PDF version available here: Vol. 6 No. 3
Price 25c, Published by the NSW Field Ornithologists Club.
Vol, 6 No, 3 1st November, 1971
SAGACITY OF REED -BIRDS
Commenting recently on a note in the Melbourne “Bird
Observer” reporting that a male Southern Scrub -Robin had been
seen to spread a wing and shelter his brooding mate from rain,
the Editor of “BIRDS” (Mr. Haines) quoted two English cases in
point. These referred to small, reed -frequenting birds, the
Bearded Tit and the Reed -Warbler, the male in each case having
been seen to shelter the brooding female from rain.
I recorded similar behaviour, or at least screening, on the
part of the Australian Reed -Warbler fifty years ago. On March 5,
1921, in a column of Nature Notes which I conducted weekly in the
Brisbane “Daily Mail, ” there appeared a paragraph entitled
Sagacity of Reed -Birds. ” In this case, however, the screening
was a precaution against heat, and it was rather more positive
than screening from rain.
The observer cited was “D. W. G. ” (David Gaukrodger) of
Alice Downs, Blackall, He wrote asking if I had known a brooding
Reed -Warbler to sprinkle its young with water on a hot day, and
he supplemented the query and notes with a photograph showing
dampness on the adult bird’s breast feathers.
My correspondent said he watched for several hours, on a
hot day, to try to see the bird dropping into the water, but the
thickness of the reeds obscured his view. Nevertheless, he saw
the top of the nest saturated with water and large drops all over
the young ones.BIRDS 34 1st November, 1971.
On the same day he saw the male Reed-Wharbler dip a grasshopper in
water before taking it to the nest.
My comment on this observation read: “I have seen birds shad-
ing young ones with their wings on a hot day, but the dampening process
is something quite new to me. “
Not the least interesting aspect of this matter is that the two
British birds reported as sheltering their mates from rain are both
denizens of reed -beds and the Australian species using a cooling system
at the nest is also a reed -dweller. Why so?
Alec Chisholm.
WHITE WINGED BLACK TERN IN NEW SOUTH WALES
In Australia, three species of small terns, collectively known
as “marsh terns, ” which frequent coastal lagoons, estuaries and
inland waters, occur, These are the Whiskered Tern (Chilidonias
hybrida), Black Tern (C. niger) and the White -winged Black Tern
(C. leucopterus) and they are distinguished from all other small
terns by their dusky breeding plumage, but in eclipse plumage they
look somewhat similar to other “white” terns..
Unfortunately, the White -winged Black Tern only occurs in
Australia as a non -breeding summer migrant and as it is seldom seen
in its breeding plumage, the bird is hard to identify because of its
similarity to other small terns in eclipse or non -breeding plumage.
The most pronounced feature of the eclipse plumage of this bird being
a black band extending from behind the eyes across the nape and
black before the eyes. The tail is short, the back and wings are
grey with a noticeable white collar and rump, there is a blackish
wash on the shoulders. Illustrations and descriptions of these terns
giving different plumages can be found in two recent publications viz.
A Field Guide to Australian Birds by P. Slater, pages 98, 99 and 323
and, Birds of the World, IPC Magazines Ltd. , Vol. 4, Pt. 2 pages
1 038 – 1 045.BIRDS 35. 1st November, 1971.
Standard reference texts give the distribution of this Tern as
occurring from Africa and eastern Europe to eastern Asia and
Australia. In Australia it is an irregular migrant during spring
and summer, mainly in the north, more rarely straggling to
southern areas. However, F. M. Hamilton, Moreton Bay, Queens-
land, has shown that in his area, White -winged Black Terns are
regular summer migrants to that region. Since 1955, flocks of
100-300 terns have been observed at Luggage Point, Moreton Bay
each year. (1966, The EMU 66:302).
Their status in New South Wales was given by A. R. McGill
(1960, Handlist of Birds of New South Wales p.24) as “Very rare.
There have been about four observations of birds in eclipse (non
breeding) plumage, all from the Sydney area, within the past 16
years.
For the purpose of this article, details of the above ment-
ioned occurrences are given below.
Mar. 6, 1948 Four at Old Cook’s River Estuary (ref. 1958
The Birds of Sydney p.58).
Jan. 29, 1958 One at Old Cook’s River Estuary (ref, as above),
Mar. 14, 1959 One at Boatharbour in Eclipse plumage (ref.
Records of late Keith Hindwood).
Nov, 29, 1959 One at Long Reef, where the observer, G. Chapman
was able to photograph the bird, (ref. as above).
A further record has since come to light when I was examin-
ing skins in the Australian Museum, for I found a White -winged
Black Tern wrongly labelled as a Whiskered Tern (Chlidonias
leucopareia hybrida), details below.
( =
1867 Richmond River, Ballina, Australian Museum
No. 018519 (Dobroyde Collection).
Bird in eclipse plumage, Bill 24.4mm, Wing
213 mm. Description: Bill black, back and
wings grey, white collar and whitish rump;
slightly forked tail; Black spot before the eye,BIRDS 36. 1st November, 1971
Black behind the eye and across the crown of the head.
Sizes comparable with those given in Handbook of
British Birds for White -winged Black Terns.
Since the publication of McGill’s handlist, this tern has been re-
corded with considerable regularity, details of which appear as follows:
Jan, 17, 1960 Swansea. Single bird (Kaveney, 1961 The EMU
- 296)
Jan. 2, 1961 Northern flats of Botany Bay. One bird in eclipse
plumage (C, Campion, per Hindwood’s records).
Dec. 28, 1966 Harrington, mouth of Manning River. Two birds
(McGill, pers. comm.
)
L)ec. 17, 1967 Mill Pond, Botany. Two birds in eclipse plumage,
dark brownish grey on wings, black spot behind eye
etc. Observed dipping into water for food, Short
square tail, and the observer (G. Speechley) record-
ed that they had been in the area for some weeks.
(ref. Hindwood’s records).
Dec. 23, 1967 A small party in eclipse plumage present at the
Armidale Sewerage Ponds for at least one week.
(Heron 1967, Australian Bird Watcher 3:269-272.
)
Jan. 13, 1968 Kooragang Island, Newcastle. Single bird, together
with a Black Tern. (Rogers 1969 The EMU 69:238).
Jan, 18, 1969 Kooragang Island, Newcastle. Single bird (Holmes,
pers. comm.
)
Mar. 15, 1969 Homebush Bay, Sydney. Two birds in eclipse plumage
(McGill, pers. comm.
)
Nov. 21, 1970 Kooragang Island, Newcastle. Single bird, (McGill,
pers. comm.
)BIRDS 37, 1st November, 971.
1
Mar. 7, 1971 Stockton, swampy land near south west approach
of Stockton bridge. Six or seven terns believed
to be this species. (I. Standring, pees, comm. ).
On March 14, a number of White -winged Black
Terns were identified by Mr. I. Standring, one
bird having black underwing coverts. On March
18, the author identified 10 of these Terns which
were part of a large flock of Little Terns (Sterna
Albifrons) roosting on a sandbank at high tide
opposite the location at Kooragang Island where
Mr. Standring made his observations. Eight
were in eclipse plumage; one had mottled black
underwing coverts and one had black underwing
coverts. Mr. Standring made four more obser-
vations of these terns, the last occasion being
on April 26, when two terns in full breeding
plumage and ten in eclipse plumage were observ-
ed, Greatest number of terns observed at any
one time was fifteen on April 9, 1971.
There are two points to particularly note in relation to the
above observations. Firstly, since the summer season of 1957/58
until the present one (1 97 0/71) there have only been five seasons
when these terns have not been observed. Secondly, the flock that
visited the Hunter River Estuary during the summer season 1970/71
was of particular significance, since they were recorded in the
area for at least five months (assuming that McGill’s record for
November 21, 1970 was for one of the same flock), during which
time several of the terns moulted into full breeding plumage.
The majority of the observations recorded here were made
at tidal mud and sand flats, generally in bays or river estuaries.
The birds observed at Kooragang Island were recorded over
freshwater swamps adjacent to the tidal reaches of the Hunter River.BIRDS - 1st November, 1971.
The possibility that these terns could occur at inland swamps cannot
be overlooked because White -winged Black Terns were observed at
Lake Tuchewop, midway between Kerang and Swan Hill, in Victoria,
but not far from the New South Wales Border, on December 29 and
30, 1958 (Lowe & Dent, 1966, The EMU 60:66) and at Armidale in
December, 1967. Coastal bird watchers should examine carefully
all flocks of Little Terns to determine the presence of these terns.
From the information presented above, it would appear that the
status of the White -winged Black Tern in New South Wales should
now be recorded thus – “A rare, but regular summer migrant to the
coastal estuaries and adjacent swamplands, more rarely recorded
at inland lakes and swamps. “
I gratefully acknowledge the assistance of Messrs. G. Holmes,
I. Standring, J. Hobbs and A.R. McGill for the extensive use of
their notes and records. Information from the records of the Late
Keith Hindwood was provided by Mr. E. S. Hoskin.
A. Morris.
CONSERVATION NOTES
The new magazine “Parks and Wildlife, ” which replaces
‘Wildlife Service, ” is now available free from the National Parks
and Wildlife Service, on written request. Details of new Parks
and Reserves, recently proclaimed, as well as articles on the Dingo
and Wedge-tailed Eagles are features of the Magazine.
Letters have been sent by the Secretary to Windsor Municipal
Council, the Premier and the Prime Minister, protesting that public
funds will be used to drain Bakers Lagoon as part of a flood mitigat-
ion scheme. We have been supported in our endeavours by the
Nature Conservation Council. Previous indications were that the
National Parks and Wildlife Service would purchase the freehold
lands of the Lagoon to preserve this valuable wetland area in the
Hawkesbury valley. It appears that the Service has no funds for
this purpose, what hope there is to save the larger coastal wetlands
I don’t know. Any action that individuals can take on this matter
would be appreciated. We suggest that if you have spent time in theBIRDS 39, 1st November, 1971
past bird watching at Bakers Lagoon you do something positive to
preserve this wetland. Write to your Federal and Local member
protesting that public funds are being used to drain the Lagoon and
request that – (a) Drainage proposals be shelved and (b) The
lagoon be preserved, Further details available from me.
Longneck Lagoon. Pitt Town, has recently been gazetted
a Reserve for the Preservation of Flora and Fauna and the Gould
League has been appointed the Trustees. We welcome this move
and hope that the wildlife populations of the Lagoon will increase
under their management.
Your Council has prepared the following resolutions to be
considered at the Annual Conference of the Nature Conservation
Council in October – (briefly) the resolutions call upon the State
Government to: - Dedicate Towra Point/Quibray Bay a Nature Reserve.
- Preserve Snipe habitat.
- Study and control the use of pesticide residues in the
Macquarie and Namoi Valley. - Preserve some wader habitats in each of the major river
estuaries,
Our request to have the Eastern and Crimson Rosellas
protected was shelved for the time being and your Council is in-
vestigating this matter further. No answer has been received as
yet to our enquiries concerning the trafficking in Plum -headed
Finches,
Conservation Officer.
SHORT NOTES:
Australian Museum Bird Gallery
On page of my copy of the “Australian Museum Staff
3
Bulletin” for March, 1971, appeared the following information –
“Intermittent refurbishing continues in the Bird Gallery, with
Rolf Lossin and Peter Fluke going into the field in early March.
This is the first of a series of short trips planned to collect speci-
mens replacing the worst of the gallery mounts. “BIRDS 40. 1st November, 1971.
Recently, while visiting the museum, I made a point of inspect-
ing the “cat -walk” Bird Identification gallery and soon located a number
of newly acquired Passerines that obviously replaced old and faded
specimens. I closely examined all the new material and was much im-
pressed with the pleasing manner in which they were stuffed and
mounted. Nicely modelled and having each feather lovingly in place,
these new bird mounts are not in the least offensive to the eye of the
naturalist.
One can only look forward to the day when this important gal-
lery, under the very skilful hand of Mr. Lossin, nears completion.
The bird galleries have always been of the utmost interest to the
general public and of course, are of especial interest to those of us
who have been fortunate in being ordained with natures peculiar to
the study of birds.
Editor.
Some Observations of the Beautiful Firetail
Finch (Zonaeginthus bellus) - 5.65 Woronora River, “Kingdom Come” – Heathcote State
Park birds,
- 4
- 6.65 Woronora River, Casuarinas near Pipeline Tunnel,
Heathcote State Park – 6 birds. - 6.65 Woronora River. Eckersley Fire Trail – 2 birds.
- 6.68 Loddon River – bird.
1 - 7.68 Heathcote, Royal National Park – bird
1 - 7.69 – 2 birds
13.12. 70 bird
1 - 3.71 tf bird
1 - 4.71 – 1 bird
- 7.71 Curra Moors birds
- 5
- 8.71 Curra Moors if – 4 birds observed
by Jim Francis.
G. and M. Dibley
Oatley, N. S. W.BIRDS 41, 1st November, 1971.
Further Records of the Spotless Crake
The note on the status and distribution of the Spotless Crake
(“BIRDS”, Vol. 6, No.2) indicates that further records of the
species would be of some interest and value.
From 1954 until 1961 I was stationed at Rand, in the Eastern
Riverina. I found all three species of Crakes to be resident on
several local swamps. The Marsh Crake (Porzana pusilla) was the
most often observed and its numbers did not vary signficantly. The
Spotted Crake (P. fluminea) was not actually found nesting but was
recorded during every month. Spotless Crake nests were found
on two occasions.
All three Crakes occur in Hunter Valley swamps. In
February this year I caught a downy chick Spotless Crake at the
edge of a small swampy patch on Maitland Golf Course. An
agitated adult appeared and the chick rejoined it as soon as it was
released.
P.A. Bourke
Maitland N. S. W.
Recent Records of the Osprey
The Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) is rarely observed now in
N. S. W. waters. In fact until recently I had never recorded it in
this State.
On 11th August, 1971 Athel D’Ombrain rang me to report
that he had just seen what he believed to be an Osprey flying over
his home in Lorn (a river -side suburb of Maitland). Next day I
saw what was probably the same bird over the extensive swamp
and open water area near East Maitland sewerage treatment works.
It was a most unexpected observation since Maitland is some miles
from the coast.
My second sighting of the species was on 12th September,
1971, at Seal Rocks. This is near Wallis Lakes, a former strong-
hold of the Osprey (if it can be said that this bird was ever strong-
ly established in N. S. W. ). P.A. Bourke
Maitland, N. S. W.BIRDS 42, 1st November, 1971
A New Flycatcher?
A quiet Lions Club Park on the banks of Wilson’s Creek a few
kilometres from Lismore on the Byron Bay Road, encloses a remnant
of rain forest.
Here on 20th August, 1971, a bird, obviously a flycatcher, was
seen moving about in thick foliage 3m from the ground.
White slipping in and out of the leaves and twice perching on an
exposed twig before flying away, the bird was scrutinised through
8 x 30 lens from a distance of 6m for four minutes.
Notes made on the spot indicate a resemblance to the Hooded
Robin, (Petroica cucullata) in back colour and wing pattern but the
bird was thought by my two companions, as well as myself, to be
larger and was certainly more striking.
Head, back and tail – black; wings – black with one web of
most, perhaps all the primaries, white; white marks on the shoulder;
black may have extended onto the chin but throat and chest were
white; abdomen – rufous.
I can find no reference to this distinctively marked species in
the books at my disposal and would be grateful for help in classi-
fying the bird.
The Black -faced Flycatcher (Monarcha frater) has a rufous
abdomen but lacks the pronounced black and white wing stripes,
indeed, back and wings are grey shading to brown. The White –
eared Flycatcher (M. leucotis), with bold dorsal pattern of black
and white, is all white under.
Perhaps interested persons visiting the park would watch for
this flycatcher.
Merle Baldwin,
Gilgai, via Inverell,
N. S. W.BIRDS 43, 1st November, 1971.
Weddin Range, Grenfell, N. S. W.
A trip to this district on 25th July, 1971 proved quite inter-
esting as it is on the fringe of the Inland and several western
species were seen. The main habitats consist of black or white
Cypress Pine, Ironbark, Red Gum and open Savanah Woodland
while the surrounding flat country provides small creeks and
dams. Some of the birds seen in the Weddin Range area are as
follows: – - Cypress Pine Area: Chestunut-tailed Thornbill, Striated
Pardalote, Red -capped Robin, Blue Wren, Grey -crowned and
White-browed Babblers, Orange -winged Sittella, Brown Tree –
creeper, Little Friar -bird and Eastern Shriketit.
2, Ironbark Forest: Little Lorikeet, Jacky Winter, Hooded
Robin, Dusky Wood -swallow, Buff -tailed Thornbill, Noisy Friar-
r)ircl and Golden Whistler.
3, Open Woodland: Mulga Parrot_ Red -backed Parrot, Eastern
Rosella, Galah, Eastern Whiteface, Pied Butcher -bird and White –
winged Chough. - Flat Open Country: Wedge-tailed Eagle, Little Eagle, Brown
Hawk, Black -shouldered Kite, Nankeen Kestrel, Whistling Kite,
Pipit and Banded Plover. - Swamps and Creeks: Yellow -billed Spoonbill, Black Duck,
Grey Teal, Maned Goose, Musk Duck, Coot, Moorhen, Swamp –
hen, Little Grebe, Black Cormorant, Little Pied Cormorant and
Black -fronted Dotterel.
The day ended with a total of 53 species; quite good for
winter time in this type of country.
A. W. Colemane
Northmead, N. S. W.
REPORTS OF FIELD DAY EXCURSIONS
Towra Point, 3rd July, 1971
Approximately 25 members attended this field outing which,
as a contrast to the Towra Point outing of 22nd May last, wasBIRDS 44, 1st November, 1971.
conducted under perfect bird watching conditions.
The area includes habitats of samphire flats; coastal banksia
forest, foreshores and mangroves and each habitat produced its share
of bird species,
A total of 40 species were recorded, the most noteable being the
Rainbow Lorikeet – the first recorded observation of this species on
the Kurnell Peninsula. Other records included White Ibis, White –
fronted Chats in flocks of up to 20+, White -breasted Sea -Eagle,
Little Thornbill, Bar -tailed Godwit, Golden Plover, Sacred King-
fisher, Variegated Wren, Mistletoe -bird, Little Black Cormorant
and Eastern Curlew.
Ernie Hoskin heard the Sea -eagles calling to one another,
which the birds rarely do outside the nesting season,
A most enjoyable day was spent by all and on their behalf I
would like to thank Ernie Hoskin for leading this field trip.
R, M. Cooper
Hornsby, IV_ S. W.
Bouddi State Park, N. S. Wo 21st August, 1971
The first field excursion by bus was a success with 47 members
present, The day was overcast with occasional showers, however,
under the leadership of Alan Morris, we made our way along the
Bouddi Trail to Maitland Bay, then along the Gerrin Trail to link up
with our bus at 3 p, m,
In the tall forest area observations of Mistletoe -bird, Scarlet
Honeyeater, Golden Whistler, King Parrot, Lewin Honeyeater, Varie-
gated Wren, Rainbow and Scaly -breasted Lorikeets.. Moving to the
coastal heath, birds such as, White-cheeked and Yellow -winged Honey –
eaters, Little Wattle -bird, Whistling Kite and White -breasted Sea Eagle
were seen. The last section of our walk was along the cliffs where
members recorded Wandering and Black-browed Albatross, Giant
Petrel, Shearwater species and Gannets diving.BIRDS 45. 1st November, 1971,
The walking trails were laid out nicely and members, I am
sure, thoroughly enjoyed the walk, so with thanks to Alan Morris
for organising a pleasant outing, the days observations came to a
close with a total of 56 species.
A. Colemane
Northmead, N. S. W.
Watta an State Forest. 18th and 19th September, 1971
Weather was mild and without wind. Ten members attended
on the Saturday and seven stayed overnight. The party drove 49
miles over the forest roads, making numerous stops to walk down
side roads or foot tracks. We were fortunate to have as leader
Jim Gray who knows the Wattagans intimately.
The campsite beside a dammed up creek was a particularly
beautiful spot with Boobook owl and Tawny Frogmouth calling at
night and a good dawn chorus.
Habitat varied from open forest to moist gullies and a little
pine forest. In the latter a King Parrot was busily chewing away
at immature pine cones.
Forty four species were observed including Rock Warbler,
Green Catbird (excellent views), 29 Yellow -tailed Black Cockatoos
which flew over our camp after breakfast, Brown Warblers at
nest, Striated Thornbills nesting 9 inches from ground. A Pere-
grine Falcon flew to and fro in front of us at Heaton’s Lookout.
Several lyrebirds were calling and one “concert” was recorded.
M. Dibley
Oatley, N. S. W.
MUSEUM MEETINGS
19th August, 1971 – Mr, Alan Morris, Field Officer with the Nat-
ional Parks and Wildlife Service spoke on the habits of Wedge-
tailed Eagles.BIRDS 46, 1st November, 1971.
He traced the research done by the C. S. I. R 0. Wildlife Division on
feeding habits of the eagles which showed that, contrary to popular
belief, the Wedge-tailed Eagles were not a great menance to the sheep
industry. They were not responsible for much predation. Figures
quoted showed that approximately 6% of remains found in nests were
from lambs but this did not mean that these lambs were healthy or
were killed by eagles. Mr. Morris described the plumage phases and
habits of immature birds and sizes of breeding areas, The Wedge-
tailed Eagle is now on the protected list and it is hoped we will cease
to see the carcases of these birds strung out on fences when we pass
along our country roads,
Observations –
Mrs. L. Smith – Pitt Town Bottoms Road, 11th July – 100+ Little
Corellas, 4 Sulphur -crested Cockatoos, 1 00+ Chestnut -breasted
Finches.
Mr. J. Francis – Bourke Area, August Bank Holiday Weekend – Spot-
ted Bower -birds feeding on roadside, Chestnut -crowned Babblers,
300+ Red-tailed Black Cockatoos.
Miss A. Bainbridge – Centennial Park, 24th July – Azure Kingfisher.
Dr. R. Mason – Red -Gables Lagoon, 24th July, – 6 Aust, Darters,
Bushells Lagoon – 36 Cattle Egrets.
Mr. A. Colemane – Prospect Reservoir, 7th August – 46 Crested
Grebes
G. & M. Dibley – Curra-moors Royal National Park, 31st July – 5
Beautiful Firetails in 4 different areas. Yeramba Lagoon, 7th
August – Swamp Harrier.
Mr. R, Cooke – Rooty Hill, 7th August – 2 Stone Curlews.
16th September, 1971 – Mr. Norman Chaffer showed three films. - Colour film of trips to West Australia in 1960 and 1964 showing
wildflowers at their best.BIRDS 47, 1st November, 1971, - Wildflowers and birds in coastal N. S. W. Again an excellent
film including a very rare sequence showing Ground Parrot chicks
being fed by hen bird, (This was taken at Barren Grounds). - Films of birds of the Mallee country. Some of the birds
screened included – Black -backed and Blue and White Wrens,
Red -capped Robin, Striated Field -wren, Ring Neck and Mulga
Parrots, Honeyeaters and many other birds of the inland,
The excellent quality of these films has to be seen to be
believed. Observations
Mr, R. Noske – Long Reef, 12th September – Shy and Black-
browed Albatrosses, Kelp Gull, Cape Petrel.
Mr. D. Eldrige Port Macquarie, 9th September – 2 Noisy Pittas,
Mr, E. Hoskin – Botanical Gardens, 30th August – Tawny
Frogmouth nesting. BushelPs Lagoon, 4th September 4
Glossy Ibis. Pitt Town Lagoon, 4th September – 120+
Pelicans.
G. Dibley.
NOTICE OF FIELD EXCUSIONS
Saturday, 20th November, 1971
Annangrove, Maralya Hawkesbury Swamps.
&
Leader – E. Hoslin, 88, 2900.
Meet 9.00 a, m. at Rogans Hill in Old Northern Road as
soon as parking is available for us north of Castle Hill Road.
Saturday & Sunday, 4th & 5th December, 1971
Comerong Island, miles east of Nowra.
8
Leaders – G. & M. Dibley, 570.1298.
This is a one day, or two day camping trip. Directions –
Cross Shoalhaven Bridge at Nowra. After a couple of blocks
Highway turns left. Leave Highway where it turns right at
Empire Hotel and swing left. There is a signpost. Proceed in
easterly direction about 8 miles to ferry which holds only 2 cars.BIRDS 48. 1st November, 1971.
Cross river and follow road for about 21 miles until it forks, Take
left hand fork and proceed a short distance to first grassy clearing
on left opposite Thorpe’s Cabins, Meet here at 9.30 a, m.
Latecomers will see our cars and find us out on the lagoon and
sandflats. This is the best wading bird area south of Sydney.
In the afternoon we will follow the right hand track through the
forest. No water available on Island, Campers must carry all they
need. Bring sandfly repellant, Leaders have seen over 100 species
of birds on the Island.
As meeting place is over 100 miles from Sydney please let
leaders know if you are coming and if weather is bad ring before
6,30 a. m. to see if trip is cancelled.
Saturday, 22nd January, 1972
Careel Bay, Pittwater and West Head.
Leader – H. Cooper.
Meet 9. 00 a, m, sharp, corner Etival Road and Barrenjoey
Road, Be prepared for wading and probably carry lunch. Read
“Bush Curlews” in September “BIRDS.”
Field Excursions for 1972
Saturday, 26th February – Newcastle Wading Areas,
Saturday, 18th March – Cobbity.
Saturday & Sunday, 22nd and 23rd April – A one or two day trip
to Meryla Pass near Moss Vale,
(Registered for posting as a Periodical – Category B)