February 2015 in Bundaberg

Birding in Bundaberg this month was rather quiet, however most birding that I did involved waders... I haven't really had the motivation this summer to do some bush birding but I'm looking forward to doing so soon when the weather cools down. Earlier in the month we port surveyors were allowed to hold a shorebird identification day at the port's survey site. This was following a short outing to Gorman's Park for anyone that was interested. For many of the people who attended their best interest was seeing the Pectoral and Broad-billed Sandpipers that have been present lately. And while we all tried to find them, it wasn't until we were doing the survey and most people had left did we find the birds.

Earlier in the month a young British birder, Ros Green, visited Bundaberg as she was travelling up eastern Australia. It was organised that I show her around the area, and it was the least I could do as I helped her gain 50+ new birds! A Common Noddy on the coast was presumably a result of the miserable weather that day. But despite the weather it was a good day, and it's always great to show new people around this area.

It was very sad news on February 11 that we inevitably lost one of birding's greats, Trevor Quested, who fell victim to MND. He had been a mentor to me and many others, he was revered and will be remembered for his kind heart and incredible knowledge. RIP Trevor.

Since starting TAFE this month I have been seeing a resident pair of Square-tailed Kites, which are generally uncommon locally except for this regular pair that frequent this part of Bundaberg. Also while scouting the region, two Wood Sandpipers appeared at the wetland on Hermans Rd as well as Latham's Snipe as usual.

Later this month Cyclone Marcia threatened the region but missed, however Yeppoon and Rockhampton copped the direct hit. Although, we still had plenty of storm activity to blow in some unusual birds with Great Frigatebirds, shearwaters and offshore terns being reported along the coasts. And at Burnett Heads we also had two Asian Dowitchers appear after the storms, which were a surprise! That's all for February and I hope March is more productive.

Brandon