Re: Atlassing - in hope

Hi everyone,
I too was out for a short period on the weekend on Phillip Island in 
Westernport Bay Victoria.  The weather was icy but 
I got down to Rhyll to set a winter baseline for the waders.  There were about 
20 Eastern Curlews, 1 common Greenshank 
and 1 Common Sandpiper (which was a new one for me on Phillip Island).  Also a 
number of Cape Barren Geese as usual 
around the island.
One problematic sighting was the Currawongs.  I saw three Currawongs, two of 
which were certainly Grey Currawongs of the 
normal grey southern color.  One Currawong however was very black with no white 
on the rump and only a tiny bit of white 
in the wings.  If I had been in the Mallee I would have said it was a 
black-winged form of the Grey Currawong but they 
shouldn't be around the south of Victoria should they?  Does anyone have any 
suggestions on this one?

Also was talking to my family who are still in Mt Isa at the moment.  They too 
are collecting data for a possible atlas 
download in the future.  The birds they are listing are of a higher calibre 
than mine however as yesterday the saw 2 
Letter-winged Kites beginning feeding just on dusk.  Also on the second try got 
good views and hopefully video of 
Carpentarian Grass-wrens on the Loretta Mine Rd.  What a difference between 
Phillip Island in winter (12 degrees, rain, 
icy wind, Cape Barren Geese) and Mt. Isa (clear skies, low thirties, grasswrens 
and L-W Kites).  I know where I would 
rather be.

Best Wishes
John

                                                                                
                                                                                
                                                                                
                                                                                
Best Wishes
                                                                                
                                                                                
                                                                                
                                                                                
John Boyce

Department of Microbiology
Monash University
Clayton, 3168
Vic. Australia
 
phone: work:  9905 4838
       home:  9376 6641