19th October 1997 Beachy Head & Osmington Mills

Pallas's Warbler 1

Osmington Mills, Dorset

Siberian Rubythroat 1 male

10th October 1997 Lower Moors, St. Mary's

 Common Yellowthroat 1w male

26/9/97 Languard, Suffolk

LANCEOLATED WARBLER 1 ex.

Lanceolated Warbler at Languard

Having been trapped this skulking sibe was released into the small back garden of an old house. Every hour or so one of the ringers would enter the garden and gently coax the bird into view for the assembled crowd viewing over the fence. Almost too close to focus the sharply-defined narrow pale fringes to its tertials are nicely detailed in Alan's superb image.



16/7 - 3/8/97 Singapore & Darwin, Australia

14th July :       Arrived Singapore visiting the Botanic Gardens and the drainage ditch on the opposite side of Tyersall Avenue to the lower gate meeting Ed Hagen there.

Singapore Street Scene

Singapore Harbour

 

Singapore Temple

 

 

Singapore roadside trees in flower

 

Fountain near Raffles looking like a huge piece of Wedgewood

 

 

 

 

Raffles Hotel

 

 

 

 

Orchids in the Singapore Botanical Gardens



15th July :       Visited MacRitchie Reservoir until 9am and then took a bumboat to Palau Ubin for the much of the rest of the day cycling around the island. Flew late evening to Darwin, Australia.

MacRitchie Reservoir

 

Jumping off point for Palau Ubin

 

Arrival at Palau Ubin

 

Cycling around the old plantations on Palau Ubin

 

16th July :       Arrived Darwin 4am. Picked up car and drove to East Point with the first species seen in Australia being Rainbow Pitta stood next to the road at dawn ! Spent until 1pm at East Point and then visited Stokes Hill Wharf in Darwin and on to Tiger Brennan Drive.

 

Rainbow Pitta - the first species seen on my 'final' Continent

 

East Point, Darwin



 

Mangroves at East Point

 

Kangaroos at East Point sensibly in the shade but not ideal for photography!

 

Darwin viewed from East Point

 

17th July :       Dawn at the Holmes Jungle Swamp "Quail" site and nearby lake then drove to Fiddler's Lane Pool and the two nearby "Lagoon Road" area Pools. Checked the foreshore at Nightcliff and on to East Point with an evening visit to the Mangrove Boardwalk.

18th July :       Dawn at Buffalo Creek walking east along the beach and then on to Howard Springs and finally visited the Elizabeth River Boat Ramp mangrove areas.

 

Beach near Buffalo Creek

 

Noisy Little Corellas at Howard Springs

19th July :       Howard Springs at dawn walking a firebreak and then the trail adjacent to the Springs then drove east to the "Windows on Wetlands" Reserve roadside pools around 3km east of Fogg Dam, then back to Fogg Dam and finally a visit to the Adelaide River Crossing.

 

Trail at Howard Springs

 

 

Windows on Wetlands Reserve

Grey Teal, Radjah Shelduck & Pied Herons at Windows on Wetlands

 

Fogg Dam

 

Monitor Lizard near Fogg Dam

 

Adelaide River Crossing 

20th July :       Dawn visit to the Leaning Tree Lagoon and then drove east to the Mamulka Wetlands hide and then east to the Merl Campsite visiting Ubir Rock at sunset.

 Leaning Tree Lagoon

 

Kakadu Highway

 

 

 

Views from Ubir Rock

 

Sunset at Ubir Rock

 

21st July :        Walked from Merl Campsite to the River then a look at Ubir Rock before heading south through Jabiru to Nourlangie Rock.

 

 

 

Ubir Rock Art in Kakadu NP

 Nourlangie Rock

22nd July :      Dawn visit to Nourlangie Rock then on to the Old Darwin Road site and back to Yellow Waters.

 

 

Yellow Waters sunset

 

23rd July :       Yellow Waters Boat Cruise and then drove to Waterfall Creek climbing the escarpment to spend the rest of the day there.

 Yellow Waters sunrise

 

Yellow Waters Boat Cruise

 

Water Lillies at Yellow Waters

 

Saltwater Crocodile at Yellow Waters

Road to Waterfall Creek, Kakadu NP

Waterfall Creek

 

24th July :       Climbed Waterfall Creek escarpment and spent until 1pm there. Then visited Stag Creek and then back to the campsite to walk the Mirrel Billabong trail at dusk.

 

Waterfall Creek Escarpement

25th July :       Climbed Waterfall Creek for dawn spending until 11am there and then drove to Katherine Gorge NP via Pine Creek.

 View from Waterfall Creek Escarpment

 

Pool at top of Waterfall Creek

 

 

 Cutta Cutta Caves

 

Snake in the Cutta Cutta Caves

 

Fruit Bats at dusk over Katherine Gorge NP

 

26th July : Spent morning at Katherine Gorge NP and the late afternoon at Chinaman Creek and adjacent WW11 Airstrip.

27th July :       Dawn at Chinaman Creek then west to the Top Springs road where we drove south for 33km to the Delaware lake and then retraced our route to continue west to the Victoria River Roadhouse

 

 Drive to Victoria River

28th July :       Climbed the escarpment a couple of km west of Victoria River Roadhouse at dawn and then returned to the roadhouse before driving the long drive west to Wyndham.

 

Victoria River Valley

29th July :       Wyndham Swimming Pool at dawn and then the campsite before visiting Parry's Lagoon and then onto the irrigation fields north of Kunnunara and finally driving east to Timber Creek.

 Parry's Lagoon

 

Water Lillies at Parry's Lagoon

 

 

Kimberley

 

Dingo east of Kunnunara

30th July :       Early morning around Timber Creek before driving east to Katherine.

 

31st July :        Chinaman Creek at dawn and then a visit to Katherine Gorge NP before driving north to Pine Creek.

 

 Fruit Bats at Katherine Gorge

 

 

 

 

 

Katherine Gorge

 

Freshwater Crocodile at Katherine Gorge

 

Rock Art at Katherine Gorge

1st August :     Early morning visit to the Pine Creek Sewage Farm before leaving for the drive north to Darwin.

2nd August :   Early morning at Lee Point then a visit to Holmes Jungle and a look at the lagoon road area spending the afternoon and evening at East Point.

 Darwin Botanical Gardens

3rd August :    Left Darwin on early morning flight bound for UK via Singapore.

Systematic List :
 

Species seen during the stopover in Singapore:

Little Heron - Butorides striatus C

A single bird was seen at Changi harbour on the 15th.

Grey-headed Fish-Eagle - Icthyophaga icthyaetus C

A fine pair of adults were seen at their nest at the far western arm of MacRitchie Reservoir on the 15th. This species is considered Near-threatened by Collar et al. (1994).

Red-legged Crake - Rallina fasciata C

Two individuals were seen to creep from the undergrowth along either side of the drainage ditch along Tyersall Avenue to wash in the ditch at dusk on the 14th.

White-breasted Waterhen - Amaurornis phoenicurus phoenicurus C

A single individual was seen at the drainage ditch along Tyerall Avenue on the 14th.

Black-naped Tern - Sterna sumatrana sumatrana C

Around 6 were seen on the bumboat ride to Palau Ubin on the 15th.

Crested Tern - Sterna bergii cristata C

Several were seen during the bumboat ride to Palau Ubin on the 15th.

Pink-necked Pigeon - Treron vernans C

Around 15 were seen along the forested fringes of MacRitchie Resevoir on the 15th.

Long-tailed Parakeet - Psittacula longicauda longicauda C

Several small flocks were seen in flight over MacRitchie Resevoir on the 15th.

Spotted Wood Owl - Strix seloputo seloputo C

A pair were seen in the open area near the Orchid Enclosure in the Botanic Gardens on the evening of the 14th.

Asian Palm Swift - Cypsiurus balasiensis infumatus C

A few were seen in the Botanic Gardens in the late afternoon of the 14th.

Grey-rumped Treeswift - Hemiprocne longipennis harterti C

A couple were seen near the Orchid Enclosure in the Botanic Gardens on the 14th.

White-throated Kingfisher - Halcyon smyrnensis perpulchra C

A single bird was seen at MacRitchie Resevoir on the 15th.

Collared Kingfisher - Halcyon chloris humii C

A fine pair were seen on Palau Ubin at some fishponds on the 15th.

Blue-throated Bee-eater - Merops viridis viridis C

A small flock were seen in the Botanic Gardens on the 14th.

Oriental Pied Hornbill - Anthracoceros albirostris convexus C

A family party of 6 were seen on Palau Ubin near the old Malay Coffee Shop on the 15th.

 

Oriental Pied Hornbill on Palau Ubin

Banded Woodpecker - Picus miniaceus malaccensis C

A single bird was seen in the forested fringe to MacRitchie Resevoir on the 15th.

Laced Woodpecker - Picus vittatus C

Around 5 were seen on Palau Ubin on the 15th.
 

 

Laced Woodpecker on Palau Ubin

Pacific Swallow - Hirundo tahitica abbotti C

Several were seen at various locations.

Yellow-vented Bulbul - Pycnonotus goiavier personatus C

Several were seen in the Botanic Gardens on the 14th.

Black-naped Oriole - Oriolus chinensis C

Several were seen including several along busy city streets.

House Crow - Corvus splendens C

Seen at various locations in good numbers.

Oriental Magpie-Robin - Copsychus saularis musicus C

A couple were seen in the Botanic Gardens on the 14th.

Paddyfield Pipit - Anthus rufulus malayensis C

Several were seen on grassy areas.

Hill Myna - Gracula religosa religiosa C

A fine individual was seen in the forested fringe to MacRitchie Resevoir on the 15th.

Philippine Glossy Starling - Aplonis panayensis strigata C

Several flocks were seen at various locations.

Brown-throated Sunbird - Anthreptes malacensis malacensis C

A couple were seen in the Botanic Gardens on the 14th.

Tree Sparrow - Passer montanus malaccensis C

Several seen around the city.

 

Species seen in Australia:

Australasian Grebe - Tachybaptus novaehollandiae novaehollandiae C

A single bird was present on the lagoon at the end of Fiddler's Lane off Secrett Road near Darwin on the 17th where numbers had built up to 15 by the 2nd presumably due to nearby lakes drying out e.g. the lake at Holmes Jungle Swamp had completely dried out by this date. Around 10 were present at the Window on Wetlands pools on the 19th, 2 were seen from the Mamulka hide on the 20th, 5 were seen on Delaware Lake on the 27th, 5 were present at Parry's Lagoon on the 29th, and around 10 were present at the Pine Creek Sewage Works on the 1st.

Australian Pelican - Pelecanus conspicillatus C

A single individual was seen at the Window on Wetlands Pools on the 19th, 9 were seen from the Mamulka hide on the 20th and 1 was seen at Delaware Lake on the 27th.

Brown Booby - Sula leucogaster plotus C

A single individual almost certainly this species was seen distantly off the beach at Buffalo Creek on the 18th.

Darter - Anhinga melanogaster novaehollandiae C

A single individual was seen at the lagoon at the end of Fiddler's Lane on the 17th where 2 were present on the 2nd, around 20 were seen at the Window on Wetlands Pools on the 19th, 10 from the Mamulka hide on the 20th, 1 at Yellow Waters on the 22nd and around 5 there the following morning, 10 at Delaware Lake on the 27th and 2 at Parry's Lagoon on the 29th.

 Darters at Yellow Waters

Pied Cormorant - Phalacrocorax varius hypoleucos C

Perhaps overlooked but the only individual identified was a single individual seen at the Buffalo Creek inlet on both the 18th and the 2nd.

Little Pied Cormorant - Phalacrocorax melanoleucos melanoleucos C

Around 10 were seen at the lagoon at the end of Fiddler's Lane on the 17th where numbers had doubled by the 2nd, around 50 were present at the Window on Wetlands Reserve on the 19th, 5 from the Mamulka hide on the 20th, around 10 at Yellow Waters on the 22nd and 2 the following morning and 15 at Delaware Lake on the 27th.

Little Black Cormorant - Phalacrocorax sulcirostris C

Around 10 were seen at the laggon at the end of Fiddler's Lane on the 17th where numbers had doubled by the 2nd, around 50 were present at the Windows on Wetlands Reserve on the 19th, 5 from the Mamulka hide on the 20th, around 10 at Yellow Waters on the 22nd and 20 at Delaware Lake on the 27th.

Pacific Heron - Ardea pacifica C

Two were seen at the lagoon at the end of Fiddler's Lane on the 17th where 1 was present on the 2nd, singles were seen at the Windows on Wetlands Reserve on the 19th, Yellow Waters on the 22nd and 23rd and 2 were seen at Delaware Lake on the 27th.

White-faced Heron - Ardea novaehollandiae C

A single individual was seen on the beach at East Point on the 16th with further singles seen on the 2th and 25th, 3 were seen at Chinaman Creek and 2 were seen at Delaware Lake on the 27th, with further singles seen on the 28th, 30th and 31st and finally 2 were seen at the Pine Creek Sewage Farm on the 1st.

Pied Heron - Ardea picata C

A superb concentration of at least 200 were seen at the lake at Holmes Jungle Swamp on the 17th, around 100 were seen at the Window on Wetlands Reserve on the 19th, 2 were seen at Yellow Waters on the 22nd and 5 the next morning and finally 4 were seen at the irrigation channels north of Kunnunara on the 29th.

 

 

Pied Herons at Windows on Wetlands

 

Pied Heron & Black-necked Stork at Yellow Waters

 

Cattle Egret - Ardea ibis coromandus C
At Yellow Waters 10 were seen on the 22nd and 12 the following morning and 2 were seen behind the lagoon at the end of Fiddler's Lane on the 2nd.

Great Egret - Ardea alba modesta C

Seen on seven dates being present at most wetland sites visited with a maximum of 50 seen at the Window on Wetlands Reserve on the 19th.

Little Egret - Ardea garzetta immaculata C

A total of only 5 were recorded over four dates from the 17th to the 22nd although probably overlooked.

Intermediate Egret - Ardea intermedia plumifera C

Seen on seven dates being present at most wetland sites visited with a maximum of 80 seen at the Window on Wetlands Reserve on the 19th.

Intermediate Egret at Windows on Wetlands

 

Pacific (Eastern) Reef-Heron (Egret) - Egretta sacra sacra C
At East Point 6 were seen along the rocky beach on the 16th with 2 on the 17th and 2 on the 2nd and 5 were seen at Buffalo Creek on the 18th.

Striated Heron - Butorides (Ardeola) striatus C

A couple were seen on every visit to the beach at East Point in the vicinity of where the mangroves stretch out into the sea beyond the Gun Emplacement otherwise 2 were seen at Buffalo Creek on the 18th, 2 were seen on the 20th and 1 was seen on the Yellow Waters Boat trip on the 23rd.

Rufous Night Heron - Nycticorax caledonicus hilli C

On entering Kakadu 2 immatures were seen when the road crossed all but dried up rivers and around 15 including many fine adults were seen from the Yellow Waters Boat trip on the 23rd.

 

Adult Rufous Night-Herons at Yellow Waters

 

Black-necked Stork - Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus australis C
Ones and twos were seen on seven days at Windows on Wetlands Reserve, Fogg Dam, Mamulka, Yellow Waters, Delaware Lake and roadside pools just south of Pine Creek. Superb views were obtained of an individual which had just caught a fish alongside the Yellow Waters Boat trip.

Black-necked Stork, Pied Heron & juvenile Rufous Night-Heron at Yellow Waters

 

 

Black-necked Stork at Yellow Waters

 

Glossy Ibis - Plegadis falcinellus C
Only seen at Yellow Waters where 10 were seen on the 22nd and 3 the following morning.

Australian White Ibis - Threskiornis molucca molucca C

Common and widespread being seen on nine dates at widespread locations in good numbers with a maximum of 100 seen at the Windows on Wetlands Reserve on the 19th. They would virtually feed from the hand at Howard Springs.

 

Australian White Ibis at Howard Springs

 

Straw-necked Ibis - Threskiornis spinicollis C
Common and widespread being seen on thirteen dates and often in the company of the preceding species with a maximum of 50 being seen in flight in the vicinity of Katherine Dump on the 27th. This species would also virtually feed from the hand at Howard Springs.

 

Straw-necked Ibis at Howard Springs

Royal Spoonbill - Platalea regia C

Around 20 were seen at the Window on Wetlands Reserve on the 19th, 5 were seen at Yellow Waters on the 23rd and around 20 were present at Parry's Lagoon on the 29th.

Magpie Goose - Anseranas semipalmata C

Common and widespread being seen on nine dates with a maximum of 50 seen at the Window on Wetlands Reserve on the 19th.

Wandering Whistling-Duck - Dendrocygna arcuata australis C

When seen, often in good numbers, with 10 seen at the lagoon at the end of Fiddler's Lane on both visits, 250 seen at the Window on Wetlands Reserve on the 19th, 5,000 seen at Mamulka hide, around 25 seen on both days at Yellow Waters and around 100 seen at Parry's Lagoon on the 29th.

Plumed Whistling-Duck - Dendrocygna eytoni C

Only seen on four dates with 300 seen at the Window on Wetlands Reserve on the 19th, 200 at Yellow Waters on the 23rd, 250 seen at Delaware Lake on the 27th and 200 at Wyndham Sewage Farm.

Radjah Shelduck - Tadorna radjah rufitergum C

Seen on seven dates with a maximum of 50 seen at the Window on Wetlands Reserve but also seen in fair numbers at Yellow Waters and Parry's Lagoon.

Pacific Black Duck - Anas superciliosa rogersi C

Seen on seven dates and often in fair numbers with a maximum of 50 seen at the Fiddler's Lane Pool on the 17th but also seen in fair numbers at the Window on Wetlands Reserve, Delaware Lake, Parry's Lagoon and Pine Creek Sewage Farm.

Grey Teal - Anas (gibberfrons) gracilis C

Never seen in large numbers with just 8 at the Fiddler's Lane lagoon on the 17th, 1 at the Windows on Wetlands Reserve, 1 at Yellow Waters, 10 at Delaware Lake and 1 at Wyndham Sewage Farm.

Pink-eared Duck - Malacorhynchus membranaceus C

Very pleased to see this superb species with 3 being present on Delaware Lake on the 27th and 1 at the Pine Creek Sewage Farm on the 1st.

White-eyed Duck (Hardhead) - Aythya australis C

Around 10 were seen at the Fiddlers Lane Pool on the 17th although only 1 on the 1st, 10 at the Window on Wetlands Reserve on the 19th, 5 at the Mamulka hide on the 20th, 10 at Yellow Waters on the 22nd, 5 at Delaware Lake on the 27th and 10 at Parry's Lagoon on the 29th.

 

 Hardhead and Australian Grebe at Parry's Lagoon

Green Pygmy-Goose - Nettapus pulchellus C

Commoner than expected with up to 50 being present on both visits to the lagoon road pools, 10 at the Window on Wetlands Reserve on the 19th, 100 at the Leaning Tree Lagoon and around 400 at the Mamulka Hide and up to 20 around Yellow Waters.

Osprey - Pandion haliaetus cristatus C

A single individual was seen at it's nest along Tiger Brennan Drive just outside Darwin on the 16th.

Australian (Black-shouldered) Kite - Elanus axillaris (notatus) C

A single individual was watched hunting in the evening over the saltflats just north of Wyndham on the 28th.

Black Kite - Milvus migrans affinis C

A very common species seen in large numbers every day with a daily maximum of 500 recorded on the 17th.

Brahminy Kite - Milvus indus girrenera C

Up to 5 were seen on all five visits to East Point always patrolling the beach.

Whistling Kite - Milvus sphenurus C

A very widespread species being seen every day although in lower numbers than Black Kites with a daily maximum of 50 recorded on the 18th.

 Whistling Kite near Timber Creek

Black-breasted Kite (Buzzard) - Hamirostra melanosternon C

A fine species with singles being seen on five dates at the drive in and out of Waterfall Creek, the road between Katherine and the Gorge NP and the road between Timber Creek and Katherine. A couple were seen feeding at road kills.

 

 Black-breasted Buzzard near Katherine

Brown Goshawk - Accipiter fasciatus C

Singles were seen at the Waterfall Creek Escarpment on the 24th and 25th, and along the road on both the 26th and 29th.

Collared Sparrowhawk - Accipiter cirrocephalus cirrocephalus C

The only definite sighting was at a pool not far west of Chinaman Creek on the 30th although a couple of roadside probables had already been seen.

White-bellied Sea-Eagle - Haliaeetus leucogaster C

Singles were seen at Fogg Dam and Mamulka and  up to 5 were seen on both days at Yellow Waters with good views obtained from the boat.

 

Wedge-tailed Eagle - Aquila audax audax C
Commoner than expected being seen on nine dates  between the 21st and the 31st with a daily maximum of 6 recorded on the 27th. Often seen along the road and often in pairs with other localities being the Waterfall Creek Escarpment (daily) and Katherine Gorge (daily).

 

Pair of Wedge-tailed Eagles at Yellow Waters

 

Wedge-tailed Eagle near Katherine

Spotted Harrier - Circus assimilis C
A single individual was seen briefly but at close range as it crossed the road in front of us as we headed east from Kunnanura during the evening of the 29th.

Swamp Harrier - Circus approximans C

A single first year bird was seen hunting over the pool at Holmes Jungle Swamp on the 17th.

Black Falcon - Falco subniger C

A superb individual flew across us at the first hundred yards of the mangrove walk at East Point on the 2nd proving to be my last new bird in Australia and a fitting end. Although we had previously we had seen Brown Falcons as dark as this individual the wings not being held in a deep V when gliding was the give-away.

Peregrine Falcon - Falco peregrinus macropus C

A single individual was seen patrolling Nourlangie Rock on the 21st.

Australian Hobby - Falco longipennis longipennis C

A single individual was seen perched on a pylon over mangroves on our drive out to the Middle Arm south of Palmerston and a pair were sat around the industrial plant adjacent to the car park at Middle Arm on the 18th and 1 was seen along the road the following day.

Brown Falcon - Falco berigora C

Commoner than expected often being seen along roadsides this Falcon always appeared large being seen on eleven dates between the 19th and 2nd with various colour phases being seen ranging from very pale to extremely dark individuals. A daily maximum of 6 was recorded on the 29th.

Brown Falcon at Wyndham

 

Australian Kestrel - Falco cenchroides cenchroides C
Less common than expected with 1 seen on the drive in to Kakadu on the 20th and then ones and twos seen on four dates between the 27th and the 31st.

Orange-footed Scrubfowl - Megapodius reinwardt tumulus C

Seen easily and daily around Darwin with tame individuals being seen at the Botanic Gardens and also at East Point where it would often be seen feeding on short grassy lawns. A daily maximum of 8 was recorded on the 16th.

 Orange-footed Scrubfowl at East Point

Brown Quail - Coturnix ypsilophora australis C

A party of 6 was flushed along the billabong trail starting at the campsite at Waterfall Creek on the 24th, 6 were flushed at the base of the escarpment 2km west of the Victoria River Roadhouse on the 28th and a party of 6 fed unconcerned around the flower beds surrounding the swimming pool at Wyndham on the 29th where a birdtrapper told me they were often in the vicinity visiting peoples lawns etc.

Buff-banded Rail - Gallirallus philippensis mellori C

Four of these superb Rails were seen in the open along the Fogg Dam Causeway in the late afternoon of the 19th.

Chestnut Rail - Eulabeornis castaneoventris castaneoventris C

A superb individual was taped into view at the Elizabeth River Boat Ramp at high tide where it was eventually enticed in to crossing the 20yard boat ramp stopping a couple of times on the way across. Superb being an early highlight of the trip.

Eurasian Coot - Fulica atra australis C

Around 10 were seen at Delaware Lake on the 27th and 15 were seen at Parry's Lagoon on the 29th.

 Coots at Parry's Lagoon

their dark grey bills proved a surprise

Australian Bustard - Araeotis australis C

A pair of these superb birds were seen stately walking through the grassland along the road heading east from Kunnanura in the evening of the 29th.

 Australian Bustard east of Kunnanura

Brolga - Grus rubicundus C

Only seen on four days with 3 at the Holmes Jungle Swamp lake on the 17th, 3 from the hide at the end of the Fogg Dam causeway on the 19th, 2 at Yellow Waters on the 23rd and finally 3 on the drive out to Parry's Lagoon on the 29th.

 



 

Brolgas at Fogg Dam

Comb-crested Jacana - Irediparra gallinacea novaehollandiae C

Seen on nine dates at all suitable habitat with a daily maximum of 12 being recorded on the 20th.

 Comb-crested Jacana at Fogg Dam

 

Bush Thick-knee - Burhinus grallarius C

A superb pair were seen on three dates at the lawn at the sharp right hand bend where the road forks left towards Dudley Point at East Point. They were clearly used to the large number of people visiting this site and proved approachable. Others were heard at various Kakadu Campsites at dusk although surprisingly never seen.

 

Bush Thick-knees and Orange-footed Scrubfowl at East Point

Beach Thick-knee - Esacus magnirostris C

A superb individual was seen on the 16th and 17th at East Point by walking north from the Gun Emplacement to where the mangroves head out into the sea where the bird was clearly roosting at the edge of the mangroves. Good views of this impressive species were obtained. Superb.

 

 

 

 

Beach Thick-knee at East Point

Pied Oystercatcher - Haematopus longirostris C

A single individual was seen on the beach at Buffalo Creek on the 18th and another single was seen on the beach north of the Gun Emplacement at East Point on the 1st.

Sooty Oystercatcher - Haematopus fuliginosus opthalmicus C

A pair were seen on the black rocks off Lee Point on the 2nd.

Masked Lapwing - Vanellus miles miles C

Common and widespread being seen on thirteen days with a daily maximum of 30 being seen on the 19th.

 Masked Lapwing at Pine Creek

Red-kneed Dotterel - Erythrogonys cinctus C

A single adult was seen at the Pine Creek Sewage Farm on the 1st.

Mongolian / Large Sand Plover - Charadrius mongolus / leschenaultii

Up to 50 non breeding plumaged individuals were presenet on the beach at Buffalo Creek on both visits but time was not spent identifying them although both species were suspected to be present.

Red-capped Plover - Charadrius ruficapillus C

Up to 10 were seen on the beach between Lee Point and Buffalo Creek on both visits there.

Black-fronted Plover - Charadrius melanops C

Up to 4 were seen on both visits to the Fiddler's Lane Pools, 1 at the Windows on Wetlands Pools, 3 at Delaware Lake, 8 at Wyndham Sewage Farm and 6 at Pine Creek Sewage Farm.

White-headed Stilt - Himantopus leucocephalus C

Seen on eight dates often in good numbers in suitable habitat with a daily maximum of 30 recorded at Yellow Waters on the 23rd.

Turnstone - Arenaria interpres interpres C

A single individual was seen on the beach at Buffalo Creek on the 2nd and 2 were seen at East Point the same evening.

Far Eastern Curlew - Numenius madagascariensis C

At least 2 were on the beach at Buffalo Creek on both visits and 3 were seen at East Point on the 2nd.

Grey-tailed Tattler - Tringa brevipes C

At East Point 3 Tattlers almost certainly this species were seen on rocks near the mangroves on the 16th.

Common Sandpiper - Actitis hypoleucos C

A couple were seen at East Point on the 2nd.

Marsh Sandpiper - Tringa stagnatilis C

A single individual was seen at Delaware Lake on the 27th.

Bar-tailed Godwit - Limosa lapponica menzbieri C

A single individual was seen on the beach at Buffalo Creek on the 2nd.

Great Knot - Calidris tenuirostris C

Around 50 were present on the beach at Buffalo Creek on both visits with probably many more seen in the distance.

Sharp-tailed Sandpiper - Calidris acuminata C

Two were seen at Parry's Lagoon on the 29th.

Red-necked Stint - Calidris ruficollis C

Around 12 were seen on the beach at Buffalo Creek on the 2nd.

Australian Pratincole - Stiltia isabella C

Seen on eight dates often around the edges of areas of water although also on the tarmac of Darwin Airport ! A daily maximum of 60 were seen at the Holmes Jungle Swamp Lake on the 17th although none were there on our return visit when the lake had dried out.

 

Australian Pratincole at Holmes Jungle Swamp

.Silver Gull - Larus novahollandiae C

Seen on all five dates when the coast was visited around the Darwin areas at various locations with a daily maximum of 25 being recorded on the 16th when good numbers were seen at the Stokes Mill Wharf.

Whiskered Tern - Chlidonias hybrida fluviatilis C

Up to 10 were seen on both visits to the pool at the end of Fiddler's Lane, 25 were present at Mamulka on the 20th and 5 were seen at Yellow Waters on the 23rd.

Caspian Tern - Sterna caspia C

A single individual was seen at Delaware Lake on the 27th.

Gull-billed Tern - Sterna nilotica macrotarsa C

Up to 6 were seen daily at both coastal and inland locations around darwin on five dates and around 50 were present at the Window on Wetlands Reserve on the 19th and 20 were at the Mamulka hide on the 20th.

Crested Tern - Sterna bergii C

A total of 8 were seen at Stokes Mill Wharf on the 16th and 2 were seen off Buffalo Creek on the 18th.

Lesser Crested Tern - Sterna bengalensis torresii C

A single individual was roosting with the Crested Terns at Stokes Mill Wharf on the 16th.

Banded Fruit-Dove - Ptilinopus cinctus C

This superb species was finally seen at Stag Creek where 2 were seen feeding in a fig tree just beyond the third no entry sign at this site on the 24th. The following day 4 were seen in the forest at the far end of the first vally on the right having climbed the Waterfall Creek Escarpment for the third time. Much better than expected. This species is considered Near-threatened by Collar et al. (1994).

Rose-crowned Fruit-Dove - Ptilinopus regina ewingii C

Another superb species with singles seen at East Point in bushes beyond the Gun Emplacement on the 16th and along the Mangrove Walk on the 17th and finally another single individual was seen from the tower at the northern end of the rainforest trail at the East Alligator River on the 20th.

Torresian Imperial-Pigeon - Ducula spilorrhoa spilorrhoa C

A single individual was found dead beneath powerlines at Mindil Beach on the 17th, a party of 4 were seen in the suburbs of Darwin near the airport on the 18th and 2 were seen in flight over the southern section of Lee Point Road on the 2nd.

Peaceful Dove - Geopelia placida placida C

Very common and widespread being seen on sixteen dates with a daily maximum of 20 recorded on the 27th.

 Peaceful Dove at Kunnanura

Diamond Dove - Geopelia cuneata C

Along the billabong walk that starts from the Waterfall Creek Campsite 3 were seen in the evening of the 24th, around 10 were watched coming to drink from Delaware Lake at around midday on the 27th and 2 were seen on the attempted drive to Lake Argyle on the 29th.

Bar-shouldered Dove - Geopelia humeralis humeralis C

Very common being seen on sixteen dates with a daily maximum of 10 being recorded on five dates.

 Bar-shouldered Dove at Pine Creek

Common Bronzewing - Phaps chalcoptera C

Single individuals were seen coming to drink at Chinaman Creek on both the 27th and 31st.

Crested Pigeon - Geophaps lophotes C

Up to  20 were seen daily from the 25th to the 1st so basically Pine Creek southwards.

Partridge Pigeon - Geophaps smithii smithii C

Only seen in Kakadu with 3 seen around the Merl campsite on the 20th and 5 the following morning with several seen drinking from a leaking pipe at the back of the toilets in Zone 2 with 1 seen along the road on the 22nd and 2 likewise the following day. This species is considered Near-threatened by Collar et al. (1994).

 

 

Partridge Pigeon at the Merl Campsite, Kakadu NP

White-quilled Rock-Pigeon - Petrophassa albipennis C

This interesting species was only seen around the summit of the escarpment 2km west of the Victoria River Roadhouse where a total of 8 were seen in the early morning of the 28th.

 

Chestnut-quilled Rock-Pigeon - Petrophassa rufipennis C
A superb species which was first encountered when 4 were flushed from the base of a hill along the road leading to Ubir from Jabiru on the 21st followed by a pair seen at Nourlangie Rock the same evening. At the summit of the Waterfall Creek escarpment 6 were seen on the 24th with several coming to drink around the pool where people swim at around midday and 3 were seen at the start of the valley leading off to the right on the 25th.

 Chestnut-quilled Rock-Pigeon at Waterfall Creek

Spinifex Pigeon - Geophaps plumifera plumifera C

Another excellent species which was only seen at the campsite at Wyndham where 20 came in to drink from the water bowls provided for them around the reception caravan at around 9am NT time on the 29th.

 

 

 

 Spinifex Pigeons at Wyndham Campsite

Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo - Calyptorhynchus banksii C

Very common and widespread being seen on fifteen dates often in good numbers with the largest flock consisting of around 50 seen on the ground just south of Pine Creek on the 31st.

 

 

 

Red-tailed Cockatoos near Pine Creek

 

Galah - Cacatua roseicapilla kuhli C

Very common and widespread being seen on thirteen dates often in good numbers with the largest flock consisting of around 100 on the rugby pitch at Pine Creek on the 1st.

 Galahs at Wyndham

Little Corella - Cacatua sanguinea sanguinea C

Very common and widespread being identified on ten dates often in good numbers although probably under recorded as not all "white Cockatoos" were identified. A daily maximum of 100 was recorded on the 19th.

Little Corellas at Howard Springs

 

Sulphur-crested Cockatoo - Cacatua galerita fitzroyi C
Seen on ten dates but in smaller numbers than the previous species although still widespread with a daily maximum of 5 being recorded on three dates. Again probably under recorded.

Sulphur-crested Cockatoo at Katherine Gorge

Rainbow (Red-collared) Lorikeet - Trichoglossus haematodus rubritorquis C

Very common and widespread being seen every day in good numbers with a daily maximum of 50 being seen coming to feed at the Digger's Rest Motel at Pine Creek on the 31st.

 

 

Red-collared Lorikeet at Pine Creek

 

Varied Lorikeet - Psitteuteles versicolor C

Surprisingly only two flocks encountered with 40 seen in a fruiting tree at the Old Darwin Road turnoff just south of Yellow Waters on the 22nd and a flock of 30 seen near Dingo Creek again in a fruiting tree on the 28th.

Red-winged Parrot - Aprosmictus erythropterus coccineopterus C

Seen in fair numbers on eight dates between the 19th and the 29th with a daily maximum of 50 being seen coming to drink at Leaning Tree Lagoon at dawn on the 20th.

Cockatiel - Leptolophus hollandicus C

Seen on ten dates between the 19th and 1st being commoner than expected with 3 seen as far north as the Windows on Wetlands Reserve on the 19th and daily maximums of 25 seen on both the 27th and 31st. Often seen from the car or around water-holes.

 Cockateil near Timber Creek

Northern Rosella - Platycercus venustus C

This unobtrusive species was first seen around the stream heading inland from the summit of Waterfall Creek where 6 were seen on the 24th. The only other observations were of singles at the summit of the escarpment 2km west of the Victoria River Roadhouse on the 28th and coming to drink at the resevoir just south of Pine Creek in the late afternoon of the 31st.

Red-rumped Parrot - Psephotes haematonotus C

Presumably the first for the Northern Territory - a male - was found with a flock of Hooded Parrots below the lookout at Pine Creek on the 1st. Although possibly an escape the bird showed no obvious plumage or behavioral traits to suggest captive origin and the species is described by the new Pizzey Fieldguide as dispersive so who knows?

 

 

 Male Red-rumped Parrot at Pine Creek

The unexpected find of the trip that even got a mention in HANZAB.

Hooded Parrot - Psephotus dissimilis C

A superb species encountered on three dates with 4 females/immatures seen coming to drink at Chinaman Creek on the 27th, a flock of 10 including a couple of males seen below the Lookout and around Bogger's Park near the Shell Garage at Pine Creek on the 31st and around 35 in the same area the following morning. This species is considered Near-threatened by Collar et al. (1994).

Female Hooded Parrot at Pine Creek

 

 

 

 

 Male Hooded Parrot at Pine Creek

Brush Cuckoo - Cuculus variolosus variolosus C

A single individual was seen in the dry woodland adjacent to Leaning Tree Lagoon on the 20th.

Little Bronze-Cuckoo - Chrysococcyx minutillus minutillus C

A single individual was taped into view along the loop trail at Howard Springs on the 19th and 2 were seen along the trail leading south along the eastern edge of Fogg Dam on the same day.

Pheasant Coucal - Centropus phasianinus melanurus C

A single individual was seen at Howard Springs on the 19th, 2 were seen along the road between Waterfall Creek and Stag Creek on the 24th and an obliging individual was seen around the reception caravan at Wyndham Campsite on the 28th and 29th.

 Pheasant Coucal at Wyndham Campsite

Barking Owl - Ninox connivens peninsularis C

Heard around the campsite at Waterfall Creek at around 3am on both the 24th and 25th although taping after dusk produced no success, however at Victoria River Roadhouse a pair were finally tracked down on the opposite side of the road from the motel etc. on the 27th providing good spotlight views.

Spotted Nightjar - Eurostopodus argus C

A single individual was taped into flying around us with several others heard in the background at the start of the Victoria River lookout trail at dusk on the 27th.

Azure Kingfisher - Alcedo azurea ruficollaris C

A single individual was seen just downstream from Cahills Crossing near the Merl Campsite on the 20th and 3 allowed good views to be obtained from the Yellow Waters Boat trip on the 23rd.

Little Kingfisher - Alcedo pusilla ramsayi C

This gem of a Kingfisher was seen at Howard Springs where 1 was watched perched over the stream along the loop trail on the 18th.

Blue-winged Kookaburra - Dacelo leachii C

Widespread being seen on twelve days although usually only in small numbers with a daily maximum of 3 being recorded on three days. They became active and noisy at the Victoria River Roadhouse after dark.

Forest Kingfisher - Todirhamphus macleayii macleayi C

A clean cut and very smart species being seen on six dates between the 17th and 23rd with a daily maximum of 5 being seen on the 19th.

Forest Kingfisher at Tiger Brennan Drive near Darwin

 

Forest Kingfisher at Howard Springs

 

Red-backed Kingfisher - Todirhamphus pyrrhopygia C
Most individuals were seen on telegraph wires being seen on six dates between the 26th and 1st with a daily maximum of 3 being recorded on the 28th and 31st. Seemingly most common around the outskirts of towns e.g. Katherine and Pine Creek.

 Red-backed Kingfisher at Pine Creek

Sacred Kingfisher - Todirhamphus sanctus sanctus C

Seen on six days along the coast with a daily maximum of 10 being seen at East Point along the beach on the 16th.

Collared Kingfisher - Todirhamphus chloris sordida C

A single individual was seen in the mangroves north of the Gun Emplacement at East Point on the 16th.

Rainbow Bee-eater - Merops ornatus C

Very common and widespread being seen on sixteen days with a daily maximum of 60 being recorded on the 27th.

 



 

 Rainbow Bee-eater at East Point

Rainbow Pitta - Pitta iris C

The first bird we saw in Australia with 1 stood beside the road and picked out in the headlights at dawn on the 16th at East Point where a further 4 were seen along the rainforest trail, 2 were seen along the rainforest trail in the afternoon of the 17th and a very obliging individual was seen in the bamboo at the start of the mangrove trail also at East Point, 1 was seen at Howard Springs on both the 18th and 19th along the loop trail and 1 was seen along the trail heading south along the eastern edge of Fogg Dam on the 19th and finally the obliging individual was again enjoyed at the start of the Mangrove Trail at East Point on the 2nd. Surely the easiest and most obliging Pitta to enjoy in the World!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rainbow Pittas at East Point

 

Australasian (Singing) Bushlark - Mirafra javanica C
Around 4 were seen in the grassy area surrounding the pool at Holmes Jungle Swamp on the 17th and 3 were seen in the same area on the 2nd.

Tree Martin - Hirundo nigricans neglecta C

Commonest on the six days around Darwin when up to 100 were seen on a day with a few recorded from other areas.

Fairy Martin - Hirundo ariel C

A single individual was seen sat on a fence with a flock of Tree Martins at the Fiddler's Lane Pool on the 17th with 12 seen near Kunnanura on the 28th, 20 around the irrigation fields north of Kunnanurra on the 29th and 10 seen nest-building at a bridge at Timber Creek on the 30th.

Fairy Martins at Kunnanura

 

Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike - Coracina novaehollandiae C
Seen on fifteen days in fair numbers from widespread locations with a daily maximum of 10 seen on three dates.

White-bellied Cuckoo-shrike - Coracina papuensis C

Seen on ten dates at inland sites in fair numbers and only absent around the Darwin areas. A daily maximum of 6 was seen on the 22nd and 23rd.

White-winged Triller - Lalage tricolor C

Common and widespread with a daily maximum of 10 being recorded on the 19th.

Varied Triller - Lalage leucomela rufiventer C

A single female was seen at East Point along the forest trail on the 17th, 3 were seen at Howard Springs on the 18th, 5 were seen on the 19th at both Howard Springs and Fogg Dam and finally 2 were seen on the 20th.

Lemon-bellied Flycatcher - Microeca flavigaster flavigaster C

Seen on seven days in small numbers with singles in mangrove areas visited on the first four dates, 4 at Yellow Waters on the 22nd and 2 there the next day and 2 along the mangrove boardwalk at East Point on the 2nd.

Lemon-bellied Flycatcher in mangroves at East Point

 

Jacky Winter - Microeca leucophaea C
A total of 5 were seen at various roadside stops in the dry woodland between Timber Creek and Katherine on the 30th.

White-browed Robin - Poecilodryas superciliosa cerviniventris C

A superb individual was seen at the valley on the right at the top of the escarpment at Waterfall Creek on the 25th. It was located in the above head height green dense vegetation growing along the edges of the dry streambed. Superb views were obtained as the bird was clearly agitated by the intrusion into its habitat.

Mangrove Golden Whistler - Pachycephala melanura C

A superb adult male and two individuals resembling both the female types illustrated in Simpson and Day were taped into view at the Adelaide River Crossing in the late afternoon of the 19th.

Male Mangrove Golden Whistler at the Adelaide River

 

Grey Whistler - Pachycephala simplex C
Seen at East Point where 2 were seen along the forest trail on the 16th and 1 along the mangrove trail the next day, 3 were seen around the car park at Buffalo Creek on the 18th and 5 were seen at Fogg Dam on the 19th.

Rufous Whistler - Pachycephala rufiventris C

Seen on seven dates at scattered inland locations with a daily maximum of 3 recorded on two dates. Despite a total of 15 being seen only 2 were adult males.

Little Shrike-thrush - Colluricincla megarhyncha parvula C

Suprisingly only a single individual was seen being along the loop trail at Howard Springs on the 19th.

Sandstone Shrike-thrush - Colluricincla woodwardi woodwardi C

Only seen at the summit of the escarpment at Waterfall Creek where a single individual was seen on the 24th and a pair were seen the following day.

 Sandstone Shrike-Thrush at Waterfall Creek

Grey Shrike-thrush - Colluricincla harmonica brunnea C

A party of 3 were seen on the loop trail at Howard Springs on the 19th and 1 was seen singing at Chinaman Creek on the 27th.

Broad-billed Flycatcher - Myiagra ruficollis mimikae C

A pair of these fine Flycatchers were seen along the trail heading south along the eastern edge of Fogg Dam on the 19th the male being in song. In my opinion this species was much larger eyed than Leaden Flycatcher.

Leaden Flycatcher - Myiagra rubecula concinna C

A total of seventeen birds were seen over seven days from widespread locations with a maximum of 6 at Chinaman Creek on the 31st.

Shining Flycatcher - Myiagra alecto rufolateralis C

This superb species was only seen around the loop trail at Howard Springs where 5 were seen on the 18th and 6 the following day.

Restless Flycatcher - Myiagra inquieta nana C

A single individual was seen at Fogg Dam along the trail heading south along the eastern edge on the 19th, 1 was seen at Yellow Waters on the 23rd and 1 was seen at Chinaman Creek on the 31st.

Rufous Fantail - Rhipidura rufifrons dryas C

A pair were seen along the trail heading south along the eastern edge of Fogg Dam and 1 was seen with the Mangrove Golden Whistlers at the Adelaide River Crossing on the 19th.

Rufous Fantail and Mangrove Golden Whistler at the Adelaide River

 

Northern Fantail - Rhipidura rufiventris superciliosa C
A single individual was seen along the mangrove trail at East Point on the 17th, 1 was seen at Ubir on the 21st, 2 at Yellow Waters on the 22nd and 1 at Chinaman Creek on the 26th.

Willie Wagtail - Rhipidura leucophrys picata C

Seen on fourteen dates in inland areas although strangely not seen around the Darwin areas. A daily maximum of 10 was recorded on the 28th.

Grey-crowned Babbler - Pomatostomus temporalis C

Seen on eleven dates at inland sites in good numbers. A daily maximum of 10 was recorded on both the 21st and 31st. A pair were watched nest building at Katherine Gorge.

 Grey-crowned Babbler at Katherine Gorge

Australian Reed-warbler - Acrocephalus australis carterae C

At least 3 were seen along the causeway at Fogg Dam on the 19th.

Tawny Grassbird - Megalurus timoriensis C

A single individual along Tiger Brennan Drive on the outskirts of Darwin was the only one seen being on the 16th.

Golden-headed Cisticola - Cisticola exilis lineocapilla C

Up to 6 were seen on both visits to Holmes Jungle Swamp around the pool there, 3 at Fogg Dam on the 19th, 2 at Yellow Waters from the boat trip and around 4 at Parry's Lagoon on the 29th.

Rufous Songlark - Cinclorhamphus mathewsi C

A pair were seen along the track on the abortive attempt to reach the edge of Lake Argyle on the 29th.

Purple-crowned Fairy-wren - Malurus cyaneus C

Two males and around 4 females were taped in to view along the back of the campsite at the Victoria River Roadhouse on the 27th and 2 males and a female were again taped into view in the same area the following day. Absolutely superb with excellent views being obtained. This species is considered Near-threatened by Collar et al. (1994).

 

 

 

 

 Purple-crowned Fairy-wrens at Victoria River

Variegated Fairy-wren - Malurus lamberti C

The sandstone form was seen around the base of the valley leading of to the right at the top of the escarpment at Waterfall Creek on the 25th when around 10 were recorded including 3 superbly plumaged males. Another superb species.

Red-backed Fairy-wren - Malurus melanocephalus cruentatus C

Seen on six dates from scattered inland locations although quite common when found with a daily maximum of 12 being seen between Merl Campsite and the river on the 21st. Unfortunately only one blotchy male was in fair plumage with no bright males encountered.

White-throated Grasswren - Amytornis woodwardi C

A party of 3 were taped into giving superb views as they jumped on top of each other and then cuddled up to each other before all dispersing and beginning the sequence again for around a quarter of an hour. The birds were finally found on my third attempt at the top of the Waterfall Creek escarpment along the far slope of the valley which leads of to the right not far from directly beneath the large pale sandstone rockface. They proved to be my best bird of the trip. This species is considered Near-threatened by Collar et al. (1994).

Weebill - Smicrornis brevirostris C

A couple of parties totalling around 6 birds were seen in the dry woodland in the vicinity of the Old Darwin Road turnoff near Yellow Waters on the 22nd, 1 was seen at Chinaman Creek on the 26th, 4 were seen at the Victoria River on the 27th with 1 the following day and 3 were seen along the road between Victoria River an Katherine on the 30th.

Large-billed Gerygone - Gerygone magnirostris magnirostris C

A single individual was seen along the forest trail at East Point on the 16th.

Mangrove Gerygone - Gerygone levigaster levigaster C

A pair were seen at the Elizabeth River crossing mangroves on the 18th and 1 was seen along the mangrove trail at East Point on the 2nd.

Green-backed Gerygone - Gerygone chloronotus chloronotus C

A total of 3 were seen at Buffalo Creek along the road on the 18th and 3 were seen along the loop trail at Howard Springs on the 19th.

Varied Sittella - Daphoenositta chrysoptera C

A party of 6 were seen in the dry woodland running along the dry creek on the opposite side to the National Park HQ on the 30th with superb views being obtained.

Black-tailed Treecreeper - Climacteris melanura melanura C

A pair of these strange birds were present around Zone 2 of the Merl campsite on the 20th and another pair were seen on the abortive attempt to drive to the edge of Lake Argyle on the 29th.

Helmeted Friarbird - Philemon buceroides C

Only definitely identified up the Waterfall Creek Escarpment where 6 were seen on all three days.

Silver-crowned Friarbird - Philemon argenticeps C

Seen on seven days whilst at inland sites in small numbers. A daily maximum of 5 was recorded on the 26th.

 Silver-crowned Friarbird at Pine Creek

Little Friarbird - Philemon citreogularis C

Seen on thirteen dates in fair numbers at widespread locations with a daily maximum of 15 recorded on the 26th.

Blue-faced Honeyeater - Entomyzon cyanotis albipennis C

Seen on fourteen dates in fair numbers being particularly obvious at dawn and dusk but often not seen during the day. A daily maximum of 10 was recorded on three dates.

 Little Friarbird & Blue-faced Honeyeater at Pine Creek

Yellow-throated Miner - Manorina flavigula C

At Victoria River Roadhouse 2 were seen on the 27th and 6 the following day around the motel block and 4 were seen at Wyndham Campsite on the 29th.

White-lined Honeyeater - Meliphaga albilineata C

At the summit of Waterfall Creek Escarpment 3 were seen on the 24th and in the valley which leads of to the right from the summit of Waterfall Creek 5 were seen on the 25th.

Singing Honeyeater - Lichenostomus virescens C

A pair were seen at Dingo Creek on the 28th and 3 were seen in dry woodland alongside the road not far west of Katherine on the 30th.

White-gaped Honeyeater - Lichenostomus unicolor C

Seen on thirteen dates from virtually all areas although only seen in small numbers with a daily maximum of 6 being recorded on three dates.

Grey-fronted Honeyeater - Lichenostomus plumulus C

At Dingo Creek 2 were seen on the 28th.

Yellow-tinted Honeyeater - Lichenostomus flavescens C

Around 12 were seen at Timber Creek on the 28th, at least 6 were seen at Wyndham Campsite on the 29th and around 10 were seen at Timber Creek on the 30th.

White-throated Honeyeater - Melithreptus albogularis albogularis C

Seen on ten dates at widespread locations often proving to be rather common with a daily maximum of 6 recorded on the 24th.

Brown Honeyeater - Lichmera indistincta indistincta C

Seen on eleven dates at widespread locations often proving rather common with a daily maximum of 20 being recorded at the summit of the Waterfall Creek Escarpment on two days.

Bar-breasted Honeyeater - Ramsayornis fasciatus fasciatus C

Singles of this smart species were seen along the trail heading south from the eastern end of Fogg Dam on the 19th and near the Picnic Site at Katherine Gorge on the 25th and a party of around 10 were watched feeding in a tree at the National Park HQ at Timber Creek on the 30th.

Rufous-banded Honeyeater - Conopohila albogularis albogularis C

Only seen at the sites in the immediate vicinity of Darwin where up to 5 on a day were recorded on five dates.

Rufous-throated Honeyeater - Conopophila rufogularis rufogularis C

A single individual was seen near the boat ramp at Yellow Waters on the 22nd and up to 4 were seen daily from the 26th to the 30th.

Banded Honeyeater - Certhionyx pectoralis C

A party of 4 of these superb Honeyeaters were seen in a fruiting tree just short of Dingo Creek on the 28th and 4 were seen in the trees at Chinaman Creek on the 31st.

Banded Honeyeater at Dingo Creek

 

Dusky Honeyeater - Myzomela obscura obscura C
Ones and twos were recorded at Howard Springs, Fogg Dam and on all three visits to the summit of the Waterfall Creek escarpment.

Red-headed Honeyeater - Myzomela erythrocephala C

Another superb Honeyeater with 1 male being seen at East Point on the 16th and 4 there the next day and then around 12 were seen at Buffalo Creek and 6 were finally seen at the East Point Mangrove walk on the 2nd.

 

 

Red-headed Honeyeater in the mangroves at East Point

Mistletoebird - Dicaeum hirundinaceum hirundinaceum C

Seen only on five dates but at scattered locations around Darwin, Waterfall Creek and at Chinaman Creek on both visits with a daily maximum of 4 being recorded on the 24th.

Red-browed Pardalote - Pardaloyus rubricatus C

A single individual was seen at a roadside stop in dry woodland not far west of Katherine on the 30th.

Striated Pardalote - Pardolatus striatus C

Commoner than expected being recorded on six dates in dry woodland at Howard Springs, pairs daily at the summit of Waterfall Creek and near Pine Creek with a daily maximum of 5 recorded on the 19th.

Striated Pardolate at Howard Springs

 

Yellow White-eye - Zosterops lutea luteus C
A single individual was seen along the forest trail at East Point on the 16th and 3 were seen at Buffalo Creek on the 18th.

Star Finch - Neochmia ruficauda clarescens C

A party of 3 were seen drinking at the National Park HQ at Timber Creek on the 28th around 20 were seen at Parry's Lagoon and around 80 were seen at the irrigation fields north of Kunnanurra on the 29th. This species is considered Vulnerable by Collar et al. (1994) who state that ‘it has declined owing to degradation of its habitat by the activities of livestock and feral animals, the spread of the exotic rubber vine and large-scale trapping in the past’.

 

 

Star Finch at Kunnanurra

 

Crimson Finch - Neochmia phaeton phaeton C
Seen on seven dates in samll numbers with a daily maximum of 15 at Fogg Dam along the causeway on the 19th aroud 5 at Merl Campsite, and up to 6 around Victoria River.

 

Crimson Finch at Fogg Dam

 

Zebra Finch - Taeniopygia castanotis C
Around 10 were seen at the swimming pool early in the morning at Wyndham on the 29th and a couple were seen at the irrigation fields north of Kunnanurra later the same day.

Double-barred Finch - Taeniopyga bichenovii C

Seen on twelve dates in fair numbers with a maximum of 10 recorded on a couple of dates.

 Double-barred Finches at Merl Campsite, Kakadu NP

Masked Finch - Poephila personata C

Around 10 were seen at Leaning Tree Lagoon on the 20th and then seen daily from the 26th to the 31st with a daily maximum of 30 recorded on the 29th.

Long-tailed Finch - Poephila acuticauda C

Seen on ten dates in fair numbers with a daily maximum of 30 recorded on the 29th.

 Long-tailed Finch at Wyndham

Pictorella Mannikin - Heteromunia pectoralis C

A single individual and then a pair were seen along the abortive attempt at reaching the edge of Lake Argyle on the 29th.

Chestnut-breasted Mannikin - Lonchura castaneothorax assimilis C

A party of 6 were seen along Tiger Brennan Drive on the outskirts of Darwin on the 16th and a party of 50 were seen along a firebreak at Howard Springs on the 19th.

Yellow-rumped Mannikin - Lonchura flaviprymna C

At least 3 were seen around the first building at the third irrigation channel north of Kunnanurra on the 29th.

Gouldian Finch - Erythrura gouldiae C

Four "black faced", 2 "red faced" and 2 immature individuals were seen at the swimming pool at Wyndham just before 8am NT time on the 29th and 2 were seen at a similar time at Chinaman Creek on the 31st. Superb. Apparently a flock of 200 had been present up to a week before our arrival at Wyndham Swimming Pool when the sprinklers at this site had been turned off. This species is considered Endangered by Collar et al. (1994) who state that ‘the main problem appears to be an introduced parasitic mite which is found in 60% of individuals in Northern Territory’.

 

Male Gouldian Finch at Chinaman Creek

 

Green (Yellow) Oriole - Oriolus flavocinctus C
Up to 5 were seen daily from the 16th to the 22nd but surprisingly none after that date.

Olive-backed Oriole - Oriolus saggittatus affinis C

Singles were seen at Howard Springs on the 19th, Nourlangie Rock on the 22nd and at Chinaman Creek on the 31st.

Figbird - Sphecotheres viridis flaviventris C

Only seen around the suburban gardens in Darwin and on the road out to East Point with 3 seen on the 1st and 8 the following day.

Spangled Drongo - Dicrurus bracteatus bracteatus C

Seen on seven dates between the 16th and 25th in small numbers but surprisingly not again.

Great Bowerbird - Chlamydera nuchalis nuchalis C

Seen on fourteen dates being widespread and fairly common with a maximum of 10 recorded on the 31st. Bowers were found at the Picnic Site at Katherine Gorge and at the Victoria River Roadhouse with them being located under bushes on both occasions.

Great Bowerbird bower

 

Great Bowerbird at Katherine Gorge

 

Apostlebird - Struthidea cinerea dalyi C
A flock of 11 or 12 were seen in the Picnic Site at Katherine Gorge on the 31st proving much larger than expected.

Australian Magpie-lark - Grallina cyanoleuca C

Seen every day in large numbers with a daily maximum of 50 recorded on two dates.

White-breasted Woodswallow - Artamus leucorhynchus leucopygialis C

Up to 30 were seen on three days around Darwin with 1 seen at Jabiru on the 22nd and up to 3 on two days along the main street at Katherine.

Black-faced Woodswallow - Artamus cinereus cinereus C

A pair were seen at the turnoff to Leaning Tree Lagoon on the 19th and then they became common roadside birds between the 25th and 31st when large numbers were seen daily.

 

 

Black-faced Woodswallow near Katherine

Little Woodswallow - Artamus minor C

Around 5 were present during the evening at Nourlangie Rock on the 20th, 1 was seen at Yellow Waters on the 22nd and up to 3 were seen each day whilst climbing the escarpment at Waterfall Creek.

Black Butcherbird - Cracticus quoyi spaldingi C

A superb species with singles seen displaying at dawn from a large dead tree overlooking the mangroves at the edge of the car park at Buffalo Creek on the 18th and along the mangrove boardwalk at East Point on the 2nd.

Pied Butcherbird - Cracticus nigrogularis C

Seen daily from the 23rd to the 31st in good numbers with a daily maximum of 15 recorded on the 30th.

Australian Magpie - Gymnorhina tibicen C

A total of 3 were seen in the vicinity of the Western Australia / Northern Territory border on the 29th all being along the roadside.

Torresian Crow - Corvus orru ceciliae C

Seen on eleven dates in scattered locations throughout the areas visited with a daily maximum of 6 seen on the 22nd.


References used:

Collar, N.J., Crosby, M.J. and Stattersfield, A.J. (1994) Birds to Watch 2, The World List of Threatened Birds. Cambridge: Birdlife International.