A record 120mm of rain fell early in the month which closed our access road for ten days. Bush birding was good during the month with some excellent finds. A single Black Falcon was seen over the Pindan on the 7th and again on the plains on the 15th. The first Brown Quail for quite a while was sighted on the 6th. There was also an influx of Diamond Doves into the observatory grounds with small numbers being seen around the bird baths. Other nice bush birds seen during the month included a smattering of records of White-gaped Honeyeater, Yellow-tinted Honeyeater, Varied Sittella and a single Tawny Frogmouth was frequenting the observatory grounds.
The first of the migratory shorebirds returned late July - Sharp-tailed Sandpiper in the bay on the 19th, Wood Sandpiper at Taylors Lagoon on the 22nd and two on the 23rd. The first returning Common Sandpipers were observed on the 26th with one at the sewerage works and one in the bay. An Oriental Pratincole was seen at Lake Eda on the 29th. However, the shorebird highlight for the month was two Common Redshank in the bay on the 27th and again on subsequent days. The Red-necked Avocet was still hanging around with the stilt flock until at least the 4th but has not been seen since and after a long absence, a Beach Stone-curlew was spotted on the beach below the observatory on the 28th.
Visitors to the sewerage works were rewarded with occasional views of the long-staying Semi-palmated Plover. A pair of Pink-eared Duck were still frequenting the sewerage works along with several hundred Plumed Whistling-Duck. A Radjah Shelduck was present on the 10th and a Barking Owl on the 21st .
The good mangrove birding from the previous month continued with White-breasted Whistlers being recorded often and Mangrove Golden Whistler observed on three occasions. Mangrove Grey Fantails, Sacred Kingfishers, Dusky Gerygones and Broad-billed Flycatchers were common.
Other good birds for July included White-necked Heron seen on four occasions. A single Buff-banded Rail was flushed at Nimilaica on the 18th and a pair of Australian Wood Ducks were recorded at Collins Lagoon on four occasions. Rufous Songlarks and Brown Songlarks were twice recorded on the plains.
Ray Turnbull, Assistant Warden

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"Good" sightings, Migration, shorebirds by Toni

With the weather settling, June proved to be another good month for birds around Broome.  The long-staying Semi-palmated Plover was still being seen at the sewage works as were several Radjah Shelducks.  A pair of Pink-eared Ducks frequented the ponds during the month and Plumed Whistling-Duck swelled to almost a thousand.

Shorebirds were also around in good numbers during June with several counts of Great Knot reaching into the thousands.  Other good counts were 150 Sanderling on Cable beach on the 7^th and up to six Asian Dowitcher on three occasions during the month.  Red Knot, Bar-tailed Godwit and Red-necked Stint were also present in good numbers.  Cannon netting got into full swing during the month with some good catches being made.  Black-winged Stilts maintained their good numbers with several counts of up to 400 birds including a single leucistic bird that was seen on several occasions.  A single Red-necked Avocet was first recorded on the 12^th and then several times later in the month, adding a bit of colour to the stilt flock.

Out on the plains, with the area drying out rapidly, the smaller lagoons came into their own with some good birds.  Flock Bronzewings were recorded at Taylors Lagoon between the 3^rd and the 18^th with a peak count of four.  A single White-necked Heron was also seen on the 15^th and another at Lake Eda on the 17^th.  At Collins Lagoon a pair of Australian Wood Duck added a bit of variety but the real find was a small flock of six Australasian Shovellers, a very rare bird for the Broome region, on the 15^th.  

Yellow Chats were recorded on four occasions during June, with the popular Yellow Chat Twitches continuing.  A count of 10 birds on the 2^nd was the highest for the month.  Australian Bustard and Australian Pratincole were recorded sporadically on the plains and two Little Button-quail were seen at Taylors Lagoon on the 4^th.

Bush birding also proved fruitful during the month with the highlighted being a pair of Barking Owls observed at the roost near Lake Eda on the 6^th - spectacular views of the birds as they perched only metres away.  A pale morph Little Eagle and a Grey Fantail at the same site was also a treat.  A single Masked Woodswallow over the observatory on the 18^th was a good record as was five Grey-headed Honeyeaters at Entrance Point on the 3^rd. Hooded Robins were also recorded on three occasions out towards the lakes early in the month.

Mangrove birding was also good: White-breasted Whistlers were recorded often as were Mangrove Grey Fantails and Broad-billed Flycatchers.  Red-headed Honeyeaters were seen several times in the town mangroves, however, the highlight for the month was several sightings of Mangrove Golden Whistlers at Crab Creek, including some fantastic views of a male bird.  This species is more often seen in the town mangroves so observing them on our local patch was excellent.

Ray Turnbull

Assistant Warden

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May 2010 Birding Update

May was an interesting month for birds with several long-staying species still being recorded and some other good observations being made. May is generally a month of transition with the wet season coming to a close and the dry beginning, however, a hot and humid period during the month turned all that on its head and the observatory received more rain during May than it did in February!

Several birds recorded in recent weeks have stayed around including the Semi-palmated Plover which was seen on four occasions during the month. Eight Radjah Shelducks at the sewerage works on the 1^st were the highest count for the year.  Other good birds from the sewerage works have included Hardhead (50), two Yellow-billed Spoonbills on the 1^st, following on from a single observation in April.  A single Eastern Yellow Wagtail at the sewage works on the 3^rd of May was the last record for sometime suggesting that the birds have migrated northward.

Around the observatory, a Tawny frogmouth was observed on several occasions in the tree behind the toilet block allowing for fantastic views. Its loud call was heard on many a night throughout the month. Australian Owlet-Nightjars were also heard calling around the observatory on a few occasions though unfortunately none were observed.  May also saw an increase in the number of various cuckoo species with Little Bronze-cuckoo, Horsfield’s Bronze-cuckoo, and Brush Cuckoo all being seen around the observatory grounds.

Turning to the bay, a single Beach Stone-Curlew was observed intermittently throughout the month on the beach below the observatory, delighting many visitors with its antics. Black-winged Stilt numbers have risen in the bay with several counts of over 400 birds frequenting the high tide roosts. The birds have also been recorded in good numbers at the sewerage works.

Asian Dowitcher were recorded in twos and threes on several occasions during the month. A stunning bird still retaining its breeding plumage was recorded on the 13^th. Individuals of several other species, including Red Knot, Great Knot, Black-tailed Godwit, and Greater Sand Plover  have also retained their breeding plumage, adding a nice dose of colour to the otherwise grey wader flocks.

A single Great Crested Grebe was spotted in the bay on the 10^th.  These birds are quite a rare visitor to the Broome region, having been recorded on very few occasions and then mainly on the freshwater wetlands.

Out on the plains Australian Bustards were recorded on numerous occasions with a high count of nine on the 11^th. Unfortunately a single bird was found dead on the highway on the 31^st. A single Little Button-quail was flushed on Roebuck Plains on the 11^th and a flock of 40 Budgerigars were recorded on the 13^th zooming over Kidneybean Claypan.  Yellow Chats were recorded on three occasions during May, with the commencement of the popular Yellow Chat Twitches.  A count of 31 birds on the 13^th was the highest for the month and included many juvenile birds, suggesting that the birds have successfully bred even though conditions are very dry on the plains.

Other good sightings for the month included two Masked Woodswallows over the bay on the 12^th and a further two over Roebuck Plains the next day.  A sighting of Spotted Nightjar near Willie Creek on the 2^nd was a highlight for the month. This followed the finding of a dead bird on the Cape Leveque road in April. This species is probably more common in the region than records suggest but being nocturnal is rarely seen.  

 Ray Turnbull, Assistant Warden

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April saw the annual shorebird migration get fully underway and also several other good records for the area. The long-staying Semi-palmated Plover was observed on several occasions throughout the month. Other good birds at the sewage works included Radjah Shelduck and Cattle Egret (rare birds for Broome), both being recorded several times. A pair of Pink-eared Duck were also recorded numerous times. A peak count of 21 Eastern Yellow Wagtails was made on the 11th and a single Yellow-billed Spoonbill was seen on the 28th. Several snipe were also recorded early in the month, and while they couldn’t be positively identified they were most likely Swinhoe’s Snipe, though Pin-tailed Snipe has also been recorded at the site. Barn Swallows last recorded on the 11th with 23 at the sewage works.
A successful Wave the Waders Goodbye course led to many good sightings for the area. Two Northern Fantails were seen at Nimilaica on the 15th. The visit to Nimilaica also produced Golden-headed Cisticolas and a single Australian Reed-Warbler. Up to 21 Dollarbirds were observed these being the last observation before they had all migrated north. Small numbers of Fork-tailed Swifts were observed over the observatory on the 15th and 16th during some storm activity and a single Square-tailed Kite was seen at Willeroo Wells on the 16th.
There was much activity in the bay during the month with the shorebird migration getting into full swing. Regular monitoring took place during this period and occasionally counts of departing birds numbered into the several thousand. Other good shorebirds recorded during the month included an Oriental Plover at Richard’s Point on the 20th, and several sightings of Asian Dowitcher were also made. A smattering of Common Redshank were seen in the bay during the month with one or two birds seen between the 11th-14th and one on the 20th. Eight Black Swans over the bay on the 22nd was also an interesting record.
Out on Roebuck Plains, a flock of 20 late-staying Oriental Praticoles were seen on the 2nd. Black-breasted Buzzards were recorded on four occasions during the month, including four birds at Lake Eda on the 27th. Over 150 Brolga were foraging around the rapidly drying lake on the same day. Taylor’s Lagoon produced the goods this month with Sharp-tailed Sandpipers seen on the 16th and 23rd with two Long-toed Stint on the 23rd as well. Wood Sandpiper were also observed on numerous occasions including eight birds on the 16th and the 23rd. Two Marsh Sandpipers were also seen on the 16th.
April also saw an influx of White-winged Black Terns with large numbers being seen in the bay. An estimated 600 birds were observed during migration watch on the 7th and a further 400 the following day. Another large flock of 300 birds was seen in the bay on the 16th. They were also seen in low numbers with Whiskered Terns at the sewage works.
On the honeyeater front, the golden-backed form of the Black-chinned Honeyeater was observed twice during the month on the 9th and the 15th at the sewage works. Yellow-tinted Honeyeaters were seen in low numbers at Coconut Wells and Willeroo Well on several occasions, and Red-headed Honeyeaters were frequenting the Streeters Jetty area with counts of up to 20 birds, including several beautiful males. A single male Banded Honeyeater was present at the bird baths at the observatory on the 12th and three were seen at Gantheaume Point on the 28th.
Birding in the mangroves was excellent during April with Dusky Gerygone and Mangrove Grey Fantail being routinely recorded. White-breasted Whistlers, including several stunning males, were observed several times during Mangrove Tours and a single female Mangrove Golden Whistler was seen at Crab Creek. This species is easier to see in the mangroves surrounding Broome township and several birds were seen at Streeter’s Jetty during the month. Leaden Flycatchers were observed several times during the middle of the month around the bird baths at the observatory. Most sightings were of a female bird so it allowed for good comparisons with Broad-billed Flycatcher which are also occasionally recorded at the bird baths.
Ray Turnbull, Assistant Warden

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March was a mixed month for bird sightings in the area with a wide range of species being seen. Several long-staying species were still present at their usual haunts. The bird thought to be a Semi-palmated Plover was observed on several occasions throughout the month at the sewage works. Other good birds at the sewage works included several records of Radjah Shelduck and Cattle Egret. A pair of Pink-eared Duck were also recorded a couple of times.
Out in the bay, shorebird activity was increasing as the birds began to prepare for their annual migration to their northern breeding grounds. Many birds were looking resplendent in their breeding plumages and the massed flocks on the high tide roosts were awash with colour. Sightings of note included 19 Oriental Plovers on the 12th, 26 Asian Dowitchers on the 19th and 38 Broad-billed Sandpipers on the 24th. Flocks of Great Knot, Red Knot and Bar-tailed Godwit numbered well into the thousands.
March was also a good month for raptors around the observatory with 16 species being recorded in the area. Notable sightings included single records of Black-breasted Buzzard from Willie Creek on the 26th and at Taylor’s Lagoon on the 30th, five Spotted Harriers on Roebuck Plains on the 26th and a dark-plumed Little Eagle on the 29th down near the bay.
Bush bird activity was high around the observatory with numerous species being seen daily. Interesting sightings included White-throated Gerygone, Rufous-throated Honeyeater and White-gaped Honeyeater. Cuckoo activity was also high with Horsfield’s Bronze-cuckoo, Little Bronze-cuckoo and Brush Cuckoo all being recorded. A smattering of Zebra Finches and Long-tailed Finches were in amongst the usual flock of Double-barred Finches at the bird baths
Out on the plains, a flock of 7500 Oriental Praticoles on the 8th was quite a sight but slightly smaller than flocks from previous months. Three Yellow Chats were also seen on a trip on the 9th.
Other notable sightings for the month included 10 Masked Woodswallows at Gantheaume Point on the 21st and 50 White-browed Woodswallows over the mangroves at Crab Creek on the 25th. Small flocks of Fork-tailed Swifts were recorded on the 9th and 13th. Five Painted Finches over the observatory on the 12th were a highlight for the month and the only record so far for the year.

Ray Turnbull
Assistant Warden

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The beginning of the year continued to provide exciting birds to see with some interesting observations too.

A Pectoral Sandpiper was seen once on the 7^th Jan at the sewage works and it is likely that it was one of the birds present a few months earlier, although where has it been in between?

 An unfortunate Eastern Barn Owl was found dead on the Broome Highway on the 10th January confirming that although not seen often they are still in the area.

January was cuckoo-tastic as Horsfield’s Bronze, Little Bronze, Pallid, Brush and Black-eared cuckoo were all recorded around the Shadehouse throughout January allowing good views and a few were trapped also allowing data to be collected.

 The long staying small Charadrius plover suspected to be a Semi-palmated Plover remained in its favoured spot at the sewage works coming to an uneasy alliance with the Black-fronted Dotterel.  Stayed in its preferred spot until the mid February when it decided to explore the different settling ponds making it much harder to see.

Semi-palmated Plover©Adrian Boyle 

Snipe spp were recorded throughout January with low figures up to 5 until 13^th February when 15 were noted at the sewage works. The majority of these would be Swinhoe’s Snipe but a Pin-Tailed Snipe was seen on the 9^th & 10^th  at the sewage works.

Up to 3 Eastern Yellow Wagtails were frequenting the sewage works on and off during the month preferring the eastern side in the grassy areas and short turf where they can forage for small invertebrates.

Eastern Yellow Wagtail © Nik Ward

Moving away from the sewage works and into the bay, Single Asian Dowitchers were seen during January while numbers picked up in February peaking at 11 on the 22^nd .

Away from our normal recording area, on the 13^th February, 500,000 Oriental Pratincole were counted at 80 Mile Beach  and a minimum of 60,000 were recorded on Roebuck Plains just of the Northern Great Highway feeding on a proliferation of grasshoppers which were like a green tide on and off the road!

Part of a flock of 60,000 Oriental Plover on Roebuck Plains© Nik Ward

Oriental Pratincole flashing by © Nik Ward

Grey Headed Honeyeaters became more evident at Entrance Point with singles being seen in the scrub beside the car park and 19^th Jan one trapped,  7^th  4 seen, 1 on the 10^th and 2 on the 17^th.

Channel-billed Cuckoos were seen during the middle of the month at the observatory and other sites around Broome announcing their arrival with great gusto much to the disgust of the Torresian crows!!

Single Lemon-bellied Flycatcher were found on the 19^th and 30^th January at different locations suggestion juvenile dispersal or possibly different foraging requirement other than mangroves during the wet season. 

Barn swallow numbers built up in the area with 97 recorded from the Mangroves at One Tree on the 10^th January with up to 150 at the sewage works during the middle of the January. A surprise find on the plains was a Red-rumped Swallow sitting on the wires with a few Tree Martin. 

 

Red-rumped Swallow with a Tree Martin on Roebuck Plains © Nik Ward

A Banded honeyeater outside the Shadehouse at the Observatory was a surprise as these birds are few and far between and normally seen further out in the bush. A few Zebra finches were irregular visitors to the bird baths accompanied y Double barred finches and a few Long Tailed finches.

Interestingly, after an absence, 3 Common Redshank were finally seen at Little Crab Creek on the 14^th Feb feeding around the entrance the creek. 

After an extraordinary dry ‘wet’ season a trip out on the plains revealed very little water at Kidney bean and little breeding activity. Several pairs of Yellow chats were seen but with water levels so low, it remains to be seen whether breeding attemps are made and if so, how succesful will they be?

Filed under:
"Good" sightings, Rarity sightings, Vagrant sightings by Nik

Between 23rd and 26th October, a small Charadrius plover was seen distantly at the Broome sewage works and an identification was made as Little Ringed Plover. The bird was observed closer during its stay and its initial identification was questioned due to body shape, overall colour tones and general ‘jizz’ of the bird. Following the birds disappearance, photos came to light which appeared to show it as a Common Ringed Plover.

During December the bird returned for several days, although it was generally elusive and was only seen a couple of times. Better photos were obtained which showed identification features leading some people to question whether the bird may have been a Semipalmated plover. The photographs were circulated to several identification experts who suggested that the bird indeed looked good for Semipalmated plover but more photographs would be needed to clinch identification. However, as the bird had gone again these features couldn’t be confirmed.

The bird was seen briefly on the 10th January, then reappeared on the 14th and has been seen in the same location every day since. More photographs were obtained, circulated once again and the suspicion that the bird was in fact a Semipalmated Plover was confirmed. Some of these photos are shown below.

A critical identification feature appears to be the loral pattern i.e. the white of the throat extends up beyond the line of the gape until it meets a dark line coming down from the eye. This feature can be seen well in picture 1 and 2.

Semipalmated Plover, Broome Sewage Works, January © Matt Slaymaker 2010 Pic 1

Semipalmated Plover, Broome Sewage Works, January © Matt Slaymaker 2010 Pic 2

Semipalmated Plover, Broome Sewage Works, January © Nik Ward 2010 Pic 3

Semipalmated Plover, Broome Sewage Works, January © Matt Slaymaker 2010 Pic 4

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Rarity sightings, Uncategorized, Vagrant sightings by Nik

December continued where October and November left off with some great birds seen during the month. A couple of national rarities were seen but caused an identification headache while Tropical Cyclone Laurence passed offshore mid month adding interest by dumping over 150mm of rain on the Obs and blowing in a selection of locally rare seabirds! 

Several birds remained from recent weeks including the Cattle Egret at the Sewage Works, present until at least the 28^nd it was joined by a second bird between the 12^th and 17^th. Black-tailed Native Hen is usually a very rare bird in this area, however the 2 present in November both remained around Broome town and 2 more were also seen, 1 at Nimalaica and another at Taylor’s Lagoon. The Beach Stone-curlew was seen sporadically in the Bay and 8 Asian Dowither were recorded during a shorebird count at Bush Point, at the far south side of the bay, on the 8^th.

Black-Tailed Native Moorhen at Mortons pond © Nik Ward

Several of the Snipe seen at the Sewage Works were confirmed as Swinhoe’s, however, there seems to be a lot of movement between several sites in and around Broome Town and there were a minimum of 10 birds in the area, probably more. For several days mid month the sewage works were very productive. Two Pectoral Sandpiper were found on the 12^th with one bird, an adult, remaining until the 17^th. A 1^st winter Little Stint was identified on the 17^th and a Nankeen Night Heron put in a brief appearance late one evening before flying off towards the Golf Course. Unfortunately, high water levels following the rain appear to have forced many of the shorebirds using this site to move on although a single Radjah Shelduck was present from the 28^th onwards. 

On the evening of the 16^th things became interesting with the return of the plover! Presumably the same bird seen in October, also at the sewage works, the identity of this bird remains unclear. The bird was present on and off until the 18^th, hopefully it will be back again or maybe relocated somewhere nearby … where has it been for the last two months? The other Identification challenge of the month appeared on the 21^st when a nest-swiftlet species was seen near the port. This sighting is one of several in the last few years, all associated with cyclones and like many of the others it seems that this bird will remain un-identified. Black and Edible nest-swiftlet are the contenders and at the moment Black is the favoured option, however on the views and photographs obtained it just may not be possible to be completely sure.

Nest swiftlet species seen at Entrance point © Adrian Boyle

Several other good birds were seen around the port in the days preceding the cyclone. These included 3 (2 male) Black Honeyeater on the 21^st and a beautiful male Crimson Chat on the 21^st and 22^nd. A movement of Rufous-throated Honeyeater was evident in the area and a Kimberley Flycatcher on the 22^nd was away from its usual habitat of mangroves.

Crimson Chat at Entrance point © Nik Ward

On the sea Bridled Tern were noted on both the 21^st and 22^nd with over 20 birds seen. An immature Pomarine Jaeger flew north on the 22^nd and a single Common Noddy joined the local Terns between the 22^nd and 24^th. Brown Booby numbers increased significantly with 3-figure counts made for several days from the 22^nd.

Interesting Cuckoos were seen during the month included two Oriental Cuckoo taking up residence at the Sewage Works between the 8^th and 14^th and 1, a hepatic bird, was near One Tree on the 28^th. A Channel-billed Cuckoo heard at Twelve Mile on the 4^th was seen a couple of days later and another flew over the Obs on the 24^th. Several species of Cuckoo seemed to become more evident following the rains. Black-eared Cuckoo were seen in several places with a minimum of 4 around the observatory itself, 3 of these (all immature) were trapped and banded on the 24^th. Pallid Cuckoo turned up in a few new places and Brush Cuckoo starting singing with a little more enthusiasm. Horsefield’s Bronze Cuckoo were seen more frequently with a report of over 50 in one small area of Broome Town on the 22^nd.

Other birds of note during the Period included at least 2 Black Falcons around the lakes with sightings at both Taylor’s Lagoon and Lake Campion. 9 Varied Lorikeets flew east over the Observatory on the 4^th and a single male Pied Honeyeater was at Taylor’s Lagoon on the 2^nd. Throughout the month a flock of Tree Martins developed in the area surrounding One Tree and roosted each night in the Crab Creek mangroves. Numbers reached spectacular proportions towards the end of the month with the total flock numbering in the 100s of thousands. Barn Swallows were also present in numbers and on the 28^th a Red-rumped Swallow was seen. On the 16^th 3 Buff-banded Rails were, rather unexpectedly, trapped and banded in a flooded grassy area in Broome town during a failed attempt to catch snipe, this record hints at how under-recorded some birds are in the area. Up until the rainfall Yellow Wagtail were common on the ovals in town with up to 60 in a single flock, in early December these were joined by at least 3 Green-headed Wagtail.

Buff-banded Rail banded in Broome © Nik Ward

BBO WISHES EVERYONE A HAPPY NEW YEAR AND A BIRD-FILLED 2010!

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October & November are often a very busy time at the Observatory with courses being run and shorebird counts and research carried out. It is also one of the highlights of the birding calendar as it can be a good time for locally scarce and nationally rare species turning up. This year was no exception with several additions to the Broome list. Broome highlight of the month goes to the Common Ringed Plover seen on 4 days in late October at Broome Sewage Works although this was outcompeted a little by a couple of rare shorebirds to the south at 80 mile beach!

Matsudaria’s Storm Petrel – 1 was seen within Broome waters on 27^th Oct by a boat of birders bound for Ashmore Reef. A new bird for the Broome list!

Fork Tailed Swift – Seen in small numbers from mid October at many localities in and around the bay.

Pied Heron – 1 was seen at Malcolm Douglas Wilderness Park on the 12^th October.

Nankeen Night Heron – An immature was seen at Malcolm Douglas Wilderness Park on 12^th Oct. Another was seen late in the evening leaving the Mangroves near Crab Creek 20^th Nov.

Cattle Egret – 1 was seen at the Sewage Works on 2 dates in November.

Black Falcon – There were a couple of sightings around the Lake Eda during the period.

Black Tailed Native-Hen – 1 took up residence at a temporary wetland on the outskirts of Broome town from the 11^th November. A second individual was seen at the sewage works from the 26^th.  

Spotless Crake – 1 was seen at Nimalaica on the 23^rd November with 2 at the same site on the 26^th.

Buff-banded Rail – 2 seen in one of the Crocodile enclosures at Malcolm Douglas Wilderness Park on the 12^th October.

Beach Stone Curlew – At least one bird was present in the bay throughout the period and was seen at a variety of locations between the Observatory and Quarry Beach.

Red-necked Avocet – Numbers in the bay steadily dropped off from a maximum of 35 in Oct. There were no records after the 18^th November.

Little Ringed Plover – 1 seen at a small wetland in Broome Town on the 7^th and 8^th October.

Little Ringed Plover, Broome Town © Matt Slaymaker

Snipe Sp. – From mid October there were several records from at least 5 different sites. Snipe are notoriously difficult to identify although most were thought to be Swinhoe’s and good views of preening birds confirmed this species was present at Taylors Lagoon and Lake Campion. An individual at Nimalaica in November showed some characteristics more in line with Pin-tailed. 

Swinhoe's Snipe, Taylors Lagoon © Rohan Clarke

Eurasian Curlew – Although not in the Broome recording area an adult found by the AWSG on a trip to 80 Mile Beach seems worthy of a mention. Moult pattern suggests an adult bird and this is presumably a returning individual first seen at the same site in 2007.

Nordman’s Greenshank – Also at 80 mile beach was this second record for Australia. Found during shorebird counts at the end of November this could possibly be the same bird seen in a similar area 4 years ago.

Asian Dowitcher – Often Scarce at this time of year 2were seen in the bay on 15^th Oct, 3 were at Bush Point on 4^th November and probably the same 3 were back in the on the northern shores of the bay again on 15^th November.

Broad-billed Sandpiper – This species was seen regularly in the bay with a maximum count of 210+ on 25^th Oct.

Oriental Pratincole – Small numbers were recorded throughout but began increasing by late November.

Red-backed Button Quail – 1 flushed on the Roebuck plains on 17^th Oct was the first record of the year.

Budgerigar – Up to 2 were regular early morning visitors to the Observatory bird baths. Birds were also seen at the Lakes, with a maximum of 100+ at Taylors Lagoon on the 4^th November

Varied Lorikeet – 2 records in October and 2 in November included small flocks in Broome Town and 20+ at Taylors Lagoon.

Black-eared Cuckoo – individuals was seen a few times at Lake Eda and another was at Nimalaica on 26^th November.

Oriental Cuckoo – 1 was seen at Coconut Wells on 18^th November.

Dollarbird – Since the single record in September numbers increased throughout and they became a regular sight in the area.

Silver-crowned Friarbird – 1 was seen well drinking at a birdbath in a Broome garden for a single day in November. Another first for the Broome area!

Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater – Although not in the Broome recording area one trapped and banded during a mist netting session at Anna Plains station, 80 mile beach was a very good record.

Yellow Chat – Although elusive at times, every attempt to find them in the usual spots proved successful. They were also seen occasionally in areas around Lake Eda.

Banded Honeyeater – 1 male was seen by BBO course participants at Willaroo Well on the 18^th October.

Banded Honeyeater, Willaroo Well © Ian Mayo

Black Honeyeater – A pair were seen coming to drink at Taylors Lagoon on the 23^rd November.

Pied Honeyeater – 3, including 2 males were at Nimalaica on the 24^th Nov. Several were also seen in the dunes behind 80 mile beach on the shorebird expedition with over 120 recorded on a return visit at the months end.

Hooded Robin – Two, a male and female were seen by course participants at Willaroo Well on 5^th October.

Barn Swallow – This species became a regular sight at many places with a maximum of 60 at the Sewage Works.

Eastern Yellow Wagtail – Recorded at various sites the largest flock was on one of the ovals in Broome town and numbered at least 20 birds.

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September was a quiet month in regard to unusual sightings. The temperature climbed throughout and by the month’s end daily temperatures were occasionally reaching the low 40s.

Shorebirds made up many of the birding highlights as numbers built up and the first juveniles began to appear in the high tide roosts. The first Oriental Plover of the season was seen on a Lakes tour on the 4^th, by the 7^th small numbers were being seen in the bay and soon afterwards a regular flock of over 200 birds was scattered across the plains behind the observatory. Little Curlew arrived mid-month with the first individuals appearing on the 16^th. Surprise wader of the month was an early returning Oriental Pratincole seen at Lake Campion on the 27^th.

Oriental Plover, Roebuck Plains © Nik Ward

The Lakes were very productive throughout with freshwater shorebirds such as Long-toed Stint and Sharp-tailed Sandpiper increasing in numbers. A Yellow-billed Spoonbill at Taylors Lagoon on the 27^th was the first record in over a month with presumably the same bird being seen at nearby Lake Eda the following day. A single breeding plumaged Great-crested Grebe at Taylor’s Lagoon on the 28^th was perhaps one of the same birds present earlier in the year?

A Banded Honeyeater seen at Lake Campion on the 8^th was unfortunately missed by all the Obs staff, instead being seen by a lucky local birder. Two possible sightings of a Hooded Robin were both in the same area where one was seen last month. Views however were unfortunately all too brief to confirm the record. On the 22^nd a female Hooded Robin was seen very well by the participants of a ‘Birds of the Broome Region’ Course. This bird just sneaked into the recording area at Willeroo well, one of the furthest places from the observatory we visit.  

Barn Swallow returned to the area in very small numbers, the first of which hung around the sewage works for a few days from the 15^th. By the end of the month they were regularly being seen amongst flocks of Tree Martin. Masked Woodswallow are a bit of a mystery in this area, they pass through the recording area in big numbers during April and May but nobody really knows where they go. Around 35 scattered around the lakes on the 27^th were presumably on their way back to where they came from but we’re not too sure where that is either! The first Dollarbird of the season was seen on the 29^th … the wet season is on its way.

Striated Heron chick, one of several banded in the Mangroves during September © Nik Ward

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