Firstly the South Curl Curl gull is confirmed as Kelp Gull second year after
observing the bird on 17.1.01 with work mate Dean Purcell. We were extremely
lucky and located it almost immediately on the rock platform. Its distinctly
black mantle and scaps, presence of a couple of fresh white tipped
primaries, bill structure and subterminal banding pattern are perfect for
Kelp and wrong for Black-tailed Gull. This 2-3 year age group of Kelp Gull
confuses many experienced birders. Even the gulls get confused because like
humans they can sometimes develop at different rates. The Curl Curl gull had
a dark eye- a feature of first years. It was definitely worth reporting
because it may have been a mega rarity. If it had been a Black-tailed it
would have been only the third Australian record. The third record will now
have to wait for another day.
As for Sydney Brolgas, conversation with Mathew Kettle at Taronga's bird
flight demonstrations revealed that their Brolga disappeared for several
hours on an afternoon in early Jan approx 2-3 weeks ago. It re-appeared on
Whiting Beach in the mid afternoon. Possibly the bird seen was this
individual. If it made it to Artarmon (probably about 6 km as the Brolga
flies) it was an excellent homing trick to return of its own volition. If
Andy's informants can supply a date we can match it with Mathew's records
and solve the mystery. More than likely to be to co-incidental for my
liking. To answer Tony Russell genuine wild Brolga in the
Sydney-Newcastle-Wollongong region is a serious vagrant. There is not much
evidence to suggest they are increasing in numbers on the north coast or
western plains. The species is listed as endangered/rare-vulnerable in NSW.
Good birding
Dion
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