishingly plentiful and active), The Magpie Geese through the sunset, Brolgas and Black-necked Storks, Photographic Comb-crested Jacanas and active Flycatchers species, including Shining, Paperbark and Leaden.

Large Esturine Crocodiles were always present, which adds another dimension to the wildlife spotting and as with most birding sessions, quiet patience will often be rewarded with some amazing viewing.  This big croc surfaced with a good sized Barramundi for dinner

 Great Egret being considered for dinner...it didn't happen!

Purple Swamphen (Race melanotus)

Trip List on Eremaea

Little Kingfisher at Pine Ck 14Nov2012

I First sighted this cute little fellow about 2 months ago at the Pine Creek Water gardens, (after being notified of its presence by a friend).  I stopped by just to see how well he had settled in.  Low and behold, tucked away secretly under a golden cane in pond number 3, he sat.  Little Kingfishers are easily found on wetlands like Yellow Water in Kakadu or Fogg Dam or on the tidal mangrove reaches of the Adelaide River.

On 2 previous occasions I have observed them pushing the boundary on the Katherine/Daly River system - well inland from their normal observation range.  I am guessing that he will be there for some time and hopefully there is another close by, for some nesting activity.

Grass Finches of the Top End

As this blog is new at this stage, I thought I would make some general interest entries, providing some information on some popular observations which are experienced in the North.  Finches are arguably one of Australia's most popular endemics, and in the Top End, Many come to see the Gouldian Finch.  Whilst searching for these Gawdy little beauties, often other species are seen and enjoyed.
 

 There are sites near Darwin to see Gouldians, however, there have been good numbers around the Katherine Region in the last 2 years.  These images are actually taken within the town limits of Katherine in 2011.  Anecdotally, it has been stated that Gouldians haven't been seen in the town for about 30 years.

 Indeed, numbers around Edith Falls and Pine Creek were very high and flocks of 100-150 individuals was regularly seen in 2011. 2012 was not quite so abundant however. Having said this, most trips out targeting them were succesful.

My observations are that; the later in the year, the dispersal increases, (especially when there is some rainfall). Individual Gouldians are often found present with small flocks of Long-tailed and Masked Finches, and be careful not to overlook the juveniles!
  

Crimson Finches (Race phaeton) are common from Darwin to Katherine and across to the West.  Fogg Dam is a great place to see them and also other Pandanus-lined waterways around Katherine and Kakadu. In mentioning water, I must remind you to be cautious around the waters edge for the possibility of the presence of crocodiles!

 I find it interesting to note that most field guides fail to note the distinct black hood of the local population of Crimson Finches, particularly prominent on adult males.

The Red beaked race (Hecki) of the Long-tailed Finch is often abundant in the woodlands of the Top End. Any time from January through to June, they may be seen nesting in a grass nest mid-way along branches. The entrance is usually on the side.

Masked Finch (Race personata) is a common resident around Katherine. Always a smart looking bird and enjoyable to observe.  The long nasal call can sometimes sound similar to the Double-barred Finch so its worthwhile checking around and not assuming that you are hearing DB's.

 When scouting for the finches around the Katherine Region, it is often worthwhile surveying heavily grassed areas or reeded creek-lines for the Yellow-rumped Mannikin. A Top End Endemic which can be locally common.  I find that if there is a large number of Chestnut-breasted M's, often a scan through them will reveal 1 or 2 individuals. I have found that the drain across from the Katherine Visitor Centre (full of Kumbungee reed), has been a place where there occasionally show up.

 Mannikins tend to pop up out of the reeds in a flock early in the morning, perch at the top for a little while and then fly off, returning occasionally in numbers throughout the day, but the greater flocks return late in the afternoon.  Note the Chestnut-breasted and the Yellow-rumped together in the pic.

The less common Pictorella Mannikin can also be found in the area around Katherine and out toward the West. Woodland with a thick grassy understorey present is the main habitat for them.  I have only seen individuals present with other finches.  The Gregory National Park over in the Victoria River District is a good place to find them.

By far the most common Grass Finch you will encounter is the 'owl-faced' Double-barred Finch (Race annulosa).  Often vocal and in flocks of at least 10+.

I hope you have got something out of that info.  I would recommend that after the Wet Season (April through May), is a good time to observe Grass Finches, due to the seeding grassesin the savanna's.  Although I can't disregard the Gouldians which showed up to enjoy the seeds from the local kooch which sprouted and seeded after the rains in November around the Katherine streets. During the drier periods, (June through to October), small pools of shallow water with a shady perch nearby (for refuge) are areas where Grass Finches may appear.

Happy to pass on any more information to anyone.  Just drop an email (from the profile) or call my office mobile 0427 067 154.

Good Birding

Mick J

A report from Miniata Park - Riverside

A couple of hours walking around Miniata Park, (just at the boundary of Northern Territory's Nitmiluk National Park), late in the year can be quite rewarding.   The nectar flow from riverside Melalueca Leucadendra (Weeping Paperbarks) was still continuing and some Syzigium Forte (Chalky Apple) were just showing small fruit.  Abundant Red-collared Lorikeets, Little and Silver-crowned Friarbirds, Brown Honeyeaters and some Yellow-tinted Honeyeaters were present.

A nice surprise was an Arafura Fantail, active in the crown of an apple tree and quite vocal.  A further walk into the surrounding stony hills presented small active flocks of Cockatiels, Red-winged Parrots, Galahs, Red-tailed Black Cockatoos and Sulphur-crested Cockies all-in-all alot to look at.

                                                                     Red-winged Parrot