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| A Report from birdtours.co.uk |
AUSTRALIA, 3rd August to 25th August 2000,
Leaders: Tony Clarke and Mauro Bailo
Group Members: Marco Rossi, Andrea Ciaccio, Federico Bonicelli, Donatella Trentini and Claudio Troglia, Carmen Blé and Daniele Saiani, Ornella Boscoli and Lamberto Pannuzi, Elena Franceschini and Gianfranco Busi, Carla Guarnieri and Edoardo Gori, Silvana Roncarti and Paolo Gallerani, Maria Grazia Mazzeo and Giuliano Gerra, Cristina Ceruti and Silvio Sommazzi (and Giovanni Sommazzi, aged 7).
Itinerary
02/8 I met with the group at Sydney airport but by the time we had all got together and sorted out the vehicle hire there was no time left to see anything. We then drove down to Wollongong where we stayed overnight in the Downtown Motel.
03/8 Today we did our pelagic trip and although the conditions were rather calm we did see quite a few species. I even managed to get three new birds but two of these could not be picked up by any of the group which was rather unfortunate.
04/8 Most of the day was spent in Royal National Park and then the rest of the time we used up driving from here to Lithgow. This was our base for two nights and we stayed in the Zig-Zag Motel.
05/8 All day in the Capertee Valley (or Glen Davis Road) with our local guides and my personal friends Gerry and Lucy Richards. Although we saw many good birds during the day the highlight must surely have been the Regent Honeyeaters which after some searching performed fairly well and were seen by all the group. Tonight was the second night in the Zig-Zag Motel.
06/8 Most of today we spent travelling. First we had to drive from Lithgow back to Sydney airport. Then we flew from Sydney to the Gold Coast from where we drove to the O'Reilley's Guest House on the edge of Lamington National Park which was our accommodation for the next two nights.
07/8 All of today was spent birding in Lamington National Park.
08/8 After some final birding in Lamington, along the Python Rock Track, we had breakfast and then drove to Brisbane airport where we caught a flight to Cairns. After checking in to our motel, the Tropical Gardens Resort, we had about 30 minutes birding along the esplanade before it got dark.
09/8 Our time today was taken up with a boat trip out to Michaelmas Cay and Hastings Reef where as always we enjoyed the spectacle of hundreds of breeding Sooty Terns as well as a few other of the seabirds that breed on the Barrier Reef. Night in the Tropical Gardens again.
10/8 I had arranged to meet up with Andy Anderson today who is one of the local bird guides in the Cairns area. Andy has a good knowledge of the local avifauna and with his help we found a few species which otherwise we might not have seen. Perhaps the most notable was the Rufous Owl in the central swamp area which without assistance would have been almost impossible to track down. We visited the Centennial Lakes, the Crocodile Farm and Edmonton as well as the customary start to the day which was on the Esplanade. A great day was had by all and Andy's help was most appreciated. Night again in the Tropical Gardens.
11/8 After some early birding around Centennial Lakes we went back to the motel for breakfast before checking out. We then tried the Mangrove Boardwalk near the airport, without much luck, before driving up to Kuranda and our arranged lunch stop at Cassowary House. Here our target species was the Southern Cassowary which comes into the garden on most days to be fed. We were met by the owner, Sue Gregory, who unfortunately informed us that the birds had been already and had left about 10 minutes before we arrived. Still we made the most of our time here and still had some stunning views of some of the other rainforest species which come to the various feeding stations on or near the balcony. The Cassowary did not return during our available time and so we continued our drive to Yungaburra where we stopped at the Kookaburra Lodge which was our base for the next three nights. During the early evening we visited a nearby site for the strange Duck-billed Platypus which we all saw very well.
12/8 Today we spent all our time birding on the Atherton Tablelands. We visited the Curtain Fig, The Crater, Longlands Gap, Wongabel State Forest, Hasties Swamp and Lake Eacham. We returned to Kookaburra Lodge for our evening meal and a few beers in the Lake Eacham Hotel.
13/8 As yesterday we spent all our time on the Tablelands but today we visited the Cathedral Fig and then drove back to Cassowary House to try again for the Cassowary. Again we failed and afterwards we visited Lake Mitchell, Mount Malloy, Big Mitchell Creek and the Tinaroo Creek Road.
14/8 After an early look at the Cathedral Fig we drove out to Georgetown where we arrived in time to have an hour or so at Cumberland Dam before it got dark. Overnight at the Latara Resort in Georgetown.
15/8 This morning we birded both Cumberland and Durham Dams before heading off on the long drive to Mission Beach. As planned we met up with those of the group who had been on Dunk Island and then with the news of a Southern Cassowary seen by Mauro and those in his bus my bus load decided to give it a try. We succeeded and in fact we saw two different birds during our hour in the evening. Night at the Mission Beach Resort.
16/8 Alot of today was taken up with travelling but we did manage to get some birding at Mission Beach before we left to catch our flight from Cairns to Darwin. We arrived in Darwin too late for any chance of birding so we went direct to the Phoenix Motel where we were staying for the night. Mind you this was after our first logistical hick up in the form of not the correct hire cars, still this was soon sorted and really didn't lose us much time. In the evening I met up with Niven McCrie, one of the local birders, for a chat about sites and a few beers.
17/8 All of the morning plus an hour or two in the afternoon was spent in the Darwin area in the capable hands of Denise Goodfellow. We visited the famous Darwin Sewage Ponds and nearby mangroves, Buffalo Creek, Lee Point and Howard Springs. But all too soon it was time to move on again, this time a drive south to the Fergusson River before getting to Katherine where we arrived an hour or so after dark but had no trouble in finding our motel, the Pine Tree Motel.
18/8 We started early today at the Fergusson River but it was not as productive as I had hoped it would be. So we continued to Pine Creek where more by luck than judgement we discovered a few Hooded Parrots feeding on the ground by the road up to the lookout. So with this success under our belts we headed onwards into Kakadu National Park and the area around Gunlom Falls. Some of us tried on top of the escarpment for the White-throated Grasswren but unfortunately the birds were not as keen to give up their presence. Then onto the lodge at Cooinda where we were staying for the next two nights.
19/8 The whole of today was spent within the boundaries of Kakadu National Park.with most of our time spent in the region of Cooinda, on the Yellow Waters Cruise and around Nourlangie Rock.
20/9 After some final birding in Kakadu at the Mamukala Billabong we headed back towards Darwin. We stopped briefly for lunch at Fogg Dam before reaching Darwin and catching our afternoon flight to Alice Springs. Once we had picked up the vehicles I tried to get a quick look at the Sewage Ponds but the setting sun had beaten me and it was just too dark to be able to see anything. So onto the Elkira Motel where we had reservations for the next two nights.
21/8 This morning we explored the Kunoth Bore area and then in the afternoon it was off to Simpson's Gap and then to finish the day a look around the Alice Springs Sewage Ponds.
22/8 Today we drove out to Ayres Rock, with a few stops on the way. We arrived in time for a look around the rock and then the customary wait at the sunset parking lot. The colours on the rock were not as impressive as on other occasions but it is still a memorable event. Night in the Outback Pioneer Hotel.
23/8 After spending the early morning around the rock we headed back to Alice Springs and took a late afternoon flight to Melbourne via Adelaide. Then in the dark we drove from the Melbourne airport out to Healesville where we stopped for the night in the Sanctuary House Motel.
24/8 We explored the area around Healesville and Toolangi State Forest during the morning and then most of the afternoon was taken up with our drive from Healesville to Philip Island. On Philip Island we dropped our cases at Banfield's Motel and then went to collect our tickets for the Penguin Parade. We still had time to go and have a quick look at Seal Rocks and returned to watch the Penguins. Although this is now a huge tourist attraction it is still nice to get really good close-up views of the stars of the show.
25/8 Today after some early birding on Philip Island we returned to Melbourne and caught a flight to Sydney where the tour finished. From here the Italians caught their flight back to Italy and I stayed overnight with friends before flying off to Fiji.
Statistics
During the tour the group, including my personal observations, recorded 390 species. Our best days were on the 13th on the Atherton Tablelands with 106 species, 14th on the Atherton Tablelands with 99 species, 15th around Georgetown/Mission Beach and 17th around Darwin both with 89. The best days for new species were the 4th with 56, the 10th with 39, the 5th with 38, the 3rd with 33 and the 21st with 28.
Species List
Southern Cassowary (Casuarius casuarius)
Having searched in vain twice at Cassowary House we managed to see two individuals
on the road between El Arish and Mission Beach during the late afternoon of
15/8.
Australasian Grebe (Tachybaptus novaehollandiae)
Fairly common and widespread and recorded on eight dates in total. Some birds
were in full breeding plumage. Also recorded on Dunk Island.
Hoary-headed Grebe (Poliocephalus poliocephalus)
Only recorded around Alice Springs on 21 and 22/8 as these were the first
birds we encountered in their distinctive breeding plumage.
Little Penguin (Eudyptula minor)
Three seen by Tony Clarke just outside the harbour at Wollongong on 3/8. Otherwise
the only record of this species was at the Penguin Parade on Philip Island
on 24/8 when we all saw at least 100 birds.
Wandering Albatross (Diomedea exulans)
11 seen on the pelagic trip off Wollongong on 3/8 were the only ones for the
trip.
Black-browed Albatross (Diomedea melanophris)
Approximately 40 on the pelagic trip off Wollongong on 3/8 were the only ones
for the trip.
Shy Albatross (Diomedea cauta)
The only record was one on the pelagic trip off Wollongogn on 3/8.
Yellow-nosed Albatross (Diomedea chlororhynchos)
About 30 on the pelagic trip off Wollongong on 3/8 were the only ones recorded.
Cape Petrel (Daption capense)
Nine on the pelagic trip off Wollongong on 3/8.
Providence Petrel (Pterodroma solandri)
About 20 seen on the pelagic trip off Wollongong on 3/8.
Great-winged Petrel (Pterodroma macroptera)
One on the pelagic off Wollongong on 3/8 was the only record.
Thin-billed Prion (Pachyptila belcheri)
Two birds seen off Wollongong on 3/8 were the only ones recorded.
Fairy Prion (Pachyptila turtur)
About 15 birds were seen well enough to be identified as this species off
Wollongong on 3/8.
Fluttering Shearwater (Puffinus gavia)
Eight on the pelagic trip off Wollongong on 3/8.
Hutton's Shearwater (Puffinus huttoni)
Four off Wollongong on 3/8 and then one on the Barrier Reef trip off Cairns
on 9/8.
White-faced Storm-petrel (Pelagodroma marina)
Fairly common off Wollongong on 3/8 when about 15 birds were recorded.
Black-bellied Storm-petrel (Fregetta tropica)
Another species just recorded by myself, one off Wollongong on 3/8.
Greater Frigatebird (Fregata minor)
Four at Michaelmas Cay on 9/8 were the only record.
Australian Gannet (Morus serrator)
Common off Wollongong on 3/8 when about 200 birds were recorded.
Brown Booby (Sula leucogaster)
About 100 seen during the Barrier Reef trip off Cairns on 9/8.
Little Pied Cormorant (Phalacrocorax melanoleucos)
A common and widespread species recorded on 11 dates during the trip.
Black-faced Cormorant (Phalacrocorax fuscescens)
Only recorded from Philip Island where 20+ were recorded on Seal Rocks on
24/8.
Little Black Cormorant (Phalacrocorax sulcirostris)
Recorded on six dates with a maximum of 24 at Royal National Park on 4/8.
Great Cormornat (Phalacrocorax carbo)
One at Wollongong on 3/8 was the only definite record for the trip.
Australian Darter (Anhinga novaehollandiae)
Recorded on seven dates but most common in the Northern Territory in Kakadu
National Park and at Fogg Dam.
Australian Pelican (Pelecanus conspicillatus)
Recorded on eight dates but the maximum number recorded was only ten at the
Esplanade in Cairns.
Magpie Goose (Anseranas semipalmata)
Recorded on six dates but most common in the Northern Territory.
Plumed Whistling-Duck (Dendrocygna eytoni)
Recorded on five dates the maximum being approximately 4000 at Hasties Swamp
on 12/8.
Wandering Whistling-Duck (Dendrocygna arcuata)
Only recorded on three dates with a maximum of 40+ on 20/8
Black Swan (Cygnus atratus)
Only recorded on three dates with a maximum of 12 at Alice Springs Sewage
Farm on 21/8.
Radjah Shelduck (Tadorna radjah)
Seen on three dates, all in the Darwin/Kakadu area.
Green Pygmy Goose (Nettapus pulchellus)
Recorded on five dates, maximum of about 100 at Lake Mitchell on 13/8.
Maned Duck (Chenonetta jubata)
Common and widespread, recorded on eight dates.
Grey Teal (Anas gracilis)
Only recorded on five dates and most common at Alice Springs Sewage Farm on
21/8.
Chestnut Teal (Anas castanea)
Only recorded from the sewage farm at Packenham on 24/8.
Pacific Black Duck (Anas superciliosa)
Common and widespread, recorded on ten dates.
Australian Shoveler (Anas rhynchotis)
Another species only recorded at the sewage farm at Packenham on 24/8.
Pink-eared Duck (Malacorhynchus membranaceus)
Only recorded from three sites, Durham Dam on 15/8, Alice Springs Sewage Farm
on 21/8 and Packenham Sewage Farm on 24/8.
White-eyed Duck (Aythya australis)
Recorded on six dates but most common at Alice Springs Sewage Farm on 21/8.
White-faced Heron (Egretta novaehollandiae)
Fairly common and widespread recorded on ten dates with a maximum count of
ten on 8/8. Also recorded on Dunk Island.
Little Egret (Egretta garzetta)
Similar status to the previous species but only recorded on seven dates.
Pacific Reef Egret (Egretta sacra)
Only recorded by the members of the group who went across to Dunk Island.
Intermediate Egret (Egretta intermedia)
Another fairly common species recorded on nine dates.
Pacific Heron (Ardea pacifica)
Recorded on five consecutive dates from 13-17/8 but only one individual was
seen on any date.
Pied Heron (Ardea picata)
Common at Darwin Sewage Farm where we recorded 70 on 17/8, also recorded on
19 and 20/8 in Kakadu National Park.
Great Egret (Casmerodius albus)
Common and widespread species recorded on ten dates with a maximum of 15 on
13/8.
Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis)
Status as above and also recorded on ten dates.
Striated Heron (Butorides striatus)
Only recorded on 10/8 from the Esplanade in Cairns where we saw five. Also
recorded on Dunk Island.
Rufous Night Heron (Nycticorax caledonicus)
Only recorded on five dates and never more than two birds.
Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus)
Recorded on only two dates, one at Lake Mitchell on 13/8 and one at Durham Dam on 15/8.
Australian Ibis (Threskiornis molucca)
Common and widespread being recorded on twelve dates with a maximum of about
100 around Cairns on 10/8.
Straw-necked Ibis (Threskiornis spinicollis)
Widespread and recorded on twelve dates. Also recorded on Dunk Island.
Royal Spoonbill (Platalea regia)
Recorded on seven dates with a maximum of 15 on 10/8 on the Esplanade at Cairns.
Yellow-billed Spoonbill (Platalea flavipes)
The only record was one seen by a few people as we drove away from Brisbane
airport.
Black-necked Stork (Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus)
Only recorded on four dates.
Osprey (Pandion haliaetus)
Recorded on four dates with a maximum of four at Lake Mitchell on 13/8. Also
recorded on Dunk Island.
Pacific Baza (Aviceda subcristata)
Recorde on only three dates, 13/8 at Mount Malloy and on 15 and 16/8 at Mission
Beach.
Australian Kite (Elanus axillaris)
Recorded on nine dates.
Black-breasted Kite (Hamirostra melanosternon)
One seen by myself at Mount Malloy and then one between Alice Springs and
Ayres Rock on 22/8
Black Kite (Milvus migrans)
Common and widespread, particularly in the north and inland, recorded on 14
dates.
Whistling Kite (Haliastur sphenurus)
Not as numerous as the previous species but still recorded on 13 dates.
Brahminy Kite (Haliastur indus)
Only recorded on four dates and all were in NE Queensland. Also recorded on
Dunk Island
White-bellied Sea-Eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster)
Recorded on six dates .
Swamp Harrier (Circus approximans)
Recorded on four dates.
Spotted Harrier (Circus assimilis)
Rather surprisingly recorded on more dates than Swamp Harrier, five dates
in total.
Grey Goshawk (Accipiter novaehollandiae)
Recorded on three dates including one only seen by myself.
Brown Goshawk (Accipiter fasciatus)
Two on 17/8 in Darwin were the only record for the trip.
Collared Sparrowhawk (Accipiter cirrocephalus)
Single birds were recorded on three dates.
Wedge-tailed Eagle (Aquila audax)
Recorded on eight dates with a maximum of four on 15/8 around Georgetown
Little Eagle (Hieraaetus morphnoides)
Only recorded on three dates with three in the Capertee Valley on 5/8 being
the maximum count.
Brown Falcon (Falco berigora)
Reasonably common and widespread being recorded on 11 dates.
Australian Kestrel (Falco cenchroides)
Similar status to the previous species but recorded on 12 dates.
Australian Hobby (Falco longipennis)
Only recorded on four dates, usually single birds.
Grey Falcon (Falco hypoleucos)
One on our way back to Alice from Kunoth Bore was the only record of this
rare and elusive species.
Black Falcon (Falco subniger)
One in attendence of a bush fire between Kakadu and Fogg Dam on 20/8 was the
only record.
Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)
One at Nourlangie Rock on 19/8 and two at Simpson's Gap on 21/8 were the only
records.
Orange-footed Scrubfowl (Megapodius reinwardt)
Recorded on five dates with a maximum of eight in Darwin area on 17/8. Also
recorded on Dunk Island.
Australian Brush-turkey (Alectura lathami)
Recorded on seven dates but most common at Lamington National Park (O'Reilley's)
where they were also very tame. Also recorded on Dunk Island.
Painted Buttonquail (Turnix varia)
Four in the Capertee Valley on 5/8 were the only ones seen.
Little Buttonquail (Turnix velox)
Recorded on three dates all in central Australia. Maximum of about 20 on 21/8 around the Kunoth Bore area.
Red-necked Crake (Rallina tricolor)
The only records of this species wer one seen by some of the group from the
boardwalk at Centennial Lakes, Cairns, on 11/8 and one on Dunk Island.
Buff-banded Rail (Gallirallus philippensis
Just one record of this species, one at the Crocodile Farm near Cairns on
10/8.
Baillon's Crake (Porzana pusilla)
One at Fogg Dam on 20/8 was the only record.
White-browed Crake (Porzana cinerea)
Eight at Cairns Crocodile Farm on 10/8 and four at Fogg Dam on 20/8 were the
only records.
Purple Swamphen (Porphyrio porphyrio)
Recorded on seven dates, most frequently in NE Queensland.
Dusky Moorhen (Gallinula tenebrosa)
Recorded on six dates with a maximum of 60 in Royal National Park on 4/8.
Eurasian Coot (Fulica atra)
Recorded on five dates with a maximum of 50 on 21/8 at Alice Springs Sewage
Farm.
Sarus Crane (Grus antigone)
Recorded on five consecutive dates in the Atherton Tablelands with a maximum
of 500 on 12/8.
Brolga (Grus rubicunda)
Recorded on three dates in the Tablelands and on the Yellow Waters boat trip,
maximum count was seven on 12/8.
Australian Bustard (Ardeotis australis)
Recorded on three dates, five at Cumberland Dam on 14/8, one in the same area
on 15/8 and one on the South Alligator floodplains on 20/8.
Comb-crested Jacana (Irediparra gallinacea)
Recorded on six dates with a maximum of 40 at Cumberland and Durham Dams on
15/8.
Japanese Snipe (Gallinago hardwickii)
One at Cairns Crocodile Farm on 10/8 was the only record.
Black-tailed Godwit (Limosa limosa)
One on the Esplanade at Cairns on 10/8 was the only record.
Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica)
Seven on the Esplanade at Cairns on 10/8 was the only record.
Whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus)
Recorded on three dates and all at Cairns, maximum of 10 on 10/8.
Far Eastern Curlew (Numenius madagascariensis)
Recorded on three dates around Cairns and one date in Darwin, maximum of five
on the esplanade at Cairns on 10/8.
Common Sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos)
About ten at Darwin on 17/8 and one in Alice Springs on 21/8. Also recorded
on Dunk Island.
Wood Sandpiper (Tringa glareola)
The only record was three at Alice Springs Sewage Ponds on 21/8.
Grey-tailed Tattler (Tringa brevipes)
Another species only recorded from the Esplanade in Cairns where 8 were seen
on 10/8. Also recorded on Dunk Island.
Great Knot (Calidris tenuirostris)
40 on the Esplanade at Cairns on 10/8 was the only record.
Rufous-necked Stint (Calidris ruficollis)
The only record of this species was one in winter plumage seen at Cairns Esplanade
on 10/8.
Sharp-tailed Sandpiper (Calidris acuminata)
The only record of this species was of two birds seen at Alice Springs sewage
ponds on 21/8.
Curlew Sandpiper (Calidris ferruginea)
Ten on the Esplanade at Cairns was the only record.
Bush Thick-knee (Burhinus grallarius)
Two in the cemetary in Cairns on 10/8 were the only ones seen, heard calling
on the morning of 13/8.
Beach Thick-knee (Burhinus giganteus)
One seen on the Esplanade at Cairns on 10/8 was the only record.
Pied Oystercatcher (Haematopus longirostris)
The only record was one on the Esplanade at Cairns on 10/8.
Sooty Oystercatcher (Haematopus fuliginosus)
Two just outside the harbour at Wollongong on 3/8 and one of the northern
form ophthalmicus at Darwin on 17/8.
White-headed Stilt (Himantopus leucocephalus)
Recorded on five dates with a maximum of 15 on 8/8.
Red-necked Avocet (Recurvirostra novaehollandiae)
About 20 at Alice Springs Sewage Farm on 21/8 was the only record.
Australian Pratincole (Stiltia isabella)
Three seen on the Yellow Waters cruise was, rather surprisingly, the only
record for the trip.
Pacific Golden Plover (Pluvialis fulva)
Six on the Cairns Esplanade on 10/8 was the only record of this species.
Red-capped Plover (Charadrius ruficapillus)
Only recorded on three dates with a maximum of 20 on the Esplanade at Cairns
on 10/8. Also recorded on Dunk Island.
Red-kneed Dotterel (Erythrogonys cinctus)
Three at Alice Springs Sewage Farm on 21/8 was the only record.
Black-fronted Dotterel (Elseyornis melanops)
Only recorded on four dates with a maximum of 6 in the Cairns area on 10/8.
Masked Lapwing (Vanellus miles)
A common and widespread species being recorded on 18 dates. Also recorded
on Dunk Island.
Pacific Gull (Larus pacificus)
Recorded on just two dates, 24 and 25/8 on Philip Island where ten or more
were seen on the first date and just one on the second date.
Kelp Gull (Larus dominicanus)
Recorded on just two dates, seven off Wollongong on 3/8 and ten or more on
Philip Island on 24/8.
Silver Gull (Larus novaehollandiae)
Fairly common but only recorded on seven dates.
Whiskered Tern (Chlidonias hybridus)
Recorded on four dates but most common in Darwin on 17/8 where about 50 were
recorded.
Gull-billed Tern (Sterna nilotica)
Recorded on four dates.
Caspian Tern (Sterna caspia)
Only recorded on three dates.
Great Crested Tern (Sterna bergii)
Recorded on five dates with a maximum of 45 on Michelmas Cay on 9/8. Also
recorded on Dunk Island.
White-fronted Tern (Sterna striata)
Two off Wollongong on 3/8 was the only record.
Black-naped Tern (Sterna sumatrana)
11 around Hastings Reef on 9/8 was the only record.
Bridled Tern (Sterna anaethetus)
Two seen by myself as we approached Michelmas Cay on 9/8.
Sooty Tern (Sterna fuscata)
Hundreds on Michelmas Cay on 9/8 the only date on which this species was recorded.
Little Tern (Sterna albifrons)
Six on Hastings Reef on 9/8 was the only record.
Brown Noddy (Anous stolidus)
Also only recorded on the Barrier Reef trip on 9/8 when about 250 were seen
on Michelmas Cay.
Black Noddy (Anous minutus)
Three birds on 9/8 on Michelmas Cay was the only record.
Southern Skua (Stercorarius lonnbergi)
One off Wollongong on 3/8 was the only record.
Rock Dove/Feral Pigeon (Columba livia)
Recorded on at least nine dates.
White-headed Pigeon (Columba leucomela)
Two seen by myself at Mission Beach on 15/8.
Spotted Dove (Streptopelia chinensis)
Common and widespread, recorded on 11 dates.
Brown Cuckoo-Dove (Macropygia phasianella)
Recorded on six dates, regularly in NE Queensland. One seen on Dunk Island.
Emerald Dove (Chalcophaps indica)
Only recorded on three dates with a maximum of three at the Curtain Fig early
on 12/8. Also recorded on Dunk Island.
Common Bronzewing (Phaps chalcoptera)
Single birds were recorded on three dates on 5,17 and 23/8.
Brush Bronzewing (Phaps elegans)
Only one seen in Healesville on 24/8.
Crested Pigeon (Geophaps lophotes)
Fairly common in more open and drier habitats, recorded on nine dates.
Squatter Pigeon (Geophaps scripta)
One on the road as we were leaving Georgetown on 15/8.
Partridge Pigeon (Geophaps smithii)
Only recorded in Kakadu National Park where we saw eight on 18/8.
Chestnut-quilled Rock-Pigeon (Petrophassa rufipennis)
Another species only seen in Kakadu National Park with five at the top of
the escarpment at Gunlom Falls on 18/8 and two at Nourlangie Rock on 19/8.
Diamond Dove (Geopelia cuneata)
Very common around the Kunoth Bore area on 21/8 and also recorded on the subsequent
two days, but just the occassional bird.
Peaceful Dove (Geopelia placida)
Recorded on ten dates.
Bar-shouldered Dove (Geopelia humeralis)
Recorded on eight dates and all in northern areas. Recorded on Dunk Island
where it was common.
Wonga Pigeon (Leucosarcia melanoleuca)
Only recorded from Lamington National Park on 6-8/8, maximum of five on 7/8.
Wompoo Fruit-Dove (Ptilinopus magnificus)
Recorded on four dates seen by some at Cathedral Fig on 14/8 and by others
at Mission Beach on 15/8. Also seen on Dunk Island.
Superb Fruit-Dove (Ptilinopus superbus)
One on 13/8 at Cathedral Fig was the only record.
Rose-crowned Fruit-Dove (Ptilinopus regina)
Two at Lee Point, Darwin, on 17/8. Fairly common on Dunk Island.
Torresian Imperial-Pigeon (Ducula spilorrhoa)
Recorded on two dates, both from Darwin on 17 and 20/8. One seen on Dunk Island.
Topknot Pigeon (Lopholaimus antarcticus)
Recorded on four dates but most obvious at Lamington National Park where the
maximum of 20 were seen on 7/8.
Double-eyed Fig-Parrot (Opopsitta diopthalma)
Recorded on three dates but only seen on two. Three at Cairns on 10/8 and
four at Mission Beach on 16/8.
Australian King-Parrot (Alisterus scapularis)
Recorded on five dates but most common at Lamington National Park where they
could be hand fed.
Red-winged Parrot (Aprosmictus erythropterus)
Recorded on three dates with a maximum of 25 on 13/8 on the Atherton Tablelands.
Port Lincoln Parrot (Barnardius zonarius)
Recorded on three dates all of which were in the Alice Springs section of
the trip.
Crimson Rosella (Platycercus elegans)
Fairly common and widespread being recorded on eight dates. A large number
would congregate in the feeding area at O'Reilley's.
Northern Rosella (Platycercus venustus)
Two at the southern park offices in Kakadu National Park on 18/8.
Pale-headed Rosella (Platycercus adscitus)
Recorded on four dates but half of these coincided with our visit to Georgetown.
Eastern Rosella (Platycercus eximius)
Only recorded on two dates, on 4/8 at Royal National Park and 5/8 in the Capertee
Valley.
Red-rumped Parrot (Psephotus haematonotus)
Same as the previous species.
Mulga Parrot (Psephotus varius)
Recorded on three dates all of which were in the Alice Springs vicinity.
Hooded Parrot (Psephotus dissimilis)
Only recorded once, a small group of five or more birds were located feeding
by the side of the road to the water tanks at Pine Creek on 18/8.
Bourke's Parrot (Neophema bourki)
Only recorded on 21/8 at Kunoth Bore where I counted nine birds. Silvio saw
them at the same site on another date.
Budgerigar (Melopsittacus undulatus)
Fairly common around the Alice Springs area on 21-23/8.
Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus funereus)
15 in Royal National Park on 4/8 was the only record.
Red-tailed Black Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus banksii)
Recorded on six dates with a maximum of 30 on 17/8.
Glossy Black Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus lathami)
Three along Duck Creek Road on 7/8 were a good find as this can be a hard
bird to get.
Gang-gang Cockatoo (Callocephalon fimbriatum)
A pair at the start of the road to Glen Davis on 5/8.
Galah (Eolophus roseicapillus)
Common and widespread being recorded on 13 dates.
Pink Cockatoo (Cacatua leadbeateri)
One seen distantly near Kunoth Bore on 21/8 and then two between Ayres Rock
and Alice Springs on 23/8.
Sulphur-crested Cockatoo (Cacatua galerita)
Recorded on nine dates but most common in Royal National Park on 4/8 where
we saw about 150. Also seen on Dunk Island.
Little Corella (Cacatua sanguinea)
Recorded on nine dates with a maximum of around 50 on 11/8.
Cockatiel (Nymphicus hollandicus)
Recorded on four dates with a maximum of ten at Kunoth Bore on 21/8.
Rainbow Lorikeet (Trichoglossus haematodus
Common and widespread being recorded on 13 dates.
Scaly-breasted Lorikeet (Trichoglossus chlorolepidotus)
Recorded on three dates all on the Atherton Tablelands.
Varied Lorikeet (Psitteuteles versicolor)
Only recorded on one date, 18/8, when we saw about 40 birds in total.
Little Lorikeet (Glossopsitta pusilla)
Also only recorded on one date and again about 40 birds seen during the day
on 5/8 in the Capertee Valley.
Pallid Cuckoo (Cuculus pallidus)
Recorded on two dates, one seen by a few people on the drive to Ayres Rock
on 22/8 then two seen by most people on the drive back on 23/8.
Brush Cuckoo (Cacomantis variolosus)
One seen by two of the group on 19/8 near the Yellow Waters boat ramp in Kakadu
National Park. Also recorded on Dunk Island.
Chestnut-breasted Cuckoo (Cacomantis castaneiventris)
The only record of this species was one seen on Dunk Island by Silvio.
Fan-tailed Cuckoo (Cacomantis flabelliformis)
Two individuals in the Capertee Valley on 5/8 were the only records.
Little Bronze-Cuckoo (Chrysococcyx minutillus)
One seen by Silvio and Geri in the mangroves at the back of the Darwin Sewage
Farm on 17/8.
Horsfield's Bronze-Cuckoo (Chrysococcyx basalis)
Heard but not seen on 4 and 5/8.
Black-eared Cuckoo (Chrysococcyx osculans)
One near Simpson's Gap on 21/8 was the only record.
Pheasant Coucal (Centropus phasianinus)
Only recorded on two dates, not as easy to find as on trips in the past. One
seen on Dunk Island.
Rufous Owl (Ninox rufa)
One in Cairns on 10/8 and then one whilst spotlighting near the Crater on
12/8.
Tawny Frogmouth (Podargus strigoides)
Recorded on 14/8 driving from Cumberland Dam back to Georgetown and one on
17/8 on the drive to Katherine (not seen by me).
Marbled Frogmouth (Podargus ocellatus)
Heard at the start of Duck Creek Road on 6/8.
Australian Owlet-Nightjar (Aegotheles cristatus)
One seen in car headlights on the road on the drive out from Georgetown early
morning of 15/8.
Large-tailed Nightjar (Caprimulgus macrurus)
Two or more heard at Wongabel State Forest on 12/8 and two seen at Howard
Springs by Silvio and Geri on 17/8. Also recorded on Dunk Island.
Australian Swiftlet (Collocalia terraereginae)
Recorded on all dates in NE Queensland except the Barrier Reef day, six dates
in total. Also recorded on Dunk Island.
Azure Kingfisher (Alcedo azurea)
One seen by a couple of people in Royal National Park on 4/8 but then seen
by most people on Yellow Waters on 19/8.
Little Kingfisher (Alcedo pusilla)
Recorded from Centennial Lakes, Cairns, on both 10 and 11/8 and then one on
the Yellow Waters cruise on 19/8.
Laughing Kookaburra (Dacelo novaeguineae)
Common and widespread except for the north and the interior, recorded on 13
dates.
Blue-winged Kookaburra (Dacelo leachii)
Not as common as the previous species and recorded on just six dates.
Forest Kingfisher (Todirhamphus macleayii)
Fairly common and widespread in the north of Australia where we recorded it
on ten dates. Also seen on Dunk Island.
Red-backed Kingfisher (Todirhamphus pyrrhopygia)
Recorded on five dates, on 14 and 15 which were the dates we drove to and
from Georgetown and on 21-23/8 which were the dates around Alice Springs/Ayres
Rock.
Collared Kingfisher (Todirhamphus chloris)
The only record was one seen on the Yellow Waters cruise on 19/8
Sacred Kingfisher (Todirhamphus sanctus)
Rather surprisingly only recorded on five dates with a maximum of six in the
Cairns area on 10/8. Also seen on Dunk Island.
Rainbow Bee-eater (Merops ornatus)
In total recorded on nine dates during the trip, most regularly seen around
Cairns and the Atherton Tablelands. Also seen on Dunk Island.
Rainbow Pitta (Pitta iris)
One at Howard Springs on 17/8 was the only record for the trip.
Noisy Pitta (Pitta versicolor)
Not even heard at Lamington National Park which was a big shock, this species
was only seen by those who went across to Dunk Island.
White-throated Treecreeper (Cormobates leucophaeus)
Recorded on five dates.
Red-browed Treecreeper (Climacteris erythrops)
Two in Royal National Park on 4/8 and two in Toolangi State Forest on 24/8
were the only records.
Brown Treecreeper (Climacteris picumnus)
Only recorded on two dates and only seen on one when about 15 were noted in
the Capertee Valley on 5/8.
Black-tailed Treecreeper (Climacteris melanura)
One I didn't see but some of the group saw a small group at Nourlangie Rock
on 19/8.
Albert's Lyrebird (Menura alberti)
One seen at Lamington National Park along the Python Rock Trail on 8/8 was
the only record.
Superb Lyrebird (Menura novaehollandiae)
Two in Royal National Park on 4/8 and also around Healesville on 24/8 were
the only records.
Spotted Catbird (Ailuroedus melanotis)
Recorded on four dates with a maximum of four on 13/8.
Green Catbird (Ailuroedus crassirostris)
Recorded on just two dates 6 and 7/8 at Lamington National Park.
Tooth-billed Catbird (Ailuroedus dentirostris)
Just one record of two birds at the Cathedral Fig on 14/8.
Regent Bowerbird (Sericulus chrysocephalus)
Common at O'Reilley's on the edge of Lamington National Park and this was
the only place we recorded this species on 6-8/8.
Satin Bowerbird (Ptilonorhynchus violaceus)
Only recorded from Royal National Park where we saw three on 4/8 and then
on three dates, 6-8/8, in Lamington National Park.
Western Bowerbird (Chlamydera guttata)
Only one record of one at Simpson's Gap on 21/8.
Great Bowerbird (Chlamydera nuchalis)
Most frequently recorded of the bowerbirds this species was recorded on seven
dates.
Red-backed Fairywren (Malurus melanocephalus)
Only recorded on four dates with a maximumm of eight on 13/8.
Superb Fairywren (Malurus cyaneus)
Recorded on five dates and all from southern Australia.
Splendid Fairywren (Malurus splendens)
Only recorded on 21/8 in the Kunoth Bore area where we saw about five birds.
Variegated Fairywren (Malurus lamberti)
Recorded on three dates with a maximum of five in the Capertee Valley on 5/8.
Spotted Pardalote (Pardalotus punctatus)
Recorded on just three dates 4,5 and 24/8.
Striated Pardalote (Pardalotus striatus)
Only recorded on two dates 14 and 18/8
Fernwren (Oreoscopus gutturalis)
One or two heard at the Crater, on the Atherton Tablelands, in response to
a tape but even though one bird came close we were still unable to see it.
Yellow-throated Scrubwren (Sericornis citreogularis)
Recorded on five dates, most common at Lamington National Park where ten were
recorded daily on 6-8/8.
White-browed Scrubwren (Sericornis frontalis)
Recorded on six dates, most common in Royal and Lamington National Parks.
Atherton Scrubwren (Sericornis keri)
Only record was two birds on 12/8.
Large-billed Scrubwren (Sericornis magnirostris)
Recorded on five dates.
Mountain Thornbill (Acanthiza katherina)
Four on 12/8 at Longlands Gap on the Atherton Tablelands were the only ones
recorded.
Brown Thornbill (Acanthiza pusilla)
Eight in Royal National Park on 4/8 were the only ones recorded
Inland Thornbill (Acanthiza apicalis)
Two in the Kunoth Bore area on 21/8 and one at Ayres Rock on 23/8 were the
only records.
Yellow-rumped Thornbill (Acanthiza chrysorrhoa)
Recorded on three dates but most common in the Capetee Valley on 5/8 when
about ten were seen.
Chestnut-rumped Thornbill (Acanthiza uropygialis)
Two in the Kunoth Bore area on 21/8 was the only record of this species.
Striated Thornbill (Acanthiza lineata)
Recorded on just three dates with a maximum of 20 in the Capertee Valley on
5/8.
Weebill (Smicrornis brevirostris)
Also recorded on just three dates and with a maximum of ten on 5/8.
Green-backed Gerygone (Gerygone chloronotus)
Two in Darwin on 17/8 was the only record.
Fairy Gerygone (Gerygone palpebrosa)
Two on 11/8 and four at Cathedral Fig on 14/8 were the only records.
White-throated Gerygone (Gerygone olivacea)
Recorded on four dates, most obliging was a singing male in the garden of
Kookaburra Lodge in Yungaburra.
Large-billed Gerygone (Gerygone magnirostris)
Two along the Cairns mangrove walk on 11/8 and one in Darwin on 17/11 were
the only records.
Brown Gerygone (Gerygone mouki)
Recorded on six dates but appeared most common on the Atherton Tablelands.
Mangrove Gerygone (Gerygone levigaster)
One in Darwin on 17/8 was the only record.
Western Gerygone (Gerygone fusca)
Two in the Kunoth Bore area on 21/8 was the only record.
Southern Whiteface (Aphelocephala leucopsis)
Two in the Capertee Valley on 5/8 and four in the Kunoth Bore area on 21/8
were the only records.
Brown Honeyeater (Lichmera indistincta)
Recorded on 11 dates with a maximum of ten on 10/8.
Dusky Myzomela (Myzomela obscura)
Recorded on eight dates with a maximum of ten on 10/8. Also recorded on Dunk
Island.
Red-headed Myzomela (Myzomela erythrocephala)
Fairly common around Darwin where we saw ten on 17/8.
Banded Honeyeater (Certhionyx pectoralis)
Eight on 18/8 in a flowering tree along the road to Gunlom Falls were the
only ones recorded.
Black Honeyeater (Certhionyx niger)
One seen by me between Ayres Rock and Alice Springs on 23/8 was the only record.
Pied Honeyeater (Certhionyx variegatus)
Recorded on all three dates in the Alice Springs/Ayres Rock area with a maximum
of eight in the Kunoth Bore area on 21/8.
Graceful Honeyeater (Meliphaga gracilis)
Recorded on four dates with a maximum of four on 11/8 at Cassowary House.
Yellow-spotted Honeyeater (Meliphaga notata)
Recorded daily in NE Queensland 11-16/8, fairly common. Also recorded on Dunk
Island.
Lewin's Honeyeater (Meliphaga lewinii)
Fairly widespread in the east, recorded on nine dates. Also recorded on Dunk
Island.
White-lined Honeyeater (Meliphaga albilineata)
Only recorded once with five birds seen at Nourlangie Rock on 19/8.
Bridled Honeyeater (Lichenostomus frenatus)
Recorded on just two dates, three at the Crater on 12/8 and two at Cathedral
Fig on 13/8.
Yellow-faced Honeyeater (Lichenostomus chrysops)
Fairly common in Royal National Park on 4/8 and in the capertee Valley on
5/8 but not recorded elsewhere.
Varied Honeyeater (Lichenostomus versicolor)
Only seen on the three dates in Cairns with a maximum of ten on 10/8. Also
recorded on Dunk Island.
Singing Honeyeater (Lichenostomus virescens)
Seen on all three dates around Alice Springs/Ayres Rock, 21-23/8.
Yellow Honeyeater (Lichenostomus flavus)
Recorded on four dates with a maximum of ten around Georgetown on 15/8.
White-gaped Honeyeater (Lichenostomus unicolor)
Recorded on three dates, 17-19/8, all in Darwin or Kakadu National Park.
White-eared Honeyeater (Lichenostomus leucotis)
Four in Royal National Park on 4/8 were the only ones recorded.
Yellow-tufted Honeyeater (Lichenostomus melanops)
One individual seen in the Capertee Valley on 5/8.
Grey-headed Honeyeater (Lichenostomus keartlandi)
Recorded on just two dates with five on 21/8 and four on 22/8.
Yellow-tinted Honeyeater (Lichenostomus flavescens)
Three at Cumberland Dam on 14/8 was the only record.
Fuscous Honeyeater (Lichenostomus fuscus)
Ten in the Capertee Valley on 5/8 were the only ones recorded.
White-plumed Honeyeater (Lichenostomus penicillatus)
Only recorded on two dates, two in Royal National Park on 4/8 and 20 in the
Capertee Valley on 5/8.
Macleay's Honeyeater (Xanthotis macleayana)
Recorded on three dates with a maximum of ten on 11/8.
White-naped Honeyeater (Melithreptus lunatus)
Recorded on four dates with a maximum of 25 at Lamington National Park on
7/8.
White-throated Honeyeater (Melithreptus albogularis)
Only recorded on three dates, 13/8 on the Atherton Tablelands and 18-19/8
in Kakadu National Park.
Little Friarbird (Philemon citreogularis)
Again only recorded on three dates, two in the Capertee Valley on 5/8 and
in the Georgetown area on 14-15/8.
Helmeted Friarbird (Philemon buceroides)
Six dates, including five consecutive in the Cairns/Tablelands area 10-14/8.
Silver-crowned Friarbird (Philemon argenticeps)
One on the drive out to Georgetown on 14/8 (not seen by me) and then two in
Kakadu National on 19/8.
Noisy Friarbird (Philemon corniculatus)
Recorded on three dates with a maximum of 15 between Georgetown and Mission
Beach on 15/8.
Crescent Honeyeater (Phylidonyris pyrrhoptera)
One at Toolangi State forest on 24/8 was the only record.
New Holland Honeyeater (Phylidonyris novaehollandiae)
Fairly common around Royal National Park and Capertee Valley on 4 and 5/8
but not recorded elsewhere.
White-fronted Honeyeater (Phylidonyris albifrons)
Ten in the Kunoth Bore area on 21/8 and two on the drive from Ayres Rock to
Alice Springs on 23/8 were the only records.
Tawny-crowned Honeyeater (Phylidonyris melanops)
Five in Royal National Park on 4/8 were the only ones recorded.
Brown-backed Honeyeater (Ramsayornis modestus)
Two at Cantennial Lakes, Cairns, on 11/8 were the only record.
Bar-breatsed Honeyeater (Ramsayornis fasciatus)
One near the Yellow Waters boat ramp on 19/8 (not seen by me) and one at Fogg
Dam on 20/8 were the only records.
Rufous-banded Honeyeater (Conopophila albogularis)
Only recorded in Darwin and Kakadu National Park, on 17,19 and 20/8.
Rufous-throated Honeyeater (Conopophila rufogularis)
Common around Georgetown on 14-15/8 with about 30 seen each day.
Regent Honeyeater (Xanthomyza phrygia)
Five birds in the Capertee Valley on 5/8 were the only record of this rare
species.
Eastern Spinebill (Acanthorhynchus tenuirostris)
Common in Royal National Park on 4/8 and also recorded on 5, 7, 11, 13 and
24/8.
Blue-faced Honeyeater (Entomyzon cyanotis)
Two between Lamington and Brisbane on 8/8 otherwise common around Georgetown
and the Darwin/Katherine/Kakadu areas.
Bell Miner (Manorina melanophrys)
Heard at Healesville on 24/8.
Noisy Miner (Manorina melanocephala)
Recorded on three dates with a maximum of 20 on 8/8.
Yellow-throated Miner (Manorina flavigula)
One at Georgetown (not by me) on 15/8 and then recorded on four dates around
Darwin and Alice Springs.
Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater (Acanthagenys rufogularis)
Only recorded in the Alice Springs/Ayres Rock area on 21-23/8 with a maximum
of 20 on 21/8.
Brush Wattlebird (Anthochaera chrysoptera)
Only recorded in Royal National Park on 4/8 when approximately ten birds were
seen.
Red Wattlebird (Anthochaera carunculata)
Recorded on five dates with a maximum of 20 in the Capertee Valley on 5/8.
Crimson Chat (Epthianura tricolor)
Recorded on the three dates around Alice Springs/Ayres Rock on 21-23/8 with
a maximum on 21/8 of about 40 birds.
Orange Chat (Epthianura aurifrons)
Only recorded on the latter two of the dates of the previous species with
a maximum of just four birds on 22/8.
Jacky-winter (Microeca fascinans)
Ten in the Capertee Valley on 5/8 and two on 18/8 where the only records.
Lemon-bellied Flycatcher (Microeca flavigaster)
Recorded on four dates but only single birds on each date, 11, 13, 17 and
20/8.
Scarlet Robin (Petroica multicolor)
A male in the Capertee Valley on 5/8 was the only record of this species.
Red-capped Robin (Petroica goodenovii)
Recorded on two consecutive dates in central Australia with a maximum of four
on the first day, 21/8.
Flame Robin (Petroica phoenicea)
Recorded on two dates, two in the Capertee Valley on 5/8 and one at Toolangi
State Forest on 24/8
Rose Robin (Petroica rosea)
The only record was one in Royal National Park on 4/8.
Hooded Robin (Melanodryas cucullata)
Recorded on three dates with a maximum of 8 in the Capertee Valley on 5/8.
Pale-yellow Robin (Tregellasia capito)
Only recorded from the Atherton Tablelands on four consecutive dates, 11-14/8
Yellow Robin (Eopsaltria australis)
Recorded on six dates with a maximum of ten in Royal National Park on 4/8.
White-browed Robin (Poecilodryas superciliosa)
The only record was one at Big Mitchell Creek on 13/8.
Grey-headed Robin (Heteromyias cinereifrons)
Another species only recorded from the Atherton Tablelands but this time three
consecutive dates, 12-14/8.
Varied Sitella (Daphoenositta chrysoptera)
Recorded on three dates, two in the Capertee Valley on 5/8, one on 21/8 and
three on 24/8 in Toolangi State Forest.
Crested Shrike-tit (Falcunculus frontatus)
Only one record, one seen in the Capertee Valley on 5/8.
Crested Bellbird (Oreoica gutturalis)
Only recorded on three dates around Alice Springs, 21-23/8.
Grey Whistler (Pachycephala griseiceps)
Two in Darwin on 17/8 were the only ones seen.
Golden Whistler (Pachycephala pectoralis)
Recorded on four dates with a maximum of four at Lamington National Park on
7/8.
Mangrove Golden Whistler (Pachycephala melanura)
A female in the mangroves behind the Darwin Sewage Farm on 17/8 was the only
record.
Rufous Whistler (Pachycephala rufiventris)
Recorded on 14, 21 and 23/8 and on each date two birds were recorded.
Little (Rufous) Shrike-Thrush (Colluricincla megarhyncha)
One in Centenary Gardens, Cairns, on 11/8, six at Mission Beach on 16/8 and
two in Kakadu National Park on 20/8. Also recorded on Dunk Island.
Bower's Shrike-Thrush (Colluricincla boweri)
Two at the Cathedral Fig on 13 and 14/8 were the only record. Also recorded
by Silvio and Geri on Dunk Island but this would be most unusual as this species
is normally resident in forests above 400 metres!!
Grey Shrike-Thrush (Colluricincla harmonica)
Recorded on five dates with a maximum of four on 21/8.
Logrunner (Orthonyx temminckii)
Only recorded in Lamington National Park with ten on 7/8 and then two on 8/8.
Chowchilla (Orthonyx spaldingii)
Only recorded on the Atherton Tablelands where two were seen daily on 12-14/8.
Grey-crowned Babbler (Pomatostomus temporalis)
Recorded on four dates with a maximum of seven in the Kunoth Bore area on
21/8.
White-browed Babbler (Pomatostomus superciliosus)
Recorded on just two dates, 11 in the Capertee Valley on 5/8 and five between
Ayres Rock and Alice Springs on 23/8.
Eastern Whipbird (Psophodes olivaceus)
Common in eastern forested areas and recorded on ten dates
Cinnamon Quail-Thrush (Cinclosoma cinnamomeum)
Two on the drive from Alice Springs to Ayres Rock on 22/8 were the only record.
White-winged Chough (Corcorax melanorhamphos)
Recorded on just two dates, 12 in the Capertee Valley on 5/8 and seven on
the drive to Philip Island on 24/8.
Apostlebird (Struthidea cinerea)
Also recorded on just two dates, 14 and 15/8 at Cumberland Dam where about
50 birds were seen.
Willie Wagtail (Rhipidura leucophrys)
Common and widespread species recorded on 16 dates.
Northern Fantail (Rhipidura rufiventris)
The only record was two birds seen in Kakadu National Park on 19/8.
Grey Fantail (Rhipidura fuliginosa)
Recorded on six dates with a maximum of five on 4/8.
Rufous Fantail (Rhipidura rufifrons)
Recorded on four dates all in the north. Also recorded on Dunk Island.
Spectacled Monarch (Monarcha trivirgatus)
Recorded on just two dates, one on 11/8 at Centennial Lakes in Cairns and
one on 16/8 at Mission Beach. Also seen on Dunk Island.
Pied Monarch (Arses kaupi)
One at the Cathedral Fig on 14/8 was the only record.
Leaden Flycatcher (Myiagra rubecula)
Recorded on three dates with a maximum of three around Cairns on 10/8. Also
recorded on Dunk Island.
Broad-billed Flycatcher (Myiagra ruficollis)
The only records were a couple of birds in Darwin on 17/8 and one at Fogg
Dam on 20/8.
Satin Flycatcher (Myiagra cyanoleuca)
Only recorded by those who went across to Dunk Island.
Restless Flycatcher (Myiagra inquieta)
The only certain record was on 5/8 when two birds were seen in the Capertee
Valley. On two dates, 14 and 15/8, birds were recorded at Georgetown which
were either this species or the following one. Also seen on Dunk Island.
Paperbark Flycatcher (Myiagra nana)
This recent split was seen on three dates around the Northern Territory.
Shining Flycatcher (Myiagra alecto)
Only recorded on two dates, in Darwin on 17/8 and on the Yellow Waters cruise
on 19/8. Also recorded on Dunk Island.
Yellow-breasted Boatbill (Machaerirhynchus flaviventer)
Just two records, one on 12/8 seen by Carla and then one at the Cathedral
Fig on 13/8.
Spangled Drongo (Dicrurus bracteatus)
Fairly common in the tropics and recorded on eight dates.
Torresian Crow (Corvus orru)
The most widespread corvid and recorded on 15 dates.
Little Crow (Corvus bennetti)
Recorded on 22 and 23/8 in the Alice Springs/Ayres Rock areas.
Australian Raven (Corvus coronoides)
Only recorded on three dates, 4, 5 and 14/8.
Little Raven (Corvus mellori)
Only recorded on 24/8 on the drive to Philip Island and 25/8 between Philip
Island and Tullamarine Airport.
Victoria's Riflebird (Ptiloris victoriae)
Recorded daily on the Atherton Tablelands, 11-14/8, including a male in display
at the Cathedral Fig.
Paradise Riflebird (Ptiloris paradiseus)
One seen my me flying across the road as we departed from O'Reilley's on 8/8.
White-breasted Woodswallow (Artamus leucoryhchus)
Fairly common in the north where it was recorded on eight dates. Also recorded
on Dunk Island.
White-browed Woodswallow (Artamus superciliosus)
Only seen by me, with c10 on the drive to Ayres Rock on 22/8.
Black-faced Woodswallow (Artamus cinereus)
Mostly seen around Georgetown and Alice Springs area, recorded on six dates.
Little Woodswallow (Artamus minor)
Only recorded on two dates 21 and 22/8 at Simpsons Gap and at The Olgas.
Grey Butcherbird (Cracticus torquatus)
Recorded on five dates but never more than two in a day.
Pied Butcherbird (Cracticus nigrogularis)
Fairly common and widespread, recorded on 11 dates.
Black Butcherbird (Cracticus quoyi)
Recorded on three dates, two from Cairns and one from Darwin, maximum of five
on 11/8.
Australasian Magpie (Gymnorhina tibicen)
Common and widespread, recorded on 19 dates.
Pied Currawong (Strepera graculina)
Recorded on ten dates.
Grey Currawong (Strepera versicolor)
One seen by Silvio and myself on the drive from Lithgow to Sydney on 6/8 then
seen by the group around Healesville on 24/8.
Magpie-lark (Grallina cyanoleuca)
Common and widespread, recorded on 20 dates.
Olive-backed Oriole (Oriolus sagittatus)
Two at Gunlom Falls, Kakadu National Park, on 18/8.
Yellow Oriole (Oriolus flavocinctus)
Recorded on four dates with a maximum of four on 11/8.
Green Figbird (Sphecotheres viridis)
Recorded on nine dates. Also recorded on Dunk Island.
Ground Cuckoo-shrike (Coracina maxima)
One on 14/8 and then possibly the same bird in the same place on 15/8 on the
road to Georgetown was the only record.
Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike (Coracina novaehollandiae)
Fairly common and widespread, recorded on 16 dates.
Yellow-eyed Cuckoo-shrike (Coracina lineata)
Two at the Cathedral Fig on 13/8 was the only record.
White-bellied Cuckoo-shrike (Coracina tenuirostris)
Recorded on 11 dates but never any more than four in a single day. Also seen
on Dunk Island.
White-winged Triller (Lalage tricolor)
Recorded on four consecutive dates from Kakadu National Park and the Alice
Springs area, 20-23/8.
Varied Triller (Lalage leucomela)
Recorded on four dates, 10, 17, 19 and 20/8. Also recorded on Dunk Island.
Bassian Thrush (Zoothera lunulata)
Only recorded from Lamington National Park where we saw two on 7 and 8/8.
Russet-tailed Thrush (Zoothera heinei)
Also only recorded from Lamington National Park, with one on 7 and two on
8/8.
Blackbird (Turdus merula)
A few around Healesville on 24/8 were the only ones recorded.
Metallic Starling (Aplonis metallica)
Recorded on four dates, the maximum being about 50 birds in Cairns on 11/8.
Also recorded on Dunk Island.
Common Starling (Sturnus vulgaris)
Recorded on six dates in NSW and Victoria.
Common Myna (Acridotheres tristis)
Common and widespread in the east and south, recorded on 15 dates.
White-backed Swallow (Cheramoeca leucosternus)
Only recorded on the drive to and from Ayres Rock on 22 and 23/8.
Welcome Swallow (Hirundo neoxana)
Fairly common and widespread, recorded on 18 dates. Also recorded on Dunk
Island.
Tree Martin (Hirundo nigricans)
Recorded on eight dates. Also seen on Dunk Island.
Fairy Martin (Hirundo ariel)
Only recorded around Georgetown on 14 and 15/8.
Australian Yellow White-eye (Zosterops luteus)
Five or more in the mangroves behind the sewage farm at Darwin on 17/8 were
the only ones recorded.
Silvereye (Zosterops lateralis)
Rather surprisingly only recorded on two dates, 20 in Royal National Park
on 4/8 and ten on the Atherton Tablelands on 12/8. Also recorded on Dunk Island.
Golden-headed Cisticola (Cisticola exilis)
One in the open area after the Curtain Fig on 12/8 and six at Fogg Dam on
20/8 were the only records.
Australian Reed Warbler (Acrocephalus australis)
Three at Fogg Dam on 20/8 were the only ones recorded.
Tawny Grassbird (Megalurus timoriensis)
One at Cathedral Fig on 14/8 and two at Fogg Dam on 20/8 were the only records.
Brown Songlark (Cincloramphus cruralis)
Only recorded in the Alice Springs/Ayres Rock areas on 21-23/8.
Rufous Songlark (Cincloramphus mathewsi)
As for the previous species but this was a more common bird than the Brown
Sanglark.
Australasian Bushlark
Two seen by me on the drive from Ayres Rock to Alice Springs on 23/8 were
the only ones recorded.
House Sparrow (Passer domesticus)
Actually only recorded on five dates.
Red-browed Firetail (Neochmia temporalis)
Only recorded on two dates, two in the Capertee Valley on 5/8 and ten in Lamington
National Park on 7/8.
Crimson Finch (Neochmia phaeton)
Recorded on four dates with a maximum of ten at Cairns Crocodile Farm on 10/8.
Zebra Finch (Taeniopygia guttata)
Recorded on five dates, most common in Alice Springs Ayres Rock area where
it was recorded daily on 21-23/8 with a maximum of 500 on the first date.
Double-barred Finch (Taeniopygia bichenovii)
Recorded on five dates, around Georgetown on 14 and 15/8 and around Darwin/Kakadu
on 17-19/8.
Masked Finch (Poephila personata)
Five or more at the Fergusson River on 18/8 and a nesting pair at Mamukala
in Kakadu on 20/8 were the only records.
Long-tailed Finch (Poephila acuticauda)
Only recorded on three dates, 17-19/8.
Black-throated Finch (Poephila cincta)
Four at Cumberland Dam on 14/8 were the only record.
Chestnut-breasted Mannikin (Lonchura castaneothorax)
About 30 in the Cairns area on 10/8 was the only record.
Nutmeg Mannikin (Lonchura punctulata)
Only recorded on 10/8 around Cairns with about 40 birds being seen.
Australasian Pipit (Anthus novaeseelandiae)
Recorded on six dates, most common in the Alice Springs/Ayres Rock area.
Mistletoebird (Dicaeum hirundinaceum)
Recorded on seven dates but nowhere common. Also recorded on Dunk Island.
Olive-backed Sunbird (Nectarinia jugularis)
Only recorded around Cairns, the Atherton Tablelands and Mission Beach on
five dates in total. Also recorded on Dunk Island.
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