Post on 24-Aug-2020
Lyrebird Tales
Volume 26 Number 3 September 2017
Kilcowera Station
By Valerie Fowler
Cardenyabba Lagoon Photo© Peter Fowler
Our August 2017 trip to Bowra Station in south-eastern
Queensland was cut shorter than we had originally planned
due to the closure of the property for a week and the
expected arrival of 40 university students. As we still had a
couple of days to spare, we looked for another place to bird
watch in the area. Other birdwatchers staying at Bowra had
told us that Eulo bore (where we had fabulous birding 20
years earlier) was now ruined and not worth visiting. We
were also told that Lake Bindegolly and the lakes at
Currawinya National Park were all dry due to the bad drought
in the area. We read that Kilcowera Station had the same
bird species as Bowra so we phoned the owners and booked
in for two nights stay.
Kilcowera Station is situated mainly within the Bulloo river
catchment and is accessed via the Dowling Track, a dirt road
running between Thargomindah and Hungerford. This area
has irregular rainfall and has unpredictable weather events
which can cause flooding. Kilcowera Station was bought by
the Sherwin family in 1980; it was originally part of Boorara,
owned by Sir Sydney Kidman. Kilcowera covers 49,377 ha
(compared to 14,000 ha in Bowra). The property is watered
by artesian bores and natural water. The Sherwin family also
own the adjoining property Zenonie which has been in the
family for three generations. The cattle property is
organically run; the management believe that maintaining
the soil health and native vegetation as well as native wildlife
is important and they have a conservative stocking rate of
one beast to 100 acres, and beasts were completely removed
in severe drought years. This has enabled a reasonable
Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo Photo © Peter Fowler
amount of ground cover to exist which was very evident as
we travelled through the property. The property is open to
visitors between March and the end of October and has
accommodation in the shearers’ quarters, camping on a
grassy area with toilets and showers (bore water) and bush
camping with long drop toilet at Cardenyabba Lagoon.
We arrived at Kilcowera at dusk and driving down the
entrance track we enjoyed a long distant view over the
property in the evening light. After booking in at the
residence we were given a folder containing a map of tracks
we could drive on the property with information on relevant
places of interest, a fact sheet describing different vegetation
and most importantly a bird list of a possible 186 species to
see.
Contents 1 – 5. Kilcowera Station by Valerie Fowler
6. Book for the WTP bus trip, Interesting Sightings,
What Bird is That? Committee Members
7. Filtration Pond Net
8 – 11. Reports of Meetings and Outings
12. Calendar of Events
Lyrebird Tales
2 Lyrebird Tales
Shearers’ quarters and camping area Photo P. Fowler
We were ready to start birdwatching at day break with a
Spotted Bowerbird, Apostlebird, Crested Pigeons and Willie
Wagtail in the frosty camping area. We drove down to
Cardenyabba Lagoon which is part of the Kilcowera (or
sometimes named Cardenyabba) River; it eventually flows
into north NSW and ends up in the Bulloo River overflow. The
series of lagoons were in the process of drying out. Here the
waterbirds were nervous; the Pelican took to the skies as
soon as it spotted us. Also present were both Royal and
Yellow-billed Spoonbills. There were two White-necked
Herons, one White-faced Heron, Great Egret, Black-fronted
Dotterel, Whiskered Tern and Caspian Tern, Grey Teal and
two Red-necked Avocets. Bush birds included: abundant
White-plumed Honeyeaters, Little Friarbird, Spiny-cheeked
Honeyeater, Yellow-throated Miner and Brown Tree-creeper.
The parrots were very active at this time in the morning:
Galahs, Blue Bonnets, Australian Ringneck and Mulga Parrots.
A flock of Major Mitchell’s Cockatoos was being harassed by a
Whistling Kite and in return harassed the raptor. The Major
Mitchell’s Cockatoos then came down to the water for a drink.
Track at Kilcowera Photo © Valerie Fowler
Also seen were Magpie Lark and a Black-breasted Buzzard.
Before we left the lagoon five Emus came for a drink on the
far side. In the near vicinity: Chestnut-crowned Babblers,
Hooded and Pied Butcherbirds, Splendid Wren, Hooded and
Red-capped Robins, we heard a Crested Bellbird. We
continued to follow the 60km route on the property along a
red sandy track stopping to look at different bushes and trees
with identification (Eucalyptus, Acacias and Ereophilas).
Apostlebird Photo © Valerie Fowler
Spotted Bowerbird Photo © Valerie Fowler
Yellow-billed Spoonbills Photo © Peter Fowler
Caspian Tern Photo © Peter Fowler
Lyrebird Tales
September 2017 3
White-necked Heron Photo © Peter Fowler
Australian Ringneck Parrot Photo © Valerie Fowler
Black-faced Woodswallow Photo © Peter Fowler
Crimson Chat Photo © Peter Fowler
Black-breasted Buzzard Photo © Peter Fowler
We passed an area of lignum before arriving at a tank with a
low trough interspersed with low bushes (bottom tank) where
Black-faced and White-browed Woodswallows were drinking.
At the second tank there were no birds as a mob of cattle
had congregated there. The track continued onto a sandy
area with a female Splendid Wren then a stony ridge, the
high point of the property at Mt Roy at 758 feet and views for
miles. We spotted one Crimson Chat and a Euro, a dark
coloured kangaroo in the distance. We had our first views of
neighbouring Currawinya National Park and the dry Lake
Wyara. In this stony area we unsuccessfully looked for the
Chestnut-breasted Quail-thrush, discovering an attractive
rocky gorge and a Horsfield’s Bronze-Cuckoo. We walked to a
small cave where it is thought that a shepherd working for
Sydney Kidman used to shelter whilst minding his flock of
sheep.
View from Mt Roy Photo © Valerie Fowler
We continued on to the mustering camp with a bore near the
dry Youlaingee Creek; we were disappointed to find the
waterhole empty with the water mark clearly visible on the
side of the bank; here were Red-capped and Hooded Robins.
Nearby were Brown Falcon and an Emu with four stripey
chicks.
We drove just into the entrance of the Currawinya National
Park which borders the western end of the Kilcowera
property. A Black-faced Woodswallow was perched just inside
the gate. Whilst enjoying a late lunch at 3pm we looked
towards the dry Lake Wyara, this normally saline lake is filed
by a local catchment of five big creeks, three of these head
up on Kilcowera Station.
Lyrebird Tales
4 Lyrebird Tales
Red-capped Robin Photo © Valerie Fowler
Emu Photo © Peter Fowler
Benanga Bore Photo © Valerie Fowler
Little Friarbird Photo © Valerie Fowler
(Later when visiting the park office at Currawinya National
Park, the rangers told us that the lake had been dry for 5
months and very low for the previous eight months). In good
years this lake and neighbouring fresh water Lake Numalla
attract 180 species of birds including waders and thousands
of Pelicans and is a RAMSAR site. Here we saw many grey
and red Kangaroos and a female Red-capped Robin. The
weather was changing with a band of clouds appearing. This
eastern area of the National Park was sparsely vegetated
apart from in the dry creek.
We returned to the property where three Zebra Finches flew
across in front of us near the dry Benanga Creek, here there
was also a Kestrel and Singing Honeyeater. Continuing back
to the circular route we saw lots of goats including a kid
which had become separated from its mother and probable
prey for one of the Wedge-tailed Eagles seen on the
property. On the northern loop there were several small cone
shaped termite mounds and low vegetation. A side trip to
Benanga bore was a surprise, it was a delightful waterhole
surrounded by red earth and stunning trees with white bark.
Here we saw Little Friarbird, Australian Ravens and numerous
White-plumed Honeyeaters and Yellow-throated Miners which
were chasing everything. We drove across a nearby creek
which was dry with a sandy bottom. Sticks and vegetation
caught up two metres high in the trees were evidence of
previous floods.
Murderer Bore Photo © Valerie Fowler
Next stop was late in the day at Murderer Bore where the
burnt remains of a man were discovered after he went
missing in 1940 after working as an assistant to a dishonest
contractor in the local area. The bore was drilled in 1941 but
ceased to flow in 1987 due to a blockage in the bore casing,
however water continues to seep from the bore causing a
slow stream of water to escape which formed a narrow soak
for the birds and animals. This was a wonderful spot despite
its name; we wished we could spend a lot more time there
but we still had a long way to go. An Emu came in to drink
with the smallest five chicks we have seen. We also tried to
get good views of a small flock of Chestnut-crowned
Babblers. Other birds seen were: White-browed
Woodswallows, Southern Whiteface, Hooded Robin, Common
Bronzewing, Crested Pigeon and Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater.
Lyrebird Tales
September 2017 5
A flock of over 65 Galahs came in for a drink; several trying
to perch together on a small rock in the water.
Galahs at Murderer Bore Photo © Valerie Fowler
The Galahs were very nervous so we left. (Bourke’s Parrots
have been recorded at this waterhole). This bore would be
wonderful to visit for a longer time in the morning and
evening; it’s a shame it was so far from the camp. Returning
to camp it was almost dark and we nearly ran over a Spotted
Nightjar sitting on the road.
Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater Photo © Peter Fowler
Blue Bonnets Photo © Peter Fowler
Mulga Parrot Photo © Peter Fowler
Pied Butcherbird Photo © Valerie Fowler
Splendid Fairy-Wren Photo © Valerie Fowler
The next morning we visited Cardenyabba Lagoon before
leaving this wonderful property. We recorded 54 bird species
on Kilcowera Station. We wished we had more time to find
the many interesting birds recorded previously on the
property by other birdwatchers: Bourke’s Parrots, Hall’s and
Grey-crowned Babblers, Cinnamon and Chestnut-breasted
Quail-thrush, Spotted Harrier, Australian Bustard, Inland
Dotterel, Banded Stint, Australian Pratincole, Gull-billed Tern,
Squatter Pigeon, Channel-billed Cuckoo, Red-backed
Kingfisher, Grey-fronted Honeyeater, Orange Chat and
Gibberbird.
Lyrebird Tales
6 Lyrebird Tales
Interesting Sightings
3/3/17 - Pair Grey Currawongs - Badger Creek, Graeme
George
29/5/17 1 Hardhead – Hull Rd Wetland, V & P Fowler
29/5/17 Buff-banded Rail, Azure Kingfisher – Lillydale Lake,
Val and Peter Fowler
30/5/17 - Swamp Harrier dived on Crimson Rosellas at bird
feeder but went away empty footed, Chum Creek near Lowes
Rd, Michael Feller
30/6/17 – Immature Nanking Night Heron – Croydon, Val &
Peter Fowler
2/7/17 Spotless Crake – Lillydale Lake, V & P Fowler
13/7/17 - Large-billed Scrubwren - Badger Creek, Graeme
George
13/7/17 - 3 Hardheads - Coombe Farm Dam, Coldstream,
Graeme George
14/7/17 1 Freckled Duck – Hull Rd Wetlands, V & P Fowler
30/7/17 - Eastern Whipbird - Warburton Trail/Burgi Hill Rd,
Graeme George
1/8/17 - Wonga Pigeon calling - Badger Creek, Graeme
George
1/8/17 - Magpie chased away 2 Common Mynas from bird
feeder leaving Galahs, Crimson Rosellas and Common
Bronzewings alone - Chum Creek, Lowes Rd, Michael Feller
1/8/17 - Yellow Robins, Eastern Rosellas, Tawny Frogmouth
heard – Healesville, Maggie Smith
1/8/17 - 35 King Parrots & 25 Crimson Rosellas in a flock –
Cockatoo, Alan Murphy
6/8/17 - Eastern Whipbird - Warburton Trail near Burgi Hill
Rd, Jan Llewelyn & Doug Pocock
7/8/17 - Approximately 60 Cattle Egrets - Yarra Glen, Kevin
Mason
8/8/17 - Eastern Whipbird calling - Chum Creek opposite Golf
Course, Michael Feller
8/8/17 - Pair Bronzewings - Lillydale Lake, Val & Peter Fowler
8/8/17 - 70 Little Black Cormorants, 2 Black Cormorants, 1
Freckled Duck - Hull Rd Wetlands, Val & Peter Fowler
11/8/17 - 6 Hardheads - Coombe Farm Dam, Coldstream,
Graeme George
29/8/17 – Yellow-faced Honeyeater (first return) - Hull Rd
Wetlands, Val & Peter Fowler
Sightings out of the Yarra Valley
25/7/17 - 200+Brolga with 4 Sarus Cranes - Yourka Stn
(near Ravenshoe QLD), Graeme George
19/8/17 Brolga (2) - Thargomindah (S.E. QLD), V & P Fowler
What Bird is That?
Answer on page 11
Little Black Cormorants Photo Peter © Fowler
Book Now!
Bus Trip to the Western Treatment Plant
Saturday October 14th 2017
email: yarravalley@birdlife.org.au
BirdLife Australia Yarra Valley Branch
P.O. Box 1172, Healesville Vic. 3777
email: yarravalley@birdlife.org.au
Committee
Convener: Glenn Mawson
Vice-Convener: Manfred Hennig
Secretary: Alma Mitchell
Treasurer: Maggie Smith
Librarian: Linda Bullen
Conservation Officer: Michael Feller
Other Members: Jim McMinn
Lyrebird Tales
September 2017 7
Filtration pond net at Lillydale Lake
By Valerie Fowler
Birdwatchers and walkers at Lillydale Lake may have noticed
that one of the filtration ponds surrounding the lake has been
covered in netting for some time. The filtration pond is on the
far side of the lake from the rotunda. This pond has
previously been used by 2 Freckled Ducks, a pair of Pink-
eared Ducks with their young, and a Nankeen Night Heron. In
a dry year when the pond had muddy edges it was used by
several Spotted Crakes. This pond has been a refuge for
ducks, Great Egret, White-faced Heron, Coots, Dusky
Moorhens and Purple Swamphens when the Lillydale Lake has
been used by canoeists or birds are disturbed by joggers and
dog walkers.
On the 16.4.17 we first noticed some poles being positioned
around the pond and wires strung across the water. As the
weeks passed a net was placed over the wires leaving both
ends open. No birds were observed using the pond on the
26.4.17 despite both ends of the net being open. By the
1.5.17 only one end of the netting had been left open and 3
Coots and 2 Purple Swamphens had discovered a way in.
After several phone calls, I discovered that the netting is part
of a project by Melbourne Water who planned a planting of
65,000 plants and grasses in the pond and the netting was
put up to discourage the Purple Swamphens from pulling up
the newly sown vegetation to allow it to become established.
We continued to monitor this pond but there was no sign of
any planting being done and each week several birds, mainly
Black Ducks, Coot and Purple Swamphen found their way in
through the opening at one end. Week after week a small
number of water birds such as Dusky Moorhen and Chestnut
and Grey Teal managed to go under the net to access the
water in the pond which is part of my survey area.
On the 16.7.17 we were distressed to see a duck hanging by
its bill from the inside of the net. On closer observation we
identified it as a Grey Teal which was unfortunately
deceased. We alerted Melbourne Water who went to remove
it. The contact person told me that the net was checked
weekly by Melbourne Water staff and any birds under the net
were chased out. The last check had only been 4 days before.
The original planting date for the pond had been postponed
and it is now expected to happen in October 2017. I was
advised that the net would stay up for a full year after
planting to allow the vegetation to take hold and a short
inconvenience for the birds using this pond will eventually
benefit them long term.
We hope that the tragic death of the poor Grey Teal was an
isolated incident and will continue to monitor this pond.
Filtration pond with net Photo © Valerie Fowler
Duck caught in net Photo © Valerie Fowler
Grey Teal Photo © Valerie Fowler
Lyrebird Tales
8 Lyrebird Tales
Reports of Meetings and Outings
Tuesday 9 May – Meeting – Celebrating 25 years
After the formalities of the AGM were completed we relaxed
and joined Valerie for her Power Point presentation. We were
taken back to the early days of the Branch with photos of
activities and commentary by Valerie year by year. We were
brought right up to date to 2017. Valerie's presentation was
brilliant and the audience was kept wondering who was going
to appear on the screen next. Perhaps some candid shots
caught members by surprise but it was all in good fun. We
know how much time was spent working on this project and
we thank Valerie for her magnificent presentation. We then
had a cuppa and enjoyed some party cakes to celebrate the
occasion. Once again thank you Valerie for a wonderful
night.
Saturday 13 May – Outing to Coranderrk Bushland
Lake Coranderrk Photo © Valerie Fowler
It was a fine day for our survey at Coranderrk Bushland
attended by 12 participants. We were pleased to see the
waterbirds had returned since the previous survey:
Australasian Coot (80+), Australasian Grebes (6), Blue-billed
Ducks (7), Hardhead (3) Black Duck (5), Australian Darters
(7), Little Pied Cormorants (2), Black Swan (2) and
Australian Shell Duck (2). Raptors were a Brown Goshawk
and 2 Wedge-tailed Eagles. There were abundant
honeyeaters: Red Wattlebird, New Holland, White-naped and
White-eared Honeyeaters with numerous Eastern Spinebills
(35) feeding on the flowering mistletoe. A highlight was a
Crescent Honeyeater. Other bird species with larger numbers
were Welcome Swallows (30), Superb Fairy-Wren (28) and
Red-browed Finches (25). 42 bird species were counted on
the survey. (When the Yarra Valley branch was formed in
1992 the first Yarra Valley outing was to Coranderrk on the
14th of June 1992 where 41 bird species were counted).
After the morning walk we were unable to use the bush hut
so drove to the Badger Creek meeting hall where we had
lunch, followed by a repeat of the power point “Celebrating
25 years” for those members who were not at the last
meeting. We also enjoyed some cakes provided by Alma.
Wednesday 24 May – Outing to RACV Healesville
Country Club
Tawny Frogmouths Photo © Peter Fowler
The weather was dry with a cloudy sky. We met in the first
car-park at 9.30am with an attendance of 12 interested
members. Just as we were about to leave on our walk 12
Gang Gang Cockatoos flew over us and landed in a tree
nearby. We walked around the edge of the greens and
observed a large number of Australian Wood ducks on the
greens. In a pond near the road were some Pacific Black
Ducks. We stopped by another pond and saw more Pacific
Black ducks and two Australasian Grebes.
As we continued we encountered King Parrots in the trees
near the road fence and a lone Crested Pigeon perched on
the power line as well as Common Mynas and Crimson
Rosellas in another tree. Rainbow Lorikeets flew overhead.
On one of the greens we observed Eastern Rosellas as well as
some Magpies and Magpie Larks. We moved into an area of
bush where we saw Noisy Miners, Grey Butcherbirds, Red
Wattlebirds a male and female Golden Whistlers, some Brown
Thornbills, five Kookaburras, White-browed Scrubwrens,
Common Bronzewings and Eastern Spinebills. On one green
we spotted a lone Willie Wagtail.
At the top of the last greens we observed more than 10
Striated Thornbills, a White-throated Tree Creeper, a Yellow
Robin, Grey Fantails and Blackbirds.
As we walked down to the lower greens Geoff spotted two
Tawny Frogmouths in a tree on the side of the track. When
we got down we saw on the pond Pied Cormorants, a Dusky
Moorhen, Eurasian Coots, Australian Wood Ducks, Pacific
Black Ducks and Masked Lapwings nearby.
We moved alongside the Watts River hearing Spotted
Pardalotes calling, and saw Sulphur-crested Cockatoos, and a
Grey Shrike-thrush. On the second pond we saw Purple
Swamphens, Pacific Black ducks, a Little Pied Cormorant,
White Faced Herons and a male and female Chestnut Teal, a
Galah flew overhead.
When we arrived back some Little Corellas flew over us and
while we were eating lunch a Royal Spoonbill flew overhead.
Lyrebird Tales
September 2017 9
White-faced Herons Photo © Valerie Fowler
This was a great walk the highlights being the great numbers
of Australian Wood Ducks and Pacific Black Ducks, the flock
of 12 Gang Gang Cockatoos, the Tawny Frogmouths and the
sight of the Royal Spoonbill. In all we observed and noted 44
species of birds. Jim McMinn
Tuesday 13 June – No meeting – winter recess
Saturday 17 June – Outing to Peninsular Tunnels,
Warburton
The following is a report of an outing with a difference.
At the starting time of 9.30 am in the car park for the Little
Peninsula Tunnel the temperature was 6 degrees and the
weather was low cloud. Our leader Manfred appointed
Michael as a co-leader so the other two participants, Ruth
and I were well catered for during the day.
As we left the car park and wandered down the track toward
the river we were serenaded by the vast repertoire of bird
calls by 2 Superb Lyrebirds and we thought that this was
promising for many birds to be seen in the area. We heard a
Yellow Robin, White-throated Treecreeper, Golden Whistler
and Spotted Pardalotes. We saw our first bird after 1 hour –
a flock of Striated Thornbills – were we excited?
Back to the cars, hearing a Grey Shrike Thrush, we drove 4
km to the turnoff to visit the Big Tunnel area. The sun came
out and the temperature jumped to 7 degrees. Our spirits
rose and our expectations were again enhanced as we walked
amongst the beautiful Manna Gums and native flora.
At the 1½ hour mark we saw our second bird – a Grey
Shrike Thrush and heard the call of another Yellow Robin and
White-browed Scrub Wren.
Walking in beautiful sunshine we came across a Superb
Fairy-wren and a Grey Fantail at the 2 hour mark. Such
excitement but we chose to drive to the Upper Yarra Dam
and as we arrived the temperature reached double figures
and no one had sunscreen.
On entering the Upper Yarra Dam confines we were greeted
by Bassian Thrush, Song Thrush, Magpie and Blackbird and
we knew we were in for a good birding day.
Under a virtually cloudless sky, we visited the dam wall, had
lunch at the picnic ground and strolled through the lush
growth forest after lunch.
Birds seen during these activities were Kookaburra, Welcome
Swallow, several Brown Thornbills and Superb Fairy Wrens,
Masked Lapwing, Wood Duck, Red Wattlebird, Crimson
Rosella and a male Superb Lyrebird with its tail on display.
Heard were Australian Raven, Yellow Tailed Black Cockatoo,
Pied Currawong, Eastern Whipbird, Striated Thornbill, New
Holland Honeyeater and a Lewin’s Honeyeater.
We thanked each other for good company and an enjoyable
different outing and proceeded home in beautiful sunshine.
Graeme Horskins
Wednesday 28 June – Outing to O’Donohue’s Picnic
Ground, Sherbrooke Forest
We met in the car park at the picnic ground before 9.30am,
the weather was fine and sunny but damp underfoot. There
were eleven people including our guides Jan Incoll and
Marlene Drysdale from the Superb Lyrebird Volunteer Watch
group, who keep an eye on the Lyrebirds especially the
females who were nesting at the time of our visit. As we
moved around the forest the nosiest birds we saw were the
Sulphur-crested Cockatoos; there were 20 plus flying
overhead.
Jan and Marlene took us to a spot where a male Lyrebird was
performing his repertoire whilst dancing, but then he decided
that it was time to move on and ran across the track and
started to perform again, we caught a glimpse of him
dancing. Jan and Marlene took us around the forest to other
sites and as we moved around we heard 10 other male birds
performing but could not see them.
Other birds we spotted, apart from the Cockatoo, were Brown
Thornbills, Crimson Rosellas, Eastern Yellow Robin, Grey
Fantail, Grey Shrike-thrush, White-browed Scrub-wren,
Rainbow Lorikeets, and a Laughing Kookaburra. Our special
thanks to Jan and Marlene for a very informative tour, we
enjoyed a great walk. 10 bird species were observed.
Leaders Lin Bullen, Jim McMinn
Saturday 8 July – Outing to Cathedral Range State Park
A dubious weather Saturday saw only 4 people arrive at the
starting point – Ned’s Gully Parking Area at the northern end
of the park. The small party was soon treated to a pleasant
ramble through a very beautiful forest along the track near
the Little River, listening to Superb Lyrebird after Lyrebird
serenading all and sundry. We decided to try and find one
Lyrebird who didn’t appear to be too far from the walking
track. A short walk through relatively open bush lead to the
bird being seen perched on the top of a fallen tree that was
leaning against a standing one, about 5m above the ground.
He flew to the ground then began scratching for food, only
about 10m from us. Many Yellow Robins, White-throated
Treecreepers, Brown and Striated Thornbills, White-browed
Scrubwrens, and Golden Whistlers called this forest home, as
did wallabies and wombats, although only the former were
Lyrebird Tales
10 Lyrebird Tales
seen. A Varied Sitella and several Grey Fantails were also
seen, and sightings of possibly a Crested Shrike-tit and
Brown Gerygone were also made. Crimson Rosellas and
Sulphur-crested Cockatoos were the only parrots seen.
Laughing Kookaburra Photo © Michael Feller
A shower came and went, followed by a more serious shower
which started about 15 minutes before Cooks Mill campsite.
The pine plantation adjacent to the track before the campsite
had been recently clearfelled and burned, providing habitat
for few birds, although Magpies seemed to appreciate it. We
increased our pace and took refuge in the picnic shelter at
the campsite, waiting for 15 minutes or so until the rain
eased a bit. We then set off back down the track to the cars.
We decided to drive back to the picnic shelter for lunch then,
if the weather cooperated, to walk the Friends Nature Trail to
complete our planned trip. The weather did cooperate, the
next shower coming just as we completed the walk. This walk
was through another very beautiful forest, with many large
old manna gums providing numerous nesting hollows – this
would be a superb area during the nesting season, if
possums had left some hollows for birds. Not too many birds
were seen by us, however, mainly Thornbills and Grey
Fantails. The highlight of this trail occurred when some
American girls pointed out a koala high above us in a manna
gum. In a short walk they would have seen several
vociferous Laughing Kookaburras around the campsite, no
doubt honing their barbequed meat snatching skills (neither
they nor the Pied Currawongs at the campsite were
interested in our low meat non-barbequed lunches), several
kangaroos grazing in a grassy area near the trail, the koala in
the tree, and possibly a noisy mob of Sulphur-crested
Cockatoos – the North American stereotypical Australia – all
within half an hour! A quick visit to the Cooks Mill Heritage
Site completed the fine trip. Total number of species seen or
heard was 23. Michael Feller
Wednesday 26 July – outing to Jumping Creek Reserve,
Wonga Park
The day was cold and damp, 8 of us started off walking to
the viewing platform overlooking the Yarra River and Sulphur
Crested Cockatoos were calling in the trees nearby. Graeme
Horskins had seen an Australasian Grebe on the river and a
Spotted Turtle Dove close by. Rainbow Lorikeets flew
overhead and we heard Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoos in the
trees. We observed some Australian Wood Ducks in a tree
and two White Faced Herons flying past.
Geoff Deason showed us a nice easy path to the main track,
whilst walking on this track we encountered Galahs, Crimson
Rosellas and Striated Pardalotes. As we started on the main
track we heard Pied Currawongs calling and observed
Kookaburras, White-eared Honeyeaters, White-naped
Honeyeaters, Red Wattlebirds and Brown Thornbills in the
trees.
As we started to climb to the top of the hill we saw White-
browed Scrub Wrens on the ground and heard Spotted
Pardalotes calling in the trees. We also observed Grey
Fantails and Eastern Rosellas. Just before we reached the top
of the hill we saw the ‘bird of the day’ a Varied Sittella as well
as a male Golden Whistler and a White-throated Treecreeper.
We heard a Yellow Robin, a Little Raven and Noisy Miners in
the trees.
As we descended down the track Geoff stopped and took us
along a small track where he showed us an outdoor Chapel
used by the Scouting Movement which was in excellent
condition. Whilst there, we observed Striated Thornbills and
more White-naped Honeyeaters.
When we got to the Yarra River we spotted a Dusky Moorhen
on the water and White-eared Honeyeaters in the trees. On
the return journey back to our cars we saw a Brown
Goshawk, Magpies, a Superb Fairy-wren and an Australian
Raven.
When we sat down to have lunch we observed our last two
birds a Grey Shrike Thrush and a Masked Lapwing.
We had a great day of birding, 35 species observed, and
good company. Species of the day was the Varied Sittella,
and a very special thanks to Geoff Deason for his knowledge
of the area and showing us the Scout outdoor Chapel.
Many thanks to all who came, Jim McMinn (leader)
Tuesday 8 August – Meeting – The history of
Coranderrk Bushland – speaker: Kevin Mason
Many Birdlife Yarra Valley members have visited Coranderrk
Bushland and participated in the twice yearly bird surveys on
this property so it was very interesting to hear about its
history.
Coranderrk Bushland was originally included in 1,850
hectares of land set aside for Coranderrk Aboriginal Reserve
in the 1860s.
The site chosen for the reserve was described by the
daughter of a station manager as being of high land sloping
down to the Badger Creek and Yarra River with vegetation of
ferns, wattles and shrubs festooned with starry clematis and
purple sarsaparilla and the Victorian Christmas bush. It’s an
area with abundant game of kangaroos, wombats and
bandicoots.
After the Coranderrk Aboriginal Reserve officially closed in
1924, the land was used for stock agistment until 1948,
Lyrebird Tales
September 2017 11
when the Coranderrk Lands Bill revoked the permanent
reservation of the Coranderrk Aboriginal Reserve,
transferring the land to the Soldier Settlement Scheme to
accommodate four dairy farms for soldier settlers. This left a
remnant area of 140 hectares known today as Coranderrk
Bushland being left vacant, as it was deemed unsuitable or
viable enough for a dairy farm and was gazetted as a Game
Reserve in 1921. Local small holders took advantage to
winter their stock there until 1963, when the Sanctuary
erected a two metre boundary fence. The bushland was
placed under the control of the Sir Colin MacKenzie Sanctuary
Committee of Management in 1955.
Kevin showed us a map indicating the positions of different
vegetation zones and of the eucalypts growing there like the
manna gum, stringybark, peppermint and candlebark. He
said up until the fire in 1962 there had been good
recruitment of manna gums, peppermint gums and
messmate including a large area of Eucalyptus fulgens
(Green Scentbark) a rare tree in Victoria. The yearly average
rainfall of Coranderrk Bushland is 975 – 1000mm, floods
have occurred; the last one was in 2011 when 1434mm
rainfall was recorded. There were fires in 1890, 1898, 1905,
1926, 1962, 1980s and 2009.
There have been many impacts on the bushland reserve:
building of the perimeter fence, bush hut, ranger’s house,
animal enclosures, roads and creek grates. In 1970-71 a
retaining wall was built on Barak Creek creating a swamp for
water birds. Lake Coranderrk was completed in 1968 which
covers six hectares including the overflow area; submersible
pump supplies water to a water tower at the Sanctuary to
supplement the Sanctuary’s water supply and fire hydrants.
In the 1970s the water in the lake was impacted by pollution
from the neighbouring strawberry farms. There has also been
dieback of some trees due to a fungal disease.
In the 1960s plant surveys were done in Coranderrk
Bushland: an orchid survey identified 52 species, 12 species
of insectivorous bats have also been identified in the reserve.
Bird surveys started in 1969 and continue up to the present
day. The area has also been used by university Zoological
and Botany students for studies, and has been used for
forensic science research. There was a heritage assessment
survey in 2009 indicating indigenous heritage sites like scar
trees etc.
Coranderrk is an island remnant of natural bushland with a
riparian creek corridor with significant cultural and heritage
history with values to the local Aboriginal community. We are
very fortunate to be able to visit this wonderful property.
Thank you Kevin for your passionate and enthusiastic talk
which was well-informed and very impressive especially as it
was delivered with very short notice. Your passion for history
of the local area has increased our appreciation of this special
area. Thank you from us all.
Magpie Lark falls fowl of fishing line
Injured Magpie Lark at Lillydale Lake
In July this year a Magpie Lark was seen feeding by the side
of the path around the lake and did not fly off as people
walked past. Surprisingly it did not even move as mothers
pushed their prams past and dogs on lead became close to it.
As the Magpie Lark was in the short grass it was not obvious
what the problem was until it ventured onto the path.
The Magpie Lark was able to feed itself but it had an injury to
its foot which at first appeared to be some kind of growth
similar to that seen on birds which feed on dirty bird tables
as in the UK. Not wanting to stress the bird by getting too
close we took some photos of the bird and its injury. It was
not until a closer look at the resulting photograph we spotted
the reason for the injury – It had fishing wire tangled around
its foot over which a growth had formed.
Yet another species of bird has succumbed to the neglect of
people leaving fishing wire at Lillydale Lake.
Photo showing growth on its foot
Answer to what bird is that?
Immature Nankeen Night-Heron
Lyrebird Tales
12 Lyrebird Tales
BirdLife Yarra Valley
email: yarravalley@birdlife.org.au
Postal address: Birdlife Australia, Yarra Valley Branch, P.O.
Box 1172, Healesville, Vic. 3777.
Meetings are held in the Badger Creek Hall Meeting Room at
7.45 p.m. Badger Creek Rd. Badger Creek (next to CFA).
Melway Edn 39 278 F8..
Meetings and Outings automatically cancelled on days
of Total Fire Ban in the Central and North-central Fire
Districts. (Central unless notified otherwise)
Calendar October to December
OCTOBER
Tuesday 10 – Meeting – Subject Bird Trip to Bowra and
Kilcowera Stations – Peter & Valerie Fowler
Saturday 14 –Outing to Western Treatment Plant by bus.
Places limited. Book your place and get further details
email: yarravalley@birdlife.org.au
Wednesday 25 – Outing to Lake Mountain at 9.30am. Meet
at top car park next to buildings (parking fees apply) Melway
Edn 39 270 C12
NOVEMBER
Saturday 11 - Survey in Coranderrk Bushland at 9.30 a.m.
Directions: Gate 1 Badger Avenue, Badger Creek, opposite
Fleay Rd. Melway Edn 39 278 F10. Gate will close at 9.30
sharp.
Tuesday 14 – Meeting – Speaker Sonja Ross, subject - My
Birding Year 2016 (includes Australia, Sri Lanka and
Antartica) Don’t miss this wonderful talk and photos.
Wednesday 22 - Outing to RACV Healesville Country Club at
9.30 a.m. Healesville-Yarra Glen Rd, Healesville.
Directions: Melway Edn 39 269 J12. Park in first car park just
inside the entrance.
DECEMBER
Saturday 9 – Christmas break up at Maroondah Reservoir
Park at 9.30am. Maroondah Highway, Healesville . Melway
Edn 39 270, H6
Calendar January to March 2018
Basic Dates only. Check December newsletter for
Furthur details.
January
Tuesday 9 – Meeting – Speaker Alan Spellman Subject:
Spring in Mull.
Saturday 13 - Breakfast with the Birds at a private property
in Badger Creek at 8.30 a.m. Drive to the end of Deering
Avenue and follow the signs. Directions: Melway Edn 39 284
J1
Wednesday 24 – Outing Mount Donna Buang from
Warburton 9.30 a.m. – Directions: Melway Edn39 X912 S2 &
inset map pg 290. continue past the large gravel carparks
towards the summit. Park near the information shelter and
toilets
February
Saturday 10 – Outing – Mason’s Falls, Kinglake National
Park. 9.30 a.m. Directions: Melway Edn 39 X910 P11
Tuesday 13 – Meeting – Speaker TBA
Wednesday 28 – Outing to Spadonis Reserve Yering
9.30 a.m Directions: Melway Edn 39 274 E8 Park at end of
Victoria Rd
March
Saturday 10 – Labour Day W/E – Outing TBA
Tuesday 13 – Meeting – Speaker Christine Connolly –
Subject: Effects of Melbourne's urbanisation on Eastern
Yellow Robins
Wednesday 28 – Outing Pound Bend Warrandyte 9.30 a.m.
Directions: Melway Edn 39 23 A11