PDF version available here: Vol. 6 No. 2

Price 25c, Published by the N. S. W. Field Ornithologists
Vole 6 Noe 2 Club 1st September, 1971
SPOTLESS CRAKE
The status and distribution of the Spotless Crake (Porzana
tabuensis) is given by McGill (1958, A Handlist of the Birds of New
South Wales) as being “Rather rare. Not often observed and mainly
confined to coastal marshland, although there are a few inland
occurrences
Therefore it is of interest to record that a live bird was caught
by a group of Scouters in a paddock adjoining Little Wheeney Creek,
North Richmond on 24th April, 1971, This bird was kept in a subur-
ban house at Lalor Park and it subsequently died before I took pos-
session of it, On examination the bird was found to be an immature
female, differing from most Museum specimens in that it had very
pale grey feathers under the chin. Whether or not this is a feature
of immature birds it is not known.
With the permission of the Curator of Birds at the Australian
Museum, I examined the Reference Collection which consists of 20
Spotless Crakes, the latest collected in 1917. In other words 54
years since a specimen has been received! Of the 20, a male and
female were collected in King Georges Sound, W. A. in 1866; one
from Norman River in the Queensland Gulf Country; six had no
“locality” on the labels; one was taken at Burringbah, Tweed River
in July, 1908; and the remainder were collected by Mr, H. E. S,
Jeboult at the then swamps of Randwick and Botany between 1906
and 1917, including one downy chick. Apart from two collected at
King Georges Sound, none of the other birds had been sexed, so
their reference value is very limited.BIRDS 18, 1pt September, 1971.
Recent published observations o f Spotless Crakes in
New South Wales include a single bird observed at Lake George,
February, 1960 (Lamm, “The Emu” 64:114-127); Four on a
lagoon Uralla, June, 1970 (Cooper, “Birds” 5:19); and a single
bird at Yeramba Lagoon on 25th October, 1970 (Dibley, “Birds”
46).
5 Conservation Officer,
BUSH CURLEWS – ATTACHMENT TO A LOCALITY
The Bush Curlew or Stone Plover (Burhinus magnirostris)
was once well dispersed throughout the Sydney District, especially
in the open forests and grasslands of the “Shale” country west of
the city. It also frequented, and maybe still does, the more open
parts of sandstone forests near clearings. Other habitats are
samphire flats bordered by she -oaks on the land side and man-
groves on the nearby tidal flats and channels.
Nowadays it is not often seen within 30 miles or so of
Sydney, Many of its former haunts have become populous suburbs
or have been much altered by settlement and cultivation. Another
cause of the decrease in numbers is thought to be the depredations
of the introduced fox. However, in some parts of Australia this
interesting bird is still plentiful, On the Rockhampton Common,
in central coastal Queensland, for instance, Laurie Amiet ob-
served, in May 1955, a party of 45 Bush Curlews resting in the
shade of a few trees on the edge of a swamp.
Since the early 1950’s several observers have seen Bush
Curlews at Careel Bay, on the Pittwater Peninsula, about 20
miles north of Sydney. It was in this locality that Ernest Hoskin
and I, acting on “information received, ” saw two of these birds in
a grove of she -oaks and, later, on an adjoining samphire flat on
the southern side of the Bay in September 1952, Subsequent visits
up to 1967 showed that the Curlews were still present. On one
occasion, in October 1954, we watched them for some time until
the smaller of the pair and presumably the female, eventually
sat on an egg laid on bare ground amongst the samphire. A week
or so later exceptionally high tides washed the egg from its site
and it was abandoned.BIRDS 19. 1st September, 1971.
When passing Careel Bay recently, in February 1971, I decid-
ed to call in on the Curlews hoping they might still be at home. Close
to the same spot where they were first seen 19 years previously I
flushed one bird which flew into an open growth of shrubby mangroves
it being low tide, The black primaries and the white “window” in
the wing are conspicuous when the birds are in flight, a flight that
is often “jerky” or erratic because of uneven wing -beats,
How long will the Bush Curlews remain at Careel Bay? What
was, until recent years, an interesting bird spot largely untouched
by man is now being rapidly altered – the planners would use the
word “developed., ” Playing fields cover one section of the mangroves
the local rubbish -tip is covering another large portion and I under-
stand that shortly a sewerage disposal plant will occupy a consider-
able part of what remains. Already wide swathes of felled mangroves
and scooped out channels intersect the area and tracks and an access
road cut across the flats. The sight is depressing and the smell
offensive. Pity the Bush Curlews which may soon be driven from
their old haunts.
Late K. A. Hindwood,
Lindfield, N. S. W.
YOUNG BIRDS THAT “DEMONSTRATE”
Bob Miller’s report of Turcioise Parrots nesting near outback
Nymagee (BIRDS, July ’71) is a reminder that this pretty species,
though not common, extends over a somewhat wide area. Personally,
I have seen it in recent years breeding in the Pilliga Scrub (sub –
interior) and also a few miles west of Sydney. Sites ranged from
25 feet aloft to a tree -hollow only 5 feet from the ground.
I have not, however, had experience of well -grown young in a
nest and am impressed by the statement that in the Nymagee case the
chicks were so vocal that they “could be heard clearly from 200 yds.
away!, – a remarkable contrast to the usual modest calls of the adult
birds.
My chief recollection in this matter relates to a batch of half-
grown Pale -headed Parrots met at their birthplace in a hollow post
in south-west Queensland. The vocal power of those youngsters
astonished me. Moreover, a local resident who was introduced to the
little group received a hearty shock – he almost toppled backward whenBIRDS 20.. 1st September, 1971..
on peering into the hollow (as I tapped on the post) he was greeted
with a sudden uproar,
Why is it, I wonder, that parrots – or at least some parrots
are so strongly vocal when young? Has this assertiveness some
relevance to their practice of breeding in hollows?
That may be so But, of course, declamation in young birds
is not restricted to parrots. I recall that in country Victoria a few
years ago I found two of the fibrous, domed nests of the small Brown
Weebill, situated some 10 feet up in saplings, simply through hearing
in each instance loud announcements by the half-grown chicks.
In addition to being amazed by the vocal strength of those tiny
birds, I was surprised by their lack of discretion in betraying the
nest -sites. There was no sound reason to do so because neither a
parent bird nor an intruder was close by to excite them.
Most young land -birds “demonstrate” only when disturbed and
not always then. The nestling Lyrebird, for example, maintains a
cautious silence until an intrusion occurs (upon which it emits a
piercing protest); and, to cite a smaller terrestrial species, the
young of the Speckled Warbler are normally quite tranquil, only
producing their curious “hiss” when alarmed.
Juveniles of another distinctive species that exercises vocal
restraint – in contrast with their strong vocalism when adult – are
those of the Crested Bellbird. In my experience, these youngsters
never utter a sound when the cup -shaped nest is visited, but in
some cases they close their eyes, stretch their necks and oscillate
their heads in a manner suggesting the actions of processional
caterpillars.
Obviously, behaviour of young birds in nests offers much
scope for fruitful observation.
Alec Chisholm,
WHITE -QUILLED PYGMY GEESE
On 1st August, 1971, an unseasonably hot, showery day, we
called in at Rocky Dam watering reserve 96km NNW of Inverell,BIRDS 21 1st September, 1971,
The Small scooped earth dam situated in savannah woodland,
is an isolated body of water 13km from the Macintyre River.
A party of Maned Geese (Chenonetta jubata) was resting on the
bank; three Peewees (Grallina cyanoleuca) trampled in circles to
squeeze up small creatures of the mud; and, surprisingly, a white
quilled Pygmy Goose (Nettapus coromandelianus) swam near the
bank while a pair fed in the reeds and weeds on the far side of the
dam.
Observations were made at a distance of 45m with 8 x 30 lens
before moving gradually closer to the bank where the lone Pygmy
Goose swam only a few metres away.
This bird in the brown plumage of a female, was feeding in the
reeds by flattening its head and neck upon the water and moving
rapidly sifting the water as it sped by, then., with a peculiar upward
flick of the head, the catch was swallowed.
After a few minutes food gathering the goose paddled lazily
along, jumping occasionally at an insect or including in a dive which
ended some distance away.
The recorded range of the White -quilled Pygmy Goose appears
to be along the Queensland coast extending to the Clarence River in
N. S. W. so this observation for the North west slopes may be rare
although the geese could be more widespread than at present thought.
The White -quilled Pygmy Goose bears a superficial resembl-
ance to the Little Grebe (Podiceps novae-hollandiae) and could be
overlooked in a large flock of small waterfowl. Apart from slightly
larger size, this Pygmy Goose has more white on the face and throat
and the stubby goose bill contrasts with the sharp one of the Little
Grebe. Again, the constant diving of the grebe is opposed to the
surface riffling of the goose,
The presence of the Pygmy goose on this small dam suggests
that more will be found along the rivers of this district,
Merle Baldwin,
Gilgai, via Inverell, N. S. W.BIRDS 22. 1st September, 1971
SOME VERY STRANGE “RECORDS”
How remarkable are the “revelations” made, on various
occasions, when newspaper neophytes discuss wildlife! Naturalists
are apt to be advised of occurrences undreamed of in their philosophy.
For example, a contributor to Sydney’s “Sunday Telegraph” of
13th June, when writing about the Royal National Park, assured us
that “herds of deer roam the area. ” Then, warming to his subject,
he proclaimed that “flights of tufted parakeets, macaws, and kooka-
burras cloud the angophora gums. “
Obviously, all naturalists who have roamed the National Park
over the years must now hang heads in shame; for not one of our
band has reported even the existence of “tufted parakeets;” not one
has located flocks of South American macaws; and even in the case
of genuine (home-grown) birds such as kookaburras, devil a one of
us has been observant enough to see “clouds” of them festooning the
angophora “gums. “
Not less dashing were the “discoveries” made in the new
Angourie National Park – this time by a female writer – and announced
in the “Sydney Morning Herald” on 21st June. Having confided that
in this coastal area she sighted many examples of Sturt’s desert pea
and the rock -loving flannel -flower, all blooming in “the mixed con-
fines of swamp and heathland, ” this blithe adventurer went on to re-
veal some startling bird observations.
Her recordings included the odd spectacle of brolgas “flapping
in the dust” beside a road; the highly novel sight of “armies of
quail marching through the paperbark trees;” and, passing from
“armies” to a mere individual, the unique experience of having “a
nightingale tap on my window at 7 a. m. “
Now, being enlightened, we careless naturalists must try to
make amends for our missed opportunities. First, we must re -visit
the Royal National Park to seek, in particular, those “tufted
parakeets” (which appear to be a new species), and also to try to
locate the “flights” of macaws that have, somehow, drifted over
from South America.BIRDS 23 1st September, 1971.
Those matters adjusted, we must visit Angourie in order,
especially, to try to behold brolgas rolling in roadside dust and
to attempt to see armies of quail drilling among the tea trees.
But we must not be unduly optimistic. It seems quite im-
probable that (even with the aid of daylight saving) any of us will
be lucky enough to have an English nightingale tap on any one of our
windows at, precisely, m.
7 a<
Alec Chisholm.
AUSTRALIAN MUSEUM KEITH HINDWOOD MEMORIAL FUND
Early this year naturalist Keith Hindwood died while on a bush
walk in Royal National Park in New South Wales.
All of us had hoped that, with his retirement from business
life, he could devote many years to recording the vast amount of
knowledge he had accumulated in a lifetime of study by sea, shore,
swamp and bush – particularly in New South Wales.
For Keith Hindwood was essentially a “one State”‘ man. He felt
it was better to know one area intimately than to spread his energies
too far afield. In this he resembled the great naturalist, Gilbert
White of Selbourne who restricted his studies to those areas he
could reach either by walking or on horseback. Keith, born in
Willoughby in 1904, learned the Sydney area by walking over much of
it Later he began to explore further by car and there were few
places in New South Wales he did not know. Although his over-riding
interest was ornithology, he spread his net wider in order to have a
fuller understanding of the birds he loved.
In 1930 he was made Honorary Ornithologist of the Australian
Museum and in 1944-46 became President of the R. A, 0. U. In 1959 he
was awarded the Australian Natural History Medallion – the highest
honour which can be bestowed in this field.
Keith was a mine of information on birds and he generously
shared this knowledge with all who asked for it. Each year he replied
to hundreds of enquiries from all over Australia. In an active
life he wrote numerous scientific papers and a number of books,
The best known are “The Birds of Sydney” with A. R McGill.. “TheBIRDS 24. 1st September, 1971.
Waders of Sydney” with E. S. Hoskin. “Birds in Colour” and “A
Portfolio of Australian Birds” with William Cooper.
So he had his place both in the world of science and the world
of the layman. Keith, again following the Gilbert White tradition,
was one of the great amateurs who have enriched the history of
science,
Because of all these things and because we loved him and the
work he was doing, many naturalists want his memory to remain
green, his work to continue through the establishment of a Memorial
Fund.
The actual shape the memorial will take will depend on the
amount of money donated. The organising committee leans towards
a Bird Studies Centre. This, if it develops along the lines of simi-
lar institutes abroad, would be a haven for the amateur student, a
place where he could have access to a scientific library, record
material, and which would be a nerve centre to concentrate and
stimulate work by amateurs.
Should enough money be raised we would hope to be able to
buy headquarters and pay for modest staffing, with options for
future growth. At the very least we hope we would be able to start
such a centre staffed on a voluntary basis.
Another suggestion is for a nature trail in Royal National
Park, the bush he knew so well and in which he died.
A dream of Keith’s was to have a local wetland sanctuary
owned by ornithologists which could be developed along the lines
of Peter Scott’s sanctuary at Slimbridge; this is a third suggestion.
We welcome other memorial suggestions from donors to the
appeal and all will be carefully considered.
The final decision will embody the principle of providing
assistance to amateurs and not to use the money for the kind of
project which can and should be carried out by Governments or
Institutions.
The Trustees of the Australian Museum have generously
consented to set up this Memorial Fund.BIRDS 25. 1st September, 1971.
Please make cheques payable to the “Australian Museum
Keith Hindwood Memorial Fund, ” Donations will be receipted.
We would be grateful if you could mention this appeal to your
friends or organisations with which you are associated. Any sug-
gestions of people or firms to contact will be welcomed by the
organising committee,
Every donation is not only a memorial to a great man but will
ensure that the ideals for which he stood will be carried on to
assist naturalists in future years.
“The Australian Museum Keith Hindwood Memorial Fund”
Committee comprises
Dr. F. H. Talbot (Chairman)
Mr. V. Serventy (Secretary and Convenor)
Mr, G, E. Dibley
Mr. J. H. de S. Disney
Mr, S, G. Lane
Mr. A, R. McGill
Dr, D, L. Serventy
NOTICES
Office Bearers for the current year, elected at the Annual
General Meeting, are
E,
Patron – A. H. Chisholm, O. B. F. R. Z. S.
President – Mr. G. Dibley
Vice -President – Dr. R. Mason
Editor – Mr. L. Courtney -Haines,
10 Loquat Valley Rd. , Bayview. 21 04,
Secretary -Treasurer – Mrs. L. Smith, 84 Arabella St.,
Longueville. 2066. Phone: 42. 2418
Activities Officer – Mrs. N. Dibley, 18 Russell St.,
Oatley. 2223. Phone: 570.1298
Records Officer – Mr. A. Rogers
Conservation Officer – Mr. H. Battam
Asst. Conservation – Mr. A. Morris
Asst. Records – Mr. T. Kenney
Asst. Editor – Miss B. Chegwidden
Asst, Secretary – Mr. R. CookeBIRDS 26. 1st September, 1971_
XV1 International Ornithological Congress
The International Ornithological Committee agreed at the
end of the XV International Ornithological Congress in the Hague,
Netherlands, that the next Congress would be held in Australia in
1974, Professor J. Dorst was appointed President The Australian
invitation had been proffered jointly by the R. A O. U. and the
Australian Academy of Science. .
The R, A.. 0.. U. appointed Dr. H. J. Frith as Secretary -General
and an Australian Advisory Committee has been formed After
close examination of the possibilities the Australian Advisory Com-
mittee has decided that the XV1 International Ornithological Congress
should be held in the Australian National University in Canberra in
the period 12th August to 17th August, 1974, A programme of
scientific sessions_ major and minor excursions and ornithological
exhibits will be organised.
Applications for membership will be accepted until March 1,
1974 Applications for the presentation of papers and for arrang-
ing Specialist’s Meetings should reach the Secretary -General not
later than February 1, 1974, It is probable that, apart from those
presented by invitation in a Symposium, there will be some selection
of the papers that are actually read. Accordingly it is essential that
each offer of a paper should be accompanied by a summary of about
200 words
Information regarding the XV1 International Ornithological
Congress can be had from –
The Secretary -General,
XV1 International Ornithological Congress,
P.O.Box
84,
Lyneham, A. C. T. 2602.
Field -List of the Birds of Canberra and District
A Field -List of the Birds of Canberra and District is available,
40c. per copy, from the Sales Officer, P.O. Box 301, Civic Square,
Canberra, A. C. T. 2608..BIRDS 27. 1st September, 1971
RECORDS
Members are reminded that all noteworthy observations of
Birds in N, S. W. should be forwarded regularly to the Records
Officer, C/- 84 Arabella St, Longueville, 2066,
,
Subscriptions – 1,7.71 to 30 6.72
Full Member – $2,00
Family Member – $2.50
Junior Member – $1.50
Members are reminded that subscriptions for the current
year are now overdue. Further issues of “Birds” will not be post-
ed to members who are unfinancial at the date of issue.
SHORT NOTES
NESTING BEHAVIOUR OF THE GIBBER BIRD
(ASHBYIA LOVENSIS)
During mid October 1970, a pair of Gibber Birds were
nesting on the edge of a big red clay pan covered by gibber stones
on an open plain, approximately 60 miles south of Ivanhoe N S. W
The nest was kept under observation for five days at close range,
After the first day, the birds showed little signs of alarm. The
nest was placed at the base of a tuft of grass on the ground, which
contained two small chicks with pin feathers.
The nest itself was well built and consisted of long blades of
dried grass matching that of the tuft it was placed near. Large
amounts of soft bindi-eye were used to mat the nest together, thus
adding camouflage,
Both adult birds fed the young. Food consisted of grass-
hoppers, cut grubs, moths and good numbers of cicadas, which
they hunted on the ground,BIRDS 28. 1st September, 1971.
During mid -day, the heat would rise around 80 degrees
and the male would stand over the young with wings partly out-
stretched for hours on end, shading the chicks, while the female
hunted food. Little food was sought after about mid -day,
The broken wing act was used if one approached too close,
similar to other chats. A large gibber stone near the nest was
frequently used by both birds to survey the surroundings by hop-
ping upon it. Several times a day, the birds would rise in the
air like a songlark, then power dive to the ground, calling as they
did so.
The young were extremely docile and showed no fear. It
was interesting to note for ground building birds, that the young
were fully feathered by the sixth day and had not left the nest°
Their backs were a perfect camouflage with the ground,
They were photographed in black and white, also colour
and about 40 feet of 16mm movie in colour was obtained. A truly
remarkable little ball of yellow of our semi arid land.
Bob Miller, Hon. Ranger for Wildlife,
Rankins Springs, 2678. N. S. W.
A TOWN BOOBOOK OWL
Since October 1970, when first seen, a Boobook Owl,
(Ninox novaeseelandiae) has roosted during the day, on a branch,
towards the outer foliage of an Evergreen Oak, about 20 feet
up over the path on which I walk to work, in the Southern half of
Hyde Park in Sydney.
It is not there every day and often appears absent after
rain. It has been definitely noted in October, November,
January, March, April, May, June and July. The writer was
away much of December and February. In June 1971, several
pellets recently ejected and still wet were collected and analysed.
They consisted of many beetle elytra and moth scales and the
bones and fur of the House Mouse, (Mus musculus. The moths
)
and beetles were probably caught near the lights in the Park.
H. J. de S. Disney
Curator of Birds,
Australian Museum.BIRDS 29. 1st September, 1971
MEETING, 17th June, 1971
Mr. John de S. Disney, Chairman Ornithological Section of
R. Z. S. gave The Chairman’s Address. Subject – “Birds of Lord
Howe Island, “
Mr. Disney addressed the meeting about his work on the birds
of Lord Howe Island. He has made several trips to the island over
the past year as part of a survey being carried out on behalf of
“The Lord Howe Island Board” by the C. S. I. R. 0. , Australian
Museum and National Parks and Wildlife Service. With Alan Morris
he camped on Mt. Gower studying and banding Woodhens. He illu-
strated his talk with many slides of the Woodhen, their habitat and
sea -birds on some of the off shore islands. Little, Fluttering,
Fleshy -footed Shearwaters; Red-tailed Tropic Birds; Masked
Gannets; Noddy and Sooty Terns were all well photographed.
All those fortunate enough to be at the meeting felt they really
learned a good deal about Lord Howe Island and its avifauna.
Observations
Mr. R. Noske, Pitt Town Lagoon, 21st May – 1 Jabiru, 2 Glossy
Ibis.
Mr. A. McGill and Mr. J. Hobbs, Bakers Lagoon, 22nd May –
Oriental Pratincole. This bird was again observed on
23rd May by Mr. A. Colemane and Mr. D. Stringfellow.
Mr. A. McGill and Mr. A. Colemane, Bringelly, 5th June -14
Crested Pigeon, 200+ Yellow -tipped Pardalotes.
14th June – Flock of 30 to 40 Quarrion and at lagoon “Mary-
land” Homestead, Bringelly – White -breasted Sea Eagle.
Mr. A, Lloyd (per G. Dibley), Peakhurst, 6th June – Green Rosella
(injured by flying into window). This bird has been in area
for the past months.
6
MEETING, 15th July, 1971
Mr. Dave Purchase of the C. S. I. R. 0. Division of Wildlife
Research gave a talk about Brown Skuas (Catharacta lonnbergi)
breeding on Macquarie Island and his findings as to what regulates
the population and successful rearing of two chi cks per nest.BIRDS 30 1st September, 1971,
Macquarie Island is located some 800 miles south east of
Tasmania. It is 23 miles long, three miles wide and consists
mostly of a plateau about 800 feet above sea level, steeply drop-
ping to the ocean or in some places to raised beach terraces.
Highest point on the island is just over 1400 feet.. Precipitation
occurs on 300 days per year. Temperature ranges from 15 F to
55oF with an average of 40°, Winds vary from 20 knots to 90 knots.
There are very few sunny or calm days.. The Base is situated on
the north tip of the island.
Forty species of birds have been recorded on the island..
Two endemic species have been wiped out; a sub -species of
Banded Landrail and Red -fronted Parakeet Early sealers wiped
out colonies of Fur Seal and Elephant Seals and almost eliminated
the Penguins. However, N. Z. Fur Seal and Elephant Seal popul-
ati.ons have built up again, Seven species of Penguin breed on the
island, One slide showed a large breeding colony of Royal Penguin.
numbering some 500, 000 birds.
Of the island’s population of about 2000 Brown Skuas only
half breed, Dave, in his spare time, (Penguins were his official
study) mapped out breeding territories. Many birds laid two eggs
but mostly only one chick was reared.
Conclusions reached from information compiled showed
that the amount of food available (penguin eggs and chicks, seal
placenta, dead and new born seal pups) regulated the number of
breeding areas and also the percentage of pairs rearing two chicks.
Graphs were shown to support these findings and the few
slides shown really gave an indication of the terrain of Macquarie
Island and its animal life. The first slide of a Brown Skua was a
superb picture.
Dave’s sense of humour made his talk most enjoyable and
members went away glad they did not have to experience
Macquarie Island’s appalling climate and terrain to see Brown
Skuas,BIRDS 31. 1st September, 971,
1
REPORTS OF HELD DAY EXCURSIONS
Heathcote State Park – 20th June, 1 971
36 members attended the Field Outing led by Mrs. Marj,
Barnes. The weather was mild and sunny.
Starting from Waterfall, the party followed the Mooray Track
to Heathcote Creek, lunch on Myuna Creek thence back to Waterfall
via Bullawarring Track.
A total of 32 species of birds were recorded and the Little
Eagle was added to the list for the Park. Nine species of honeyeat–
ers were recorded including Fuscous and Yellow -tufted Honeyeaters.
Pilot Bird and Heath Wrens were heard calling. Excellent views
were had of Rock Warblers and Spotted Pardalote.
G. Dibley,
Royal National Park – 24th July, 971
1
34 members and two visitors – one from. Victoria and one from
West Australia – met at Couranga Track on McKell Drive in the
Royal National Park Weather was cold, bleak and rainy.
The party divided into three groups – one followed the Couranga
Track, another went up Waterfall Creek and a third followed the
Hacking River upstream. When we assembled back at the cars for
lunch some of the more interesting observations were Ground Thrush,
Wonga Pigeon, Green Catbird, Rose Robin, Golden Whistler, White
throated and Red-browed Treecreepers and Lyrebird.
The main purpose of the outing was to locate Lyrebirds and
those who made an early start were rewarded with a few sightings.
Five birds were observed and at least another twelve birds were
heard calling in different areas.
After lunch it was decided to call it a day owing to the rain but
folks poured out of their cars again to observe 5 Yellow -tailed Black
Cockatoos, making a good end to a rather dismal day. A total of
41 species were recorded.
Leaders, Dibley
G. & M.BIRDS 32. 1st September, 1971.
NOTICE OF FIELD EXCURSIONS
Saturday and Sunday, 18th -19th September
Wattagan State Forest,
Leader Jim Gray. Sydney Contact:- G. Dibley, 570,1298.
This is a one day – or two day camping trip, Meet at 9.30
ao m at Morisset Railway Station, Saturday, 18th September.
Cars coming from Sydney turn left from Highway at Doyalson.
travel 8 miles then turn right and Railway Station is about mile,
4-3
For campers – water is available but needs to be boiled.
As meeting place is about 84 miles from Sydney, please let
Dibleys know if you are coming.
Saturday, 16th October, 9. 00 a. m.
Bluegum Creek, Springwood,
Leader A. R, McGill, 599. 1195.
This is the same area visited last November – a delightful
place with abundant bird -life. Easy access alon g fire trails.
Meet on the road from Springwood to Hawkesbury lookout
at junction with White Cross Road, 31 miles from Western Highway
(21 miles from Hawkesbury Lookout). Cars will be parked at end
of White Cross Road. Carry lunch..
Special Holiday Weekend., 2nd -4th October
Several members plan to spend the weekend at Munghorn. Gap
Nature Reserve, 22 miles east of Mudgee. Those interested con-
tact Dibleys, 5701298
(Registered for posting as a periodical – Category B)