Yesterday morning I found a dead bird on the rocky beach on the inshore side
of Yacaaba headland (the northern headland of Port Stephens NSW). The bird
had been heavily predated, whether this was the cause of its demise is
unclear. It had a green band on its left leg and a yellow on its right,
bearing the letters 'SUTH" and the number "1105". There were some other
numbers and letters which I was unable to decipher owing to not having my
glasses with me. One might have been a phone number starting with '1300'.
I was unable to ascertain the species of the bird, which was predominately
black in plumage with red legs. It was about the size of an Eastern Whipbird
(many of which were calling nearby) or perhaps a bit larger. It had an upper
mandible shaped like that of a Gallinule, but lacking any colour. Looking in
my field guides later, I thought the best match was Black-tailed Native Hen,
although how one would turn up there is beyond me. Any suggestions as to its
ID would be welcome. I didn't take a photo.
Paul Osborn
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