birding-aus
The following are interesting or unusual records from FEBRUARY 1999
lists reported by members of the Blue Mountains Bird Observers.
GENERAL COMMENTS
Post-breeding behaviour is apparent with many observers noting mixed
species feeding flocks and some early autumn movements (e.g. see
MISTLETOEBIRD below). Some observers have noted the disappearance during
February of KOELS and CHANNEL-BILLED CUCKOOS from their local areas,
although these species are still present in the general area. There was
an increase in sightings of RUFOUS FANTAILS as they move out of their
breeding habitat. No diurnal raptors were reported except for BROWN
GOSHAWKS.
STUBBLE QUAIL: 1 female seen on Shipley Road, Blackheath on 7/2.
WONGA PIGEON: Heard at Blackheath. This species was also present in the
same gully at Blackheath during the second half of 1998. The Wonga
Pigeon is uncommon in the sandstone environment of the Blue Mountains
plateau, it is more typical of the Jamison and Grose Valleys and on
basalt at Mount Wilson.
SUPERB PARROT: This escapee is still at Mount Riverview and is proving
to be a favourite of the local residents whose bird-feeders it visits.
LITTLE LORIKEET: A flock in Jamison Valley near the Scenic Railway on
25/2.
PALLID CUCKOO: 1 immature at Woodford on 12/2. This species is uncommon
in most parts of the Blue Mountains.
POWERFUL OWL: Heard at Springwood on 17/2. Unfortunately the remains of
a dead Powerful Owl were found at Knapsack Creek, Lapstone, with a fox
scat nearby.
WHITE-THROATED NEEDLETAIL: Still very few reports. 10-15 at Woodford on
6/2; 65 flying south at Katoomba between 7.20 and 7.40pm on 16/2;
several small groups in Newnes State Forest on 20/2.
WHITE-BELLIED CUCKOO-SHRIKE: Reported from Lapstone.
MISTLETOEBIRD: 2 flying north at Katoomba on 4/2. It is unusual to see
these in the upper Blue Mountains.
Carol Probets
Newsletter Editor, Blue Mountains Bird Observers
Katoomba, NSW, Australia
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