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Trip report to South-Western Australia, (November 2000),
CONTENTS- General Information
- References
- Itinerary (summary)
- Sites
- Daily Log
- Systematic List of Birds
- Systematic List of Mammals
GENERALINFORMATION
This trip report records the birds seen on a three weeks trip in November 2000 to south-western Australia.
My Belgian friends Vital Van Gorp and Eric Wille accompanied me. At the last possible moment we decided to travel to Australia after we had cancelled our trip to Bolivia due to the civil unrest in that country.
Australia, the "Island Continent", is home to one of the most exciting assemblages of native wildlife on Earth. Of the 76 native families of Australian birds, eight only occur only in Australia and seven are shared only with neighbouring New Guinea. Some 300 of the 760 species known from Australia are endemic.
Having visited Northern Territory, the more accessible East Coast and New South Wales already in 1991we decided to visit Western Australia, especially the verdant south-western corner, an area with a splendid variety of endemics.
Western Australian Endemic Bird Species:
Slender‑billed Black-Cockatoo, White‑tailed Black‑Cockatoo, Western Corella, Western Rosella, Red‑capped Parrot, Noisy Scrub‑bird, White‑breasted Robin, Red‑winged Fairywren, Western Bristlebird, Black Grasswren, Western Thornbill, Dusky Gerygone, Western Spinebill, Red‑eared Firetail.
Near-endemics: Grey‑breasted (Western Yellow) Robin, Western Whipbird, Blue‑breasted Fairywren, Rufous Treecreeper
Our daily routine of dawn-to-dusk birding (a not-too-onerous 6.00 a.m. to 7.00 p.m., with a relaxed break for lunch) gave us most of the birds we were after and saw a few which we had not anticipated.
FLIGHT AND VISA
Malaysian Airlines offered the cheapest fare at the time of our trip:¦ 2100. We travelled to Australia via Brussels, London and Kuala Lumpur. The flying time was roughly twenty hours to Perth.
The time difference with the Netherlands is seven hours. You do need a visa for Australia.
ACCOMMODATION
Accommodations can be found almost everywhere. Motels abound and we did not make any reservations and had no problems finding accommodation.
Some prices (room with three beds) :
Bentley Motel in Perth A$
71,50
Motor Inn Motel in Narrogin A$ 85
Stirling Range Retreat A$ 114 (chalet)
Frederickstown Motel in Albany A$ 101
Deli-Cafe near King River mouth A$ 66 (chalet)
Captain Huon Motel in Esperance A$ 95 (cottage)
Georgiana Molloy Motel in Augusta A$ 88
Kalbarri Beach Resort in Kalbarri A$ 99
Bay Lodge in Denham A$ 100
Gateway Motel in Carnarvon A$ 126
Potshot Hotel Resort in Exmouth A$ 121
Sun City Motel in Geraldton A$ 89
Nallan Station A$ 105 (cottage)
Bel Eyre Motel in Perth AS 109,50
HEALTH AND SAFETY
There are no major health problems; no vaccinations are required. Food hygiene is high and no problems were encountered. The only problem being sunburn and minor dehydration.
Poisonous snakes can be a risk, although it is usually exaggerated. During our trip we only saw one snake, a not poisonous Carpet Python.
Mosquitoes and especially flies are sometimes a problem. Insect repellent is necessary at these locations.
"Giant" ticks, can be a real pest (I had one on my shoulder at Stirling Ranges NP and Vital one at Dryandra SF), and you can pick them up not just in the forest but also in damp grass, often when you least expect it. Although there is no complete answer to the problem, as precaution wear long trousers tucked securely into your socks and spray insect repellent liberally on your clothing and boots!
When driving you should watch out for kangaroos, goannas and cattle, particularly at dusk. You also have to be careful when passing road trains (54m!). During our trip we saw numerous dead kangaroos along the road.
Regarding safety, the same rules apply in Australia as elsewhere in the world. Do not leave your car unlocked or your valuables on the seat in full view.
WHEN TO COME
There are several species of birds that can only be found in Australia at certain times of the year and others that is only really practical or wise to look for during the cooler months of the year.
We had no choice, as we had cancelled our November Bolivia trip and decided to visit Western Australia. It was the end of the breeding season and we saw many young birds and most of our target birds, but failed to find Black Honeyeater and Pied Honeyeater, probably because we were too late. The best time to visit Western Australia is the spring.
EQUIPMENT
A small tape recorder and the bird call sets of "A Field Guide to Australian Birdsong" by Rex Buckingham and Len Jackson can be useful for drawing in birds. Another successful way to get the (smaller) birds close to you is squeezing or to use an Audubon caller.
A good torch is a must. A telescope is useful at lakes and very useful for viewing canopy species especially from roadsides. Photography is NOT difficult, as birds are easy to approach and light conditions are good.
TRANSPORT AND ROADS
For car rental, you will need a major credit card and a valid driver's license. Many rentals are situated at the airport. During our trip we had a brand-new Toyota from Avis to our disposal. We paid A$1450 for the car for the whole trip.
Make sure you hire a car that allows unlimited mileage (our trip was 8000 km!). The price of the gas was A$ 0,88 -A$1,17 for a litre. The roads in Australia are in good state of maintenance and also the roads in the reserves.
NOMENCLATURE & TAXONOMY
In the Australasian region there is much confusion regarding the English names for birds, and often each author, having their own preferences which results in the same species having up to 2 or 3 different names.
As always I have decided to follow the English names of James F. Clements (Birds of the World, A Check List, Fifth Edition 2000).
COMMON BIRDSPECIES
The following list of birds we saw frequently and if you spend any sort of time in the right habitats you will too:
Emu, Australasian Grebe, Hoary-headed Grebe, Australian Pelican, Pied Cormorant, Little Black Cormorant, White-faced Heron, Straw‑necked Ibis, Black Swan, Australian Shelduck, Maned Duck, Grey Teal, Pacific Black Duck, Australian Kite, Wedge‑tailed Eagle, Brown Falcon, Australian Kestrel, Eurasian Coot, Red‑necked Stint, Pacific Gull, Silver Gull, Common Bronzewing, Crested Pigeon, Galah, Port Lincoln Parrot, Mulga Parrot, Laughing Kookaburra, Welcome Swallow, Tree Martin, Australasian Pipit, Black‑faced Cuckoo‑shrike, Willie Wagtail, Grey Fantail, Red‑capped Robin, Grey Shrike‑Thrush, White‑browed Babbler, Splendid Fairywren, White‑browed Scrubwren, Inland Thornbill, Yellow‑rumped Thornbill, Striated Pardalote, Silver‑eye, Brown Honeyeater, Singing Honeyeater, White‑plumed Honeyeater, New Holland Honeyeater, Yellow‑throated Miner, Spiny‑cheeked Honeyeater, Red Wattlebird, Magpie‑lark, Black‑faced Woodswallow, Pied Butcherbird, Australasian Magpie, Grey Currawong, Western Bowerbird, Australian Raven, Zebra Finch.
For a detailed report of species and numbers please refer to the systematic list at the end of this report.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
My thanks go to Frank O'Connor who provided us with much pre‑trip advice on all aspects of our trip. Frank E-mailed me a very comprehensive itinerary for our three weeks trip. I also want to thank my friend Chris Steeman who provided us with a few useful tips and a copy of his notes made during his trip to Western Australia and to my friend Mark van Beirs who kindly sent me his tape recordings.
REFERENCES
¨ John Bransbury. Where to find birds in Australia.
¨ James F. Clements. Birds of the World. A Check List, Fifth Edition 2000.
¨ Simpson & Day. Field Guide to the Birds of Australia
¨ Richard Thomas and Sarah Thomas. The Complete Guide to finding the Birds of Australia.
¨ Michael Walters. Complete Checklist. Vogels van de Wereld.
¨ Nigel Wheatley.
Where to watch birds in Australasia & Oceania
Australia has at least 4 excellent field guides and it is largely a matter of personal preference which one(s) to use.
My particular favourite is Simpson & Day's Field Guide,Field Guide to the Birds of Australiawhich has very good plates but rather brief text.
We also used Richard and Sarah Thomas' "The Complete Guide to finding the Birds of Australia".
Bransbury's "Where to find Birds in Australia" we only used at Esperance, as it is becoming somewhat out of date.
REPORTS
¨ David Cooper & Brenda Kay. Western Australia. 9th December 1999 to 11th January 2000.
¨ Rod Gardner. Southwest Australia, South of Perth, September 25 - October 3, 1999.
¨ Clarks. Western Australia & South Australia, July - September 1999.
WEBSITE
Frank O'Connor's website is very useful at the planning stage, but we also used it very often during the trip, as this website comprehensively covers the premier birding sites in Western Australia:
http://www.iinet.au/~foconnor/.
SOFTWARE
BIRDBASE & BIRDAREA
I use this software to keep track of the birds I have seen and to make lists of any country, labelling endemics and birds previously seen in that country, outside it, or both. BirdArea can produce checklists of the birds of any country of Clements' world birds.
ITINERARY
October 29/30 Chaam * Brussels * London * Kuala
Lumpur * Perth (Kings Park)
October 31 Perth * Wungong Gorge * Dryandra State Forest * Narrogin
November 1 Dryanda State Forest * Foxes Lair in Narrogin
November 2 Narrogin * Stirling Range National Park
November 3 Stirling Range National Park * Porongorup National
Park * Two Peoples Bay * Albany
November 4 Albany * Two Peoples Bay * Tondirrup National Park
* Kalgan River/King River
November 5 King River near Albany * Esperance * Cape Le Grand
National Park * Esperance
November 6 Esperance * Lake Gore * Ravensthorpe * Jerramungup
(Barrett Farm)
November 7 Jerramungup * Fitzgerald River bridge * Albany * Rock
Gully * Lake Muir *Augusta
November 8 Augusta * Cape Naturaliste (Sugarloaf Rock) * Mandurah
* Perth (Lake Monger)
November 9 Perth * Geraldton * Kalbarri NP.
November 10 Kalbarri NP * Murchison River bridge * Overlander Roadhouse
* Denham * Monkey Mia * Denham
November 11 Denham * Monkey Mia * New Beach * Rocky Pools * Carnarvon
November 12 Carnarvon * Exmouth (Cape Range NP)
November 13 Exmouth * Cape Range NP * Mangrove Bay * Exmouth
November 14 Exmouth * Carnarvon * Geraldton
November 15 Geraldton * Mullewa * Yalgoo * Mount Magnet * Cue *
Nallan Station.
November 16 Nallan Station
November 17 Nallan Station
November 18 Nallan Station * Cue * Mount Magnet * Perth
November 19/20 Perth (Herdsman Lake & Lake Monger) * Kuala Lumpur
* London * Brussels * Chaam
THE SITES
THE place to see Malleefowl, a unique threatened species and one of only 14 species of mound-building birds in the world and one of the three species in Australia. The farm is situated en route to Fitzgerald River National Park approximately 10km from the highway and 30km from the small village of Jerramungup.
As we arrived at the farm a Malleefowl was walking in the yard of the house of the Barretts. A few kilometres from the house is a mound of the Malleefowl and Trevor Barrett will take you in his car to this mound in a nearby forest.
The male bird is responsible for building and maintaining the mound. A male bird may have several mounds - but only one active one - within this territory and mounds can be reused over time. In this way some of the mounds may reach a height of over one metre and be in excess of four metres across, as the one was we saw at the farm.
A total of 9 Malleefowls were seen at the farm.
You can stay at the farm (bed & breakfast). We had to pay A$75 per person for a very good dinner (including wine and beer), a big breakfast and very good lodging.
Address:
Trevor & Janine Barrett
Quiss Road
Jerramungup WA 6887
Telephone: 08 - 98355026
E-mail: pmbarrett@wn.com.au
Birds that we did see:
Australian Kestrel, Crested Pigeon, Spinifex Pigeon, Galah, Little Corella, Rainbow Bee-eater, White‑winged Triller, Variegated Fairywren, Brown Honeyeater, Singing Honeyeater, Grey‑headed Honeyeater, Magpie-lark, Black‑faced Woodswallow, Pied Butcherbird, Western Bowerbird, Torresian Crow.
DAILY LOG
Sunday/Monday 29th/30th October
Our trip started with a Malaysian Airlines flight from Brussels via London and Kuala Lumpur to Perth in Western Australia. We landed at Perth, the capital of Western Australia, around 3.00 p.m. local time (7 hours time difference with the Netherlands). We collected a brand-new Toyota Camry from Avis and then headed to the semi‑natural Kings Park in the centre of the town. We birded the beautiful laid‑out gardens with its panoramic vistas over coastal Perth in the remaining light and we soon notched up such goodies as Port Lincoln Parrot, Singing Honeyeater, White‑cheeked Honeyeater, Grey Fantail and Restless Flycatcher. At 19.00 hours we checked into the Bentley Motel.
Tuesday 31st October
We left Perth at 5.30 on a sunny spring day heading south-west along the Albany Highway to Wungong Gorge just outside Armadale, the best site close to Perth for bush birds. We birded the area of lawn opposite and around the car park, but we failed to find the track to the orchard mentioned in Frank O'Connor's WebPages.
In the few hours we spent here we picked up five of the WA endemics. On the road into the gorge, two Red‑capped Parrots flew across the road, their yellow rumps a give-away. At the gorge itself we saw Western Rosella, Red‑winged Fairy‑wren, Western Thornbill and Western Spinebill. Amongst the other birds we saw were Red‑tailed Black‑Cockatoo, Splendid Fairy‑wren, Brown Honeyeater, Grey Butcherbird and Silver‑eye.
We then headed to Dryandra State Forest and at midday we arrived at the forest, an attractive area of white‑trunked wandoo gums, sheoaks and dryandra bushes.
The Dryandra Road was very birdie with Collared Sparrowhawk, Rainbow Bee‑eater, Golden Whistler, White‑browed Babbler, Rufous Treecreeper, Striated Pardalote and Dusky Woodswallows amongst the highlights.
At the information centre we had good views of a huge Carpet Python. The rest of the day we explored the Forest Village area (Old Mill Dam, Arboretum, Ochre Trail) and saw a good range of birds of the drier woodlands, most notable of which were Grey‑breasted Robin, the lovely Blue‑breasted Fairy‑wren, Grey Shrike‑Thrush, Inland Thornbill, Western Gerygone, Yellow‑plumed Honeyeater, White‑naped Honeyeater, Brown‑headed Honeyeater and Grey Currawong.
In the evening we did some spotlighting and a pair of Tawny Frogmouths and a Barn Owl made an appearance, while we also saw a few Common Ringtail Possums, but no Numbat, a squirrel‑like marsupial formerly found throughout Australia and now confined to a few pockets in the south‑west.
We booked a room at the Motor Inn Motel in nearby Narrogin and as the steaks sizzled we realised that we were not going to lose any weight on this trip.
Wednesday 1st November
A very early start the following day ensured that we were by dawn at Dryandra SF. We spent most of the day exploring all the habitats. A close view of a Square‑tailed Kite was an unexpected bonus and we also added Brown Falcon, Purple‑crowned Lorikeet, Scarlet Robin, Red‑capped Robin, Rufous Whistler, Weebill and Little Wattlebird to our fast growing trip list.
We spent a few hours looking in vain for Painted Buttonquail. In the late afternoon we headed to Narrogin and visited Foxes Lair, a small reserve 200m from our motel. We did not see many birds, but amongst them were Little Eagle, Sacred Kingfisher, Inland Thornbill, Red Wattlebird and Grey Shrike‑Thrush.
Thursday 2nd November
At 5.00 o'clock we left Narrogin. En route to Stirling Range NP numerous stops were made as we discovered the large numbers of bird along the road in Australia. We noted amongst others Wedge‑tailed Eagle, Crested Pigeon, Elegant Parrot, Brown Songlark, Yellow‑throated Miner and Black‑faced Woodswallow.
We checked in at the Stirling Range Retreat on the northern edge of the park and hereafter we made a leisurely stroll, starting at the Bluff Knoll turnoff and following the yellow marks. Bush fires were smouldering over the area, but despite these fires the birding was good and although the birding was hard work, perseverance as always, paid off and amongst the species here found were Little Eagle at the nest, Elegant Parrot, a group of 40 White‑tailed Black‑Cockatoos, White‑breasted Robin, Southern Scrub‑Robin, Tawny‑crowned Honeyeater and Western Spinebill.
After lunch at the Bluff Knoll Cafe we returned to the Stirling Range Retreat and I discovered a Crested Shrike‑Tit (rather rare western race) in a tree in front of our chalet, a lifer for Vital, but not for Eric and me. We had seen the bird so many years ago near Deniliquin in the company of Phil Maher.
Hereafter we explored the Retreat. Tony Sands was very helpful and showed us a pair of Tawny Frogmouths with two well-grown chicks in the nest. The flies were horrible here and Eric managed to kill 21 flies with one slap on my back! In the late afternoon we made a scenic drive in the park and added Peregrine Falcon and a skulking Shy Hylacola to our trip list.
Friday 3rd November
Australian Hobby, a pair of Regent Parrots, Scarlet Robin and a group of 10 Varied Sitellas before breakfast was a good start but we were soon on our way west to Albany, passing some wetlands on the way, which had a good selection of birds, including Straw‑necked Ibis and Swamp Harrier.
We stopped briefly at Porongorup NP and added Shining Bronze‑Cuckoo to our list. We then set off for the legendary Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve, a stunningly beautiful reserve on the extreme south coast. This with low dense coastal heathland covered area is home to three unique but elusive birds, Noisy Scrub‑bird, Western Whipbird and Western Bristlebird.
Within 5 minutes after we arrived at Little Beach we had excellent views of a Western Bristlebird running across the road a few times at the car park. The amazingly co‑operative Western Bristlebird gave Eric ample opportunity to film it. We spent a few hours in the reserve and after Little Beach we visited the track to Sinker Reef.
Some of the more notable species here included a feeding Brush Bronzewing on the track, Rock Parrot, Red‑winged Fairywren, Rufous Fieldwren, Fan‑tailed Cuckoo, White‑winged Triller and Australasian Pipit. Near the entrance of the reserve we had good views of a group of more than 20 Slender‑billed Black‑Cockatoos.
Stops at the tidal flats of the Kalgan and King River mouths added a few shorebirds on our trip list amongst them Pied Oystercatcher, Black‑bellied Plover, Whimbrel, Marsh Sandpiper, Grey‑tailed Tattler and Red‑necked Stint.
We booked a room in the centre of Albany, Western Australia's oldest settlement.
Saturday 4th November
The break of dawn found the four of us standing in the rain at Little Beach. Rain and a chilling wind buffeted us as we followed the trail to the information centre searching for the Noisy Scrub‑bird. Despite having a very loud song it proved to be an accomplished skulker and the bird refused to show itself. Due to the heavy rain we had to return to our car. When it stopped raining we walked to the Little Beach "Noisy Scrub‑bird Rock". We spent more than two hours on the large domed rock and in the bushes near the rock and the bird proved almost impossible to coax out, but at last were rewarded with a fleeting glimpse of a Noisy Scrub‑bird crossing the track behind the rock. Other birds we did see were Red‑capped Parrot, Southern Emuwren and White‑browed Scrubwren.
After a short visit to the information centre we headed to Tondirrup National Park, a particularly rugged and beautiful section of the coastline south of Albany. A stop at the Blowholes, holes in the cliffs through which spray bursted violently from the boiling sea below, yielded two Australian Gannets, two Yellow‑nosed Albatrosses and a few Flesh‑footed and Little Shearwaters.
Hereafter we headed back to Albany and spent a short time in the harbour noting amongst others Purple Swamphen, Sooty Oystercatcher and Great Crested Tern. We spent the night in a chalet near the Kalgan River mouth.
Sunday 5th November
A very early start the following day ensured that we were at 10 o'clock in Esperance (470 km!). At the golf course we discovered our first target bird, Cape Barren Goose. We then visited several lakes in the vicinity of Esperance: Lake Warden, Lake Windabout, Woody Lake, Shark Lake and Mullet Lake. We spent much of the day searching unsuccessfully for Hooded Plover, but we did see many waterbirds amongst them Australasian & Hoary‑headed Grebe, Little Black Cormorant, Pacific Heron, Yellow‑billed Spoonbill, large numbers of Australian Shelduck, Chestnut Teal, Pink‑eared Duck, the bizarre Musk Duck, Black‑winged Stilt and Black‑fronted Dotterel.
Then we drove eastwards to Cape Le Grand NP. Wild coastal scenery, rugged granite peaks and sweeping heath lands characterise this park. We spent a few hours here and amongst the birds seen were Emu, Swamp Harrier, Brush Bronzewing, Rock Parrot, White‑naped Honeyeater, Little Wattlebird and the ubiquitous New Holland Honeyeater.
However our search along the coast failed to produce our second target bird the Black‑faced Cormorant, so we reluctantly returned to the car for the drive back to Esperance.
In the late afternoon we visited the harbour of Esperance. Few birds were seen in the town area, but the artificial wooden platform near the jetty was really packed with a large breeding colony of Black‑faced Cormorants. We also saw a few Australian Sealions eagerly waiting for a fish from the fishermen on the tanker jetty.
We booked a room in a motel near the jetty.
Monday 6th November
Our pre-breakfast birding along Lake Gore, 50 km west of Esperance produced several new species amongst them Masked Lapwing, Red‑capped Plover and Sharp‑tailed Sandpiper.
Then we drove westwards and at noon we arrived at Ravensthorpe, where we made a visit to the Information Centre. We got a useful tip to find a mound of a Malleefowl, but our car did not make it, because the track was too rough. Disappointed we left the Ravensthorpe area and made a stop at the Philips River, where we added Yellow-rumped Pardalote to our trip list.
In the late afternoon we arrived in Jerramungup and visited the Glentarkie Farm, as Frank O'Connor had recommended. The very friendly owner of the farm told us that the best place to stay to find Malleefowl was the farm of Trevor & Janine Barrett. We then headed to the farm in Fitzgerald River NP and when we arrived at the brand‑new dwelling‑house we saw a Malleefowl in the backyard.
In Trevor's truck we headed to a small forest on his land and here Trevor showed us a very large active mound, where a male bird was maintaining the mound. In this small area we saw no less than 4 Malleefowls.
We slept in the very luxurious bedrooms of the farm.
Tuesday 7th November
Dawn next morning found us at the Fitzgerald River bridge. We spent a few hours in the bushes along the river and highlights seen here were a group of 20 Purple‑crowned Lorikeets, Golden Whistler, a glimpse of a Western Whipbird indeed a mega-skulker, Rufous Fieldwren and Purple‑gaped Honeyeater.
At mid-morning we headed west towards Augusta, not via the reputedly beautiful south coast road, but along the inland road via Mount Baker and Rock Gully. The Lake Muir area is supposedly a good area for Western Corella, but heavy rain greeted us as we arrived there and between the downpours we only saw Rufous Treecreeper and Red‑tailed Black‑Cockatoo. In the late afternoon we arrived at a wet Augusta and booked a room at the Georgiana Molloy Motel.
We managed a short seawatch on a very windy day at Cape Leeuwin, the wind coming from the east at near gale force.
Amongst the birds we noted were Yellow‑nosed Albatross, Pied & Sooty Oystercatcher, Red‑capped Plover, Ruddy Turnstone and Rock Parrot.
Wednesday 8th November
The next morning we headed out to Hamelin Bay and were greeted by a very strong wind mixed with heavy rain. We hardly saw any birds along the shore and hereafter we headed to the Cape Naturaliste lighthouse. We spent two hours at the maritime museum near the birdbath and at last we managed to see two Red-eared Firetails. A stroll near the lighthouse did provide us amongst others with Swamp Harrier, Grey Shrike‑Thrush and White‑breasted Robin.
At Sugarloaf Rock we met our only (English) birder of the entire trip. Seawatching between the downpours produced only a few species amongst them Yellow‑nosed Albatross, Red‑tailed Tropicbird and Flesh‑footed Shearwater.
To locate Fairy Tern we made a visit at Mandurah Boat harbour. The beach and harbour held many waterbirds amongst them very co‑operative Rufous Night‑Herons, Terek Sandpiper, Caspian Tern and a single Fairy Tern, our target bird.
A late afternoon visit to Lake Monger in Perth rewarded us with a few waterbirds that we had missed up until then e.g. Great Crested Grebe, White‑eyed Duck, Blue‑billed Duck, Spotted Crake, Dusky Moorhen, Australian Reed‑Warbler and Little Grassbird. We again spent the night at the Bentley Motel.
Thursday 9th November
The weather at last seemed better next morning when we headed north on the Brand Highway. The trip north provided us with a large flock of the extremely local Western Corella. Other birds we encountered along the way were Emu, Straw‑necked Ibis and White‑tailed Black‑Cockatoo.
A lunch stop at the Murchison River bridge area just north of the Kalbarri turnoff provided us with Blue‑breasted Fairywren, Splendid Fairywren, Rufous Whistler, Grey Shrike‑Thrush and White‑plumed Honeyeater.
We then headed to Kalbarri NP (daily entry fee for a car A$9). It was very hot and we did not see many birds in the reserve. We stopped at a number of places and the spectacular scenery at the Murchison River gorge was one of the trip highlights. Brown Falcon, White‑winged Fairywren, Rufous Fieldwren, Southern Scrub‑Robin, White‑breasted Robin, Chestnut‑rumped Thornbill were among the birds seen. Perhaps best of all we also came across a very obliging Thorny Devil by the roadside, giving us a wonderful photo opportunity.
In the late afternoon we drove to Kalbarri, located at the mouth of the Murchison River and made a stroll along the shore.
Amongst the birds seen were Pacific Reef‑Heron, Peregrine Falcon, Sooty Oystercatcher, Red‑necked Stint, hundreds of Galahs and Zebra Finch. At Kalbarri we stayed at the luxurious Kalbarri Beach Resort.
Friday 10th November
Next morning we made a few stops en route from Kalbarri to the North West Coastal highway adding Black‑breasted Kite and Redthroat to our trip list. At lunchtime we halted at the Overlander Resthouse, where I bought a boomerang for my little nephew. Some birding stops along the road to Shark Bay turned up our first Crested Bellbird, Southern Whiteface and Little Crow and a few White‑backed Swallows.
At noon we arrived in Denham and booked a room in the Bay Lodge and we then set off for Monkey Mia.
Monkey Mia is world renowned for the visiting dolphins which interact with humans, but our main purpose visiting this place was to find the Thick‑billed Grasswren. It turned out to be a piece of cake. When we arrived at the car park a Thick‑billed Grasswren was hopping under the bushes and we got great views of this bird.
Having achieved our objectives we spent a short time on the terrace enjoying a few very cold beers while having good looks at the Bottle‑nose Dolphins. The day was capped off with fantastic looks at three Thick-billed Grasswrens near Denham.
Saturday 11th November
Next morning found us on the explorer's walk trail on the dunes at Monkey Mia. The Monkey Mia resort area held few birds, but we counted no less than seven Thick‑billed Grasswrens during the stroll. Hereafter we drove back to the highway and made a stop at both windmills near the Overlander Resthouse and diligent searching resulted in great close‑ups of a Crimson Chat and a few Chiming Wedgebills and for the first time we heard the Wedgebill's monotonous calling.
Continuing on, we stopped at New Beach and explored the mangroves and were able to spot Far Eastern Curlew, Mongolian & Greater Sandplover, Mangrove Fantail, Dusky Gerygone and Slender‑billed Thornbill.
We had a lunch stop at Carnarvon and then headed to the nearby Rocky Pools. We made a few stops along the corrugated road, checking the windmills, but we only discovered dead sheep, flocks of Zebra Finches and a few Fairy Martins.
The pools were very disappointing and the only birds we did see were Torresian Crow, Whistling Kite, Sacred Kingfisher, Singing Honeyeater and White‑plumed Honeyeater. We returned to Carnarvon and checked into the Gateway Motel.
Sunday 12th November
We left Carnarvon and headed northwards to Cape Range NP. En route we made a few stops and amongst the birds encountered were Black‑breasted Kite, Spotted Harrier, Little Corella, Red‑backed Kingfisher, Hooded Robin, Black‑faced Woodswallow and Brown Songlark. In the early afternoon we visited Charles Knife Road in Cape Range NP, a scenic drive following the razor backed ridges of the range, providing breathtaking downward glimpse into the stark multi‑coloured gorges. Especially a small pool near a water tank was very productive with Spinifex Pigeon, Western Bowerbird, Rainbow Bee‑eater, Singing Honeyeater and Grey‑headed Honeyeater. Other interesting birds encountered along the road were Variegated Fairywren, White‑winged Triller and Pied Butcherbird.
We then drove to the Shothole Canyon Road, an unsealed canyon road providing access into a spectacular gorge with sheer canyon walls. We spent much of the afternoon searching unsuccessfully for Spinifexbird, but the only other interesting bird in the attempt was Little Woodswallow. An Osprey was nesting in a power pole along the road when we arrived in Exmouth and masses of Little Corellas were found everywhere in town. We checked into the Potshot Hotel resort.
Our visit to the sewage works did not add any new birds
to our trip list.
Monday 13th November
Next morning found us very early at the water reservoir along the Charles Knife Road, where we counted no less than 31 Western Bowerbirds. Our visit to Shothole Canyon was more successful now and good views were obtained of Spinifexbird. We did hear the skulking Rufous‑crowned Emuwren, but were not able to find it in the spinifex clumps. We searched without success for Painted Firetail and Red‑browed Pardalote.
It was blisteringly hot when we returned in Exmouth, locating a few Diamond Doves, Western Bowerbirds and a real surprise, a White‑tailed Tropicbird above the city!
In the afternoon we visited the Milyering Visitor Centre and Mangrove Bay, another part of Cape Range NP. Near the visitor centre we saw seven Banded Lapwings. Our visit at the bird hide in the mangroves was disappointing, as there was no exposed mud area for waders to feed.
However our stroll to the mangroves straight ahead from the car park did add Great Knot, White‑breasted Whistler and White‑breasted Woodswallow to our list. Other birds we encountered here were Pacific Reef‑Heron, Far Eastern Curlew, Grey‑tailed Tattler and Red‑backed Kingfisher.
Late afternoon found us at Coral View. A walk along the beach provided us with a small breeding colony of Fairy Terns and a few Lesser Crested Terns.
Tuesday 14th November
We left Exmouth in the early morning and luck was with us as we spotted a pair of Australian Bustards by the roadside near Coral Bay, a new addition to our birding tally. Today was largely a travelling day as we headed southwards to Geraldton. Some of the more notable species seen en route included Black‑breasted Kite, Mulga Parrot, Red‑capped Robin, Southern Scrub‑Robin and White‑fronted Honeyeater.
We spent the night at the Sun City Motel in Geraldton.
Wednesday 15th November
We stocked up on cold drinks and suncream and set off eastwards on a splendid highway through the arid landscape heading towards Cue into the Australian Outback. Again we were reminded of the enormity of the country and what seemed a relatively short distance on the map took us all morning.
En route we note five Banded Lapwings near Mullewa and we also made a stop at the Emu proof fence about 7km west of Yalgoo and made a walk in the Mulga. Amongst the birds encountered here were Mulga Parrot, Variegated & Splendid Fairywren, Redthroat, Southern Whiteface, Slender‑billed Thornbill, Grey‑crowned Babbler, Torresian Crow and Chiming Wedgebill.
We ate at a petrol station in Mount Magnet and then headed
northwards. In the early afternoon we arrived at the small town of Cue, also
known as "Queen of the Murchison", scene of a huge gold rush during the
late 1890's.
We then headed to nearby Nallan Station, 11 km north of Cue. Nallan Station had been recommended to me by Frank O'Connor. A short stroll around the Station provided us with Western Bowerbird, Chiming Wedgebill, Singing Honeyeater and White‑plumed Honeyeater. We could not find anybody at the station and then returned to Cue and saw our only White‑browed Treecreeper on the outskirts of the small town, which obligingly gave very good views.
It was scorching hot and we drank a few beers in a local bar and then returned to the station, finding Michael Clinch near the shearing shed. The station was our base for the next three days. A new experience for us was the sight of hundreds of tree frogs living down and frequently leaping out of the toilet and the washing‑machine. The large Gould's Monitors trying to gain access to our room, the House Gecko's catching moths in the kitchen, to say nothing of the small bat in my bedroom, all added to the outback atmosphere.
A late visit to Judas Well did not add any new birds on our birding list.
Thursday 16th November
We were all out at first light, greeted by the raucous calls of Western Bowerbirds coming to drink the water that the windmill had noisily creaked up overnight and we also had in‑flight looks at an adult Brown Goshawk flying over our cottage.
We spent nearly all day at the station, visiting Judas Well, Clinches Well, Marshalls Well and the paddocks en route.
We spent a lot of time trying to distinguish Slaty‑backed Thornbills and at last we identified three birds. Other hightlights we encountered were Diamond Dove, Bourke's Parrot, Crested Bellbird, Rufous Whistler, the very common Spiny‑cheeked Honeyeater and Chiming Wedgebill.
When we returned to the homestead, eagle‑eyed Eric discovered an Australian Owlet‑Nightjar in a hollow pipe of the water tank near the house, peering at us from its roost hole. Excellent photographs were made of this beautiful bird, an unexpected bonus for Vital, who had missed the bird when he did not accompany us to the Deniliquin area in 1991.
Mid-afternoon found us east of Cue in the Sandstone Road area. Frank O'Connor's reliable site for Chestnut‑breasted Quail‑thrush proved to be very reliable, because we saw no less than four birds under the bushes!
We again had dinner at the Cue Hotel.
Friday 17th November
Next morning we walked to the track opposite the homestead on the other side of the airstrip encountering a rich variety of birds along the way including White‑fronted Honeyeater and our only Grey Honeyeater of the trip.
We spent nearly all day at the station visiting many wells and paddocks. Amongst the highlights encountered were Mulga Parrot, Bourke's Parrot, Red‑backed Kingfisher, Redthroat, Slaty‑backed Thornbill, Hooded Robin, Varied Sitella and Australasian Pipit.
We then headed to Lake Nallan and amongst the birds seen here were Hoary‑headed Grebe, Australian Shelduck, Musk Duck, Great Egret, Black‑fronted Dotterel, Red‑capped Robin and Southern Whiteface.
Saturday 18th November
The next day we left Nallan Station and birding en route returned via the Great Northern Highway (650km) to Perth.
Birds en route Cue - Mount Magnet seen were e.g. Wedge‑tailed Eagle, Chestnut‑rumped Thornbill and our only Pallid Cuckoo of the trip. We made a stop at Mount Magnet, another gold town, where they once "dug it up like potatoes". We spent a few hours west of Mount Magnet, an area recommended by Chris Steeman. We arrived rather late in the morning at this area and we did not see many birds, amongst them Red‑backed Kingfisher, Red‑capped Robin, Hooded Robin and Chiming Wedgebill. En route to Perth we made many stops, but the birds we noted were the same ones we had seen the past three weeks amongst them Yellow‑billed Spoonbill, White‑tailed Black‑Cockatoo, Western Corella, Striated Pardalote and White‑winged Triller. We checked into the Bel Eyre Motel in Perth.
Sunday/Monday 19th/20th November
Before heading to the Perth airport we decided to devote our last hours in Western Australia to the lakes in Perth.
We spent a few hours at Herdsman Lake adding Horsfield's Bronze‑Cuckoo to our trip list and a visit to Lake Monger did not bring any new birds. At 16.30 we left Perth and at 9.00 o'clock the next morning we arrived in Brussels and Vital's luggage was, as usual, still in London. I was back in the Netherlands at 12.30.
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We had a fairly successful trip and all in all we saw most of our target species, although we dipped a few species: Hooded Plover, Painted Buttonquail, Black & Pied Honeyeater (nomadic species) and Painted Firetail. The final total for the three weeks trip was 231species and I finished the trip with 64 lifers.
My ten best birds of the trip? Yellow‑nosed Albatross, Malleefowl, Fairy Tern, Spinifex Pigeon, Western Corella, White‑breasted Robin, Noisy Scrub‑bird, Western Whipbird, Western Bristlebird and Thick‑billed Grasswren, lifers all of course.
Chaam, 25 January 2001,
If you need any help or further information, contact me at the following address and I'll try and help if I can!
Jan Vermeulen
Bredaseweg 14
4861 AH Chaam
The Netherlands
Telephone: (031) - 161 - 491327
E-mail: jem.vermeulen@wxs.nl
SYSTEMATIC LIST OF BIRDS
This list follows the taxonomy, names and sequence of James F. Clements (Birds of the World, A Check List, Fifth Edition, 2000). This fifth edition follows the higher taxonomic sequence outlined in the "Handbook of the Birds of the World" series published by Lynx Edicions.
Species in brackets are the English names in "Field Guide to the Birds of Australia" by Simpson & Day, but only mentioned when these differ substantially from the Clements Check List.
The Dutch names follow the translated "Complete Checklist of Birds of the World" (Complete Checklist van Vogels van de Wereld) of Michael Walters.
Numbers quoted are estimates of the minimum numbers seen.
The following abbreviations are used:
NP = National Park
SF = State Forest
NR = Nature Reserve
25+ = at least 25 birds
* = introduced species
1. EMU, Dromaius novaehollandiae,
Emoe
Seen on 11 dates at widespread locations with a maximum of 18 birds en route
Geraldton - Kalbarri NP.
2. AUSTRALASIAN GREBE, Tachybaptus
novaehollandiae, Australische Dodaars
Seen on 9 dates with a maximum of 400+ at Lake Monger.
3. HOARY-HEADED GREBE, Poliocephalus poliocephalus, Grijskopfuut
Not so common as the previous species with a maximum of 200+ at Lake Warden NR at Esperance and 100+ at Herdsman Lake.
4. GREAT CRESTED GREBE,
Podiceps cristatus, Fuut
1 at Lake Monger and 5 at Herdsman Lake.
5. YELLOW-NOSED ALBATROSS,
Thalassarche chlororhynchos, Geelneusalbatros
2 at Tondirrup NP, 1 at Cape Leeuwin and 1 at Cape Naturaliste.
6. FLESH-FOOTED SHEARWATER,
Puffinus carneipes, Australische Grote
Pijlstormvogel
6 at Tondirrup NP and 15+ at Cape Naturaliste.
7. LITTLE SHEARWATER, Puffinus
assimilis, Kleine Pijlstormvogel
2 at Tondirrup NP.
8. RED-TAILED TROPICBIRD,
Phaethon rubricauda, Roodstaartkeerkringvogel
4 at Sugarloaf Rock (Cape Naturaliste).
9. WHITE-TAILED TROPICBIRD,
Phaethon lepturus, Witstaartkeerkringvogel
A single one at Exmouth (!).
10. AUSTRALIAN PELICAN, Pelecanus
conspicillatus, Australische Pelikaan
A common and widespread species.
11. AUSTRALIAN GANNET, Morus serrator,
Pacifische Jan-van-gent
2 at Tondirrup NP.
12. LITTLE BLACK CORMORANT, Phalacrocorax
sulcirostris, Zwarte Aalscholver
Seen in small numbers in suitable habitat.
13. GREAT CORMORANT, Phalacrocorax
carbo, Aalscholver
Seen in small numbers along the coast.
14. PIED CORMORANT, Phalacrocorax
varius, Bonte Aalscholver
A common and widespread species.
15. BLACK-FACED CORMORANT, Phalacrocorax
fuscescens, Blauwmaskeraalscholver
75+ at the jetty in Esperance.
16. LITTLE PIED CORMORANT, Phalacrocorax
melanoleucos, Kleine Bonte Aalscholver
4 at Wungong Gorge, small numbers along the coast.
17. DARTER, Anhinga melanogaster,
Slangenhalsvogel
1 at Kings Park in Perth, 1 at Two Peoples Bay, 2 at the lakes near Esperance
and 1at Mandurah boat harbour.
18. PACIFIC HERON, Ardea pacifica,
Withalsreiger
1 at Esperance and 4 at Carnarvon.
19. GREAT EGRET, Ardea alba,
Grote Zilverreiger
8 at the lakes near Esperance, 5 at Carnarvon, 2 at Lake Nallan and 20+ at Herdsman
Lake.
20. WHITE-FACED HERON, Egretta
novaehollandiae, Witwangreiger
Seen every day of the trip with up to 15 a day.
21. LITTLE EGRET, Egretta garzetta,
Kleine Zilverreiger
3 at Carnarvon.
22. PACIFIC REEF-HERON, Egretta
sacra, Oostelijke Rifreiger
1 at Kalbarri and 2 at Mangrove Bay.
23. CATTLE EGRET, Bubulcus ibis,
Koereiger
2 near Albany.
24. STRIATED HERON, Butorides striatus,
Mangrovereiger
2 at Monkey Mia and 1 at Mangrove Bay.
25. RUFOUS NIGHT-HERON, Nycticorax
caledonicus, Rosse Kwak
4 at Mandurah boat harbour and 2 at Herdsman Lake.
26. AUSTRALIAN IBIS, Threskiornis molucca, Australische Witte Ibis
1 at Wungong Gorge, small numbers at the Kalgan River/King River mouth near Albany, Mandurah boat harbour and Herdsman Lake in Perth.
27. STRAW-NECKED IBIS, Threskiornis spinicollis, Strohalsibis
Small numbers in the Albany area, 500+ near Esperance, 100+ near Augusta, 20+ near Geraldton and 25+ near Carnarvon.
28. YELLOW-BILLED SPOONBILL, Platalea flavipes, Geelsnavellepelaar
2 at the Kalgan River mouth near Albany, a few at the lakes near Esperance and Augusta, 7 at Carnarvon and 6 at Herdsman Lake in Perth.
29. BLACK SWAN, Cygnus atratus,
Zwarte Zwaan
A common and widespread species.
30. CAPE BARREN GOOSE, Cereopsis
novaehollandiae, Hoendergans
4 at the golf course in Esperance.
31. AUSTRALIAN SHELDUCK, Tadorna tadornoides, Australische Bergeend
A few in the Albany area, abundant in the Esperance area (Mullet Lake NR), common at Lake Monger and Herdsman Lake in Perth and 6 at Lake Nallan.
32. MANED DUCK, Chenonetta jubata,
Manengans
A fairly common and widespread species with up to 50 a day.
33. GREY TEAL, Anas gracilis,
Grijze Taling
A common and widespread species.
34. CHESTNUT TEAL, Anas castanea,
Kastanjetaling
4 at Lake Warden NR and 4 near Ravensthorpe.
35. * MALLARD, Anas platyrhynchos,
Wilde Eend
A few on the lakes near Esperance.
36. PACIFIC BLACK DUCK, Anas
superciliosa, Wenkbrauweend
A rather common and widespread species.
37. AUSTRALIAN SHOVELER, Anas rhynchotis,
Australische Slobeend
1 near Ravensthorpe and 6 at Lake Monger in Perth.
38. PINK-EARED DUCK, Malacorhynchus
membranaceus, Lepelbekeend
2 at a lake ±10 km west of Esperance en route to Ravensthorpe.
39. WHITE-EYED DUCK (HARDHEAD), Aythya
australis, Australische Witoogeend
25+ at Lake Monger and a few at Herdsman Lake in Perth.
40. BLUE-BILLED DUCK, Oxyura
australis, Australische Stekelstaart
18 at Lake Monger and 2 at Herdsman Lake in Perth.
41. MUSK DUCK, Biziura lobata,
Australische Muskuseend
6 at Lake Warden NR near Esperance, 75+ at Lake Monger in Perth, a few at Herdsman
Lake in Perth and 4 at Lake Nallan.
42. OSPREY, Pandion haliaetus,
Visarend
4 at Exmouth.
43. SQUARE-TAILED KITE, Lophoictinia
isura, Kortstaartwouw
Single ones at Dryandra SF and near Kalbarri NP.
44. BLACK-BREASTED KITE, Hamirostra
melanosternon, Buizerdwouw
Singles near Kalbarri NP, at Murchison River bridge, ±100 km north of Carnarvon
and at Cape Range NP.
45. AUSTRALIAN KITE, Elanus axillaris,
Australische Grijze Wouw
Seen in small numbers nearly every day of the trip.
46. BLACK KITE, Milvus migrans,
Zwarte Wouw
Just a single bird seen at Stirling Range NP.
47. WHISTLING KITE, Haliastur sphenurus, Wigstaartwouw
3 in the Albany area, 2 at Murchison River bridge, 2 at Rocky Pools near Carnarvon, 1 at Cape Range NP, 1 near Geraldton and 3 at Nallan Station.
48. SWAMP HARRIER, Circus approximans,
Moeraskiekendief
2 in the Albany area, 3 at Cape Le Grand NP, 1 near Ravensthorpe and 1 at Cape
Naturaliste.
49. SPOTTED HARRIER, Circus assimilis,
Gevlekte Kiekendief
Single ones ±100 km north of Carnarvon and at Cape Range NP.
50. BROWN GOSHAWK, Accipiter fasciatus,
Australische Havik
Single ones at Wungong Gorge, Stirling Range NP, Cape Le Grand NP and Nallan
Station.
51. COLLARED SPARROWHAWK, Accipiter
cirrocephalus, Grijskopsperwer
1 at Dryandra SF, 2 in the Shark Bay area, 1 near Geraldton and 2 at Nallan
Station.
52. WEDGE-TAILED EAGLE, Aquila
audax, Wigstaartarend
Seen on 11 days with a maximum of 8 on the 10th November.
53. LITTLE EAGLE, Hieraaetus morphnoides,
Australische Dwergarend
1 at Foxes Lair in Narrogin, 3 at Stirling Range NP, 1 near Albany, 1 at Two
Peoples Bay and 1 near Lake Gore.
54. AUSTRALIAN KESTREL, Falco cenchroides,
Australische Torenvalk
A common and widespread species with up to 20 a day.
55. AUSTRALIAN HOBBY, Falco longipennis,
Australische Boomvalk
1 at Stirling Range NP, 1 at Nallan Station and 1 at Herdsman Lake in Perth.
56. BROWN FALCON, Falco berigora,
Grote Bruine Valk
Seen in small numbers nearly every day of the trip.
57. PEREGRINE FALCON, Falco peregrinus,
Slechtvalk
2 at Stirling Range NP and 1 at Kalbarri NP.
58. MALLEEFOWL, Leipoa ocellata,
Thermometervogel
9 at Jerramungup at the Barrett farm.
59. * HELMETED GUINEAFOWL, Numida
meleagris, Helmparelhoen
A single one en route Wungong Gorge - Dryandra SF.
60. SPOTTED CRAKE, Porzana porzana,
Porseleinhoen
A single observation at Lake Monger in Perth.
61. PURPLE SWAMPHEN, Porphyrio
porphyrio, Purperkoet
2 at Two Peoples Bay, 1 at Albany, 1 at Cape Le Grand NP, 20+ at Lake Monger
in Perth and a few at Herdsman Lake in Perth.
62. DUSKY MOORHEN, Gallinula tenebrosa,
Zwart Waterhoen
25+ at Lake Monger and small numbers at Herdsman Lake in Perth.
63. EURASIAN COOT, Fulica atra,
Meerkoet
A fairly common species in suitable habitat.
64. AUSTRALIAN BUSTARD, Ardeotis
australis, Australische Trap
A pair along the Learmonth Minilya Road near Coral Bay.
65. PIED OYSTERCATCHER, Haematopus
longirostris, Australische Bonte Scholekster
Small numbers along the southwest coast.
66. SOOTY OYSTERCATCHER, Haematopus
fuliginosus, Australische Zwarte Scholekster
Small numbers along the coast with a maximum of 17 at Cape Le Grand NP.
67. BLACK-WINGED STILT, Himantopus
himantopus, Steltkluut
5 at Esperance and 11 at Mandurah boat harbour.
68. BANDED LAPWING, Vanellus tricolor,
Australische Kievit
7 at Cape Range NP and 5 near Mullewa.
69. MASKED LAPWING, Vanellus miles,
Maskerkievit
3 at Lake Gore near Esperance.
70. PACIFIC GOLDEN-PLOVER, Pluvialis
fulva, Kleine Goudplevier
12 at the Kalgan River mouth near Albany.
71. BLACK-BELLIED (GREY) PLOVER, Pluvialis squatarola, Zilverplevier
Small numbers at the Kalgan River/King River mouth area near Albany, 2 at Mandurah boat harbour and 4 at Mangrove Bay.
72. RED-CAPPED PLOVER, Charadrius
ruficapillus, Roodkopplevier
5 at Lake Gore near Esperance, 10+ at Augusta, 25+ at New Beach and 10+ at Mangrove
Bay.
73. MONGOLIAN PLOVER, Charadrius
mongolus, Mongoolse Plevier
Small numbers at New Beach and Mangrove Bay.
74. GREATER (LARGE) SANDPLOVER, Charadrius
leschenaultii, Woestijnplevier
2 at New Beach and 10+ at Mangrove Bay.
75. BLACK-FRONTED DOTTEREL, Elseyornis
melanops, Maskerplevier
1 at Lake Windabout near Esperance, 2 at Lake Gore near Esperance and 30+ at
Lake Nallan.
76. BLACK-TAILED GODWIT, Limosa
limosa, Grutto
1 at Denham and 11 at New Beach.
77. WHIMBREL, Numenius phaeopus,
Regenwulp
1 at the Kalgan River mouth near Albany, 6 at Mandurah boat harbour and 7 at
Mangrove Bay.
78. FAR EASTERN CURLEW, Numenius
madagascariensis, Siberische Wulp
2 at New Beach and 2 at Mangrove Bay.
79. MARSH SANDPIPER, Tringa stagnatilis, Poelruiter
20+ at the Kalgan River/King River mouth near Albany, a few at Lake Gore near Esperance, Mandurah boat harbour and Kalbarri.
80. COMMON GREENSHANK, Tringa nebularia,
Groenpootruiter
2 at Lake Gore near Esperance, a few at Denham and Mangrove Bay and 23 at Lake
Nallan.
81. TEREK SANDPIPER, Xenus cinereus,
Terekruiter
A single observation at Mandurah boat harbour.
82. COMMON SANDPIPER, Actites hypoleucos,
Oeverloper
Small numbers at suitable habitat along the coast.
83. GREY-TAILED TATTLER, Heteroscelus
brevipes, Siberische Grijze Ruiter
5 at Kalgan River/King River mouth near Albany, 2 at New Beach and 3 at Mangrove
Bay.
84. RUDDY TURNSTONE, Arenaria interpres,
Steenloper
8 at Augusta, 2 at Kalbarri and single ones at New Beach and Mangrove Bay.
85. GREAT KNOT, Calidris tenuirostris,
Grote Kanoet
15+ at Mangrove Bay.
86. RED-NECKED STINT, Calidris
ruficollis, Roodkeelstrandloper
Common along the coast.
87. SHARP-TAILED SANDPIPER, Calidris
acuminata, Siberische Strandloper
7 at Lake Gore near Esperance.
88. CURLEW SANDPIPER, Calidris
ferruginea, Krombekstrandloper
3 at Mangrove Bay.
89. PACIFIC GULL, Larus pacificus,
Diksnavelmeeuw
Seen in good numbers along the southwest coast.
90. SILVER GULL, Larus novaehollandiae,
Witkopmeeuw
Abundant along the coast.
91. CASPIAN TERN, Sterna caspia,
Reuzenstern
Seen in small numbers along the coast.
92. GREAT CRESTED TERN, Sterna
bergii, Grote Kuifstern
Fairly common along the coast.
93. LESSER CRESTED TERN, Sterna
bengalensis, Bengaalse Stern
Small numbers along the coast in the Exmouth area at Coral View.
94. FAIRY TERN, Sterna nereis,
Elfenstern
2 at Mandurah boat harbour and 12 at Coral View near Exmouth (small breeding
colony).
95. ROCK DOVE, Columba livia,
Rotsduif
Fairly common in cities and villages.
96. SPOTTED (TURTLE-) DOVE, Streptopelia
chinensis, Parelhalstortel
Seen in small numbers in the Perth area.
97. LAUGHING (TURTLE-) DOVE, Streptopelia
senegalensis, Palmtortel
Seen in small numbers in suburban areas near Perth and Esperance.
98. COMMON BRONZEWING, Phaps chalcoptera,
Bronsvleugelduif
A common and widespread species.
99. BRUSH BRONZEWING, Phaps elegans,
Struikbronsvleugelduif
4 at Two Peoples Bay, 2 near Albany and 2 at Cape Le Grand NP.
100. CRESTED PIGEON, Geophaps lophotes,
Spitskuifduif
A very common species, seen almost every day of the trip.
101. SPINIFEX PIGEON, Geophaps
plumifera, Spinifexduif
9 at Charles Knife Canyon in Cape Range NP.
102. DIAMOND DOVE, Geopelia cuneata,
Diamantduif
1 at New Beach and 15+ at Nallan Station.
103. PEACEFUL DOVE, Geopelia placida,
Goulds Zebraduif
6 at Exmouth.
104. RED-TAILED BLACK-COCKATOO, Calyptorhynchus
banksii, Roodstaartraafkaketoe
4 at Wungong Gorge, 2 en route Rock Gully - Lake Muir, 3 at Kalbarri NP.
105. SLENDER-BILLED BLACK-COCKATOO,
Calyptorhynchus latirostris, Slanksnavelraafkaketoe
20+ near Two Peoples Bay and 3 in the Albany area.
106. WHITE-TAILED (LONG-BILLED) BLACK-COCKATOO,
Calyptorhynchus baudinii, Witoorraafkaketoe
40+ at Stirling Range NP, 10+ a few km north of Geraldton, 20+ ±100 km north
of Perth.
107. GALAH, Eolophus roseicapillus,
Roze Kaketoe
Abundant.
108. WESTERN CORELLA, Cacatua pastinator,
Westelijke Langsnavelkaketoe
50+ 100 km north of Perth, a few at Herdsman Lake and 30+ ±150 km north of Perth.
109. LITTLE CORELLA, Cacatua sanguinea,
Naaktoogkaketoe
500+ ±100 km north of Geraldton, 300+ in the Exmouth area.
110. RAINBOW LORIKEET, Trichoglossus
haematodus, Regenbooglori
10+ at Lake Monger in Perth.
111. PURPLE-CROWNED LORIKEET, Glossopsitta
porphyrocephala, Purperkaplori
6 at Dryandra SF, 20+ at Stirling Range NP and 20+ at Fitzgerald River bridge.
112. RED-CAPPED PARROT, Purpureicephalus spurius, Roodkapparkiet
4 at Wungong Gorge, 2 at Dryandra SF, 10+ at Stirling Range NP, 2 at Two Peoples Bay, 3 near Lake Gore and 4 at Fitzgerald River bridge.
113. PORT LINCOLN PARROT, Barnardius
zonarius, Port-Lincolnparkiet
A very common and widespread species.
114. WESTERN ROSELLA, Platycercus
icterotis, Stanleyrosella
2 at Wungong Gorge, 4 at Dryandra SF, 10+ at Stirling Range NP and a few near
Albany.
115. MULGA PARROT, Psephotus varius,
Regenboogparkiet
2 about 150 km north of Geraldton, 4 near Yalgoo, 25+ at Nallan Station, a few
near Mount Magnet.
116. BOURKE'S PARROT, Neophema
bourkii, Bourkes Parkiet
13 at Nallan Station.
117. ELEGANT PARROT, Neophema elegans,
Prachtparkiet
A few near Wagin, 10+ at Stirling Range NP.
118. ROCK PARROT, Neophema petrophila,
Rotsparkiet
10+ at Two Peoples Bay, 2 at Cape Le Grand NP, 9 at Augusta.
119. REGENT PARROT, Polytelis anthopeplus,
Regentparkiet
A pair at Stirling Range NP.
120. PALLID CUCKOO, Cuculus pallidus,
Vale Koekoek
A single observation along the Great Northern Highway en route Cue - Mount Magnet.
121. FAN-TAILED CUCKOO, Cacomantis
flabelliformis, Waaierstaartkoekoek
A single one at Two Peoples Bay.
122. HORSFIELD'S BRONZE-CUCKOO, Chrysococcyx
basalis, Horsfields Bronskoekoek
Just a single bird seen at Herdsman Lake in Perth.
123. SHINING BRONZE-CUCKOO, Chrysococcyx
lucidus, Gouden Bronskoekoek
A single bird at Pongarup NP.
124. BARN OWL, Tyto alba,
Kerkuil
A single one while spotlighting at Dryandra SF.
125. AUSTRALIAN OWLET-NIGHTJAR, Aegotheles
cristatus, Australische Dwergnachtzwaluw
A splendid observation at Nallan Station.
126. TAWNY FROGMOUTH, Podargus
strigoides, Uilnachtzwaluw
2 while spotlighting at Dryandra SF and a pair with 2 young birds on the nest
at Stirling Range Retreat.
127. LAUGHING KOOKABURRA, Dacelo
novaeguineae, Kookaburra
Small numbers almost every day in the southwest.
128. RED-BACKED KINGFISHER, Todirhamphus
pyrrhopygia, Roodrugijsvogel
1 ± 150 km south of Exmouth, 3 at Cape Range NP, 1 at Nallan Station and 1 at
Mount Magnet.
129. SACRED KINGFISHER, Todirhamphus
sanctus, Heilige IJsvogel
Singles at Foxes Lair, Stirling Range NP, Two Peoples Bay, Shark Lake, Carnarvon
and Exmouth, 2 at Rocky Pools.
130. RAINBOW BEE-EATER, Merops
ornatus, Regenboogbijeneter
10+ at Dryandra SF, a few at Stirling Range NP, Kalbarri NP, Cape Range NP and
Herdsman Lake.
131. NOISY SCRUB-BIRD, Atrichornis
clamosus, Grote Doornkruiper
1 seen and 2 heard at Two Peoples Bay.
132. AUSTRALASIAN BUSHLARK, Mirafra
javanica, Oosterse Struikleeuwerik
2 ±50 km south of Exmouth.
133. WHITE-BACKED SWALLOW, Cheramoeca
leucosternus, Witrugzwaluw
6 en route Overlander Roadhouse - Denham, 2 near Mount Magnet.
134. WELCOME SWALLOW, Hirundo neoxena,
Welkomzwaluw
A very common and widespread species.
135. TREE MARTIN, Hirundo nigricans,
Australische Boomzwaluw
A fairly common and widespread species.
136. FAIRY MARTIN, Hirundo ariel,
Feezwaluw
2 near Rocky Pools, small numbers en route Carnarvon - Exmouth.
137. AUSTRALASIAN PIPIT, Anthus
novaeseelandiae, Nieuw-Zeelandse Pieper
A common and widespread species.
138. BLACK-FACED CUCKOO-SHRIKE, Coracina
novaehollandiae, Australische Rupsvogel
Seen almost every day with up to 20+ on the 18th November.
139. WHITE-WINGED TRILLER, Lalage
tricolor, Grijsstuittriller
2 at Two Peoples Bay and 6 at Cape Range NP.
140. AUSTRALIAN REED-WARBLER, Acrocephalus
australis, Australische Karekiet
8 at Lake Monger and a few at Herdsman Lake.
141. LITTLE GRASSBIRD, Megalurus
gramineus, Dwerggrasvogel
5 at Lake Monger in Perth.
142. BROWN SONGLARK, Cinclorhamphus cruralis, Roestbruine Grasvogel
2 near Stirling Range NP, a few en route Overlander
Roadhouse - Denham, in the Exmouth area and at Nallan Station, 3 along the Great
Northern Highway en route from Mount Magnet southwards to Perth.
143. RUFOUS SONGLARK, Cinclorhamphus
mathewsi, Roodstuitgrasvogel
Small numbers en route Overlander Roadhouse - Denham, a few en route Geraldton
- Exmouth.
144. SPINIFEX-BIRD, Eremiornis
carteri, Spinifexzanger
6 at Cape Range NP.
145. WILLIE-WAGTAIL, Rhipidura
leucophrys, Tuinwaaierstaart
A very common and widespread species.
146. MANGROVE FANTAIL, Rhipidura
phasiana, Mangrovewaaierstaart
1 at New Beach and 4 at Mangrove Bay.
147. GREY FANTAIL, Rhipidura fuliginosa,
Grijze Waaierstaart
A common bird in southwest Australia.
148. RESTLESS FLYCATCHER, Myiagra
inquieta, Witkeelmonarch
1 at Kings Park, 4 at Dryandra SF and 3 at Stirling Range NP.
149. SCARLET ROBIN, Petroica multicolor,
Karmijnvliegenvanger
4 at Dryandra SF and 2 at Stirling Range NP.
150. RED-CAPPED ROBIN, Petroica goodenovii, Roodkapvliegenvanger
1 at Dryandra SF, 2 near Murchison River bridge, 4 at Cape Range NP, 2 near Yalgoo, 15+ at Nallan Station, 1 at Mount Magnet and 2 en route Mount Magnet - Perth.
151. HOODED ROBIN, Melanodryas
cucullata, Zwartkopvliegenvanger
2 at the Overlander Roadhouse area, 1 en route Carnarvon - Cape Range NP, 5
at Nallan Station and 2 at Mount Magnet.
152. GREY-BREASTED (WESTERN YELLOW) ROBIN,
Eopsaltria griseogularis, Grijsborstvliegenvanger
5 at Dryandra SF, 4 at Stirling Range NP and 1 near Ravensthorpe.
153. WHITE-BREASTED ROBIN, Eopsaltria
georgiana, Grijs-witte Vliegenvanger
2 at Stirling Range NP, 1 at Sugarloaf Rock and 1 at Kalbarri NP.
154. SOUTHERN SCRUB-ROBIN, Drymodes
brunneopygia, Malleefluiter
Single ones at Stirling Range NP and Kalbarri NP.
155. CRESTED SHRIKE-TIT, Falcunculus
frontatus, Harlekijndikkop
A surprise, a single one at Stirling Range Retreat.
156. CRESTED BELLBIRD, Oreoica
gutturalis, Kuifdikkop
2 at the Overlander Roadhouse area, small numbers at Nallan Station 2 at Mount
Magnet.
157. GOLDEN WHISTLER, Pachycephala
pectoralis, Gouden Fluiter
3 at Dryandra SF, 1 near Ravensthorpe and 2 at Fitzgerald River bridge.
158. RUFOUS WHISTLER, Pachycephala
rufiventris, Grijsrugfluiter
2 at Dryandra SF, 5 at Murchison River bridge, up to 7 a day at Nallan Station,
3 near Mount Magnet.
159. WHITE-BREASTED WHISTLER, Pachycephala
lanioides, Krabbenfluiter
A male at Mangrove Bay.
160. GREY SHRIKE-THRUSH, Colluricincla
harmonica, Grijze Lijsterdikkop
A rather common bird and seen on 12 days.
161. GREY-CROWNED BABBLER, Pomatostomus
temporalis, Grijskruinraltimalia
5 en route Yalgoo - Mount Magnet, up to 15 a day at Nallan Station and 10+ near
Mount Magnet.
162. WHITE-BROWED BABBLER, Pomatostomus
superciliosus, Witbrauwraltimalia
10+ at Dryandra SF, small numbers in the Overlander Roadhouse area, up to 25
a day at Nallan Station.
163. WESTERN WHIPBIRD, Psophodes
nigrogularis, Grijskopzwiepfluiter
A mega-skulker, 2 heard at Two Peoples Bay and a brief glimpse at Fitzgerald
River bridge.
164. CHIMING WEDGEBILL, Psophodes
occidentalis, Klokraltimalia
A few in the Overlander Roadhouse area and en route Yalgoo - Mount Magnet, 10+
at Nallan Station.
165. CHESTNUT-BREASTED QUAIL-THRUSH,
Cinclosoma castaneothorax, Bruinborstraltimalia
4 in the Cue area.
166. WHITE-WINGED FAIRYWREN, Malurus leucopterus, Witvleugelelfje
10+ at Kalbarri NP, small numbers en route Overlander Roadhouse - Denham, 4 at Cape Range NP and 3 at Nallan Station.
167. SPLENDID FAIRYWREN, Malurus
splendens, Prachtelfje
A rather common appearance in the visited areas.
168. VARIEGATED FAIRYWREN, Malurus
lamberti, Bont Elfje
2 at Kalbarri NP, a few at Cape Range NP, small numbers at Yalgoo, Mount Magnet
and Nallan Station.
169. RED-WINGED FAIRYWREN, Malurus
elegans, Roodvleugelelfje
1 at Wungong Gorge, 2 at Pongarup NP, 2 at Two Peoples Bay and 1 at Murchison
River bridge.
170. BLUE-BREASTED FAIRYWREN, Malurus
pulcherrimus, Blauwborstelfje
4 at Dryandra SF and 4 at Murchison River bridge.
171. SOUTHERN EMUWREN, Stipiturus
malachurus, Roodooremoesluiper
2 at Two Peoples Bay.
172. RUFOUS-CROWNED EMUWREN, Stipiturus
ruficeps, Roodkapemoesluiper
A mega-skulker, only 2 heard at Cape Range NP.
173. THICK-BILLED GRASSWREN, Amytornis
textilis, Dikbekgrassluiper
8 at Monkey Mia and 3 near Denham.
174. WESTERN BRISTLEBIRD, Dasyornis
longirostris, Zwartkapborstelvogel
3 at Two Peoples Bay.
175. WHITE-BROWED SCRUBWREN, Sericornis
frontalis, Witbrauwstruiksluiper
A very common appearance in southwest Australia.
176. REDTHROAT, Pyrrholaemus brunneus,
Roodkeelstruiksluiper
1 near Murchison River bridge, 3 in the Yalgoo area and 3 at Nallan Station.
177. RUFOUS FIELDWREN (RUFOUS CALAMANTHUS), Calamanthus
campestris, Rode Struiksluiper
Singles at Two Peoples Bay and Fitzgerald River bridge.
178. SHY HYLACOLA, Hylacola cautus,
Malleeheidesluiper
A single one at Stirling Range NP.
179. WESTERN THORNBILL, Acanthiza
inornata, Kaap-Leeuwindoornsnavel
Small numbers at Wungong Gorge, Dryandra SF and near Augusta.
180. SLENDER-BILLED THORNBILL, Acanthiza
iredalei, Mulgadoornsnavel
1 at New Beach and 2 at Yalgoo.
181. INLAND THORNBILL, Acanthiza apicalis, Roodstuitdoornsnavel
Small numbers at Wungong Gorge, Dryandra SF, Foxes Lair, Stirling Range NP, en route Exmouth - Geraldton, near Yalgoo and Mount Magnet.
182. YELLOW-RUMPED THORNBILL, Acanthiza
chrysorrhoa, Geelstuitdoornsnavel
A rather common and widespread species.
183. CHESTNUT-RUMPED THORNBILL, Acanthiza
uropygialis, Roodstaartdoornsnavel
10+ at Kalbarri NP, a few en route Overlander Roadhouse - Denham and at Nallan
Station.
184. SLATY-BACKED THORNBILL, Acanthiza
robustirostris, Grijsrugdoornsnavel
8 at Nallan Station.
185. WEEBILL, Smicrornis brevirostris,
Eucalypteshaantje
1 at Dryandra SF, 2 near Ravensthorpe, 10+ at Fitzgerald River bridge and 3
at Mount Magnet.
186. DUSKY GERYGONE, Gerygone tenebrosa,
Witoogmangrovezanger
2 at New Beach and 5 at Mangrove Bay.
187. WESTERN GERYGONE, Gerygone
fusca, Witstaartmangrovezanger
3 at Dryandra SF.
188. SOUTHERN WHITEFACE, Aphelocephala
leucopsis, Zuidelijke Witgezicht
4 en route Overlander Roadhouse - Denham, 6 near Yalgoo and 15+ at Nallan Station.
189. CRIMSON CHAT, Ephthianura
tricolor, Scharlaken Schijnpaapje
2 in the Overlander Roadhouse area.
190. VARIED SITELLA, Daphoenositta
chrysoptera, Australische Boomloper
10+ at Stirling Range NP and 6 at Nallan Station.
191. WHITE-BROWED TREECREEPER, Climacteris
affinis, Witbrauwkruiper
A splendid observation near Cue.
192. RUFOUS TREECREEPER, Climacteris
rufa, Rosse Kruiper
10+ at Dryandra SF and 2 en route Rock Gully - Lake Muir.
193. MISTLETOEBIRD, Dicaeum hirundinaceum,
Roodstuithoningvogel
Singles at Dryandra SF and Cape Range NP.
194. SPOTTED PARDALOTE, Pardalotus
punctatus, Gevlekte Diamantvogel
5 "Yellow-rumped Pardalotes" seen near Ravensthorpe.
195. STRIATED PARDALOTE, Pardalotus
striatus, Geelvlekdiamantvogel
9 at Dryandra SF, 3 at Foxes Lair in Narrogin, 10+ at Stirling Range NP, 3 near
Ravensthorpe, 2 at Fitzgerald River bridge, 1at Cape Range NP and 2 south of
Magnet.
196. AUSTRALIAN YELLOW WHITE-EYE,
Zosterops luteus, Mangrovebrilvogel
2 near Denham, 10+ at New Beach and a few at Mangrove Bay.
197. SILVER-EYE, Zosterops lateralis,
Grijsrugbrilvogel
A very common and widespread species.
198. BROWN HONEYEATER, Lichmera
indistincta, Parkhoningeter
Fairly common throughout the visited areas.
199. SINGING HONEYEATER, Lichenostomus
virescens, Fluithoningeter
A common and widespread species.
200. WHITE-EARED HONEYEATER, Lichenostomus
leucotis, Witoorhoningeter
6 at Dryandra SF, 1 at Ravensthorpe and 5 at Fitzgerald River bridge.
201. PURPLE-GAPED HONEYEATER, Lichenostomus
cratitius, Purperteugelhoningeter
8 at Fitzgerald River bridge.
202. GREY-HEADED HONEYEATER, Lichenostomus
keartlandi, Grijskophoningeter
20+ at Cape Range NP.
203. YELLOW-PLUMED HONEYEATER, Lichenostomus
ornatus, Malleehoningeter
Common at Dryandra SF and Stirling Range NP.
204. WHITE-PLUMED HONEYEATER, Lichenostomus
penicillatus, Witpluimhoningeter
Common at Murchison River bridge, Rocky Pools, Exmouth and Nallan Station.
205. WHITE-NAPED HONEYEATER, Melithreptus
lunatus, Diadeemhoningeter
10+ at Dryandra SF, 8 at Stirling Range NP and a few in the Esperance area.
206. BROWN-HEADED HONEYEATER, Melithreptus
brevirostris, Bruine Diadeemhoningeter
6 at Dryandra SF, 7 at Stirling Range NP and a few in the Ravensthorpe area.
207. NEW HOLLAND HONEYEATER, Phylidonyris
novaehollandiae, Witooghoningeter
A very common species in southwestern Australia.
208. WHITE-CHEEKED HONEYEATER, Phylidonyris
nigra, Withalshoningeter
10+ at Kings Park, 10+ at Dryandra SF and small numbers at Kalbarri NP.
209. WHITE-FRONTED HONEYEATER, Phylidonyris
albifrons, Witvoorhoofdhoningeter
4 en route Carnarvon - Geraldton and 6 at Nallan Station.
210. TAWNY-CROWNED HONEYEATER, Phylidonyris
melanops, Goudkruinhoningeter
20+ at Stirling Range NP.
211. GREY HONEYEATER, Conopophila
whitei, Blauwgrijze Honingeter
A single observation at Nallan Station.
212. WESTERN SPINEBILL, Acanthorhynchus
superciliosus, Roethalshoningvogel
1 at Kings Park, 2 at Wungong Gorge, 6 at Dryandra SF, 6 at Stirling Range NP
and a few at Two Peoples Bay.
213. YELLOW-THROATED MINER, Manorina
flavigula, Witstuithoningeter
A fairly common and widespread species.
214. SPINY-CHEEKED HONEYEATER, Acanthagenys
rufogularis, Goudkeelhoningeter
A few at Cape Range NP, common near Yalgoo, Mount Magnet and at Nallan Station.
215. RED WATTLEBIRD, Anthochaera carunculata,
Roodlelhoningeter
A very common and widespread species.
216. LITTLE WATTLEBIRD, Anthochaera
lunulata, Roodvleugelhoningeter
1 at Dryandra SF, 10+ at Cape Le Grand NP and a few near Ravensthorpe.
217. MAGPIE-LARK, Grallina cyanoleuca,
Australische Slijkekster
Seen every day of the trip.
218. WHITE-BREASTED WOODSWALLOW, Artamus
leucorhynchus, Witborstspitsvogel
5 at Mangrove Bay.
219. BLACK-FACED WOODSWALLOW, Artamus
cinereus, Zwartteugelspitsvogel
4 en route Narrogin - Stirling Range NP, fairly common in the visited areas
north and east of Geraldton.
220. DUSKY WOODSWALLOW, Artamus
cyanopterus, Blauwvleugelspitsvogel
15+ at Dryandra SF, small numbers at Stirling Range NP and Two Peoples Bay.
221. LITTLE WOODSWALLOW, Artamus
minor, Roetspitsvogel
7 at Cape Range NP.
222. GREY BUTCHERBIRD, Cracticus
torquatus, Grijsrugorgelvogel
1 at Wungong Gorge and 2 en route Mount Magnet - Perth.
223. PIED BUTCHERBIRD, Cracticus
nigrogularis, Zwartkeelorgelvogel
A fairly common and widespread species.
224. AUSTRALASIAN MAGPIE, Gymnorhina
tibicen, Zwartrugfluitvogel
A very common species.
225. GREY CURRAWONG, Strepera versicolor,
Grijze Klauwierkraai
Seen in good numbers with up to 15 a day.
226. WESTERN BOWERBIRD, Chlamydera
guttata, Westelijke Prieelvogel
35+ at Cape Range NP, up to 10 a day at Nallan Station.
227. TORRESIAN CROW, Corvus orru,
Australische Kraai
Good numbers near Carnarvon and north of Carnarvon.
228. LITTLE CROW, Corvus bennetti,
Bennetts Kraai
Only identified with certainty at Shark Bay, where the species is common.
229. AUSTRALIAN RAVEN, Corvus coronoides,
Australische Raaf
A common and widespread species.
230. RED-EARED FIRETAIL, Stagonopleura
occulata, Roodoorastrild
2 at Sugarloaf Rock (Cape Naturaliste).
231. ZEBRA FINCH, Taeniopygia guttata,
Zebravink
Abundant in the areas visited north and east of Geraldton.
SYSTEMATIC LIST OF MAMMALS
This list follows the sequence and scientific nomenclature of "The Complete Book of Australian Mammals". Data are estimates of the minimum numbers seen.
1. COMMON RINGTAIL POSSUM, Spseudocheirus
peregrinus
4 at Dryandra SF.
2. WESTERN BRUSH WALLABY, Macropus irma
Seen in small numbers at Dryandra SF.
3. COMMON WALLAROO, Macropus
robustus
2 near Exmouth.
4. WESTERN GREY KANGAROO, Macropus fuliginosus
A common and widespread species.
5. RED KANGAROO, Macropus rufus
Small numbers in the Exmouth area, near Cue and the Mount Magnet area.
6. AUSTRALIAN SEA-LION, Neophoca cinerea
3 in the harbour of Esperance.
7. BOTTLE-NOSE DOLPHIN, Tursiops truncatus
25+ at Two Peoples Bay, 8 at the Mandurah Harbour and 2 at Monkey Mia.
8. * RABBIT, Oryctolagus cuniculus
A very common and widespread species.
9. * FOX, Vulpes vulpes
1 near Narrogin, 1 near Yalgoo and 2 at Nallan Station.
THE FOLLOWING LIST OF REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS WERE
SEEN DURING OUR TRIP:
House Gecko, Gould's Monitor, Rosenberg's Monitor, King Skink, Carpet Python,
Blue-tongued Skink, Thorny Devil, Tree Frog (species).
Why not send us a report, or an update to one of your current reports?
