Hi All,
A group of us have just returned from a seabird and shorebird research
trip to Ashmore Reef. Atypical for November, we experienced unsettled
weather with towering cloud masses and distant rain visible on most
days. The monsoonal trough gave rise to a Category 1 cyclone a couple of
days after we’d departed. No doubt partly due to the unsettled weather
we recorded some impressive rarities whilst at Ashmore and elsewhere in
the Browse Basin off north-west Western Australia.
Best were:
Chinese Sparrowhawk – an immature present for two days was the first for
Ashmore. Pics here:
http://www.pbase.com/wildlifeimages/chinese_sparrowhawk (first four images)
Northern Boobook (aka Brown Hawk-Owl) – a single flushed from a large
shrub at Ashmore Reef and then only seen in flight as it departed the
island. Pics here: http://www.pbase.com/wildlifeimages/northern_boobook
(first five images)
Willow Warbler – A completely unexpected first for Australia. A single
over several days at Ashmore. Pics here:
http://www.pbase.com/wildlifeimages/willow_warbler
Arctic Warbler – One definite borealis identified by call (recorded). A
second probable individual on plumage. Both at Ashmore.
Kamchatka Leaf Warbler – at least two different examinandus at Ashmore.
Both were heard giving their diagnostic contact call and we managed to
sound record these. The first for Australia was recorded at the same
site 12 months earlier so these are the second and third records for
Australia.
Oriental Reed-warbler – one present at Ashmore for 3 days.
Middendorff’s Warbler – a single present at Ashmore for two days was
notable for the ‘walk away views’ that were on offer. Pics here:
http://www.pbase.com/wildlifeimages/middendorffs_warbler (first four images)
Blue and White Flycatcher – an immature (brown bird) present at Ashmore
for 4 days was another first record for the reef. A second bird, a
cracking adult male at Browse Island, was only the 3rd record for
Western Australia. Pics here:
http://www.pbase.com/wildlifeimages/blue_white_flycatcher (first 6 images)
Asian Brown Flycatcher – one present at Ashmore for four days. Another,
a juvenile, was present at Browse Island on our only landing there. This
latter observation was the second record for Western Australia.
Dark-sided Flycatcher – a juvenile present for just one day at Ashmore.
About the fourth record for Australia.
Kimberley Birdwatching will be running a birding tour to Ashmore for 8
days in late October 2013. As well as providing some exciting birding
opportunities these trips also contribute data to the ongoing bird
monitoring program at the reef.
For details visit http://www.kimberleybirdwatching.com.au/
Cheers,
Rohan Clarke
--
Rohan Clarke
www.wildlifeimages.com.au
Latest updates
http://www.pbase.com/wildlifeimages/root&view=recent
===============================
To unsubscribe from this mailing list,
send the message:
unsubscribe
(in the body of the message, with no Subject line)
to:
http://birding-aus.org
===============================
|
