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

Issue 62 February 2020

“Wherever you go there are birds to watch“

Hooded Plover beside sand dune, Injidup – Photo Alice Stubber

CONTENTS Page Program 2 From the Editor 3 Hoodie Happenings 3 Shorebird Monitoring Results 4-7 Cockatoo Capers 8 Seabird Trip Report 9-10 BirdBlitz the Blackwood 2020 11 Friends of Old Police Reserve 12 Two Oceans Watch 13 Capes Osprey Watch 13-14 Cape to Cape Chatter 15-17 Sightings 18 Birding beyond the Capes 18

SHOREBIRD SPECIAL

BirdLife National Shorebird Monitoring Program Capes - 8-9 February 2020 - Pages 4 to 7

● Capes Hooded Plover Rolling Totals 1995-2020

● Capes Hooded Plover Survey Results 2020

● Capes Shorebird Survey Results 2020

Photographs in this publication are the property of individual photographers or BirdLife Australia.

Permission is necessary to reproduce any photographs.

Cape to Cape Bird Group PROGRAM

Little Corella, Busselton – Photo Terry Scott

FRIENDS OF CARBUNUP RESERVE Bird Walk

Half-day excursion – Thursday 12 March Meet at 8.30am in Vickery Street, Carbunup (near the dieback station). Bird surveys will be conducted in two sections of the reserve, one of which had a prescribed burn in late spring 2019. (See page 17 of this issue for recent survey). Bring your morning tea and a chair. Contact – Christine cwilderone@yahoo.com.au

Australian Pipit, Surfers Point, Prevelly, 9/2/20 – Photo Keith Mann

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

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

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

Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross – Photo Carol Darby

Is your name on the list for notification? LEEUWIN MARINE CHARTERS Seabird trips from Hamelin Bay

or the Augusta Boat Harbour (weather dependent)

Next trip planned for 14 March Bookings: cwilderone@yahoo.com.au

BIRDBLITZ THE BLACKWOOD 2020 Augusta River Tours Charter

Saturday 28 March Meet at 9am at the Ellis Street Jetty, Augusta Duration approx. 2 hours Tides – 0411 – 0.73m, 1148 – 1.10m Join Graeme Challis (Augusta River Tours) and Christine Wilder for a birding charter to the sticks and spit on the Blackwood River. We expect to see remaining migratory shorebirds and catch up with the waterbirds and birds of prey. Bring your morning tea in a backpack $25 per adult (maximum 20 people) Bookings essential (by 22 March) Contact – Christine cwilderone@yahoo.com.au

New Holland Honeyeater – Photo Michael Richardson

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From the Editor

SURVEY SELFIE

Christine Wilder and Fiona Graham (Ngari Capes Marine Park Ranger)

February – BirdLife’s National Shorebird Monitoring Program – and what a treat – a long stretch of wild beach all to myself, or so I thought until I saw a person walking towards me.

DBCA Parks and Wildlife Rangers Sue Trigwell and Fiona Graham were to survey Boranup beach north and south, and I was to survey Hamelin beach and we hadn’t expected to meet up – but there was Fiona at the beach entrance to Bob’s Track – for a selfie of course.

The bonus for me was a pair of Hooded Plovers and three Sooty Oystercatchers amongst the rocks at the southern end of the beach (near sign).

I am so impressed with DBCA personnel, and the enthusiasm of our capes volunteer shorebird monitors and surveyors too, all of whom go above and beyond expectations. A great big thank you.

Special thanks to Marcus Singor for his support and meticulous statistics for the shorebirds of the capes.

Christine Wilder

Fiona on Hamelin Beach – Photo Christine Wilder

Hoodie Happenings and other shorebirds

8 February Christine Berrill, Ann Wood and I walked from Boranup – North Point to Hooley Road. We saw four adults and two juvenile Hooded Plovers in the area from North Point to Hooley Road and then 3 adults and one juvenile ~500-600m north of Hooley Road beach entry/exit. Wow 10 in one day! We saw these from the cliff top 4WD track after we had finished for the day. We looked very closely at the legs but found no blue or yellow tag. A magnificent day for a walk. Hope everyone else had as much fun.

Jenny Kikeros 9 February Well I think we have been truly blessed this year. Today we walked from Hooley Road north to Cape Freycinet. Moderate wind ~ 25 km/hr (lucky from the SW), rising tide and big swell. Kept all the people off the beach. Perfect for us.

Not a hoodie or bird to be seen until ~200m before we reached Cape Freycinet (right at the end of our survey) and then… first I saw one juvenile standing on a sand ridge near weed with a Red-capped Plover, then a bit further along five adult Hooded Plovers tucked in the weed and another juvenile Hooded Plover (very pale). Near the hoodies were Red-capped Plovers including one little chick. All were in the weed on a little ridge and near a channel of water.

We did see 2 drones, 5 people and a dog at the end of our walk at the granites. Today’s count – 5 adult Hooded Plovers, 2 juvenile Hooded Plovers, 18 Red-capped Plovers, 11 Sooty Oystercatchers, 1 Rock Parrot, 16 Silver Gulls, 1 Crested Tern.

Mike and I surveyed Sarge Bay in the evening the day before. Very strong westerly winds and rain! Complete contrast to my morning survey. No Hoodies but found 8 Ruddy Turnstones and other birds.

Jenny Kikeros 20 February Not sure if this is good news or bad, or news at all. Went to the Margaret River-mouth beach today, where Anne and I spotted three Hooded Plover chicks outside the fenced off area. The youngest (less than a week old) by itself foraging the washed up weed about 100m from the lifesavers ramp at the car park. The other two, perhaps two weeks old, about 50m the other side of the wired off area, just loafing. No sign of parent birds anywhere. Neither of us took our phones with us, so no pics unfortunately, but it was great to see your conservation efforts there.

Grahame Feletti ___________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

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

BA flag. BirdLife WA wa@birdlife.org.au (08) 9383 7749 3

Cape to Cape Shorebird survey results This year our BirdLife National Shorebird 2020 survey was conducted over the weekend of 8 and 9 February 2020.

The beaches from Dunsborough, Cape Naturaliste to Cape Leeuwin, across to Black Point, were covered by our dedicated volunteers. The whole coastline was covered and produced some interesting results. A total of 10 shorebird species was sighted and six of these were migratory shorebirds. We had good numbers of Sanderling at Grunters which seems one of their preferred locations. The survey, probably for the first time, provided an insight into the number of Sooty Oystercatchers (73) and Pacific Gulls present on our local beaches. Only one juvenile Pacific Gull was reported. Pacific Gulls are known to breed on St Alouarn Island to the south of Augusta. A total of 46 adult Pacific Gulls (and one juvenile) were counted. One has to ask the question: do they remain all year round or move here over summer or do they come here to mature before returning to their breeding grounds?

The Australian Pied Oystercatcher is known to breed at Redgate Beach (South). Bill James observed an Australian Pied Oystercatcher sitting on a nest at Redgate Beach on 1 November 2019. Some weeks later he sighted one juvenile near the rocks.

We had a close look at the Hooded Plover population which is close to our hearts. This year we achieved some exceptional results. The final Hooded Plover count was the highest on record and we go back some 20 years. We had a total of 64 Hooded Plover on the beaches from Dunsborough to Augusta, these included 17 juveniles. On the beaches between East Augusta and Black Point we had 13 Hooded Plover, of these three were juveniles.

It is possible that due to the inland drought conditions some Hooded Plover moved temporarily to the Cape to Cape region. The number of juveniles observed indicate that the Cape to Cape region had a very successful breeding season, no doubt due to the efforts of our Beach Nesting Bird volunteers and the excellent work in protecting nesting sites by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions. The number of juveniles sighted were slightly higher than expected indicating that we probably did not locate all the Hooded Plover nesting sites.

Rock Parrots are one of those species that suddenly disappear and are gone without you even noticing. They are sensitive to disturbance. Worth keeping records where and when you see them as they have disappeared from a number of sites further up the coast.

Marcus Singor and I extend a big thank you to all our shorebird surveyors who did a tremendous job covering all our beaches. Great work.

Christine Wilder – Convenor, BirdLife Cape to Cape Bird Group TABLE 1 – CAPE TO CAPE ROLLING TOTALS HP SURVEYS

Aug/ Jan/ Jan/ Jan Sept Feb Feb Sept Mar Mar Feb Feb Feb Feb Feb Feb Feb 1995 1995 1996 1998 1998 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

Geographe Bay 0 2 2 2 2 2 2 0 4 Beaches from Cape Naturaliste to Augusta 35 40 44 25 16 23 33 25 15 26 (Naturaliste-Augusta HPMR) Percentage of juveniles 19.23% Cape to Cape

Feb Feb Feb Feb Feb Feb Feb Feb Feb Feb 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020

Geographe Bay 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Beaches from Cape Naturaliste to Augusta 28 22 27 28 27 50 35 39 43 64 (Naturaliste-Augusta HPMR) Percentage of juveniles 32.14% 18.18% 18.51% 4% 14.81% 30.00% 11.42% 17.94% 18.60% 26.60% Cape to Cape

Hooded Plovers with chicks – Photo Sue Trigwell

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TABLE 2 – HOODED PLOVER SURVEY 2020 – 8 AND 9 FEBRUARY 2020 REGION: GEOGRAPHE/MARGARET RIVER/AUGUSTA Known Number Nesting Date Site Adult Juv Site Threats Observer/s GEOGRAPHE BAY 9 Feb Curtis Bay Dunsborough 0 RP 8 Feb Meelup Beach to Castle Rock Dunsborough 0 RP 9 Feb Eagle Bay to Point Picquet Dunsborough 0 JWW 9 Feb Eagle Bay, to Rocky Point Dunsborough 0 JWW Bunker Bay, Bunker Cove (West) Dunsborough Shelley Beach/Cove Dunsborough TOTAL 0 0 CAPE NATURALISTE TO AUGUSTA 8 Feb Cape Naturaliste, Other Side of the Moon Busselton 0 LA 8 Feb Cape Naturaliste, Other Side of the Moon Busselton 0 RP 8 Feb Beaches N&S of Windmills Busselton 0 LA 8 Feb Beaches N&S of Windmills Busselton 1 RP 8 Feb Sugarloaf Rock Busselton 0 LA 8 Feb Gull Rock, 4km north of Yallingup Busselton 1 LA 9 Feb Cape Freycinet, South Beach Margaret River/Augusta 0 LA 8 Feb Yallingup Beach Busselton 0 DHS Smiths Beach Busselton Wyadup Rocks Busselton Injidup Beach Margaret River/Augusta Injidup Beach Margaret River/Augusta 10 Feb Injidup to Mitchell Rocks Margaret River/Augusta 0 RJ, PJ 9 Feb Cape Clairault Busselton 0 LA 10 Feb Quininup Beach Margaret River/Augusta 0 AH 10 Feb Moses Rock to Quininup Beach Margaret River/Augusta 0 AH

Woodlands Beach Margaret River/Augusta 12 Feb Moses Rock, North Margaret River/Augusta 0 FG 12 Feb Moses Rock, South Margaret River/Augusta 0 FG 10 Feb Moses Rock, North Margaret River/Augusta 0 AH Wilyabrup Beach to Moses Rock Margaret River/Augusta 12 Feb Gallows Beach Margaret River/Augusta 2 FG (northern

end) Guillotines Beach Margaret River/Augusta 9 Feb Cowaramup Bay Margaret River/Augusta 1 nest JM, BM 8 Feb South Point Margaret River/Augusta 2 1 nest NB (4-5 week old chick) 8 Feb Lefties car park to Umbies Margaret River/Augusta 0 NB 8 Feb Ellenbrook stream to South Point Margaret River/Augusta 0 NB 8 Feb Gnoocardup/Kilcarnup Margaret River/Augusta 0 nest PSCB 9 Feb Joey’s Nose, Kilcarnup Margaret River/Augusta 2 nest KH 9 Feb Margaret River mouth beach Margaret River/Augusta 0 nest KH Margaret River mouth to Gnarabup Point Margaret River/Augusta 9 Feb Gnarabup Beach Margaret River/Augusta 0 KH 9 Feb Grunters, Prevelly Margaret River/Augusta 0 nest AG 7 Feb Grunters, Prevelly Margaret River/Augusta 6 JD, BD 7 Feb between Grunters and Long Reef 9 Feb Gas Bay Margaret River/Augusta 2 AG 8 Feb Boodjidup Beach Margaret River/Augusta 0 PSCB 7 Feb Redgate Rocks to Gnarabup Point Margaret River/Augusta 5 1 JD 9 Feb Redgate Beach South Margaret River/Augusta 0 BJ 9 Feb Conto Beach to Bob’s Hollow Margaret River/Augusta 2 3 nest JS 9 Feb Cape Freychinet, South Beach Margaret River/Augusta 5 2 JK 8 Feb Boranup Beach, Grace Rd to Reserve Road Margaret River/Augusta 0 FG 8 Feb Boranup Beach, Grace Rd to North Point Margaret River/Augusta 3 ST 8 Feb Boranup, North Point to Hooley Road Margaret River/Augusta 4 2 JK, AW, CB 8 Feb Boranup, 600m north of Hooley Beach entrance Margaret River/Augusta 3 1 JK, AW, CB 10-24 Jan Hamelin Bay Margaret River/Augusta 0 RK 9 Feb Hamelin Bay northern end to Bob’s Road Margaret River/Augusta 0 FG 9 Feb Hamelin Bay, Bob’s Rd to car park, near sign Margaret River/Augusta 2 CW (southern end) 7 Feb Foul Bay Margaret River/Augusta 2 nest DP 7 Feb Cosy Corner Margaret River/Augusta 0 DP 9 Feb Deepdene Beach, North end Margaret River/Augusta 2 nest WS 9 Feb Deepdene Beach, South end Margaret River/Augusta 3 1 WS 8 Feb Hillview Beach, Augusta Margaret River/Augusta 2 3 WS

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TABLE 2 (continued) – HOODED PLOVER SURVEY 2020 – 8 AND 9 FEBRUARY 2020 Known Number Nesting Date Site Adult Juv Site Threats Observer/s 7 Feb Skippy Rock Margaret River/Augusta 0 DP 7 Feb Quarry Beach Margaret River/Augusta 0 DP 8 Feb Sarge Bay Margaret River/Augusta 0 JK 9 Feb Ringbolt Bay Margaret River/Augusta 0 JK 9 Feb Dead Finish to New Harbour Margaret River/Augusta 0 nest JK 9 Feb Storm Bay Margaret River/Augusta 0 JK 9 Feb Granny Pool Margaret River/Augusta 0 JK 9 Feb Flinders Bay Margaret River/Augusta 0 JK 9 Feb Junes Beach Margaret River/Augusta 0 JK 9 Feb Deere Reef Margaret River/Augusta 0 JK 8 Feb Augusta to Hardy Inlet, Dead Water, Flinders Bay Margaret River/Augusta 0 DP 10 Feb Augusta, river mouth, Hardy Inlet East of Flinders Bay 0 JK TOTAL 47 17

REGION: EAST AUGUSTA/BLACK POINT 8 Feb East Augusta Margaret River/Augusta 1 1 BW 1 Feb Black Point East of Flinders Bay 2 people/ KL, DW pollution 1 Feb Black Point, Surfers Point East of Flinders Bay 7 2 KL, DW TOTAL 10 3 Observers: AG-Andrew Green CB-Christine Berrill JK-Jenny Kikeros NB-Natalie Bell WS-Wally Smith AH-Albert Haak CW-Christine Wilder JM-Jan Macauley PJ-Pip Jarvis AW-Anne Wood DHS–Don Hanran-Smith JS-Jane Scott PSCB-Peter St. Clair-Baker BD-Barry Dufall DP-Deb Perry JWW-Jane WebbWare RJ-Rob Jarvis BJ-Bill James DW-David Winstanley KH-Kirrily Hastings RK-Rachel Kerr BM-Bruce Macauley FG-Fiona Graham KL-Kay Lehman RP-Rob Pickard BW-Boyd Wykes JD-Janet Dufall LA-Logan Anderson ST-Sue Trigwell

TABLE 3 – RESULTS – BIRDLIFE NATIONAL SHOREBIRD MONITORING PROGRAM 2020 – SURVEY 8/9 FEBRUARY 2020 Species Number Location Date Australian Pied Oystercatcher 1 Contos Beach 9/2/20 3 Redgate to Gnarabup point 7/2/20 3 Redgate Beach, South 9/2/20 3 East Augusta 8/2/20 1 Cape Clairault 9/2/20 3 Augusta to Hardy Inlet 8/2/20 2 Cowaramup Bay 9/2/20 1 Hillview Beach 8/2/20 1 Lefties car park to Umbies 8/2/20 3 Kilcarnup, Joey’s Nose to MR mouth 9/2/20 Sooty Oystercatcher 11 Cape Freycinet 9/2/20 1 Bob’s Hollow 9/2/20 3 Sarge Bay 8/2/20 Flying past 6 North Point to Hooley Road 8/2/20 9 Redgate Beach, South 9/2/20 10 South Beach, Cape Freycinet 9/2/20 1 Cape Freycinet 9/2/20 8 Cape Clairault 9/2/20 2 Hillview Beach 8/2/20 3 Hamelin Bay Beach 9/2/20 2 Ellenbrook Stream to South Point 8/2/20 2 Windmills 8/2/20 3 Kilcarnup, Joey’s Nose to MR mouth 9/2/20 Red-capped Plover 19 Cape Freycinet 9/2/20 plus 1 chick 12 Redgate to Gnarabup point 7/2/20 includes 1 juv 26 East Augusta 8/2/20 1 South Beach, Cape Freycinet 9/2/20 8 Augusta to Hardy Inlet 8/2/20 3 Deepdene South 9/2/20 2 Deepdene North 9/2/20 1 Kilcarnup, Joey’s Nose to MR mouth 9/2/20 1 Margaret River Point 9/2/20 Greater Sand Plover 1 East Augusta 8/2/20 Whimbrel 1 North and South Windmills 8/2/20 2 Windmills 8/2/20

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TABLE 3 (continued) – RESULTS – BIRDLIFE NATIONAL SHOREBIRD MONITORING PROGRAM 2020 – SURVEY 8/9 FEBRUARY 2020 Species Number Location Date Ruddy Turnstone 8 Sarge Bay 8/2/20 2 South Beach, Cape Freycinet 9/2/20 Red Knot 2 South Beach, Cape Freycinet 9/2/20 Sanderling 3 Cowaramup Bay 9/2/20 125 Grunters 9/2/20 8 Redgate to Gnarabup point 7/2/20 1 South Beach, Cape Freycinet 9/2/20 Common Sandpiper 1 Ringbolt 9/2/20 2 South Point, Gracetown 8/2/20 2 Ellenbrook Stream to South Point 8/2/20 1 Curtis Bay to Castle Rock 9/2/20 Pacific Gull 2 Cowaramup Bay 9/2/20 4 North and South Windmills 8/2/20 1 Cape Naturaliste, Other side of the moon 8/2/20 1 Quarry Bay 7/2/20 1 Skippy Rock 7/2/20 2 Cosy Corner 7/2/20 2 Augusta to Hardy Inlet 8/2/20 1 Gull Rock 8/2/20 1 Redgate Beach, South 9/2/20 2+1juv Sarge Bay 8/2/20 1 Redgate rocks north to Gnarabup Point 7/2/20 1 Hillview Beach 8/2/20 2 Hamelin Bay Beach 9/2/20 2 Windmills 8/2/20 7 Cape Naturaliste, Other side of the moon 8/2/20 7 Curtis Bay to Castle Rock 9/2/20 1 Kilcarnup, Joey’s Nose to MR mouth 9/2/20 2 Margaret River Point 9/2/20 6 Gnarabup Beach to Riflebutts 9/2/20 Eastern Reef Egret 1 North and South Windmills 8/2/20 1 Cape Clairault 9/2/20 Rock Parrot 3 Sarge Bay 8/2/20 1 Cape Freycinet 9/2/20 2 Cape Freycinet 9/2/20

Tables 1, 2 and 3 statistics - Marcus Singor

Hooded Plover with chick – Photo Shelley Pearson

Juvenile Hooded Plover – Photo Jenny Kikeros

A well-earned rest after all that beach walking – Photos Jenny Kikeros

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Carnaby’s Black-Cockatoos, Cowaramup – Photo Anne Bowerman

Random Black-Cockatoo sightings 2020 ● Photos of the annual visit we get from Carnaby’s Black-Cockatoos to the adjacent paddock in Cowaramup to drink before roosting. I counted at least 50 birds, 20/1/20 – Anne Bowerman ● ~100 White-tailed Black-Cockatoos flying east across Bussell Highway south of Vlam Road, 16/2/20 – Christine Wilder ● ~100 White-tailed Black-Cockatoos flying over Witchcliffe garden into reserve, 17/2/20 (early morning) – Guy Pathé ● On my walk around Eagle Bay I saw four Red-tailed Black-Cockatoos, about the same number of White-tailed Black-Cockatoos and two Scarlet Robins. I attempted to take photos with my phone but unsuccessful, 20/2/20 – Jane WebbWare ● ~100 White-tailed Black-Cockatoos, Carbunup Reserve (area of burn), 22/2/20 – Janean Robinson/Adrian van den Ouweland ● 20-30 White-tailed Black-Cockatoos in bush between the Augusta airstrip and Allnut Terrace, 23/2/20 – Roger Crabtree ● Don’t want to bombard you with trivia, but I was having lunch at the Meelup Farmhouse and a huge flock of what must have been at least 100 Black-Cockatoos flew over screeching, and they sort of circled and flew off. I have never seen them in such huge numbers, 23/2/20 – Jane WebbWare ● Mike and I went for a walk on the track that runs parallel west of Leeuwin Road, along the Wadandi Track back to Leeuwin Road (near Flinders Bay) and estimate there were 40 Baudin’s Black-Cockatoos or more with one young being fed. They were scattered through the area feeding on the Marri and chatting away, 24/2/20 – Jenny Kikeros ● Small groups of Black-Cockatoos roost at the Busselton Golf Course – Don Elston ● Around 40 Carnaby’s Black-Cockatoos frequent the Dunsborough Golf Course and surrounding suburb – Michael Sayers

Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo – Photo Claire Timmons

Great Cocky Count Registrations close on 15 March

For weeks I have been seeing flocks of 10-15 White-Tailed Black-Cockatoos overhead at home in The Boulevard in Riverslea, Margaret River, but recently there was a very large flock, easily the biggest I have ever seen of well over 100 birds. Is there something going on? On a similar subject, every year during January we have visits from Red-tailed Black-Cockatoos, attracted by our lemon gum tree. Usually it is one or two birds, visiting two or three times and never staying long. This year we had up to five birds at any one time, spending most of the day, over a period of 7/10 days. They brought down so much debris that I was raking the drive every morning. Again, very unusual. Mike Evans

The tree is down, the birds arrive, and they keep coming ….

Photos Claire Timmons 8

Trip Report – 15 February LEEUWIN MARINE CHARTERS St Alouarn and Flinders Islands,

then to open ocean in the south west, returning via the lighthouse and Seal Island

Flesh-footed Shearwater – Photo Brad Keyser

Earlier in the week, we experienced a huge electrical storm overnight in Augusta, and a cyclone was still causing a bit of weather disruption, so we were watching constantly. The boat was in the Augusta Boat Harbour, meaning this trip was similar to our usual winter jaunts, out past the St. Alouarn Island and Flinders Island, and into open ocean south west of the lighthouse.

Our first stop in the lea of St. Alouarn Island was spectacular with more than 200 Bridled Terns flying close to and around the island. Three Sooty Oystercatchers were perched on a solitary granite rock with waves crashing over it. As usual seals were lounging about on Flinders Island, others in the surrounding ocean and a small number on several rocks. Almost a regular pattern now, is the appearance of shearwaters first up, and one gannet was also seen early. Eventually an Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross was heading towards the boat and shortly afterwards two Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross joined the shearwaters next to us.

Our return took us past the lighthouse, then we snuck in closely to Seal Island, with a depth of only 3.5 metres in several places. Altogether we covered 23.6 nautical miles, with the swell a little choppy, a bit of breeze and the sea mist almost obliterating the lighthouse at one point.

Of eleven sea-birders on board, a high percentage were bird photographers, some visiting from Perth, Bunbury and Northcliffe. Thanks to all those who shared hundreds of photos – Brad Keyser, Wendy Eiby, Georgia Clifford, Mary Whittall, Michael Richardson, Carol Darby and Lea Scadden.

Every trip is completely different and thanks to Dave Muller and Blake Muller for another interesting one in a very comfortable boat.

Christine Wilder

Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross taking off – Photo Carol Darby

Alongside Seal Island – Photo Mary Whittall

Seabird Trip from Augusta Boat Harbour and return 15 February (Alphabetical Order) Bird species Australasian Gannet 1 Bridled Tern ≥200+ (as well as occasional unidentified terns, probably the same species, seen flying throughout entire trip) Crested Tern 42 Flesh-footed Shearwater 24 (round boat, plus many more shearwaters unidentified on the horizon throughout entire trip) Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross 3 Pacific Gull 4A 2J Pied Cormorant 2 Silver Gull 5 Sooty Oystercatcher 4

Seal Island Pied Cormorant 3 Pacific Gull 3 Silver Gull 2 NZ Fur Seals 40 approx.

Bridled Terns on Flinders Island – Photo Wendy Eiby

Juvenile Pacific Gull – Photo Michael Richardson

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Photos clockwise from above

Christine pointing out albatross – Photo Mary Whittall St Alouarn Island – Photo Christine Wilder

St Alouarn Island – Photo Mary Whittall Flesh-footed Shearwater – Photo Georgia Clifford

Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross – Photo Michael Richardson Flesh-footed Shearwater – Photo Brad Keyser

Flinders Island – Photo Wendy Eiby Flesh-footed Shearwaters – Photo Carol Darby

Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross – Photo Lea Scadden

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BirdBlitz the Blackwood 2020 Augusta Foreshore

Victoria Parade to Yacht Club

23 February

White-faced Heron – Photo Roger Crabtree

Augusta Foreshore – Victoria Parade to Yacht Club Bird List – 23 February

Black Swan 47 (plus more than 1,000 on the far side of the sticks) Pacific Black Duck 2 Eastern Osprey 1 Whistling Kite 1 Crested Tern 2 Silver Gull 59 Australian Pelican 4 Australasian Darter 1 Little Black Cormorant 2 Little Pied Cormorant 9 White-faced Heron 3 Yellow-billed Spoonbill 3 Sacred Kingfisher 1

Other Birds Common Bronzewing 1 Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo 10 Baudin’s Black-Cockatoo 7 Galah 38 Red-winged Fairy-wren 3 Splendid Fairy-wren 2 New Holland Honeyeater 6 Red Wattlebird 1 Spotted Scrubwren 3 Inland Thornbill 2 Australian Magpie 2 Australian Raven 2 Welcome Swallow 2 Silvereye 1

Sacred Kingfisher – Photo Jenny Kikeros

Christine, Roger and Mike surveying towards West Bay

Photo Jenny Kikeros

Perhaps it was the weather, a good easterly breeze and a false forecast of showers, that led to only four birders arriving for the survey. The part of the Hardy Inlet alongside Victoria Parade in Augusta is a different character to the lower reaches, lined with bush and fringing reeds in parts, attracting edge stalkers like White-faced Herons and a Yellow-billed Spoonbill seen on the far sheltered side. With the tide right to provide the correct depth, numbers of Black Swans were seen there too. And a pod of dolphins swam by the boat ramp at Irwin Street.

The first highlight was a Sacred Kingfisher perched on a jetty rail, followed by non-waterbirds, Baudin’s Black-Cockatoos, and a group of Red-tailed Black-Cockatoos mopping up the remaining Marri capsules. A good Marri flowering this year will hopefully see more of these magnificent birds around later in the year. A few Little Pied and Little Black Cormorants were braving the breeze, roosting on jetties, and a few fishing. Numerous Silver Gulls and a Crested Tern passing at Flat Rock, which is as dry as I have ever seen it in fifteen years.

Small bush birds were seen or heard in the fringing vegetation – New Holland Honeyeaters, Spotted Scrubwrens, Inland Thornbills, Splendid Fairy-wrens and Welcome Swallows amongst the houses. We were finally treated to a probable Eastern Osprey being mobbed by some of the numerous local Galahs and a soaring Whistling Kite. 27 species were seen.

The usual cuppa and natter followed a laid back but interesting morning.

Roger Crabtree

Roger, Mike and Jenny at the Yacht Club – Photo Christine Wilder

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City of Busselton Launch of new Friends Group

● Friends of the Old Police Reserve ● Quindalup

Saturday 29 February

Ron Glencross (far right) providing some history

Photo Christine Wilder

On 29 February the Toby Inlet Catchment Group (TIC) launched the Friends of the Old Police Reserve at Quindalup. The Cape to Cape Bird Group was invited to participate, with a short talk on the birds previously seen in the reserve, followed by a circuit walk to record the birds present in summer.

The C Class Reserve (No 16920) is around 7 kilometres south east of Dunsborough and adjacent to Harwood’s place (west), Xscape to the Cape (East), Caves Road (North) and the Toby Inlet wetlands (South).

Historically, Pauline and Brian Clay spent many years actively involved with TIC, and in 1996 produced a list of 41 species of birds likely to be seen in the reserve and adjoining wetland.

A group of fifteen of us met near the entrance to the reserve where “bandicoot palace” building was the first of the morning’s activities. Ron Glencross then gave us a thorough recount of the history of the reserve and surrounds, followed by checking of numerous possum boxes by some more agile members in the group.

On our bird walk, a total of 16 species was recorded. The wetland was dry meaning waterbirds were not seen during the morning. We will conduct another bird survey later in the year when the wetland becomes inundated.

A morning tea provided by TIC was very welcome.

Afterwards three of us visited the Toby Inlet observation platform on the boundary with Palmer’s Winery, where an Australasian Darter and five Australian Wood Ducks were seen.

Thanks to Kay Lehman of the City of Busselton and Vikki Viela from TIC for inviting our group. Thanks also to Jenny Fisher of Palmer’s Winery for allowing us to park in their car park.

Christine Wilder

Group discussion – Photo Christine Wilder

Bird List Old Police Reserve, Quindalup 29 February (from 8.30am)

Common Bronzewing 1 Australian White Ibis 1 (near boundary fence) Little Corella 3 (flying above canopy) Australian Ringneck 2 (+ 3 outside boundary) Splendid Fairy-wren 2 Spotted Scrubwren 2 + 1 juvenile Western Gerygone 2 New Holland Honeyeater 2 Red Wattlebird 6 Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike 2 Grey Butcherbird 2 Australian Magpie 3 Willie Wagtail 2 Grey Fantail 1 Australian Raven 7 Tree Martin 2

Toby Inlet from the Red Walk Trail – Photos Christine Wilder

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Two Oceans Watch

Crested Terns bathing – Photo Jenny Kikeros

31 January Crested Terns were bathing at Cape Clairault. Jenny Kikeros

1 February I went with my son to Bunker Bay for a beach walk, lunch and swim. After lunch the sea birds were very spectacularly busy all diving for fish about half a mile out - baitfish I understand. They were terns and gannets - lots of them! A beautiful spot.

Ry Coffman

After an overnight storm, this shearwater was found sheltering

in the Augusta Boat Harbour on 13 February. General opinion was Hutton’s or Fluttering Shearwater

Photos Dave Muller

No birds drawn to this whale carcass close to East Augusta shore 16/2/20,

inshore 17/2/20 and broken in half by 22/2/20 – Photo Dave Muller

Capes Osprey Watch

Turner Caravan Park ospreys

Juvenile osprey feeding on a Flounder and adult Eastern Osprey Photos Graham Edwards

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Carol and Lea at the osprey roost in Turner Caravan Park, Augusta

Photo Christine Wilder

Meelup – 7 February I saw the osprey sitting in the same tree (nest tree) at Meelup a couple of days ago. It was calling out. I have been hearing it since the nest went down but couldn’t see it until recently.

Jane WebbWare

Turner Caravan Park osprey roost site monitoring Roost site check approx. 5pm 4/2/20 – 3 ospreys 6/2/20 – 1 osprey 7/2/20 – 1 osprey 8/2/20 – 1 osprey 9/2/20 – 4 ospreys 10/2/20 – 3 ospreys 14/2/20 – 4 ospreys 18/2/20 – 4 ospreys 19/2/20 – 4 ospreys (reported by Graham Edwards) 21/2/20 – 1 osprey 22/2/20 – 0 osprey 25/2/20 – 2 ospreys 26/2/20 – 3 ospreys 1/3/20 – 3 ospreys 2/3/20 – 0 osprey (checked roost at 4pm, after seeing 4 ospreys at around 3pm on Hardy Inlet aboard ‘Dolphin Discoverer’)

Christine Wilder

Osprey in flight – Photo Dean McFaull

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Eastern Osprey take off – Hardy Inlet

Photos Dean McFaull

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Birds – bush and bath

3 January An Elegant Parrot (looked like a juvenile) was in heath above Boodjidup Brook. I see them often near home at Gnarabup, but rarely (they move too fast!) in the bush! The Splendid Fairy-wren was a gorgeous fellow - just out of the bird bath!

Jane Scott

Splendid Fairy-wren

Photos Jane Scott

Common Greenshank and Pacific Black Duck – Photo Dean McFaull

Greenshanks, swans, Sanderlings

2 February Common Greenshanks or March Sandpipers? The greenshanks have a slightly upturned bill and are a bit larger. I had two flocks of greenshanks totalling 52 birds, one in the sticks and one on Lion Island. 22 February Had a good day on the river with dolphins playing together all around my boat near Turner Caravan Park. Black Swans close by the town jetty that were good enough to take to flight and in my direction with beautiful lighting for photographs. Then up in the sticks there was a count of 311 shorebirds. I think they are starting to mass in preparation for their long return journey to the breeding grounds. On 21 February there were 96 Sanderlings all in a group on the sand island through the sticks. I may normally see 6-20 Sanderling together but not nearly 100. They must be coming up from further south and getting ready to migrate. It is a great time of year.

Dean McFaull

Note: ~100 Sanderlings were recorded on the sand island at the sticks on our Augusta River Tours Charter in March 2019 – Issue 51, pages 6-7. Christine Wilder

Black Swans in flight, Town Jetty, Augusta – Photos Dean McFaull

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Female Western Spinebill, garden in Margaret River, 25/2/20

Photo Christine Wilder

Western Spinebill nest diary

9 February

We have Western Spinebills nesting in a potted ficus, right outside our back door, in Margaret River. We’re delighted of course. We’ve had many generations raised here but never right on top of us. Any idea how long until the chicks hatch? She’s been sitting for four days. Two eggs. We’re kind of protective so have suspended all barbecues, blower vacc-ing and startling activity pending successful fledging - but are off to Perth for a few days.

We feel honoured, and I like to fantasise that they know they’re safe having us close (anthropomorphising I know, but sometimes you need fantasy!).

I hope there is some food about when they’re fledged. So late in the season, our unwatered garden has very little nectar apart from the marri.

23 February

10.06am – she’s still sitting. Dad doesn’t share sitting and doesn’t feed her, but he hangs about and checks the nest frequently. She leaves the nest to feed herself at intervals. They don’t seem concerned by our having to use the back door frequently or me watering the plant she’s nesting in – seems such a loooong incubation! Fingers crossed they’re successful, so I can report on how long incubation is.

10.15am – We have lift off! They’re both feeding at least one chick and removing the droppings. She still sits so maybe another to hatch?

It was about 18 days, if I got the hatching day correct. I was suspicious on 22 February and was sure I heard peeping but thought I might have been imagining things.

Marg Moir

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

Juvenile Nankeen Night-Heron, Port Geographe – Photo Jennifer Smith

Night-Heron at Port Geographe

This juvenile Nankeen Night-Heron was on our friend’s yacht at Port Geographe. The markings are incredible.

Jennifer Smith

Nankeen Night-Heron, Hardy Street, Augusta

Photos Graham Edwards

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‘Friends’ at Carbunup Reserve, 13/2/20 – Photo Christine Wilder

Birds in Carbunup Reserve

On 13 February (9am), a group of “Friends of Carbunup Reserve” conducted a bird survey in the section where a prescribed burn occurred in late spring 2019.

Common Bronzewing 1 Wedge-tailed Eagle 2 (flying overhead) Rainbow Bee-eater 2 Sacred Kingfisher 1 Laughing Kookaburra 1 Western Rosella 1 Australian Ringneck 11 Western Spinebill 1 Red Wattlebird 4 Striated Pardalote 1 Western Gerygone 5 Inland Thornbill 8 Australian Magpie 3 Grey Fantail 3 Australian Raven 1 Western Yellow Robin 1 Tree Martin 1 Silvereye 1

Christine Wilder

Australian Ringneck, Hamelin Bay Cabin, 24/2/20 (Red seer with yellow feathers on lower breast)

Photo Christine Wilder

Magpie-lark and Australian Magpie (male) – Photos Michael Richardson

Red-capped Parrot, west Margaret River – Photo Claire Timmons

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Common Sandpipers-Ringbolt Bay/Deere Street – Photos Jenny Kikeros

● Sightings ●

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

Christine Wilder - Editor

Here are the reported sightings:

Tawny Frogmouth 1, Yallingup (on road), 27/2/20 (8pm) – Christine Wilder

Sooty Oystercatcher 1, Hamelin Bay beach, 23/2/20 – Christine Wilder

Australian Pied Oystercatcher 1, Hamelin Bay beach, 24/2/20 – Christine Wilder

Masked Lapwing 1, Vasse, mid-February – Vikki Viela

Common Sandpiper 1, 50m south of Deere Street, Augusta, 2/2/20 – Jenny Kikeros 1, Ringbolt Bay, Augusta, 9/2/20 – Jenny Kikeros 1, immediately north of the Gnarabup boat ramp, 19/2/20 (7am) – Jennifer Smith

Square-tailed Kite 1, flying low over Margaret River Post Office, 7/2/20 – Christine Wilder 1, flying low over the Margaret River bridge on Perimeter Road, 21/2/20 – Christine Wilder

Rock Parrot 11, feeding in Dune Cabbage at Hamelin Bay beach, 24/2/20 (7.30am) – Christine Wilder

Purple-crowned Lorikeet Large group flying north over Leeuwin Road, Augusta, 24/2/20 (morning) – Jenny Kikeros

Red Wattlebird 92, (migrating in four groups, landing in peppermints then pine trees, flying north), Deere Street, Augusta, 29/2/20 – Jenny Kikeros and Christine Wilder 145, (migrating in small groups, travelling north over the tops of peppermints) Ellis Street Jetty, Augusta, 2/3/20 – Christine Wilder

Grey Currawong 1, behind Grocery Store, Yallingup, 28/2/20 – Christine Wilder

BIRDING BEYOND THE CAPES Wherever you go there are birds to watch

Banded Stilts, Leschenault Estuary, Bunbury, 2/2/20

Photo Mick Cross

Bunbury These Banded Stilts I photographed at the top of the Leschenault Estuary, Bunbury.

Mick Cross

Bremer Bay I have just returned from a week in Bremer Bay in February. On the seabird trips out to the Bremer Canyon, there were two days cancelled because of weather, then three epic days of orcas and seabirds.

I saw around 30 Wandering Albatrosses, many times that of Indian Yellow-nosed, Shy and Black-browed Albatrosses, Northern Giant-Petrel, Wilsons Storm-Petrel and Flesh-footed Shearwater (hundreds and hundreds).

On both the second and third days the orcas had a kill and this drew in over 80 orcas, shearwaters, albatrosses and other birds. There was a new calf just a couple of days old. On the second day when we turned to go home the orcas started chasing us surfing in our wake at 20 knots and on the last day we were accompanied by dolphins on our return.

Ian Wiese

Wandering Albatross – Photo Ian Wiese

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