Over the Easter wekend the QNC camped on private property ajoining Bunya
Mtn's N/P in SEQ. Most members were given a good view of what was
undoubtedly an albino Ground/White's/Bassian/Russet-tailed Thrush Zoothera
lunulata. This bird was probably the same one photographed behind the N/P
Office at Dandabah last year. It was about 2.5km. as the thrush flies on
private property adjacent to the Nanago road. It appeared to be in company
with one and possibly two normal birds, and seemed reasonably undisturbed
by numerous people staring at it. It was seen in the same small area on 4
seperate occasions. Don Seton ex QNP&WS, O.I.C. South Qld. who now lives at
the Bunyas in a per.con. said that he had heard of what may be another
"white" thrush being photographed at a nest with a normal partner, but he
could not find out who had seen it or where.
The general consensus was that because of the elevation (915m. by GPS) that
it would be a Bassian. Refer Pizzey & Knight where it states Bassian occurs
above 500m and Russet-tailed below 750m. However Seton et.al. say
otherwise, "you can only tell by the call".
Has anyone any thoughts out there?? I would like to hear them please.
John Walter, Pittsworth, Qld.
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