australia (western) rep 11

1 Birdquest: Western Australia 2011

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

18 SEPTEMBER – 3 OCTOBER 2011

TOUR REPORT

LEADER: GUY DUTSON and HANNU JANNES DRIVER/ASSISTANT: WENDY FODEN, Western Australia is a massive tract of land, with some wonderful birds in the seemingly endless extents of natural habitat. The tour was designed to give us a chance of finding all of the Western Australian endemics, and with luck and skill we did indeed manage to see them all. The birding highlights were reasonable views of the ‘big three’, the Noisy Scrub-bird, Western Bristlebird and Western Whipbird, in the coastal heath land of the far southwest, stunning views of tens of thousands of waders, notably Oriental Plovers, at Broome, resplendent Yellow Chats at Lake Argyle and perhaps the most sought-after Australian bird, Black Grasswren, in the rocky tropics of the Kimberley. On route we picked up some near-endemics such as Rock Parrot and Purple-crowned Fairywren, difficult species such as Square-tailed Kite and Gouldian Finch, and common but iconic species such as kookaburras and Fairywrens, adding to a grand total of 281 species and another five not seen by the leaders. We started with a long drive from Perth down to the south coast at Albany. We stopped once on the first afternoon for a flock of Red-tailed Black-Cockatoos, massive, noisy and imposing birds, perhaps bet considered as an Aussie hornbill, and, even better, a pair of the uncommon endemic Baudin’s Black-Cockatoos. After dinner at the motel in Narrogin, we took a night-drive in the nearby Dryandra forest where most animals were probably hiding from the cold weather but we had our first encounters with the big Western Grey Kangaroos. The next day, we spent a chilly morning exploring the eucalypt woodlands of Dryandra. We started with a pair of Laughing Kookaburras, introduced to Western Australia but still an Australian icon alongside the kangaroos. Next were parrots and honeyeaters, including a couple of splendid Western Rosellas glowing amongst the almost equally brightly plumaged Twenty-Eight (Australian Ringneck) Parrots. Some flowering bushes held Western and Red Wattlebirds and New Holland and Brown Honeyeaters, and we started working our way through common Australian passerines such as


Yellow-rumped Thornbill, Magpie-lark, Grey Currawong, Willie Wagtail and Silvereye. We made a couple of longer stops in areas of woodland with some undergrowth and were soon onto our primary target of Blue-breasted Fairywren. We found several males of this endemic, a great introduction to these superbly iridescent birds. Other species at this stop included a noisy flock of Yellow-plumed Honeyeaters, White-browed Scrub-wrens, Grey Fantails, Australia’s smallest bird the Weebill, a sombre Grey Shrike-Thrush and a fine male Golden Whistler. At another stop, a male Scarlet Robin showed off its striking plumage and we found both Western and Inland Thornbills, offering an identification confusion by occurring together. We heard and soon found a Rufous Treecreeper, an amazingly untreecreeper-like bird, and also a pair of very smart Western Yellow Robins, and a pair of Restless Flycatchers. At some flowering bushes, a male Western Spinebill, perhaps the most strikingly plumaged of all the Western Australian endemics, showed itself on several occasions alongside a flock of Brown-headed Honeyeaters, and a Fan-tailed Cuckoo perched up for all. Further along the road, a mixed species flock included a Western Gerygone and a Striated Pardalote. After a pub lunch and stocking up for future picnic breakfasts and lunches, we saw our first Welcome Swallows, and drove on south to the Stirling Ranges. Driving across farmland with scattered small woods and shelterbelts, we saw relatively few birds except for Australian Wood Ducks, Australian Ravens, Australian Magpies, some shockingly pink Galahs, and a couple of White-faced Herons. We were looking for Regent Parrots, and after an hour or two, a flock did fly past, sadly not visible to everyone. We stopped to look for them and found a surprising collection of new birds in the roadside shelterbelt, including a wonderful pair of Red-capped Robins, a smart male Mistletoebird, a singing male Rufous Whistler, a nest-building Inland Thornbill, several Black-faced Woodswallows and a distant Jacky Winter. Further on, we found two Regent Parrots perched above the road, allowing everyone to catch up on this most elegant parrot. At another location, a couple of real Elegant Parrots flew past and although we couldn’t refind these, we had good views of an Australasian Pipit and more distant views of a displaying Brown Songlark, a rarely-seen species. We made one hasty about-turn to check a possible Banded Lapwing which did indeed turn into a pair of real Banded Lapwings, a smart but uncommon dry-country wader. At a final roadside stop, this time for a roadside flock of Australian Shelducks, we were happy to find a feeding flock of Elegant Parrots which foraged on the ground and perched up on fences for scope views. Soon after dark, we made it to the pub for dinner – we were in rural Australia, the nearest village to our accommodation had only 40 resident people and the pub had opened especially to feed us, and we reciprocated by working through their beers. Our next morning started with a dawn walk around our beautifully situated accommodation beside the Stirling Ranges National Park. Some flowering trees hosted screeching hordes of Purple-crowned Lorikeets and various honeyeaters. A flock of Carnaby’s Black-Cockatoos flew past, perched up, and later performed well around nesting holes. Regent Parrots showed very well, including scope views of a beautifully yellow male, and a number of Elegant Parrots were also found. Red-capped Parrots perched up more briefly but were generally considered to be the most beautiful of all the parrots here. Sacred Kingfishers, Dusky Woodswallows and Tree Martins were also conspicuous around our very birdy chalets and allowed everyone to enjoy their own birding in our occasional down-times. After breakfast, we drove a little way into the national park to look for the mega-skulking Western Whipbird. Hannu opened the scoring with an immediate sighting but only a couple of people managed glimpses through the morning. A close Square-tailed Kite was a very uncommon sighting, whereas good views of Brown Falcon and the majestic Wedge-tailed Eagle were more expected, as was a Nankeen Kestrel. Honeyeaters were active amongst the flowering bushes and here included good views of Tawny-crowned and White-cheeked Honeyeaters, and glimpses for some of Purple-gaped Honeyeater. Driving on to another whipbird site, we checked a roadside lake and were


delighted to find a pair of the rare Hooded Plovers with chicks. There was however no sight nor sound of whipbirds. In the afternoon, we took up our host’s offer of ‘guaranteed’ Malleefowl. We set off in the retreat’s minibus and made 500 m before a U-turn grounded us in the soft roadside mud. Stuck but no worries, I’ll fetch a tractor. So off Tony went and soon returned in a tractor and pulled the minibus back onto the road. No fuss. On route to the private Malleefowl site, we passed introduced Laughing and Spotted Doves, and also a couple of Tiger Snakes by the road. We stopped to examine an ex-snake – we had seen a number of casualties in these few days and wondered what toll is lost each year. Malleefowl survive at this site because the dozer clearing the mallee habitat for fields had broken down and the land-owner had decided to preserve this remnant block. All of the surrounding fields were high in crops and our chances of seeing a fowl feeding in the fields weren’t looking so good. Tony showed us a couple of mounds which were unbelievably big, but no birds were in attendance. As dusk descended, our chances of seeing a bird were vanishing but a last effort to drive an overgrown boundary track came up trumps as a Malleefowl walked along in front of us. We followed this triumphantly and watched it double-back on us before returning to base and a Finnish barbecue dinner. Next morning was spent again trying to see Hannu’s whipbird. A couple more brief glimpses were all that was managed until, on the drive back for breakfast, one ran across the road. Amazingly, it waited for everyone to stop and look, then crossed twice more. Success! Our sweet breakfast was postponed again when an Australian Owlet-nightjar was found, and we all enjoyed great views of this fluffball peering out of its roost-hole until a rain shower sent it back into hiding. After breakfast, we had excellent views of truly Splendid Fairywrens and a flock of Carnaby’s Black-Cockatoos feeding in the neighbouring field. A Rufous Songlark kept us looking for a while until we all saw this powerful songster, and our final attempt to leave our wonderful accommodation was postponed when a Horsfield’s Bronze-Cuckoo called from by the exit and was soon seen perched in the open. We drove a very short distance to another car park where we found more Splendid Fairywrens, a Little Eagle gliding overhead and a clutch of exotic orchids. We then drove across the heath and scrub of the Stirling Ranges National Park, flushing a few Common Bronzewings and stopping for a Brush Bronzewing. We made a longer stop in some low heathland where we walked a ‘flushline’ in an unsuccessful search for fieldwrens. At an overdue lunch stop at the next service station, we found a range of now-familiar birds, including a Singing Honeyeater. That afternoon, we completed the drive down to Albany and spent a couple of hours at the Two Peoples’ Bay National Park. At a glorious white-sand and granite-boulder beach, we found some amazingly confiding Australian Pelicans, and Great Cormorants, Sooty Oystercatchers, Silver Gulls and Caspian Terns, and a distant Australasian Gannet. At the next car park, we walked around another stunning coastal headland into some heath where some had good views of a singing Western Bristlebird which soon skulked out of view. Further on, most had good views of Southern Emu-wrens which were less skulking but tiny and furtive, as well as a Common Sandpiper and a fly-past Pacific Gull. Further along this path, we heard some more bristlebirds and even a Noisy Scrub-bird but the evening was closing in and little more was seen. Dinner at a microbrewery in Albany was washed down with some quite reasonable beer for Australia. Next day was our big day of searching for the mega-skulking Noisy Scrub-bird. Arriving at Cheyne’s Beach soon after dawn, we were greeted by relative silence in the cold and wind (this was Australia, but the temperatures on the tour dipped to 5oC). We walked the road in the hope that a scrub-bird might sing, and soon found some very confiding White-breasted Robins feeding on peoples’ drives. A group of Red-winged Fairywrens was another smart front garden endemic. Several Brush


Bronzewings flew past and perched on the roads during the day, a pair of Black-faced Cuckoo-shrikes flew past and a couple of White-bellied Sea-eagles floated past. A Noisy Scrub-bird did start singing but refused to move from its preferred patch of dense scrub. We waited beside a road that it was known to cross and saw some lovely Red-eared Firetails as well as more Red-winged Fairywrens and White-breasted Robins, and a Peregrine Falcon. After breakfast, one half group decided to wait at the scrub-bird’s preferred road-crossing point, the other group set off across the heath. Each group was successful, half seeing the scrub-bird, half seeing the bristlebird. We joined forces to enjoy better views of the Western Bristlebird, which sang from a bush right next to us, and also a group of superb tiny Southern Emu-wrens that perched-up in a sheltered valley. Then back to the scrub-bird, which was no longer crossing the road, and lunch in the caravan park, which gave fantastic views of Common Bronzewing. In the afternoon, the scrub-bird watchers waited patiently, having good views of a Southern Brown Bandicoot and eventually the Noisy Scrub-bird crossed again. What a relief! On the drive home, a range of waterbirds were seen at some estuary crossings, including Pacific Black Duck, Australian Pied Oystercatcher and good views of Yellow-billed Spoonbill. On our second morning in Albany, one group went to Betty’s Beach in search of the increasingly rare Rock Parrot, while another went seawatching off Tondirrup National Park near Albany. The first group scoured Betty’s Beach, and had excellent views of a Spotted Pardalote, a beautiful gem of a distinct south-western subspecies. Other birds were sparse but included more Southern Emu-wrens, distant Swamp Harriers, our first Straw-necked Ibis and Grey Teals, and a brief Grey Butcherbird. A Rufous Fieldwren was heard but not seen in short heathland. Meanwhile, the other group were watching Bottle-nosed Dolphins and a range of seabirds off their headland, including Black-browed, Shy and Indian Yellow-nosed Albatrosses, and Short-tailed and Flesh-footed Shearwaters. After lunch, we made the long drive to Pemberton. Just outside Albany, we stopped for an Australian (Black-shouldered) Kite perched by the roadside with some Galahs. A navigational hiccup at Mt Barker proved fortuitous as we found a group of Baudin’s Black-Cockatoos for close examination of their bill structure, which seemed to be a remarkably difficult feature. A group of Varied Sittellas also performed for us. Further one, a couple of Emus showed well, perhaps too well (in their fenced paddock). The next significant stop was to check a potential corella which did indeed turn out to be a Western Corella of the very restricted subspecies Muir’s Corella. This roadside field also supported Western Rosellas, Chestnut Teal, Australasian Grebes and a Red Fox, a quite surprising flurry of new species. Our final stop was at Lake Muir itself where more Muir’s corellas performed a fly-past, the lake supported some distant Black Swans and Australian Shelduck, and the woodlands had many Tree Martins. We then drove straight to our accommodation in the tall wet forests of Pemberton. The early crew visited the Bicentennial Tree and Cascade waterfalls before breakfast, finding a range of forest species seen earlier in the trip including Red-winged Fairywrens and White-breasted Robins. One new species was White-browed Babbler, of which a small flock were foraging rather like babblers around the car park. After breakfast, we visited another tree with climbing spikes previously used as a fire watch point, but this one was a haunt of the much-maligned bird-feeding fraternity and we had to endure the sight of our esteemed co-leader with Western Rosella and Twenty-eight Parrots on his arm, and Rufous Treecreeper and Grey Shrike-thrush at his feet. Some birding focus was retained by excellent close views of Western White-naped (Swan River) Honeyeater, the latest Western Australia endemic. Moving on, we drove to Cape Leeuwin, a previously reliable stake-out for Rock Parrot. We spent enough time here, at the adjacent watermill and nearby Hamelin Bay to disprove the reliability of this stake-out: this parrot is an ex-parrot… We did see a huge Shingleback lizard and had some time seawatching, seeing as well as a distant pod of Humpback Whales. This searching set us behind schedule and we only had time for one flying stop on the journey back to Perth: to see the Red-eared Firetails that Bob and Judith had found the preceding week. On the long


drive back, we all caught up with Australian White and Straw-necked Ibis, and some people caught up with some sleep. On our final morning in Perth, we made a last-ditch attempt for Rock Parrot by driving up to Lancelin, a town opposite a Rock Parrot island, where a google search indicated a 0/1 success rate by previous birders. On route, an Emu appeared to be even wilder than our previous sightings, and we were treated to a lovely view of Western Corellas of the northern subspecies. At Lancelin itself, we heard Rock Parrots as soon as we were out of the cars and after a few concerning minutes, we had great views of this bird on garden walls, lawns and coming to drink at someone’s pond. Birds are so much sweeter when you have to work for them! The beach supported a flock of Sanderling and the island had a swirl of Brown Noddies and several Eastern Ospreys along with the more expected Pied Cormorants and Crested Terns, and a bobbing Australian Sea-lion’s head. Breakfast at a beach café went down well. Few birds were seen on the drive back to Perth, where we stopped at Lake Monger. Here we had a feast of new birds at point-blank range, including Dusky Moorhen and Australian (Purple) Swamphens, Great Crested and Hoary-headed Grebes, Australasian Shoveler, Hardhead, Eurasian Coot, and also better views of many Black Swans, Pacific Black Ducks, Grey Teals. A couple of Musk Ducks and Blue-billed Ducks added some rarity to the duck-pond. Several Australian Reed Warblers were seen quite well in the reedbeds, and some managed to see a Little Grassbird. A single Australasian Darter and Little Pied Cormorant flew over in the distance, and the introduced Rainbow Lorikeets were common. Finally, an Australian Hobby showed very well atop an ornamental tree, and Barry saw the very rare Australian Little Bittern. We were by now running out of time and only managed a very quick dash to the botanical gardens before packing back and boarding our flight to Broome. Broome doesn’t look too far up the coast on a world map, but the flight took the whole afternoon and we arrived after dark, leaving time only for a check-in and dinner. Our one full day in Broome started with an exploration of the town’s mangroves and suburban birds. As our first stop in the tropics, new birds came thick and fast including Eastern Reef Egret, Brahminy, Black and Whistling Kites, Red-collared Lorikeet, Peaceful Dove, Bar-shouldered Dove, Little Friarbird, Great Bowerbird and Torresian Crow. The mangroves held Grey-tailed Tattlers, Whimbrels and a Striated Heron, but were disappointingly devoid of passerines and we postponed our acquaintance with these species until later. The two lucky finds were a small flock of Little Curlews flying over – they were late this year and very few had been seen – and a couple of Brown Goshawks giving excellent views. We then drove to the Broome Bird Observatory, stopping for a roadside Brown Falcon, some Rainbow Bee-eaters, and a pair of overflying Brolgas. Margo at the observatory took us to a high-tide roost where they had recently recorded dowitchers. The beach below us was jostling with birds, and we feasted on the continual turn-over birds, working through the flocks in search of new species. Most common were Bar-tailed Godwits and Great Knots, with significant numbers of Black-tailed Godwits. We soon found an Asian Dowitcher and, over time, had great views of Grey Plovers, Terek Sandpipers, Whimbrels, Eastern Curlews, Sharp-tailed Sandpipers, Red-necked Stints and a Ruddy Turnstone. At another roost site dominated by Greater Sand-Plovers, we also found Mongolian Plovers, Red-capped Plovers, Grey-tailed Tattlers, surprising numbers of Broad-billed Sandpipers, and a Pacific Golden Plover. Amongst these fantastically numerous and close waders were several Gull-billed, Little, Lesser Crested and Crested Terns. We paused for a break at the Bird Observatory observation hide where we had excellent views of a Brown Goshawk coming to bathe and a pair of Paperbark Flycatchers, then returned to the hotel for lunch, stopping for a Blue-winged Kookaburra. At the hotel, a Pheasant Coucal showed very well around the bar. In the afternoon, we searched the town ovals for migrant waders and had very good views of a single Little Curlew among the many Masked Lapwings. We also had our first excellent views of Crested Pigeons which had been seen briefly on many previous journeys. We then visited


the sewage works which were full of Plumed Whistling-Ducks and Whiskered Terns, and small mobs of Royal Spoonbills and White-headed Stilts. A couple of Lesser Frigatebirds sailed high overhead, and a small covey of Brown Quail were flushed and several Barn Swallows hawked past. Our final stop was back at the town mangroves which were remarkably full of birds after the morning’s blank. Starting with a Mangrove Grey Fantail feeding a juvenile, we then saw a Mangrove Gerygone, this gerygone then being chased off by a Dusky Gerygone, a number of Red-headed Honeyeaters including some superb males, a pair of Broad-billed Flycatchers and a male Mangrove Golden Whistler. The next morning, we started early at the mangroves past the bird observatory. Although White-breasted Whistlers were calling, we took over an hour before we saw one, eventually scoping on singing high in a mangrove tree. Dusky Gerygones were common, and a pair of Broad-billed Flycatchers performed very well. On the muddy shore itself, we found many of the familiar waders, also including a couple of Marsh Sandpipers and several fly-past Little Egrets. Back at the Bird Observatory observation hide for breakfast, we had excellent views of Agile Wallabies, Peaceful Doves and Rufous-throated Honeyeaters. Best were the wonderful Double-barred Finches and Long-tailed Finches. We were then guided over the private grazing grasslands of Roebuck Plains Station in search of Oriental Plovers. A few Horsfield’s Bushlarks flushed up for all to see, and Pied Butcherbirds flapped between the isolated trees. Driving back, we paused for some Grey-crowned Babblers beside the road, then checked a caravan park for potential Barking Owls. No owls but we did find a Tawny Frogmouth on its nest and had great views of this weird bird, rictal bristles and all. The flight up to Kununurra was uneventful, and we arrived in time for a motel check-in, some quick birding beside the lake and a short walk the other side of the lake. Here we concentrated on obtaining good views of Buff-sided Robins, but also saw a Brush Cuckoo, Dollarbird, Yellow Orioles and our first Blue-faced Honeyeaters and Crimson Finches. An early start saw first light illuminating three Black-necked Storks roosting on a high rock, then we were soon on a boat cruising across Lake Argyle in search of Yellow Chats. Lake Argyle is Australia’s largest artificial lake, filled by monsoonal rains and exposing lush flats as the waters drop in the heat of the dry season. We passed many waterbirds before disembarking on an island fringed with extensive vegetated shallows. Big mobs of Magpie Geese were wonderfully close, mixed with many Green Pygmy-geese and Glossy Ibis. Large flocks of Little Black and Little Pied Cormorants were compared against Pied Cormorants and Australian Darters. Sharp-tailed Sandpipers and Australian Pratincoles were common and we found several pairs of Black-fronted Dotterels. Walking up to our breakfast point, we found a White-necked Heron and a small flock of the lovely Pied Herons as well as Eastern Cattle Egret and Intermediate Egret. Walking on, we flushed a couple of Northern Nail-tailed Wallabies with their very distinctive greyhound-gait, and several small flocks of Little Curlews and Oriental Plovers. Down in the shallow flats, we soon found a pair of Yellow Chats, then another pair and had great views of this most glowing of rare birds. A Pallid Cuckoo, some tiny Diamond Doves, a few Golden-headed Cisticolas and many White-breasted Woodswallows perched up. Amongst the commoner ducks were some pairs of Radjah Shelduck, and among the waders we found several Comb-crested Jacanas, Wood and Marsh Sandpipers. After further exploring the island, indulging in the quantity of birdlife and the splendid Yellow Chats, we had a second breakfast and departed. On the return boat journey, we stopped at some crags known for shrike-thrushes and found some distant Pacific Swifts and Little Woodswallows. At another crag, Sandstone Shrike-thrushes were singing and eventually found high on the rocks. A couple of White-bellied Sea-eagles cruised along the crags and we found an Australian Bustard stalking in the long grass. A final stop gave great views of Short-eared Rock-wallabies. Thanking Matt for his excellent guiding, we had lunch at a nearby caravan park which was full of birds including the uncommon Northern Rosella, some Little Corellas, White-bellied Cuckoo-shrike, Yellow-throated Miners, White-throated Honeyeaters and a


fantastic Great Bowerbird bower. A couple of Silver-crowned Friarbirds fed in a flowering bush and a Collared Sparrowhawk perched nearby. After lunch, we returned to Kununurra, via a stop near the spillway river where we found Red-winged Fairywrens and White-winged Trillers. A Dingo paused beside the road and waited for us all to have great views of this fit dog. The temperatures were now too high to be pleasant and we rested before an afternoon excursion to the irrigated agricultural area. A walk along an irrigation channel gave more Crimson Finches and a walk along the river gave an Olive-backed Oriole and our first Sulphur-crested Cockatoo. The next morning we drove to Wyndham in search of Gouldian Finches. Fairy Martins were abundant along the drive and we stopped to admire the grandeur of two Australian Bustards. Sadly, our target leaking pipe had been fixed and the finches were drinking elsewhere. We checked other water sources in town, finding Yellow-tinted Honeyeaters and having fantastic views of many common tropical species including Red-winged Parrots. At another leak back up the road, a flock of Star Finches were bathing until the council maintenance turned off the water. Teamwork soon found the sprinklers working again, and we were treated to the marvel of a flock of Stars splashing in the water, and a few saw a couple of Yellow-rumped Mannikins fly off. Our next stop was to see Red-backed Kingfishers perched on the wires, then the wonderfully atmospheric Marlgu billabong where we relaxed and snapped some photos. Another covey of Brown Quail erupted from our feet and a Spotted Harrier glided overhead. Along the margins was a Red-kneed Dotterel and in the tree opposite the hide a Nankeen Night-heron. Waterbirds included Wandering Whistling-Ducks, Black-necked Storks, a Buff-banded Rail stalked a more distant shore and Bar-breasted Honeyeaters appeared occasionally in the waterside bushes. We drove a dirt road back to town, passing a school class on a long-distance endurance walk (not the escort policemen who were happily driving in aircon comfort) and a big flock of Brolgas. At a small waterhole known for its finches there were no finches but we did find an impressively large flock of Plumed Whistling-Ducks, together with White-necked Heron and Royal Spoonbill. That afternoon, we returned to the waterhole which was again devoid of finches but we had a wonderfully evocative evening of Brolgas trumpeting overhead against the sunset. For our long drive into the Mitchell Plateau and its prized Black Grasswren, we started at 3 am, and took the roads carefully until it was light enough to see the cows and wallabies. The first obstacle was however the bridge over the dam which was partly closed for us to avoid an itinerant Freshwater Crocodile. Everyone caught up on Spotted Nightjar before we found ourselves at a wide river crossing at first light. A pair of Spinifex Pigeons erupted off the road and a search for them only flushed a Red-backed Buttonquail. Some finches looked like gouldians and we were incredibly lucky to find Gouldian Finches at the two next stops. It was a delight and privilege to scope a flock of this rare species, until recently considered endangered, including a red-headed morph. With the Gouldians were Masked, Long-tailed and Double-barred Finches and at these stops we also found Jacky Winters. At another stop, a Black-breasted Buzzard feeding on a road-kill in the middle of the road gave great views both on the ground and in flight. Further along the road, the first car stopped to watch Black-tailed Treecreepers while the second car, over a hill, stopped to fix a puncture. With another tyre hissing in protest at the road, we turned to the next inhabitation, which happened to offer puncture repairs while we birded their irrigated garden. Moving on, the temperatures climbed and we made few stops until fuel and fairywrens at Drysdale River. At the river, we soon heard small birds in the riverside Pandanus trees, and spent a wonderful breakfast break watching a group of Purple-crowned Fairywrens, one of the most beautiful birds of the trip. Other novelties at this stop included Dollarbird and a Freshwater Crocodile. From there, the long drive to our accommodation


was punctuated by a Frilled Lizard, and we arrived at 17:30, after a very long day. Our youthful hosts were jolly but we were happy to just sit down with a glass of wine / beer. Our big day in search of the Black Grasswren started with breakfast in the Mitchell Falls campsite. Hardly had we arrived when a covey of Partridge Pigeons walked past, oblivious to us and our cameras. A couple of Euros (of the non-deflationary wallaby kind) and a superb Silver-backed Butcherbird completed the breakfast entourage. We then set off along the single Mitchell Falls trail, passing a series of new birds starting with pairs of Leaden Flycatchers and Northern Fantails, then a group of brilliant Variegated Fairywrens. We came out onto the open sandstone rocks where a flowering tree was full of honeyeaters including Kimberley Honeyeater which gave good views. Perhaps more interesting were two Monjons, the smallest wallaby in the world and also endemic to the Kimberly sandstone. After some more exploration, we decided that Guy and Hannu should search the massif for grasswrens while the others scanned from the base. It was a long hour’s wait before the first grasswren was seen, another half hour until it was seen again, and another hour before everyone had seen Black Grasswren. It was hot out on the rocks and the success in finding his much-prized rarity took a while to sink in. During these waits, a number of the endemic White-quilled Rock-Pigeon were seen very well. An Australasian Koel was scoped, a few Australasian Figbirds flew over, a couple of people saw Varied Triller and a few made it to Mitchell Falls itself, by which time it was too hot to see any birds. We returned delighted to lunch and a rest, and Azure Kingfishers were seen by several people. In the afternoon, we searched for buttonquail seen near our camp, then set off in search of monsoon forest and more grasswrens. This turned out to be a lot of driving and not many birds but we did have excellent views of more Dingos and our first perched Red-collared Lorikeets. On the drive back, we tried not to stop for too many birds, but some saw a Grey Goshawk over the fuel stop. We again found ourselves at the tyre-repair station for a late breakfast. More views of their garden birds and a big monitor lizard in the garden were the highlights. We stopped at four spots for Spinifex Pigeon. The first was a gentle valley with no pigeons but good views of Black-tailed Treecreepers. The second was steep spinifex-covered hillside which yielded no pigeons but we did flush an Australian Owlet-nightjar and had good views of Little Woodswallow. The third was a roadside flat where another owlet-nightjar was flushed and photographed perched in the open. The fourth was where a Spinifex Pigeon had crossed the road into deeper grass. We did manage to flush the bird back out and everyone had at least flight-views of this final target bird. During these flushes, some people saw both Red-backed and Chestnut-backed Buttonquails, both Australian endemics. A brief attempt to see some night-birds around Kununurra only attracted a police car. On the final morning, one carload elected to try again for night-birds and Gouldian Finches at Wyndham. No Gouldians were found but two new species were discovered in recompense: a small flock of lovely Zebra Finches at a leaky pipe and a White-throated Gerygone in nearby bushes. A pair of Wedge-tailed Eagles in a roadside boab tree was a fitting end to the tour. We parted our ways at the airport, various people on various flights, and Guy and Wendy returned the cars and explained the five flat tyres and the 1300 excess km. All this (and not forgetting the discomfort of the long drives) for the Black Grasswren, a bird seen by very few Aussie birders, and a clean-up of Western Australia.


SYSTEMATIC LIST Species which were heard but not seen are indicated by the symbol (H). Species which were not personally recorded by the leader are indicated by the symbol (NL). DROMAIIDAE Emu Dromaius novaehollandiae: Three in a lovely flowery field towards Pemberton and a total of

five on the drive to Lancelin. The Lancelin birds were probably wild but the Pemberton birds were more photogenic. An endemic family.

MEGAPODIIDAE Malleefowl Leipoa ocellata: Two active mounds and, eventually and to great relief, one seen at a

private site near Stirling Ranges. The world’s largest megapode, it is scarce across dry southern Australia.

PHASIANIDAE Brown Quail Coturnix ypsilophora: Two flushed from Broome sewage works, about seven at Marlgu

billabong and six on the final morning. A good series of this common but unobtrusive species.

ANSERANATIDAE Magpie Goose Anseranas semipalmatus: About 500 on Lake Argyle and several large flocks around

Kununurra. A taxonomically unusual bird, as indicated by its generic name, and often placed in its own family.

ANATIDAE Plumed Whistling-Duck Dendrocygna eytoni: About 200 at Broome sewage works and perhaps

5000 at a small billabong near Kununurra where the whistling jostling mass of birds was quite a spectacle.

Wandering Whistling-Duck Dendrocygna arcuata: About 100 at Lake Argyle and at least 20 at Margu billabong.

Musk Duck Biziura lobata: Five at Lake Monger in Perth gave excellent views of this lumpy ugly duck, another Australian taxonomic oddity.

Black Swan Cygnus atratus: Eleven at Lake Muir, 40 at Lake Monger and four at Broome sewage works. The tourist guides direct visitors to Lake Monger to see this wonder of the upsidedown world.

Radjah Shelduck Tadorna radjah: A pair at Kununurra, then 20 at Lake Argyle and 50 at Marlgu. A tropical species that also occurs in Indonesia.

Australian Shelduck Tadorna tadornoides: Fifty at a roadside stop north of Stirling Ranges, a hundred at Lake Muir and a pair at Lake Monger.

Australian Wood Duck Chenonetta jubata: Small numbers were seen most days south of Perth, mostly at farmland ponds and dams. Another monotypic waterbird genus, also called Maned Duck.

Green Pygmy-Goose Nettapus pulchellus: A few at Kununurra and great views of 50 at Lake Argyle and 30 at Marlgu.

Australasian Shoveler Anas rhynchotis: One at Lake Monger. An uncommon species of fertile southern lakes.

Grey Teal Anas gracilis: A pair seen near Betty’s Beach, three at Lake Monger and about 20 at Broome sewage works.


Chestnut Teal Anas castanea: A pair at a small farm pond near Lake Muir was a lucky find. Another southern species, the female is very similar to Grey Teal.

Pacific Black Duck Anas superciliosa: Widespread in small numbers, with maxima of 100 at Lake Argyle and 200 near Kununurra. The standard-issue Mallard-type Australian duck.

Hardhead Aythya australis: Small numbers at Lake Monger, Broome, Lake Argyle and Marlgu. Duck such as Hardhead can be abundant at large permanent lakes but at the time of the tour most were breeding in ephemeral inland lakes.

Blue-billed Duck Oxyura australis: Three at Lake Monger. A few breed here, but most also breed in ephemeral inland lakes.

PODICIPEDIDAE Australasian Grebe Podiceps novaehollandiae: A pair at a small pond near Lake Muir, ten diving

among the waterlilies at Marlgu, and a scatter elsewhere. Hoary-headed Grebe Poliocephalus poliocephalus: Up to 20 at Lake Monger, Broome, Lake Argyle

and Marlgu. Difficult to distinguish from Australasian Grebe in non-breeding plumage. Great-crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus: A pair at Lake Monger. This southern (sub)species P. c.

australis is similar to northern birds but lacks any non-breeding plumage. COLUMBIDAE Rock Pigeon (feral) Columba livia: A scatter seen in Albany and Perth. Laughing Dove (L Turtle-Dove) Streptopelia senegalensis: Another introduced species with a few

seen around Albany and Perth, also near the Stirling Ranges. Spotted Dove (S Turtle-Dove) Streptopelia chinensis: Only on seen, near the Stirling Ranges. Another

introduced species. Common Bronzewing Phaps chalcoptera: Up to ten seen on many days throughout the tour, mostly

flushed from roadsides. Fantastic views of an adult with wonderfully bronze wings at Cheynes Beach caravan park.

Brush Bronzewing Phaps elegans: One immature on the road in Stirling Ranges, then about ten around Cheyne’s Beach and two at Betty’s Beach. Replaces the preceding species in temperate heathland and scrub habitats.

Crested Pigeon Ocyphaps lophotes: A scatter seen on many drives throughout the tour with a maximum of 50, mostly on wires, between Kununurra and Wyndham. Best views were beside the Little Curlew oval in Broome. Although often ignored as a common species, it has the best features of both bronzewings and Spinifex Pigeons.

Spinifex Pigeon Geophaps plumifera: Two flushed on the drive up to Mitchell Falls and two on the drive back, allowing only a few people a good view of its crest.

Partridge Pigeon Geophaps smithii: About ten at the Mitchell Falls campsite gave us fantastic views of this well-named pigeon. This subspecies is declining and rarely recorded away from this campsite.

White-quilled Rock-Pigeon Petrophassa albipennis: a total of about eight seen while looking for Black Grasswrens near Mitchell Falls. An endemic of rocky outcrops in the Kimberley region, almost a Western Australian endemic extending to a few rocky ranges east of Kununurra.

Diamond Dove Geopelia cuneata: Five at Lake Argyle, then seen regularly in the Kununurra region, including about 100, mostly on the road, on the drive back from Mitchell Falls.

Peaceful Dove Geopelia placida: Common in the north, maximum about 200 on the drive into Mitchell Falls The Australian allospecies of Zebra Dove Geopelia striata.

Bar-shouldered Dove Geopelia humeralis: Common in the north, maximum 20 around the mangroves at Broome. Also occurs in New Guinea.


Torresian Imperial-Pigeon Ducula spilorrhoa: One seen by Hannu flying over the Mitchell falls campsite. Sometimes lumped with Pied Imperial-Pigeon Ducula bicolor.

PODARGIDAE Tawny Frogmouth Podargus strigoides: Good views of a bird on a nest at a Broome caravan park,

and two singles flying across the road for those in the front car. CAPRIMULGIDAE Spotted Nightjar Eurostopodus argus: At least four seen during night-drives in the Kununurra region,

enabling everyone to have views of this large Australian endemic nightjar. AEGOTHELIDAE Australian Owlet-Nightjar Aegotheles cristatus: One perched up at its roost hole at the Stirling

Ranges and two flushed on the way back from Mitchell Falls, both perching up for good views. Probably the cutest bird of the trip – a really unusual species.

APODIDAE Fork-tailed Swift (Pacific S) Apus pacificus: At least two high over Lake Argyle. An uncommon and

very unpredictable migrant across Australia. A very recent analysis suggests that three resident Asian subspecies should be split off, leaving the long-distance migrants to Australia as Pacific Swift A. pacificus.

DIOMEDEIDAE Black-browed Albatross Thalassarche melanophrys: At least one seen off Cape Leeuwin. Difficult to

separate from Campbell Albatross T. impavida at long distance. (Australian) Shy Albatross Thalassarche cauta cauta: Four off Tondirrup and three off Cape Leeuwin.

This (sub)species nests on a few islands off Tasmania. (Salvin’s) Shy Albatross Thalassarche cauta salvini (NL): One off Cape Leeuwin. This (sub)species

nests on sub-Antarctic islands south of New Zealand. Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross Thalassarche carteri: Two off Tondirrup and one possible off Cape

Leeuwin. Nests on islands in the southern Indian Ocean and is sometimes but not always split from the Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross Thalassarche chlororhynchos.

PROCELLARIIDAE Southern Giant-Petrel Macronectes giganteus (NL): Two seen by some people off Cape Leeuwin. Like

the albatross, it nests far to the south but forages across the southern oceans. Flesh-footed Shearwater Ardenna carneipes: Twenty off Tondirrup and five off Cape Leeuwin. Nests

small islands off the coast. Short-tailed Shearwater Ardenna tenuirostris: At least six off Tondirrup (seen by the Tondirrup half-

group). FREGATIDAE Lesser Frigatebird Fregata minor: Two over the Broome sewage farm and two over the mangroves.

Large numbers nest on islands far off the Western Australian coast. SULIDAE Australasian Gannet Morus serrator: Five seen off Cape Leeuwin and smaller numbers off Two

People’s Bay, Betty’s Beach and Tondirrup.


ANHINGIDAE Australasian Darter Anhinga novaehollandiae: One over Lake Monger then common around

Kununurra, maximum 20 at Lake Argyle. Notably sexually dimorphic and vocal. PHALACROCORACIDAE Little Pied Cormorant Phalacrocorax melanoleucos: Small numbers seen across the north, maximum

ten at Lake Argyle. Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo: Only four seen along the coast around Albany. Little Black Cormorant Phalacrocorax sulcirostris: Small numbers around Albany estuaries, a massive

flock of about 500 at Lake Argyle, and 20 at Marlgu. Pied Cormorant Phalacrocorax varius: About 25 around Cape Leeuwin, over a hundred at Lancelin

island, where probably nesting, and 50 at Lake Argyle. An Australian endemic, whereas the three other cormorants are widespread in the region.

PELECANIDAE Australian Pelican Pelecanus conspicillatus: Small numbers were scattered throughout, with

excellent views at Two Peoples’ Bay where they doubtless benefit from fishing discards. CICONIIDAE Black-necked Stork Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus: Three silhouetted on a rocky outcrop near

Kununurra, and another six in the Kununurra area. Much more common in tropical Australia than the scattered remnant populations in Asia.

ARDEIDAE Australian Little Bittern Ixobrychus dubius (NL): One seen by Barry at Lake Monger where it is

known to breed but is very secretive and rarely seen. White-necked Heron (Pacific H) Ardea pacifica: Four singles seen, including one at breakfast at Lake

Argyle. An uncommon Australian endemic. Eastern Great Egret Ardea modesta: Small numbers in most wetlands, maxima 20 at Albany and Lake

Argyle. Often lumped in Great (White) Egret A. alba but differs in bare-parts colours and plumes.

Intermediate Egret Ardea intermedia: At least two at Lake Argyle and Marlgu. Eastern Cattle Egret Bubulcus coromandus: Singles at Broome, Lake Argyle and Kununurra. Split by

the Australians from Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis. Striated Heron (Mangrove H) Butorides striata: Two singles in mangroves at Broome and one at a

river crossing on the drive back from Mitchell Falls. Pied Heron Egretta picata: About ten at both Lake Argyle and Marlgu. An attractive gregarious egret,

ranging to Indonesia and New Guinea. White-faced Heron Egretta novaehollandiae: Ones and twos seen on many drives, and three at Lake

Argyle. A regional endemic which is expanding into the Pacific islands. Little Egret Egretta garzetta: Five at Broome, Lake Argyle and Marlgu. Eastern Reef Egret Egretta sacra: A total of five along the coast at Broome. Nankeen Night-Heron (Rufous N-H) Nycticorax caledonicus: One immature perched opposite us at

Marlgu billabong. THRESKIORNITHIDAE Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus: After a few flying over some cars near Albany, none seen until 20 at

Lake Argyle and a few around Kununurra.


Australian White Ibis (Australian I) Threskiornis molucca: A scatter of small numbers throughout the tour, maximum ten at Broome. A recent historical split from Sacred Ibis of Africa and Black-headed Ibis of Asia.

Straw-necked Ibis Threskiornis spinicollis: Also scattered in small numbers, maximum 15 at Broome. Royal Spoonbill Platalea regia: Nine at Broome sewage works and one with Plumed Whistling-Ducks

near Kununurra. Yellow-billed Spoonbill Platalea flavipes: Three and one seen on estuaries near Albany. ACCIPITRIDAE Eastern Osprey Pandion cristatus: One near Albany, three at Lancelin, one at Broome and two near

Lake Argyle. Split by the Australians from Eurasian Osprey P. haliaetus. Australian Kite Elanus axillaris: Three seen around Albany, including good scope views of a perched

birds. An unconvincing split from Black-shouldered Kite Elanus caerulescens. Square-tailed Kite Lophoictinia isura: Very good close views of one at Stirling Ranges. This is one of

Australia’s least common raptors, occurring at low densities across much of the continent. Black-breasted Buzzard (B-b Kite) Hamirostra melanosternon: One in flight and one perched on a

‘roo in the road the drive into Mitchell Falls. This endemic monotypic genus has a very distinctive flight shape and action.

White-bellied Sea-Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster: Two over Cheyne’s Beach, one near Betty’s Beach, two at Broome, five at Lake Argyle and three around Kununurra. The relative abundance of this species which is rare in Asia is indicative of the ecological health of Australian wetlands.

Whistling Kite Haliastur sphenurus: Common in the north especially at wetlands, maximum 40 at Lake Argyle.

Brahminy Kite Haliastur indus: Six at Broome were the only seen. Black Kite Milvus migrans: Again, common from Broome northwards, including about 150 circling

Broome and otherwise up to 30 most days. Brown Goshawk Accipiter fasciatus: A total of 14 seen, including very good views of a perched

immature and a bathing adult at Broome. This is the commonest Accipiter in a range of habitats.

Collared Sparrowhawk Accipiter cirrocephalus: Four singles from Cheyne’s Beach to Kununurra. Although widespread and fairly common, it is unobtrusive and infrequently seen.

Grey Goshawk Accipiter novaehollandiae (NL): One seen by some people at Drysdale Station on the way back from Mitchell Falls. Split from Variable Goshawk A. hiogaster of New Guinea and associated islands.

Spotted Harrier Circus assimilis: One gliding high over Marlgu, Kununurra. A fairly uncommon species of dry grasslands.

Swamp Harrier Circus approximans: Three seen around Two People’s Bay, Betty’s Beach and Cheyne’s Beach.

Wedge-tailed Eagle Aquila audax: One over Dryandra, three over Stirling Ranges, five at Broome and five around Kununurra / Mitchell Falls. Relatively common for this size eagle, especially where there is an abundance of livestock or wild marsupials.

Little Eagle Hieraaetus morphnoides: One gliding over the Stirling Ranges and one north of Cape Leeuwin. Little Eagle is an Australian endemic after New Guinea birds are split as Hieraaetus weiskei.

FALCONIDAE Nankeen Kestrel (Australian K) Falco cenchroides: One to three seen many days throughout the tour.


Brown Falcon Falco berigora: Less common in the south, where one or two were seen on several days, but common around Kununurra where ten seen on several days. An unusual falcon, stocky and often seen flying slowly with raised wings.

Australian Hobby Falco longipennis: One perched on an Araucaria at Lake Monger (this sentence was lifted from the last tour report) and one at Kununurra. Endemic as a breeder to Australia, some migrate to New Guinea and nearby islands.

Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus: One over Cheyne’s Beach road. GRUIDAE Brolga Grus rubicundus: A handful of pairs around Broome and Kununurra, about 150 in a flock

near Kununurra and about 70 flying over trumpeting at an evocative evening there. RALLIDAE Australian Swamphen (P Gallinule) Porphyrio melanotus: Ten at Lake Monger and a few around

Kununurra and Lake Argyle. Previously lumped with Purple Swamphen Porphyrio porphyrio.

Buff-banded Rail Gallirallus philippensis: Only one seen, showing well from the hide at Marlgu billabong.

Dusky Moorhen Gallinula tenebrosa: Ten at Lake Monger and one at Marlgu. Eurasian Coot Fulica atra: Ten at Lake Monger and five at Marlgu. The Australian subspecies has a

distinctly blue bill. OTIDIDAE Australian Bustard Ardeotis australis: Four seen around Kununurra. Widely hunted for ‘bush tucker’

by Aboriginal people but remains not uncommon. HAEMATOPODIDAE Australian Pied Oystercatcher Haematopus longirostris: A scatter of pairs seen on southern beaches.

Typically a non-flocking species of sandy coasts. Sooty Oystercatcher Haematopus fuliginosus: Two at Two Peoples’ Bay and eight around Cape

Leeuwin. A non-flocking species of rocky coasts. RECURVIROSTRIDAE White-headed Stilt Himantopus leucocephalus: Twenty at Broome sewage works and 20 at Lake

Argyle. Another dispersive species that heads inland when it rains. Often lumped with Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus.

CHARADRIIDAE Pacific Golden-Plover Pluvialis fulva: Small numbers at Broome and Lake Argyle. This is a

widespread migrant in small numbers along the coast but rare inland. Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola: At least 100 in the big wader roosts at Broome. The same

subspecies as across Eurasia. Red-capped Plover Charadrius ruficapillus: One with the Hooded Plovers, three at Lancelin and up

to 20 at Broome and Lake Argyle. Australia’s endemic equivalent of Kentish or Snowy Plovers.

Mongolian Plover Charadrius mongolus: At least five among the plovers at Broome. Often lumped with Lesser Sand Plover Charadrius atrifrons.

Greater Sand Plover (Large S P) Charadrius leschenaultii: At least 100 in the big wader roosts at Broome.


Oriental Plover Charadrius veredus: Sixty on private land behind Broome, two at Kununurra airport and 20 at Lake Argyle. Excellent views at Broom of this species which is rarely seen away from its migration through northern Australia.

Black-fronted Dotterel (B-f Plover) Elseyornis melanops: Good views of up to five at Lake Argyle and various wetlands around Kununurra. This Australian endemic is in a monotypic genus, with an unusual wing-shape and flight-action.

Hooded Plover Thinornis rubricollis: A pair with two large chicks at a salt lake near Stirling Ranges. Very few pairs breed inland, so this was a lucky find.

Red-kneed Dotterel Erythrogonys cinctus: One at Marlgu billabong near Kununurra. Another monotypic genus with an unusual structure.

Banded Lapwing Vanellus tricolor: A pair between Narrogin and Stirling Ranges. Great spotting by Trevor to find this uncommon dry grassland species.

Masked Lapwing Vanellus miles: Common in the north, maximum 40 around Broome where common on irrigated ovals in the town

JACANIDAE Comb-crested Jacana Irediparra gallinacea: About 20 at each of Lake Argyle, Kununurra and Marlgu

billabong. SCOLOPACIDAE Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa: At least 100 in the wader roosts at Broome. East Asian

subspecies melanuroides. Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica: At least 1000 in the wader roosts at Broome where the

commonest species after Great Knot. East Asian subspecies baueri. Little Curlew (L Whimbrel) Numenius minutus: Six flying over and one on a sports oval at Broome,

then good views of 25 at Lake Argyle. Like Oriental Plover, this grassland species is rarely seen away from its migration through northern Australia.

Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus: Up to 20 in mangroves at Broome and a handful in the wader roosts. East Asian and Pacific subspecies variegatus.

Eastern Curlew Numenius madagascariensis: Small numbers at Broome, including at least 20 at the wader roosts. Now listed as globally Vulnerable based on declines throughout Australia, probably caused by reclamation in the Yellow Sea.

Terek Sandpiper Xenus cinereus: At least 20 in the wader roosts at Broome, where the close range views alongside so many other wader species enabled easy identification.

Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos: A scatter around Albany, then ten most days around Broome.

Grey-tailed Tattler Tringa brevipes: At least 20 roosting on rocks at Broome, where also seen feeding in mangroves.

Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia: One near Albany, up to three at Broome and one at Lake Argyle.

Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis: Five in the mangroves at Broome and three at Lake Argyle, where good comparisons with Greenshanks.

Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola: About 40 at Lake Argyle which was ideal habitat for this usually uncommon species, and one at Marlgu billabong.

Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres: About ten at the wader roosts at Broome. Asian Dowitcher Limnodromus semipalmatus: At least one in the wader roosts at Broome. This is an

uncommon species globally, and only a few hundred occur across northern Australia each year.


Great Knot Calidris tenuirostris: At least 5,000 in the wader roosts at Broome, where the commonest species. This species is declining so rapidly because of estuary reclamation in the Yellow Sea that it is listed as Vulnerable.

Red Knot Calidris canutus: At least 10 in the wader roosts at Broome, but probably more common among the many Great Knot. Typically winters further south than Great Knot.

Sanderling Calidris alba: A flock of 20 on the sandy beach at Lancelin were still mostly in summer plumage.

Red-necked Stint Calidris ruficollis: At least 200 in the wader roosts at Broome and two at Lake Argyle.

Long-toed Stint Calidris subminuta: Two seen by Guy at Lake Argyle involved wading to the next island.

Sharp-tailed Sandpiper Calidris acuminata: At least 60 in the mangroves at Broome and about 150 at Lake Argyle. A common freshwater species, whose distribution and abundance depends on water levels across Australia’s inland lakes and foodplains.

Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea: At least 50 in the wader roosts at Broome. Broad-billed Sandpiper Limicola falcinellus: At least 10 in the wader roosts at Broome was a good

count and afforded excellent views of this relatively uncommon species. TURNICIDAE Chestnut-backed Button-quail Turnix castanotus (NL): A buttonquail flushed by Mark on the Spinifex

Pigeon searches was clearly much larger than a Red-backed Buttonquail, and presumably this species.

Red-backed Button-quail Turnix maculosus: Multiple snatched views of flushed buttonquails on Spinifex Pigeon searches along the Gibb River road were probably attributable to this species.

GLAREOLIDAE Australian Pratincole Stiltia isabella: About 50 at Lake Argyle gave good views, and another five at

Marlgu. LARIDAE Common Noddy (Brown N) Anous stolidus: About 30 around Lancelin Island which is one of their

southern-most breeding locations. Little Tern Sternula albifrons: About ten among the waders at Broome. These are mostly non-

breeding visitors from Asia rather than resident birds. Gull-billed Tern Sterna nilotica: Up to ten daily at Broome and Lake Argyle. Another species which

has two populations in Australia: Asian non-breeding visitors and Australian (dispersive) residents.

Caspian Tern Sterna caspia: Small numbers around Albany, maximum 20 around Albany harbour and Tondirrup, and one at Lake Argyle.

Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybrida: Up to 100 around Broome and Lake Argyle, and ten at Marlgu. These could be locally breeding birds or migrants from elsewhere in Australia or Asia.

Lesser Crested Tern Sterna bengalensis: Three at the wader roost at Broome, where we had a side-by-side comparison with Crested Tern.

Crested Tern (Greater C T) Sterna bergii: Seen several times around Albany and Cape Leeuwin, maximum 20, and one perched at Broome.

Silver Gull Larus novaehollandiae: Common along the coast around Albany and Broome, maximum 100 at Broome.

Pacific Gull Larus pacificus: One or two at various beaches near Albany and two at Cape Leeuwin. Endemic to southern Australia.


CACATUIDAE Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo Calyptorhynchus banksii: A flock of at least 30 on our first afternoon, and

two seen by some near Albany, were the threatened south-west subspecies naso. Up to ten of the commoner northern subspecies macrorhynchus seen most days around Kununurra and the Kimberley.

Carnaby’s Black-Cockatoo (Short-billed B-C) Calyptorhynchus latirostris: Flocks seen on three dates: about 70 on our first morning at Stirling Ranges, 46 there on our second morning, and 50 on the drive back from Lancelin. A south-western endemic threatened by the loss of large hollow-bearing trees but still relatively common and conspicuous.

Baudin’s Black-Cockatoo (Long-billed B-C) Calyptorhynchus baudinii: Two with Red-tails on the first afternoon, about 12 seen well near Mt Barker on the drive to Pemberton, and two flocks of about 30 between Pemberton and Perth. Another threatened south-western endemic, remarkably difficult to identify except by its call and long upper mandible.

Galah Cacatua roseicapilla: Common and widespread, with up to 50 seen on most days, feeding in fields or loafing in dead trees.

Western Corella Cacatua pastinator: Flock seen in a field near Lake Muir, flying past Lake Muir itself and on the drive to Lancelin (northern subspecies butleri). The Lake Muir subspecies, pastinator, has only just been removed from the threatened list, after reaching a nadir of 100 birds in the 1940s.

Little Corella Cacatua sanguinea: Up to 15 seen most days around Kununurra. The common cockatoo of inland Australia.

Sulphur-crested Cockatoo Cacatua galerita: Only four singles seen, around Kununurra. A cockatoo of forested eastern Australia, much less common in the north.

PSITTACIDAE Rainbow Lorikeet Trichoglossus [haematodus] haematodus: About 20 at Lake Monger. An increasing

feral population introduced to Perth from eastern Australia. Red-collared Lorikeet Trichoglossus [haematodus] rubritorques: About 20 seen at Broome and

smaller numbers seen regularly around Kununurra but only once seen perched: at Surveyor’s Pool. A recent proposed split, endemic to tropical Australia.

Purple-crowned Lorikeet Glossopsitta porphyrocephala: Scope views of about 15 on our first morning in flowering trees at the Stirling Ranges, then smaller numbers seen there, around Albany and Pemberton.

Red-winged Parrot Aprosmictus erythropterus: One at Broome and up to 20 around Kununurra, where particularly good views of birds drinking at Wyndham.

Regent Parrot Polytelis anthopeplus: A flock of about eight flew down the road south of Narrogin, then two found perched in tall town trees. Much better views at Stirling ranges where about ten seen, including scope views of a bright yellow male.

Red-capped Parrot Purpureicephalus spurious: A total of 13 seen, mostly at Stirling Ranges. A really smart south-western endemic – one of those species under-sold in the field guides.

Northern Rosella Platycercus venustus: This uncommon parrot was seen three times: good views of three near Lake Argyle, then two flocks seen from the car near Mitchell Falls.

Western Rosella Platycercus icterotis: Singles and pairs seen at several locations around Dryandra and Albany, then a total of 15 seen between Pemberton and Margaret River including exceptional views at the Gloucester Tree. Another beautiful south-western endemic.

Twenty-eight Parrot Barnardius [zonarius] semitorquatus: Common in the southwest, maximum 100 on the drive to the Stirling Ranges. Usually considered a subspecies of Australian Ringneck Barnardius zonarius but has quite distinct plumage and limited hybridisation.


Elegant Parrot Neophema elegans: After very poor views of a pair at Dryandra and further down the road, we were happy to find about eight feeding by the roadside, then up to ten daily at Stirling Ranges, and finally two singles near Albany.

Rock Parrot Neophema petrophila: The bird that we worked hardest for – it has declined at the ‘usual’ sites and after drawing blanks at Betty’s Beach, the waterwheel, Cape Leeuwin and Hamelin Bay, we were due to dip. Luckily, we spent our last morning twitching up to Lancelin where at least ten birds performed exceptionally well. Relief!

CUCULIDAE Pheasant Coucal Centropus phasianinus: One or two seen most days around Broome and

Kununurra, starting with excellent views at the Broome hotel. Eastern Koel (Australian K) Eudynamys cyanocephala: Two seen near Mitchell Falls. Usually split on

the basis of its distinctive female plumage. Horsfield’s Bronze-Cuckoo Chrysococcyx basalis: Several heard around Stirling ranges and Albany,

good views of one at Stirling Range Retreat, and one near Kununurra. Nest-parasitizes thornbills and gerygones in dry woodland.

Pallid Cuckoo Cacomantis pallidus: One at Lake Argyle and one near Wyndham. Parasitizes larger honeyeaters.

Fan-tailed Cuckoo Cacomantis flabelliformis: Good views of one at Dryandra, and another below Mt Trio at Stirling Ranges.

Brush Cuckoo Cacomantis variolosus: One seen at Kununurra and one on the way to Mitchell Falls. STRIGIDAE Barking Owl Ninox connivens (H): A pair called at antisocial hours near the Kununurra motel but

couldn’t be persuaded to show themselves. ALCEDINIDAE Azure Kingfisher Alcedo azurea: One or two beside the small stream at our Mitchell Falls

accommodation. Laughing Kookaburra Dacelo novaeguineae: Up to six seen on many days in the south from

Dryandra to Perth, where introduced from eastern Australia. Perhaps Australia’s most famous bird, given its huge size, confiding nature and remarkable voice.

Blue-winged Kookaburra Dacelo leachii: Up to five seen most days in the north. This massive kookaburra also occurs in savannas in New Guinea.

Red-backed Kingfisher Todiramphus pyrrhopygia: Three on wires near Wyndham, then singles on drives in and out of Mitchell Falls. Widespread in inland Australia.

Sacred Kingfisher Todiramphus sancta: A scatter of records, from a pair at Stirling Ranges to Kununurra. Northern birds are probably resident, and southern birds probably migrate to northern Australia and New Guinea.

MEROPIDAE Rainbow Bee-eater Merops ornatus: Up to 30 daily on the north, with best views at Lake Argyle.

Australia’s only bee-eater. CORACIIDAE Dollarbird Eurystomus orientalis: Two over Kununurra, then four in the Kimberley. Australia’s only

roller.


ATRICHORNITHIDAE Noisy Scrub-bird Atrichornis clamosus: One or two seen at Cheyne’s Beach and one heard at Two

Peoples’ Bay. This species has the reputation of being the most difficult of the Western Australian endemics to see (and the most difficult Australian endemic family): we were lucky that one was willing to perform for its patient fans.

CLIMACTERIDAE Black-tailed Treecreeper Climacteris melanura: A total of seven seen on the drives to and from

Mitchell Falls. Widespread but not common across Australian tropical savannas. Rufous Treecreeper Climacteris rufa: Six at Dryandra and two at the Gloucester Tree, Pemberton.

Excellent views of this most terrestrial of Australian treecreepers. Endemic to south-western Australia, including western South Australia.

PTILONORHYNCHIDAE Great Bowerbird Ptilonorhynchus nuchalis: Rather common in northern Australia, where up to ten

seen most days, and some spectacular bowers. MALURIDAE Splendid Fairywren Malurus splendens: Six at Stirling Ranges and about ten at Cheyne’s Beach. The

males were perhaps the brightest birds of the tour. Purple-crowned Fairywren Malurus coronatus: A group of five at Drysdale crossing gave us the most

wonderful views of this amazingly-coloured bird. Restricted to pockets of either Pandanus or canegrass habitat along rivers in Australian tropical savanna.

Red-backed Fairywren Malurus melanocephalus: Rather common in the north, where up to ten seen most days, including many males. The only fairywren lacking any blue, but still quite beautiful.

Variegated Fairywren Malurus lamberti: About ten at Mitchell Falls where quite stunning against the stark rocks. Subspecies rogersi is restricted to the Kimberley region.

Blue-breasted Fairywren Malurus pulcherrimus: Six at Dryandra and another two at Stirling Ranges. A south-western endemic with a range similar to Rufous Treecreeper, ranging east to South Australia.

Red-winged Fairywren Malurus elegans: Four at Cheyne’s Beach, three at Pemberton and two at Cape Leeuwin. Another south-western endemic, occurring further south and west than the preceding species, in higher-rainfall forested habitats.

Southern Emu-wren Stipiturus malachurus: Several of these tiny waifs seen at Two Peoples’ Bay, Cheyne’s Beach and Betty’s Beach. Emu-wrens uniquely have only six tail feathers which, like an emu, lack any barbs.

Black Grasswren Amytornis housei: A pair seen on several occasions near Mitchell Falls during our morning’s vigil. This is one of Australia’s most highly sought-after species, based largely on its geographical inaccessibility, but also its extreme habitat, furtive mousey habits and, for lucky observers, its good looks.

DASYORNITHIDAE Western Bristlebird Dasyornis longirostris: Brief views of one at Two Peoples’ Bay, and excellent

views of one at Cheyne’s Beach. We were lucky to have such views of this skulking species which, along with the scrub-bird and whipbird, is endemic to a tiny area of Western Australian heathlands.


ACANTHIZIDAE White-browed Scrubwren Sericornis frontalis: Common in the south, where seen from Dryandra to

Cape Leeuwin. Weebill Smicrornis brevirostris: Eight seen at Dryandra and about 12 around Stirling Ranges.

Australia’s smallest bird (and Australia’s smallest bird bill). Mangrove Gerygone Gerygone levigaster: Singles at both patches of Broome mangroves. Widespread

in mangroves of northern Australia and New Guinea. Western Gerygone Gerygone fusca: One at Dryandra and two at Stirling Ranges. Nondescript but

has the white tail-spots typical of the genus. Dusky Gerygone Gerygone tenebrosa: One in the Broome town mangroves and about ten beyond

the bird observatory. Endemic to a small area of north-west Australian mangroves. White-throated Gerygone Gerygone olivacea: One seen well on the last morning at Wyndham. Yellow-rumped Thornbill Acanthiza chrysorrhoa: Up to five seen most days in the south where

widespread in grassland and farmland. Western Thornbill Acanthiza inornata: Three at Dryandra were seen well enough to see their white

iris. Endemic to south-western WA. Inland Thornbill Acanthiza apicalis: One with the Western Thornbills, one nest-building south of

Narrogin, and a handful west to Pemberton. PARDALOTIDAE Spotted Pardalote Pardalotus punctatus: One seen by some people at Stirling range, and one seen by

others at Betty’s Beach. Simply stunning when seen well. Striated Pardalote Pardalotus striatus: Ones and twos across the south from Dryandra to Pemberton,

and two near Wyndham. Another intricately-plumaged species in this endemic family which shows some convergence towards flowerpeckers.

MELIPHAGIDAE Western Spinebill Acanthorhynchus superciliosus: One to three seen most days at Dryandra, Stirling

Ranges and around Albany. Males of this south-western endemic had a fantastic plumage but never perched long enough for the photographers.

Kimberley Honeyeater Meliphaga fordiana: About five near Mitchell Falls included excellent views in a flowering tree. Restricted to the sandstone massifs of the Kimberley, this is a recent split from White-lined Honeyeater which is now endemic to sandstone in the Kakadu region.

Singing Honeyeater Lichenostomus virescens: One at Dryandra, two in the southern Stirling Ranges, then common around Broome where up to 20 seen each day including excellent views at the bird observatory.

White-gaped Honeyeater Lichenostomus unicolor: Pairs seen on most days around Kununurra, and about five at Mitchell Falls. Endemic to monsoon (i.e. non-eucalypt) forest in tropical Australia.

Purple-gaped Honeyeater Lichenostomus cratitius: One uncooperative bird seen close to the Stirling Ranges whipbirds. Restricted to mallee and short dry southern eucalypt woodlands.

Yellow-plumed Honeyeater Lichenostomus ornatus: A flock of ten showed very well at Dryandra, then similar numbers recorded most days at Stirling Ranges. Endemic to eucalypt woodland and mallee in southern Australia.

Grey-fronted Honeyeater Lichenostomus plumulus: About ten seen on the drive to Mitchell Falls, including good views beside the Gouldian Finches. Endemic to the tropical savanna / dry inland ecotone.

Yellow-tinted Honeyeater Lichenostomus flavescens: A total of ten seen around Wyndham and Mitchell Falls. Also occurs in savanna in southern New Guinea.


Yellow-throated Miner Manorina fulvigula: Five at the Lake Argyle caravan park and another five at Mitchell Falls. Miners were named by the first British settlers who confused their plumage and flocking habits with Indian Mynahs.

Little Wattlebird (Western W) Anthochaera lunulata: Common at Dryandra and Cheyne’s Beach, with ones and twos at Stirling Ranges and around Albany. Recently split from the Brush Wattlebird Anthochaera chrysoptera of eastern Australia.

Red Wattlebird Anthochaera carunculata: Common across the south, with up to 50 seen most days from Dryandra to Lancelin. A massive honeyeater with a raucous voice.

Bar-breasted Honeyeater Ramsayornis fasciatus: A good series of records around Kununurra, especially at Ellenbrae and Mitchell Falls.

Rufous-throated Honeyeater Conopophila rufogularis: Common in the north, including ten at the Broome bird observatory bath and up to 40 around Kununurra, especially in irrigated areas at Wyndham.

Yellow Chat Epthianura crocea: At least three pairs at Lake Argyle. This stunning bird is quite rare, restricted to scattered ephemeral wetlands across the arid and tropical north of Australia.

Red-headed Honeyeater Myzomela erythrocephala: At least two at the Broome town mangroves included a fully-plumaged male. Restricted to north Australia and New Guinea mangroves

Tawny-crowned Honeyeater Glyciphila melanops: Good views of up to ten each day in the heathland at Stirling Ranges, and another ten around Betty’s Beach and Cheyne’s beach road.

Brown Honeyeater Lichmera indistincta: About five at Lancelin, ten at Lake Monger, four at Broome bird observatory and up to 15 daily around Kununurra. This genus contains another 10 species on neighbouring islands.

New Holland Honeyeater Phylidonyris novaehollandiae: Up to 50 seen most days in the south from Dryandra to Lake Monger. One of the most attractive and conspicuous of the birds that we came to know well, sometimes just too conspicuous.

White-cheeked Honeyeater Phylidonyris nigra: Ones and twos at Stirling ranges, Albany area, Lake Monger, and five at Lancelin. A more attractive and better behaved close relative of the previous species.

Brown-headed Honeyeater Melithreptus brevirostris: A flock of 20 at Dryandra performed very well in roadside flowers, and smaller flocks seen that afternoon and in the southern Stirling Ranges.

White-throated Honeyeater Melithreptus albogularis: Fairly common around Kununurra, maximum ten around Mitchell Falls. Very similar to the next species but we could occasionally see their eyelid colour!

Western White-naped Honeyeater (Swan River H) Melithreptus chloropsis: Three at Dryandra, up to five at Stirling Ranges and many around Pemberton including a most obliging bird at the bird feeding tree. A recent split based largely on genetics but also its blue-white rather than deep red eyelid colour; its English name has yet to be settled.

Blue-faced Honeyeater Entomyzon cyanotis: Up to ten around Kununurra, where we had good views at Wyndham. A most atypical and distinctive honeyeater, also found in southern New Guinea.

Silver-crowned Friarbird Philemon argenticeps: Two at the Lake Argyle caravan park, then up to four each day on the drive to and from Mitchell falls. Endemic to the north Australia savanna.

Little Friarbird Philemon citreogularis: Fairly common around Broome, maximum ten around the bird observatory, and Kununurra, maximum 20 around Mitchell Falls. Generally more common and widespread than the preceding species.


POMATOSTOMIDAE Grey-crowned Babbler Pomatostomus temporalis: Small groups seen most days around Broome and

Kununurra. All Australian babblers are co-operative breeders which hang out in flocks and all help to raise a single brood.

White-browed Babbler Pomatostomus superciliosus: Just seen once, at the Centennial Tree car park at Pemberton. Usually a species of drier habitats across southern Australia.

ORTHONYCHIDAE Western Whipbird Psophodes nigrogularis: Perhaps the most challenging to see of the three Western

Australian heathland skulkers: only a handful of people glimpsed views until one crossed the road at Mt Trio in the Stirling Ranges. Three subspecies have a fragmented range from Albany to east South Australia.

NEOSITTIDAE Varied Sittella Daphoenositta chrysoptera: Four near Mt Barker, then better views of 15 on the drive

into Mitchell Falls and five on a Spinifex Pigeon walk on the return drive. An interesting case of convergent evolution with the otherwise cosmopolitan nuthatches.

CAMPEPHAGIDAE Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike Coracina novaehollandiae: Only two pairs seen in the south, then up top

20 most days around Broome and Kununurra. A migrant to the south but resident up north.

White-bellied Cuckoo-shrike Coracina papuensis: A total of ten seen around Kununurra. Another partial migrant, also resident in New Guinea and nearby islands.

White-winged Triller Lalage tricolor: Up to ten seen most days around Kununurra, especially near Lake Argyle and on the drive to Mitchell Falls. A nomadic species of dry woodlands.

Varied Triller Lalage leucomela: At least one seen by a few people at Mitchell Falls. A monsoon and rainforest resident in contrast to the preceding species.

PACHYCEPHALIDAE Golden Whistler (Common G W) Pachycephala pectoralis: Two at Dryandra, four at Cheyne’s Beach

and two near Pemberton. This beautiful bird boasts 59 subspecies, many of which could be split as small-island endemics.

Mangrove Golden Whistler Pachycephala melanura: Single males seen at both the Broome town mangroves and bird observatory mangroves. Also in mangroves in New Guinea and some small offshore islands.

White-breasted Whistler Pachycephala lanioides: Four seen at the Broome bird observatory mangroves, including one eventually found singing from a mangrove ‘tree’-top. Endemic to north-western Australia.

Rufous Whistler Pachycephala rufiventris: A male seen in the roadside strip between Narrogin and Stirling Ranges, and a pair seen near the Mt Trio car park. Replaces Golden Whistler in drier woodlands.

Sandstone Shrike-thrush Colluricincla woodwardi: A pair on a sandstone crag on Lake Argyle. Not much of a looker, but its loud song echoing off cliffs is very atmospheric.

Grey Shrike-thrush Colluricincla harmonica: Two at Dryandra, one and two at Stirling Ranges, and a ridiculously tame bird at the Gloucester Tree. Also known for its voice rather than its plumage.

ORIOLIDAE Yellow Oriole Oriolus flavocinctus: Four on the first afternoon at Kununurra, and one at Mitchell

Falls. Endemic to tropical Australia.


Olive-backed Oriole Oriolus sagittatus: One by the river at Kununurra. A more widespread Australian endemic.

Australasian Figbird Sphecotheres vieilloti: Up to five seen by most people at Mitchell Falls. This bright and conspicuous bird is sometimes lumped with Timor and Wetar Figbirds as Figbird Sphecotheres viridis.

ARTAMIDAE White-breasted Woodswallow Artamus leucorhynchus: Up to five at Broome and up to 20 around

Kununurra. Widespread through south-east Asia. Black-faced Woodswallow Artamus cinereus: Up to six on three occasions around Stirling Ranges

then common in the north, maximum 40 around Kununurra. One of the few Australian dry eucalypt country birds that extends to Timor.

Dusky Woodswallow Artamus cyanopterus: Five at Stirling ranges where nesting at the retreat, then scattered between Albany to Pemberton. A southern equivalent of the next species.

Little Woodswallow Artamus minor: A total of ten seen, first from the Lake Argyle boat but much better views on the drive to and from Mitchell Falls. Endemic to the dry interior.

Grey Butcherbird Cracticus torquatus: Only two seen: one on the Cheyne’s Beach road and one near Albany. Unrelated to shrikes, butcherbirds share the habit of sometimes impaling food on thorns.

Silver-backed Butcherbird Cracticus argenteus: Good views of a smart bird at the Mitchell Falls campsite. Often lumped with Grey Butcherbird, this far northern form looks very distinct but there some intermediate forms....

Pied Butcherbird Cracticus nigrogularis: Two and three around Broome, then up to ten on the drives and around Mitchell Falls. Their pre-dawn yodelling at Mitchell Falls is a classic Australian outback song.

Australian Magpie Gymnorhina tibicen: Abundant in the south, where up to a hundred seen on long travel days but decidedly uncommon in the north, where seen on three days. Although it walks on the ground like a Magpie Pica, it’s actually a butcherbird.

Grey Currawong Strepera versicolor: Widespread in the south, maximum ten at Dryandra. Another strange Australian crow-like bird.

RHIPIDURIDAE Grey Fantail Rhipidura fuliginosa: Three at Dryandra, ten at Cheyne’s Beach, four at Pemberton and

a few elsewhere in the south. Mangrove Grey Fantail Rhipidura phasiana: An adult and juvenile at the Broome town mangroves

and four at the bird observatory mangroves. Differs in habitat, song and plumage. Willie Wagtail Rhipidura leucophrys: Perhaps the most widespread bird throughout the tour, with up

to ten seen on most days. One of Australia’s best-known birds as it is tame, behaves charismatically and lives in open habitats.

Northern Fantail Rhipidura rufiventris: A pair at Mitchell Falls. A restrained fantail, behaving more like a flycatcher.

MONARCHIDAE Leaden Flycatcher Myiagra rubecula: A pair at Mitchell Falls and one at Surveyor’s Pool. Northern

birds are resident but southern birds migrate north in winter, some as far as New Guinea. Broad-billed Flycatcher Myiagra ruficollis: Pairs at both the Broome town mangroves and bird

observatory mangroves behaved very well. Similar to female Leaden but sexually monomorphic.

Restless Flycatcher Myiagra inquieta: Pairs at Dryandra and Stirling Ranges. Its ‘scissor-grinder’ call is quite unique (except for the next species...).


Paperback Flycatcher Myiagra nana: A pair at the at the Broome bird observatory, then pairs seen frequently around Kununurra. Often lumped with the preceding species.

Magpie-lark (Australian M-l) Grallina cyanoleuca: Like Willie-wagtail, a very widespread and conspicuous species in any open habitat, maximum 40 around Kununurra. Another taxonomic oddity, shown genetically to be a monarch yet building a mud nest and behaviourally unique.

EOPSALTRIIDAE Jacky Winter Microeca leucophaeus: One at a distance on the way to the Stirling Ranges, then a pair

much closer on the way to Mitchell Falls and one on the return drive. An Australian ‘flycatcher’ in the same family as Australian ‘robins’.

Scarlet Robin Petroica boodang: A stunning male at Dryandra. Usually split from the Pacific Robin of the Pacific islands.

Red-capped Robin Petroica goodenovii: A pair on the way to the Stirling Ranges and one near Mt Barker. Another excellent Aussie robin, out-shining its namesake(s).

Western Yellow Robin Eopsaltria griseogularis: A pair at Dryandra, four at Stirling Ranges and one near Mt Barker. This south-western endemic combines smart plumage with an endearing habit of perching low on tree trunks.

White-breasted Robin Eopsaltria georgiana: About ten at Cheyne’s beach and seven near Pemberton. Another south-western endemic; also confiding and characterful.

Buff-sided Robin Poecilodryas cerviniventris: At least two seen well on the first afternoon near Kununurra and some saw one or two at Mitchell Falls. This well-marked species is now usually split from the White-browed Robin Poecilodryas superciliosa of northern Queensland.

CORVIDAE Australian Raven Corvus coronoides: The corvid of the south, with up to a hundred seen on long-

drive days. Characteristic moaning call. Torresian Crow Corvus orru: The corvid of Broome and Kununurra, where up to thirty most days.

The only Australian corvid which occurs elsewhere, in New Guinea. ALAUDIDAE Horsfield’s Bushlark (Australasian B) Mirafra javanica: A total of five seen, including one flushed by

all, on the Broome Oriental Plover expedition. Another two on the island at Lake Argyle. CISTICOLIDAE Golden-headed Cisticola (Bright-headed C) Cisticola exilis: Two on the island at Lake Argyle, and

another seven around Kununurra. This species is widespread in Asia. MEGALURIDAE Rufous Songlark Cincloramphus mathewsi: One seen reasonably well in song-flight at Stirling range

retreat, and another seen by some on the drive to Mitchell falls. An unusual warbler with a loud harsh song and pipit-like song-flight.

Brown Songlark Cincloramphus cruralis: One song-flighting over a field somewhere between Narrogin and Stirling Ranges was an unexpected bonus. This species usually nests inland and is an unpredictable breeder in the wet south-west.

ACROCEPHALIDAE Australian Reed Warbler Acrocephalus australis: Reasonably good views of five at Lake Monger. One

of the confusing complex of large plain reed warblers, this is dispersive across Australia.


Little Grassbird Megalurus gramineus: At least one seen by several people at Lake Monger. This skulker occurs patchily in permanent wetlands across Australia.

TIMALIIDAE Yellow White-eye Zosterops luteus: About five seen at both Broome town mangroves and bird

observatory mangroves. A typical white-eye but unusual in being restricted to north-west Australian mangroves.

Silvereye Zosterops lateralis: Mostly coastal, with flocks seen around Albany, Cape Leeuwin, Lancelin and Broome, where about a hundred near the bird observatory mangroves. This white-eye has a range of subspecies across Australia and some very distinct forms in the south-west Pacific.

HIRUNDINIDAE Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica: At least five over the Broome sewage works. An uncommon migrant

to far north Australia from eastern Russia. Welcome Swallow Hirundo neoxena: Common and widespread in the south, with up to 20 on

several days. Resident but has colonised New Zealand in historical decades. Fairy Martin Hirundo ariel: Locally common around Kununurra where up to 200 around culverts

under the road, especially by Wyndham. Tree Martin Hirundo nigricans: Scattered across the south, with up at 50 at Stirling ranges where

nesting around the retreat. Similar in plumage to Fairy Martin but nests in tree-hollows. NECTARINIIDAE Mistletoebird Dicaeum hirundinaceum: A pair seen at the first Regent Parrot search, and a couple

around Kununurra. This flowerpecker is closely tied to clumps of mistletoe. PLOCEIDAE Zebra Finch Taeniopygia guttata: Ten at a leaky water pipe at Wyndham for the last-morning group.

A popular cage-bird, sporting exceptionally intricate plumage. Double-barred Finch Taeniopygia bichenovii: Up to 20 seen most days in the north, starting with

superb views at the Broome bird observatory. Long-tailed Finch Poephila acuticauda: Two at the Broome bird observatory, then slightly lasses

common around Kununurra but flocks at the Lake Argyle caravan park and with the Gouldian Finches.

Masked Finch Poephila personata: Five on the drive back from Lake Argyle, ten with the Gouldian Finches and three on the last morning. A tropical savanna species, commoner than Gouldian but less common than Long-tailed, and also susceptible to over-grazing and over-burning.

Crimson Finch Neochmia phaeton: Up to 30 seen most days around Kununurra and Ellenbrae tyre-repair bird-table. Restricted to waterside grasses and Pandanus.

Star Finch Neochmia ruficauda: About 40 at the Wyndham cemetery sprinklers, and 100 on the return visit. Superb tiny finches, covered in tiny star-spangles.

Red-eared Firetail Stagonopleura oculata: One on the scrub-bird road and three at Bob and Margaret’s stake-out. Another superb little finch, full of fine detail, and endemic to the southwest.

Gouldian Finch Erythrura gouldiae: Two juveniles at the Wyndham sprinklers were frustratingly only seen by a couple of people, but 40 including black and red-headed adults performed very well on the drive to Mitchell Falls. This spectacular finch had declined drastically but now appears to be recovering. The Kununurra region is a stronghold but they are uncommon, nomadic and difficult to find.


Yellow-rumped Mannikin Lonchura flaviprymna: Three flew up from the Wyndham cemetery sprinklers but were not seen by all. Also uncommon and nomadic, and too difficult to find.

MOTACILLIDAE Australasian Pipit Anthus novaeseelandiae: Ones and twos scattered throughout the tour. Probably

best split further as Australian Pipit A. australis, as the New Zealand Pipit looks very different.

MAMMALS Southern Brown Bandicoot Isoodon obesulus: Excellent views of at least one on the scrub-bird road,

taking a liking to the museli bait. Common Brushtail Possum Trichosurus vulpecula: Excellent views of one on the Stirling Ranges

spot-lighting walk. Agile Wallaby Macropus agilis: Excellent views at the Broome bird observatory, and a few wilder

animals seen around Broome and Kununurra. Western Grey Kangaroo Macropus fuliginosus: Up to 20 seen on many days in the south, especially

in Dryandra and around Albany. They may be common but a big bouncing kangaroo is an awesome sight.

Western Brush Wallaby (Black-gloved W) Macropus parryi: A least one seen by some people on the drive to Pemberton. A south-western forest species.

Euro (Common Wallaroo) Macropus robustus: Two seen by the butcherbird at Mitchell Falls camp site, and some people saw another one or two on route.

Northern Nailtail Wallaby Onychogalea unguifera: Two on the Lake Argyle island was an unusual encounter with this usually shy species – these had been marooned on the island during the heavy wet season, and we just days away from being able to bounce back to the mainland.

Short-eared Rock Wallaby Petrogale brachyotis: Six seen on the Lake Argyle tour. A most endearing small wallaby.

Monjon Petrogale burbidgei: Two at Mitchell Falls was a lucky encounter with this little-known Kimberley endemic. The world’s smallest wallaby/kangaroo.

Black Flying Fox (Central F-f) Pteropus alecto: Uncountable numbers flying over Broome and Kununurra after dark.

European Rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus: (Introduced.) About 12 seen around Albany. Dingo Canis familiaris: One on the drive back from Lake Argyle, one on the way to Mitchell Falls, a

family group at Surveyor’s Pool and one on the last morning. An unusually high tally of sightings and some great views of these wild (long-feral) dogs.

Red Fox Vulpes vulpes: One crossing the road at the Western Corellas. Introduced only to be hunted by the British colonists, it is responsible for the extinction of a suite of small Australian mammals.

House Cat (Feral C) Felis catus: At least two seen on the drive to Mitchell Falls. This introduced species is remarkably common in arid Australia and a real conservation menace.

Australian Sea-lion Neophoca cinerea: One showing only its head off Lancelin island. Identified mostly by range, but it also had the very broad-based neck of sea-lions.

Common Bottlenose Dolphin Tursiops truncatus: A pod of about 25 entertained the Tondirrup sea-watchers

Humpback Whale Megaptera novaengliae: At least four seen far off Cape Leeuwin.


REPTILES Burton’s Snake-lizard Lialis burtonis: One caught be Guy at the Mitchell falls camp. Frilled Lizard Chlamydosaurus kingii: A total of three seen on roads around Mitchell Falls, including

some impressive frill-raising. Sand Monitor (Gould’s Goanna) Varanus gouldii: Different individuals on both visits to Ellenbrae

station on route to Mitchell Falls. Heath Monitor Varanus rosenbergi: A small individual sunning beside the track at Cheyne’s Beach,

where and adult later crossed the road. Shingleback Tiliqua rugosa: One seen by some at Mt Trio, Stirling ranges, and another seen at Cape

Leeuwin. A huge armour-plated lizard. Freshwater Crocodile Crocodylus johnsoni: Seen by some at Lake Argyle and on the bridge at

Kununurra, and seen by all at Drysdale crossing. They only bite, they don’t kill… Tiger Snake Notechis scutatus: A series of sightings but sadly most were of snakes on the road about

to be or just having been killed by traffic. One of the world’s most venomous snakes. BUTTERFLIES List kindly provided by Barry: Spotted Jezebel Delias aganippe: first seen at Stirling Ranges Chequered Swallowtail Papilio demolius: first seen at Broome Glasswing Acraea andromacha: first seen at Broome Common Crow Euploea core: first seen at Broome Lemon Migrant Catopsilia pomona: first seen at Broome Swamp Tiger Danaus affinis: first seen at Marlgu Billabong, Kununurra Lesser Wandere (a.k.a. Plain Tiger) Danaus chrysippus: first seen at Ellenbrae Small Grass Yellow Eurema smilax: first seen at Ellenbrae Large Grass Yellow Eurema hecabe: first seen at Ellenbrae Varied Eggfly Hypolimnas bolina: first seen at Drysdale River Scarlet Jezebel Delias argenthona: first seen at Mitchell Falls Pale Green Triangle (a.k.a. Great Jay) Graphium eurypylus: first seen at Mitchell Falls Orange Ringlet Hypocysta adiante: first seen at Mitchell River Falls Blue Argus (a.k.a. Blue Pansy) Junonia orithya: first seen at Drysdale River Dingy Ring (a.k.a. Dusky Knight) Ypthima arctous: first seen at Ellenbrae Tiny Grass Blue Zizula hylax: first seen at Kununurra

Birdquest Western Australia 2011

The Birdquest WA 2011 tour saw

all of the WA endemics and a

range of widespread iconic

Australian birds including

Wedge-tailed Eagle (left),

Emu (centre left) and Australian

Pelican (centre reright)

in a range of scenery from south-

western heathland (e.g. Stirling

Ranges, bottom left) to northern

savanna (epitomised by boab

trees, bottom right)

The far south-west held a large

number of regional endemics,

from the not-really-yet-split

Twenty-eight Parrot (top left),

through the newly-split Western

White-naped Honeyeater (above, White-naped Honeyeater (above,

with a Western Rosella), through

the Rufous Treecreeper (left) to

the White-breasted Robin (bottom

right). The main target were the

three skulking heathland

endemics, of which the Western

Bristlebird (bottom left) skulked

the least and even allowed this

obscured photograph

The forests of the far south-west support

most of the regional endemics including

a range of parrots, notably the splendid a range of parrots, notably the splendid

Western Rosella (above) and the

confusingly similar Baudin’s Black-

Cockatoo (left) and Carnaby’s Black-

Cockatoo (below)

In Broome, the main attractions were shorebirds, which roosted in vast numbers (above) and included the numbers (above) and included the scarce migrant Oriental Plover (left) and mangroves species including Mangrove Grey Fantail (bottom left) and Broad-billed Flycatcher (bottom right).

Although all of the strict endemics were seen well in the south-west, the Rock Parrot proved elusive and needed a special trip to Lancelin. Rock Parrot (centre right) was seen well there, with a blue forehead band and duller plumage than Elegant Parrot (on a rock; centre left). New Holland Honeyeaters (above) were abundant, and Western Corellas (below) were seen on the drive.

A boat trip on Lake Argyle was a real treat and highlight. Among the many waterbirds, A boat trip on Lake Argyle was a real treat and highlight. Among the many waterbirds, Magpie Geese were notable for their size, abundance and taxonomic interest. Among the waders, little Curlew gave better views than at Broome. Among the few land-birds were several Yellow Chats, offering excellent views of this lurid but rare species.

The long drive along the Gibb River The long drive along the Gibb River road from Kununurra (above) was an effective way of feeling part of the landscape. The birding highlight were superb Purple-crowned Fairy-wrens (right) and Gouldian Finches; a range of other tropical savanna birds included Silver-backed Butcherbird (below).

The sandstone massif of the

Mitchell Plateau was a

wonderful finale to the trip.

Kimberley Honeyeater (top

left), Black Grasswren (top left), Black Grasswren (top

right; Mark Beaman 2007),

Monjon (bottom) yellow-faced

Partridge Pigeon (left) are all

endemic to this rocky region.

australia (western) rep 11

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