Birdline Australia Weekly Update

Birdline Australia

Published sightings for the week ending 3 Feb 2013.

Sat 2 Feb	Square-tailed Kite Cobbler Creek Recreation Park, South Australia Square-tailed Kite (1) Super excited to find one of these over the suburbs! First seen quartering low over the Eucalypt canopy whilst driving up the hill... but wasn't sure whether it was a Kite or Harrier as I only got quick views! It got the better of me and after finding somewhere to do a u-turn I wen't back! Luckily it was still there hunting low over the trees... so I was able to get some ID shots whilst it was being harassed by a couple of Magpies proving it to be a Square-tail as my suspicion's had suggested! Always a good day when you come across one of the rarest birds in SA... and even more unusual to find it in suburbia! Chris Steeles
	Eastern Reef Egret Hallett Cove Beach, South Australia Eastern Reef Egret (1) Adult dark morph foraging amongst rocks at mouth of creek. This species is seldom recorded for this locality. Edward Smith 1688
Wed 30 Jan	Lesser Black-backed Gull, Semi-palmated Plover Broome, Western Australia The Lesser Black-backed Gull and Semi-palmated Plover in Broome continue to be observed regularly. Per Mike Carter
Mon 28 Jan	Red-footed Booby (NSW ORAC submission required) Swansea Heads - south head., New South Wales Out in wild weather at Swansea Heads late this afternoon, with no birds over the ocean, but turned to notice a bird on the coast watch tower upon the south headland. Dark wings, light belly and tail - looked through the bins, RED FEET!!!! Red-footed Booby, my cup runneth over. The bird did not lift it's head but was locked on the perch in roosting mode. The very light underparts and dark wings suggest it is an intermediate morph toward the lighter end of the scale. This bird will be subject to ORAC scrutiny, but ID looks very positive. Allan Richardson
Thu 24 Jan	Yellow Chat, Little Curlew, Oriental Pratincole, Flock Bronzewing Tablelands Hwy 84kms North of Barkely Hwy Junction, Northern Territory Yellow Chat (20): At least 20 individuals, both male and female, seen active in the abundant 'sedge grass' (species of Cyperus is assumed). This area is a non-permanent swamp. Surrounding area of swamp is expansive and many more individuals would be expected. No good photos available as close access wasn't possible due to muddy surrounds. Little Curlew (500): Numerous flocks of 20+ birds, active in area. One flock of over 100 seen. Birds landed regularly in middle of surrounding swamp land. Oriental Pratincole (500): Huge flocks in distance so estimation is more likely in 1000's. Amount seen were close and constantly hawking for insects over grass. Flock Bronzewing (500): Large flocks in distance, so number here is also underestimated. Water presence should remain throughout wet season, therefore so should swampy conditions and vegetation. It is Assumed that bird activity should be present for some time yet. Mick Jerram
Mon 21 Jan	Brown Booby Western part of Port Phillip Bay, Victoria A male Brown Booby was observed in the company of Australian Gannets at Midday. Maarten Hulzebosch
Wed 16 Jan	Lesser Black-backed or Heuglin's Gull Broome waste facility, Western Australia A large gull that is either a Lesser Black-backed Gull or a Heuglin's Gull has been at the waste facility in Broome (nw WA) since at least Wednesday 16th Jan. It has been observed on each of the four days since then and appears quite settled. This is a potential new species for Australia; when the identification is fully resolved this post will be updated. George Swann, Jim Allen, Mike Carter, Richard Baxter, Rohan Clarke
Tue 15 Jan	Little Curlew France Road Turf Farm, Edmonton, Queensland 1 Little Curlew still present. Feeding constantly. Judy Leitch and Rae Clark

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