birding-aus

2001 highlights

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Subject: 2001 highlights
From:
Date: Wed, 2 Jan 2002 14:23:25 +1000
My highlights of the year 2001.  A number of these highlights aren't 
specifically seeing something new or exciting but relate to the act of 
birding itself.  They are in no particular order.

radio-tracking of Regent Honeyeaters in the Capertee Valley in January and 
February with volunteers extrordinare Carol Probets and Tiffany Mason. 
Bloody hard work continually climbing steep hills in 40 degree heat but we 
followed Regents into habitat that we never knew they used.  While we 
didn't resolve all the issues about Regent Honeyeater movement it 
certainly explained some things we have observed in the past
Bustard just south of Bourke 9 June.
A weekend atlassing some neglected blocks in the geographical centre of 
NSW - from Tottenham to Nymagee.  A number of species at their western and 
eastern limits as well as Superb Parrots, Major Mitchell Cockatoos, Black 
Falcon, Splendid Fairy-wren, Crested Bellbird, White-fronted, 
Yellow-plumed and Grey-fronted Honeyeaters.  The spotted Bowerbirds 
"playing" in the main street of Tottenham was great to watch from the 
balcony of the local pub.
My trip to "Bowra" at Cunnamulla, 7-13 July.  The second such trip in two 
years.  Great hospitality and great birds - Bourke Parrot, Major Mitchell 
Cockatoo, Crested Bellbird, Chestnut-breasted Quail-thrush, White-browed 
Tree-creeper.
Chestnut-breasted Quail-thrush, Major Mitchell Cockatoo and Red-winged 
Parrot among 20-odd other species on a 2ha, 20 minute atlas search west of 
Byrock 14 July.
Magnificent and prolonged views of a pair of Turquoise Parrots feeding on 
low grevilleas in the Capertee Valley 9 September
A pair of very vocal Sooty Owls at Allyn River in the Hunter Valley on a 
twitchathon recce 11 October
The 2001 Twitchathon with Carol Probets and Mick Todd on 27-28 October. 
Great company, great birds -  Painted Honeyeater *, Spotted Harrier *, 
Black Falcon *,  Barking Owl, Wompoo Fruit-dove, Paradise Riflebird, Noisy 
Pitta ( * not seen during 24 hour twitchathon period) - culminating in a 
winning NSW total of 218 species.
"Old Faithful", the Goonoo Malleefowl working his mound on 11 November 
with "the missus" who appeared to lay in the mound as they were watched. 

These highlights are those that have popped into my head.  I'm sure that 
if I went through my note books others would also vie for a position.

Cheers

David Geering


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