| Fri 30 | | Brolga
Moomin, NSW |
| Two Brolga birds seen flying from flood waters at Moomin. Previously were foraging in the water. (Moderator's Note: Publishing on the assumption that this refers to Moomin Creek, in the Gwydir River system). |
| Georgia Pianko 5/5 #260133 |
| | Putatative record for a possible Rawnsley's Bowerbird
Bellingen |
| Clear view (15m) of a sub-adult bird (the usual khaki green of a Satin Bowerbird but with several completely golden yellow primary wing feathers) flying from one side of a suburban road to the other. Observed around 11:00 am. |
| William (Bill) Douglas Peel 30/4 #260110 |
| Thu 29 |  | Swift Parrot
Mile End Rd Reserve, Rouse Hill. |
|
| Following on from Edwin Vella's report from last Sunday, there is now a minimum of 15 Swift Parrots at Mile End Road reserve, around the confluence of Second Ponds Creek and Caddies Creek. I could hear their chattering straight away but was difficult to estimate numbers at first as they were lerping around high in the tops of the heavily budding forest red gums. Nine birds then flew off downstream together and I counted at least another six remaining. They were copping a bit of flak from the resident Bell Miners but didn't seem too worried. Four birds in the photo attached. Quite possibly more in the area and would be worth exploring the surrounding reserves. eBird checklist |
| Liam Murphy 29/4 #260105 |
| | Pacific Baza
Fairlight Rd. Mulgoa (Mt. Henry) |
| Nine bazas in view at once-calling, display flying drifting north perching in Forest Red Gums. Largest number I have seen together-on migration. |
| Dion Hobcroft, Brendan Schembri and Frank Makin 29/4 #260104 |
| | Flame Robin
311 Beresford Rd Numeralla NSW 2630 |
| Sorry, went to take a photo but it flew, seems to be a family of them around the garden. Will try again . (Moderator's Note: Flame Robins would be expected to occur at this site but maybe is an area not often birded because there are few records!.AKM) |
| Mary Hayden 29/4 #260101 |
| Tue 27 | | White-throated nightjar
Sydney Airport |
| Bird found at the Airport, brought into care. Another bird, also brought into care, was found at the same location on Sunday 25 April. Timing coincides with the autumn migration of this species, presumably these individuals where moving north along the coast at night, crossing the Sydney Basin, and got disorientated. |
| Gilian Dar per Vincent Mourik 29/4 #260102 |
| | Channel-billed cuckoo
Constables Point Reserve Maianbar |
|
| Bird from last week resighted in same area. The left wing of the bird droops so may be some wing damage. eBird checklist |
| Julie Keating 27/4 #260086 |
| Sun 25 | | Swift Parrot
Rouse Hill |
|
| Three Swift Parrots seen together perched high in a Forest Red Gums beside Second Ponds Creek at the northern end of Mile End Rd in Rouse Hill. A pair and possibly others were initially seen presumably lerping in Forest Red Gums on the other side of the creek. A record shot of 2 of the 3 in the same tree attached. |
| Edwin Vella 25/4 #260074 |
| Sat 24 | | Diamond Dove
Northbank Rd, Bellingen |
| Single imm. seen associating with Peaceful Doves foraging roadside (@ 3/4 their size). Pale red eyering, chestnut window in primaries on landing, white showing in outer tail feathers on takeoff, brownish on crown and back, fine barring on neck, 'diamonds' muted but present. Possible escapee/ post breeding dispersal, well east of range. Close to 500 Northbank Rd, park well off road if tempted. (Moderator's Note: Sounds like a juvenile by the description and although being an escapee shouldn't be discounted this species was breeding in big numbers on the western slopes last season and I think there is very good potential for vagrancy amongst dispersing birds; especially juveniles. MR) |
| John Gale 26/4 #260081 |
| | South Island Pied Oystercatcher
Manning River Estuary Breakwall, Harrington |
|
| The SIPO with the "IN" tag, was present at the Harrington Breakwall after lunch today with 10 Pied Oystercatchers. While this bird was first reported here on 27/1/2021, it is not easy to see as it is usually on sandbars closer to Manning Point, and while easy seen from a boat, not so from the breakwall. Some other waders present included 9 Double-banded Plovers, 7 Red-capped Plovers and 2 Pacific Golden Plovers. That Morning Tony Morton photographed a Sanderling at this location but not seen by us, two days before there were 3 Sanderlings reported. The Ospreys were on their nest in the Norfolk Island Pine, and at nearby Harrington rainforest a Varied Triller and Regent Bowerbirds were seen, and 3 Mangrove Gerygones were located in the mangroves. (Photo Christina Port). eBird checklist |
| Christina Port, Alan Morris & members of CCGBNSW 25/4 #260076 |
| | Wandering Whistling Duck, Shining Bronze-Cuckoo,
Cattai Wetlands, Coopernook |
|
| Seen from the birdhide in the Cattai Wetlands, was a pair of Wandering Whistling Ducks with 4 ducklings, and 2 days before, 3 adult were seen and photographed in another section of the Reserve. Plenty of other birds present including 4 Shining Bronze-Cuckoos and a Collared Sparrowhawk, 3 late Sacred Kingfishers and late Black-faced Monarch and Rufous Fantail also seen, 48 species seen in two hours. eBird checklist |
| Christina Port, Alan Morris, and members of the CCGBNSW 25/4 #260075 |
| | Swift Parrot
Mount Annan Botanic Gardens |
| A single bird spotted on the 23rd of April by Hannah Deau. Up to 10 birds spotted today in the same area. (Moderator's Note: there was a report of 20 birds from the Banksia Garden this morning). eBird checklist |
| Paul Heath, Cary Lewis , Brett Mezen, Sam Osterballe 24/4 #260065 |
| | Swift Parrot
Merimbula Boardwalk |
| Observed a single Swift Parrot flying low overhead, just north of the Boardwalk. Called twice. (Moderator's Note: This is the first report of Swifties on the NSW South Coast this season. MR). |
| Rohan Bilney 24/4 #260064 |
| | Swift Parrots
Mount Annan Botanic Gardens--Banksia Dam |
|
| Small flock, 6 confirmed maybe more of Swift Parrots lerping in the gums. Quite active moving around feeding. (Moderator: as mentioned in comment on #260065 there was a report of 20 individuals this morning in the Banksia Garden [per eBird]. MR). |
| Brett Mezen 24/4 #260063 |
| Thu 22 | | Tawny Grassbird
1km south of the southern boundary of Kwiambal National Park on Limestone Road |
| A single bird in long grass near a creek gully |
| Richard Jordan 28/4 #260091 |
| | Channel-billed cuckoo
Constables Point Reserve Maianbar |
| Seen being chased by a flock of miner birds eBird checklist |
| Julie Keating 22/4 #260053 |
| Wed 21 | | Plum-headed Finch
Approx. 10km north of Ashford, NSW on Coalmine Road |
| A flock of approximately 80 birds, including immatures, in long grass at a floodway on the Coalmine Road north of Ashford. The species was also recorded in moderate numbers at several sites in Kwiambal National Park, and between the NP and Ashford along the Limestone and Coalmine Roads - often with Diamond Firetails, Double-barred Finches and smaller numbers of Red-browed Finches. There were abundant seeding grasses throughout the area after recent rains.
The birds were observed by members of Bellingen Birders on a Campout |
| Richard Jordan and members of Bellingen Birders 28/4 #260090 |
| | Sanderling
Manning River Estuary Harrington NSW |
|
| 3 Sanderling feeding on sandbar, opposite Harrington Pub. A long Double-banded Plover was with them. eBird checklist |
| Meryl Newton 25/4 #260078 |
| | Hooded Plover
Racecourse Beach, Ulladulla |
|
| Seven seen feeding on rock platform below carpark. eBird checklist |
| Brian Deans 21/4 #260045 |
| | Wedge-tailed Eagle
Alkaringa Reserve |
| Alkaringa reserve is in a valley in suburban Gymea Bay. I was alerted to something big outside by the local birds going nuts. Looked out my window and saw a large wedgetail eagle circling over the reserve. He stayed for about half an hour, perching in a tree occasionally. This is the first time in the 30 years we have lived here that we have seen one locally. |
| Susan Crisp 21/4 #260043 |
| Tue 20 | | Budgerigar
Adjacent to Lavender Vale Homestead, Kwiambal National Park |
| A single bird in a tree near the homestead, observed by members of Bellingen Birders on a Campout |
| Richard Jordan and members of Bellingen Birders 28/4 #260092 |
| Mon 19 | | Nankeen Night-heron
Sydney Bicentennial Park--Lake Belvedere |
| Single bird has been seen on Friday 16 and Monday 19 fishing in one of the side ponds off the main lake. Both sightings early (approx 7am). Same days there has been a single Caspian Tern at the Waterbird Refuge, which currently has no Red-necked Avocets. |
| Tom Wilson 19/4 #260039 |
| Sun 18 | | Swift Parrot
Kingfisher Shores |
| 6-8 birds flying east towards Chain Valley Bay South. No photograph, but I am familiar with the birds and recognised them by their calls and flight pattern. Affirmed by the pink under their wings, red faces and their general shape when they were directly overhead. |
| Marj Kibby 19/4 #260036 |
| | Rose-crowned Fruit-Dove
Campbell St Waverley |
|
| A juvenile Rose-crowned Fruit-Dove came into WIRES care today from where it was found in Campbell St Waverley. It is a juvenile Rose-crowned Fruit-Dove determined by the pale line between the eye and the bill, and the yellow breast feathers, both features absent in juvenile Superb Fruit-Doves. A movement south from the NSW North Coast rainforest regions takes place each year autumn for part of the population of Fruit-Doves, and many end up in urban situations. |
| Gillian from WIRES and Alan Morris 19/4 #260035 |
| | Swift Parrot
Joshua Porter Reserve, Chain Valley Bay |
|
| A maximum of eight birds sighted feeding and being chased around the reserve. There are potentially more birds here but they are very flighty and hard to spot. |
| Graham Nelson and Daniel McKeon 18/4 #260033 |
| Sat 17 | | Satin Flycatcher
Dee Why Lagoon |
|
| Immature female observed this morning. Sent photos to ABID group for confirmation on whether Satin or Leaden.
New bird species for this location, probable migrating north eBird checklist |
| Mike Barrow 17/4 #260029 |
| Fri 16 | | Arctic Tern, Kermadec Petrel
Terrigal Pelagic |
|
| The highlights of a rough old day at sea were an Arctic Tern (which provided excellent views) and a Kermadec Petrel, both of which were seen once we’d left the shelf and were headed back. Also observed throughout the day were; Buller’s Albatross (2), Campbell Albatross (2), Shy Albatross (3), Black-browed Albatross (9), Wilson’s Storm Petrel (10+), Grey-faced Petrel (3), Providence Petrel (7), Sooty Shearwater (2), Short-tailed Shearwater (2) and a probable Long-tailed Jaeger. |
| Andrew Robinson, Dean Purcell, Dion Hobcroft, David Mitford and 9 others on board. 16/4 #260023 |
| | White-throated Nightjar
Lake Innes Nature Reserve, Port Macquarie (Restricted Acces). |
|
| On a monthly bird survey for National Parks in the Innes Ruins section of Lake Innes NR, we spotted a White-throated Nightjar perched high in the foliage, we watched it for some time before it moved on. Despite regular monthly surveys, it is the first time in several years that one has been seen in the Reserve. |
| Tony Morton and others 16/4 #260021 |
| Thu 15 | | Noisy Pitta
House garden in Redfern Sydney |
|
| This immature Noisy Pitta, was one of three that have been found in house gardens, possibly having hit windows, and have been rescued by WIRES this month. The first was at West Pennant Hills on 1/4/2021, the second at Paddington on 10/4/2021 and the Redfern bird was the third. Gillian, at WIRES, has gained a lot of experience at caring for these birds now and in the past. Noisy Pittas, Drongos and Fruit-Doves, all exhibit the phenomema whereby part of the population moves south post breeding, from rainforest sites on the Mid and North Coast, with adults, immature and juvenile birds involved in the process. Contact WIRES if you find such injured or stunned birds in your garden. |
| Gillian from WIRES and Alan Morris 18/4 #260031 |
| | Spectacled Monarch
Saltwater National Park picnic area |
| Well-known spot but a late date. Three sightings of single birds. |
| Ian McAllan and David James 16/4 #260020 |
| | Diamond Dove
Sun Valley Reserve |
|
| Very small bird observed foraging on ground, quite unperturbed by passing dogs and people. Obligingly allowed me to take pics from close up. Sadly. the last I saw it was being chased off the reserve by a magpie, very intent on destruction. |
| Les Cormack 15/4 #260018 |
| Wed 14 | | Bell Miner
Bullawa Creek |
| At least 3 individuals heard calling from red gums along Bullawa Creek, ca. 20 km E of Narrabri (no photo or audio, but I am familiar enough with their calls to recognize them even from 300 m out). This location is about 2 km from Eulah Creek, where I had found a single Bell Miner in July 2013. Apart from a few individual sighting reports on ebird from Moree, Dandry Gorge in the southern Pilliga Forest and Borah TSR near Manilla, the closest area for reliably finding the species is eastward and south-eastward of Tamworth, maybe 150 km from here. |
| Michael Dahlem 14/4 #260012 |
| Mon 12 | | Wonga Pigeon
Yetholme |
| Sue observed a Wonga Pigeon wandering around our garden today. First time we have seen them in our garden, usually they are up in higher altitude timbered areas |
| Sue and Robert Porter 12/4 #260004 |
| Sun 11 | | Brolga
Kinchela |
| 2 Brolga on a dairy farm next to Hat Head Road , Kinchela |
| Kate Buys 12/4 #260000 |
| Sat 10 | | Tahiti Petrel, Kermadec Petrel, Long-tailed Jaeger, Cook's Petrel
Offshore--Sydney Pelagic |
|
| A terrific day on the water for a Sydney pelagic despite the conditions produced a few highlights including a Tahiti Petrel, a Kermadec Petrel, numerous Grey-faced Petrels and a handful of Providence Petrels in fresh plumage. Wandering (Gibson's), Shy, Black-browed and Campbell Albatrosses also. There were many Wilson's Storm Petrels around the boat and along the slick. A single Cook's Petrel flew quickly past the boat and disappeared. Arctic and Long-tailed Jaegers made brief appearances. Voracious Flesh-footed Shearwaters dominated, along with Wedge-tailed, Short-tailed, Sooty, Hutton's and Fluttering Shearwaters. 22 species in total. (Photograph by Michael Rutkowski). |
| David Mitford, Greg McLachlan and all aboard Sydney pelagics 12/4 #260001 |
| | Noisy Pitta
Paddington |
| Found in suburban street after window collision. Monitored overnight and released the next morning. |
| Bradley Tonkes 11/4 #259998 |
| | Great Crested Grebe
Fairy Hill, north of Casino |
| Four adult grebe plus one juvenile and at least two very small downy chicks. Breeding records on the north coast are rare |
| David Charley 10/4 #259997 |
| Fri 9 | | Australian Bustard
'The Glen' Bullarah (70km west of Moree) Private Property |
| My first Australian Bustard (1) for the year, sited in front of cattleyards gates.
515mm so far this year, Local flooding 21st March from rainfall event followed a week later with upper catchment (NW slopes) water reaching us.
Plenty of feed and water around district. |
| Patrick Johnston 9/4 #259994 |
| Thu 8 | | Brolga
Ulmarra |
|
| 77+ Brolgas in three groups (60, 15 and 2) at dairy at northern Edge of Ulmarra, mostly feeding at cattle feed troughs. |
| Greg & Val Clancy 8/4 #259993 |
| Tue 6 | | Brush Cuckoo
Yarrie Lake |
| Heard calling twice around mid-day from casuarina woodland submerged in water. Late to depart and near the western boundary of its range. No photo; calls identified by comparison with earlier recordings. |
| Michael Dahlem 7/4 #259985 |
| | Superb Parrot
Wantagong, east of Holbrook |
|
| Conservative estimate of 40 Superb Parrots all feeding on the seeds of grasses in an open forest area of this private property. I am a visitor to this area, so not sure how remarkable this observation is, but on the numbers alone I thought it may be of interest. Such a wonderful sighting! (Moderator's Note: This sighting is within range but there are fewer records east of Holbrook due to lack of trees and possibly fewer birders. AKM) |
| Andrew Hogg 6/4 #259984 |