A little late, I know but that's OK because it's here now. You could say I've been very lazy for the last couple of months... and I have! I haven't been motivated to really write anything and I haven't been out birding as much as I would normally. Anyway, this month's port survey was relatively quiet since only a few of us turned up on the morning. Bird-wise, also quiet as although the common Sharp-tailed Sandpipers and Red-necked Stints had started to return in numbers, there were next to no raptors about apart from the resident Nankeen Kestrel sitting in his favourite tree and the Brahminy Kites which you can see gliding around just about all the time anyway. The Asian Dowitcher that showed up last month was nowhere to be seen, which is odd because it had been seen throughout the month at Burnett Heads. Perhaps it has found another place to roost at high tide, along with the Bar-tailed Godwits which seemed to be absent as well. Let's just say it wasn't as productive as normal in September...
The outing this month was to Barolin Nature Reserve where it was nice to see some new faces. Whilst everyone met on the Bargara Rd entrance we watched a Nankeen Kestrel go about hunting in the early morning, meanwhile a Pacific Baza flew over the treetops in the distance. We then headed around to Davidson St where we commenced the morning. Immediately amongst the blossom of the melaleuca were Rainbow and Scaly-breasted Lorikeets, Australian Figbirds, Brown Honeyeaters, Pale-headed Rosellas and a calling male Pheasant Coucal. Further along we were surprised to find a couple of Black-faced Monarchs, as well as Leaden Flycatcher and Lewin's Honeyeater. At some point we deviated from the track to check on the Eastern Ospreys and their nest; no chicks at that point though. The parrots, such as Pale-headed Rosella, Rainbow Lorikeets, Cockatiels and Galahs, were all seen inspecting tree hollows which is nice to see. Some of us ventured along the creek to find Fairy Gerygone, Little Shrike-thrush and Grey-crowned Babblers. An overall great morning was had by everyone...
This month saw (or heard) the arrival of the PNG migrants. Dollarbirds can be seen perched on top of dead or exposed branches of trees, while the Eastern Koels are more suburban and are heard calling all over the place, and Channel-billed Cuckoos usually reside in Barolin Nature Reserve but can often be heard and seen if they are travelling from one place to another. I'm out for now... October coming soon.
Brandon
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