Sunshine Coast Birdlife Australia Blog : September and October Outings

First apologies to all those who missed the weekend away to Tin Can Bay and Rainbow Beach last weekend. It was a very good trip and thanks again to Lionel and Jeanette Muir from Gympie Field Naturalists who hosted us and showed us many great new sites. A trip report can be seen at http://scbab.blogspot.com.au/2016/08/tin-can-bay-rainbow-beach-weekend-20-21.html

The first outing for September will take place on the 3 September to a new site. However we will meet at an old site at 7am; the Noosa Botanical Gardens carpark on Lake MacDonald Drive. From here we will carpool to some excellent lowland rainforest habitat we can expect to see many species of pigeons and dove (11 are possible!), honeyeaters, monarchs, Tawny Grassbird and Golden-headed Cisticolas (in adjacent paddocks), both fantails, kingfishers, and scrubwrens . Other rainforest specialties are also possible. The walk will be led by Ken Cross and Tewantin local Russ Lamb. Please note toilet facilities etc are only available at the Botanical Gardens and we will return to there for the morning tea and bird call.

The first mid-week walk will be held at Point Cartwright at 8am, September 14. The Exact meeting place can be seen on the map below- look for the icon – signifying a carpark opposite 4 / 5 Harbour Parade. The headland boasts a small remnant forest with an interesting range of species; most notably Fairy Gerygone. This species is difficult to see however as it stays high in the canopy. The rocks surrounding the headland occasionally host such species as Sooty Oystercatcher, Eastern Reef Egret and the migrant Wandering Tattler. Look skyward for Osprey, Kites and the occasional White-breasted Sea-Eagle. Look seawards for Pied Cormorant and perhaps some late Gannets. Leader – John Kooistra.

For our first weekend outing in October 1 we will persist and have a full day of birding – a twitch or mini twist. I’m calling for volunteers to host a team. Your responsibility will be to decide on a birding route and to lead a small group. [Basically the idea is that you strive to include time in as many habitats as possible throughout the day and to maximise your bird sightings.] Birds can be recorded by sight or sound. It is encouraged that members make a donation [suggested $20] to be given to Birdlife for conservation and / or science work. We will meet in Nambour Petrie Park at 7am and finish at 6pm at the Royal George Hotel in Nambour. Those that attended last year’s outing had a great day.

Finally the mid week October 19 Outing - Meet at the Maroochy Wetland Sanctuary at 8am for a walk through the forest and mangroves. The sanctuary hosts a good variety of species including specialities such as Mangrove Gerygone and perhaps the highly sought after Lewin’s Rail. Leader – John Malings.