Moderators' Note

Birders are encouraged to post lists to eBird Australia, where sightings are incorporated into the atlas. To do this you need to register with eBird Australia then login. Please send any White-throated Needletail or Fork-tailed Swift sightings directly to Prof. Michael Tarburton for his research: tarburton.m@optusnet.com.au. Include date, location and number of birds. All Regent Honeyeater and Swift Parrot reports should be forwarded to Mick Roderick to assist in the recovery of these severely declining species: mick.roderick@birdlife.org.au. Note we will not be publishing reports of Accipiter raptors (Collared Sparrowhawk, Grey/Brown Goshawks) unless they are in unusual locations, are seen with unusual prey or have been seen performing atypical behaviour. Likewise we will not be publishing every Square-tailed Kite sighting posted to Birdline because of a significant increase in reports in recent years, particularly in coastal areas (with the exception of the far north coast).

• Reports
• Criteria

November 2019

Mon 11		Swift Parrot, Painted Honeyeater Widden Brook (private property)
		During surveys in the Widden Valley, 2 Swift Parrots were heard and seen briefly, mixed in with large flocks of Little Lorikeets in flowering gums. Also 15+ Painted Honeyeaters along a ~3km stretch of the creek, getting into needle-leaf mistletoe. eBird checklist
		Liam Murphy 12/11 #242781
		Painted Honeyeater Nepean Weir, Penrith
		Painted Honeyeater heard then seen at approximately 10am this morning gleaning insects off dead trees beside the long section of railing on the Great River Walk
		Kate Buys 11/11 #242775
Sun 10		Ground Cuckoo Shrike Back Yamma State Forest
		Desperately dry conditions. Still a good set of species recorded with 2 Ground Cuckoo-shrikes, Black-eared Cuckoo, Superb Parrot, Diamond Firetail(6), Crested Shrike-tit, Hooded Robin (2pairs).
		Lorand Szucs, Janos Olah 11/11 #242773
		Freckled Duck Gum Swamp TSR (Forbes)
		A total of 27 Freckled Ducks counted on Gum Swamp
		Lorand Szucs, Janos Olah 11/11 #242772
		Red-capped Robin Capertee Valley--Birdwatching Site #8
		1 male and 1 female Red-capped Robin seen at site #8. Note gate is closed and access to campsite not possible due to bush fires.
		Martin Snowball 10/11 #242770
		Shining Bronze-cuckoo (NZ race lucidus), Painted Honeyeater Nepean Weir, Penrith
		Highlights this morning included at least one but possibly 2 NZ Shining Bronze-cuckoo (race lucidus) (only my second sighting in Sydney over the last 30 years and the NZ adult was associating with a young plumaged bird which may have been the same race), at least 2 Painted Honeyeaters, a pair of Channel-billed Cuckoos mating and a male Satin Bowerbird displaying to a female and then mating with it in the bower.
		Edwin Vella et al 10/11 #242766
		Channel-billed Cuckoo Castleagh River, Miller Street Gilgandra NSW 2827
		Could not believe my ears hearing their distinctive call this morning. Sighted a pair, one calling, flying south into the gum trees along the river. Approximately 8am 10 November 2019. (Moderator's Note: Gilgandra is further west that they are usually sighted but they are regular in the Warrumbungle Ranges further to the east. AKM)
		Amy Naef 10/11 #242765
		White-winged Triller, Shining Bronze-Cuckoo, Noisy Friarbird Leichhardt GreenWay
		All three birds unusual for Leichhardt (Sydney Inner West). The Bronze-Cuckoo was just south of Marion St yesterday (9th), the Friarbird flew over Marion St (also yesterday). The Triller was along Hawthorne Canal today near Hawthorne LR station. It shows the value of the GreenWay for small birds.
		David Hair 10/11 #242757
		Crimson Chat Long Reef Golf Course
		Crimson Chat still present at -33.743377, 151.309436 at 10am this morning
		Jayden Walsh and Mike Barrow 10/11 #242756
Sat 9		White-browed Woodsawllow Riverstone
		an unusual plumage bird seen showing more white then normal as per attached photo. Still good numbers about throughout the southern part of Riverstone.
		Edwin Vella 10/11 #242769
		Blue-billed Ducks, Great crested Grebe Pitt Town Lagoon
		2 Blue-billed Ducks and 4 Great Crested Grebe were on the lagoon.
		Edwin Vella et al 10/11 #242768
		Glossy Ibis Bushells Lagoon
		There are now 6 Glossy Ibis and 5 Whiskered Terns as well as 40 Sharp-tailed Sandpipers on the Lagoon.
		Edwin Vella 10/11 #242767
		Powerful Owl Royal Botanic Gardens (Sydney)
		The pair of Powerful Owls I first reported in August are still roosting in the Macadamia tree just down from the Palm House in the Botanic Gardens. I visit the gardens regularly and one or both owls roost in this tree about one day in three.
		Chris Gregory 10/11 #242758
		Crimson Chat, Horsfield’s Bronze-Cuckoo Long Reef Golf Course
		Continuing Crimson Chat that was first sited on Thursday still in the Same spot. As well as a Horsfield’s Bronze-Cuckoo around the main pond eBird checklist
		Theo Kemp 9/11 #242754
		Restless Flycatcher and White-winged Triller Eastlakes golf course
		Productive afternoon visit, highlights were a Restless Flycatcher, 3 White-winged Trillers, 1 Olive-backed Oriole, 2 Sacred Kingfisher, 1 Rufous Whistler, 1 Shining Bronze-cuckoo, 2 Long-billed Corella, 1 Whiskered Tern, 4 Sharp-tailed Sandpiper, 9 Latham’s Snipeand a Spotless Crake(h). Water level still dropping despite recent rain.
		David Mitford 9/11 #242751
		Wood Sandpiper Bow Bowing Park, Minto
		A Wood Sandpiper was feeding today in the narrow drainage canal that runs through Minto and Ingleburn - "Bow Bowring Creek". Reported yesterday by Kathy Mark on Macarthur BIrds Facebook. A small flock of Sharp-tailed Sandpipers was reported at this site yesterday, the Wood Sandpiper may have been travelling with them? eBird checklist
		Richard Murray 9/11 #242748
Fri 8		Banded Lapwing Patches Beach Rd, East Wardell
		A flock of at least 42 Banded Lapwings loafing around a small puddle on the side of the road adjacent some cane fields. My first ever Banded Lapwings on the far north coast of NSW. eBird checklist
		Steven McBride 8/11 #242745
		Pilotbird Woodford Dam, Blue Mountains
		1 Pilotbird showing well plus lots of Golden and Rufous Whistlers, Leaden Flycatchers and a pair of Black-faced Monarchs. First time visiting in am and first time seeing Pilotbird. Not a bird but in evening platypus can be seen on dam. eBird checklist
		Martin Snowball 8/11 #242742
		White-winged Triller, Musk Duck, Whiskered Tern Central Coast Wetlands (Tuggerah)
		1 male White-winged Triller perched in dead tree on entry to Dairy. Also present was a single female Musk Duck and two Whiskered Terns.
		Ashley Mullahey 8/11 #242739
		Brush Turkey Shoplands Rd Annangrove
		Pair of Brush Turkeys scratching in the leaf litter in my garden. A long-expected addition to the Shoplands Road list as there have been local rumours of the species existence in the upper reaches of Cattai Creek for several years.
		Darryl Smedley 8/11 #242738
		White-winged Triller South Creek, Narrabeen Lagoon
		One male WWT at 7 a.m., 8 Nov., calling well and actively feeding in tall Casuarina glauca at mouth of South Creek, Narrabeen Lagoon. Also, on 7 Nov., Lewin Rail calling at Cromer Park wetlands.
		David Sawyer 8/11 #242737
Thu 7		Crimson Chat Long Reef Golf Course
		Pathway between Long Reef Lookout and Dee Why Lagoon
		Emily Tan 9/11 #242746
		Plumed Whistling Ducks Fish Fossil Rd Canowindra
		100 Plumed Whistling Ducks, 3 Yellow billed Spoonbills and two dead Pelicans on small dam about 10Kms out of town
		B and C Huxtable 8/11 #242735
		Eastern Curlew Mill Stream Lookout (Botany)
		An Eastern Curlew was feeding with the Bar-tailed Godwits at the mouth of Mill Stream. It looks like it's the first sighting of an Eastern Curlew anywhere on the Northern side of Botany Bay since the early-2000s, when the sandbanks at Penhryn Estuary were removed to make way for the new Port. eBird checklist
		Richard Murray 7/11 #242731
		Glossy Ibis Lenaghan's Drive, Minmi
		32 glossy ibis feeding in roadside paddocks that are nicely covered with water. Afternoon viewing ideal due to sun (they are on the eastern side of the road). Coords -32.851302, 151.625260. They are very flighty (I counted them when they took flight). Stay in the car if possible but take care to pull off only in a safe place.
		David Ongley 7/11 #242730
Wed 6		Crimson Chat Wolgan Valley
		Single Crimson Chat. Strangely, no White-browed or Masked Woodswallows present in the valley as in previous years' irruptions in nearby Capertee. eBird checklist
		Greg McLachlan and Leah Pinto group 8/11 #242736
		Wood Sandpiper Putta Bucca Wetlands, Mudgee
		Update. At least one of the sandpipers is still present after being IDed 19 days back. Best spotted from the picnic area because if it's not on the western mudflat it is on the mudflat between the "islands" looking north.
		Mark Leary 7/11 #242733
Tue 5		Lewin's Rail Jerrara Dam
		Staccato krek calls heard from dense vegetation at the creek at Jerrara Dam. Calls recorded on my eBird checklist. eBird checklist
		Carla Jackett 6/11 #242717
		Blue-faced Honeyeater Parramatta
		Single adult bird found in low vegetation on the northern bank of the Parramatta River at the North Eastern end of the bridge over Parramatta River on O'Connell Street. Bad iPhone photo attached.
		Trevor Waller 6/11 #242716
		Superb Parrot Lowe Square Park, Hawkins St, Howlong
		1 bird flying low over the Park.
		Scott Jessup 5/11 #242712
Mon 4		Blue-faced Honeyeater Nurragingy Reserve, Blacktown
		a pair flew across the exit road as I was leaving about 11.00am. The species was not seen on 6 November during outing with CBOC.
		Ian Bailey 11/11 #242779
		Australian Pied Oystercatcher nesting on manmade island - ctd Woolooware Bay - Taren Point - Botany Bay - Sydney
		I first noted APO apparently on nest, 1st October. Today, 4th Nov (35 days later), two APO standing on island, with one returning to the nesting spot and sitting back down, and other flying off. I understand incubation is 28 to 32 days and today must be day 35 at least. Am told the chicks take about 3 days to walk for food, but another 7 days to swim. Reporting for anyone interested in the success (or otherwise) of the first breeding record on the island that was built about a year ago. PS. Plants on island have sprouted up, making the sitting bird hard to see - it's just a little to the right of the halfway point across the island as you view it. eBird checklist
		Chris Rehberg 4/11 #242703
		Glossy-Black Cockatoo, Whistling Kite Ku-ring-gai Chase NP--Bairne Trail & Soldiers Point Track
		Three Glossy Black Cockatoos seen today around 11am, feeding in the casuarinas not far from the start of Bairne trail at -33.60939,151.27445. Reported in early October on the same track by Tom Wilson. Also a Whistling kite flying around the West Head lookout. eBird checklist
		Roksana Boreli and Terry 4/11 #242702
		White-throated Needletail Eulah Creek
		Flock of 20-25 birds flying over at 9:10 this morning, behind the trough/front that have just moved through. Seen drifting in a westerly direction. eBird checklist
		Michael Dahlem 4/11 #242696
Sun 3		White-chinned Petrel, Buller's Albatross Offshore--Eden pelagic
		Highlight from the Sunday COG Eden pelagic included brief views of a White-chinned Petrel and a distant Buller's Albatross. Other birds included Short-tailed Shearwater 1000+, Sooty Shearwater 1, Flesh-footed Shearwater 1, Wedge-tailed Shearwater 50+ Hutton's Shearwater 2, Fluttering-type Shearwater 5+, Grey-faced Petrel 10+, Providence Petrel 10+, Shy -type Albatross 25+, Wandering -type Albatross 1, Black-browed -type Albatross 5, Campbell Albatross 1, Wilson's Storm-Petrel 1, Great Crested Tern, Caspian Tern 2, Silver Gull 20+, Arctic Jaeger 2, Pomarine Jaeger 1, Australasian Gannet 20+,
		Tobias Hayashi and 11 others aboard the Connemarra 7/11 #242729
		Pectoral Sandpiper Kingston, Norfolk Island
		A single Pectoral Sandpiper observed feeding in the lagoon at the Kingston Common. Consorting with several Red Knots and Sharp-tailed Sandpipers. Pacific Golden Plovers, Ruddy Turnstone and a lone Whimbrel nearby.
		George Madani 5/11 #242710
		Torresian (Pied) Imperial Pigeon Coffs Harbour Botanical Gardens (Cemetery), New South Wales
		Lone individual sitting quietly in a Casuarina near the nesting Brahminy Kites. (Moderator's Note: Torresian Imperial Pigeons are on the NSW Review List, so that the record will be subject to review by the NSW Records Appraisal Committee. If confirmed, this could be the 11th record for NSW. AKM).
		Terry Evans 5/11 #242707
		Crimson Chat Smedes Road (Hunter Valley)
		2 males feeding on the ground near -32.174806,149.954411 for about 10 minutes before moving out of view. Not found at the same location by another observer later in the afternoon. eBird checklist
		Michael Kearns 3/11 #242693
		Black Honeyeater (25+) Durridgere Road near Murrumbline Creek (Upper Hunter Valley)
		Male and female feeding in flowering trees near -32.180822,149.853925. At least 23 more in or near flowering trees along the creek-line seen from the road near -32.179340,149.853060. eBird checklist
		Michael Kearns 3/11 #242692
		Black-tailed Native-hen Millers Dam, Ulan
		Lone bird feeding along the shoreline of the north-west corner of the dam near roughly -32.24299,149.76491 at c.6.40 am. Not seen when I visited the site again at c.3.45 pm. eBird checklist
		Michael Kearns 3/11 #242691
Sat 2		White-headed Petrel Off Eden
		COG pelagic off Eden. Highlights were excellent views of a single White-headed Petrel past the shelf edge and some nice wandering -type albatross. Other birds: Short-tailed Shearwater 1000++, Sooty Shearwater 2+, Wedge-tailed Shearwater 200+, Flesh-footed Shearwater 10, Fluttering Shearwater 1, Hutton's Shearwater 3, Fluttering-type Shearwater 5, Black-browed -type Albatross 3, Campbell's Albatross 1, Wandering -type Albatross 3 mostly white birds, Shy -type Albatros 50+, Providence Petrel 10+, Grey-faced Petrel 5+, White-faced Storm-Petrel 2, Wilson's Storm-Petrel 2, Arctic Jaeger 1, Crested Tern 15+, Silver Gull 5+ Australasian Gannet 20+.
		Tobias Hayashi and 9 others aboard the Connemarra 7/11 #242728
		Wood Sandpiper Dairy Swamp, Central Coast Wetlands,Tuggerah
		Single bird spotted off to the side of a group of Sharp-tailed Sandpiper (approx 15) it foraged and stood by itself for the most part. (Moderator's Note: Rare record for Central Coast, the few previous records have been for saltwater marshes in Brisbane Water. AKM)
		Daniel McKeon 3/11 #242688
		Rose-crowned Fruit-dove Jerrara Dam - Shoalhaven
		Based on eBird reports for 23 Sep and 5 Oct that there was a juvenile Rose-crowned Fruit-dove at Jerrara Dam, I checked the site out today with Allon T. We found two Rose-crowned Fruit-doves with plumage beginning to gain adult colours (eg rose colour developing on forehead but not crown). Also one Topknot Pigeon, two Green Catbirds and one Brown Cuckoo-dove down near the dam which displayed well. Photos and checklists to come.
		Chris Rehberg, Allon, per checklist to come 2/11 #242685
		White-throated Needletail Bobbin Head Rd, North Turramurra
		My first WTNTs of the season seen this morning (2 Nov) at 10:30am. Came up from west and drifted back that way. Approx 25 birds, circling very slowly and low down (bins not needed). No other swift sp in the flock that I could see. (Moderator's Note: While we obviously now have had enough first Swift sightings for Sydney, we will continue to publish WTN first sightings for elsewhere in the State for the time being. In the meantime, Sydney siders who see Swifts can send them direct to Dr.Tarburton as outlined on the Home page. AKM)
		Tom Wilson 2/11 #242684
Fri 1		Pacific Koel Waughan street Gilgandra NSW 2827
		Is still there 10 days later calling. In a residential yard, roosted. Havent sighted but definitely hear it. Calls most of the day intensifying to evening
		Amy Naed 10/11 #242764
		Banded Stilt, Hall's Babbler ,Bourke's Parrot, Ground Cuckoo Shrike, Between Bourke and Fords Bridge.
		Road trip to Fords Bridge after 100mm of rain fell last weekend. 100 spp. in 24 hours. 3 Banded Stilts on Lauravale Lagoon, Fords Bridge; group of Halls Babbler 5 km E of Fords Bridge. Also included 20 plus Orange Chats, Ground Cuckoo-shrike and Bourke's Parrot.. Water everywhere on the side of road......Blue Bonnets, Ringnecks, Mulgas. Trip done with my daughter , visiting from O/S who is not a birder.....Most birds seen , without getting out of the car.
		Chris. Catt...Non birding scribe Sam.(Under sufferance). 9/11 #242750
		Brown Cuckoo-Dove Sylvania Street Mt Victoria NSW
		This bird has no partner and is quite agressive when I feed the locals. I have photos if anyone needs. (Moderator's Note: While Brown Cuckoo-Doves are regularly reported for nearby Mt Wilson and Blackheath, there are few records for Mt Victoria. AKM)
		Julie Flannery 9/11 #242749
		Rose-crowned Fruit-dove, Barred Cuckoo-shrikes Sawtell
		One adult male seen flying from the heavily fruiting fig tree, described a couple of days ago, to a nearby Callistemon salignus, in suburban Sawtell. Barred Cuckoo-shrikes still present, at least 5 individuals now present.
		Peter Richards 1/11 #241676
		White-throated Needletail Glades Bay Park, Gladesville
		While driving this morning I noticed a group of White-throated Needletails flying past and stopped the car. Within 3-4 minutes I counted over 200 birds all insecting and flying towards North.
		Fatih Sam 1/11 #241674

October 2019

Thu 31		Australian Brushturkey, Painted Honeyeater, Black-eared Cuckoo Goulburn River National Park
		A brushturkey was seen beside Mogo Road on the way in to Goulburn River National Park. On a private property abutting the park we estimated there would have been well over 20 Painted Honeyeaters along a ~3.5km stretch of the river. At least two Black-eared Cuckoos also present.
		Liam Murphy 1/11 #241681
Wed 30		Glossy Ibis Rosendahl Reservoir, Port Macquarie
		Eastern end of Reservoir visible from my home - first sighting having lived here 7 years
		Frances Smith 2/11 #242683
		Grey Plover, Greater Sand Plover. Lake Wollumboola
		Grey Plover and Greater Sand Plover observed foraging with large numbers of other Waders as Lake Wollumboola begins to dry up.
		Brian Deans, Dave Rower, Terrill Nordstrom. 30/10 #241660
		Terek Sandpiper Shoalhaven Heads
		One bird observed along with hundreds of Red-necked Stints and other Waders. Not often observed in region.
		Brian Deans, Dave Rower, Terrill Nordstrom 30/10 #241659
Tue 29		Barred Cuckoo-shrike Sawtell
		Two Barred Cuckoo-shrikes feeding in a large, planted Ficus microcarpa var. hillii in suburban Sawtell. Also Black-faced and White-bellied Cuckoo-shrikes regularly visiting the tree and taking figs whilst on the wing. Numerous Figbirds and the odd Satin Bowerbird and Koel present as well.
		Peter Richards 29/10 #241643
Mon 28		Australian Ringneck Tamworth South
		2 Mallee Ringnecks seen along the New England Highway just south of Tamworth (-31.183, 150.919). Flew from edge of road into nearby paddock. eBird checklist
		Tim Henderson 30/10 #241657
		Red-necked Stint Bicentennial Park (Sydney Olympic Park)--Waterbird Refuge
		Unusual species at this site. Observed feeding with Red-kneed Dotterel to the west of the hide during a high-tide survey.
		Jeffrey Byron 29/10 #241646
		Great Crested Grebe Lake Windamere, Cudgegong
		At least 60 in a loose raft counted from the dam wall with another five grebe counted separately.
		Darryl Smedley 29/10 #241638
		Glossy Ibis Corowa Sewage Ponds
		6 Glossy Ibis eBird checklist
		Linda Hayes 28/10 #241632
		Glossy Black Cockatoo Koala Beach Estate, Pottsville
		3 Glossy Blacks in Casuarina Tree
		Irene Timmins 28/10 #241626
		Pectoral Sandpiper, Red-necked Avocet. Black-tailed Godwit Tuggerah Bay Salt Marsh. Lake Rd Tuggerah
		Pectoral Sandpiper seen on the far side of salt marsh on the edge of the vegetation. Long necked, definite breast cut off, yellow legs. Identified one Black-tailed Godwit with a probable second. At least 100 Bar-tailed Godwits present. Conditions ideal for waders but gum boots essential Three Red-necked Avocet
		Allan Benson 28/10 #241624
Sun 27		Wood Sandpiper Putta Bucca Wetlands, Mudgee
		Update. After 8 days two birds continue to be present. Hopefully they're set to stay. Thinking the photo shows them arguing over the best spot to feed.
		Mark Leary 28/10 #241635
		Painted Honeyeater, Black Bittern, Brush Cuckoo Nepean Weir, Penrith
		A top few hours birding this morning along the Great River walk today with more then 80 species including 3 Painted Honeyeaters gleaning insects from a dead tree which also had a pair of Dusky Woodswallows building their nest in the same tree at eye level. Also from this same spot (a few hundred metres from the bridge) we had great but brief views of a Black Bittern landing inside a bottlebrush overhanging the river. A pair of White-winged Trillers appeared to be taking nectar from the bottlebrush. A Brush Cuckoo, Shining Bronze-cuckoo, a group of Varied Sitellas, Rainbow Bee-eaters, Azure Kingfishers, a Restless Flycatcher, Brown Cuckoo-dove a flock of Chestnut-breasted Mannikins, a Peregrine Falcon and a White-bellied Sea-eagles were also among the birds present. We also had another 2 pairs of Dusky Woodswallows feeding young.
		Edwin Vella et al 28/10 #241634
		Satin Flycatcher The Avenue Riverstone
		A male Satin Flycatcher was seen in bush land at the northern end of the road where a Rufous Fantail was also seen and a pair of White-throated Gerygones were nest building
		Edwin Vella 28/10 #241633
		Black-tailed Nativehen Pitt Town Lagoon
		At least one (possibly two, but not confirmed as suspect didn't reappear) was first seen about 5pm. It was observed and filmed for over an hour. Didn't seem terribly shy. Was feeding on greenery and preening. Wandered about the short lawn of an unfenced private property which backs onto the Lagoon Rd side of PTL shoreline. Site can be accessed via a public gate at the end of Lagoon Rd. The strip in line with the gate is public land, Also along shoreline. BT Nativehen lasted noted at PTL on ebird in Oct 2017. Also saw a White-winged Triller (last ebird sighting at PTL in Dec 2017). eBird checklist
		Thalia and Darren BRoughton 28/10 #241630
		Brolga, Baillon"s Crake, Spotless Crake, Black-tailed Native-hen Boyters Lane Wetlands, Jerseyville
		As part of the Twitchathon, our team, The Port Petrel Heads, spent I hour at the end of the day at the Boyters Lane Wetlands, Jerseyville and saw a great variety of birds. There is plenty of water in the wetlands, and the highlights included 1 Brolga, 1 Glossy Ibis, 1 Baillon's Crake, 1 or 2 Buff-banded Rails, 2 Latham's Snipe, 4 Yellow-billed Spoonbill, 4 Marsh Sandpipers, 1 Common Greenshank, and many Pied Stilts, Sharp-tailed Sandpipers, Red-kneed Dotterels, 1 Black-tailed Native-hen, Grey & Chestnut Teal, a Pallid Cuckoo was calling and a White-winged Triller was seen.
		Tim & Alan Morris, Fran Smith & Ted Giblin 28/10 #241629
		Freckled Duck; Glossy Ibis Central Coast Wetlands (Tuggerah)
		Single Freckled Duck roosting with the other ducks/cormorants. No sign of the Wood Sandpiper reported on 21 Oct. 4 Glossy Ibis still present. 10+ White-browned Woodswallows on the entrance road.
		Tom Wilson 27/10 #241619
		Regent Bowerbird Ourimbah RTA Reserve
		At least 8 birds seen (2 adult males and at least 6 brown birds with at least 2 immature males) in the area to the left of the first hut. Feeding in honeysuckle and a large tree with some dark berries (also holding 2 Green Catbirds). Also 3 Bassian Thrush and at least 8 Black-faced Monarch (lots of calling birds heard) in the reserve.
		Tom Wilson 27/10 #241618
		Painted Honeyeater Nepean Weir, Penrith
		3 Birds spotted at what seems to be the ongoing location for the past few days eBird checklist
		Paul Heath 27/10 #241613
		Striated Heron Rozelle Bay
		One bird in Johnstons Creek canal at midday. The bird was fishing as well as taking insects or spiders from canal wall where there was overhanging grass! The whole time it moved about it flicked its tail. Viewed well from Jubilee Park.
		Lorne Johnson 27/10 #241611
		Painted Honeyeater, Black Bittern, Brush Cuckoo Nepean Weir, Penrith
		A top few hours birding this morning along the Great River walk today with more then 80 species including 3 Painted Honeyeaters gleaning insects from a dead tree which also had a pair of Dusky Woodswallows building their nest in the same tree at eye level. Also from this same spot (a few hundred metres from the bridge) we had great but brief views of a Black Bittern landing inside a bottlebrush overhanging the river. A pair of White-winged Trillers appeared to be taking nectar from the bottlebrush. A Brush Cuckoo, Shining Bronze-cuckoo, a group of Varied Sitellas, Rainbow Bee-eaters, Azure Kingfishers, a Restless Flycatcher, Brown Cuckoo-dove a flock of Chestnut-breasted Mannikins, a Peregrine Falcon and a White-bellied Sea-eagles were also among the birds present. We also had another 2 pairs of Dusky Woodswallows feeding young.
		Edwin Vella et al 27/10 #241610
		Cockatiel Hillgrove Rd near Gunning
		Pair first heard then seen in small isolated patch of eucalypts on Hillgrove Rd surrounded by treeless farmland. Other birds here included White-winged Trillers, nesting Dusky Woodswallow pair, and 30-50 White-browned Woodswallows with a number of Masked Woodswallows among them.
		Marnix Zwankhuizen 27/10 #241608
Sat 26		Crimson Chat Tipping Way (Mt Hope to Eubalong Rd nr Round Hill Rd)
		On both the 25th and 26th October there were flocks of Crimson Chats spread along the Tipping Way (Mt Hope to Eubalong Rd). The biggest concentrations seemed to be not far west of the intersection with the Round Hill Rd. On one occasion I attempted a count which was only for about 5 minutes. In this time there were flocks of ~20 birds flying around, moving north over the paddocks. Then a flock of at least 80 birds flew over and perched in dead trees before also flying north over the paddocks north of the Tipping Way. Estimate for the 5 minutes was 180 individuals. Birds were vocal and extremely restless. It's impossible to say how many birds were moving through per hour, but it would be several hundred, but also impossible to say how sustained the movement was (worth noting that counts of 20+ were noted by several observers in the region at the same time as well). My take on it was that these birds were dispersing, seeking out good conditions. As they're moving north I'm assuming they will strike very poor conditions and will perhaps start moving east at some point. One White-fronted Chat present with the flocks on 25/10. http://birdata.birdlife.org.au/survey?id=3003136&h=cbed559d
		Mick Roderick 30/10 #241654
		Painted Honeyeater, Pied Honeyeater Rothdene Lane, Rankins Springs, NSW
		One of each species observed, along with continuing large numbers of Crimson Chat and White Winged Triller at this site. Also Red Backed Kingfisher and Diamond Dove.
		Andrew Robinson, Dean Purcell, Daniel Mckeon 27/10 #241612
		Brown Songlark Eastlakes golf course
		Brown Songlark present in southern section being hassled by the resident Grey Butcherbird. Whiskered Terns also coming through in single figure groups, 3 Sharp-tailed Sandpipers, 4 Black-fronted Dotterel, 1 Red-kneed Dotterel, 2 Pied Stilts and a Rufous Whistler were also observed.
		David Mitford & Richard Murray 27/10 #241606
		Striated Heron Gore Creek Reserve, Greenwich
		During my 20 minute survey for the Aussie Backyard Bird count this afternoon from 2.35pm I found 4 Striated Heron. It was very low tide and the birds were on the mud flats in fairly close proximity to each other. I could see all 4 in the one binocular field of view.
		Judy Clark 26/10 #241599
Fri 25		Eastern Rosella Grounds of Presbyterian church, cnr of Blumer Ave and Doolan Cres, Griffith
		Single bird observed late afternoon (approx 5:00pm) feeding on drying barley grass. Pair observed on 26th on top level of Ted Scobie fields feeding on grass seeds. Eastern Rosella are rarely observed in Griffith and surrounds, with only 28 records contained within the NSW BioNet atlas.
		David Parker 26/10 #241603
		Kelp Gull Eastlakes golf course
		Went looking for Songlarks without any luck Bumped into Richard Murray on the way out. Whilst talking to him I glanced over big lake and to my amazement saw a Kelp Gull resting on the water. Rushed to my car to get my camera but I wasn’t quick enough. Bird soared off and was only present for a few minutes. Red-kneed Dotterel still present. Photo by Richard Murray. eBird checklist
		David Mitford and Richard Murray 25/10 #241588
		Swift Parrot Coromandel Rd Ebenezer Hawkesbury river nsw
		First siting of these parrots..very hot day 5 birds bathing and drinking in the bird bath. The red under the beaks and the red under the wings were clearly seen when the birds flew off.
		Linda harrison 25/10 #241586
		Brown Songlarks x 3 Mill Stream Lookout (Botany)
		A small sample of 3 x Brown Songlarks visible on the edge of the Airport grass. On just one little area of the Sydney Airport grass that can be seen from Mill Stream Lookout.
		Richard Murray 25/10 #241585
		Regent Honeyeater, Turquoise Parrot, White Winged Triller Capertee Valley--Birdwatching Site #8
		3 possibly 4 Regent HE’s, 9 Turquoise Parrots and a single WW Triller.
		Andrew Robinson, Dean Purcell, Daniel Mckeon 25/10 #241583
Thu 24		Brown Songlark Old Katoomba golf course
		One male in non-breeding plumage foraging east of the reedy ponds, seen late afternoon.
		Carol Probets 25/10 #241591
		Great Crested Grebe Pitt Town Lagoon
		Whilst visiting Pitt Town and Busshells lagoon today noticed a distant siting of two Great Crested Grebes at Pitt Town Lagoon.
		Darren Earnshaw 24/10 #241582
Wed 23		Crimson Chat Bogan St, Nyngan
		A single bird seen at the bird bath in my front yard. The first time I've seen one in town. White-winged trillers, Brown honeyeaters and Little friarbirds are regular visitors at the bird bath. Very dry conditions.
		Michael Crosland 23/10 #241579
		Red-kneed Dotterel Eastlakes golf course
		A young Red-kneed Dotterel was feeding on the sandbank in the middle pond. My first record here, This species was last seen at Eastlakes in 2013. eBird checklist
		Richard Murray 23/10 #241574
		Whiskered Tern Coffs Harbour Education Campus, South Coffs (Hogbin Drive)
		Single bird foraging over large open-water ponds at front of campus grounds. Only very occasionally recorded in Coffs Coast generally, but has been seen before at these ponds.
		Peter Higgins 23/10 #241573
Tue 22		Singing Honeyeater Glen Davis
		Also present 23 October. Bird was moving between the campground and the hotel.
		David Hair 23/10 #241580
		Wood Sandpiper and Latham's Snipe Putta Bucca Wetlands, Mudgee
		Quick update. There are definitely 2 of the sandpipers on the mudflats at the west side of the main pond. Snipe was spotted yesterday. Photo taken today and I'd think it would be rare to see both these species in the same frame.
		Mark Leary 22/10 #241565
Mon 21		Common Sandpiper, Wood Sandpipers Putta Bucca Wetlands, Mudgee
		In addition to the well-reported Wood Sandpipers at Putta Bucca wetlands, when I visited on the 21st October there was also a Common Sandpiper present. It was favouring the rocky shorelines around the middle and eastern edges of the main pond, unlike the WS's which tend to stick to the muddy western edge. Posting here (belatedly, sorry!) as this species appears to be scarce inland and perhaps a first record for this site (?). eBird checklist
		Liam Murphy 1/11 #241682
		Wood Sandpiper Dairy Swamp, Central Coast Wetlands, Tuggerah
		Wood Sandpiper foraging in the shallows at Pioneer Dairy this afternoon. A new bird for me. (Moderator - This is the 3rd Central Coast record, previous sightings at Cocklebay Wetlands Oct 2002 & Saratoga Wetlands Oct-Nov 2011, all records in October!).
		Darren Earnshaw 21/10 #241560
		Glossy Ibis Wyong Pioneer Dairy
		At first overlooked these Ibis mixed in with other resting water birds but took a second look and saw four. (Moderator's note: Rare bird for the Central Coast, lucky to have one or two reports per year! AKM)
		Darren Earnshaw 21/10 #241559
		Black Honeyeater, Painted Honeyeater Durridgere Road, Turill
		Male and female Black Honeyeater observed together at Murrumbline Creek on Durridgere Road, Turill (Upper Hunter region). Painted Honeyeaters also seen and heard at several different stops along this road. Seems to be another good year for them in this area. (Moderator's Note: Indeed it seems to be an exceptional year for Painted HEs in the Upper Hunter with numerous localities holding birds, several with 5+ individuals. MR). eBird checklist
		Liam Murphy 21/10 #241556
		Australian Little Bittern, White-winged Trillers, Rufous Songlark Richardson Park, Sawtell
		Single Little Bittern seen again this morning; seen well, flying across small watercourse, caught something (I couldn't make it out) then flew back across into reeds and rank vegetation. Dark of upperbody deep and uniform so likely to be male. White-winged Trillers present daily, with 1 male and up to 6 females at a time. 1-2 Rufous Songlarks present daily since 14 Oct.
		Peter Higgins 21/10 #241554
Sun 20		Aleutian Tern, Little Tern, Red-necked Avocet Farquhar Inlet, Old Bar
		Single Aleutian Tern at Farquhar Inlet yesterday. Flew off just as I arrived but returned a few hours later at about 12:30 on the rising tide. First report for this season (first last year was on 17th Oct). Also of note was numbers of Little Terns (800-900).This is by far my highest count for this site. Only a few local breeders, most (~95%) were non-breeding migrants. Other interesting birds were Red-necked Avocet (my first record here), Great Knot, Curlew Sandpiper, Greater Sand Plover, plus good numbers of the usuals. For full details see ebird list. eBird checklist
		Liam Murphy 21/10 #241555
		Masked Wodswallow x White-browed Woodswallow hybrid, White-bellied Cucko-shrike (nesting) Carnarvon Rd, Riverstone
		Along Bells Creek beside Canarvon Rd this morning were at least 150 White-browed with at least 5 Masked Woodswallows in with them foraging in flowering Forest Red Gums. After the fact when checking my photos I noticed what appears to be a Woodswallow hybrid (which I have come across a few times in the past (record shot attached). Also along the same creek were a pair of dark morph White-bellied Cuckoo-shrikes nesting, 3 Crested Shrike-tits and a Restless Flycatcher. Several Pallid Cuckoos, 2 Horsfield's Bronze-cuckoos, Rufous Songlarks and White-winged Trillers were also about in Riverstone.
		Edwin Vella 20/10 #241550
		Wood Sandpiper Putta Bucca Wetlands, Mudgee
		John McCrea first sighted this bird Saturday 19/10/19 I went today to get proper confirmation photos. At least 2 of these birds are present and one is comfortable hanging around with Black-fronted and Red kneed Dotterel, stilts and teals. Observed chasing dotterels away if they get to close
		Mark Leary 20/10 #241549
Sat 19		Freckled Duck, Blue-faced Honeyeater, White-browed and Masked Woodswallows Ebenezer
		54 Freckled Ducks seen on the dam at corner of Madeliene Place and Tizzana Rd were a single Latham's Snipe was seen and an adult Blue-faced Honeyeater (uncommon in the Hawkesbury). More then a hundred White-browed Woodswallows flying over the area and a couple of Masked Woodswllows were seen with a small group of White-browed along Coromandel Rd.
		Edwin Vella 20/10 #241551
		Masked Owl Yengo National Park
		Heard and saw Masked Owl Heard the loud shriek and as it flew very high over our heads it made an interesting clatter/chuk chuk type of call! Very happy to finally see this truly amazing cryptic nocturnal hunter! Amazing!
		Darren Earnshaw, Fiona Earnshaw 20/10 #241544
		White-browed Woodswallow Yengo National Park
		100’s of White-browed Woodswallow present in northern section of Yengo NP scattered along various ridgetop access trails where they were feeding at ground level, very social and often aggressive towards other species, including HE’s. A number of adult birds observed collecting thin, usually dead twigs, often with fine foliage attached from the mid-story before taking off with it in their gob........see attached image. No Masked WS’s observed in the mix.
		Andrew Robinson 19/10 #241542
		Glossy Ibis, Crimson Chat Spring Creek Reservoir, Orange
		One Ibis,17 Black-Winged Stilts, 4 Crimson Chats and 4 White-winged Trillers .
		B and C Huxfable 19/10 #241541
		Pallid Cuckoo Medway
		A single bird flying over paddocks west of the Hume Highway near Medway township. Only my 3rd record of a Pallid Cuckoo in the Southern Highlands in a decade of intensive birding in the region.
		Lorne Johnson 19/10 #241540
Fri 18		Banded Stilt Stockton Borehole Swamp (west side of Lake Macquarie)
		Juvenile Banded Stilt observed this morning. Bird moves around a bit. Sometimes with the other stilts, but mostly solo. Bird has subsequently been seen by several observers today. Photo by Ted Elks. eBird checklist
		Caius Christoe 18/10 #241534
		Dollarbird Nyngan
		One bird seen flying over houses near Hoskins St. (Moderator's Note: Very westerly record. MR)
		Michael Crosland 18/10 #241531
		Common Greenshank Deeban Spit, Port Hacking
		Common Greenshank spotted 7.30 to 8.30 am on Port Hacking tidal flats with 17 Bar-taild Godwits, 14 Eastern Curlews (1 with leg flag and ring from Jiangsu China) and 1 Whimbrel. https://youtu.be/E1byDfE25ks
		Julie Keating 18/10 #241530
Thu 17		Crimson Chat, Glossy Ibis, Black-tailed Native-hen Wonga Wetlands, Albury
		One adult male Crimson Chat flew across one of the ponds. Two Glossy Ibis and 2 Black-tailed Native-hens which although often present in the past, have not been reported recently. Many White-browed Woodswallows feeding overhead.
		Alan Morris & 26 members of CCGBNSW 18/10 #241538
		Crimson Chat Ringwood Road, Goulburn River NP (Upper Hunter)
		A male Crimson Chat was found in Goulburn River National Park (Upper Hunter Valley) yesterday by Neil Fraser. The bird was foraging on the ground in the "camping area" 2 km north of the Poggy Station gate.
		Neil Fraser per Mick Roderick 18/10 #241533
		White-throated Needletail Terrys Creek Parklands
		At least 13 White-throated Needletails spotted through a gap in the tree canopy. Our first sighting for the season.
		Jenny Stiles and Jill Harrison 17/10 #241528
		White-throated Nightjar King's Cross Sydney
		Bird flew into a building and came into care with WIRES. Probably on its southbound migrating through the city. Slightly concussed but is doing well and will be released tomorrow at dusk to the south of Sydney.
		Gilian Dar 17/10 #241526
		White-throated Needletail Acacia Gardens
		About 40 flying over at 18:30 with moderate fresh north-easterlies. My first Needletails for the season.
		Edwin Vella 17/10 #241525
		Black-chinned Honeyeater " Jacana" HSD Clarenza NSW
		A Black-chinned Honeyeater visited our birdbath with Fuscous Honeyeaters
		Eric Wheeler 17/10 #241524
		Osprey Wondabyne
		Saw lone bird sitting on an oyster bed pole this morning. Never seen one before in the Hawkesbury estuary.
		Paul Schofield 17/10 #241522
		Ruff Ballina. NSW. Teven Road Swamp.
		Just one bird seen with over 500 Sharptailed Sanpipers and 50+ Red-kneed Dotterel. and 5 Curlew Sandpipers.
		Geoffrey Hutchinson 17/10 #241517
Wed 16		Eastern Bristlebird Cape St George Lighthouse, Booderee
		Just off path up to lighthouse from car park. (Moderator's Note: This is a known site for this species, but the record is published because few reports of this species are reported on Birdline. So there is no need to post reports of other sightings in the Jervis Bay-Cape St George area. AKM).
		John McFadyen 10/11 #242762
		bush-stone curlew Koala Beach Estate
		2 adullts & 2 chicks Marsupial Drive 7pm apx
		Irene Timmins 17/10 #241518
		White-winged Triller, BLack-faced Monarch &Whiskered Terns Eastlakes golf course
		Finally some passage migrants. 1 White-winged Triller, 1 Black-faced Monarch, 2 Whiskered Terns, 5 Latham’s Snipe and a Swamp Harrier all seen. Both Lewin’s and Buff-banded Rails appear to be in breeding mode.
		David Mitford 17/10 #241512
		Hudsonian Godwit Souter St. Reserve, Kogarah Bay
		The Hudsonian Godwit is still at Kogarah Bay. We found it just left of the Souter St Reserve, with 6 Bar-tailed Godwits at around 3pm today. (about 2.5 half hours after high tide. eBird checklist
		Katie Cordes 16/10 #241510
		Bush-stone curlew Koala Beach Estate
		Family of 2 adults & 2 juveniles
		Irene Timmins 16/10 #241502
Tue 15		(Possible) Hall's Babbler Stephens Creek X Silver City Highway
		Four individuals sighted in scrub ~5:45 pm just west of highway and south of creek. (Moderator's Note: the observer notes that the birds were quite dark with a wide white brow and distinct edge to the bib, different to White-browed Babblers they saw the day after. Published here as 'possible' due to this being ~100km from the nearest confirmed records at Mutawintji NP. MR). eBird checklist
		Deryk Engel and Paul Burcher 16/10 #241507
		White-throated Needletails Royal National Park
		Spotted at least 6 WTNTs when observing Dusky Woodswallows circling above. It was a very warm sunny day with very light winds. Birds were heading south and were staying high in the sky.
		Kerry Allen 16/10 #241506
		Marsh Sandpiper West Byron Wetlands (Restricted access - Council key required)
		Marsh Sandpiper confirmed by Sylvain Maury and Byron bird Buddies as an uncommon species at the West Byron Wetlands, I spotted one other. This bird was approxminately 80 metres away, so not the sharpest photo. Cropped and edited with Lightroom.
		Michael van Kempen 16/10 #241503
		Rufous Songlark Goolmangar (1 k north on road to Nimbin)
		2 Rufous Songlarks using dairy farm fences and feeding in irrigated pasture. Loosely mixing with Australian Pipits, who were seen once harassing them. 28,42.15 x 153.13.53
		June Harris 15/10 #241499
Mon 14		Brown Songlark Kooindah Waters Wyong
		Female seen on the 18th fairway eBird checklist
		Steven Cooper 15/10 #241497
		Rufous Songlark Richardson Park, Sawtell
		Single female seen, which is first record here for this year, and follows pattern of occurrence in drought conditions. White-winged Trillers still present, foraging on playing fields; up to 4 birds over last week (1 male, 3 females). Brown Songlark has also been seen again a couple of times since 8 Oct.
		Peter Higgins 14/10 #241495
Sun 13		Curlew Sandpiper, Marsh Sandpiper, Spotted Crake, Red-kneed Dotterel Boyters Lane, Jerseyville
		All single bird sightings, apart from several RKDs
		Ted Giblin 17/10 #241516
		Black-tailed Native Hen Boyters Lane, Jerseyville
		A single bird seen by Clive Meadows and Ted Giblin
		Ted Giblin 17/10 #241515
		White-browed and Masked Woodswallows, Dollarbird Wheeny Creek/Mountain View Close, Kurrajong Hills
		A huge flock of at least 600 birds flew in from the north, heading southwest, circling low above canopy level. Got on to about 60-70 birds with my binoculars, of which only 2 were Maskeds. Dollarbird arrivals in nearby Douglas Farm Rd first for season, where a few W-browed Woodswallows were also seen. eBird checklist
		Eric Finley 14/10 #241494
		Black Honeyeater Burrendong Arboretum
		Single adult male Black Honeyeater seen at the dry ponds at the bottom of the arboretum. Peregrine Falcon seen on two occasions, three Little Eagles, two Wedge-tailed Eagles, two Superb Parrots and another two in the caravan park, 14 Rainbow Lorikeets, a single White-throated Nightjar calling overnight, and a mixed flock of about 100 White-browed and Masked Woodswallows were other species of interest. Several of the White-browed Woodswallows were hunting low enough in the trees to have been caught and banded during the course of a regular bird banding visit to the site.
		Darryl Smedley 14/10 #241493
		Woodswallows (2,000+), Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater, Southern Whiteface Capertee Valley
		One of many highlights spending a day in Capertee Valley was seeing in excess of 2,000 Woodswallows. Mostly these came from 2 flocks between Glen Alice and Bogee, early morning - approx 500 and 1,500 birds, plus a few more hundred scattered throughout trees, primarily at Genowlan Bridge. Estimate 75% White-browed Woodswallow and 25% Masked Woodswallow. Separately, just two Dusky Woodswallows. Speckled Warblers, Turquoise Parrots, Spiny-cheeked Honeyeaters and Southern Whiteface were amongst many other highlights. Thanks to Liam for adivce on planning our trip. eBird checklist
		Chris Rehberg, David, Allon, per checklist 13/10 #241490
		Brown Songlark, Tawny Grassbird Barton Park South--Landing Lights Wetland
		Both a male and a female Brown Songlark were seen feeding on the fields next to the stadium this afternoon. Also of note, Tawny Grassbirds have been present since the beginning of October. eBird checklist
		Greg McLachlan 13/10 #241488
		Regent Honeyeater South Maroota/Maroota border
		Flying around the lower eucalyptus branches
		Jackie Fiess 13/10 #241486