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

December 2019

Thu 5		Terek Sandpiper Deeban Spit Port Hacking
		Seen 3 hours after high tide roosting had started but was not with other migratory birds. Was in a lagoon with 2 Pelicans and 2 Masked Lapwings. https://youtu.be/MiMB36dGGPc
		Julie Keating 5/12 #242982
Wed 4		Black Falcon Putta Bucca Wetlands, Mudgee
		Flyover from north to south at 8:10 am.
		Tomas Kelly 4/12 #242974
Tue 3		Pallid Cuckoo, Brown Songlark Barton Park South--Landing Lights Wetland
		Two Pallid Cuckoo present near derelict football stadium. Also Brown Songlark near ATC building. eBird checklist
		Greg McLachlan 3/12 #242971
Mon 2		Grey Plover, Little Tern The Entrance Channel, Tuggerah Lake
		Single Grey Plover observed on northern side of The Entrance channel. Remained stationary for the duration of my stay. Also present were many Bar-tailed Godwits, Little Terns and a single Red Knot.
		Ashley Mullahey 2/12 #242962
Sun 1		Australian Little/Black-backed Bittern Batemans Bay Water Gardens
		A female visible from the boardwalk foraging along the edge of the reeds on the southern side.
		Steve Holliday and Prue Buckley 2/12 #242960
		Bush Stone-Curlew Koala Beach, Pottsville
		4 Curlews, 3 in one group & 1 dominant.(Moderator's Note: There is a resident population in this area. AKM)
		Irene timmins 2/12 #242958
		Orange Chat, Crimson Chat Chat Alley
		Pretty happy to find about 10 Orange Chats at Chat Alley approx 10:30am. Searched the day before and it was a desolate wasteland. Three males showed briefly at the tops of shrubs at moderate distance before they secreted themselves. A fair number of females continued popping in and out of the shrubs - estimate about 10 birds total. Single female Crimson Chat in the mix.
		Chris Rehberg, Allon Traub 2/12 #242957
		Brolga Fivebough Wetlands
		Grateful to see the five Brolgas reported here earlier but which had not been reported for a week or more. However, as we reached the first/main bird hide we hadn't seen them in either pond north or south. After a moment though they flushed from behind tall reeds to the east. They flew east over that third pond, and then just kept flying east until they were no longer visible to the naked eye.
		Chris Rehberg, Allon Traub 2/12 #242956
		Rufous Night Heron , Red-backed Kingfisher. Putta Bucca Wetlands, Mudgee
		Continuing observation of the Red-backed Kingfisher at Pucca Bucca Wetlands
		Mark Leary 1/12 #242954
		White-throated Needletail Tuncurry- Forster
		Approximately 500 Needletails in several large swarms along the Lakes Way, from north of Tuncurry and then continuing into Forster. Most I’ve seen in a long time.
		Tim Morris 1/12 #242951
		Beach Stone Curlew Lake Wollumboola
		South eastern shore. Just stood and looked at me from twenty metres away so easy identification.
		Andy Wood 1/12 #242947
		Peaceful Dove Integral Park, West Dapto
		Heard “Coo-a-Luk” call numerous times. eBird checklist
		Brian Deans 1/12 #242945
		Aleutian Tern Farquhar Inlet, Old Bar
		Seven Aleutian Terns (8 the previous afternoon) roosting in the estuary. Very confiding but clearly getting a little tired of all the attention. Little Terns and Red-capped Plovers are breeding, please stay outside the fenced-off areas.
		Hans Wohlmuth 1/12 #242944

November 2019

Sat 30		Gilbert's Whistler, Shy Heathwren, Southern Scrub-robin, Chestnut Quailthrush, more Round Hill Nature Reserve
		Good list of species found between four sites: Round Hill Rd Rail Crossing, The Old Wheat Paddock, Whoey Tanks and Quarry Firetrail: Mulga Parrot, Australian Ringneck (mallee), White-fronted Honeyeater x1, Singing Honeyeater x1, Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater, Shy Heathwren x1, Southern Scrub-robin x3, Chestnut Quailthrush x1, Gilbert's Whistler male x1, Red-capped Robin - many, Crested Bellbird x2, Inland Thornbill, Chestnut-rumped Thornbill, Splendid Fairywren and more. There seemed to be very poor numbers of honeyeaters and very many Rufous Whistlers.
		Chris Rehberg, Allon Traub 2/12 #242955
		Glossy Black Cockatoo Koala Beach Estate, Pottsville
		3 Glossy Black Cockatoos this morning aproxx 7am & 5pm. Morning visited in a different patch apx 100 metres north of afternoon trees.
		Irene Timmins 1/12 #242949
		White-throated Needletail, Little Bronze-Cuckoo, Glossy Black-Cockatoo, Musk Lorikeet Coutts Crossing Village
		130+ Needletails flying SE in singles and small groups for about 20 minutes from 08:20 hrs (rain clouds); heard Bronze-cuckoo in afternoon just before rain; heard 2+ Glossy Black-Cockatoos in flight in morning; flock of Musk Lorikeets, 2 observed in flight; One Fuscous Honeyeater and small group of White-cheeked Honeyeaters still present.
		Greg Clancy 30/11 #242938
Fri 29		Terek Sandpiper Eurobodalla National Park--Lake Brou
		Single with Red Knots, Bar-tailed Godwits and a Curlew Sandpiper. Visible from the shore adjacent to the far end of the camping ground. Apologies for delayed report.
		Steve Holliday & Prue Buckley 2/12 #242961
		Topknot Pigeon Newtown
		I was very surprised and very happy to see a lone Topknot Pigeon flying from fig trees in Hollis Park about 7pm. Several resident Noisy Miners were in hot pursuit of it! The first time I've seen a Topknot in inner-west Sydney.
		Lorne Johnson 30/11 #242940
Thu 28		Banded Stilt Swan Pond, Ash Island
		Two Banded Stilts found feeding with a flock of Red-necked Avocets along Wagtail Way near -32.864961,151.720105 by Michael Kearns. Bird still present this morning (29/11). eBird checklist
		Michael Kearns per Mick Roderick 29/11 #242933
		Gossy Black Cockatoo Seven Mile Beach, Broken Head
		3 Glossies flying over banksia scrub at northern end of Seven Mile Beach
		Ian Colvin 28/11 #242930
		White-winged Triller; Nankeen Night Heron; Horsfield's Bronze-Cuckoo Eastlake Golf Course
		A silent male WW Triller was in the lane leading from the first hole fairway towards The Lakes course this morning. At the same spot I flushed a Night Heron, a species which has been eluding me recently both in Centennial Park and here. The Bronze-Cuckoo was in the paddock beyond the Maintenance Depot, being harassed by a few Yellow Thornbills.There are still Sharpies and Snipe around. E-list to come.
		Ted Nixon 28/11 #242928
		Fork-tailed Swift Turramurra Station
		One flying around with 15+ White-throated Needletails at 10.30-10.45 am.
		Ian McAllan 28/11 #242927
Wed 27		White-necked Heron Macquarie University, North Ryde Campus
		At dam around 1pm. First local record in some years.
		Ian McAllan 28/11 #242926
		Sanderling Lake Wollumboola
		Two observed with other waders on south eastern shore. eBird checklist
		Brian Deans, David Rower 27/11 #242923
		Fairy Tern Shoalhaven Heads Inlet
		One Fairy Tern seen with 4 Little Terns. eBird checklist
		Brian Deans, David Rower 27/11 #242922
		Marsh Sandpiper, Curlew Sandpiper, Double-banded Plover Lake Wollumboola
		Continuing Birds. Found on south eastern shoreline with many other waders, as per eBird list. eBird checklist
		Brian Deans, David Rower. 27/11 #242921
		Glossy Ibis James Road Pond, Dunmore.
		One lone Glossy Ibis feeding on edge of pond. All 3 Ibis species seen at same time. Observed with David Rower eBird checklist
		Brian Deans 27/11 #242920
		Cattle Egret Eulah Creek
		This morning I found 48 Cattle Egrets on a cattle paddock not far from the turn-off of Eulah Creek Road from Mt. Kaputar Road, ca. 15 km E of Narrabri (on private property "Kebah"; visible from the roadside). Previous counts were much lower. This appears to still be the only mob of Cattle Egrets in inland NSW (no other reports for the last 4 months on ebird). Photo for total count on ebird. eBird checklist
		Michael Dahlem 27/11 #242917
		Beach Stone Curlew Long Reef Aquatic Reserve
		Seen at 6am this morning 250m north of the main headland.
		Allon Traub 27/11 #242916
Tue 26		Spotless Crake Water Garden Town Park, Batemans Bay
		Single showing well near reed bed.
		Tony Dawe 29/11 #242932
		Pectoral Sandpiper Water Garden Town Park, Batemans Bay
		Water level low single bird feeding near board walk.
		Tony Dawe 29/11 #242931
		Black-eared Cuckoo Wingen Village Hunter Valley NSW
		There was a Black-eared Cuckoo drinking from the bird bath in our back yard this morning.I have seen one,many years ago in the nearby Stock Reserve,but never before in the village.
		Greg Newling 26/11 #242915
		Pheasant Coucal Engadine NSW
		Last afternoon and again this morning there was the unmistakable call of a Pheasant Coucal hiding in our dense mulberry tree in Engadine, NSW. That's a southern suburb of Sydney. While I am very familiar with this bird from the north coast of NSW this is the first time I have heard it in my garden!!!! I am assuming it is on the move as there is now no evidence of it being here and at a guess it might be a refugee from bushfires further north.
		Brian Robert Everingham 26/11 #242911
Mon 25		Pomarine Jaeger Lake Cathie
		A single bird observed in front of barbecue area, was struggling to stand, in shallow water with wings spread out for support. Was able to flap its wings and appeared unwell, no picture taken. (Moderator's Note: Possibly the same bird seen the previous day except that our bird appeared perfectly healthy at the time!! AKM)
		Stephen Gallivan 25/11 #242905
		Australian Shelduck Walka Water Works
		Pair of Shelducks at back end of lake, first seen by Stephen Aveling-Rowe on Saturday, apparently returned around mid morning today. Able to observe from 10 meters away till they spotted me. They then retreated to the middle of the lake.
		Jeff Jones 25/11 #242901
Sun 24		White-throated Nightjar; Australian Owlet-nightjar Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park--Sphinx Memorial
		At least two WT Nightjars calling (probably a 3rd) approx 8:10pm (25 mins after sunset) when standing in car park at the Memorial. One then seen flying over entrance road near the park entrance/gates to the Sphinx area. An Owlet-Nightjar calling in this area too from deep cover on west side of Bobbin Head Rd.
		Tom Wilson 25/11 #242903
		Rufous Scrub-bird, Olive Whistler Gloucester Tops
		Terrific to finally tick Rufous Scrub-bird. Bird recorded (either heard or seen), before 8am, at three locations in Gloucester Tops: close to Munro Hut; along Kerripit Road and close to the corner of Kerripit and Gloucester Tops Road. At one spot, bird was seen close to pink ribbons tied to trees by previous visitors. Olive Whistler heard near corner of Kerript and Gloucester Tops Road. Two Olive Whistlers also recorded along Gloucester Tops Rd (not far from Kerripit) on Saturday afternoon. The area received a bit of rain on Saturday night thanks to a dramatic electrical storm. Details on eBird.
		Steve Edwards, Mike Kuhl and Lorne Johnson 25/11 #242899
		Grey Plover, Kelp Gull Long Reef Rock Platform
		Single, very flighty, Grey Plover seen on the rock platform. A sub adult Kelp Gull also seen hanging around the boat ramp near the golf club. Other birds seen included multiple Red-necked Stint, Pacific Golden Plover, Ruddy Turnstone and a report of a Sanderling in amongst the Stints. Numerous Shearwater seen offshore with multiple deceased birds also washed up on the beach unfortunately.
		Daniel McKeon 25/11 #242895
		Forest Kingfisher, Cicadabird, White-throated Needletail Fernbank Lane, off Fernbank Creek Rd Port Macquarie
		One Forest Kingfisher seen at end of lane at the gate to private property, this is my first Forest Kingfisher seen in the Hastings/Port Macquarie LGA since moving here in February 2019. In 40 minutes on the lane we saw 2 Cicadabirds, 1 Brush Cuckoo, a flock of 17 White-throated Needletails (my first flock for the season in the LGA), Black-faced Monarch and Rufous Fantails
		Alan Morris, Mike Kuhl, Lorne Johnson & Steve Edwards 25/11 #242894
		Curlew Sandpiper, Marsh Sandpiper Lake Wollumboola
		One Curlew Sandpiper, 1 Marsh Sandpiper (4th record for Lake Woll.on ebird). 300 Bar-tailed Godwit, 215 Sharp-tailed Sandpiper, 45 Red Knot, 1 Great Knot, 50-60 Pied Stilt and Red-necked Avocet. Full list attached. eBird checklist
		Carla Jackett, Nerida Hudspith, Joy Williams, Kim Touzel, Paul Lynch 25/11 #242892
		Aleutian Terns, Sand-Plovers, Double-banded Plover Farquhar Inlet, Old Bar
		Great day at Old Bar saw 10 Aleutian Terns, 2 Double-banded Plovers, 1 Lesser Sand-plover, 3 Greater Sand-plovers, 15 Sanderling, 30 Far Eastern Curlew, 1 Whimbrel and various others. Photo shows 3 Aleutians and 1 Common Tern. eBird checklist
		Chris Rehberg, Allon, per checklist to come 24/11 #242887
		Grey Plover, Great Knot, Pomerine Jaeger Lake Cathie Lagoon, Port Macquarie
		Continuing bird. Together with the Grey Plover, there were 9 Pacific Golden Plovers, 1 Red Knot , (3 Red Knots yesterday), 2 Ruddy Turnstones, 52 Sharpies, 2 Curlew Sandpipers, 10+ Red-capped Plovers, 32 Red-necked Stints, 10 Bar-tailed Godwits, 2 Australian Pied Oystercatchers, 2 Gull-billed Terns, 14+ Common Terns, 1 Little Tern and a light morph Pomerine Jaeger did a slow inspection of the lagoon (where there are some dead and dying fish attracting sundry raptors and pelicans) before flying back out to sea!
		Mike Kuhl, Steve Edwards, Lorne Johnson & Alan Morris 24/11 #242886
		White-cheeked Honeyeater, Eastern Spinebill Armidale Road, Coutts Crossing Village
		11+ White-cheeked Honeyeaters at and around bird bath in our backyard. Large number of a species only rarely recorded locally. Adult Eastern Spinebill in trees nearby. Spinebills usually absent during spring-summer.
		Greg Clancy 24/11 #242885
		Long-billed Corella Buttle Rd, Orange
		One LB Corella with 3 Little Corella and 6 Superb Parrots - prolonged observation at close range - while they were feeding in a Wattle tree. (Moderator's note: An uncommon species in the Central West. MB).
		B and C Huxtable 24/11 #242882
Sat 23		Glossy Black Cockatoo 20km out of Tullamore on the Narromine Rd
		8 birds seen flying low along the road as l drove past at 8 am. This area has large areas os Belah trees so should be good glossy habitat.
		Warren Chad 25/11 #242889
		Glossy Black Cockatoo Manly Warringah War Memorial Park--Incl Manly Dam
		Saw a pair and juvenile feeding for at least 4 hours near the last carpark. I also saw a bird flying across Allambie Rd a few months ago.
		Geoff Longford 24/11 #242876
		Great Crested Grebe Prospect Reservoir
		about 170 Great Crested Grebe in a tight group with about 25 Hoary-headed Grebe and 6 Silver Gull. Also one Rufous Fantail seen at George Maunder lookout. I have had about 200 or more Great-crested Grebe on a few occasions at this location in the past but not for a while.
		Edwin Vella 23/11 #242873
		Grey Plover Shoalhaven Heads Inlet
		Continuing bird. Observed feeding alone on the edge of mudflats n outgoing tide from 11:20am - 12:00pm. This bird was first identified by Brian Speechley and Sally (shorebird recovery team) possibly yesterday or the day before. Kim Touzel also took photos yesterday. This ID image shows the white tail with barring which is unlike that of a Pacific Golden Plover.
		Carla Jackett 23/11 #242872
		Black-tailed Native Hen Gosling Creek Reservoir, Orange
		A single young bird with obvious upraised tail. (Moderator's note: Individuals are being found with some regularity lately as they filter eastwards. MB).
		Steve Gross 23/11 #242871
Fri 22		Banded Lapwing Geregarow Rd, Coutts Crossing (via Grafton)
		14 Banded Lapwing observed in heavily grazed field beside road. 12 Adults, 2 Immatures. Originally found by Dr Greg Clancy on 21 Nov. Rare sighting in Clarence Valley. Previous record in same location 1986 (also a breeding record at nearby location in 1991). eBird checklist
		Dr Greg Clancy, Darryl and Gary Eggins 22/11 #242868
Thu 21		Brown Songlark Lake Chickiba, Ballina
		Single female bird on grassy area between lake and road, in company of pipits. (First reported by Marion Roper on Facebook 20/11, seen also by Steve McBride pm 24/11) eBird checklist
		Russ Lamb 25/11 #242896
		Beach Stone-curlew, Grey Plover Long Reef Rock Platform
		Single Beach Stone-curlew and single Grey Plover seen today, 9:30am just before low tide. GP associating with other waders, BSC by itself.
		Cary Lewis & David Sinnott 21/11 #242860
Wed 20		Blue-billed Duck Pitt Town Lagoon
		One female Blue-billed Duck with 8 ducklings all diving for food very close to the bird hide. This is the second Sydney breeding record. Also at least one Freckled Duck and one Great Crested Grebe.
		Andrew Patrick 21/11 #242866
		Black/Painted/Singing Honeyeaters, Crimson/White-fronted Chat, Ground Cuckoo-shrike Durridgere Road, Upper Hunter
		Each of these species are still being seen along Durridgere Rd and environs in the Upper Hunter. The Singing HEs are a scarce resident and the White-fronted Chats breed in the area (there are no nearby populations as far as I'm aware?). A Black-tailed Native-hen is present on a dam closer to Ulan and another count of >100 Banded Lapwings was made along Smedes Rd as well.
		Ian Benson, Dan Williams et al per Mick Roderick 21/11 #242856
		Yellow-tufted Honeyeater, White-cheeked Honeyeater, Golden Whistler, Red-browed Finch Armidale Road, Coutts Crossing Village
		One Yellow-tufted Honeyeater was photographed drinking at a water dish at our home. One (possibly the same bird) was observed flying from at or near our backyard yesterday. These are the first records of the species at Coutts Crossing with the nearest colonies near Nymboida (which has been devastated by fire); 2 White-cheeked Honeyeaters have been in the yard for 3 days (rare locally) and a female plumaged Golden Whistler has been present for a couple of days. Golden Whistlers are usually only an autumn-winter visitor to the site. 2 Brown Honeyeaters have also been present daily - usually only an autumn-winter migrant and 2 Red-browed Finches were feeding on the seeds of African Veldt Grass in the yard (very few records at site) - all heat or fire related. Photo of Yellow-tufted Honeyeater by Daniel Getaz.
		Greg & Val Clancy, Daniel Getaz, 20/11 #242852
		Pacific Baza Tomerong village-25km south of Nowra
		Soaring above back garden.Unable to clearly distinguish underside but strange flight manoeuvres -holding wings backwards in a vee combined with weird short dives-were the giveaway.
		Andy Wood 20/11 #242846
Tue 19		Eastern Osprey Chipping Norton Lake
		One bird clearly visible at the top of a bare tree. I have occasionally seen an Osprey along the Georges River from Holsworthy to Chipping Norton but not for some time.
		Ian Bailey 20/11 #242847
Mon 18		Grey Plover, Great Knot, Red Knot, Curlew Sandpiper Lake Cathie, Port Macquarie
		Lake Cathie is drying out and it will take a major flood for it to fill again, however it is providing a good habitat for migratory waders and other waterbirds. Since 9/11/19 but in the past two days particularly (17-18/11/19) there have been 2 Grey Plovers, 1 Pacific Golden Plover, 2 Great Knot (only present 9/11/19), 5 Red Knot, 4 Curlew Sandpipers, 28 Bar-tailed Godwit, 72 Sharp-tailed Sandpipers, 17 Red-necked Stint, 11 Red-capped Plovers, 1 Eastern Curlew and 3 Ruddy Turnstone present, as well as Caspian, Crested, Gull-billed and Common Terns, 4 Pied Oystercatchers and other waterbirds.
		Alan Morris, Tony Bischoff, Ken Monson & Terry McCarthy and others 18/11 #242837
Sun 17		Black-winged Petrel, Black Petrel, Sooty Tern, Long-tailed Jaeger Pelagic off Crowdy Head
		The highlight of a pelagic trip organised by Michael Kearns off Crowdy Head on Sunday 17/11/2019 was a Black-winged Petrel, seen quite wide (-32.12881, 153.18422). This species is on the NSW ORAC review list (for birds seen in coastal NSW waters) and a submission will be made. Also seen were 2 Black Petrels, 3 Sooty Terns and a Long-tailed Jaeger. Photo of the Black-winged by Jodi Osgood. eBird checklist
		Michael Kearns et al, per Mick Roderick 20/11 #242848
		Glossy black Cockatoo (7) Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park--West Head
		Initially a pair with young then two more pair joined the roost...(Moderator's Note: we are publishing this report because seven birds is a good number for this site, however, there is nothing "unusual" about Glossy Black Cockatoos at this site, it is one of the most regular sites in Sydney so henceforth we would not publish such reports. AKM)
		Lorand Szucs, Janos Olah 19/11 #242844
		Australian Bittern West Byron Wetlands (Restricted access - Council key required)
		Australian Bittern seen late this afternoon, in the large ponds closest to the main entrance gate. Refer to Byron Bay council website for site access details. https://www.byron.nsw.gov.au/Services/Water-sewer/Sewer/Byron-Bay-Wetlands eBird checklist
		Steven McBride 17/11 #242831
		Black-eared Cuckoo Byron Bay Wetlands
		A single Black-eared Cuckoo was photographed at the Byron Bay Wetlands by Chris Gibson. This is a very rare bird in North-eastern NSW
		Chris Gibson per Alan Morris 17/11 #242829
		Greater Sand-plover Wallaga Lake entrance
		a Greater Sand-plover was observed with 2 Ruddy Turnstone on the sandbar today. Also over 50 Bar-tailed godwit, Red-necked Stint, Sharp-tailed Sandpiper as well as smaller numbers of Curlew Sandpiper, both Little and Fairy Tern and 2 Australian Shelduck seen here over the last 2 days eBird checklist
		Ash Allnutt 17/11 #242826
		Satin Flycatcher (male) Barren Grounds Nature Reserve, Jamberoo
		Decent activity in the morning after the rains! Also: Pilotbird, Eastern Bristlebird (2), Southern Emu-wren (3), Beautiful Firetail, Rufous Fantail, Gang-gang Cockatoo...
		Lorand Szucs 17/11 #242825
		White-browed Woodswallows nesting Western Sydney Parklands, Quakers Hill
		At least 5 White-browed Woodswallows present including one but possibly 2 nesting pairs (quite a concealed nest as per photo) and 5 White-winged Trillers (4 males and female).
		Edwin Vella 17/11 #242823
		Tawny-crowned Honeyeater Western Sydney Parklands, Glendenning
		I was thrilled and astounded to find a Tawny-crowned Honeyeater in the Glendening section of the Western Sydney Parklands. It was foraging among eucalypts,m Acacias and a dead casuarina and was silent during my observation. Probably 40-50 km away from the nearest suitable habitat. Also of interest were a pair of Brown Falcons, 4 Little Lorikeets, 4 Sacred Kingfishers and 3 male White-winged Trillers. This is bird no. 247 for the Blacktown LGA bird list and is now among the 23 species of honeyeater for the LGA (pretty much all the regular honeyeaters in the Sydney area and a few rarities like Painted, Regent, Black-chinned and Spiny-cheeked).
		Edwin Vella 17/11 #242822
		Sooty Tern Redhead Beach, Newcastle
		Just saw a juvenile Sooty Tern over Redhead Beach. It had a forked tail, chocolate colouration & lighter areas at the vent & the underwings. Seen 14:40. Unfortunately I was walking my dog & I didn't have my camera on me.During strong swell & winds from the east. Flew south at coordinates: -33.020348, 151.709288
		Archie Brennan 17/11 #242821
		Little Lorikeet, White-cheeked Honeyeater, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo Armidale Road, Coutts Crossing
		Heard 2+ Little Lorikeets in gums in our backyard, 2 Sulphur-crested Cockatoos also in our Forest Red Gum and single White-cheeked Honeyeater near bird bath, probably drinking. Little Lorikeets not recorded at site for over a year, cockatoos very uncommon in village and honeyeater only recorded a few times around the village. Probably fire related.
		Greg Clancy 17/11 #242820
		Crimson Chat Long Reef Golf Course
		Continuing bird, located at 9 am half way along track between Dee Why Surf Club & Long Reef Headland in a sandy area with plant protectors on the beach side with a fence. Flew off 50-100 m west back towards Dee Why, before disappearing into vegetation Bird regularly returns to this spot, so be prepared to wait for an hour or so. eBird checklist
		Jenny & Rod Stiles 17/11 #242818
Sat 16		Yellow-billed Spoonbill Pughs Lagoon
		On the Birding NSW outing 4 members found 4 Yellow-billed Spoonbill roosting with 3 Royal Spoonbill at Pughs Lagoon.
		Trevor Waller 19/11 #242839
		Varied Sittella, White-cheeked Honeyeater, Coutts Crossing Reserve, near cemetery
		3 Sittellas feeding in ironbark. First record at this site for some years. Very few records at site for White-cheeked Honeyeaters as well. Probably fire related.
		Greg Clancy, Daniel Getaz & Izzy Luescher 17/11 #242819
		Great Crested Grebe Bushells Lagoon
		On the BNSW outing 4 members found a Great Crested Grebe on Bushells Lagoon. Also seen at this site were 2 Red-kneed Dotterel and at least 11 Glossy Ibis.
		Trevor Waller 17/11 #242814
		Baillon’s Crake and Red-necked Stint Eastlakes golf course
		First Baillon’s Crake record for a couple of years, but 2 Red-necked Stints is well and truly a sign of (coastal) drought, water levels dropping daily and posting here to also update local conditions. Sharp-tailed Sandpipers up to 16 now with at least 13 Latham’s Snipe also present. White-winged Trillers also still present and their behaviour would seem consistent with potential breeding.
		David Mitford 16/11 #242812
		Painted Honeyeater Nepean Weir, Penrith
		Still present this afternoon, calling at times. Seen twice, one of those being good close views on the river side of the railings. Other observers had seen it this morning in the same area
		Stephen Hey and others 16/11 #242811
		Fairy Terns, Marsh Sandpiper Lake Wollumboola
		Two Fairy terns noted in photographs after the visit. They were roosting on one of the distant sandbars - might be hard to ID without a scope, especially with several dozen Little Terns also present. They had yellow bills with black tips, no dark line joining bill to eye through lores and stockier heads than the Little Terns. Marsh Sandpiper standing tall and strutting about on distant sandbar also - easier to ID. Another birder also saw it at one point at the easternmost part of the lake (ie a couple hundred metres from carpark). eBird checklist to come.
		Chris Rehberg 16/11 #242809
		Barking Owl Irrawong Reserve
		Continuing bird - at 5pm single bird in same spot as reported in 15 Nov. Will sit quietly on roosting perch and sporadically call. Looks quite fluffy around the throat - possibly a young bird?
		Tom Wilson 16/11 #242808
Fri 15		Gould's Petrel, White-faced Storm-Petrel, Long-tailed Jaeger Offshore--Sydney Pelagic
		A slow start to what was a terrific day on the water produced Gould's Petrel (4), no doubt in the area for the breeding season, a White-faced Storm-Petrel (1) in amongst the few Wilson's Storm-Petrel (7). Grey-faced Petrel (35), all in obvious moult. Also seen were Providence Petrel (15), Long-tailed Jaeger (1), Pomarine Jaeger (3), Shy (2) and Black-browed Albatrosses (3), Flesh-footed (2), Wedge-tailed (50) and Short-tailed (100) Shearwaters. We motored further out into 1500m waters before the action started. eBird checklist
		Greg McLachlan, David Mitford and all observers on the Sea Eagle 16/11 #242805
		Wood Sandpiper Putta Bucca Wetlands, Mudgee
		Update. A single Wood Sandpiper is still present at the wetlands a day short of 5 weeks after first discovered. This would suggest it's happy and going to stay for a while. Do they usually stay so long? As previously reported it tends to be on the western mudflat. Stand under the Casuarina past the western bird hide for best chance to see. (Moderator's Note: Length of stay is variable. The birds at the Dairy Swamp, Tuggerah appear to have disappear after just a few days, whereas some in the past at Fivebough Swamp, Leeton stayed for months .AKM). eBird checklist
		Mark Leary 15/11 #242804
		Brahminy Kite Freeman Avenue Reserve (Oatley)
		A locally vagrant juvenile Brahminy Kite was lethargically gliding above Freeman Avenue Reserve and, more generally, Jewfish Bay from 5:23pm to 5:30pm. For more information see the eBird checklist: eBird checklist
		Jesse Gibson 15/11 #242803
		Banded Lapwing Smedes Road, Turil (Hunter Valley)
		An amazing 128!! eBird checklist
		Grant Brosie 15/11 #242802
		Ground Cuckoo-shrike Durridgerie Road
		3 birds flushed from the ground. Flew around calling for a bit before landing on nearby wires. Good sighting for the Hunter. Terrible record shot attached eBird checklist
		Grant Brosie 15/11 #242801
		Barking Owl Irrawong Reserve, Warriewood
		Barking Owl heard and then sighted this morning. Bird seen near old pitta site, just past the boardwalk on your left hand side, near where you see the creek.
		Tom Petty 15/11 #242799
Thu 14		Singing Honeyeater Glen Davis
		A Singing Honeyeater seen in Market St between the campground and the hotel, perhaps the same bird that was reported by Mike Barrow in July and David Hair in October this year. Nearby Yellow Box is currently in flower providing nectar for various honeyeaters and Little Lorikeets.
		Carol Probets, Peter Taylor and Limosa group 14/11 #242798
		Red Knot Deeban Spit, Port Hacking
		Unusual to Deeban Spit. Saw one back on 27 October 2014. 3 seen today feeding with the godwits. One looks to still have breeding colours on. Godwit numbers here at numbers not seen before. Haven't had any over summer in 5 years. Recording upwards of 50 each day. https://youtu.be/QEmRb8jlwHI
		Julie Keating 14/11 #242795
		Magpie Goose, Red-capped Plover Lake Wyangan (North Lake) Griffith
		35 Magpie Geese and 25+ Red-capped Plovers were the highlights at Lake Wyangan today. The north lake is only half full with plenty of muddy shoreline. I was surprised to see so many geese there in the open feeding in the shallows. No migratory waders were seen today.
		Max O'Sullivan 14/11 #242794
		Australasian Bittern [3], Blue-billed Duck [2 males], Musk Duck [1 female] Campbell's Swamp Griffith
		Bitterns flew out from the same section of the swamp so hopefully they will nest there with so little rice being grown locally this season. The swamp has had e-water put in so the habitat will be good for waterbirds over summer.
		Max O'Sullivan 14/11 #242793
Wed 13		Black Honeyeater Genowlan Road bridge, Capertee Valley
		2 males and one female seen feeding in flowering Needle-leaf Mistletoe beside the Capertee River. (Moderator's Note: Two birds seen here on 26/10/19 as well. MR)
		Carol Probets, Peter Taylor and Limosa group 14/11 #242797
		Nesting White Browed Woodswallow Yengo National Park--Mogo Campground
		White Browed Woodswallow still in large numbers in general area which has already been well reported with some observations of potential / probable nesting, (I observed what I thought had to be nest material collection a few weeks ago in general area) but nice to confirm this today with female on nest and at least 2 speckled eggs present - seen through bino’s. Also present was an single Painted Button Quail, 3 x seperate groups of Spotted Quail Thrush and plenty of Little Lorikeet still getting around.
		Andrew Robinson 13/11 #242789
		Painted Honeyeater Nepean Weir, Penrith
		Painted honeyeater still present, 1 bird seen in the tree's close to Cassola Place. So pleased to see, my 4th attempt! I watched the bird gleaning insects from a dead tree for a good 5 minutes but it did not call at all. In fact I found by seeing it fly into the tree. Do not rely on call to locate it. It then flew off down river and crossed the fence into a restricted area before I lost sight of it,
		Martin Snowball 13/11 #242788
		Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo Crossmaglen
		100+ flock of Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoos graced the smokey Crossmaglen valley this afternoon.
		Michael Cheers 13/11 #242787
		Glossy Ibis, Whiskered Tern, Latham's Snipe, Sharp-tailed Sandpipers Bushells Lagoon
		Walked full perimeter of eastern side. Along the very eastern edge were 2 Glossy Ibis, 12 Sharp-tailed Sandpipers. A single Whiskered Tern was hunting in the southeastern area, returning to roost on a protruding fence post. Along the southern edge were a further 40 Sharp-tailed Sandpipers. Walked half perimeter of western side, northern edge. About 20 Latham's Snipes flushed.
		David Davidson 13/11 #242786
Tue 12		Fairy Tern Boat Harbour, Kurnell
		Single Fairy Tern flew in to join 14 Little Terns and various others. (Moderator's Note: great report, but subject to confirmation by NSWORAC. AKM) eBird checklist
		Chris Rehberg 13/11 #242784
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