A Regional Group of BirdLife WA since 2005 Cape Naturaliste to Cape Leeuwin

Issue 65 May 2020

Balancing act – Baudin’s Black-Cockatoo at sunset, Flinders Bay – Photo Mary Whittall

“Wherever you go there are birds to watch“

Avian Announcement - “You can watch us, you can photograph us, so long as you keep your distance”

CONTENTS PAGE Program 3 From the Editor 4 Hoodie Happenings 5 Cockatoo Capers 6-8 Augusta Island Surveys 9 Two Oceans Watch 9 Seabird Trip Reports 10-13 Capes Osprey Watch 13 Cape to Cape Chatter 14-21 Sightings 21 Birding beyond the Capes 22

“Maximum two birds at the bath at any time please!”

THESE FABULOUS PHOTOGRAPHS OF WILLIE WAGTAIL BY CLAIRE TIMMONS

Photographs in this publication are the property of

individual photographers or BirdLife Australia. Permission is necessary to reproduce any photographs.

Enlarge this newsletter to experience the best from the photographs.

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Cape to Cape Bird Group PROGRAM

Cape to Cape Bird Group No group activities planned

until further notice

Grey Shrike-thrush, Margaret River – Photo Michael Richardson

Note: All the local excursions/campouts/meetings are for BirdLife Australia members and the general public. The leader will always be present at the meeting place and will decide whether or not to proceed. In the event of threatening weather, those planning to attend an excursion (particularly if travelling some distance) are welcome to check conditions with the leader prior to the excursion (use individual mobile contact if given).

Convenor – Christine Wilder cwilderone@yahoo.com.au Deputy Convenor – Jennifer Hunt

Past Issues Visit ‘birdlife western australia publications’ Go to ‘Regional Group Newsletters’ - ‘Capes’ Website – http://birdlife.org.au/locations/ birdlife-western-australia/publications-wa

Galah chewing – Photo Roger Crabtree

New Holland Honeyeaters – Photo Keith Lightbody

Is your name on the notification list? LEEUWIN MARINE CHARTERS

Seabird trips from the Augusta Boat Harbour (weather dependent)

● Seabird charters planned with limited numbers ● Last charter 23 May Next charter 18 June

Bookings: cwilderone@yahoo.com.au

Western Rosellas – Photo Roger Crabtree

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From the Editor

Photo Brad Keyser

April/May It has certainly been interesting these past few weeks. When chatting with friends the consensus is that on the one hand a lot have been enjoying the peace and slowed pace in which we found ourselves, however missing organised group activities and supporting our local restaurants, wineries and attractions, visits to them enhancing our lives and even our birding experiences. We look forward to emerging from the restrictions into some form of new normality, a major task for all concerned.

My initial expectations of maximising unlimited time turned out to be false, as projects that had been on the back burner, such as tidying up bird group record keeping, membership, clearing hundreds of emails, updating folders and photographs, learning new online skills, sorting photos for brochures/signs and finishing three books, have all gone by the wayside. Finding new walk tracks, drinking coffee, fishing and chatting have taken over and sometimes ospreys and cockatoos have been best friends.

Some years ago, when operating bird tours, I accompanied an overseas businessman (owner of a television station and restaurant), photographing the birds of the tropics. He made a point of photographing the sunrise and sunset every day, no matter where he was in the world, and watching his excitement at the Cairns foreshore at daybreak and seeing him balancing on the bright red cliffs in Broome at sunrise, I witnessed his focussed enthusiasm for the natural world. Lately on most evenings, as well as checking on the ospreys, I made a point of photographing St. Alouarn Island, in all its moods, as seen from Flinders Bay. It became a real focus – perhaps a ‘covid obsession’.

Birdwatching too can be a focus, even a meditation, at any time, and a pursuit that can safely be undertaken to explore our surroundings and discover more about local birdlife.

Questions regarding one of our most abundant birds, the Silvereye, recently came to me from three different sources with one person remarking how little we know about one of our most common birds.

Silvereyes, nest in Margaret River garden

Photo Terry Scott

That got me thinking about an unofficial fun activity for next month.

BACKYARD BIRDBLITZ - THE SILVEREYE

Let us know of any discoveries of Silvereyes in your garden, park or favourite birding patch in the capes. A single bird bath/feeder at a certain time of day can be a focus. In a twenty-minute count in your garden, did you see or hear any Silvereyes? Not finding Silvereyes can also tell a story. Describe the features of the Silvereyes in your garden – do they all look alike? What are they feeding on? Notice any unusual behaviour, e.g. groups flying in a particular direction?

I look forward to receiving observations or photographs of these birds.

The next communication may contain information of organised group activities.

Christine Wilder

Here is a short note on Silvereyes from our Vice-Chair:

HANZAB describes movements of Silvereye as complicated … there is true migration in the lower South East Australia but a mixture of sedentary birds, nomadic birds and migratory birds seems to be the rule throughout species’ range.

There seem to be few observations on movements of the WA birds …. but small groups moving north or onto the coastal plain in May would be consistent with several other species (Grey Fantail, both pardalotes, Fan-tailed Cuckoo and several of the honeyeaters). Silvereyes are very numerous in Kingsley (northern metro area) now but are consistently absent from about September to December. Their absence coincides almost exactly with the Noongar season of Kambarang.

Dr Mike Bamford – Vice-Chair, BirdLife WA

Reference: Higgins, P.J., J.M. Peter & S.J. Cowling (eds) 2006. ‘Handbook of Australian, New Zealand and Antarctic Birds. Volume 7. Oxford University Press, Melbourne.

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Hoodie Happenings and other shorebirds

Hooded Plovers at South Beach – Photo Randall Smith

Randall and I visited South Beach on 10 May around 10:30am. South Beach is south of Contos and Cape Freycinet. As soon as we got down on the beach, walking south, we could see birds right up near the dunes. There were six Hooded Plovers and four Sanderlings in the group.

As we kept walking south we saw a number of pairs of Red-capped Plovers. About half-way along the stretch of beach there was one Hooded Plover sitting on its own. At the southern end towards the rocks we saw another two Hooded Plovers.

On returning, heading north, we re-counted the birds: 9 Hooded Plovers, 4 Sanderlings and 12 Red-capped Plovers.

Jennifer Smith

Australian Pied Oystercatcher with gulls – Photo Randall Smith

If you see Hooded Plovers on any beach please report them, especially if you find a nest or adults/chicks. Also check for leg flags – Last year two birds were released – one with a yellow BA flag, one with a blue BA flag.

Email BirdLife WA: wa@birdlife.org.au

Hooded Plovers at Cosy Corner – Photos Mary Whittall

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All photos this page taken by Mary Whittall

15 April – Flinders Bay Just as your wonderful April newsletter rolled in with all the great shots of everybody’s backyard birds, today we had an absolute bonanza. For the past couple of weeks, the cocky visitation has been on more days than not, averaging 6-9 each evening, and smaller visitation arriving for their morning drink. Tonight around 5:15pm the mob descended, 22 Baudin’s Black-Cockatoos, to be precise. It was all happening. First a fight for the top bird bath - about 5 or 6 trying to teeter around the rim at one time. The group was split up into several ‘activity’ stations: pecking at the rough grass below the bird bath, perching on already-pecked-to-death grasstree spikes, acting as weather-vane impersonations atop the Norfolk Island pines on which two big juveniles were being noisily fed. Fly pasts swooping just over our heads between ‘stations', quadrophonic screeching and plenty of photographic opportunity was quite an unforgettable experience. Back yard bliss! I went for a short walk in the bush to see if I could see where they went to roost. Four of them flew over to the Volunteer Sea Search and Rescue office …. and beyond a bit, then silence fell all round and I saw no more flying action at all. Elusive indeed.

Mary Whittall

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All photos this page taken by Mary Whittall

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Black-Cockatoos roosting near hollow, Margaret River

Photo Alan Burdett

22 April This morning around 8:30am Adrian and I heard and watched a big mob (estimated 100) of White-tailed Black-Cockatoos fly over our place at Carbunup. They came from the north in big flocks and headed toward the river flying southwards (estimated 100). We have been hearing and seeing a regular flock (approx. 20-30) come into the Carbunup roost most evenings and feed in the marris surrounding us as day breaks.

26 April Adrian counted 83 White-tailed Black-Cockatoos in the Carbunup roost just before 6:00pm and he said there were already many others in there! I have been hearing them leaving every morning, so endeavour to be up early to count! This morning we noted some of them feeding on very young marri nuts (and the odd jarrah) or continuing with their bark chewing thing that they do on dead, die-backed or marri kanker trees … or just saying ‘hello’ … just like we do sometimes as we like to congregate! The few Red-tails we had here (a group of 5 including a pair and another three) left about two months ago and we have not seen them since. So happy there is still some habitat to study … and birds!

27 April We counted this morning at 6:00am – 40+ White-tailed Black-Cockatoos, however maybe some had left the roost before we got there. Hard to say if they are Baudin’s or Carnaby’s. The nuts we see on our walk reveal all sorts of contradictions!

Janean Robinson

Baudin’s Black-Cockatoo, Augusta – Photo Roger Crabtree

Opinions, statements or views in this newsletter are those of the Editor or individual contributors and may not be those of BirdLife Australia. Every effort has been made to check the accuracy of content. If you notice any errors or inaccuracies please contact the Editor.

The cockatoos at Carbunup must have been an impressive sight! Great to hear. Sounds like they might be moving around a bit. I counted 80 Baudin's Black-Cockatoos flying over (five minutes from my place) and roosting nearby. The next evening none! It is good there are still marri nuts at Carbunup for them to feed on. They seem to like feeding, if they can, right before they roost. Often seems that way.

I still have some Baudin's (about 25) around where I live. The Forest Red-tailed seem to have left after being around every day and night for about two years. I reckon I had some groups of Carnaby's moving through a couple of times. Still find distinguishing their calls a bit tricky.

Good luck with the count in the morning. At least sunrise is not as early as a month or more ago!

Shapelle McNee 26 April 28 Carnaby’s Black-Cockatoos flying south over Leeuwin Road, Augusta. First Carnaby’s sighting for some time, as for the past two months all have been Baudin’s Black-Cockatoos and only the occasional small group of Red-tailed Black-Cockatoos since Christmas.

21 May 6 Carnaby’s Black-Cockatoos (with one begging) feeding west of Leeuwin Road, Augusta (5:00pm).

22 May 6 Carnaby’s Black-Cockatoos feeding alongside Skippy Rock Road, Cape Leeuwin.

Christine Wilder

Baudin’s Black-Cockatoo, Caves House, Yallingup – Photo Alan Burdett

Marris laden with honkey nuts, Augusta, March – Photo Christine Wilder

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Spotless Crake

(sensor camera selfie)

Augusta Island Nature Reserve Surveys

Bridled Tern selfies and Spotless Crake spotting was all part of recent sensor camera bird surveys on the Augusta Islands. The sensor camera work is part of DBCA’s monitoring of the Island Nature Reserves that exist off Augusta and Hamelin Bay, which collects data on seals, vegetation changes, human impact and sea birds using the islands as feeding, nesting and roosting.

Historically several species of burrowing sea bird have been recorded as using St Alouarn including White-faced Storm-Petrel, Flesh-footed Shearwater, Little Penguin and Little Shearwater.

Sensor camera data is hoped to piece together which species are still using the burrows and is providing some interesting shots!

The most recent round of photos captured a Spotless Crake creeping past the camera, Silvereyes flitting to and fro, a Little Shearwater coming and going from her burrow and a Bridled Tern positioning her nest directly in front of the camera giving us thousands of tern selfies!

Clare Forward Project Coordinator Invasive Animals

Ecosystem Health Branch Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions

Margaret River

Silvereye

(sensor camera selfie)

Two Oceans Watch

Indian Yellow-nosed and Shy Albatrosses,

seen from fishing vessel west of Augusta, 30/4/20 Photos Dave Muller

14 May 2 Indian Yellow-nosed Albatrosses recorded on a fishing charter at almost the same GPS reading as the Shy and Indian Yellow-nosed Albatrosses seen on the charter of 10 May.

Dave Muller

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Trip Report – 18 April LEEUWIN MARINE CHARTERS

Passing Seal Island and the lighthouse returning via Flinders Island

and the south west of St. Alouarn Island

South Polar Skua – Photo Blake Muller

What does a person addicted to sea watching do during a pandemic? Well if you have the right sized vessel (for social distancing) and with no group on board, you can carry out a seabird survey and catch dinner at the same time.

It was a little unusual heading out without a group of birders and photographers on board, when a pod of at least eight dolphins greeted us, then of course the shearwaters, Black-browed and Indian Yellow-nosed Albatrosses began to arrive. Early on a skua flew by and disappeared with no time for photos or definite id and seeing it overhead for a few seconds I called possible South Polar Skua. Then a second skua flew round the boat (it may have been the first bird return) and rested on the surface of the sea with around fifty photographs taken, enabling a positive identification later by Dr. Vincent Mourik from New South Wales, who researches moult of skuas. John Graff immediately identified it as a South Polar Skua from initial photos posted by Dave Muller on facebook and ‘Seabirds and Pelagics Australia’.

Wilson’s Storm-Petrels, one of the most abundant seabirds in the world, feeding on fish, squid, crustaceans and scooping oil from the ocean surface, were constantly on the move during the trip, especially around cray pot floats, as fishers on board a local fishing vessel were checking and setting numerous pots close by.

Back in the harbour and a juvenile White-bellied Sea-Eagle was being harassed by four Pacific Gulls and three Silver Gulls as it flew overhead.

On this trip we travelled past Seal Island and the lighthouse, south west of Cape Leeuwin to 5.3 nautical miles, on a compass reading of 163 degrees, to a depth of 42 metres and returned via Flinders and St. Alouarn Islands. Total distance travelled was 25.8 nautical miles. Thanks to Brad Keyser and Blake Muller for photography and Dave Muller and Blake Muller for another day of excitement.

Christine Wilder

St Alouarn Island – Photo Brad Keyser

Seabird survey from Augusta Boat Harbour and return 18 April (Alphabetical Order) Bird species Australasian Gannet 6 adults, 6 juveniles Black-browed Albatross 1 adult Bridled Tern 16 South Polar Skua 1 (sub-) adult (and a second unidentified skua) Crested Tern 157 Flesh-footed Shearwater 40 Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross 6 Pacific Gull 7 adults plus 4 adults* Pied Cormorant 3 Ruddy Turnstone 8 Sanderling 13 Silver Gull 8 plus 3* Sooty Oystercatcher 6 White-bellied Sea-Eagle 1 Juvenile* Wilson’s Storm-Petrel 12 *flying over Augusta Boat Harbour Flinders Island NZ Fur Seals 62

Flinders Island and Crested Tern – Photos Brad Keyser

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South Polar Skua – Photos Brad Keyser

Ruddy Turnstones and Sanderlings, Flinders Island – Photo Brad Keyser

Sanderlings – Photo Brad Keyser

Shearwaters flying in formation – Photo Brad Keyser

Wilson’s Storm-Petrel – Photo Dave Muller

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Trip Report – 10 May LEEUWIN MARINE CHARTERS

Passing Seal Island and the lighthouse, to Deepdene and west of Mins Reef and return south

This charter was a sea-birding survey trip (with fishing an extra), and we were able to abide by social distancing restrictions too with only four on board (including crew). The truly amazing April trip was so enjoyable we spent seven hours out from Cape Leeuwin, so it was a definite surprise when this trip surpassed that charter.

From the ocean north of Cape Leeuwin, looking towards the east provides a spectacular perspective of the ridge and coastline through to Deepdene and Cosy Corner. There is nothing like floating silently close to shore, with the sound of the waves crashing loudly on the beach. We hugged the coast to shelter from the wind but out west near Mins, although we did not throw any ‘chum’, the birds were at once attracted to the boat, and we were treated to a swirl of shearwaters (mostly Flesh-footed, a couple of Wedge-tailed, one Hutton’s), then Indian Yellow-nosed and Shy Albatrosses and two skuas joined in. There possibly was another species of shearwater – Short-tailed – in the mix, but no positive id or photos.

Those impressive Shy Albatrosses (imagine one shy-type with such a white cap – unfortunately not diagnostic!), drifted in on long wings, putting on a fabulous show streaking across the back of the boat and skimming the water, then flying almost straight upwards, closely round the boat and repeating the whole display again and again. The Brown skuas (vicious claws visible) were chasing and attacking the shearwaters, which ducked and dived to escape the onslaught. The whole show was quite exhilarating.

We are starting to think some of these individual birds are regulars, trying to separate them by distinguishing features (from photos) and now recording GPS waypoints. Another thing we have noticed is the Shy Albatrosses seem to always be observed further north west of the lighthouse, whereas the Black-browed Albatrosses are seen most often south west of the cape, with Indian Yellow-nosed Albatrosses expected anywhere.

Another amazing trip out from the cape with a total distance travelled of 28.87 nautical miles to a depth of 40 metres. Most importantly thanks to Dave Muller for his ability to choose the best area for the conditions on the day, taking into consideration wind direction and swell, and to Dean McFaull and Terry Scott for their fabulous photos, making it an all-round special day.

Christine Wilder

Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross – Photo Dave Muller

Right – Brown Skua with claws visible – Photo Dave Muller

Brown Skuas – Photo Terry Scott

Seabird survey from Augusta Boat Harbour and return 10 May (Alphabetical Order) Bird species Australasian Gannet 6 adults Brown Skua 2 Crested Tern 5 Flesh-footed Shearwater 22 Hutton’s Shearwater 1 Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross 3 Pacific Gull 3 adults, 2 juveniles Pied Cormorant 3 Shy Albatross 2 Silver Gull 2 Wedge-tailed Shearwater 2 (and a possible Short-tailed Shearwater) Augusta Boat Harbour Nankeen Kestrel 1 Welcome Swallow 6 Willie Wagtail 1

Brown Skua with live fish – Photo Dean McFaull

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Social distancing while watching a Shy Albatross – Photo Christine Wilder

Hutton’s Shearwater – Photo Dean McFaull

Shy Albatross – Photo Dean McFaull

Shy Albatross – Photo Dave Muller

Capes Osprey Watch

Eastern Osprey – Photo Ray Heslewood

Turner Caravan Park osprey roost site monitoring Roost site check approx. 4:30pm 17/4/20 – 4 ospreys, plus 2 ospreys on top of Osnaburg Tower 21/4/20 – 0 ospreys 24/4/20 – 1 osprey, plus 3 flying over Deere Reef 26/4/20 – 0 ospreys 1/5/20 – 0 ospreys 1/5/20 – 1 osprey on Osnaburg Tower (at 12 noon) 4/5/20 – 0 ospreys at 5:00pm, 1 osprey hunting at the Blackwood River-mouth at 5:20pm 8/5/20 – 0 ospreys at 5:00pm (insignificant amount of droppings below karri). 8/5/20 – 3 ospreys at 5.30pm, each one perched on top of a Norfolk Island pine at Colourpatch. 21/5/20 – 2 ospreys on top of Osnaburg Tower (at 1:00pm) The caravan park ospreys appear to be roosting elsewhere now.

East Augusta nest site For some time I have thought there is an osprey nest at East Augusta, as when conducting my regular surveys at the Blackwood River-mouth, I often recorded ospreys perched on the trees on the East Augusta foreshore (of the Deadwater).

A resident of East Augusta has recently confirmed there is a nest and an excursion planned when we are once again able to organise official activities and continue BIRDBLITZ THE BLACKWOOD 2020.

Christine Wilder

Three ospreys, three Norfolk Island pines, Colourpatch

Photo Christine Wilder (taken on mobile)

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The Bird Catcher Tree – Photo Sue Kalab

The Bird Catcher Tree

We had a sticky casualty with a Silvereye in my neighbour’s potted ornamental garden plant. Its wing feathers were glued to a sharp piece of dried flower stem. Even to touch the stuff meant fingers were glued together. I took the bird to our local wildlife carer who exclaimed how many victims she treats due to this plant. Thankfully the bird was treatable and released back into the wild. The plant is Pisonia Heimerliodendron brunonianum, the Bird Catcher tree. Sticky flowers will catch insects, birds, anything that goes to the flower. After flowering the seed becomes a sticky spike, which embedded in the wing of the Silvereye. It is a stunning foliage plant and some consider it worth growing for the large variegated leaves. Buds should be removed at the stem, as it readies to flower.

Sue Kalab

New Holland Honeyeaters – Photo Roger Crabtree

Western Spinebills

15 April Guess what – a male Western Spinebill has come to our front veranda twice in the last week, and I think a juvenile and female in the backyard. Two Western Rosellas in the garden today and so many little birds flitting about. I think the cats may be staying on their side of the fence after Mike told the neighbour we were trying to catch the rats and did not want to catch her cats. The Southern Emu-wrens are also showing their little heads. I normally only hear them, but two days in a row I have actually seen them.

Jenny Kikeros

New Holland Honeyeaters and other birds

18 April Took some solo exercise this morning, returning a book to the Augusta library, and returned via the old railway alignment, recording Scarlet Robins, Western Whistlers, Grey Fantails, Red-winged Fairy-wrens, Inland Thornbills, Silvereyes, Common Bronzewings, Red Wattlebirds, Australian Ringnecks and distant cockies calling and probably more if I knew all the calls.

We have had a huge influx of New Holland Honeyeaters (lots of “pecking order” sorting) in the last few days, perhaps the banksias in the gardens are the best local food at present.

Roger Crabtree

Western Spinebill

22 April A young Western Spinebill fledgling along the power pole track in Carbunup earlier this week, so tame we could have picked it up! It seemed to be interested in a small red flowering native plant.

Janean Robinson

Birds on the Blackwood River

I have seen no waders for last few weeks as the river has been high with no mud islands. On 12 May there were mud islands and no waders so I think this will be a more typical winter. Hoary-headed Grebes have returned and there are lots of Musk Ducks, Australasian Darters and Great Egrets.

Dean McFaull

Brown Honeyeater – Photo Mary Whittall

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New River, West Busselton

Lapwings – Banded and Masked

26 April Here is a photo from my phone showing how nice the New River at West Busselton is looking after rain. Probably difficult to see but quite a few Pacific Black Duck, Grey Teal, Little Pied Cormorant, White-faced Heron, Purple Swamphen, Australasian Grebe and Australian White Ibis. On the other side of Queen Elizabeth Avenue are Pied Stilt and two Masked Lapwings.

This week I have seen the regular Banded Lapwings at Busselton (at least the ones I follow) opposite the Butter Factory Museum and Masked Lapwings at New River, West Busselton. One photo of the Masked Lapwing with its wings raised shows the yellow spur on each wing.

Gillian Richmond

Masked Lapwings and Banded Lapwings

All photos taken by Gillian Richmond

Masked Lapwings

Common Sandpiper

14 April 7:10am Common Sandpiper ~200 metres south of Deere Street beach, on the sand, then hid in the granite rocks. 15 April 7.15am Common Sandpiper flew from the south with three Australasian Gannets and landed on a rock 100 metres south of Deere Street beach, bobbed about on the rock and then flew a bit further south. The gannets dived and flew about.

Jenny Kikeros

Banded Lapwing

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Above and Right – Tawny-crowned Honeyeater – Photos Mary Whittall

Tawny-crowned Honeyeater

28 April I was sitting outside having lunch today, and noticed a bird running between the flowering grevillea’s…. feeding! I was really surprised, when I got my binoculars out, to find that it was a Tawny-crowned Honeyeater, a juvenile with yellow on chin. Since our first sighting it has been visiting every day for at least a week.

I have never seen one in Augusta before, let alone in our garden in Flinders Bay.

Herbie Whittall

Tawny-crowned Honeyeater – Photo Herbie Whittall

Tawny-crowned Honeyeater – Photo Herbie Whittall

Fan-tailed Cuckoo

Look at our bird strike on 5 May, a Fan-tailed Cuckoo suffering from concussion, resting with eyes closed on the garden chair at the back (moved from the front where it crash-landed into the large plate-glass windows), will have to contend with the racket the cockies will make any moment – as a small group have wandered in for a mid-morning drink and cackle. Cuckoo flew off after a nice long rest …. A first timer on my garden bird list.

Mary Whittall

Fan-tailed Cuckoo – Photo Mary Whittall

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Western Yellow Robin – Photo Claire Timmons

Western Yellow Robins in Rosa Brook

I was so happy when on 27 April I saw four Western Yellow Robins in my friend’s veggie patch out in Rosa Brook, while we were sitting on the grass by the fire. We watched the robins for quite some time, foraging around the veggies and leaves, they were amazing. I have never seen Western Yellow Robins and I was so delighted to see a tiny flock of them. They stayed around for a good amount of time. I immediately thought and I shouted out “Wait till I tell my mate Christine about these robins!!”. To say I was excited was an understatement.

Natasha Sherwood

Augusta Wastewater Treatment Plant

Roger Crabtree joined me for a bird walk around the Augusta Wastewater Treatment Plant, where there are a number of ponds which attract water birds. The following bird species were recorded: Bird List – 27 April – 9:45am Black Swan – 1 Spotted Scrubwren – 1 Australian Shelduck – 29 Yellow-rumped Thornbill – 3 Hardhead – 11 Inland Thornbill – 3 Australasian Shoveler – 12 Western Whistler – 1 Pacific Black Duck – 4 Australian Magpie – 6 Grey Teal – 30 Grey Butcherbird – 1 Hoary-headed Grebe – 3 Willie Wagtail – 3 Black-fronted Dotterel – 2 Grey Fantail – 2 Brown Goshawk – 1 Australian Raven – 2 Australian Ringneck – 3 Scarlet Robin – 2 Splendid Fairy-wren – 3 Silvereye – 6 New Holland Honeyeater – 3

Christine Wilder

Shelducks, teal, grebe and a swallow in the foreground

Photo Roger Crabtree

Male Australasian Shoveler, Black-fronted Dotterels, teal and swallow,

Hoary-headed Grebe – Photos Roger Crabtree

Crested Terns at Augusta

16 May A stroll down Hardy Street, the sandbar seemed to be submerged so a whole bunch of Crested Terns were using the jetties. A few boats being quiet on the river, and mobs of, mostly local, people on the path. There were more terns, but human chatter moved the landward ends of the jetty population away with a photo of what was left. A Galah was pulling away at the edge of a fresh scar on a tree just behind us, hardly food, maybe nest lining?

Roger Crabtree

Crested Terns – Photo Roger Crabtree

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Silvereyes – Photo Claire Timmons

Silvereyes in west Margaret River

Well luck lay on my path this morning (10 May). A silvereye on the pile of fallen sticks we made last night! A couple of them were hopping around in the grass under one of our marris and just for a moment one of them perched like this!

Claire Timmons

Silvereyes in Carbunup

We have a massive visitation from literally hundreds of Silvereyes every summer in our backyard; mainly because of our lovely big Black English Mulberry tree which begins fruiting in December and often continues to do so, like it did this year, until the end of February. We planted the tree when we first moved here in Carbunup twenty-five years ago.

When the silvereyes first visited our tree in the earlier days, we used to place a net on top. As the tree outgrew our reach, we let the birds feast and hoped they would soon find the marri blossoms more appealing. Now the tree is so tall and the fruit so abundant that after engorging ourselves on them like the birds do, we are very comforted to hear the flocks of Silvereyes, and pairs of Western Rosellas and Red-Capped Parrots call in the summer sweetness!

We have enough fruit for thousands of birds and could supply the entire population of the Carbunup region with English mulberries. There are only so many pies, jams, cheesecakes, ice-cream and puddings one can make and eat before we too are seeking out a change of fruit!

Janean Robinson

Silvereye on pile of sticks – Photo Claire Timmons

Silvereye feeding chick, nest in Margaret River garden

Photo Terry Scott

Pair of Silvereyes in Carbunup backyard bird bath, 4/1/20

Photo Joop van den Ouweland Left – Silvereye perched on a butterfly bush branch above the bird bath, patiently waiting to get in, 7/1/20 – Photo Joop van den Ouweland

BirdLife Australia’s ethical birding guidelines promote the welfare of birds and their environment, where observers are encouraged to practice minimum disturbance to nesting birds and birds in general, and be aware of the impact photography, camera flash and playing bird call apps can have on birds.

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One of two Ruddy Turnstones

Photo Mary Whittall

Adult Lesser Noddy – Photo Deb Perry

Adult Lesser Noddy – Photo Mary Whittall

Adult Lesser Noddy – Photo Deb Perry

Lesser Noddy

8 May Halfway down Cosy Corner Road on the access track to Deepdene campsite, we came across a very recently deceased adult Tawny Frogmouth which we respectfully placed under a nearby shrub.

Descending through shady peppermint groves in sheltered hollows, over a large dune blowout, we emerged onto Deepdene beach and walked towards the stunning scenic rocky landscape at Cape Hamelin where we relished a bird bonanza: Sooty and Australian Pied Oystercatchers, two lively Willie Wagtails, two Ruddy Turnstones - and a mystery dead seabird, later identified as a Lesser Noddy, probably blown off-course from further north after the violent storm earlier in the week.

After navigating the limestone pavement - with vertical solution pipes in full, noisy, wet swing - we shared Cosy Corner beach with two Hooded Plovers. A brilliant end to a stunning morning’s walk, armed by then with a huge bag of retrieved ocean plastics. Deb Perry entered the records on Birdata. Thanks for the company, Deb Perry, Gudrun Thiele and Claire Burrow.

Total bird count: Australian Pied Oystercatcher 2 Sooty Oystercatcher 1 Hooded Plover 2 Ruddy Turnstone 2 Silver Gull 1 Pacific Gull 3 Little Pied Cormorant 1 Baudin’s Black-Cockatoo 2 Splendid Fairy-wren 2 Willie Wagtail 2 Welcome Swallow 3 Silvereye several Birds found dead – 1 Tawny Frogmouth and 1 Lesser Noddy (adult)

Mary Whittall Note: Dr. Christopher Surman, Halfmoon Biosciences, has been banding and researching seabirds on Houtman Abrolhos for more than thirty years and confirmed the identification of the Lesser Noddy – “ … that is definitely a rather ratty looking Lesser Noddy, adult bird, pity there is no band. They can range a bit out of season, several hundred kilometres, but still prefer the abrolhos”. Chris has released his splendid book on the natural history of the abrolhos. For details visit the Halfmoon Biosciences web site.

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Australian Ringneck – Photo Rebecca Cool

Australian Ringneck found dead

On our morning walk in Rosa Brook on 11 May we came across a dead Australian Ringneck. It literally looked like it had fallen out of the sky! I put the picture on facebook and someone mentioned that there is a disease that affects parrots and they “fall out of the sky”. I was advised to report our sighting from this morning.

Rebecca Cool Note: On 5 and 6 May a storm with high winds and hail may have caused problems for some birds. Ed.

Australian Ringneck – Photo Michael Richardson

Crested Pigeons, south of Witchcliffe

Photo Michael Richardson

Black Swans at Geographe

I have recently noticed a group of about a dozen Black Swans on the wetlands next to Layman Road, Geographe near the Ford Road corner. On 7 May there was a much larger group. Photographed on my phone so quality is not so great.

Gillian Richmond

Black Swans at Geographe – Photo Gillian Richmond

Great Cormorants

17 May I counted five Great Cormorants all fishing together on the Blackwood River the other day, have never seen that many together before. A while ago one had a white blotch on its breast.

Dean McFaull

Birds in Augusta garden

We had a female Western Whistler and Yellow-rumped Thornbills in the garden on 11 May but are suffering from two or three Red Wattlebirds creating chaos. Our neighbour, not a birder, told me he gets Red-eared Firetails in his patch. I've not seen them immediately around here, maybe a different style of garden. We had two Red-capped Parrots on the back fence at breakfast time, both adults, one feeding the other, pair bonding maybe. 7:00am 13 May and mutual preening and feeding going on with a pair of Western Rosellas – almost an ah-h-h moment!

Roger Crabtree

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Southern Emu-wren, Augusta Boat Harbour – Photo Brad Keyser

Three Square-tailed Kites in Busselton

It would be marvellous to have the Square-tailed Kite photos in the newsletter. Shortly after the kite flew off towards two other kites.

Michael Grimwood

Willie Wagtail annoying a Nankeen Kestrel,

Augusta Boat Harbour, 10/5/20 – Photo Terry Scott

● Sightings ●

Thank you for sending articles, photos, unusual/interesting sightings from the capes region (or beyond) for inclusion in newsletters. All contributions are acknowledged. To ensure megabytes are kept to a minimum when attaching to emails, please send photos as jpeg (NOT MORE THAN 1MB EACH), maximum three photos each email or if large numbers of photographs send via Dropbox. DON’T EMBED photos/articles in email but send as attachment, articles preferably in Word. Confirm photographer. Email to: cwilderone@yahoo.com.au

Christine Wilder - Editor

Here are the sightings

Square-tailed Kite 1, corner Vlam Road/Bussell Highway, 14/5/20 – Christine Wilder Purple-crowned Lorikeet Small groups, Augusta garden, the week up to 23/5/20 – Christine Wilder Southern Emu-wren Pair, Augusta Boat Harbour (known territory), 23/5/20 – Brad Keyser and Christine Wilder White-fronted Chat 10, Gunwale Elbow, Geographe, 21/5/20 – Gillian Richmond

Wedge-tailed Eagle, flying above Wise Winery, Yallingup

Photo Alan Burdett

Left – Adult Square-tailed Kite, early May – Photos Michael Grimwood

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Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross – Photo Keith Lightbody

Bremer Canyon The attached photo was of an Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross with scraps from an orca predation offshore from Bremer Bay – taken 20 March 2020 – just before the season was shut down and many of us moved towards home isolation.

Keith Lightbody

Coodamurrup Beach There were 5-6 pairs of Hooded Plovers with young about 50m east of the Gardner River mouth on 27 April.

Wendy Eiby

Hooded Plovers and a Red-capped Plover – Photos Georgia Clifford

BIRDING BEYOND THE CAPES

Wherever you go there are birds to watch

Hooded Plovers at Coodamurrup Beach – Photos Anne Shepherdson

Coodamurrup Beach Had a fabulous two days down at Moores Hut with the crew. Amazingly the weather was perfect till a dump of rain as we were packing up, but no matter ... nice walks and swimming in Lake Maringup - gorgeous! Anne Shepherdson took these photos of 4 Hooded Plovers on Coodamurrup Beach (16 March), enjoying goodies in the sand at a freshwater creek outlet, possibly 3 adults and 1 sub-adult, as one looked to have a less black head, too hard to see in this photo. Needless to say my camera ran out of battery at the critical moment and I didn't have my binos with me!

Jane Scott

Peregrine Falcon, Tasmania, March 2020

Photo Alan Burdett

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