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Contact Call
Newsletter of BirdLife Northern Queensland Volume 6 Number 1 February-March 2017
Fawn-breasted Bowerbirds occur in the northern part of Cape
York Peninsula and in New Guinea. It is mainly a lowland
species, preferring the ecotone between grassland and woodland
thickets, or natural savanna with clumps of trees and brush.
They are generally absent from true forest but are found in
riverine thickets and mangroves. For more information about
this enigmatic bird go to http://birdlife.org.au/australian-
birdlife/detail/into-the-unknown. This Fawn-breasted Bowerbird
image was provided courtesy of Doug Herrington and Robert
Reed. Read about this bird sighting and many others in the
adventures of Doug ‘n Rob in Bamaga on page 12.
Stickybeaks Family Group - Taking off the
training wheels
BirdLife North Queensland’s Stickybeaks group has
turned one! It all started with a blurry idea sprung
from a tired parental brain: surely there must be other
families out there that would like their kids to discover
and enjoy nature with friends their size. Twelve
wonderful and exciting outings later with lovely folks
and lots of kid’s laughter we feel that we definitely
have something there. Most trips have 10 kids or more
coming along brimming with excitement while crafting
a raft for a fairy princess or sharing the discovery that
fiddler crabs like yellow leaves. For 2017 we have
penned out most of the program already, some tried
and tested activities some new adventures. Of course
parents are encouraged to bring not only
their offspring but their ideas, too, maybe
lead your own outing? So we are looking
forward to welcoming more families and
see more birds, of course. If you want to
come along or want to know more please
contact golo.maurer@birdlife.org.au
Contents Happy Birthday Stickybeaks!
Convenor’s report
Notice of AGM
2016 Christmas Party Comraderie
An Indian Ocean Birding Experience
Oriental Pratincole at Mt Isa
Barn Swallows return
Franklin’s Gulls in the Torres Strait
Doug ‘n Rob’s Bamaga Trip
Australia Day 2017 and Weekend Activities
BirdLife Survey Methods
Noticeboard and 2017 BirdLife Northern
Queensland 2017 Activities
Birdlife Northern
Queensland AGM
Friday 10th March 2017
Malanda Hotel Ballroom
7pm
Followed at 7.30pm by
A special presentation
Prof Steve Turton on
Climate change and human activities: evidence and
implications for Far North
Queensland.
BirdLife Northern Queensland
2 Contact Call Volume 6 Number 1
From the Convenor It is the start of another New Year and finally the start
of the wet season.
But the New Year started with some tragic news about
one of our newest members. Alf Muoio died in early
January, while he was attempting to alert motorists of
floodwaters on the Kennedy Highway. I had only just
met Alf and his wife Margaret at our Palmer River
outing in October last year. They quickly became
welcome additions to our “family”, with their open
friendliness and real generosity. Our condolences and
thoughts go to Margaret and her family.
The Annual General Meeting is in early March (see
notice later in this newsletter), and we have already
called for nominations for committee positions. Even if
you do not wish to stand for the committee, you can
help out by volunteering to lead an outing to one of
your favourite places. Just contact your local Area
Coordinator or Martin Willis to discuss your ideas.
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank one
of our long-serving committee members, Virginia
Simmonds, who is retiring from the committee. She is
known to many of us as the person who each year
organised the annual Crane Count in September. But
as well as this, she always had very thoughtful and
wise suggestions throughout her tenure as a
committee member. Thank you so much, Virginia!
Because we are faced with a growing number of
conservation issues in our region, your committee
developed a strategy plan to determine our priorities
over the coming years. With limited resources, setting
priorities is crucial. Our priority strategies along with
lead committee member are:
continuing our work on distribution and
management actions for Carpentarian and
Kalkadoon Grasswrens (Graham Harrington);
develop a communications plan to keep members
and public informed of issues and activities about
our birds (Renee Cassels);
complete altitudinal surveys of bowerbird bowers to
track impacts of climate change (Graham and Peter
Valentine);
repeat historical surveys on beach-nesting birds to
track long term changes (Kath Shurcliff).
Actions to address each of these priorities will be taken
over the next year or so, and we will do annual
reviews of their impacts. If you would like more
information about any of these please contact the lead
committee member.
We also have a full schedule of monthly Sticky Beak
outings, fascinating presentations both at Malanda and
Cairns, numerous outings around the region, survey
methods workshops and actual surveys at reserves
and Key Biodiversity Areas. Please come along and
help us to make any and all of these events successful
and fun! enjoy your birding and each other’s company!
Kath Shurcliff
Strategic Conservation Planning Meeting
BirdLife Northern Queensland Committee
Committee Name Contact details
Convenor and
Cape York Area
Coordinator
Kath
Shurcliff
Email crabplover@westnet.com.au
and phone: 07 4069 6595
Deputy Convenor Martin
Willis
Email: martinwillis@mac.com and
phone: 07 40966581
Secretary Renee
Cassels
Email: renee.cassels@my.jcu.edu.au
Treasurer Wendy
Cooper
wendy@williamtcooper.com.au and
phone: 07 40968272
Cairns Area
Coordinator
Tom Collis Email: motom4@bigpond.com and
mobile phone: 0401783795
Conservation
Coordinator and
Tablelands Area
Coordinator
Peter
Valentine
Email: peter.valentine@jcu.edu.au
and phone: 07 40966171
Stickybeak
Coordinator
Golo
Maurer
Email: Golo.maurer@birdlife.org.au
IBA Coordinator Graham
Harrington
Email: riflebird1@gmail.com and
phone: 07 40965051
Members
Coordinator
Sam Willis Email: samnmart@gmail.com and
phone: 07 40966581
Website
Manager
Mikey Kudo Email: kudo@kankyo-gi.net and
mobile phone: 0402343610
Newsletter
Editor and
Cassowary Coast
Area Coordinator
Ceri Pearce Email:
birdlifenqnewsletter@gmail.com
and mobile phone: 0488131581
Contact Call
February-March 2017 3
Birdlife Northern Queensland Hosts Special Talk on Climate Change
Professor Steve Turton
The Branch is hosting a significant presentation in Malanda on climate change
following the AGM on March 10th . Professor Steve Turton will be giving the
talk entitled "Climate change and human activities: evidence and implications
for Far North Queensland". The topic will explore the science and evidence for
climate change globally but will especially consider the potential implications
for northern Queensland. Professor Turton is exceptionally well-placed to
present this topic from his professional career as an environmental scientist at
James Cook University over many decades. He has also contributed
internationally in various forums including as an Expert Reviewer of the
Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change (IPCC) 5th Assessment Report,
especially Working Group 2 on Impacts and Adaptation.
An active researching and teaching academic at James Cook University, Professor Turton was Director of Research
for the Rainforest Cooperative Research Centre from 2003-2005. From 2005-2016, he held a number of senior roles as
director and professor at James Cook University in Cairns. He is currently taking a leading role in Cairns with CQU
where he is an Adjunct Professor. His distinguished career includes Past-President of the Australian Council of
Environmental Deans and Directors; Past-President of the Institute of Australian Geographers; a Council Member of
the Association of Tropical Biology and Conservation as well as contributing to the work of the Australian Academy
of Science.
Birdlife NQ Tablelands Convenor, Peter Valentine invites members of Birdlife NQ and others interested in learning
more about what we know about climate change and the potential affects on northern Queensland to attend the talk
which will be held at the Malanda Hotel on the 10th of March, commencing at 7.30 pm. Peter has drawn attention to
the need for better understanding about the local affects of climate change on our environment. Better understanding
might help accelerate action to combat those affects. "I am confident the audience will gain much understanding
about these issues from Professor Turton's talk."
SOMETIMES IT’S JUST TOO HOT TO CARE
Yellow Honeyeater and Helmeted Friarbird enjoy a cool bath
Newsletter hardcopies come to an end
For those members that receive hardcopies (printed
copies) of this newsletter, this edition will be the last
copy that will come delivered with Australian BirdLife
magazine. If this concerns you, then please get in touch
with our Convenor, Kath Shurcliff (email
crabplover@westnet.com.au or phone: 07 4069 6595), or
contact our Members Coordinator, Sam Willis (email:
samnmart@gmail.com or phone: 07 40966581).
Electronic copies of the newsletter will continue to be
available via the BirdLife Northern Queensland
website. We can alert you via email as they become
available, if we have your current email address.
Please ensure BirdLife Australia has your current
email address by phoning (03) 9347 0757 or email
info@birdlife.org.au
BirdLife Northern Queensland
4 Contact Call Volume 6 Number 1
2016 Christmas Party Comraderie
On the 8th December, members
gathered at Martin and Sam’s
place in Malanda for our annual
breakup party. We were joined
by Chester the Victorian
Riflebird and his birdy friends
who on occasion loudly joined in
the revelry. Special thanks
Martin and Sam for hosting us.
Contact Call
February-March 2017 5
An Indian Ocean Birding Experience
Flying to Christmas Island, which is only a few hundred
kilometres from Indonesia and has been part of
Australia since 1st October 1958 when it gained
sovereignty from Britain, felt like an overseas holiday.
Even more so when we had to show our passports and
go through the complete customs ritual to get on the
plane at Perth. Being part of Australia means its birds
go on the Australian list, which is the reason that it is
popular with birdwatchers, especially in the monsoonal
season when vagrant species may be blown in from SE
Asia and further afield. Virgin Airlines flies there twice
a week doing a loop via the Cocos Keeling Islands, also
part of Australia, making it easy to combine the two
destinations into one trip. We were joining Richard
Baxter who has been conducting organised birding
tours there for the past decade and so is extremely
experienced in showing and finding the endemic and
vagrant birds of the two islands.
Fourteen of us met at Perth Airport on the 15th
November 2016 and, when introductions were made,
we soon realised that we knew nearly everyone from
our days at Kingfisher Park Birdwatchers Lodge. It was
certainly a pleasure being on the other end of a tour
and having everything organised for us. Retirement is
good!
We stayed for a week on Christmas Island and had
accommodation overlooking the Indian Ocean and
enjoyed watching tropicbirds and frigatebirds sail past
our veranda. The weather varied from hot and steamy
to torrential downpours, but generally was quite
pleasant.
Our days started at 6am when the group divided up
into four hire cars for the first session of birding before
a breakfast break at 7.30. Then, after a morning’s
birding, a three hour lunch break before the afternoon
session by which time we were ready for dinner and
bed! There were many tried and tested birding
destinations on the Island which is about 19km long
and 135 square kilometres in area, of which 52 are
National Park.
Christmas Island Red Crab Gecarcoidea natalis
Coconut or Robber Crab Birgus latro
We were there in the Red Crab migration period
(though sadly they didn't do their main migration until
after we left) and many of the roads were closed to
traffic.
The island takes it's crabs very seriously and there are
signs everywhere, especially regarding the huge
Robber Crabs which tend to rear up if driven over and
get killed very easily.
Drivers spend all their time weaving around the roads
trying to avoid these amazing crustaceans – luckily
there isn't too much traffic!
Our first morning destination was to The Dales where a
walking track winds through the forest to a pretty
waterfall. Here we were excited to see our first
endemic bird, the Christmas Island Thrush, but soon
found they were quite common as were the Christmas
Island White-eye, which were also along the track.
This area was a good introduction to the Island’s birds.
Another endemic, the Christmas Island Imperial
Pigeon, is a handsome bird and there were trees full of
them in many places, but trying to get a photo was
another matter as they are quite flighty. The Christmas
Island Goshawk, however, was far more obliging often
perching happily for the camera.
The Dales Walking Track
BirdLife Northern Queensland
6 Contact Call Volume 6 Number 1
On the coast we
feasted on views of
the Christmas Island
Frigatebird along
with the Greater
Frigatebird and
Brown, Red-footed
and Abbott's Booby
sat in trees for us to
admire. Both Red-
tailed and White-
tailed Tropicbird flew
overhead for great
views and the best
treat was the
Christmas Island
form of the White-
tailed known as the
Golden Bosunbird,
which has a
beautiful golden
hue.
A pair of Christmas
Island Hawk-owl
were sighted at the
Territory Day Park
one evening,
another tick for our
endemic list.
Finding vagrants is
always the aim on
these tours which is
the reason four of
our group had been
to the islands many
times which was
great for us first-
timers as they had a
wealth of
knowledge. Our first vagrant was a Grey Wagtail, but
search as we did, no Yellow Wagtail were seen. A
Yellow Bittern was seen hotly pursued by a Christmas
Island Goshawk which caught it, but was scared off by
two of our group and the bittern lived to be seen again
a few days later.
The Asian race of the Intermediate Egret was seen a
few times and Pintail and Swinhoe's Snipe were
flushed by the group walking in a line through long
grass. There was great excitement when a juvenile
Eurasian Hobby was sighted a few times, but after
studying a number of photos it was decided it was a
race of the Peregrine Falcon.
We spent a lot of time gazing into the sky looking for
swifts and swallows, but the winds were coming from
the SE, so only had a few of sightings of interest –
White-throated Needletail, Barn Swallow and Pacific
Swift, but it was fun looking!
White-tailed Tropicbird
Richard had another tour to Christmas Island in early
December by which time the winds had changed to the
NW and there were some more exciting sightings such
as a Corncrake. This is why people return as there is
always a chance of another bird for your list! So ended
our first week.
It was then a 950km flight to the coral atolls of Cocos
Keeling Islands - a complete contrast to Christmas
Island, which is the remains of a volcano. Sadly the
islands were covered in cloud as we flew in so no
magical views of this tropical paradise. We were
staying on West Island at the little township, which is
located alongside the airport. About 100 people live
here with 500 Cocos Malays living on Home Island,
which is accessed across the lagoon by a 10 minute
ferry ride. Our accommodation for the week was just
over the road from the airport and right alongside the
beach so we were lulled to sleep by the sound of the
Indian Ocean. On our first day we took the ferry to
Home Island along with the rain and clouds.
Swift watching
Christmas Island Thrush
Christmas Island Goshawk
Contact Call
February-March 2017 7
After sheltering for a while, it cleared and we headed to Oceania
House which is the former home of the Clunies-Ross family who
established themselves on the islands in the early 1800's.
The grounds of the house comprise of an orchard and huge trees
making it a perfect habitat for any vagrant birds so is an iconic
place to visit.
The islands actually have no endemic passerines as it is in such a
remote location, so any seen cause great excitement as they have
to be vagrants. We visited the orchard three times during our visit,
but the only vagrant seen was a Chinese Sparrowhawk, which was
a great sighting, but was probably picking off any vagrant
passerines which took refuge in the grounds. There were many
seabirds along the coast of the West Island and the scopes were
put to good use adding Wedge-tailed Shearwater, which breed on a
nearby island, to our list along with the beautiful White Tern.
Bechet Besar wetland on West Island has become another iconic
place to bird with a number of seats and shade being provided for
the hours spent gazing at the water. A few years ago a Common
Teal turned up and made this wetland it's home and even has a
name now - Wilson (although it is a female). While looking one day
we found a Northern Pintail had turned up which was a new bird for
the Island. One of the most common birds on the Island is Nankeen
Night Heron and they are everywhere, but we never got bored of
seeing them.
Another common bird on the grassy edges of the roads was White-
breasted Waterhen, which scampered everywhere along with the
Green Junglefowl. In contrast we had only two views of Von
Schrenck's Bittern - a very noteworthy sighting. Tidal areas on West
Island were great for egrets with the Western Reef Egret being a
new bird for most of us and a tricky one to distinguish from the
Eastern Reef Egret. We had a great trip one afternoon to South
Island, which entailed crossing a channel in motorised outrigger
canoes, which was huge fun. On South Island we headed to a
sheltered bay where an obliging Eurasian Curlew was on a
sandbank. Our main target though was Saunders Tern, a small bird
with a very restricted distribution. After wading through tepid water
with a sandy bottom for about 600m, we could see them with the
aid of scopes on a sandbank along with several wader species. Back
at the boats we celebrated by wallowing in the water drinking
champagne – birding is tough
Another trip to Home Island was targeting a Chinese Pond-Heron,
which had taken up residence on a small island for the past few
years. This entailed wading through knee high water with a strong
current and an uneven surface of sand and sharp broken coral, for
about 600m. Lindsay gave up after about ten minutes, but most of
the others made it and eventually saw the heron, which was in
partial breeding plumage. An added bonus was a Common
(Eurasian) Kingfisher, seen perched on the rocky coral shoreline.
The next day on West Island we saw another pond-heron, but not
in breeding plumage. As Chinese are inseparable from the Javan
Pond-Heron in non-breeding plumage, we will have to wait until
March, when it attains breeding plumage to find out (if it hangs
around). Much easier seeing it out of a bus window! Reports of
another bird on West Island had us tramping around a coconut
plantation, but it was worth the effort as we eventually saw it - a
Brown Shrike, which was even a new Australian bird for our leader.
Oceania House
Oceania House gardens
Searching for Saunders Tern
Nankeen Night Heron
The waders heading off for Chinese
Pond Heron
BirdLife Northern Queensland
8 Contact Call Volume 6 Number 1
Late afternoon on our last full day, one of our group
managed to see a glimpse of a small passerine in one
of the trees at Trannies Beach on West Island, so at
6am on our last morning we were off to stake-out the
tree hoping it was still there. After 20 minutes we
were rewarded with what turned out to be an Asian
Brown Flycatcher. Then we heard there had been a
sighting of a Rosy Starling at the end of the airfield
runway so off we went and eventually tracked the
elusive bird down, though not all of us saw it. Yes,
Lindsay dipped.
After all this excitement it was time to pack our bags
and head to the airport. Luckily it was raining so we
didn't feel as if we were missing anything as we waited
for our flight and said our farewells to a beautiful
island.
So ended two weeks of intense birding with a great
group of people and it was a lot of fun. We would
certainly recommend a trip to these islands for anyone
interested in the birds and natural history, but would
suggest an organised tour is the best way as there is
so much local knowledge needed to make the best of
the visit. We returned home with lots of wonderful
memories and would we go again? Well maybe we will.
Useful links for your visit:-
Richard Baxter is a great guide and host, check out his
website for future tours.
http://www.birdingtours.com.au/
If you want to get close up with the wildlife on
Christmas Island the theme for the 2017 Christmas
Island Bird Week is “Tropical Seabird Research and
Island Endemics”. This Bird Week is organised by
members of the Christmas Island Tourism Association.
Report and images by Keith and Lindsay Fisher
Oriental Pratincole at
Mt Isa
Here are some images, of Oriental Pratincole,
photographed at Lake Moondarra, Mount Isa, late
December 2016.This is the second season in a row,
that these birds have shown up. However, this season
so far, there were only seven birds. Last season, there
was a flock, estimated to be about 500 birds.
I have noticed that this season, the migrant tally, on a
whole, appears to be down, compared to other years.
Even the Sharp-tailed Sandpipers, which are usually in
their hundreds, and stay for some time are down in
numbers. I feel this could be due, to the higher water
levels in the lake. Whereas, the mud flats aren't
exposed, like they normally are this time of the year.
I do regular checking of the western bays of the lake,
just to see, what may turn up. One large shallow bay,
in particular, appears to be a favourite, for the
migratory waders. We'll see what 2017 may bring.
Oriental Pratincole
Report and images Rex Whitehead, Mount Isa
Contact Call
February-March 2017 9
Barn Swallows return I lived at Newell Beach in 1995 into 1997 and
managed the initial record for a single Barn Swallow on
September 14th, 1995.
Numbers built that year to a dozen birds on 29th
December. The swallows arrived annually with a peak
of 21 birds in 2002. Beyond that time records were
sporadic at Newell until 2011, which was my last
personal observation for six summers until Saturday
morning 21st January 2017 when six were perched
locally on power lines. Indeed very pleasing to have
them return after a long absence.
On Tuesday 24th 20 Barn Swallows were present, then
totalled 33 birds around midday on Saturday 28th.
I also observed an immature at Weare Park, Redlynch
Road, Freshwater on Friday 18th November last year.
There could well be more Barn Swallows in the Cairns
region.
Del. Richards, Mossman.
An adult Barn Swallow at Newell Beach. Image kindly
provided by Paul Newman.
Situated 1½ hrs north of Cairns in Tropical North
Queensland we offer accommodation in self-
contained units – – single or two bedroom – and
bunkhouse rooms. The property is a rainforest
wildlife sanctuary catering for birdwatchers and
naturalists.
We are central to a variety of habitats and provide
bird species lists, area maps and Wi-Fi internet
access.
Guiding is available by arrangement.
We offer packages for individuals and small groups.
Carol and Andrew Iles
RN6, Mt. Kooyong Road
Julatten QLD 4871
Ph: (07) 4094 1263
Email: sootyowl@bigpond.com
www.birdwatchers.com.au
BirdLife Northern Queensland
10 Contact Call Volume 6 Number 1
Franklin’s Gulls in the Torres Strait
A recent biodiversity research expedition, initiated by
the Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA),
investigated several uninhabited islands in central
Torres Strait. The author, supported by Gondwana
Ecology Group and a grant from Charles Sturt
University, was part of the survey for a week in
November 2016.
I have been privileged to have been involved in
numerous biodiversity (mostly birds and other
terrestrial fauna) surveys and research across the
Torres Strait for nearly a decade. This work has
included biodiversity conservation and management
support for the three Indigenous Protected Areas
established in the islands. Several publications and
presentations at conferences highlight this work. I
have also had the good fortune to work closely with
the local Rangers through the years. The TSRA Ranger
Program is one of the most successful programmes of
its kind in Australia and provides opportunities for on-
ground management and conservation of land and sea
resources and exchange of traditional ecological
knowledge.
I became aware (early on) of the importance of the
Torres Strait for migratory birds, both terrestrial and
shorebirds, as they traverse the islands en route to
final breeding or foraging destinations, well to the
north or south. Some terminate their journey in the
islands and enjoy the island lifestyle. The habitats
offered by the islands vary greatly. With shorebirds in
mind, the sand quays and tidal flats provide
particularly important resources for nesting (e.g. terns,
noddies) and foraging (e.g. waders). Other
conservation-significant species such as the Beach
Stone-curlew Esacus magnirostrus and both
oystercatcher species Haematopus longirostrus and H.
fuliginosus nest on many of the islands. The extensive
tidal range around the hundreds of islands provides
extensive feeding grounds for the shorebird-wader
group. The Torres Strait, I would suggest, is an
extremely important region for migratory shorebirds,
both as a “stop-over” and as a “summer destination”.
Human/researcher access to the islands is complicated
and likely explains the lack of information and
conservation status afforded to the area.
During the recent survey in November, aboard the
Blue Planet Marine research vessel, we had
opportunity to visit several islands, surveying the flora,
trapping for feral animals, small mammals and
reptiles, investigating turtle nesting and conducting
bird surveys and ranger training. On a small sand
island (approximately 1500m x 260m), north of
inhabited Poruma Island, a pair of Franklin’s Gulls
Larus pipixcan were observed over a few days. The
island was dominated by low grassland with small bush
thickets (patches). The traditional owners informed us
the island had been used for gardens (agriculture)
historically. A larger patch of vine thicket provided
home to a diversity of “forest” birds and scrub
pythons. The surrounding shore and reef provided
foraging habitat for waders/shorebirds.
The gulls would perch in a Pandanus tree and
occasionally disturb the nesting Black-naped Terns
Sterna sumatrana and Bridled Terns Onychoprion
anaethetus. As described in the Handbook of
Australian and New Zealand Birds (Higgins & Davies,
volume 3), Franklin’s Gull breeds on shores of shallow
freshwater lakes and marshes in inland North America,
with non-breeding movements to South America.
Vagrant records (all reported as single birds) in
Australia are mostly from coastal areas, bays and
sandy beaches. eBird (http://ebird.org/ebird/australia)
reports Queensland records for this species at Lake
Barambah (Sunshine Coast hinterland, February 2014)
and at the Cairns Esplanade in May 1988 and
November 1993. While records for this species in
Australia have been considered a result of misguided
migration, it is possible that this species follows ships,
particularly along the east coast, including through the
Torres Strait. North-south shipping routes pass the
central islands of the Torres Strait.
Franklin’s Gull, in adult plumage, can be confused with
Laughing Gull Larus atricilla, another North American
species that breeds along the coastline. Both have
dark heads, a white eye-ring and red bills. The “red”
legs (rather than black) of the Franklin’s Gull, separate
these species. The photographs (successfully obtained
with some good fortune only 10 minutes prior to
departure from the island) show the red-coloured legs.
Incidentally, Laughing Gull was recorded on a sand
quay (south of Warraber Island) and on Warraber
(pers. obs.) in October 2012.
Contact Call
February-March 2017 11
Discussions with the traditional owners of Warraber
and Poruma, reveal that the “black-headed sea-gulls”
are occasionally seen with the “common gulls” (i.e.
Silver Gulls Larus novaehollandiae) on these islands.
While not possible to determine if the birds were
separate sexes, and while highly unlikely, it does pose
the question of future breeding potential. This record
for the small island north of Poruma, while of interest
as a vagrant species record, is also the first (based on
available published data) record for a possible pair of
this species in Australia.
With special thanks to the TSRA, the Rangers and
Elders of the Torres Strait, Institute for Land, Water
and Society – Charles Sturt University, Blue Planet
Marine and Gondwana Ecology Group.
Justin Watson
justin@gondwanaecology.com.au
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
I have often noted in natural history newsletters and
even journals that actual dates of surveys, events or
observations are not included in reports. This can be
an important, sometimes vital piece of information for
the usefulness of a note as a stand-alone article. That
some of us can occasionally deduce when some event
or observation might have taken place should be no
substitute for including a clear date.
Even the Nov.-Dec 2016 Contact Call has quite a
number of reported events without a specified date of
when they took place.
I find Contact Call to be a most informative newsletter
and trust my suggestion will be taken positively to
make it even more instructive in future.
Kind Regards, Andrew Krumins.
Thank you for your advice Andrew. We will endeavour to try
harder to ensure we provide relevant dates in future issues.
Ed.
Birds are
in our
nature
BirdLife Northern Queensland
12 Contact Call Volume 6 Number 1
Doug ‘n Rob’s Bamaga Trip Rob Reed departed for Bamaga on 18th January 2017
and I joined him the following Friday afternoon. We
drove out to Seisia in Robs ute where we had hired a
cabin. A quick beer on the veranda and we were right
into the birding. Crested Terns and Lesser Frigatebirds
before we even left the veranda. Palm Cockatoos in
the camp ground, purple wattled Brush Turkey,
Friarbirds and all the usual suspects. We had dinner
and an early night to prepare for an early morning
start.
Day 2 we headed out to Little and Big Woody Islands
on Robs friends boat. On Little Woody we quickly
bagged the Pale and Yellow White-eyes and had
spectacular views of Mangrove Golden Whistler. It was
pleasing to note dozens of turtle tracks up the beach
and many fresh nests. We also saw several Mangrove
Robin and had heart racing views of a Peregrine Falcon
pursuing the nesting Torresian Imperial-Pigeons. On
our return to the mainland we were engulfed by a
nasty squall and had to take shelter in the lee of a
small island along with Crested and Little Tern and a
solitary Pied Oystercatcher. The rest of the day was
spent poking around the local area.
On day 3 we were off to the Lockerby Scrub for the
morning. First up we searched for the Northern Scrub-
robin of which we heard four and managed to get
cracking views of one. Unfortunately it would not keep
still long enough for a photo! Buff-breasted Paradise-
Kingfishers where calling everywhere as were the
Magnificent Riflebird of which we got 2 male flybys and
a good perched female. We heard at least 6 Red-
bellied/Papuan Pittas calling and had cracking views of
one male. Once again the light was atrocious for
photography but I did manage a quick id shot. Yellow-
legged Flycatcher was heard and Rob was lucky
enough to see it. Many Trumpet Manucode where seen
and heard. We spent the afternoon exploring various
settling ponds where we turned up 25 Spotted
Whistling-ducks, Magpie Goose, Common and Marsh
Sandpipers, Glossy Ibis and others. Later that
afternoon whilst again imbibing in a cold beer on the
veranda of our cabin we just happened to notice two
Beach Stone-curlew stroll by on the lawn.
Day 4 we are back in the scrub chasing Yellow-legged
Flycatcher in the rain. I dipped again. We had some
fantastic photo opportunities with Palm Cockatoo and
then went sightseeing along the east coast in the rain.
The rain cleared after lunch and we focused on some
rainforest fringe for the local subspecies of the
Spectacled Monarch (albiventris) whose buff markings
end abruptly high on the breast and the Yellow-
breasted Boatbill (faviventer) which has an olive back.
After dinner we went out spotlighting and were
rewarded with six Marbled
Frogmouth calling of which
we were able to see three.
Spectacular end to the day!
Day 5 dawned clear with no
imminent rain showers and
we headed south in search of
the Fawn-breasted
Bowerbird. We began with a
Black-backed Butcherbird,
White-streaked Honeyeater,
three species of Friarbird and
more Palm Cockatoo
sightings. We found the
Fawn-breasted Bowerbird
easily at his bower and spent
the next two hours totally
engrossed as he came and
went with decorations. Later
we went in the direction of
Muttee, a former WWII radar
installation where we picked
up Trumpet Manucode,
Cicadabird, Grey Goshawk
(white morph), White-
streaked Honeyeater and
more Palm Cockatoo. We
once again spent the
afternoon poking around the
back roads where we picked
up an Oriental Cuckoo.
Day 6 was once again a fine
sunny morning and we
revisited the Lockerby Scrub
where I got fantastic views of
a perched male Magnificent
Riflebird but our main
objective today was to reach
the tip of Cape York, the
most northerly point of the
Australian Mainland. This we
did and had lovely views out
to the multitude of islands in
the straits. On our return trip
we had one final go at the
Yellow-legged Flycatcher and
the White-faced Robin. Just
as we were finishing up the
sky blackened and the rain
came down in torrents! It
was still raining when we left
Bamaga Airport at 4 in the
afternoon. All in all, a really
great trip and a “must-go-
backer”. Biggest dip of the
trip? – White-faced Robin.
Report and images courtesy of
Doug Herrington
Mangrove Golden Whistler
Pale White-eye
Trumpet Manucode
Marbled Frogmouth
Magnificent Riflebird
Contact Call
February-March 2017 13
Lesser Sooty Owl
Australia Day 2017 and Weekend Activities
The Australia Day long weekend got off to a good start
with an early morning field trip to Lake Eacham within
the Crater Lakes National Park and afterwards the
Malanda Conservation Park on the 26th January. 12
members came along to enjoy the birds these
locations offered. Highlights included roosting Lesser
Sooty Owl, Double-eyed Fig -parrot, Barred Cuckoo-
shrike and Victoria's Riflebird.
Mid-morning our convenor Kath Shurcliff gave a talk
on bird survey techniques and the use of the Birdata
and eBird apps in the field by which time there was
about 25 members new and old in attendance. After
the talk we tried out the survey techniques in the local
Malanda area.
In the afternoon the group moved onto the Bargain
Basement Book Sale at Dawn and Cliff Frith's property,
where a big variety of new and second-hand books
were available for sale, including their own
publications. From here some of the group went out to
Gourka Road, which leads to the Wooroonooran
National Park. Blue-faced Parrot-finch are often seen
along here, but not on this visit, however we did see a
Pale-vented Bush-hen cross the road very slowly and a
White-eared Monarch fluttering across the tree tops.
The evening was spent socialising at the Malanda
Hotel.
The following day (Friday) started off at Wondecla,
near Herberton, where we conducted a series of 20
minute 2ha surveys along the Springfield Road in the
Herberton State Forest. These surveys were embedded
into a 5km survey which picked up species not
recorded in the 20 minute surveys. Of interest along
here were birds that have been recorded as Fuscous or
Yellow-tinted Honeyeater, but the birds occurring here
are not typical of either species. It has been suggested
that they could be an undescribed species by Lloyd
Nielsen in his field guide "Birds of the Wet Tropics of
Queensland & Great Barrier Reef & Where to Find
Them". He illustrates various differences from the
typical Fuscous/Yellow-tinted and suggests they be
called Herberton Honeyeater. This photo of a
“Herberton Honeyeater” was taken nearby at Kaban.
To learn more about this bird and the rest of our local
birds Lloyd’s book is highly recommended.
‘Herberton’ Honeyeater
Plenty of other good sightings along here included:-
Pacific Baza, Grey and Brown Goshawks, Red-backed
Fairy-wren, Scarlet and Banded Honeyeaters and
Dusky Woodswallow. On our way back towards
Atherton we stopped to look at a Pacific Baza nest,
which had two young in it with the two adults nearby.
The afternoon saw some of us visit Hasties Swamp,
Tinaroo Waters and the Curtain Figtree. Good sightings
included Great Cormorant, 23 Bush Stone-curlew in
two gardens at Yungaburra, Black-faced Cuckooshrike
feeding a juvenile and a Spectacled Monarch on a nest.
Some of the group went on a spotlighting tour around
parts of the Atherton Tablelands in the evening looking
for owls. However, it was very quiet with only two
sightings of Barn Owl.
Saturday morning saw us head off to begin a circuit of
Lake Tinaroo, seeing several button quail along the
road which were probably Red-chested, but they were
too quick for a positive ID.
We started off at the Cathedral Figtree where we
began our 20 minute 2ha surveys. As is often the case
BirdLife Northern Queensland
14 Contact Call Volume 6 Number 1
Checking out the good sightings
the car park area, with it's all round vision of the
rainforest canopy edge, proved to be the most
productive. Yellow-breasted Boatbill was only heard,
illustrating the importance of learning the calls in
survey work. Brown Gerygone were as active as ever,
Black-faced Monarch were calling and posing well and
a Pied Monarch put in a brief appearance. From here
we stopped off to survey at Mabo Crater, The
Chimneys (for morning smoko), Lake Euramoo and
Kauri Creek Campground. These mainly rainforest
areas provided the challenge of surveying in a closed
forest area, but we did see plenty of birds amongst
those heard.
Highlights included
several Superb
Fruit-Dove, which
were only heard,
Tooth-billed
Bowerbird which
was seen high in the
canopy by a few
observers, Eastern
Spinebill, an
immature Willie
Wagtail who dined
out on our discarded
Marsh flies and a
pair of Eastern
Yellow Robin. The
morning finished up
near the dam where
a lucky few saw a
Peregrine Falcon fly by.
The afternoon saw the group split up and go their
separate ways for the afternoon, four of us checked
out Lake Tinaroo, which was less than 40% full, doing
a survey in an area normally underwater! A pair of
Masked Lapwing were taking advantage of the
shoreline to nest and a few Purple Swamphen were out
in the grassy areas.
Another visit to the
Malanda Environment Park
proved productive with
White-headed Pigeon,
White-throated Treecreeper
(Little) and Eastern
Whipbird showing. A
surprise to us was three
Long-nosed Bandicoot
running through the
rainforest, unusual during
the day.
So ended a very enjoyable
three days birding and
socialising, it was pleasing
to meet several new
members. Further
information about surveys
can be found on the Birdlife Australia website.
Thanks go to the committee members for organising
and providing venues for the three days, Peter
Valentine, Martin and Sam Willis and Kath Shurcliff
plus the members for coming along.
Report and images © Keith & Lindsay Fisher 2017
Where are your Keys?
Welcome a new baby TLA (Three Letter Acronym) in
2017. KBAs, Key Biodiversity Areas are the successors
to Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBAs). The
IBA concept was simple but successful: Use local
citizen science to identify globally important sites and
work with the community to protect them. It is now
being rolled out for all Life on Earth. A partnership of
BirdLife International and 10 other global conservation
heavy weights formed last year to make it real. So
what does it all mean for our IBA conservation? (1)
Almost no IBAs will be lost in the IBA-KBA transition.
Over 90% of our 315 IBAs qualify as KBAs based on
their great significance to birds alone. (2) Stronger
advocacy. With over 1,000 EPBC listed species other
than birds within the KBA boundaries and the global
NGO partnership it will be easier to advocate for KBA
protection.
As it befits a new arrival BirdLife Australia is throwing
a party or rather a campaign to introduce KBAs to
everyone and highlight those ones that are in trouble
in a KBA in Danger report. What you can do locally as
part of the campaign and beyond is find out where
your Key BAs are. Visit them, conduct standardised
birdata surveys and spread BirdLife Australia’s newest
TLA.
If you want to know some more please visit
http://www.birdlife.org.au/projects/KBA
Golo Maurer
Tooth-billed Bowerbird
White-
throated
Treecreeper
(Little)
Contact Call
February-March 2017 15
BirdLife Survey Methods
by Kath Shurcliff
The BirdLife Northern Queensland committee will be
organising further workshop outings in 2017 to
promote the expanded use of the standard BirdLife
Australia survey methods. We completed the first one
of these at our Australia Day outing in January. Here
is a summary of what we covered and what we
discovered about the methods.
Why bother using these methods in our
everyday birding?
The survey results are used by BirdLife Australia to
track trends in the status of birds through the new
Index of Australian Birds, and to improve the accuracy
of the Atlas of Australian Birds. They are also used for
ongoing monitoring of our Key Biodiversity Areas,
formerly known as Important Bird Areas. Remember,
the first Index results published at end of 2015 could
not show any trends for the northeastern Queensland
coastal region because there were insufficient data !!
A situation we need to change!
What are these standard methods?
The first is the 20 minute, 2 hectare survey - all
individual birds are counted which can be found in an
area of 2 hectares, over 20 minutes. Sounds simple?
Well, it is - except how much is 2 hectares? Any
combination of measurements - 200m x 100m, 400m
x 50m, 1000m x 20m, 80m radius circle.
Configuration depends on two things - how far away
can you confidently find all birds and also stay within a
single habitat? Distances can be estimated or you can
use a GPS to be more accurate. Once you have
decided the configuration you will use to delimit 2
hectares, stick to it. If you see or hear a bird which is
outside the limits, it should not be included, but do
include flyovers within your limits (but see embedded
surveys below).
If the site is in your “local patch” and you can revisit it
over the seasons and years, then these repeat visits
are particularly valuable for the Index to show trends.
You can nominate the site as a “shared” one so that
other birders might also be tempted to do surveys
when in the area. “Shared” sites show up on the maps
for Birdata.
The next methods are the area searches - all birds
found within a 500m radius area or a 5km radius area.
Emphasis is on finding new species, not necessarily
keeping accurate counts of all individuals, as this can
prove to be very difficult over such large areas.
Since it can often be very tempting to include species
seen outside the 2 hectare survey, one way of dealing
with these temptations is to undertake an embedded
survey - do both a 2hectare, 20 minute survey, along
with a 500m search. When the 2 hectare survey is
completed, it is added into the 500m search. Often
you will need to walk back after the 20 minutes to your
start point. If any new species are encountered, these
are added to the 500m search. The end time for the
500m search is when you get back to your starting
point and depart the location.
Once you have done a survey, you need only ensure
the data gets to BirdLife.
Enter the results either directly at the Birdata website
birdata.birdlife.org.au or through the BirdLife app.
Using the Birdata app
Here are a series of screenshots from my iPhone,
which show what each stage looks like.
First, determine where you are birding. If you have
birded this location before, a series of dots appear on a
map - select the appropriate one. If you have not
surveyed here before, you will need to enter a new
location.
Fill in the requested details, selecting either the 2ha,
20 minute search, or the 500m search. Then start the
survey and begin to enter species you see. Selecting a
species is easily done by entering the first letter of
each word in the common name. So Grey-headed
Robin appears as you type “g h” and finally “r o”.
Select the species, and enter the number of individuals
observed.
As you encounter more individuals over the survey,
you can simply tap + button. If you enter the wrong
species, swipe left and then delete it. You can also
easily enter details about breeding.
BirdLife Northern Queensland
16 Contact Call Volume 6 Number 1
Time elapsed since the start of the survey is tracked in
the upper right corner. If you selected 2ha 20
minutes, you also get a warning that the 20 minutes is
up! Once finished, review your sightings and other
details - then submit the survey. If you are out of
mobile/internet coverage, the survey will be saved for
later upload.
If you complete both a 2ha, 20 minute and 500m
search (the embedded method) and use the app, you
will actually have to enter two separate lists, one for
each. You will then have to manually add the 2ha, 20
minute results in with the 500m search.
Contact Call
February-March 2017 17
Ebird alternative
Because there is an information exchange agreement
between BirdLife and eBird, you can also use the eBird
app. Here’s a simple system I personally use to keep
track of two separate lists for the embedded surveys,
using the eBird app:
Start with 500m search - note time of start and
then all species you can hear or see no matter how
far away for a few minutes (also helps to get your
ear tuned in)
Decide configuration of 2ha based on ease of
walking, density of vegetation, staying within
single habitat
Start the 2ha survey, noting time, start a new list
on the app
If during this survey, you see/hear a species
outside the 2ha, switch back to the 500m search
list, add the species, and then switch back to the
2ha survey
Once the 20 minutes is up, close the 2ha survey
Continue with the 500m search until you leave the
area, and note the time you finish. You can then
use the ‘Trip summaries’ function to get a complete
list for the 500m search, adding in the results from
the 2ha search. This list can be added or edited
using the eBird website.
If you use eBird, please be sure to edit your lists once
uploaded into eBird, and select the BirdLife 2ha or
500m search option in “Observation Type - Other”.
What did we learn in the field?
Our greatest difficulty when trying out the methods
was covering 2 ha in 20 minutes, especially in
rainforest habitats. We decided we better not try to do
2ha surveys until we are very familiar with the species
including their calls. We should start these surveys in
own local area, and use them as an incentive to really
learn our local species, including their calls. Until we
feel confident, we use the 500m search method since
there are no time limits which would allow us to chase
up birds we were not sure of.
We found that small teams of 2-3 made the process
easier, one person as recorder, others to find and
identify species.
Don’t worry too much about “double-counting” birds as
we tend to underestimate numbers anyway. Ignore
those “behind” you that probably are already counted,
except of course if it is a new species.
Using the app was straight forward, and entering 3
letter codes was such an advantage to any other
method. Using the + button to add to counts was
easier than the 3 letter code again.
Further Information
Videos on how to use app at birdata.birdlife.org.au
in the “Help” section
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wguh3cm
2MOI&feature=youtu.be
and
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WNR7Ek1g
OGs&feature=youtu.be
BirdLife Northern Queensland
18 Contact Call Volume 6 Number 1
Further Information
Guidance on methods from BirdLife Australia at
http://birdata.birdlife.org.au/survey-techniques
Download Birdata app at birdata.birdlife.org.au
or download eBird app at the Google store
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=
edu.cornell.birds.ebird
or Apple store
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/ebird-by-
cornell-lab-ornithology/id988799279?mt=8
See how the surveys are used at
http://www.birdlife.org.au/education-
publications/publications/state-of-australias-
birds
Noticeboard
From the Editor
What a start to 2017! We have yet another bumper
newsletter filled with stimulating, instructional and
inspiring articles. Thank you to all our contributors.
Please email images, articles, observations, activity
and trip reports and reviews to
birdlifenqnewsletter@gmail.com for the next edition.
Newsletter deadlines for 2017
April 10th for the May/June Edition
July 10th for the September Edition
October 10th for the December Edition
Want to advertise in Contact Call?
Advertisements and sponsorship help support BirdLife
Northern Queensland. Any profit is used for education
and conservation projects in our region. The
advertisements must be relevant to BirdLife Northern
Queensland members and compatible with BirdLife
Australia objectives and fund raising guidelines.
Quarter page advertisements for four issues can be
purchased for $80 plus GST, or $25 plus GST for
single-issue advertisements. Contact the Editor of
Contact Call for further information.
Activities
Check out the BirdLife Northern Queensland activities
lined up for 2017 in the event calendar. For a complete
list of events in 2017 please go to the website
http://birdlifenq.org/ – we don’t have enough room in
this newsletter for the whole year!
Please do come and join us. You do not have to be a
BirdLife member or an expert birder. Most of us are
still learning and keen to share the fun. Everybody is
welcome.
For more information about an event, contact the
leader listed or check the website or details:
http://birdlifenq.org/, or join us on Facebook
Join us on Facebook
Contact Call
February-March 2017 19
BirdLife Northern Queensland 2017 Activities Date Time Locality Meeting place and other information Contact the leader
Saturday 25th February
3pm Cairns Centenary Lakes
Sticky beaks Family Group Nature Photo competition Centenary Lakes Chinese Pagoda Please register your attendance by the Friday before.
Golo Maurer Phone: 0467 444 114 or email golo.maurer@BirdLife.org.au
Friday 10th March
7pm
Malanda Hotel
BirdLife Northern Queensland Annual General Meeting Followed at 7.30pm by a presentation by: Dr Steve Turton on "Climate change and human activities: evidence and implications for Far North Queensland”. Dinner available from 6pm at your own cost
Peter Valentine Phone: 4096 6171 or email peter.valentine@jcu.edu.au
Saturday 11th March
7am Between Millaa Millaa and Malanda
Birding at Seamark Road Meet at Jagan Hall, about 6km from Malanda on the Malanda to Millaa Millaa main road. We are invited to go birding around Graham Harrington’s place. We might see Crimson Rosellas! Bring morning tea.
Graham Harrington Phone: 0448 055 077 or email: riflebird1@gmail.com
Sunday 12th March
7am Innisfail Birding Warina Lakes Suitable for beginners. Carpark in Park St, at corner of Emily and Charles St, Innisfail. Meet at main shelter shed. Birding for about 2 hours. Bring binoculars, a raincoat/umbrella and
morning tea.
Ceri Pearce, Phone: 0488131581 or email: birdlifenqnewsletter@gmail.com or Sandra Christensen, Phone:
0448845842
Saturday 25th March
4.30pm Viewing Platform at the Lagoon on the Cairns Esplanade
Sticky beaks Family Group Farewell Shorebirds Viewing Platform at the Lagoon on the Cairns Esplanade Please register your attendance by the Friday before.
Golo Maurer Phone: 0467 444 114 or email golo.maurer@BirdLife.org.au
Saturday
25th March
2.30-6
pm
Cairns ‘Wave the Waders Goodbye’
2.30pm Shorebird Identification Workshop (refresh your skills or learn new ones). Venue: Meeting Room 1 at the Cairns City Library 4.30pm Shorebird Watching on the Esplanade. Meet at the front of the Cairns RSL on the Esplanade.
Tom Collis, Phone:
0401 783 795 or email: motom4@bigpond.com
Thursday 6th April
7.30pm Malanda Hotel
Opportunity to attend the Tree Kangaroo Mammal Group Meeting to listen to Prof. Steve Williams present on the Effects of Climate Change on Wildlife.
Please note this is not a BirdLife event, but we are invited to attend.
Saturday 8th April
7.30pm Cominos House, Greenslopes St. Cairns
Cairns BirdLife NQ Meeting Special presentation by Dr Ray Pierce on “Conservation Research in the South Pacific for managing endangered Prisbonia (Tuamotu Sandpiper), Ground Doves and Seabirds”
Tom Collis, Phone: 0401 783 795 or email: motom4@bigpond.com
Anzac Day weekend 22nd - 25th
April
Cooktown –Shiptons Flat area
Cooktown-Shiptons Flat outing. Based at Lions Den Hotel, Helenvale (camping and dongas available).
We will be visiting sites at the northern end of Wet Tropics, plus coastal sites (actual sites to be visited are weather dependent). Will finish off with a breakfast cruise on upper reaches of Endeavour River out of Cooktown on 25 April (bookings essential for cruise, $50pp). Participants are to arrange their own accommodation.
Contact Kath Shurcliff for details Phone: 07 4069 6595 or email:
crabplover@westnet.com.au
Saturday 29th April
10am Davies Creek National
Park near Mareeba
Sticky beaks Family Group Exploring Davies Creek and water play
Please register your attendance by the Friday before
Golo Maurer Phone: 0467 444 114 or email
golo.maurer@BirdLife.org.au
BirdLife Northern Queensland
20 Contact Call Volume 6 Number 1
Date Time Locality Meeting place and other information Contact the leader
Thursday 11th May
7.30pm Malanda Hotel
Tableland BirdLife NQ Meeting Golo Maurer and Graham Harrington will be presenting on Key Biosecurity Areas. Dinner is available from the hotel from 6pm at own cost.
Peter Valentine Phone: 4096 6171 or email peter.valentine@jcu.edu.au
Saturday 27th May
Sticky beaks Family Group Details to be announced Please register your attendance by the Friday before
Golo Maurer Phone: 0467 444 114 or email golo.maurer@BirdLife.org.au
Saturday 27th May
7:30pm Cominos House, Greenslopes St. Cairns
Cairns BirdLife NQ Meeting Short presentations by Birdlife Members. It is time to bring out some of those great photographs and birding tales and share them with other members. Members are invited to put together
a short (max 15 minute) presentation to share on the night. We are aiming for six presentations (and possibly more if the interest is there). If you wish to participate contact Tom Collis.
Tom Collis, Phone: 0401 783 795 or email: motom4@bigpond.com
Saturday 24th June
3pm Machan's Beach
Sticky beaks Family Group Beach Scouring Machan's Beach, end of Cinderella Street by Barron River Please register your attendance by the Friday before
Golo Maurer Phone: 0467 444 114 or email golo.maurer@BirdLife.org.au
10-30th June
QLD and NT Survey of Carpentarian Grasswrens from Mount Isa to Borroloola in the Gulf of Carpentaria To secure your place in this special event, contact Graham Harrington
Graham Harrington Phone: 0448 055 077 or email: riflebird1@gmail.com
Thursday July 13th
7.30pm Malanda Hotel
Tableland BirdLife NQ Meeting Speaker to be confirmed.
Peter Valentine Phone: 4096 6171 or email
peter.valentine@jcu.edu.au
Saturday 15th July
7:30pm Cominos House, Greenslopes St. Cairns
Cairns BirdLife NQ Family Trivia Night. Come along for a fun night testing your knowledge of all things relating to birds.
Tom Collis, Phone: 0401 783 795 or email: motom4@bigpond.com
Saturday 29th July
8am Kuranda Sticky beaks Family Group Details to be announced
Please register your attendance by the Friday before
Golo Maurer Phone: 0467 444 114 or email
golo.maurer@BirdLife.org.au
July Special BirdLife event: Guardians of our Key Biosecurity Areas (KBAs) Details to be confirmed.
Saturday 26th August
6pm Cairns Centenary Lakes
Sticky beaks Family Group Spotlighting Centenary Lakes Chinese Pagoda Please register your attendance by the Friday before
Golo Maurer Phone: 0467 444 114 or email golo.maurer@BirdLife.org.au
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